TERRE HAUTE —
I am a confirmed Anglophile — history, drama, poetry, novels, royal family, you name it. But no, I did not get up at 4 a.m. to watch William and Kate swear eternal love. I figured I’d catch the highlights as a rerun a bit later in the day, and I was right.
Even if my invitation had not been lost in the mail — and surely that’s what happened? — I probably would not have attended in person. For one thing, I don’t like hats and that seemed to be the costume of the day. For another thing, the crowds were overwhelming. If I had fainted with joy, there would not have been room to fall down. I’d have had to wait to be carried along with the surge of humanity.
My Best Friend and I were talking about it the other day. There were a few malcontents who groused about the expense, but there were so many more who were toasting the royal couple with a pint at their local pub and wishing them well. Judging from the crowds gathered along the route and in front of Buckingham Palace, there were far more British citizens who felt good about the whole thing.
And that was the point my BF made. The majority of Brits were in a decided “feel good” mood about the celebration and were taking pride in their country doing a positive thing. Nothing seemed to dampen the feeling of goodwill and “oneness” of the nation as the Queen’s grandson embarked on married life with one whom the more dedicated royalists referred to as “a commoner.”
But don’t worry about Kate. When she and William were college dates and the press began to haunt her every move, one reporter said, “You are lucky to be dating William.” Without missing a beat, she replied, “He’s lucky to be dating me.”
Although it seemed that the entire population of the British Isles were in London last Friday, celebrations went on in the hinterlands. “‘Ere’s to the kids. God bless ’em,” roared one celebrant as he hoisted his pint.
Maybe the price tag was a bit much in a time of financial austerity, but as my BF noted, “When was the last time OUR country came together to celebrate a joyous occasion?” You know, I couldn’t think of one.
We seem obsessed with observing the anniversaries of tragedy. We can’t let 9/11 pass without a tear. We remember the bombing of Oklahoma City and the tragedy of Katrina. Heck, we are even asked to “Remember the Maine” and “Remember Pearl Harbor.” We just can’t seem to be happy. Maybe that’s why I’m an Anglophile.
William and Kate seem like nice kids.
I hope they do live happily ever after.
Liz Ciancone is a retired Tribune-Star education reporter. Her personal columns have appeared on this page for more than 20 years. Send e-mail to opinion@tribstar.com.
Liz Ciancone
MS.TAKES: Will and Kate gave reason to feel good
- Liz Ciancone
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LIZ CIANCONE: Not every other name smells sweet as a rose
It was either Romeo or Juliet who said, “What’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
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LIZ CIANCONE: Innocence appreciated when you’re growing up
I grew up rather stupid. I didn’t realize it at the time. Neither did my teachers who seemed to think I had “promise.”
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I’ve been following plans for celebrating “The Year of the River” with interest. Rivers have played such a role in my life that I’ve celebrated a good many rivers. The Wabash River is merely the most recent example.
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I was asked the other day why I write about dogs I have known, but never about cats. “What’s the matter?” they asked, “Don’t you like cats?”
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My Grandmother lived with us. Ed and I were eager audiences for her family stories about the Cooks. Mom also shared her memories of growing up with three brothers.
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I’m told that a pun is the lowest form of humor. I guess that typecasts me! I love them, but then, I like any type of word play.
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News this past week brought justice of a sort. The folks who decide these things have declined to pick anyone to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame this year.
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Let me ask you something.
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There has been lots of reporting lately about how long movies are becoming.
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Today is the big day. That makes tomorrow a sort of let down — rather like “What have you done for me lately?”
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LIZ CIANCONE: No thanks to getting mags delivered via the Internet
I am a creature of habit. I like to know what I’m doing and I need to know how to do it. That’s why I am annoyed when corporate America seems determined to drag me, kicking and screaming into the age of Internet.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Everyone has a favorite holiday
I suppose everyone has a favorite holiday. My guess is that, for most of us, that holiday is Christmas. It's a holiday with a miracle no matter how old we get.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Christmas season puts time back into focus
It’s a funny thing about time. It can speed along so that you cannot believe that your kids can possibly be old enough to have good sense, or it can drag its heels while you wait for that first grandchild or while you are saving up for something really special.
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LIZ CIANCONE: The bottom line is what drives ‘Black Friday’ sales
Why is it called "Black Friday"?
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I’ve been considering a lost-and-found ad to see if anyone knows what’s happened to Thanksgiving.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Magic is always there with live theater
I’m a pushover for live theater. But movies? Not so much. For me it’s like the difference between canned peas and those picked fresh from the garden. Movies even COME in cans.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Maybe the Cubs will win it all next year
I was relieved to have the World Series ending before the snow flies. Heck, it didn’t even last into November this year.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Holiday decorating better when personal, simple
I fear that I am becoming an old poop!
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LIZ CIANCONE: Surprises from mail worth the extra penny
I understand that the cost of pursuing my hobby will be going up by a penny come the year 2013.
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LIZ CIANCONE: No pet costumes for this Halloween
Ed and I were old enough to know better, but we got our laughs in a rather cruel way. We caused Lady, the family collie, a lot of chagrin by dressing her up in “people clothes.”
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