Best Years of Our Lives

The best year of my life is this one.

It is the best year because it is the one I have.

I live in the moment.

I do not look back.

I do not anticipate tomorrow, because if I did I would be missing right now.

And so right now would be lost to me.

The past is HistoryThe future is a mysteryToday is a gift- - -that's why its called the present

The Best Years of Our Lives

And these are those but we don't seem to appreciate that.

Good morning LOT, RY, & STONEY.........................have a wunnerful day!
 
STONEY......................I agree & I do............................

Thanks, Mr. Peterman, for the picture of the B-17 Flying Fortress. I miss my uncle, and I can't help but feel that we have an acute shortage of real heroes today. Perhaps it's just the times, events move in ambiguous directions, and it's easy to decide that we are powerless to change our own destiny. On the other hand, the opportunities are limitless, assuming of course we are able to gain a clear vision of a goal that isn't merely a mirage. My goal this morning will be quite limited, unless of course I can find that last bag of premium dark roast that I seem to have hidden from myself in the freezer.....lol

I think I remember that the film was also a book (perhaps after the movie), and I read it many years ago.  From the distance of over sixty years, the men from WWII do not look unique.  The travails of returning to civilian life have been repeated many times with veterans who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the numberous smaller military forays this country has indulged in.  WWII was bigger and men in it fought longer, but the effect on them was no different than that of a man who has had multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, or those with several tours in Vietnam.  You learn your limits and you learn your mettle.
I will join the rest of you.  This is indeed the best year of my life.  It is truly that gift of God which we call the present.

Sometimes the characters don't have to be extraordinary to be extraordinary. It is the strength of the story not special fx. Later in the 60's the anti-hero would forever change the role of the leading man. The film inspired one of Samuel Goldwyn's famous Goldwynisms: "I don't care if the film doesn't make a nickel. I just want every man, woman, and child in America to see it." The image of the graveyard of old warplanes to symbolize that the war had used up the best years of these men's lives and the way the handicapped must deal with life's simple tasks made this film a real milestone in Cinema especially in 1946.

Good morning. I know I have seen this movie but I don't really remember it. What I do remember is a television series called "Family At War" which starred Judi Dench as the young adult daughter. It was many episodes and I looked forward to each week. Anyone else? HAZEL?

Again thank you fellow Village military veterans.

This is not the best year of my life, BUT I have had many best years and I know that next year will be the best year of my life!

STONEY -- I agree 100% with your astute summation of Downton Abbey, especially about that annoying Daisy.

My nomination for best actor is ,,,, pause,,,,,drum-roll,,,,, the joker who turned up on my doorstep this morning offering to resurface my driveway. Now, I know you shouldn't judge a book by its covers, nor indeed, a film by its pre-release hype, but  this guy was of the tribe of the Great Unwashed. It so happens the Local Authority are resurfacing a section of road about a mile from my place. Hm-mm. To  do this, the old surface is scraped off by a huge machine which renders the by-product into a gravelly tarmac-y looking substance which looks fine when it's laid down, but first time it rains ..... at first, we got into a fairly combative discussion, as he was determined that he could sweet-talk me into wasting a considerable sum of money. The conversation got sillier and sillier and he was dancing from one foot to the other in desperation, so much so that I asked him if he needed a pee. No he said, this is a grown-up tantrum I learned in Anger Management Class. No yelling and screaming - right? Well, I just fell about laughing, gave him a hug (never mind the smell) and said well done! (I think most of you would say 'Gooood jaaarb!') So I put the kettle on, got some nice dry newspapers to put on my damp garden bench and shared coffee and biscuits. Once he was off duty on selling a rubbish product, he was so interesting and funny. I gave him a bit of a lecture about showers and clean clothes, expecting an explosion of foot-stomping and because the interaction was now friendly, he said that he had got lazy about those things. He told me he thought he'd hit gold-dust when he found my place with a nice little car outside and a nice elderly lady inside. The people he works for call them "victims." As he was leaving in his scruffy old pick-up, the cheeky so&so says "You haven't got any scrap metal you want taking away, by any chance?" The story is taking shape on my long-suffering computer thing.

HL:
We have those people here in the US too. Around my area we have Irish Travelers.
They got my neighbor for $8,000.00 (About 5,000 pounds?) in roof repair they saw from the street. Needless to say she didn't need the repairs.  She was not their only victim. They got charged by the county and went to jail.
Especially the elderly need to be warned about this type of scam.

KORTHAL Best wishes and condolences to you.

