Cultural Icons

 Almost thirty-five years ago, my husband and I were captivated by the first of the Star Wars movies, now called Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Princess Leia Organa, one of the main protagonists in the original Star Wars trilogy, is capable, strong, has a dry sense of humor, and doesn't back off from challenges. She trained as a Jedi warrior and fights with the Rebel Alliance to defeat the evil Galactic Empire.

Yesterday, my daughter and I went to see the film version of The Hunger Games. Both of us had read Collins' trilogy, and agreed that the screen adaptation was reasonably faithful to the original book.

Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen hunts to provide food for her family.  When she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place as the female Tribute from District 12, Katniss' skill with a bow might be her only chance to survive the games. Despite the savage nature of the competition, Katniss remains compassionate; she will ultimately become a symbol for inhabitants of all the districts, as they fight to free themselves from the oppressive rule of the distant, corrupt Capitol. 

In 1977, I was pregnant with Ellen; she is now days away from giving birth to our granddaughter. Like all mothers, we dreamed of the children we would bear: intelligent, strong, caring daughters...someone like Leia or Katniss (and, yes, sons like Luke Skywalker or Peeta Mellark).

The baby got quite active during the climactic scenes of The Hunger Games. I'm going to take that as a good sign.

"Digital Painting: Princess Leia" by sk art
"The Hunger Games" by film_poster

Dancing Queen

"Kate Peters Dancing on Roof from Peters Family Collection, 1947" by pingnews.com

My daughter and I went to see the box-office hit Mamma Mia last night. The age of audience members ranged from young teens to senior citizens.

The plot was predictable, some of the singing was mediocre, but no one left early: we were all still seated after the closing credits had rolled, mesmerized by the compelling energy of the recreated ABBA hits.

When the original recording of Dancing Queen was released, in 1975, I was a young, childless wife. I am now an almost-retired wife, mother of two married children.

My world has changed significantly in many ways, but at certain times, particularly joyous occasions like weddings, I still feel the urge to step out on the floor and dance.

I'm not 17 anymore, but I hope I'll never lose the desire to run towards life and learning. As long as I can move, when the music starts playing, I know I'll still be a dancing queen.



"You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the dancing queen" -ABBA, Dancing Queen (1975)