"You Can't Take It With You"

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Those of you who are lovers of old movies I'm sure the title of this blog post brought back memories of Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore and of course the amazing Director, Frank Capra, but for those of you who haven't seen the movie (or play) go rent it!  No excuses just because it's in black and white, that's what makes it even more endearing. 

"The film is about a man from a family of rich snobs who becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family." ~Wikipedia

The moral of the movie is to learn that life is short, do what you love, enjoy what you do and money isn't the be all end all.  Somehow we always make it through, the good times and even the bad times!  Unfortunately, so many of us waste too much time worrying about money and only focusing our energies on material items, which in the end doesn't make us happy or fulfill those empty voids.

How much do we rely on material items, instead of time with family, friends and experiences?

Do we work only to provide extravagant items, or do we work because we have a passion, a love for what we do? If you don't have that passion, or enjoy your career, then find one you do!  You may be surprised how much more successful you will be at something you love, because now you put your whole heart and soul into it!

Now I'm not saying that beautiful items are not fun to have and enjoy, but don't let them be your undoing!  Because in the end, "you can't take it with you".

When was the last time you told your parents you love them?
How often do you give your children hugs and kisses instead of yelling?
When was the last time you held your spouse's hand? (you better not say since you were dating!)
Are you generous with the material gifts you have been given?  Would you give the coat on your back for someone in need?
When was the last time you took a family or couple vacation and spent quality time together?
How often do you volunteer your time at a nursing home, church, a homeless shelter or to a friend or lonely neighbor?

So, Word To The Wise... Love life, do what you love, care for others and be generous, because remember, "You Can't Take It With You"!

Neighborly Neighbors and Banana Bread

We are starting something new here at Provocative Manners!  Twice a week we will post "inspiration" photos.  Find out how we live, how we love and what inspires us as writers.

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)
~ We made an extra small loaf of banana bread for our neighbor who just had major heart surgery.  Do you know your neighbors? Show them you care! ~

Here's the Recipe!

~ The Rooster is a national symbol of Portugal. "Galo de Barcelos".  It represents good luck (honesty, faith, and justice).  You will probably find one of these in every Portuguese house. ~


If you're interested...the story behind the rooster!

http://pigletinportugal.com/2011/04/03/what-is-the-galo-de-barcelos/

"A pilgrim from the Spanish Province of Galiza was passing through the town of Barcelos when a crime was committed. The authorities, not having any other suspects arrested the pilgrim and sentenced him to be hanged. The pilgrim asked to see the magistrate who had condemned him in order to plead his innocence. An audience was granted and the pilgrim was taken to the magistrate’s house while he was having a banquet. However, despite the pilgrim’s desperate please the magistrate remained unconvinced as to his innocence.In a desperate attempt the pilgrim pleaded again and then pointed to a magnificent roasted rooster on a silver platter waiting to be served to the guests.
“Lord God” said the pilgrim “as Peter, your servant denied you at the cock’s crow, would that you show my innocence as your humble servant by this cock’s crow?”
Much to everyone’s amazement the cock came to life and started to crow and the pilgrim was immediately released.
An alternative ending….
In desperation the pilgrim pointed to the roasted rooster on the banquet table and said
“As surely as I am innocent will that rooster crow if l am hanged!”
The guests and the magistrates roared with laughter at the pilgrims claims and he was led away to be hanged. The guests, however, lost their appetite for the rooster and it remained untouched on the platter. The hangman applied the noose and as the pilgrim was being hanged the rooster stood up and began to crow. Realising he had made a grave error the magistrate rushed from the table to stop the hanging. Luckily the noose was faulty and the pilgrim survived and was released." ~pigeltinportugal.com