(for ages 10–20 3/8) (by Luc Jansen)
It was in the dawn of the 80s, when the ballad Valotte surfaced on the airwaves and brought a harmonic melody drenched in stirring piano. You could relate to the gentleman’s sentiment, the one he elevated like a javelin to the midpoint of the song.
And when one walked among the oak and maple lined trail towards the west if the song sparked some wonderment within your mind, another song would do the same a moment later.
One such song was a Sort of Homecoming and the live version showcased the Windmills nearby Rotterdam near the North Sea. These Irish poets had a creative source at Slane Castle, a stone monument in the countryside and the result was cherished by the crowds.
Someone wisely broadcast a European film called Nostradamus on one of the TV networks. They claim it was released in the 90s however, I seem to recall it being shown in earlier years. It’s a film that captures not only a mysterious life, but from the first scene recreates authentic depictions of the status quo in the 16th century. Possessing a sense beyond the intellectual capability of a genius, the historical legend easily draws you into his world. I quickly decided it was the greatest film ever made, however it isn’t for moviegoers under age 18 (rated R).
Later, the Norwegian Council of the Arts, or more accurately a talented author and actor, crafted what may have been the finest adventure film ever created, one that nearly spun a thousand year old legend into the alternative scene. Known as the Pathfinder (1987), a survival story in Lappland which took place under the most harrowing circumstances, it brought to life what is most endearing to those who a thousand years ago survived due to the bravery of the protagonist. The backdrop for this timeless story was unfamiliar and magical, so that the cast of characters were men and women we related to with ease. It is not to be missed on Youtube.
Dozens of other great films were crafted in those years and we were often moved by the poignant historical and fictitious stories being brought to life on the big screen. You could live vicariously in the shoes of scientist, a sports hero, or an immigrant and still can, with an affordable NETFLIX subscription.
After University first I read A River Runs Through It and then followed with The Snow Leopard. The first Novel cannot be recreated by any fiction author, because it wasn’t a novel at all, but rather a memoir which coalesced the tradition of mindful sports fishing with the sentimental recollections of time on the big rivers. It’s one of the books which stood the test of time and spun insights into the minds of the enchanted reader thereby demonstrating greatness in professional writing and profound connectedness with the wilderness.
The second text is priceless and echoes the first author only in the sense that both of these learned men knew the landscape’s as well as the locals and wrote of the complex ambiance surrounding the seasonal migrations. The author embraces the elaborate and gargantuan energy requirements, and yet is rewarded as demonstrated by his writing which contains such precision that each ten miles or so along the historical paths was shown to impact one through various astonishing atmospheric and native ecological transitions.
Though unconnected with the previous author, he emulates him by knowing his surroundings better than anyone. His retreat into the Asian mountain may have been intentionally timed to adopt the Eastern worldview during his trekking group’s ascent, one which may not have been documented by other experts with the same detail and commentary.
Later my reading preferences wandered into other fields and one day someone lent me a text called the Sunflower. Similar to the Diary of Anne Frank, it takes place during WW II. Although probably not a text for the younger readers, it’s mentionable here because of the impact it has on the reader who finds the conversations which took place between the author and the others was extracted from the historical record. Placed before you as though it was something which the world knew would be broadcast through the press, for some readers the text was simply in a league of it’s own, and leaves you nearly speechless.
When we were older, sometimes we would buy expensive concert tickets and wander away from the places we know so we could catch a glimpse of legendary acts like Coldplay in their prime. It’s only when the artistry narrowly escapes being uncreated, that one realizes the ballads such as Viva la Vida carry such ambiance into the concert venue that the vibe drafted through us. In another dimension the concert goer’s secret hope the song would continue on for another 15 minutes would come true.
End part I
