Month: December 2019

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, A Film That Will Inspire You To Be Yourself And Help Better The World…

I love a feel-good movie. I really do. Especially when I’m feeling somewhat blue going into one, like I was last week when I went to see “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, a film about the real-life relationship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

I don’t remember much about Fred Rogers or his show Mister Rogers, seeing that the last time I remembering watching him or it was back in the mid to late 70’s. What I do recollect about it was how it was one of the few programs that my parents allowed me to watch as a young kid and one that I remember for always being uplifting, something that I feel is quite rare on television these days.

Nevertheless, I didn’t know this story about Junod’s and Rogers’ relationship until I saw the film and what a wonderful story it was. Junod (played by Matthew Rhys), a writer for Esquire magazine is tasked to write a piece about Fred Rogers (played by Tom Hanks), much to his dismay, because it’s not even close to the type of “juicy pieces” he normally writes about, which are usually far more controversial in subject material. Regardless, his boss Ellen (played by Christine Lahti) tasks him to do it anyway, which Junod begrudgingly agrees to, as she doesn’t give him any other choice.

It’s apparent from the onset of the two meeting that Rogers sees a broken man in Junod, something that he was apparently extremely gifted in doing his entire life with many others, and subsequently always finding unique ways to help heal that brokenness in them as well. In light of that, it doesn’t take long for Rogers to get to the source of Junod’s brokenness, something that immediately makes Junod overly uncomfortable. But, as their relationship develops, the film goer can easily see just how gifted Mister Rogers was in overcoming other’s walls and emotional obstacles to help bring about healing where no one else could.

Overall, I was amazed at how emotional this film made me. From laughter to tears and joy to sorrow, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” totally ran me through the gamut of emotions. When it was all over, I left feeling so uplifted with a sincere desire to not only better myself, but also to help others do the same in their lives as well, just like Mister Rogers once did.

Mister Rogers was truly a blessed man on this planet who made others the priority in his life more than himself day in and day out for the majority of his adult life. Selfless, kind, giving, unconditionally loving, and joyful in spirit, I decided I want to be more like Fred Rogers, especially after seeing this move, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson

Silly Joke Friday

Silly Joke #1

Mrs. O’Donovan was walking down O’Connell Street in Dublin, and coming in the opposite direction was Father O’Rafferty. “Hello,” said the Father, “And how is Mrs. O’Donovan, didn’t I marry you two years ago?” “You did, Father.” “And are there any little ones yet?” “No, not yet, Father,” she said. “Well, I’m going to Rome next week, and I’ll light a candle for you then.” “Thank-you, Father.” And away she went. A few years later they met again. “Hello, Mrs. O’Donovan!” said the Father, “How are you?” “Oh, very well,” she said. “And tell me,” he said, “have you any little ones yet?” “Oh yes, Father. I’ve had three sets of twins, and four singles – ten in all.” “Now isn’t that wonderful!” he said “And how is your lovely husband?” “Oh,” she said, “He’s over in Rome to blow that bloody candle out you lit for us!!!”

Silly Joke #2

Joe passed away. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral. As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Helen, turned to her oldest friend. “Well, I’m sure Joe would be pleased,” she said. “I’m sure you’re right,” replied Jody, who lowered her voice and leaned in close. “How much did this really cost?” “All of it?” said Helen. “Thirty thousand.” “No!” Jody exclaimed. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?!” Helen answered. “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.” Jody computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? My God, how big is it?!” “Two and a half carats…”

Silly Joke #3 ( Five witty one liners)

I used to be addicted to soap…but I’m clean now…

“I stand corrected!” said the man in his new orthopedic shoes.

It’s hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs. They always take things so literally.

What did the mayonnaise say when the refrigerator door was opened? “Close the door, I’m dressing!!!”

What do you call it when Batman skips church? Christian Bale.

Bonus Silly Joke

Fresh out of business school, the young man answered a want ad for an accountant. Now, he was being interviewed by a very nervous man who ran a small business that he had started himself. “I need someone with an accounting degree,” the man said. “But mainly, I’m looking for someone to do my worrying for me.” “Excuse me?” the accountant said. “I worry about a lot of things,” the man said. “But I don’t want to have to worry about money. Your job will be to take all the money worries off my back.” “I see,” the accountant said. “And how much does the job pay?” “I’ll start you at eighty thousand a year.” “Eighty thousand dollars!!!” the accountant exclaimed. “How can such a small business afford a sum like that?” “That,” the owner said, “is your first worry!”

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson

Thought For The Day

Quote #1

God loves you. He loved you yesterday. He loves you tomorrow. He will love you always, regardless if you mess up.” (Unknown)

Quote #2

“God isn’t looking for you to come to him when you’re perfect. He wants you where you are now.” (Jennifer Baker)

Quote #3

“Understand that God is ALWAYS faithful in His love for you.” (Karen Middleton)

Bonus Quote

“The first thing God requires of you is nothing, just bring nothing.” (Ed Welch)

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson