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Good morning, lab rats!

One of my favorite movies is “A Good Year,” starring Russell Crowe.  It’s a fun little romp through the South of France, filled with wine, romance and very poignant moments of clarity.

Max, is a driven, pompous business man who is willing to use, abuse and finagle his way to the top, and then gloat.  He is never satisfied with his accomplishments.  "Good morning, lab rats,” indicates his ‘tude.

Fanny, on the other hand, is a bicycle wielding, passionate woman.  She is suspicious, short-tempered and very jealous, yet content with her way of life; minding the business of others.

The storyline is obvious:  opposites attract, love blooms and then blows up.  Reflecting on the vast difference in their existences, this dialogue is uttered:

Max:  This place does not suit my life.
Fanny:  No Max, it’s your life that does not suit this place.

Makes me wonder how many times I have said no to things because it didn’t fit into my preconceived ideas of how events should play out.  Could it be my choices and selfish ambitions that don’t allow me to take part? 

This all sounds a bit stop-and-smell-the-roses-ish, but it’s more than that.  I’ve talked with several people recently who are looking for answers to the age old question “what am I supposed to do?  Where am I supposed to be?  Who am I, really?”  Honestly, I ask the same things.  We all want some sort of a nav-system blurting out “you have arrived,” instead of “recalculating.”

When Max returned to France, where he had spent his early childhood years, he discovered that in his lab-rat mentality, he had lost something dear to him.  Recollections flooded him, brought warmth to his dark soul, but at the end of the day, he was still going to return to his lab-rat life.  He wasn’t willing to let go of his picture of how things should be, squeezing out any other possibilities.  Abrupt stop…as I realize this could be me; time to recalculate.

Oh, Maxey pay attention, use the lavender or the scorpions will get you. 

Missy


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Comments

  1. Wildlife Art by SylMarch 7, 2014 at 12:56 PM

    ah what a great metaphor for all of us..are we like Maxes????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missy AMarch 7, 2014 at 3:28 PM

      I think we probably are, at least to some degree. It's not all bad, we do need to be a part of something, but what determines the quality.

      Delete
  2. sewsavyMarch 8, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    I like this a lot. I have not seen the movie nor heard the expression of using lavender to keep the scorpions away. Something new to understand. I'll have to see if I can rent the movie. Am I a Max??? I don't know but I do know I'm in search of it all. Trying to understand why I'm still here and what I'm supposed to be doing at this different point in my life. It's always changing as are we and I'm thinking our purpose changes as well. May never get the answer but without the question, there is no possibility. Thought provoking post, Missy. Hope to see you next week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Missy AMarch 8, 2014 at 1:57 PM

      Yes, Marlene, even your blog says that you are searching. Don't you think that we are all actually seeking in some way or another? I think that not ever really answering the question keeps us seeking and discovering new possibilities...so much more fun that being bored.

      Are you planning to come to our writer's lunch on Wednesday? It would be nice to see you.

      Delete

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