Why life feels like Auntie Mame right now

I had a good day at work today, and then I got some news I’d been waiting on and then some not so great news.

Life is like that. For those who may not know, Auntie Mame is the film adaptation of a book written by Patrick Dennis about growing up with his eccentric Auntie Mame after his father’s passing. Mame is the polar opposite of his dad. She has parties and knows all sorts of interesting people and has surrounded herself with lovely things. Mame is the ultimate ‘lady of a certain age’ who has said “Forget that” to the rules of society. But she’s also kind, loving and thoughtful.

There’s a scene in the movie that takes place at the country house near her potential in laws. Patrick is going to marry well and his in laws are just like his father was. The in laws named the place ‘Upson Downs’ after life having it’s ups and downs. Hah Hah Hah. There was a musical and a remake movie starring Lucille Ball as Mame. No shade to Lucille Ball, but Rosalind Russell’s Mame has always had a special spot in my heart. From the first time I saw it as a nine or ten year old up until now. Rosalind reminded me of the best things of the older ladies I knew. Grandmama also would call me her ‘Auntie Mame’ because I would try and put a spin on the things we couldn’t change into the best way possible.

I had a licensure I was waiting for the state to approve and they finally did after a few calls and emails. Then, I got a response from an anthology I submitted to and they said no to my submission. The first time I got a response like this it stung less. It’s a different story, specifically written for their prompt, but I have to try and take another look at it–maybe I’ve got blinders on or something.

So maybe a rewatch of Auntie Mame is in order, I’ll sip my spicy bone broth and remember the lessons given to me by Rosalind Russel and say “Forget that” to society.