Merry Christmas! Not much to say today thanks to the holiday, just a small post to keep things rolling. I hope you're having a good one.
Only two things to share today. The first is the above video on weird Christmas stories, and the second is today's Cannon Cruisers episode, also on a Christmas movie. I'm sure there's much more out there, but this is all I wanted to share directly with you.
The film we covered is 1971's The Christmas Martian, a fairly unknown family film from Canada, that did, however, have much more influence on what came later than you probably know. Highly recommend listening to this one if you enjoy Christmas and/or family movies. It's quite a unique project work looking into.
Anyway, that's all for today. Have a good week and a good rest and I'll see you this weekend. 2024 is almost done, but we've still got plenty to do.
I don't have much to share this weekend since it is the dead center of one of the most festive times of the year, but there are a few things I wanted to mention. The first is the above image and how it perfectly encapsulates what adventure writers are trying to do. It also shows exactly who we are and what we strive to become.
There is more to life than the hamster wheel. Don't let anyone tell you and different. The only ones who don't want the prisoners dreaming of the outside world are the prison guards, after all. That said, it isn't always escapism to dream of such things. Sometimes it is just longing for the supernatural end of the natural world we were given. It is longing for what we can already know is out there but just have little idea of how to reach with our own power. Human beings both over and underestimate ourselves to strange degrees. It is what the comedy and tragedy genres are both about, after all. Sometimes we get lost in our own ambitions or vices.
Escapism can be a bad word. When being confronted by the harsher elements of reality, one can use it to avoid their problems to a harmful degree. Think drugs, alcohol, or addictions. All of those things that can be used in healthy moderation can in turn be made a vice if put on a pedestal above other things. One can really do this with anything to the point of obscuring what is important. They might even need to outright neglect of important things, in the end.
That said, the above image by Boris Vallejo perfectly encapsulates the importance of both imagination and the core mission of writers such as myself. It is to remind readers that there is more to life than this. there is more than you see on a daily basis. That is not to say there is nothing valuable in everyday life and that it all must be escaped, but to show that you as an individual are a valuable thread in the tapestry of our society and that it all connects together as one whole in ways we can't even imagine. Everything matters, and there is more to it than what you can see. Though you might think your everyday slog is worthless and a waste of time, it is not and neither are you. And just like the above barbarian, you are also secretly a strong warrior capable of much more than you or others think. It's not so much escapism, but a reminder of who you really are.
Wonder stories exist to present this key truth in the mystery of existence in ways the audience might not expect. Though we might not always see it, and those leaders in charge might forget it themselves, you do matter and you have much to offer. The job of writers is to show that there is meaning in everything, even what might seem mundane is secretly much more than that. The land of the faerie exists around every corner, behind every tree, and down every strange alley, just out of sight. Wonder tales are reminders of greater things that await in the smallest things.
Christmas does this, too. In a manger in some lowly country off in the middle of nowhere, covered in dirt and surrounded by animals, there is a Baby most would never even know was there, and that Baby is the Greatest of us all. Where you least expect it is the most valuable discovery you will ever find. This is true wonder.
So this holiday season, please remember that one truth, no matter who you are and no matter where you are in your life. We may think that we're alone or that we're fighting an endless battle, but we're really not. In fact, we've already won the most important one, and we didn't even have to do anything. In comparison, our everyday squabbles and troubles, regardless of how big they might seem to us right now, aren't quite so bad. This will all eventually pass. Besides, we're fierce warriors, aren't we? We're capable of so much more than we believe we are.
Let us, hopefully, never forget that.
Have yourself a Merry Christmas, and I will see you very soon.
I hope you're having a good holiday season. It's been a rocky year for many, but today is a day when you can think of higher, better things. For a few moments you can relax, even if you have things you must do. That is what holidays are actually for.
For those who have the time, or are looking for something a bit bizarre, I have just the treat for you. Check out this public domain Christmas broadcast from 1992. It contains several cartoons that are free to view.
It's a strange thing to post, but this is a strange blog. So sit back, relax and have a breather this Christmas season.
You've earned it.
2022 is just around the corner. You made it this far, you can make it the rest of the way! There is much more to see, and much more to do. However, now you can take a rest and congratulate yourself for another year survived.
