on the path…the Grand Canyon
When I came to visit L.A. in March, Tim had seccured 2 tickets to a Q&A with Lawerence Kasdan; the director and writer for the movie “Grand Canyon”. This movie was released within weeks of the Rodney King Beating in the early 90’s and did poorly at the box office. Man is it a thought provoking movie though.
I’ll save the ending, but know it’s a metaphor for how life events happen because they happen. It’s rare a Hollywood movie edxplores this concept because ‘tidy little bows’ make good fiction; and ticket sales for that matter.
When Herb and I arrived at Grand Canyon Village it looked and sounded like all Griswold Hell had broken loose.
Screaming children and parents screaming at children.
Parents screaming at parents. In all different langauages.
Many hopped up on candy and soda, coffee and ice cream. Looking at each other, taking pictures of squirrels and small animals, paying little attention to the landscape itself.
Among this vibe I had two thoughts:
1. we are but a breath.
2. the earth will have its’ way.
These 2 thoughts bring on a host of opinions that make my chest and throat tight. Which probably means I should write about them at some point. Maybe another time.
Have any of you seen Grand Canyon?
The movie or the place?
Any thoughts on either?
Anyone make the hike to the bottom and see the Colorado River?
Thanks for checking in and contributing,
Stephen A. Thomas
July 9th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
Stevo–
T and I are sitting here in the ‘rents lake cottage in the middle of sweltering Florida getting caught up on your life. Is it bad for us to be on vacation and jealous of you!?!?
Actually, been thinking a lot about you lately. We visited with some friends back home in Mississippi who soon will likely be moving to NC near us! They said that they don’t want to live in Mississippi forever and regreting never trying something different. Then there is you who has moved from NC to Cali for the same reasons.
Don’t you know there is somebody out there moving from California to Mississippi to complete the circle? (or maybe not)
We miss you dearly…
D, T, AK, and JD
July 10th, 2006 at 8:47 am
it’s amazing how mother nature can put us in our place so to speak and a little scary considering how callous we as a species are on the whole. you must see “an inconvenient truth”. it echoes those thoughts but also empowers us tackle a surmountable problem. it sounds like you are very content with your decision to move yourself and are where you’re meant to be. you are someone i wish i could have spent more time getting to know prior to your departing. take care-A
July 10th, 2006 at 9:58 am
I miss you guys too Davak. I haven’t seen a firefly since driving through AR. I’m glad you are all having a great summer with the little ones. Tell them Hello for me.
July 10th, 2006 at 10:08 am
Natasha,
“an inconvenient truth” is definitely on my list of movies to see.
I have seen a documentary called the Dimming Sun, which is about the opposite effect of global wraming, AND masks some of global warming’s effects. We could be reaching a tipping point without realizing it and the earth will make its own correction whether we help it or not. This documentary talked about a study that was done on 9/12/01 re: the lack of vapor trails by the grounded fleet of aircraft due to 9/11. I beleive they said there was a drop of temperature across the U.S. by almost 1 degree that day. I’ll double check this. I bet our good friend Mr. Truppi would know something about this.
July 10th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I agree with Davak! You are having such cool opportunities, both professionally and socially. I’m a little jealous, but Good for you!
Larry’s recent cycling craze is unreal. He’s covering all of the city on the bike. I’ve been out a few times, but I’m always a little worried about the Greenway being safe for those alone.
Our 4th of July was spent seeing fireworks at the NC State Fairgrounds. An OK show.
Have you seen Rampart Emergency? It’s supposed to be real - no joke!!!!!!!!! I’m enjoying the 2nd seaon of that cool ’70’s TV show.
Linda
July 10th, 2006 at 1:05 pm
Linda,
I asked Tim about it and he said he lived very close to that street. I haven’t ventured out yet today but I told Larry that I’ll get a picture if it’s still there.
I’m overwhelmed at all of these opportunities to be completely honest.
It’s important for me to let everyone know these opportunities are a result from a lot of good close friends going beyond the call of duty to help me. This includes you guys and I’m deeply grateful.
btw-I’m glad Larry is digging the Bike and taking it on the greenway. I always wanted to do that.
Steve
July 11th, 2006 at 1:29 pm
i checked out the “dimming sun” wedsite and must ponder this further-it is surely suggested that there is a net warming effect. it seems like you said that the day temps dropped by a degree or so and the night air warmed a bit. who knows really??the earth will take care of it one way or another even it expells us all.hmm…a bit cynical today am i.-a
July 11th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
Well, Natasha, at least you have a VW TDI that can be retrofitted to run on chinese food. Maybe the earth will take that into consideration eh?
Steve
July 15th, 2006 at 3:12 pm
Kasdan’s Canyon was an excellent, excellent film. Most of the critics at the time praised it coming and going. So it wasn’t a blockbuster - good films never are. I have it on DVD, if that counts (or is it VHS? I can’t remember).
Suggested rental, if you haven’t seen it - Pollock. You’d freak. That as Bukowski: Born Into This. Tangential to Grand Canyon, but the same level of quality. Ed Harris is God. Bukowski was not, but he’d be the first to tell you that.