What is all this monkeying around, Sue? 🐒First, the video is adorable and touching. Yes, I teared up. Second, I remember that time when chimps were all the rage on TV. And lastly, that table story is truly sweet.
That being said, I find monkeys to be frightening. In SE Asia they hang out public areas, steal, go through trash, etc. I expect they'd ride off with your moto if you left the key in. NOT TO BE TRUSTED. They're super smart, but they're wild animals, and there are some pretty scary stories out there about what they do. 🍌🍌🍌
Thanks Lani! And totally 100% agree re:monkeys in general. They are a little TOO smart. Reminds me of how people sometimes regard our raccoons here: "Ohhh, what cute little bandits with those sweet masks!" Well, yes till they are cornered or in a bad mood, then look out ...
Remember friends in Ramore who also had stacks of comics(we moved often and comics didn't make the trips) and the pleasure of reading catching up on Superman and especially Wonder Woman those boots and lasso ohhh
I remember J Fred Muggs and a television show called Those Hathaways that had 3 chimpanzees living with a couple in the 50s. Who knew we were being prepared for scarey, ridiculous monkeys in our government screeching , pounding their chests, posturing, and throwing poo!
What great ‘monkey’ memories, Sue! Loved reading them all! The story of your mom and dad’s table is so dear. I can clearly remember years ago always loving the table (and coveting it each time I would visit)! 😉 I’m sure your mom and dad’s love for each other remains in the wood grain of the table, and the intricate carvings. ❤️
What an amazing table, Sue! I loved your description of your parents carrying it home together, and the time you found them dancing. When other memories are volatile those moments of harmony can be especially precious. (And I can see why you chose to write about monkeys!)
‘...you live long enough, everything is sad.’ Really? And how long is long enough anyway?
My feeling is that even if you live alone and are the last one standing, that’s what memories are for. To warm you and give you soul-strength.
My mother was the last one standing of her friends in her late 80’s and it became our job to be there for her, to engage her. But with Mum, she had an essentially positive outlook and if she could feel herself becoming low, she’d light up a cigarette and would cook. This despite a massive loss of sight owing to macular degeneration.
She’s my role model, sans smoking. Ask me again in 15 or so years…
Meanwhile, today has turned into a 'brass monkeys' day. Brrr.
Thanks Prue - you're right of course and your mum sounds truly wonderful. Love her attitude! (Btw not ME suggesting that everything will be sad, just something I came across!) 'Brass monkey' weather, ha!
Thanks Sue! I LOVE that table just for its amazingness, but your story makes it even more magical. I hope it can always stay in your family with this story printed out in an envelope carefully tucked underneath. A hand-carved monkey table with a love story attachment will be a wonderful charm in any home.
Yes, the winged monkeys were so terrifying, powerful agents of darkness in the movie that I still adore. I read Wicked too many years ago (loved it too) to remember how Maguire handled them but just saw a trailer for part two of the Wicked movie and I was heartened to see them in action again, I'm sure as agents of justice. But your dancing scene is echoed in a new movie I saw after that trailer: The Life of Chuck. I enjoyed the movie immensely, though it raised some metaphysical quandaries that I'm not sure I like how they were handled, but the dancing ... Profoundly lovely.
Thanks for this short respite from the chaos, a good reminder that the world is a far more complicated place than "the MAGAs" would make it out to be, and that most of us are ready to embrace a kinder better balanced world.
Oh, Sea Monkeys! I wanted one, too! The backs of the 1960s comic books were so intriguing and I wished to order everything I saw. :-)
The story of your parents was poignant and made me compassionately curious about your dad and mom individually and as a couple. Thank you for sharing that.
As far as staying sane while the world spins around us, I learned how to stay in the moment when faced with life-threatening, potential bodily harm situations. The calm that came upon me, was me, and in those moments surprised me but I learned in hind-sight, the calm was survival.
Many things steady me: I see friends, family, and neighbors still going to work, taking their kids to swimming lessons, going to the grocery store, reading books - life doesn't stop even though there's a big "maybe something horrible will happen if something more horrible sparks all horrible things". Maybe. But today it didn't. I'm not dismissing the potential threats. I'm cheering for tenacity, common sense, neighborly love, and the hope that we will help each other when and if we need to.
I often feel that my readers think the same thing of me -"oblivious or not being impacted about the state of the world right now." I don't want to dwell on that, I cry easily so can't go there. Glad that you shared your monkey story. Yes, let's promote fun and personal happiness and development.
Oh, Sue, you little monkey. 🐵 That antique monkey table is truly special, and so is the story of its provenance. It looks like it was made as a bespoke stand for a large Chinese cloisonné vase like the one I inherited from my great great grandparents. I should write a post about it!
Also-- I was introduced to PG tips tea from a friend who lived in England for a long time. Now I order it from Amazon (oops-- my bad.) p.s. I too want sea monkeys. That silly picture!!!
What is all this monkeying around, Sue? 🐒First, the video is adorable and touching. Yes, I teared up. Second, I remember that time when chimps were all the rage on TV. And lastly, that table story is truly sweet.
That being said, I find monkeys to be frightening. In SE Asia they hang out public areas, steal, go through trash, etc. I expect they'd ride off with your moto if you left the key in. NOT TO BE TRUSTED. They're super smart, but they're wild animals, and there are some pretty scary stories out there about what they do. 🍌🍌🍌
P.S I wanted those Sea Monkeys, too.
