Dirty Dancing
1987
"I carried a watermelon" - Baby
The fascinating thing about life, is that at some point we all end up carrying something. Carrying the work load, a financial burden, the stress of juggling daily tasks, the confidence of someones soul and even the love of another's heart. The intriguing part about "carrying" something is that the burden is actually manageable. It is somewhat necessary to make one see how valuable they truly are.
I cannot believe I have posted 228 blogs about movie quotes and my inspirations yet, I've never touched one of my ultimate favorite movies, Dirty Dancing. I have to admit, and I know my brother will flat out agree to this... he said I only watched this movie when I was in love. Yes, I was around that age I guess when I started to watch this film. But, ... this time, I am actually inspired by this line about a watermelon. Can you believe it? A damn watermelon? It was just one of those moments where Jennifer Grey's character Baby had to admit she didn't know exactly what she was doing at that given time, or why and the only thing she could say is that she carried this watermelon.
OK.. so its been a long summer away from posting here on Open Salon. I wasn't a stranger to the break, I needed it. But I took three classes at California State University Sacramento. I actually spent one of those summer classes watching films of the 1950s. Wow.. was I impressed with how Hollywood today mirrors so many of the themes of the 50s. Hollywood is sexy. Well.. it is to me simply fabulous.
So.. back to the inspiration, this watermelon. This morning I was cutting up a watermelon and splat.. it hit the floor. I chuckled, because I thought of this movie line, "I carried a watermelon". Because actually... "I dropped a watermelon". It was just so fitting for the tired eyes and body surrounding it on the floor.
I used to think the saying "when life hands you lemons you make lemonade" needed more recognition then just a phrase. I guess it did eventually because most people started to add Vodka to the line. "When life hands you lemons you make lemonade and add Vodka". I guess I am old school because I typically don't like lemon on anything but chicken or fish, or sometimes in my beer. But.. this does sound tasty I have to admit.
I thought about how much people take for granted in their lives when that watermelon dropped. Odd I know. But, I thought about those people who appear to have it all, when actually those that we think have it all, are missing so much more than we realize. I speak in broad terms because initially, I reflect on my summer as a challenging test of my own gratification. I look at my past summer as being in a corner, just waiting to be asked to dance, just like Baby. Giving it her all to her passion, yet, not understanding how to let go of the fantasy. I was that watermelon... crashing.
I sound all chick-like here, but, in all accounts... this observation can be about anyone.
Being a parent tests my childlike desires. I want to embrace creativity. Being a career orientated person tests my social skills. I want to be interesting and knowledgeable. A resource that is valuable. Being a student at a University... well that tests my intelligence. The crazy thing here... why is everything a test?
So, I carry this burden of guilt around. Feeling as though I may fail at a game I thought I didn't want to keep score on. I spent so many nights driving home listening to music and trying to unwind from the chaos of the day. I think about the people in which I surrounded myself with throughout the day and the many more yet to encounter.
So, when life is confusing, chaotic, or simply peaceful, I think about what I am carrying around. Is it luck, intrigue, love, laughter, or simply just a burden of not knowing exactly where I fit into my reality?
I remember a friend telling me their New Year's resolution.. "to get their priorities straight". I look back now 9 months later and think, that is such a valuable piece of information. Life has to have priorities, and you know what, we don't need any other explanation. Because life does hand you lemons, because life is more than just hesitation, it is inspiring.
Good night.
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Comments
scanner... I actually didn't watch it for years, then the Dirty Dancing Havana Nights movie came out and I was like.. "yes, loving that cuban beat".