Money Can't Buy Happiness

“Leaving so soon? I wouldn't hear of it! Why, my little party's just beginning!” -The Wicked Witch of The West

The month of May has been an absolute whirlwind and it is not even over yet.

My present state has me feeling like I have been flattened by a house. Despite being in somewhat dire straits caused by my hectic schedule and the feeling as if I am living that somnambulist life, I truly am loving every moment. Sure I have my ups and downs (who doesn’t?) however, most mornings I wake up happy to be here. This is an absolute INCREDIBLE feeling especially given where I was only a few years ago.

My point at this particular moment is: I am living my best life.

This overall sentiment came in quite handy during my recent escapades at The Columbus Moving Picture Show, a film festival that celebrates motion pictures from the past and the art of projection. Along with the movies, there were a slew of dealers selling all sorts of movie memorabilia. And well… there were moments when I was wishing that I still had access to my deep pockets from last year. This was especially true when I came across this exquisite Bette Davis Coloring Book (unused):

As I stood face to face with the $65 price tag and access to a credit card, I was hit with a wave of emotions. Sure, it would be lovely to own this piece of ephemera, but at what cost? One thing I am most certain about… living my best life is far much better than living a cubicle life. I never want to be back in corporate America. Stuff is nice, provides an instant dose of joy, but in the end doesn’t last. I have important work to do. I may not have a lot of coins to spend and that is OK. I finally have learned the significance of the phrase: “money can’t buy happiness”. And hey, I know one day Bette and I will meet again.

On the road again… My partner in crime and I hit the road on May 9. Our trek started with an overnight stay in Ohio; which served as pitstop to our main destination: Michigan.

After a short visit with family, we travelled further north in the mitten state to Ellsworth, Michigan. There we enjoyed a little over a week long stay at a beautiful cabin on Lake Michigan.

It was so nice to getaway, relax, and recharge. Trips like this often lead to contemplation and revaluating. I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole today… more to come later. While on vacation we went on several grand adventures which led to treasures (mostly books and writing instruments) and cinematic palaces.

While out and about new pals were made. Heck, even Cary Grant made a new friend. Say hello to his pal: Archie the pup. Shout out to my a new pal of mine, Cara, for sending me this lovely Cary Grant doll. I will treasure him forever.

Cary, his pup Archie, Benjamin, and I ended our journey in Columbus Ohio for The Columbus Moving Picture Show, which was an incredible experience. Benjamin and I of course where on location slinging zines. Make sure to follow MovieJawn’s instagram, here, to catch my videos from the fest which will be posting over the next couple weeks. It is a thrill to be able to attend events such as this and I am so excited that MovieJawn now has readers in the state of Ohio. I am already looking forward to our next year’s fest. In the meantime, come on out and say hi to MovieJawn at our next event… check out the calendar here.

This week I am proud of… being a movie journo. I will never tire of getting to talk to other film folks. It is so fascinating to learn about all the interesting work people do in the cinematic world. I recently conducted interviews with three fascinating specimens. And well… I must say they turned out quite swell. Go ahead and see for yourself old sport!

I chatted with Samantha Glasser, the Festival Director of The Columbus Moving Picture Show. Read it here.

Check out my interview with everyone’s favorite Drive-In movie guy, Joe Bob Briggs, about his upcoming Indoor Drive-In Geek Out event at The Colonial Theater. Read it here.

I may have saved the best for last… I am really happy with how this article turned out as I feel it truly captured the amazing conversation I had with Dr. Peter Bagrov about the upcoming Nitrate Picture Show. I feel so fortunate that I have the opportunity to attend this festival next week. Read it here.

This week I recommend… reading Geek Love penned by Katherine Dunn.

It tells the tale of a traveling carnival family and has everything I love in a story. Since starting it, I can’t put it down. If you like reading about misfits and those that are on the fringes of society… this one is for you.

Happy you are here.xx.goodbye.

Tell a friend.