Have a good Christmas season!
Enjoy this playlist of public domain Christmas songs, and have a fruitful week!
It's been a tough year for everyone, but it's almost at an end. Before we go, however, we have one of the best holidays of the year to go through. I'm going to help make this one better. Well, as best as I can, anyway.
In lieu of a big post today like usual, since I'm sure my readers have many plans over the next few days, I decided that I would share with you one of my favorite pieces of Christmas from back when I was a child that continues to this day. Here is something you can share with you and yours this Christmas.
My mother introduced me to this radio show by Canadian personality Paul Reid back when I was a child. He died just before most of my readers were born in 1983 at the too young age of 56 years old, but since then his radio show, specifically his Christmas show, still gets endless play depending on where you live. There is a reason for that.
Mr. Reid's show was one that celebrated the Christmas season as one of pure joy, and he did it with a personality that easily connects with the listener. They don't make radio like this anymore.
Yes, you can tell he was a member of the Greatest Generation, my grandparent's (and most of my reader's grandparent's) generation, which adds a bit to the way he tells a story, especially the way he talks of his own parents. You catch a glimpse into the world that once was and it is hard not to be a little moved by how grateful he is for the life he led.
Paul Reid first came to prominence with a series of short vignettes entitled Count Your Blessings in which he talks about taking stock in the little things in life. But his popularity only grew. He became known for reading poetry and strange life stories on the air, building a rapport with his audience. He was a quiet man, but one who liked to connect with others.
His fortunes only improved until he moved to Montreal during the 1960s (yes, the Expo '67 era) and hit his peak of popularity. It is there where he created what is still his most popular creation to this day: his Christmas show.
Hearing a Paul Reid show today is strange for anyone who has grown up listening to a modern radio show. There is no contempt for the audience or condescending arrogance, no lecturing or political posturing. It's just a normal man connecting with you by telling stories anyone can understand and attempting to make your day a little better.
This is epitomized in his Christmas radio show. This was collected in an album a long time ago, but never truly re-released since though you can get a CD at his official website. It's a shame but it is available to listen to online for free.
Here is the track-listing:
Side 1
My Family (04:06)
Christmas Decorations (02:47)
Midnight Mass (04:56)
Mom (04:39)
Dad (05:35)
Traditions of Christmas (04:56)
Side 2
The Spirit of Christmas (02:38)
The Littlest Angel (19:56)
From My House to Your House (04:09)
That should give you a good idea of the contents. You can hear the entire thing here. I highly recommend listening at night after everything has settled down. It's quite an experience. And yes, he talks about the Bible and Church.
Here is the official write up:
The live show revolves around Paul’s memories of Christmas while growing up as one of sixteen children. He talks reverently of his Mother and Father and how they made Christmas so special even though they were poor.
He reads other pieces as well.
The origins of the carol “Silent Night” A sermon by Peter Marshall entitled, “Let’s Keep Christmas”. And the favourite children’s story. The Littlest Angel”, by Charles Tazwell.
He talks about his favourite Christmas Carols and plays them all.
I'm not sure if I can sell this on you any more than saying that it deserves the popularity it has, and really connects you with a generation that has long since departed from this Earth. There isn't much else like it. Be sure to give the show a go.
I'll leave you with what is probably the most popular part of the show, Mr. Reid's reading of the old story The Littlest Angel. I know it is my mother's favorite part, ad what she used to introduce me to him at a young age.
Have a Merry Christmas, everyone, and I will see you next week!
Thank you to all readers of Wasteland and Sky for keeping it interesting around here, and have a blessed holiday season! It's because of you folks that I have a fun time thinking up posts every week. It's not that easy, trust me. But it still remains fun.
Here's to you and yours, especially those loved ones who are no longer there to celebrate with us. They are hopefully enjoying their greater reward. For those still here, please cherish those by your side. This is the time of year for that.
There will still be a regular post this week, but I wanted to acknowledge all you out there on this special day. Keep looking up, and God bless.
I hope you're having a great day as it is one of the best of the year. Christmas this year has been strange since we don't have a lot this year, but a lot more people seem more pleasant and happy than usual. Christmas is always odd that way.
Anyway, have a Merry Christmas and I will see you next week!
