Celebrating Groundhog Day

"The Groundhog of Lenoir -  photo by Grubbmeister cc 3.0

"This is like deja vu all over again." ~ Yogi Berra ~

Today we turn our attention to the Marmota monax, better known as the groundhog (aka woodchuck or land beaver) and we not only celebrate his prognostications, but call attention to a true classic film released in 1993 from Columbia Pictures, GROUNDHOG DAY starring Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell.

The film honors Punxsutawney Phil and his annual prediction for the start of spring, but the true crux of the story highlights an unusual premise and asks: “What would it be like if you had to live one day in your life, over, and over, and over again, just so you could get it right?”

As most of the nation is currently digging out from the great snowstorm of 2011, this comedic/fantasy/love story is sure to make you feel a tad bit better (along with the fact that Phil has predicted an early spring, however, this remains to be seen.)

The movie is rated PG for “some thematic elements” and is available to download free from StageVu.

It’s a fun fantasy romp, which is thought provoking and worth revisiting, particularly in the depths of winter.

IMHO, the movie provides lots of excellent ”what if” talking points.

If you could live your life over again until you got it right, what would you do differently?

To dwell in possibilities…

Poetry - I’ve always been very fond of the art form - marveling at the fact that ordinary words, when put together ‘just so’ create extraordinary images that not only capture the minds eye but touch the soul – almost like taking vinegar and turning it into champagne – a rather mystical reverse process more or less.

Poetry is a very personal thing; you glean meaning on a singular level, much like when you view a painting or sculpture – poetry speaks only your language, it touches only your heart.

Although I am fond of many poems, over the years I have consistently been drawn to a handful of poets who reach out to me through time and space sharing their wisdom, their vision of the world and a glimpse of their soul through their immortal voice.

e.e. cummings (or if you prefer) E.E. Cummings and Emily Dickinson are two of my favorite poets – Cummings because he reinvented poetry with his avant- garde style that included breaking most linguistic rules and the coinage of new words, and Emily Dickinson… just because.

Dickinson’s voice (IMHO) resonates and has a rare ability to move backwards and forwards bridging generational gaps as well as educational and income levels. Case in point, take a look at the embedded video below, produced by Limey Films, Inc. for Poets House, the national poetry library and literature center based in Manhattan.

Filmed in May 2009, during the final construction phase of Poets House new headquarters, actor Bill Murray read poetry to the men responsible for building the magnificent new repository, and what was captured on the faces of the workers was very telling. Pay particular attention to the construction worker’s eyes when Murray reads Dickinson’s “I dwell in Possibility-- A fairer House than Prose,” and when he introduces each worker after the reading.

I’m sure Emily would have been very pleased that her words instilled the gift of pride that was so clearly visible.