Ha ha! Korthal!~ I didn't dare say Irish Traveler! Or even worse, Gypsy. This type of scam is rife over here and of course the elderly are the most vulnerable 'victims' It's put me in mind of Tinkers - traveling folk who would be passing by, mend your pots and pans, sharpen your knives and spades. I remember a man with a bicycle with a sharpening stone - he'd have to move the drive chain to drive the stone, pedalling like mad, sparks flying - you got a knife you could shave your legs with.
I somehow missed your sad news. Your name has been on my prayer tree for ages, but now in my mind.

Thank you both, CD and HAZEL.

I was reading yesterdays comments to catch up with all of you.    I am very sorry, Korthal, for the pain of loosing a dear friend.  Umm, my heartfelt condolences for you and your family, you and Korthal are both in my prayers.  Jax - I hope you feel better soon, but good to see you!
 
 
 
Hazel - please be very careful!!!  There have been reports down here some of those scammers have become violent, knocking on doors to "look at your phone bill prior to digging in your back yard" and when the door is opened, the THUG knocks them down and goes through the house.   I am glad your experience did not turn into that! 

The Best Years of our Lives is one of my favorite movies.  I've watched it dozens of times. I'm sure you must remember the Harold Russell character--he was the boy who came back from the war with no hands--just hooks.  He ended up selling his Oscar later in his life--you can read all about it online.   I love the movie because, to me, it was the first one I saw that delt with the issue of soldiers coming home; an early version of Coming Home.  And all the characters were so interesting and diverse. Frederick March drinks too much, Dana Andrews comes home to a trashy wife who doesn't respect him, Harold Russell was a football hero who has to come to terms with the fact that he has no hands and a girlfriend who still loves him. Hoagy Charmichael is in it too, playing the piano and singing songs.  I recommend it to any/all of you who haven't seen it or remember it.

Speaking of Irish Travelers, remember Brad Pitt in Snatch?  That's the film where the subtitles have ??? when Brad is speaking, his accent is so thick. I don't think I've ever had an encounter with anyone like that.  I love how you handled it, Hazel.  Here he thought he had found an easy mark.  Ha!

Thanks, PenX~ No way was I going to invite him into the house. It could have turned nasty, thank goodness it did not. He really was very funny and knew fine well that the job he was doing was not a good idea. What are you supposed to do when you live alone in an isolated place and somebody knocks on the door?  

Ummgawa, Korthal; My sincere condolences to you and yours. Forgive me for prattling on without saying anything.

Good morning all.  Read about your uninvited guest, Hazel, and thought it was probably your demeanor that kept the incident civilized.  I don't think I'm wrong when I think of you as someone very kind but also very able to take care of herself.  The picture of "It's not easy to pull the wool over my eyes so let's be nice about this."
 
On subject: One of my daughters had to do an interview of someone who faught in WWII.  It just so happend the writer for whom I was working was a retired Colonel having been in WWII, Korea and Nam.  When my daughter asked about the after affects of these on him and others he recommended she watch "The Best Years of Our Lives".  He told her he was sure the feelings discussed and shown in that picture were true of all wars before WWII and will be true of all that follow. 
 
We rented the movie, and my daughter watched it about four times.  She finally decided that when discussing the after affect on soldiers all she could do was quote some of the lines from the movie.  Her own words would be inadequate.   

HAZEL - you come to the door with the phone in your hand, dial 911 and tell the operator there is a stranger at your door.  If they are there on legitimate business, then he won't mind  the authorities coming to check it out, if he is not and ties to "push in" - help is on the way.  Or you can have a phone in one hand and a shotgun/tazer (which ever is prefered or easier...) in the other hand......  It is better to be safe than sorry Miss Hazel......You know us villagers - we worry about you!  

It's OK, PenX~ it's not a nice thing to say, but people, like dogs, recognise when you are not scared of them.

FOOD!!! Today in the UK is panacke day. Shrove Tuesday in the Biblical Calendar. I'm just doing mine with lemon and lime juice and caster sugar. Super thin.

Best Years of Our Lives was, indeed, a very powerful film.  I would periodically see it on a late movie as I babysat.....and as the news that preceded the late movie always seemed to be full of war and conflict and general talk of world unrest, the film was that more poignant.   While I generally preferred lighter romantic comedy this one struck me with a realism that I was too naive to fully appreciate, but always remembered as the bedrock of the film.    

Haze~ two words  KUNG-FOO KITTY    train at home, ready to defend, easily aroused by the sound of a knock at the door, or a can opener

My Burmese cat is very dog-like and will attack anybody who she sees as a threat to me. Sound of a can opener and she's wrapped round my ankles.

