Daily Jots

"It’s Groundhog Day"

Thought of the Day:
“When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn’t imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.”
Phil Connors – “Groundhog Day”

An Offbeat Holiday:
Today is Groundhog Day. Supposedly, when a groundhog peeks out of his hole, what he sees determines whether winter is almost over, or is going to hang around another six weeks. It’s just a tradition that has always been there.

One of my favorite movies is “Groundhog Day.” I love the idea of someone who has their life so out-of-whack, that fate, or a Higher Power, intervenes to straighten him out. It isn’t an original theme; “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and “Family Man,” are two other examples and I know there are more. But the groundhog movie really drives the point home. I once tried to determine how long Bill Murray’s character was forced to relive February 2nd, and I think I came up with approximately two to three years (based on various things that happened, but mostly the piano playing). It took him that long to get his priorities in the right order. Of course, then he “got” the girl and everything moved forward. (I am sure this breaks every rule quantum physics has to offer, but in this case, suspension of belief is the better part of the experience.)

I did a little research on Groundhog Day, and was looking for something really profound. Well, I didn’t find it, but I found something that was pretty interesting – people on the east coast probably know this but I didn’t. Puxsutawney Phil is for real. In fact, the whole town is. And the Groundhog Day ceremony happens just like they show it in the movie. This has been going on for over 120 years (obviously with descendants of the original Phil but the town fathers claim it is the same one).

But the best part of this? You too, can be a part of Puxsutawney Phil’s legend. You can join the club or better yet, you can start your own chapter in your area! Don’t laugh – the 101st Airborne has their own chapter. There are chapters all over the United States. Take a look and join up – give yourself and your community a little bit of the fun that can be found at Gobbler’s Knob today.

"It’s Groundhog Day"

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