Elusive Ink

Currently Listening
This Time Tomorrow
The Kinks
The Darjeeling Limited (Original Soundtrack)


Have I mentioned recently that Leesburg is amazing? I was looking over the website to the Tally Ho theater in Leesburg this morning, and noticed (to my glee) that they have classic themed movie nights, and improv comedy. (Pretty In Pink has to come up at some point, right?) They also rent the theater out for events, which could be a pretty amazing party, right? If you look at the pictures on the website, there's so much character.

I'm quickly discovering that Leesburg is where my heart is. It is the perfect city, hands down. I can honestly see myself being content in Leesburg/NoVA for the rest of my life. Can you be in love with a city? I am...I get that same excited and giddy feeling when I think about going to see it.

As I was discussing with Mom the other day, travel is quickly losing it's appeal. Of course, I still adore cultural experiences, and traveling. But the thought of living somewhere, well...foreign, constantly, for long periods of time. Not so much. We'll see where life takes me.

After looking over the Tally Ho theater's website earlier, I noticed their mention of showing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"as part of their Worst Movies Ever Made theme for the month of June. I'd heard of it, but had no idea what it was about...IMDb to the rescue. I'm always up for new experiences, especially movies. I love movies...something about the experience of watching a movie (good or bad) that you've never seen, just really appeals to me. Plus, I'm a huge fan of campy eighties movies, and creepy movies in general. (Carrie, anyone?)

Despite all of this, even the (spoiler-containing) synopsis of this "cult classic" made my stomach turn. I think there's a part of me that has a slight, sick curiosity - but not enough of one that would ever entice me to waste my time with a film like that.

Speaking of bad films...a more recent stinker I've had the unfortunate opportunity to watch, "The Mist" was undoubtedly the worst movie I've ever seen. I'm a huge Stephen King fan, at least as far as the screenplays/movies go. (I've only read a few books: Cell, The Eye of the Dragon) Carrie, Misery, The Stand, Secret Window...all purely amazing. So when reading the synopsis of the Mist, I expected your generic (superb) creepy Stephen King movie, with a redeeming quality at the end. I was quite disappointed, to sit through the entire movie...and feel completely hollowed out by the end. The movie wreaks of utter hopelessness, and needless gore. Thanks, Hollywood...next time I'll re-rent Carrie.

I have decided to start a list of "Must See At Some Point" movies...and am looking for contributions. Most are classics that, I know I should have seen, but for some reason just...haven't. Of course there's also some recent movies that I've yet to see.

The List So Far:

The Life Aquatic
The Royal Tennenbaums
Sweeny Todd
Speed Racer
Iron Man
Edward Scissorhands
Friday the Thirteenth
The Way We Were
Casablanca
Across the Universe
Pulp Fiction
The Phantom of the Opera
The Thing

Some of those Movies may seem to be odd selections, of course I hope it's obvious from the list that I'm honestly open to...anything. The most recent addition to the list is Friday the Thirteenth, after a rousing conversation with my parents about slasher films. It's apparently a sub-genre that is required for any true film buff. Of course, I'm an 80's kid at heart, anyway.

Speaking of the Eighties...it's all I can do right now not to renew my leg warmer fascination. I've always been the type of person to make odd fashion statements...and these are almost too good to pass up. I'm contemplating whether I should buy them or not. Those leg warmers just scream my name...and picturing them with my red SoHo heels? Must...resist...

Revisiting the title (which I've not touched on at all, yet.) The Darjeeling Limited is possibly one of the best films in existence. It is, by far, my absolute favorite. It's one of those movies that could have a positive effect on anyone, if watched at precisely the right time in life. The premise of the movie is a spiritual journey of three brothers. It's very representative, of the emotional roller coasters we face through everyday life, the symbolism of the train, the search for answers and human connections. Acceptance, spirituality, family, and resolution all play major themes in this monumental piece of cinema.

The Darjeeling Limited is actually the name of the train that the brother's ride on during their journey. There are times they run to catch up with the train and jump on, other times they're kicked off, intentional stops, and existing on the journey. I see a lot of parallels with life in these different events, and was discussing this with a friend of mine last night.

I was feeling, very hopeless and static. Living in Monotony. I said, I'm somewhere between Holly Golightly (very confused, alone, and doing all the wrong things to find fulfillment...running away from the journey.) and the Darjeeling Limited. He said, that he could see me going places. He knew that this wasn't permanent, or even for much longer. This was the "running" part.

Soon, I hope to catch up with the train.

Mom keeps saying..."Seventeen days." I know she must've already said it at least a dozen times today. I honestly hope that's true. In fact, I am resolved to make it true. I will not allow myself to stay confined, after the move to Leesburg.

My lengthy conversation with said friend, resulted in a lot of thought. I relayed that I'd been feeling, inadequate, unworthy of friendship or really any good thing. I knew it was a ridiculous feeling, yet despite all reason...that's how I felt. I told him, how I felt lonely, despite seeking God, despite trying to reach out and enjoy my family. I did all of the things you're "supposed" to do to feel fulfilled. Yet, I'm not.

Spiritual fulfillment is supposed to be enough, right? God's supposed to be able to quench any needs.

I don't remember exactly what he said that resulted in epiphany for me, but I just started realizing...that as much as spiritual fulfillment can satiate any need, that doesn't mean it necessarily will. There's not a magic bible verse, or prayer, or devotional that will suddenly make me less lonely. Sometimes (often) for growth as human beings, we're provided with opportunities. We're given a restlessness, and a goal to pursue. It's up to us to remain static, or reach out and conquer. We're given accomplishable trials and a drive to achieve them. Some more than others.

I'm not a static or monotonous person. I don't think I could ever be content in a static and unchanging lifestyle. I had been beating myself up with guilt over being discontent; but I've realized now, that I just need to use that discontentment as motivation to explore my horizons and take every new opportunity that presents itself.

I intend to do so.

Now...I have slipcovers to go look at. I suppose I've rambled long enough, anyway.

More later.
-Lindsey