Thanksgiving
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour — his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear — is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle — victorious.” Take out the “victorious” and boldface the “exhausted” and that’s how I feel at the end of a good column day. And for the skill or luck or divine guiudance that led to my having reached this satisfaction, I give genuine thanks on this day. Thanks to those who helped me along and gave me encouragement, and no thanks to a friend who called me a “failure” when I was 28 or thereabouts.
Actually, hearing that word probably helped, now that I think about it. I was pedalling on a stationary bicycle and I knew it, and this guy said I probably wouldn’t make it. That scared me and stiffened my resolve and led to my life taking a turn for the better a year or two later. So I take that “no thanks” back. Friends who give it to you straight from the shoulder are few and far between. Most “friends” will give you a smile and a back-pat as you swirl down into the toilet bowl, and then hand you a beer and a bag of pretzels. So thanks to all of the straight-shooters. They aren’t much for backrubs or pep talks, but they’re worth their weight in gold.
THIS is why I keep coming back…you are an exquisite writer of feeling and depth…even when it pisses me off.
And sometimes the straight shooters are also positive, as you’ve asserted in your first paragraph.
I agree with you, Rod.
Most of the straight shooters I know don’t mind getting their hands dirty when changing a flat. Just sayin’.
Well said, Wells. The cold hard truth is the best motivation for change. Happy Thanksgiving; keep doing what you do.
Well said, Wells. The cold hard truth is the best motivation for change. Happy Thanksgiving; keep doing what you do.
Happy to you- hope it is a good year with minimum or at least enjoyable mood pockets.
well stated. Happy Thanksgiving.
Great quote to start the coulumn. Originally by Packer Hall of Fame coach, Vince Lombardi. Well done Jeff. It’s what has kept me reading your stuff for 10+ years. Agree with the friend principle. A true friend will give it to you straight, and will know that you & the relationship can handle it.
Thanks for all of your hard work and passion for the art of the 20th century.
That goes for everybody who loves and/or makes cinema.
Or was it the 19th century? 22nd?
Anyway, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
And yet all of these writings are transitory in nature. You record your writings in electronic form (an unstable thing, for sure), and you write about about crap like Oscar handicapping that won’t mean anything on March 1st of next year, let alone forever.
For all of your obvious talent, it seems like a grotesque waste to spend your time rambling about the makeup job on Leo for J. EDGAR, or the sound at the Arclight theater.
As much as I despise Stephen King, at least he is crafting something that can have meaning beyond next month or even his own life. Why not make something with some substance and posterity with the talent you have still remaining?
Thank you, Jeffrey, your passion and love of what you do is evident. Keep it coming.
Belated Thanksgiving greetings.
and while “failure” can be a powerful motivator, it can also destroy. I still feel that knowing people believe in you and have your back is the kinder, gentler and most positive way to go about expressing confidence in abilities. However, I guess that also leads to a fear of…failure.
So…if it floats your boat, excellent – either way.
I was pedalling on a stationary bicycle and I knew it, and this guy said I probably wouldn’t make it.
Nice little reflective blurb there, Jeff … and thanks for reminding me that it’s time for my annual viewing of ANY GIVEN SUNDAY.
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