Big Fish



National Aquarium, Baltimore

My Daffodils bloomed this weekend making me want to watch Big Fish.   I like it because it's fun and Ewan McGregor getting the snot beat out of him in a field of daffodils is pretty sappy and sweet.  I guess I really am a romantic at heart.
In the movie the main character Edward Bloom talks about how fish grow to their environment.  I did some research and that's only partially true. Fish will continue to grow unless something stunts their growth.  Being confined in a small space will do this. Stunting actually hurts the fish and shortens its life.
The good thing is that, unlike fish, people have choices.  You can't change circumstances, but you have the power to control your actions and reactions.  I've seen people pack big lives in small spaces. In big areas, people will still live small, selfish lives.
 People think they have to leave home to grow, but it's more of how you choose to live.  You could have the normal story life--but where would the fun in that be?  I'd rather the story with a field of daffodils and  Big Fish. 

Colorful Fish Community

There's also the novel Big Fish: a Novel of Mythic Proportions, by Daniel Wallace.  It's a great read.

Oh, come on. I can't go back, I'm a human sacrifice. If I go back they'll think I'm a coward. I'd rather be dinner than a coward.~ Edward Bloom
 
Are you letting something stunt you?  What can you change about it?

Afraid

Are you afraid of the dark? 
Afraid of what lurks behind the door?
Afraid of what the doctor might say? 
Does that stranger make you afraid? 
The Boogeyman has nothing on me.  
I eat the monster in the closet for breakfast
and still hunt in the pantry to see what's there. 
I make Stephen King cry like a baby
and Neil Gaimen tremble--
they both come back for more.
I'm the difference between a settling house
and phantom footsteps in the hall.
I'm the almost heard whisper and
the barely glanced shadow.
I'm Imagination. 
I wander sometimes, but
don't leave me to my own devices.
I'm what makes you truly afraid.

A to Z Challenge #544

Is it March 31 already???
But it can't be.  That's just too gruesome!
This year my A to Z Challenge theme will be Random Variety--as in A Variety of Topics Not Necessarily Related.  One day may be a poem or song.  One day maybe a picture.  Maybe an essay or a flash fiction. 
I've had so many ideas and themes.  I may be political.  I may be religious.  I may be irreverent, serious,  and funny.  I'm sure I'll offend some along the way and hopefully inspire or encourage at least once or twice.  One night I sat down with a notebook and wrote out the alphabet letters and brainstormed. I loved how it was so weirdly eclectic.  I hope they're are as fun to read as they will be to post.
I know for some the challenge has already begun, but here in Southwest Louisiana we're still on Sunday night and I'm not late yet.  Just not as early as I'd like.  I'm glad for the challenge, though, as it makes me sit down and write.
Happy Reading.  I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone has to say. 

How about everyone else?  Are you intimidated by a challenge, or is this the accountability you need to get you going?

Wow!  1717 blogs?  I'd better get busy!