Friday, April 8, 2016

G: 'Gone with the Wind' and Grand Rapids, Michigan


What can I say?  I've seen the movie a gazillion times.  My parents took me when I was young, then I went on my own, I owned it on tape and now on DVD.  Who hasn't seen it?

The book is wonderful.  This is a very well-worn paperback copy.

My mother had a copy of the novel that was issued in 1940 with pictures from the movie itself .  I always asked her if I could have it, but she refused.  (She was not a nice person).  I have no idea what happened to it.

I think I am one of the few folks who admired Scarlet - not the 'I want Ashley' Scarlet (he was such a wimp, IMO) but the 'I will do whatever I have to do to survive - without needing a man to help me do it.'    You go girl -(though why oh why did you let Rhett slip away???)


Grand Rapids, Michigan
Three attractions to see here.  First, The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.  See the Oval Office and a conference room.  There is a display of events in Ford's life and as I recall, his mother kept everything.  I was impressed.  I saw a special exhibit there of gifts to various Presidents from foreign leaders.  Quite the display.

For those who are architecture buffs, you can tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House.

And if you like sculpture, visit Meijer Gardens.  Art, butterflies, exhibits.  Check out this beauty:



25 comments:

  1. Scarlet was brave, bold and strong. Her only real weakness was her choice in men. Maybe. Sometimes the handsome dashing ones are too self absorbed to love and support a strong woman.

    Revisit the Tender Years with me during the #AtoZChallenge at Life & Faith in Caneyhead!

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  2. I read GWTW in my early teens and admired Scarlett's passion and will. But if I had met her in person, I might have easily disliked her. Maui Jungalow

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  3. Gone With The Wind is my favourite too!! I have a well worn copy that I read once in a while. The images of Michigan are wonderful.
    @yenforblue from
    Spice of Life!

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  4. Ooh, GWTW! Loving this series, Denise, and your book choices.

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  5. I have to admit I am not a Gone With the Wind fan. I've only seen the film once all the way through. Just not quite my thing, but I can see why people love it :)
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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  6. I am one of those who read the book first so felt that it was better than the movie. Scarlett and Rhett...both unforgettable! I think Rhett was my first love :D Thank you for bringing back all those memories.

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  7. I read that book staying with an aunt and uncle. I wasn't very old, and cried my eyes out at the ending. I saw the film once, and once only. I have no desire to see it again or reread it. I thought it was a wonderful book and I agree Scarlett was a strong woman although stupid about her relationships with men.

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    1. So many of us can be said to be stupid about men. They are an alien species, lol.

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  8. GWTW! Loved the book loved the movie and your Mom was right in not giving you her copy (sorry but I am taking her side on this.) If Scarlett had had access to birth control, and if Rhett hadn't been so 19th century- but wait, this was the 19th century. I love Scarlett, flaws and all. She was the Ultimate Survivor. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. Well, my mother lost her sight so it was not like she was going to read it. She has been dead for 25 years and I am sure she threw it away rather than me have it.

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  9. Very interesting thoughts on "Gone with the Wind." Sounds like there's more to the story about your Mom. I appreciate your tourist destinations in Grand Rapids, as I'm visiting there soon. Thanks Denise!

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    1. Unfortunately you are right about my mother, sad to say. Grand Rapids could be a day trip from Chicago.

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  10. I was so in love with Rhett Butler :) I must have read that book 10 times through my high school days. Loved the movie too.

    Interesting, I too wondered what happened to that copy of the book your mom had.

    betty

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  11. I have never seen the movie, even though it has been on TV a gazillion times. I have the book and the book club I belong to on line is reading it soon. I am such a slow reader I had better get started soon!!

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  12. I remember watching GWTW when I was a little kid and getting all worked up over the last lines of the movie. "Rhett...what shall I do?" "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." That seemed like such edgy language for that time period, I'd thought.

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  13. I haven't seen GWTW, although I have seen clips. It's not the same, I know! I don't think I've been to Grand Rapids, either, although I have been through Michigan. But... give me time! The sculptures look like they're worth the trip :)
    Jemima Pett

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    1. The sculpture gardens are exquisite and recently they added to them so I need to make another trip.

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  14. I visited Grand Rapids as a child when my dad moved there...we spent July with him each year. I doubt I'd go back--mostly because it's just so far from Nashville!

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  15. I never was crazy about GWTW, I've seen it twice. The first time when I was little and I fell asleep. The second time as an adult and I did appreciate it more, and I loved Scralrett's strong character, but I'm just not a die hard fan like some. It's not that I don't love old movies, I can watch Casablanca, The Big Sleep, North by Northwest and others over and over. I did love the famous last line. I've been to Grand Rapids. I have strong ties to Michigan which is such a fabulous place. I spent every summer as a child in Leland, near Traverse, and we often went to Mackinaw Island. We also went to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. I attended law school in Michigan. Michigan has so much to offer. I don't think people realize how much there is to do in Michiigan. It's absolutely beautiful. You have beaches and Great Lakes the size of oceans. Quaint islands with no cars, just horse and buggies, the Grand Hotel, Indian reservations, snow skiing. And the Upper Peninsula is another world that is a place that should be on every person's bucket list. I truly enjoyed your post. Glad I stopped by during the challenge.

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    1. I'll be highlighting some of the places you mentioned. Hope you stop by again. Thanks for visiting.

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  16. Frank Lloyd Wright sure got around. Have seen a lot of homes!

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  17. I love Gone with the Wind. Read it as a child and loved it...never forgot it. I should probably re-read it one of these days, but my TBR shelves are overflowing.

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    1. I am currently rereading a book I read 55 years ago. You have lots of time.

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  18. I always liked Scarlett and thought she was a great character and a survivor. I always wanted to slap Melanie. No one is that gracious unless she's an idiot. I can't help but always remember Carol Burnett's take on this film and it still makes me laugh.

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    1. Thank you for reminding me of Carol and the curtain rod. What a hoot!! Melanie and Ashley were quite the pair. Could you imagine dinner with them?

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