Aw, sweet fall.
The deer are anxious,
The turtles… smanxious.
And Bowie is not impressed at all.
Yes, fall is here, which means nights of harvest and weekends of hunting for Country Man, and I’ve been watching old movies in the homestead, like East of Eden, Baby Doll, and Big Hand for a Little Lady. I sit with a cup of coffee and sport my cute little Calvin Klein robe and marvel at the beautiful people and the beautiful way they talk.
I love the simplicity of their conversations and the way the writing does not underestimate the intelligence of the viewer. Most demonstrate emotional depth and conflict rarely seen in movies today.
But the thing I am secretly curious about is the lives the actors lived, and whether it was lovely, and if they are still alive, what they are doing now. We all know James Dean is long gone, but I didn’t realize he was only 24 and so captivating on screen.
So it seems mortality is on the mind, and as fall approaches it becomes ever so evident as the colors change, the garden shrivels, and dew collects on the windows each morning. Fall always arrives, and while it’s no surprise there is still something a bit sad about the way the branches submit and the leaves tuck in goodbye.
I feel this same way toward the old movies and the performers, wanting them to live forever and stay as they are on screen.
Carroll Baker of Baby Doll, 1956
Always young, always sparkly-eyed.
Carroll Baker is 81 and resides in California, Wikipedia tells me.
I will be heading to California soon to see my sister. Eek! Can’t wait.
Do you think Ms. Baker would mind a visitor?
I love watching old movies and foreign movies and letting them transport me
I never thought I would like old movies… but some are pretty darn good!
I love anything with Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Don Knots, John Wayne, or Elvis.
I hope you have a great time visiting your sister! Maybe you’ll run into some of those celebs!
I am crossing my fingers!
I love fall and I love old classic movies. Can’t get much better than that…well throw in some coffee and hot apple pie and I’d be golden.
If I could invite you over for fresh popcorn and a movie, I would!
That would be awesome!
Hey–I loved Carol Baker–her voice, her look…it was wonderful. And I’m heading to California soon, too–so maybe we’ll knock on her door together and give her a big, “Howdy”!
Yes! That would be awesome. I hope you enjoy your time in California!
Sylvia, I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!!!! The cut is beautiful and looks great on you!
Sarah–thank you so much for your nice compliment! I wear my hair short now that it’s silver…seems to suit me better than longer hair does. You are a sweetie for saying those nice things about me. Thanks again.
Your words are magic; there is a sadness about fall, isn’t there? Enjoy your visit with your sister! We’ve been to California a few times: Newport Beach, Laguna, Catalina, San Diego. SO different from our East Coast!
Your first picture is breathtaking!
Thank you Dianna! I can’t wait to see her.
This is why I come to your blog….always beautiful and I always feel like I am floating in your words. Enjoy CA and your visit with your sister. I go that way soon, too.
Thank you! It’s nice to just get away, isn’t it? I will be heading toward the Napa Valley area, and my sister is intent on stuffing me full of sushi and wine. No resistance here!
What a terrific post! I adore autumn; it’s my favorite season. And I love old movies too!
Thank you Beth!
Who knows, she might be thrilled to have a visitor!!!
lol, in my head, it goes extremely well!
In my recovery from surgery I have watched a great many old movies. I love them. And coffee. And fall. Aaaaahhhhhh.
Way to spend your recovery! Have you seen East of Eden or Baby Doll? I can see why Baby Doll was such hot button film at it’s time (even now, in some ways).
I think YOU of all people would be someone Carol Baker would welcome!! I love the way you write and invite us into your world … just SO lovely!!!
I adore old movies. There’s just something about them, the quality or the deliberateness of them…I’m not entirely sure. At any rate, enjoy your fall there, and the visit with your sister!
~d.
So interesting how perceptions about fall change depending on what part of the country you’re in. As everyone laments the end of summer on the east coast (and higher elevations/central US), we rejoice in the SW that the fiery inferno is finally cooling. Fall means outdoor fun (time to get back into my Jeep, Betty, for some off-road exploration), hiking, and riding a wave of excitement into mild desert winters. Ahhh… I can’t wait.
I hear ya — this has been a miserable summer! I am glad this means more bearable weather for you; hope you enjoy your cooler outdoor time!
I think when you are out in California, that you need to find a dress just like Carroll Baker in that shot from Baby Doll, and do your hair similarly, and scope out a boardwalk and pose the same way for a pic…what fun! Take a step in her shoes, even if just for a brief moment…;)
I love that idea!!