It’s rare to glimpse the moon in the morning where I live, especially this time of year. If it’s not the fog hanging about, it’s the haze. But the other morning I arose just in time to see the sun bid the moon adieu in a clear blue sky.
It’s the third day of the New Year and I should be making plans, right? On the first day we can be forgiven for dawdling about. On the second day, well, we’re getting over the first day but on the third day there just aren’t any excuses. Time to get motivated like these blokes from one of my favorite feel-good movies (which I watched in honor of the recent death of one of its stars, Tom Wilkinson.)
I was surprised to read that this low budget flick did far better both critically and financially than expected. A group of unemployed steel workers decide to become strippers. Only one of them knows anything about dancing; only one of them is particularly handsome (or “hung”); and none of them are what you’d call “buff.” I mean, really! Who wouldn’t want to cheer them on?
I’ve been working on a story about a family I once knew, which is probably why I’m having trouble getting motivated. It was a family that thrived on doing good deeds. They literally went to Mass every morning and fed, clothed, and sometimes even housed the transients loitering the streets of Reno Nevada. They rescued many lost and hopeless kids like me and always had a menagerie of pets, both domesticated and wild. On the surface, a wonderful family always joking and having fun.
But all Catholic tenets were indisputable. If you dared to doubt any of them, you were going to Hell. Even if you were as loving and giving as Jesus Christ himself, you had to accept all the tales in the New Testament as truth or you were going to Hell. As you can imagine, when the children became adults they all suffered from either schizophrenia or substance abuse. Not because they believed those stories but because they feared going to Hell if doubt crept into their minds. I see a lot of that fear in the world today and it’s frightening. Perhaps that’s why I’m entering 2024 on tip toes.
Saying nothing in particular 
Thanks for sharing this idea. And you are words. Anita
That perspective makes sense, Jan. But yeah, terrifying when you consider how many people are in the “family”.
It’s almost impossible to overcome that kind of fear.
Beautiful moon shot, Jan, and thanks to you, I’m wondering how I could have missed seeing “The Full Monty” the first time around. Looking forward to it.
The Full Monty wasn’t given a lot of fan fare when it was released. No big stars – kind of a blah setting Just well written and sweet hearted.
Hi JT. Sounds like a good story. How far into writing it are you?
I’ve been working on sections of the story for decades now. The problem is I was a vulnerable young teen when they took me in and so it’s hard to shake the feeling that I’m betraying them somehow. That burn in Hell stuff is hard to shake.
Even with good works and belief there is still that little thing called reality. We are always stubbing our toes on it and man does it hurt. Whatever you have, I’ve got it as well. Duke
That’s the misery of telling their story. Yup, hard to step into this new year.
“On the surface….” Those three words say it all. How sad.
Loved The Full Monty though.
😉
It’s one of my favorite movies to watch on a gloomy day – and I love to dance so I generally dance along with the guys.
Even better!
👍
I’ve always been fascinated by the morning moon. I see it often in southern NM. Happy New Year — and hugs.
It’s a treat for those of living near the ocean! Happy New Year to you too!
Religion can do that. I wouldn’t have wanted to be on the wrong side the Holy Inquisition.
Now, tiptoes… Sounds a safe approach…
Best wishes
Thank you! Best Wishes to you as well.
Oh goodness, that family sounds horrible. My husband has similar stories running around in his head, about his time spent in Utah as a child. Religion has caused a lot of grief, I would say.
My husband is an ex-Mormon as well. Although I don’t think his mother was ever that zealous. She did divorce her first husband.
I saw The Full Monty on Broadway when it was there. It was an okay stage play but the movie was better. I agree with the quote you feature. Religion can be solace, but not when it’s not loving. I’m with you about tiptoeing into 2024.
I was always told that you don’t advertise your holiness and piety – you show it in your acts and deeds. I would never tell someone that I had a message for them from God – that’s just wrong.
I enjoyed the The Full Monty too.
On religion: growing up in Colombia my classmates came out of catechism one day dismayed to tell me I was going to hell. I talked to the nun and the priest and lied (I was doubly doomed) that my parents wanted me to convert and I enrolled in catechism. I still remember Hail Mary: “Ave Maria, madre de Dios, ruega por nosotros pecadores , ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.”
To have an adult tell a child they’re going to hell because of what they think or believe is really evil to me. A child never forgets that kind of intimidation. So sorry.
Hi Jan, a lovely and lucky picture. Your commentary is very interesting. I spent from 4 to 7 January in the bush which was lovely. Your description of fanatical Catholics reminds me of my Dante’s Inferno induction into Catholicism at my convent school.
The matriarch of the family had been raised a Christian Scientist and never quite overcame the need to pray all illness away – either mental or physical. She did many good deeds but of my … did her children suffer.
🙏🩵
I was raised cathoholic. You make a valid point Jan.
Nice moon, and soon a Lunar New Year.
At least you have sun. I’m living in a cave up here.
Take care!
I have a lot of friends who are cathoholic as you say but this family was way over the edge. I spent a winter in Germany and I don’t remember ever seeing the sun so I know how you must be feeling. Hope that changes soon!