Grizzly and Golden

I can't say for sure what was going on in E.B. White's headspace when he wrote the story upon which this 1973 short film was based, but at about four minutes in, I'd felt like I'd gotten the message. I get it, E.B.! We create our own panic, our own stress. But a few minutes later, by the end of the film, I was scratching my head a bit. The friendly-ish story had turned so gruesome. Why did the Pruitts let those people in? They had been doing just fine on their own! They had that homemade wild grape jam and everything.

Now that I've written all this down, I can't help but think the take-away is more about finding some sort of happy medium, some space between isolation and community... thoughts?

Also, it makes me want to read some E.B. White! (After I've finished Swann's Way, of course.)

Talk soon!
Amelia

p.s. Found via Brain Pickings


Dearest Amelia,

Wow!  Who knew E.B. White had such a gritty New York narrating voice?  I, for one, would not have guessed it.  Now I know how to properly read Stuart Little to my unborn children.  Should they become born.  Or, actually, should I conceive them first.

Is it wrong that I, too, wished I lived off terrapin when we first learn of the Pruitt diet? 

What strikes me most are the not-so-subtle political implications of this video.  Did those Pruitts really have a lick of choice in the "assistance" they received?  This is one of the discomforts I feel around some volunteer/non-profit missions: Let's save these Poor People Who Don't Live Like We Do.  However we get there, I'm all for health and abundance and (the appropriate) education for everyone (you probably could guess this?).  But it feels so dangerous to presume that our ideas for what others should have or be doing are correct.

Whew!  That was a little anti-colonial rant I went on.  It's also coming from a person who compulsively gives others advice.  Perhaps I should look into this.  I think my vote is: terrapins and islands, and hoping that pains go away.  And when they do not, perhaps jumping on the bed in crazy rave-like fashion, like at minute 3:10 - which reminded me of the best (and surprise) part of your Keep It Moving video. 

Finally, the advertisement (pronounce in British accent please) at the beginning of the clip is for this film that looks awesome!!

Commune and turtally yours,
Kara