It has become apparent that I dwell in the land of nostalgia as of late. I freely admit that the famous first line, “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…” only rings true for me in its latter half. We are drowning in bad times, folks. But, hey. That doesn’t stop me from somehow having a good time.

I love doing nostalgic shit like watching old movies, but you know what? I like some new movies as well. For every one of my favorite WOODY ALLEN movies (don’t hate me for that. I don’t believe that he behaved quite as terribly as other people seem to), there is a pretty funny and engaging new movie. By new, I have to say within the past decade. Some of my more current favorites are Juror No. 2, Knives Out, A Marriage Story, Am I OK?, Let Them All Talk.

I have such fierce nostalgia, though, for older books. It turns out that I don’t much care for the Fantasy genre of literature that so many of my students are now obsessed with. However, I DO understand WHY they are obsessed with it: it is clearly their escape from what is tantamount to hell on earth. They would much rather live on other planets or in other dimensions, since this one sucks so fucking much.

Diving into the escape world of nostalgia….I like to imagine living in a Dickens novel. Everyone had such fine manners, even the shittiest people! I’ll insert myself into David Copperfield for a few moments, as an escape from the current american misery of the day (how could I even choose one?):

Audrey (Davy, they call me) Copperfield: But Pegotty, why can’t I come down for supper? I completed reading five books and wrote fifteen pages of maths .

Pegotty: Now Davy, you know that Mr. Murdstone don’t want you at the same table as he and his lady sister or his new loverly wife.

Davy: But his new wife is my own dearest mother! Does she not love me anymore?

Pegotty: Of course she do, Davy. Now put on a smile for your generous, strict step-father for he is a-coming up these here stairs, as I can hear.

Davy: Noooo Pegotty..Nooo!! I am afeard of him.

Mr. Murdstone: Well hello, Master David. We did not have the good-great fortune of seeing you at table this evening. Pray tell, what activity kept you from communing with the kind family who allows you to reside here?

Davy (looking down at the floor, pale): I was finishing my maths , sir. I do apologize for this infraction, but I had the thought that you wanted me to finish all work first and before the dinner time service.

Mr. Murdstone: That may well be, Master David, but your poor, distressed mother has keenly felt your absence and is therefore not feeling beneficent towards her husband, myself. So, if you are now unattended, I will command you to face your bedding while I use my stick on your arse. You foul and treacherous boy.

You see, even then I felt nostalgic for better times, like those. How polite they were! And what interesting vocabulary!

And so here’s to the days and times of the distant future and the more distant past that remove us sad folk from our present-day miseries.

here is a link to a T-Shirt I designed that says: Defend Freedom of Speech for All–

https://www.redbubble.com/i/tote-bag/Defend-Free-Speech-For-All-by-AudreesTees/174077800.P1QBH