Thanks Lani! And totally 100% agree re:monkeys in general. They are a little TOO smart. Reminds me of how people sometimes regard our raccoons here: "Ohhh, what cute little bandits with those sweet masks!" Well, yes till they are cornered or in a bad mood, then look out ...
😅💯😁Hey, hey, we’re the Monkees always monkeying around…🎵
Remember friends in Ramore who also had stacks of comics(we moved often and comics didn't make the trips) and the pleasure of reading catching up on Superman and especially Wonder Woman those boots and lasso ohhh
I remember J Fred Muggs and a television show called Those Hathaways that had 3 chimpanzees living with a couple in the 50s. Who knew we were being prepared for scarey, ridiculous monkeys in our government screeching , pounding their chests, posturing, and throwing poo!
Indeed ... thanks for this Susan!!
What great ‘monkey’ memories, Sue! Loved reading them all! The story of your mom and dad’s table is so dear. I can clearly remember years ago always loving the table (and coveting it each time I would visit)! 😉 I’m sure your mom and dad’s love for each other remains in the wood grain of the table, and the intricate carvings. ❤️
Such a lovely thought, Lor! Thanks so much for this and for remembering xo
The story about catching your parents dancing!
What an amazing table, Sue! I loved your description of your parents carrying it home together, and the time you found them dancing. When other memories are volatile those moments of harmony can be especially precious. (And I can see why you chose to write about monkeys!)
Thanks so much, Wendy! I somehow thought you might appreciate my table too xo
‘...you live long enough, everything is sad.’ Really? And how long is long enough anyway?
My feeling is that even if you live alone and are the last one standing, that’s what memories are for. To warm you and give you soul-strength.
My mother was the last one standing of her friends in her late 80’s and it became our job to be there for her, to engage her. But with Mum, she had an essentially positive outlook and if she could feel herself becoming low, she’d light up a cigarette and would cook. This despite a massive loss of sight owing to macular degeneration.
She’s my role model, sans smoking. Ask me again in 15 or so years…
Meanwhile, today has turned into a 'brass monkeys' day. Brrr.
Thanks Prue - you're right of course and your mum sounds truly wonderful. Love her attitude! (Btw not ME suggesting that everything will be sad, just something I came across!) 'Brass monkey' weather, ha!
Thanks Sue! I LOVE that table just for its amazingness, but your story makes it even more magical. I hope it can always stay in your family with this story printed out in an envelope carefully tucked underneath. A hand-carved monkey table with a love story attachment will be a wonderful charm in any home.
Yes, the winged monkeys were so terrifying, powerful agents of darkness in the movie that I still adore. I read Wicked too many years ago (loved it too) to remember how Maguire handled them but just saw a trailer for part two of the Wicked movie and I was heartened to see them in action again, I'm sure as agents of justice. But your dancing scene is echoed in a new movie I saw after that trailer: The Life of Chuck. I enjoyed the movie immensely, though it raised some metaphysical quandaries that I'm not sure I like how they were handled, but the dancing ... Profoundly lovely.
Thanks for this short respite from the chaos, a good reminder that the world is a far more complicated place than "the MAGAs" would make it out to be, and that most of us are ready to embrace a kinder better balanced world.
Oh, Sea Monkeys! I wanted one, too! The backs of the 1960s comic books were so intriguing and I wished to order everything I saw. :-)
The story of your parents was poignant and made me compassionately curious about your dad and mom individually and as a couple. Thank you for sharing that.
As far as staying sane while the world spins around us, I learned how to stay in the moment when faced with life-threatening, potential bodily harm situations. The calm that came upon me, was me, and in those moments surprised me but I learned in hind-sight, the calm was survival.
Many things steady me: I see friends, family, and neighbors still going to work, taking their kids to swimming lessons, going to the grocery store, reading books - life doesn't stop even though there's a big "maybe something horrible will happen if something more horrible sparks all horrible things". Maybe. But today it didn't. I'm not dismissing the potential threats. I'm cheering for tenacity, common sense, neighborly love, and the hope that we will help each other when and if we need to.
I often feel that my readers think the same thing of me -"oblivious or not being impacted about the state of the world right now." I don't want to dwell on that, I cry easily so can't go there. Glad that you shared your monkey story. Yes, let's promote fun and personal happiness and development.
Thank you for making me laugh and laugh. I’ll read this again from the top after I pour another glass of wine. It really has everything, and more.
Pleased! You've made MY day :)
I love the sweet shared moments of your parents dancing. What a wonderful memory.
Thanks so much Chris for such a thoughtful, detailed response! And, the table *is* pretty sweet :)
Thanks so much Mary B for sharing all this and for your careful reading. It's appreciated. As is your cheering! Don't stop :)
Oh, Sue, you little monkey. 🐵 That antique monkey table is truly special, and so is the story of its provenance. It looks like it was made as a bespoke stand for a large Chinese cloisonné vase like the one I inherited from my great great grandparents. I should write a post about it!
Also-- I was introduced to PG tips tea from a friend who lived in England for a long time. Now I order it from Amazon (oops-- my bad.) p.s. I too want sea monkeys. That silly picture!!!