Myrna writes in her autobiography about how she accepted this "small role". Because it spoke to her, despite her manager telling her the screen time wasn't worth it. When it comes to War Films that show the human side of war this 1 & Mrs. Miniver are the best.

Had the privilage to share another Fat Tuesday Breakfast with Stoney. Always a Great Pleasure.

rings90 VERY JEALOUS!

Movies are great historic records on past-life, teach civilities of everday life, and enjoyable for the most part, but ...here.... we.... are, Today,....Ta...Tahhhh...... living in the present, ....yesterdays gone,....today is all we have,..... and as we act quiqui (ruler of our home) we should thrust  & focus our passionate hearts on creative- funfilled ways to enhance a productive day; to excell our being of nature in this world. Utilize every facet of our soulfulness to help promote beneficial goals/achievements into the minute of the hours..to prepare for the next day......" we know as tomorrow." Tomorrow will arrive as a day of new beginnings, forge ahead with courage, build bridges with each other, revamp your brain patterns, think with fresh-minded brilliance! Get life going...don't wait for a "re-run," movie to replace your life dreams..thoughts and ethics....create your movie adventure with everyday life....you will be happily surprized!

HAZEL - what would we do without you and your stories.  You are such a Gen!!
DEB - am distressed that your year is not going well.
 
We watched The Best Years of Our Lives recently, streamed on NetFlex.  For sosme reason I found the movie rather sad this time.  I was young during WWII but not so young I do not remember it.  My father was in the Navy and we lived on an ammunation depot in Crane, IN.  So very long ago. 
I live very much in the present and don't look back very often but when I do, it was always pleasant.  There are memories.
 
Happy FAT TUESDAY Villagers.

You know, no one likes a braggart, rings90. ;)
 
I hope you got an extra good hug from Stoney.
 
 
 
 

HAZE - that was supposed to be GEM!!

The Christmas before my father died, a bunch of us went to dinner.  It was Dad, one of my sisters, and most of his 7 grandchildren who, at that time, were in their early 20's.  We went to a local restaurant that was within walking distance of his apartment. After a lively dinner, Dad and I walked home together. He was walking slowly by that time (he had cancer, but didn't tell any of us, but that's another story).  Anyway, Dad, the fast-walking like only people who walk in New York walk--you know what I mean, and I were slowly going up the street together, watching my sister and the kids ahead of us. He said to me, Laura, these are the best times of our life.

Thanks, Giraffe. Nice to see you.
I'd love to have breakfast with rings and Stoney and learn about the mysteries of American food, in between laughing a lot.
 
 

I margorie ~ I too had a similar experience just this past weekend.  Four of my cousins and I met for lunch and then went to visit our uncle who, unfortunately, is in a nursing home.  He's 92, not well, bedridden and not mentally acute any more.  But he was a Marine MP in World War II, the last surviving brother in a family of 12 siblings and somehow managed to be everyone's favorite uncle.  As you can imagine, visiting him is difficult when he no longer recognizes us and speaks only of those who passed, as well as remembering the big strong man that he was, it's difficult to accept his life now. 
 
This time, though, one of my cousins in an inspired move, brought a large envelope of old pictures with him that he inherited from  various family members.  These pictures were 50-60- even 70 years old or more.  He brought a picture that he let me have, of my brother and me, that must be 65 years old.  As we were showing him these pictures, we gradually saw his eyes light up with that old gleam, a smile and even his voice gained a stronger timbre.  He told us who everyone in the pictures were, recognized some of us now and had us laughing.  He told me he remembered my wedding and when I told him I've been married 50 years now; he said: You're still a bride.
 
He loved the day and we felt that this was one of our best times of life.  Though remembering the past, he was seeing the future and though shocked when I look in the mirror, these truly are the best times of my life.  To be with people who you love and love you in return, to laugh and remember and to bring a little joy to someone just by being there.  I'll treasure the memory of this day and only hope that he remembers it too.

Thanks GIRAFFE, I appreciate that.

now after all that, how could I spell your name wrong.....I marjorie ...sorry

Well, it was another nice Fat Tuesday breakfast hosted by rings90… thanks pal.
What an interesting time and place: a serpentine line reminiscent of DisneyWorld; lots of children, some very tiny and a polka ensemble of old fellows to which the line passed close enough that you could smell the Absorbine Jr. on the sax player's knees.
I had the feeling that, if not distracted by me, rings would have come away knowing the name, age and shoe size of every kid in the place… very attractive, that.

