After watching Judd Apatow’s wonderful new two-part documentary about Mel Brooks (‘Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!’), I realised that I need even more laughter and happiness in my life than usual.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Wow, is watching the news a depressing way to spend one’s time. Seeing the irrepressible director of such gems as ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’, still sharp as a tack on the eve of his 100th birthday, kept me smiling for nearly four hours.
I choose joy.
I guess I’m a different kind of Marie Kondo. She’s made millions through inspiring people to rid themselves of clutter; asking themselves as they behold each object, “Does this spark joy?” If it doesn’t, it goes out with the bathwater.
Y’see, I don’t subscribe to that. It may not be something I’m emotional about at that moment, but six months down the line, a life-sized raven hand puppet (yes, I have) could be exactly what I need to spark joy. But, because I listened to Ms. Kondo, I no longer possess it. Tears ensue.
I can’t make a snap decision about something on the spot – almost everything in my home is bound to spark joy at some point; I just don’t know when that might be, so I can’t get rid of it. The hoarder’s lament.
I began to think of all the things that have made me happy recently. Let’s start with the weather.
Speaking as an overweight lady of a certain age, the cool temperatures that have been embracing Cayman for the past week have been a blessing. I’ve worn long-sleeved tops outside; we were able to open the windows and doors to air out the house (once all the cats were secured in interior rooms, of course); and the makeup on my face stayed put. Also, hopefully, at the end of the month, my CUC bill won’t have me selling a kidney on the dark web.
I appreciate that not everyone rejoices over nighttime readings of 68°F (our resident chickens seem unamused), but believe me – when summer kicks in, we’ll be longing for these days. Besides, when you look at the snowstorms that have been happening stateside, we’re not exactly freezing our tailfeathers off. We can still wear light clothing. Maybe not Chappell-Roan-on-the-Grammy-red-carpet light, but it’s not like enterprising youngsters are opening temporary coat checks in the local bars.
I’m going to revel in every moment of these cold fronts until they are done.
Going back to films and the like, I’ve watched some great ones over the past two weeks. I’m also trying to make the effort to see movies in the cinema, rather than at home. You really can’t beat appreciating a well-made feature on the big screen.
I’ve been a cinephile for as long as I can remember, and there is so much enjoyment to be derived from immersing yourself in a different world.
For starters, I cannot recommend ‘Send Help’ enough. Part comedy, part drama/action, part horror, it is just terrific. Rachel McAdams could not be further removed from her ‘Notebook’ character in this flick, and there are some fabulous twists in the plot. We left the cinema savouring the experience and autopsying the story. A lovely night out.
Some others I’ve liked are ‘Rental Family’ for its gentle humour and sweetness, and the new ‘Anaconda’, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. Will we see the latter mentioned come the Oscars in March? Don’t hold your breath. And it’s not ‘Tropic Thunder’ hilarious, but who can’t love Black and Rudd in a film together? We bought this one on iTunes, and I confess that I actually looked at the blooper reel before even watching the film. Seeing professionals corpse is one of my favourites.
‘Anaconda’ was just fun escapism. Sometimes it’s a nice change from the likes of ‘Interstellar’, which made me wonder if I ever went to school.
Reading (genuine) feel-good stories keeps alive our faith in humanity. I was today old when I realised that there are many websites dedicated to only positive, uplifting tales. I did such a deep dive that I nearly forgot I had to finish this column. After visiting such sites as goodnewsnetwork.org, positive.news and onlygoodnewsdaily.com, I came away with armfuls of heartwarming reports that cheered me immensely.
Stroke survivors took part in singing sessions to help their speech development; a 3-year-old son of farmers curled up to sleep on the couch with a freezing baby calf so she’d survive the night; and I watched the new trailer for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ – it don’t get no better ‘n that.
Loved this report on goodnewspost.co.uk about the engagement ring launched by British store Asda, just in time for Valentine’s Day:
“In a move that says ‘I love you’ (while quietly adding ‘but the electric bill is due’), Asda has launched its 96p ‘Diamond’ Engagement Ring, offering shoppers a budget-friendly way to pop the question in 2026.
“For just 96p – less than the cost of a loose cucumber – hopeful fiancés can now purchase a ring that, in the right light and with a generous squint, almost resembles a month’s salary.
“The ring features a sparkling ‘gemstone’ that Asda promises dazzles just enough to make an impression, and it comes presented in a red velvet box that may well be worth more than the jewellery itself. Presentation, after all, is everything.”
How brilliant is that? “Less than the cost of a loose cucumber” and “with a generous squint …”
Fantastic.
Closer to home, we have a regular feed of positive vibes to be found in social apps and (no bias, promise) through media such as the Cayman Compass and Compass TV. Upbeat tales are not pushed down to the bottom by the heavy weight of woe – you’ll often see headlines lauding the accomplishments of young Caymanians or how charities have made the difference in people’s lives. I wish more news agencies embraced that kind of balance.
To see a deserving senior being handed the key to their new home by the amazing members of ARK, or an abandoned animal being adopted and loved by its new family – boy, do these articles ever warm the cockles.
Speaking (somewhat) of cockles, I know wild chickens aren’t everyone’s cup of tea here, but every evening I look forward to feeding the brood that hangs around our home. They always roost in the same places and they recognise me instantly. For example, at nightfall, I grab a strawberry and some bread and call for Puntu in our backyard. She’s either sitting on the fence (literally) or up on the roof. As soon as she hears my voice, she’ll appear and flap down to enjoy a treat in peace, rather than fighting the others to get a peck in. She does love a good strawberry. It makes me happy.
Don’t take from all of the above that I’m recommending sticking our heads in the sand and becoming completely unaware of what’s going on in the world. I simply think that whether we are on our handheld devices, or going out for a stroll, we should actively seek joy rather than being pulled into a vortex of misery.
In the week where we lost one of the most amazing comedic actresses of all time – Catherine O’Hara – we could use all the laughs we can get. Start with ‘Beetlejuice’ and go from there.
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