Elf is my favorite 2-D movie. Its royalty is noted by the fact that it joins my 3-D movies on my iPhone’s flash drive. My longtime dream was to have a special movie theatre near me that showed all the old 3-D movies. This never was realized. But My virtual reality setup is much better. I am thrilled that I can now watch my movies anytime, day or night, on my VR headset.
Where am I going with all this?
As I am now lying in bed nursing my seven-day-old cold, in between watching my favorite 3-D movies and Elf, I am reflecting on how much I am like the character, Buddy, the Elf.
Yes, Buddy and I are both human. He was brought up by elves. I was brought up by humans. We have characteristics in common. Mainly, we find joy in everyday things. Buddy wants to give everybody hugs. I want to give everybody hugs.
He says thank you to people handing out peep show flyers. I am tempted to do the same when I pass those solicitors.
Riding an escalator is an adventure for us both. He is a strong believer. So am I.
Maybe because this is the Christmas and New Year season, I am more in tune with the spirit of adventure and belief.
In the movie, Elf, Buddy finds some reality. In my life, I have found some belief. It is almost as if Buddy and I are coming from different directions to the same place.
There is a scene in the movie where Buddy has just started working in a department store at Christmas time. The supervisor begins the exchange:
“Why are you smiling like that?”
“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”
“Make work your favorite. That’s your favorite. Okay? Work is your new favorite.”
That says a lot to me.
It reminds me of when I was a graduate student. A couple of my professors asked me, incredulously, why I was so happy. Duh.
Have you noticed how people react to you when you smile at them?
Not only do they smile back at you, but also, I believe, their disposition becomes more pleasant – perhaps for the rest of the day – unless they are your professors.
I will be happy when my cold is better
and I can get back to swimming in the rain in my circus-tent-covered aboveground pool.
Peace and joy!
Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen51@gmail.com
