Slow And Steady

Often I feel like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland running from one place to the next exclaiming, “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date. No time to say “Hello, Goodbye.” I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.” 

Prior to the The Grand Fantastical Escape it was somewhat a badge of honor for me to operate on the level of the white rabbit. My time to work on creative endeavors was limited and often sacrificed due to fatigue from my existence in the corporate grind. When I had the energy to do so, I had to be swift. Astonishingly, sometimes while kicking up all the dust, I even looked as dapper as he does in the above rendering. It seemed the faster I moved, the more places I could be and the more I was accomplishing. Or was I? Since enacting the escape it has allowed me to take stock in my old routines and habits. The way in which I functioned previously is not efficient nor is it necessary.

“Don't you think you'd better go? The tortoise has the lead.”

This past Tuesday I paid a visit to cousin Deedee to begin the cape construction - more details on this escapade below. While there, she said something to me that ended up being quite significant: In life you can either be the tortoise or the hare. At the time she said this, I tucked it into my pocket for later. It is a simple, yet meaningful, fable. Throughout the week I have been pulling this tale that is as old as time out of its compartment in my mind and pondering. It has truly made me stop and wonder: Why the hell am I always in a damn rush? Why not slowwwww down? Savor the moment.

For me, it has always been about the journey. When I arrive to the destination I immediately have my eyes looking for the next adventure. Always on the move, acting as if someone is chasing me. In stopping for a second and looking back though, I realize that there is no one there… only my shadow.

I am learning that is OK to push things back to ensure that what I am accomplishing is done right, not sloppy. The timeline is allowed to, and should, be fluid. I no longer want to zoom to the finish line, instead I want to be strategic, clever and most importantly steady in my execution. There is nothing wrong with taking my time because in the end who really wins the race? Eventually, I am going to get to exactly where I want to be… a place in which my dreams are reality.

Sweaty hands and shimmery entrances are in my future! On Tuesday I ventured to cousin Deedee’s to begin the cape construction.

One of my dreams and schemes is to learn how to properly sew. In the past I have been much of a Dr. Frankenstein in term of my sewing abilities. The construction of a cape seemed like a wonderful place to start. My upcoming travel to the Toronto Film Festival and Fantastic Fest, require attire that commands attention. This luxurious cape will assist me with making a GRAND entrance and may even stop people in their tracks to take in its beauty.

Isn’t it mesmerizing? It is not finished quite yet, I will be returning to Deedee’s this Friday to finish it off. Not only has Deedee taken the time to show me how to sew, but she has put up with my never-ending stories and sweaty hands. It is known far and wide that I am a swamp creature. What has put me at ease is that she has no concern for the moistness of my grip and instead only has eyes on the cape! Which will most likely be the case when I sport this garment and it is flowing in the breeze… my hands and the fabric won’t be the only things sparkling! I plan on procuring a pair of silver shoes - won’t they just shine? I’ll be sure to share the finished product here.

This week I am proud of… The latest episode of my podcast, Cinematic Crypt. Each episode I, Batzina Belfry travel six feet under to pry open a coffin of one of my favorite Hollywood corpses and perform a post-watch examination of one their forgotten films.

Episode 039 kicks off my new series, PREACHER CREATURES in which I, Batzina Belfry invite listeners into the crypt, a cinematic place of worship to dissect preachers that may follow the good book but O-M-G they will not be going to a good place.

In my first episode of this series I examine the 1955 motion picture, The Night of The Hunter directed by Charles Laughton. I also drop in on everyone’s favorite village doctor, Ashley Jane Carruthers with a visit to the Morgue to dig up character corpse Shelley Winters. Listen wherever you catch pods or at MovieJawn here. Hope you tune in!

This week I recommend… scenic destination Knoebels.

As advertised, this is truly a place of fun, food, fantasy! Each year Benjamin and I try to make the trek to Elysburg, Pennsylvania to visit one of the grandest amusement parks in all the land, Knoebels. If you have never been, I can’t recommend it enough. Free parking! Free Admission! Glorious foods, rides and games!

On Wednesday we ventured there with our friends Georgie and Jess. They had never experienced this magical place before, so it was a real treat showing them the sights and devouring our way around the park.

Here are some highlights:

• Playing Fascination - essentially this is a bingo style game in which you roll a rubber ball up a ramp, it falls into a hole, illuminating a light on the back board. The goal is to try to light five in a row vertical, horizontal or diagonal. On the hour every hour, they hold a coverall challenge!

• Taking a trip inside The Haunted Mansion to introduce Georgie and Jess to all of my ghoulish friends.

• My winnings from Fascination - with the help of Georgie - I present my latest son, this vintage Mickey Mouse. With some googling, it has been determined to be from the early sixties. I absolutely love the hodge podge of prizes available at Fascination. From lamps to crock pots to gangster teddy bears, they have it all!

• Procuring this beautiful rubber mushroom at the arcade with Ben’s tickets. Benjamin absolutely loves this little guy and is so happy they live in our home now.

• Consuming a huge vanilla ice cream waffle cone with rainbow jimmies, french fries with malt vinegar, a pickle on a stick and partaking for the first time in the all you can eat spaghetti dinner.

A fun day was had by all and I already am looking forward to my visit next year.

Happy you are here. xx. goodbye.

Tell a friend.