This will give you an idea of how we passed the time waiting for our pazckis;

http://youtu.be/s5DSIPYLXKI

  

l marjorie~ my Dad was one of those men who would not go to the doctor. It's a big topic for another day.

Andy,
 
Don't worry about the spelling--it's sort of an alias anyway. I love your story!  I had noticed the picture you are talking about--you posted it, right? Such a cute picture of you and your brother.  It's wonderful that you were able to share that day with your uncle and recapture some of his old spirit.
 
We were fortunate, Dad never lost his mental agility. His body just gave out.  He went very quickly which was good and bad...
 
I live in the present.  Life just keeps getting better.

I marjorie ~ Yes, I did post it.  My brother was always told that he must take care of me and there he is (whip in one hand) but his arm around me.......and he still feels that way.
 
I do agree, life gets better and better.  I, too, live in the present and you know what?  The present is pretty great.

Andy, I hope your brother is still taking care of you (but without the whip) and I hope that you still go to the circus wearing bloomers and a bare midriff!
 
LOL!

Ta .....Tahhhhhhhhhh...I posted Vintage Victorian Hats on an Iron Gate for sale...at one of my Victorian Vendor Tables on the Western Avenue, North side Pittsburgh enjoy..

I marjorie ~ I told my younger cousins that was the last time with a bare midriff -- now, about the bloomers ;)
 
My brother worries about me and would take care of me if I asked.....he's sweet that way.

My great grandmother's sister had four sons.  One was a recruiter.  The other three boys went off to war.  All three came home in caskets.  I cannot imagine the suffering she experienced or the bravery of her sons.   I have been blessed to stand in front of "The Wall":  the VietNam memorial.  What is sto striking is the silence.  When hundreds of people walk in front of this wall filled with names, one's reflection can be seen in the granite.  How humbling to know all these very young men gave their lives. . .  Arlington National Cemetery is the same way.  As far as one can see, crosses stand row on row. . . Flanders Fields.. . . .how humbling.   These who are still with us should be cherished.  Hard times they endured with such dignity.

Yes, spring rain~ the silence around war memorials is uncanny - seems like even the birds don't sing.

Hazel, Yes. Thank you for eloquently saying what I could not.  You are very right.

Spring Rain ~ Visiting the Vietnam Memorial was one of the more moving experiences of my life.  There are always those that are there with flowers, taking rubbings of names and as we were, just quietly reflecting.  It is especially moving when you find the name of a person you knew.

My favorite scene from the movie is when Fred decides to leave town and gives his father his medals saying, "They were passed out with the K rations."  All the disillusion and pathos of the best Greek tragedy is in his face when he says it.  It's a hard thing to fly so high, then have to walk the earth.

My favorite scene from the movie is when Fred decides to leave town and gives his father his medals saying, "They were passed out with the K rations."  All the disillusion and pathos of the best Greek tragedy is in his face when he says it.  It's a hard thing to fly so high, then have to walk the earth.

Sorry, my browser didn't indicate the post went through.  Oops.

As Charlie Brown's Lucy always reminded us, there are hills and valleys, but Lucy always wanted only ups.......not possible. We have to take the downs with the ups, and as so many have opined, look for the moments that are "the best of times." I have always tried to live as if the present is that.

Too much looking back can cause one to dwell on mistakes, leading to blame, often causing guilt and feelings of insecurity, and I just won't go there! I have known too many people who ruined their lives and the lives of those around them by wallowing in their misery, feeling sorry for themselves, and being sad. No thanks. Willie Nelson has a song for that: "Ain't Nothin' I Can Do About It Now!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5INUyqCWrA&feature=player_embedded

On the other hand, condolences to Ummgawa and Korthal for the sadness in your families for your losses. There is also a time to grieve and remember.

Slim- Good stuff- sign up and get yourself an honor roll medal for your post. Yeah, somehow using IE you never know if the post went through or not. Mr. P's worldy sense of humor I suspect. Aloha!

Just landed the role of Judge Taylor in To Kill a Mockingbird. I am a character two bit character actor and love it. As Martin Short says, "What's great about being a character actor is you know that you can survive forever. It's not about the gloss of your eyebrows." I believe Harold Russell had no formal acting training. He hocked his Oscar to pay for his wife's medical bills. He's my hero.

Slim--you nailed it. I don't think I could have named a favorite scene, but I do remember the one you so well describe.

Andy, yes. You are correct.  I have visited "The Wall" late at night-- 11:00 pm-- and people were there.  It's so sad to know most of these fallen were teenagers and young ones in their early 20s.