Spark of Madness

Oh, Robin…I miss you!  Isn’t it curious how we come to “know” and miss these famous people that never know of our existence?  The passing of Robin Williams has been weighing over my creative mind (and many others’ minds, as well), so I’ve been mulling over how to come up with a tribute to him while also keeping to my intended writing.  While he was never a huge part of my life by any means, I grew up watching and loving his movies.  I grew up in the heyday of Williams’ films: Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Patch Adams, Hook, Aladdin, Jack…I’m in my childhood home, now, and feeling nostalgic for those carefree days of childhood. As a teenager and young adult, I came to appreciate his films for older audiences: The Dead Poets’ Society, The Birdcage, Death to Smoochie, Good Morning Vietnam, and Good Will Hunting. Then there is his infamously hilarious and raunchy stand up.  

Future comedian?! Probably.

With this large and long catalogue of work, he left behind many wonderful quotes–quotes that are not only funny, but insightful, as well. 

“You’re only given a little spark of madness.  You mustn’t lose it.” ~Robin Williams

I’ve just, regretfully, checked-in for my flight back to Alaska.  Who regretfully checks in for flights to Alaska? Not many people, probably, but I am one of them right now.  I’m not ready to leave my friends, family and perfect summer weather.  I’m not ready to leave one “home” for my other “home.”

But I must.  Moving to Alaska was driven by my little spark of madness, I suppose.  So have many of the good things in my life: meeting Evan, deciding to embark on a life in education and agriculture, getting pregnant with sweet little Ava, and traveling solo for long periods of time.

Madison Farmer’s Market, how I’ll miss thee!

Hot summer nights eating ice cream! Not so common in Alaska.

My beautiful mama and I visiting the North Shore in Minnesota. Alaska shorelines kind of look this!

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world” ~Robin Williams

I can’t really figure out how to tie this one to my Upper Midwest trip, but it is such an important reminder.  We are often so focused on profit margins, new technology, war and peace, natural disasters and politics that we forget about the beauty of art.  Comedy is an art that has definitely changed the world for the better.  Words and ideas can bring light to darkness, new fuel to tired movements, and can inspire people to do revolutionary things.

“See, the problem is that God gives man a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time.”

As Farmgirls, I thought you’d all appreciate this.  Many of you have probably read and enjoyed it in the past. For the men out there—sorry if this offends you, but it’s too good, and it’s always fun when like pokes fun at like.  Plus, I know plenty of men who I assume can run both at the same time…but maybe not when they were teenagers.

Strong man number one in my life–my 90 year old, sharp as a whistle grandpa!

Uncle Kenny is a good guy, too

Ava’s Uncle Ian–the sweetest uncle a girl could ask for.

Aunt and uncle in a hammock? YES PLEASE!

Ava’s Grandpa Dennis can’t get enough!

This quote reminds me how lucky I am to have such amazing women in my life, and I had the opportunity to see so many of my favorite ladies on this trip.  From my grandmother and aunts to friends that I haven’t seen in years to the endlessly loving presence of my mother and step-mother, I am immensely grateful to be surrounded by strong females in all of the places I call home.

One of the strongest, smartest women I know! Visiting Ali in Seattle

Getting to know another incredibly talented and intelligent female family member!

See, the great thing about women is that God gave us a brain, a uterus and other fun things and enough blood to run all of them, plus sustain another life, at the same time!

“[…] The world is open for play, everything and everybody is mockable, in a wonderful way.”

Sometimes, I lose my sense of humor…it’s terrible, I know.  Being around my family always brings out the best type of mockery!  It’s playful, fun and generally pretty nice.  We all end up loud and laughing.  There are some funny folks in my blood line.  It’s good to be reminded not to take everything seriously.  We are only here for a short while and almost everything has facets of silliness.

Bunny ears never get old!  My aunt and Godfather at the Como Zoo in St. Paul

We should probably all be comedians.

Goofs!

“I love kids, but they are a tough audience.”

I spent more time with children on this trip than I have since before Ava was born.  After being away from teaching for almost seven months it was great to hang out with kids.  They are so much fun!  They are also full of curiosity, insight and great one liners.  My seven year old niece, Nola, shared two lovely insights with me.  One was about little Ava: (said while looking at a photo of daisies) “Some of them are flowers and some of them are buds getting ready to bloom, just like baby Ava!” The second was a slightly snarky question: “So, when are you and Evan going to get married?  I mean, you have a baby…” Haha, tough audience indeed.

Nola, the witty one

Having fun with friends!

With sadness in my heart at the tragic loss of a person who brought happiness and smiles to those across the globe, I hope you all find something to smile about today and all days.  If you can’t bring yourself to smile about something, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help!  You are loved!  I love all of you for helping to make my life possible.

For some smiles, check out Robin Williams meeting Koko the Gorilla, it is so sweet:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j1Hq8L28Us

Until next time, 

Sending you peace and love from…MN/WA/AK!

Nanu Nanu,

Alex, the Rural Farmgirl