Penguins

Today in the mail came my new book, "Penguins and Golden Calves" by Madeleine L'Engle. Really, I've only read the first twenty pages or so, but I'm quite excited about it. I have always wanted to go to Antarctica, and at the top of my list of life goals is the desire to visit all seven continents. (Kevin LaMar, remember when we looked up jobs in Antarctica? I still think you should have done it. Joy and I could've visited for our honeymoon...)

Secondly, and the real reason why I think I'm going to love this book, is because I love love love love love penguins. I think it goes back to Mary Poppins, one of my favourite all-time movies with my all-time favourite Dame Julie Andrews. Remember that scene where Dick van Dyke dances with the penguins at that little cafe after the big horse race? Oh yes, that has always been one of my favourites, and really, I trace my love of penguins back to that film. Oh, and we musn't forget the book "Mr. Popper's Penguins," one of my childhood favourites as well. The man buys penguins and creates a little ice rink for them in his basement. I used to dream of doing the same thing when I was a child. Goodness, sometimes I still do.

This love for penguins was confirmed in my adulthood (well, I think "adulthood" is still up for debate) last fall when Joy and I visited the Columbus Zoo. Certainly, penguins are some of the coolest animals in the world. They would swim and waddle and waddle and swim. It's a beautiful life. They live in community, they know how to have fun, and let's be honest, they have a great color scheme going on. You know I love the classic look. I bet Audrey Hepburn loved penguins too.

(Speaking of Audrey, I do love her, but I am still a little upset that she got the movie role for "My Fair Lady" over Julie Andrews, when it was Julie's Broadway role to begin with. Oh, those Hollywood producers didn't think Julie was a big enough name. I bet they regretted that decision when Julie got the Academy Award that year for "Poppins" and the beautiful Hepburn...who didn't even do the singing but gave that task to "Sound of Music" nun Marni Nixon...walked away with nothing!)

So yes, I love penguins. That is my thought for today. Perhaps tonight at the Olive Garden I'll pull down my pants a little bit and waddle around. Yes, I can't wait till the day I get to Antarctica and see the penguins for myself. That will be a glorious day.