Cannot love this more. My dad dragged me to see all three original Star Wars movies when they re-released them in the late 90s. I was an adolescent and was horrified to be at a weird space film. Except I didn’t end up hating them. I absolutely became obsessed. For me, it wasn’t luke or darth. It was Leia. She was all spitfire and feisty woman and I had never witnessed a female character that mirrored myself. The whole series was the myth my awkward, traumatized self needed.
When I applied to my mythological studies PhD program, I wrote my entrance essay about Star Wars. Some myths will forever shape the core of who you are if you let them. I love that you let all of this unfold in your household.
A true leader and hero who doesn’t lose her grace or grit, even when objectified by Jabba. For a character created by a misogynist in a misogynist world, she was inspiring. My rebel heart ♥️ grew watching her courageously fighting back against insurmountable odds. It’s archetypal lore.
But my friends and I only talked about who we had a crush on: Luke or Han. We were tweens, after all.
Really enjoyed that, Katherine 💛 Grateful that it found a home here. And wow the newfound knowledge that Han Solo built Joan Didion’s bookcases has blown my mind—in the best way possible!
It took a search but I got there! Impressive indeed. Also came across pictures of young Harrison holding power tools (honestly, this information is the gift that keeps giving! ;)) Have had that JD documentary on my to watch list for AGES, so thanks for the nudge to dive in.
In the summer of 1977 I was ten and saw Star Wars when it first came out. That same afternoon my cousin and I jumped the ropes between theaters and also saw The Island of Doctor Moreau, from the 1896 sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells starring Michael York and Burt Lancaster. As much as I loved Star Wars, it was Dr. Moreau, the evil genius and his transforming-man-into-beast experiments, that sparked my fantasies the most. In the aftermath of watching the movie I roamed the fields and stands of trees near my home with my two dogs as companions, a set of post-Halloween plastic vampire fangs clenched between my teeth. In my imagination I was a half-man/half-wolf hero, the sworn enemy of the diabolical Moreau. I spent my summers largely alone, and I tried to get my recess friends to play Dr. Moreau with me once the school year started up, but they weren't biting, having not seen the movie. So we played Star Wars. I remain far more animist than Jedi. 😏 🐺
This is the first year that I won’t be participating in any Holy Week services (by choice) but here you are reminding me that myths still serve a purpose! Maybe we won’t go to church, but we’ll just tell some stories and eat yummy food. Or maybe watch Star Wars 😂
The most disappointing part of watching it with mt kids was they haaaated Han (“I love you”...”I know”) 😂😂 - I don’t think the mythology shaped my life, but he was my first Hollywood crush!
My first crush aged 7, was Luke. When the Empire struck back I had matured sufficiently, nearly 10, to adore Han. Haven't developed any further since. And now I know about Joan Didion's bookcase, we're set for eternity. 😍
Loved this, and had a similar thing with my partner and the kids. My thing was to show them the first Hocus Pocus last Halloween and we got about 10 minutes in and they asked to shut it off bc it was weird 😂😂😂
So many movies from the 80s did not age well 😂 we only got about 10 mins in to hocus pocus and my kids were horrified that they were talking about boobs 🤪
How old are your children? My daughters are 15 and 19, they loved Hocus Pocus seeing it for the first time last Halloween. Thought it was hilarious, ironic and set in the kind of Salem/Stars Hollow world of Pretty Little Liars/Gilmore Girls. Maybe give it another go another year? 🧙🏽♀️
There's something about the connection to genre fiction - sci fi or fantasy. I haven't worked it out, but the stories that resonate - especially those from my childhood and teen years. They're etched into my bones. They've become a part of me and the way I see the world. Thanks for sharing this. 💫
I love this. Thank you for sharing it here. The bookcases! The funny thing is that when I Google it, this post comes up. You and Harrison's bookcases are linked in perpetuity!
Cannot love this more. My dad dragged me to see all three original Star Wars movies when they re-released them in the late 90s. I was an adolescent and was horrified to be at a weird space film. Except I didn’t end up hating them. I absolutely became obsessed. For me, it wasn’t luke or darth. It was Leia. She was all spitfire and feisty woman and I had never witnessed a female character that mirrored myself. The whole series was the myth my awkward, traumatized self needed.
