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Group Writing: Mamaw Reviews
New ideas are borne of new experiences. New experiences require a willingness to move. That could be a new job, new house, new food or even new books or movies. Being flexible of mind and willing to consider new perspectives built this country and makes us better men and women. I see a lot of that on Ricochet. New ideas being filtered through the old.
My mom turned 87 last year. A former matron and dispatcher in our small town, she’s a nervous wreck around her grandchildren and tough as nails physically or mentally. She declined an offer out of high school to move to DC and work with the FBI; and instead started a family here in the rolling mountains of Southwest Virginia.
Enter my film-obsessed daughter Hannah. Several years ago, she decided it would be fun to introduce my mom, her Mamaw, to books and movies not seen before. Books included Jane Eyre, Les Miserable (abridged), Harry Potter, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield, and The Hobbit. My mom’s literature up that that time mostly consisted of Grace Livingston Hill.
Then they transitioned to movies. My children, Hannah, Sam and Sarah would pile onto my mom’s couch and in some cases either talked her through the general plot (if multiple and complex characters) or include sub-titles due to her very poor hearing. After some of their sessions, Hannah would interview my mom and/or splice in mom’s reactions to particularly popular cinematic moments. Many of these movies are in the common culture now, but new to my mom.
Hannah then posted these to her social media platforms and gained a small but loyal following of viewers. Mom was delighted to discover folks watching across the country – and world. And I hope they delight you as well.
To get things started, here is a quick look at her reaction to the destruction of the Ring and Frodo’s struggle:
… and the Big Reveal that Vader is Luke’s pop…
…and longer post-viewing interviews of Empire, Pirates and LOTR…
If you want to see more, you can check out their channel here. Old and new. You’re never too old to learn something new.
Published in Group Writing
So much love. Thank you. I’m so glad your girls know and love your mother. What a fabulous gift to one another. Thank you for starting our year with love and grace fulfilled.
Charming.
“Oh no!” I know just how Mamaw feels.
I’ll get to the second two later, but Mamaw’s reaction to “I am your father, Luke” was roughly the same as mine, except she didn’t do a beer-fueled spit take.
Oh, just delightful! Reminds me of my fervent wish, years ago, that the panels of “talking heads” on any of the news shows on TV could be replaced with another one consisting of several of my neighbors, the guy who delivers my hay, and my late mother-in-law. So much more intelligent commentary than that from most film critics. God Bless MawMaw!
The front porch bench in front of the feed and grain store. Those guys know everything.
Broke my heart when D.M. Campsey’s Seed and Feed closed several years ago, for exactly that reason.
This post is part of our Group Writing Series under the January theme: “Old and New.” Stop by soon, our schedule and sign-up sheet awaits.
Interested in Group Writing topics that came before? See the handy compendium of monthly themes. Check out links in the Group Writing Group. You can also join the group to get a notification when a new monthly theme is posted.
Two beautiful ladies. Was that Hannah playing Vivaldi on her YouTube channel, B.W.? Really enjoyed it.
Yes – most likely.
I am in love with your daughter and mother. They are so sweet. What a delight to watch! Thanks, B.W.
I only watched the Pirates of the Caribbean video, but it was great! Thanks for sharing!