I read Homer’s The Odyssey back in high school. I remember my teacher was Ms. Blevins. She was hardcore and not to be fucked with. Her nickname (please remember it was the 80s) was Large Marge (her first name was Margaret), the Academic Barge. Yes, at 54 I realize that is a bit harsh. Alas, youth.
I was a product of the poorest education system in the state of Ohio. It was not great. I will say I had an outstanding Academic English teacher (now known as college prep), Ms. Blevins, and an equally amazing science teacher. Thank you, Mr. Potts. The rest of my classes were a bit hit or miss. I graduated fairly high in my class. I did not learn much—especially in Math. My math teachers may have tried. I may have just been hopeless. I can accept that. Either way, I can barely add and subtract.
Last week, Josie and I went to see the movie The Odyssey while she was home before the fall semester started. I feel Ms. Blevins would have eaten this shit up. She would have made us read it and then taken us to the theatre to watch it. Case in point: We read Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men in class and don’t think for a second that woman did not haul our happy asses to Miami of Ohio University to see the play. For the record, that was about the end of me. Yes, I had read the book, but theater is my weakness. It made me collapse. I was inconsolable the whole way home on the bus—about 90 minutes.
Some years later, my soon-to-be husband found Of Mice and Men on my bookshelf. I just remember him coming out from the bathroom with tears streaming down his face, sobbing, “How could you not tell me?!” My response was, “I thought everyone knew.” Clearly, he did not. Dear readers, if you have not read Of Mice and Men and decide to, just know it is tragic and sad AF. It’s also a great book. Enough said.
Back to the Odyssey. It is an epic tale. The only thing a bit difficult about the movie is the myriad of stars that graced the screen. At times it was a bit distracting. I got past it. It was really, really good.
I love that movies like this are made to reel in another generation to the classics. Josie knew a little about the Odyssey, but this brought a lot of parts together for her. It was well done, and I appreciate it—especially since it’s been a minute since I have read it.
My most recent contact with the Odyssey is Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou. This is one of my all-time favorite movies and is obviously based on the Odyssey. It is perfectly done and, by God, long live George Clooney. I really want Josie to watch this movie next. She may hate it, but she needs to see it. Best. Cohen. Brothers. Movie. Ever.
Classics are critical in the modern world. We need to read them, see them on stage or in a theater. I’m so grateful for Ms. Blevins’ choices for our reading selections in Academic English. Lord have mercy, this woman gave me Slaughterhouse-Five. One of the best books ever. My life would be so much less without Kurt Vonnegut and my love for trees. While I feel I had a shit education, I realize Ms. Blevins and Mr. Potts totally brought their A-game. They made me a questioning and well-read individual. I’m most grateful. Long live the classics and the Black Walnut tree (scientific name: Juglans nigra). Yes, I still remember that.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
