esrosedotblog

TENSION

I am alternately amused and shocked to see the tension between my expectations and reality. This is quite vivid when I am taking Franklin for a walk. Expectation: Franklin is a smart, well behaved, handsome dog who does all the things I think a good dog ought to do. Reality: Franklin is a smart, well behaved, handsome dog who does all the things Franklin thinks a good dog ought to do.

When expectation and reality are out of alignment, the internal struggle begins. The argument may not even be entered. I may react automatically, checking the leash; shouting 'NO!' If the thought process unfolds, it is, at first, about how to get HIM to conform. Neither of these tactics work. And, it leaves me pissed off and possibly contrite and guilty for over-reaction.

When I can relax, and realize that Franklin has all the stuff to make his own choices including stepping out of line and that I do not have to get in the way of his doing it, freedom begins to peek around the corner.

When trouble looms, the tension rises, I can breathe. Relax. Give it some time. See what happens. More often than not, even if I do have to intervene to get that goddam kleenex out of his mouth, I can do it kindly and with some perspective. The other thing is, that he might actually drop it first. This is a much better solution.

The gap between my expectations and reality shrinks. We are happier together. I get a better idea about being dog's best friend instead of his master. Some say we should 'master life". Perhaps we can become life's best friend.

CON

Today's movie: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN(2002). We missed it the first time around. We don't much like DiCaprio (cream puff), Hanks (success-bloated) or Spielberg ( beyond moguled). So, we eschewed the opportunity to see it on the big screen. Yet, gnawingly, the film's rep was good and got better with DVD so we got it. I have to admit that while all my assessments remain true, the named trio pulls something very special out of a hat; and we even endured through its 141 minutes. (Did I tell you I was movie usher raised on the 90 minute system and believe, to this day, that is all that is needed to get the job done).

We are supposed to dote on the transformation between Hanks and DiCaprio. Cop and prey. For me, the best parts; and the most emotional were the ones were between DiCaprio and Christopher Walken, his movie Dad. Walken usually plays the wild man and we love it and him; but here, he is Dad. Measured, calm, and in a dream world all his own. It is not hard to see how the son became the famous con that he did or that, when he paid the price, he became, and is still, enormously successful on the right side of the law.

So, gotta write this line: 'If you have not seen it, catch it if you can!'. Nudge.