#40 - Don't Like Feeling Unsettled

Grey Gardens

This odd documentary is one of my favorites, but I didn't watch, when it recently popped up on TV. I'm sort of drawn to unsettling films that amuse me and worry me at the same time. Like the daily White House updates... I'm curious, but I try to stay away.

I feel a little guilty when I watch  the eccentric mother/daughter duo. I feel bad that Little Edie's  quirky behavior makes me laugh. That's mean.

​But I also feel like I'm laughing at myself, sometimes.

I'm not rich or related to Jacqueline Kennedy, but I can relate. Little Edie was the master of "sheltering in place"!

4 years ago, Don and I watched Grey Gardens, during my "stay at home" chemo days. We didn't have 28 rooms, but we found ways to entertain ourselves.

Little Edie and her mother, lived reclusive lives in their derelict mansion, in the 1970's. They amused themselves with old records and lots of cats. Now and then, Little Edie put on a nice song and dance performance. 

During those months in 2016, I felt a little cooped up. Like Edie, I had hair issues and wore a lot of scarves. After watching Grey Gardens, I often let Little Edie's spirit inspire some fun. Don and I got ridiculously creative with my collection of colorful scarves.

Channeling Little Edie

During these quarantine times, I haven't been in the mood to watch Grey Gardens, but I've been thinking about Little Edie and her mother. They weren't staying home for Cancer or Coronavirus. They were home by choice and they found many creative ways to amuse themselves. Little Edie knew how to have fun with "costumes". She carried on with her chatter and dance moves, while her mom watched and sometimes complained.

Sometimes I just need to put on costumes and hats. One day, I greeted my friends on Zoom, with a mask and gloves.

Don has played more of the "Big Edie" role. He puts up with my outbursts. He gets it though. When you're stuck at home, you just find more things to play with. Most of our crazier moments have NOT been captured on film. But the "Dance Like Nobody is Watching" phrase has definitely been put to use. 

The documentary is a an odd one and a sad one really. I don't recommend it for comic relief during Covid-time. But it's a good reminder that we all can just get silly at home. Most of us don't have a documentary crew filming, so there will be no evidence to haunt our families in future years.
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Cheers to Little Edie and her mom!