Flying Monkeys

Alas, little blog, I return.

For as long as I can remember, I've loved the Wizard of Oz. When I was really small, before the days of VCR's, I can remember John and I getting very excited when the movie was slated to come on TV. Mom would make a big deal out of scheduling time out to watch it the night that it aired. Knowing her, she probably popped popcorn, threw some blankets and pillows on the floor, and let us have pop that night.

My love for the Wizard of Oz was reignited last year as Mom went with me to Chicago for a conference and we took time out to see the Broadway production of Wicked at the Ford Theatre. Knowing that we were going to get to go months in advance, we both read the novel "Wicked." The show was not a bit less than phenomenal. The message was so powerful. I love the paradoxical nature of the production and the fact that the Wicked Witch is completely misunderstood, living in a world where she champions for good only to be scapegoated by the true evildoers. It is a story of the underdog and an examination of what it really means to be good in a world that is worldly. As a fringe benefit, the music was amazing. It remains a favorite in my heart still, as evidenced by the continual playing of the soundtrack as I painted and painted and painted and PAINTED this last weekend.

How fitting then, that on my way to work on Monday, I see the following sticker in the back window of the car in front of me:

"Don't MAKE me release the flying monkeys."

I think it will be my new motto. What person, when feeling frustrated, angry, or pushed to the limit, wouldn't stop to laugh and consequently feel much better if they just blurted out this simple phrase?

This definitely takes the cake for the best bumper sticker ever created.