Category Archives: Food for Thought

Take a Ride on the Shortbus

Posted on April 16, 2007 | Leave a comment

One of my favorite movies of last year was “Shortbus.” What a great multi-layered movie. I’m just now writing about this movie because Jeff and I rented it again last night. And, it has taken this long for me to really process the film. I originally saw it last fall when I was in NYC with Jeff. It was a highlight of the trip–to see a movie in New York about New Yorkers trying to deal with the aftermath of 9-11, the aftermath of each other, and the aftermath of themselves. 2 kudos!

Here’s an overly brief synopsis of the movie for those who didn’t see it. The movie begins in a post 9-11 New York City following the lives of a few New Yorkers. We see them struggling to live their lives and deal with each other in meaningful, truthful ways. It is difficult to summarize such a multi-layered story. I guess one way would be to say that we are all flawed, in some way, and that life is measured in the amount of love that we give or don’t give. (Very “RENT”, huh?) Anyway, so these people created a space called “Shortbus” to gather and deal. And have sex. And give love. And be loved. The movie unfolds as these peoples lives unravel.

I realize that “Shortbus” is one of those “love it or hate it” movies. Some think that there is too much sex. Some think the sex is not titillating enough. Others just hate all of the threads that are being woven together. Some are just not ready to be confronted with the idea that we all have flaws and are taking a ride on the “Shortbus.”

I guess knowing how the movie came together really makes it special for me. The actors were cast first, then the story came together out of a series of workshops, then they found financing and filmed. This process gives the movie such a quality of realness. And, the actors are dealing with their real issues and are having real sex. Really. I guess that I just completely lost myself in their stories.

Its rare that I would care enough about a movie to write about it, just for fun. But I find this movie continuing to play itself out in my life. And that is even more rare…

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Posted in Food for Thought, Movies

Something to Say

Posted on March 31, 2007 | 1 comment

I’ve got something to say. I’m sure of it. I’ve learned to avoid saying something because I didn’t think I had anything to say that was different or special or would make people laugh or feel anything in particular. But I’ve decided that I have something to say. Now, I guess that I just have to figure out what it is…

I suppose that it is this idea of having to stand out in the world. Having to be unique. Having to be different. This need for individuality. But I have decided that it doesn’t matter if I am unique or different. I am just me. And I have a perspective. And some great stories. It’s time that I start sharing.

I am selfish in this desire to share. It primarily is about me expressing myself. Somehow, over the past 15 years I have lost the drive to express. It may have something to do with going to a religious college that not only discouraged expression, but, made it seem sinful. Or working in a profession that requires uniformity and allows you to detach so easily.

When I was in high school, I used to write a column for the newspaper. It was all about my perspective on high school life. I’m going to tap into that old self and just write.

OK, so back to this elusive idea of individuality. Are any of us really, truly individuals? Can any of us actually say that we are unique? Clearly, even those who would consider themselves nonconformists are conforming in their nonconformity. And, anyone who would be considered as a “one of a kind” is still just part of a million other “one of a kind”‘s.

And why do we feel this need to be different? Is it because that if we are like everyone else, then, we think we have no self worth? Or, that if we have nothing new or original to say, then, we won’t leave our mark on the world?

I think that maybe the way we leave our mark on the world is simply by being a part of the whole. None of us is truly an individual because none of us is truly alone here. We all share the same space and air. We all contribute to life just by being here. Everything we say or do has an affect on those around you and in some manner your community. Which is what makes each of us individuals. We individually are part of a much larger whole. And the pressure to stand out in that huge ocean of people is overwhelming.

So, I that is why I’m just going to be me. And that’s enough.

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Posted in Food for Thought