An Empowered Spirit Blog Post

Fabulous Friday Fun Because We Deserve It (Video)

By Cathy Chester on November 7, 2014

Ah, Friday. The end of the week. The end of a long NaBloPoMo week of writing a post a day. Of writing and editing. Publishing and sharing. Commenting and tweeting. Liking and emailing.

Friday

I feel like Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day." Every morning I wake up, grab some coffee and begin writing another new post. Today is a new day.

NaBloPoMo forces me to write more than usual. Not only for the websites I am paid to write for, but also for my blog. Writing a little bit every day is an important exercise toward becoming a better writer. At least that's the theory. It's been challenging, overwhelming, exciting and productive..

So today I'm giving myself a treat because, well, I deserve one! And I think you do too.

Friday

Part of my personal wellness program.

Over the years I found my own wellness program, a way of putting the world on hold by jumping into a fictional Nirvana. So if I'm feeling tired or stressed I do one of two things (aside from eating some chocolate).I read a good book, or I watch something that takes me away. Either a classic film or an old television program.

It feels good when I don't have to think or do anything.

There have been times over the years when my MS caused me to spend many days at home. Books, classic films and TV shows were my refuge. They helped me through some difficult times, becoming good, dependable friends who helped me escape my circumstances for a few hours. I am thankful for that; they are on my gratitude list.

So here's a little Friday fun because we all deserve it.

First is a vintage TV commercial as part of The Donna Reed Show (which I liked) promoting another program I loved, "That Girl" starring Marlo Thomas and Ted Bessell.

Diamonds, daisies, Broadway, That Girl.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4jl_PSS-Ic

Whenever I want a good laugh I turn to Don Rickles. I miss the best talk show host ever, Johnny Carson. If I want to watch my favorite singer, there's no one like Frank Sinatra. Here's an episode of The Tonight Show when Don surprises Frank and Johnny. Classic TV.

I know this movie by heart. It simply makes me happy. It's "The Philadelphia Story" starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart about a divorced socialite who is about to remarry when her ex-husband shows up.

In this scene drunk newspaperman James Stewart visits with ex-husband, Cary Grant. Watch Grant's face when Stewart improvises with hiccups. Cary Grant later said he almost broke out laughing.The Academy must have liked it because Stewart won the Oscar for his performance.

"The Philadelphia Story" was later remade into the musical "High Society" starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. I loved the music (of course) but the movie was no comparison to it's predecessor.

What unique wellness plan do you have?

Author

Cathy Chester

Comments

  1. My Wellness plan....I took off three days from work to attend a conference, cancelled going to the conference so I can push my reset button, write a little, sew and garden at my house for change. Mental Health days some call it.....for me, it is a Wellness Plan Enhancement Staycation.....

  2. These are some of my favorites Cathy! I especially related to That Girl-the original hat thrower before Mary Tyler Moore! My wellness plan: rest, eat well, laugh a lot and spend time with friends. Cuddles from my little one, too!!

  3. We got through the first week of NaBloPoMo, so yay! I used to love That Girl, and vividly remember the days I was home from school and able to watch Leave It To Beaver and The Donna Reed Show in the mornings! Happy Friday, my friend!

  4. Wow! Congratulations on your first week of NaBloPoMo! You are doing an amazing job and YES you deserve to have FUN today. The big thing I do to get instantly happy is to put on my happy music and dance! Works EVERY SINGLE TIME! Of course my other fun thing to do is plan my next vacation! ~Kathy

  5. I hate to admit this but my wellness plan sometimes involves staring at the wall. Yep, just losing myself in deep space while pretending like I am doing something (like watching TV) works wonders. I love the clips you picked too Cathy - took me back and made me smile! Enjoy your weekend!

  6. These are so great, Cathy. I'm a huge fan of Don Rickles. Once I saw him perform live --- it was fantastic! Congrats with NaBloPoMo, too. I give you lots of credit!

  7. Congratulations on a successful first week!
    I have been going non-stop for months now and I am so due for a wellness or mental health day or two or three. I usually go to the beach and do nothing for a few days when I need a break.
    I also love the classic movies and loved that episode of the Carson show.
    When I was 12 my mother took me to see Don Rickles at the Latin Casino. It was the first time I remember hearing cuss words used in another way besides anger. I loved him. My Dad was so mad that my mother took me.
    That Girl was fabulous too!

  8. There are times I have to take care of myself above all else due to depression and PTSD. But I've learned to listen to my body and give myself the downtime I need without beating myself up about it. Writing. I have to write. Sometimes I have to read. And then there is always It's a Wonderful Life. Loved the clips. Some of my faves from days past.

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