Gotta stand and face it, life is so complicated

Living in the past and facing the future, at the same time

“It isn't necessary to imagine the world ending in fire or ice. There are two other possibilities: one is paperwork, and the other is nostalgia.”     Frank Zappa          

Joined the 21st Century this week with a Netflix subscription. The free trial selection is poor, but I am satisfied by the old and classic titles available overall.

The first two films I rented were Wim Wenders’ affairs, which being from the 80s are down-right contemporary for me. I plan of loading up on Abbott and Costello, Marx Brothers, and old sitcoms next – all of these will especially please Jack.

These rental choices, along with my musical preferences, beg the question: Are modern art forms bad, or just unappealing to me? Is a societal problem, or is it mine? Am I destined to live out my years reminiscing about the good old days and muttering about Dave Debusschere, “Muswell Hillbilles” and Soupy Sales?

Quite possibly.One explanation is my reverence for the past events in my personal life. Like Travis Henderson from "Paris, Texas," sometimes my losses seem overwhelming; for me, to retreat into the known comfort of memories is very satisfying.

Another thing that may change my way of thinking is when my kids develop their own individual tastes and are no longer under my spell. Perhaps I will be forced to listen to their “future of rock and roll,” similar to what I did to my Mom and Dad.

I don’t think I swayed them too much.

If fact, as I got older I sort of came full circle, finally appreciating the likes of Ernest Tubb and gospel music.

I haven’t come all the way around to “The Lawrence Welk Show” (a Saturday night staple in our house), but I still have a crush on The Lennon Sisters, and boy didn’t that Myron Floren wail on the accordion?

There may be champagne music in my future yet.