The Perfect Day

It has taken me 46 years, but I finally saw “It’s a Wonderful Life” and on the big screen! I made it a double feature, coming back later in the day to see "The Wizard of Oz.” This past Saturday will go down in history as one of my favorite days because it allowed for a trip down memory lane, afforded me an opportunity to create new memories, and even provided a window into my future.

After an invigorating run on the Jones Falls Trail I picked up my friend Brian and we made a beeline to The Senator, a historic single-screen art deco movie theater in Baltimore, MD.

I have such fond memories of this iconic movie house. I’ve been to a few premieres, “Cry Baby” and “Serial Mom” and have met several actors, Johnny Depp, Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake and a few others, and directors too, John Waters and Barry Levinson. (Thank you, Steve, for a past never forgotten and always remembered with great joy.)

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was magical. I appreciate the love and hope that emanated from the film. I was moved to tears at the very end with Clarence’s inscription, “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” I took in this big gulp of air, watching my chest slowly decompress, and then came the tears. I was caught off guard, and all I can say is, “Aren’t emotions beautiful?” Because without them we are nothing – less than human, and these days I fear too many of us are walking around cold and empty, but I digress.

This heartwarming story left me with unanswered questions. Is it a wonderful life? Does this movie hold up in today’s world? Shouldn’t we be looking beyond hope, perhaps more at accountability? Does it send the wrong message? I’ll be exploring these questions in a future post, but for now all I can say is I was ripe for seeing this film, realizing I couldn’t have appreciated it until now. I believe my subconscious has been avoiding it on purpose.

As for the Wizard of Oz, I felt like I was seeing it for the very first time. The picture quality and sound clarity on the big screen made for a sensational experience. I felt like a little boy all over again. With popcorn in hand and a soda nearby, I was transported back in time, and every emotion I felt then I experienced now. It was surreal!

Unfortunately, "Family Guy" ruined the ending for me, well, not really. Actually, I had a good chuckle as my mind wandered just a bit. (To understand what I’m talking about, check out this clip: Family Guy/Wizard of Oz.)

After the movies we took a walk, stopping by a coffee house to pick up something warm to drink because it was a cold day. The conversation was easy and full of laughter. We did some shopping before heading home.

This is my kind of holiday celebration because it had all the elements I look for to make it a perfect day: friendship, adventure, surprises and laughter. It was a nice gift, and I thank you, friend for your initiation.

The season continues and I hope everyone is finding his/her joy. You’ll find that the simple things in life give the most pleasure. Pleasure has many faces and can easily translate into the perfect day. – paerki

(Sidewalk Art – The photos in this post are of the Senator Theater Sidewalk. Enjoy!)

Additional Photos: The Senator