mar's Desk

marcoujor: The Wonder of the Wizard

3/29/2017

Mom would have been twelve years old when L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz arrived on the big screen in 1939.

From 1959 to 1991 this iconic movie was an annual tradition on American commercial network television.

I can’t remember how old I was when I first saw those ruby slippers or the emerald skin of the Wicked Witch of the West. I do know that Mom made this an annual tradition in our home as well. I’ve loved this movie from waaaaay back to my singular years.

This is a movie I’m never too old to get lost in. This is a movie from which I continuously glean a new life lesson or nugget of wisdom.

Whether you love this movie as I do or have yet to discover it’s charm and magic, this YouTube is a well done summary of this timeless story, now 78-years-young.

Looking back, I’ve incorporated quotes or videos of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in memoir posts about survival, my nursing journey and life in general.

Years ago in a training class, I was surprised to learn that schools of philosophy, religion and politics have speculated on the motives and attributes of Dorothy and the many characters she meets along the way to discover her answers - while raising even more questions on the road to Oz.

Taking this story at face value, I find Dorothy to be a most relatable character, blue and white gingham dress aside. In Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I recall how ordinary I found life to be as a child.

Today I realize that no life is ordinary. I now see how the concept of ordinary can be a wondrous thing indeed--truly a dream come true.

As I look at the Poppies clip, I’m reminded of the power of teamwork, both personally and professionally.

Dorothy has met up with a rather insecure trio: a Scarecrow seeking brains, the Tin Man hankering for a heart, and a Lion craving courage. Despite their perceived weaknesses, this is a scene of how friends help each other up, proving how strength and purpose comes both from above and within.

I'm Melting is perhaps one of the most powerful scenes in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. As the look of realization develop on Dorothy’s face, we are reminded of the amazing strength to be obtained from loyalty to and protection of those around us.

I’m also heartened that even the scariest of monsters (or witches) in life are prone to burn-out at some point. Sometimes it takes the bravery and pluck of a young girl to put the halt on someone or something. Kindness is an unsuspecting, but forceful, antidote to wickedness.

When all’s said and done, There's No Place Like Home. I’ve learned not to take home for granted.

I’ve also seen the value in tuning out the Miss Gulch-type folks that try their hardest to get inside my head. Toto (substitute Andy, Zoey) is the perfect symbol of joy, freedom and the beauty of escape, even if temporary.

Writing this post reminds me it’s about time I watch my favorite movie again. I’ll join you on the Yellow Brick Road.

In closing, I wanted to wish Elton John a Happy 70th birthday. This song seemed highly appropriate with today’s subject matter, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road .