“To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of life.”
Recently, I watched, or re-watched, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It’s quite the lovely movie based on an interesting, and equally lovely tale. Through the years though, poor Mr. Mitty has been subjected to numerous psycho analysis. Fortunately, Walter had no idea what was going on. He’s a fictional character.
James Thurber – v- Ben Stiller –
The short story was published in The New Yorker March 18, 1939. During weekly errands with his wife, Mitty daydreams about his Secret Life. By doing so, he escapes the vague reality of those tasks and his mundane existence.
The movie adaptation was released December 25, 2013. Stiller directed and starred as the title character. In the beginning, Mitty has his share of daydreaming adventures. Then, the movie deviates from the book. Rather than wallowing in his self-inflicted imprisonment, Stiller’s Mitty actually starts living a Life larger than any daydream he could’ve ever imagined. It’s quite inspiring.
side note: In 1947, the first film adaption was released. Yes, it was true to the book. However, it was no where near as complete and entertaining as the 2013 version.
Walter Mitty was on to something –
A well directed, vivid imagination holds immense power and unlimited potential. So, how’s that for a sentence, eh?! I’m kinda proud of it. More importantly, it’s, like, so true. Every positive thinking concept from Norman Vincent Peale to that whole ‘send it out to the Universe” shit emphasizes the importance of visualization. Unfortunately, Mr. Mitty’s was … misdirected, lacking in both power and potential. But, there is a positive here. In some twisted way, daydream believing served it’s purpose, allowing Walter to cope with his reality.
Clementine Cake –
Finally, the reason for the inclusion of Almond Flour. No, it didn’t need to be capitalized, but it has a purpose. (pause) Just not one that’s ‘all-purpose’ like its unbleached white flour counterpart.
http://www.feastofstarlight.com/recipe/the-secret-life-of-walter-mitty-clementine-cake/
Clementine cake was the key that unlocked the door leading to the film adaption character’s no longer secret life. The main ingredient that defined his purpose. (puns so intended). It was the favorite cake his mother made for him every birthday. Apparently, his wish for adventure came true.
side note: There is no standard conversion when substituting almond flour for regular flour. Though, altering the recipe might be necessary. Almond flour typically requires more egg or binding agent.
Look into the sun as the new days rise.
The word quintessence is originated form Latin, which means Quinta Essentia (Fifth Essence). Hence Quintessence of Life means the fifth essence of life. According to the western philosophy, the circle of life comprises of four essences: air, fire, water and earth. Air, represents the movement.
You know, there had to be a vocabulary lesson in this Random Nonsense somewhere. It’s all about the quintessence, baby. Well that, and a really cool closing musical video.
