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 .

ShoutOuts

☙ The Dream: An Interpretation via WarnerWords

☙ For migraine relief try... via flashPress

☙ Sonnet 2 by William Shakespeare via molometer

(Congratulations to molometer & Mrs. molometer on their 40th wedding anniversary!)

Until next week, wishing you the realization of the gifts you’ve had all along.

Hugs,

mar

26 Comments

Michael link

3/29/2017 08:56:26 am

I love the Wizard of Oz. It's a magical movie and you are right it has many very deep levels and theme's.
For me the key to Dorothy's journey is the end where she has the epiphany. Your hearts desire is and has always been in you're own back yard. She always had the heart, brains and courage to do whatever she wanted. She just had to find it in herself.
It's a work of genius and covers just about all human frailties and strength in an entertaining way.
Lovely post Mar and thanks for the shout out.
I love the sonnets. They have the words to express my thoughts and feelings that I often cannot find.

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:26:43 am

Happy Anniversary, Michael. I don't think you can go wrong with Shakespeare.

I agree with your views of WOO - magical for sure.

Mike

3/29/2017 10:57:43 am

L. Frank Baum created a imaginative franchise. Every writer's goal.Thanks for the Elton John to get the day started. The Wizard of Oz is a good vehicle for you to use to portray life lessons.

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:28:02 am

Thanks for stopping by, Mike - Elton John is great to listen to any time of day.

Susan Zutautas link

3/29/2017 11:15:49 am

The Wizard of Oz is one of my all time favorites. I think I'll go and watch it now, it's been a few years.

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:29:01 am

Enjoy the show, dear Susan and thanks for stopping by!

Vicki

3/29/2017 12:14:56 pm

Dear Mareer,
Its probably hard to find anyone who doesn't like and appreciate this story. That's possibly because we find echoes in ourselves at every turn.
You're so right that it can be used for life lessons that folks never tire of.
Lovely post, dear friend.
Big hugs,
Vicki

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:31:21 am

"We find echoes of ourselves at every turn".

Well-stated, Vickster. Wishing you a peaceful day. Love, mareer

Ruby link

3/29/2017 01:15:31 pm

I love The Wizard Of Oz. I've watched it many times. I just switched my movie package in order to get TCM. I just can't get into the steel men and flying animals. After I switched to this package, ( Two days ago ) The first movie was National Velvet, Liz was twelve years old, to be honest I didn't watch much of it, not so good! Thanks for reminding me of the good times we had at the movies..

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:35:57 am

TMC is my favorite TV station - the classics are the best for sure, dear Ruby.

I'm glad this brought back good memories. Love, mar

Martie link

3/29/2017 02:18:58 pm

The Wizard of Oz was and still is quite popular down here, but believe it or not, for some reason or another I haven't watched it yet. I know some of the songs. I should get it for my grandchildren and watch it with them. Thanks for the hint, dear Mar.

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:37:23 am

I think both you and your grandkids would love watching WOO, dear Martie.

Hoping these videos will whet your appetite in the meantime.

Love you lots, mar

Sannel link

3/29/2017 04:02:20 pm

Dear Maria,

I remember loving The Wizard of Oz. But come to think of it, it must be over two decades since I saw this magical movie last, so I believe, it's now time to watch it again. Thank you, dear Maria for reminding me of this classical movie that portray the life lessons in such an entertaining and thought provoking way.
Thank you also for bringing the music of Sir Elton John my way. He'll always be a hero in my ears.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:39:34 am

Yes, it's high time you enjoyed watching this wonderful movie again, dear Sannel.

I've always loved EJ too! Love and hugs to you and Freddie, Maria

paula

3/29/2017 08:03:07 pm

A classic for certain, Maria. I can't possibly know how many many times I have watched it....each time (regardless of age) in awe. I must say, I believe I also learned a bit more each time, found another lesson, appreciated another moral. This is all part of what has made this tale/movie an all-time favorite.
Thank you for always bringing us an interesting read to inspire!! Hugs my friend, Paula

Maria link

3/30/2017 05:41:22 am

Thank you for your visits and supportive comments, dear Paula.

Hope you are having a peaceful week. Love ya, Maria

Angelia Phillips link

3/30/2017 06:55:21 am

Prof. Mahreer,

The "...no place like home," bit gets more loud and clear with each passing season. I've developed a deep love for nearly every place I've lived and visited. Time has made me more passionately appreciative of the beauty and unique aspects of each of them.

As much as I have loved the hustle-bustle and fast pace of the city, I'm becoming ever more thankful and enchanted with the more quiet and simple country life of gravel roads, crowing roosters and horse nickers.

When I was younger, I tried to learn to be less Southern, less country. What a waste of good energy, lol. Now it's all I care to be and have come to appreciate an elegance in it that was there all along that I simply failed to recognize and appreciate.

Like Michael pointed out, much of home is in the heart and we can take it wherever we have to go. 💖

Maria link

4/5/2017 09:24:52 am

Your comment is a nugget of wisdom all on its own, dear Ange.

Thanks for sharing your inspiring and heart-centered thoughts.

Thanks also for all you do - from situating to sharing. Hugs, mar

Peg link

3/30/2017 09:54:06 am

This classic is always great for its entertainment value and terrific songs but I really like the way you've added the life lessons that it portrays. My Aunt Helen (Mom and Louise's sister) and I used to have witch laughing contests. She always was the best at it. "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog, too."
Enjoyed reading this. Hugs.

Maria link

4/5/2017 09:27:38 am

Oh how I'd have loved to add my 'witch cackle' to the mix of you and Aunt Helen ...

So happy you enjoyed this - not surprised that you love WOO too!

Nancy

3/30/2017 10:08:23 pm

I was 7 years old when t was memorized with the opening of the enchanting Wizard Of Oz. It has been one of my favorite movies in my life time. You so clearly expressed not only the magic it creates but the many moral attitudes it alludes to.

Maria link

4/5/2017 09:29:06 am

Thank you, dear Nancy. Both you and your feedback mean the world to me.

Enjoy the beauty of this sunny Spring day. Love, Maria

Kimmie

3/31/2017 08:09:27 am

This is one of my favorite movies! I love watching it when the Fall comes and the seasons are changing. I used to have a friend that could mimic the cowardly lion in High school always made me laugh so hard!
Have a blessed weekend my friend
Hugs!
Kimmie

Maria link

4/5/2017 09:33:43 am

Dear Kimmie,

I love the Cowardly Lion (perhaps most)...am currently reading "A Lion Among Men" by Gregory Maguire - the third book in his 'take on Oz' series. The Lion is named Brrr... and this guy's writing is grrreat!

Thanks for your visit and lovely comment. Love, mar

Shauna

5/4/2017 12:40:40 pm

Mar, like you, I watched The Wizard of Oz every year from young childhood through early adulthood. After reading this post and watching the 75th anniversary trailer, I have a hankering to see it again myself!

Elton John is 70? My goodness, I'm getting old..... :-)

Maria link

5/11/2017 07:45:34 am

Hi Sha,

We are so much alike - pretty cool to think about...

And yes, EJ is timeless to me as well... 70 seems unbelievable.

Thanks for the visit. Love ya, mar

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marcoujor: The Wonder of the Wizard

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