When I applied to my mythological studies PhD program, I wrote my entrance essay about Star Wars. Some myths will forever shape the core of who you are if you let them. I love that you let all of this unfold in your household.
May the force be with you. (Or happy Easter)
Always!
Yes! Leia!
A true leader and hero who doesn’t lose her grace or grit, even when objectified by Jabba. For a character created by a misogynist in a misogynist world, she was inspiring. My rebel heart ♥️ grew watching her courageously fighting back against insurmountable odds. It’s archetypal lore.
But my friends and I only talked about who we had a crush on: Luke or Han. We were tweens, after all.
Really enjoyed that, Katherine 💛 Grateful that it found a home here. And wow the newfound knowledge that Han Solo built Joan Didion’s bookcases has blown my mind—in the best way possible!
Google a picture of it! It’s a really good bookcase :)
It took a search but I got there! Impressive indeed. Also came across pictures of young Harrison holding power tools (honestly, this information is the gift that keeps giving! ;)) Have had that JD documentary on my to watch list for AGES, so thanks for the nudge to dive in.
Aaah, young Harrison!
Same! Could I love the man more?! It seems to be yes! Also, a carpenter on a reluctant mission fits pretty damn well with Easter.
In the summer of 1977 I was ten and saw Star Wars when it first came out. That same afternoon my cousin and I jumped the ropes between theaters and also saw The Island of Doctor Moreau, from the 1896 sci-fi novel by H.G. Wells starring Michael York and Burt Lancaster. As much as I loved Star Wars, it was Dr. Moreau, the evil genius and his transforming-man-into-beast experiments, that sparked my fantasies the most. In the aftermath of watching the movie I roamed the fields and stands of trees near my home with my two dogs as companions, a set of post-Halloween plastic vampire fangs clenched between my teeth. In my imagination I was a half-man/half-wolf hero, the sworn enemy of the diabolical Moreau. I spent my summers largely alone, and I tried to get my recess friends to play Dr. Moreau with me once the school year started up, but they weren't biting, having not seen the movie. So we played Star Wars. I remain far more animist than Jedi. 😏 🐺
This is the first year that I won’t be participating in any Holy Week services (by choice) but here you are reminding me that myths still serve a purpose! Maybe we won’t go to church, but we’ll just tell some stories and eat yummy food. Or maybe watch Star Wars 😂
The most disappointing part of watching it with mt kids was they haaaated Han (“I love you”...”I know”) 😂😂 - I don’t think the mythology shaped my life, but he was my first Hollywood crush!
My first crush aged 7, was Luke. When the Empire struck back I had matured sufficiently, nearly 10, to adore Han. Haven't developed any further since. And now I know about Joan Didion's bookcase, we're set for eternity. 😍
😂😇
Loved this, and had a similar thing with my partner and the kids. My thing was to show them the first Hocus Pocus last Halloween and we got about 10 minutes in and they asked to shut it off bc it was weird 😂😂😂
Labyrinth got a very disappointing response at my end!
So many movies from the 80s did not age well 😂 we only got about 10 mins in to hocus pocus and my kids were horrified that they were talking about boobs 🤪
How old are your children? My daughters are 15 and 19, they loved Hocus Pocus seeing it for the first time last Halloween. Thought it was hilarious, ironic and set in the kind of Salem/Stars Hollow world of Pretty Little Liars/Gilmore Girls. Maybe give it another go another year? 🧙🏽♀️
He built Joan Didion’s bookshelves!!! I would have given you the reaction you wanted!
🤣
May the Force of Spring be with you!
There's something about the connection to genre fiction - sci fi or fantasy. I haven't worked it out, but the stories that resonate - especially those from my childhood and teen years. They're etched into my bones. They've become a part of me and the way I see the world. Thanks for sharing this. 💫
So enjoyed reading this. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful. Thank you for the lovely read.
I love this. Thank you for sharing it here. The bookcases! The funny thing is that when I Google it, this post comes up. You and Harrison's bookcases are linked in perpetuity!