"Memory… I can smile at the old days. I was beautiful then. I remember, the time I knew what happiness was, let the memory live again.” (Barbra Streisand, 1981)

As we open the guidebook this month, we find Tommie Albright (Gene Kelly), basking in a great many memories that will shape his future actions.

Welcome to the March 2018 Edition ~ Brigadoon.

As the story opens, Tommie has left Manhattan and traveled to Scotland to escape a relationship with socialite girlfriend Jane. (“…Something seems wrong. Especially about Jane and me and that makes everything seem wrong.”)

Unsettled and lost in the highlands, he and best friend Jeff (Van Johnson), arrive in Brigadoon. In search of food and lodging, they find much more -- a village full of engaging people with many a story to tell.

Charles Dalrymple ~ a bride groom. (“I used to be a rovin' lad, a rovin' an' wanderin' life I had. On any lass I'd frown, who would try to tie me down. But then one day, I saw a maid, who held out her hand, an' I stayed an' stayed, an' now across the green, I'll go home with bonnie Jean!”)

Fiona Campbell ~ the beautiful “local” girl who, unlike her sister Jean, is not so easily swayed by a handsome face.  (“I know there's one certain laddie for me. One day he'll come walkin' o'er the horizon.  But should he not, then an old maid I'll be.  Foolish, ye may say, foolish I will stay, waitin' for my dearie.”)

These characters, their simple life, and the beauty of Brigadoon, (The Heather on the Hill), fill Tommie with a love and devotion for Fiona and Brigadoon, that he never felt for Jane. 

A devotion he reminisces about with Jeff: “What a day this has been.What a rare mood I'm in.  Why, it's almost like being in love!”

As Tommie’s mood rises to new heights, now is a great time to focus on this month’s thought provoking question:

Why Reminisce?

Firstly, it has the power to bring communication and engagement to everyone. Reminiscence has no age limit!

Secondly, it can do for your clients, students and intergenerational family members what it has done for Tommie. It can bring great joy when we recall some of our happiest times.

Thirdly, the future may be shaped by the past. Tommie returns to Manhattan and discovers every conversation reminds him of Brigadoon. (“I know it’s not there but I have to see where it was! “Why do people have to lose things to find out what they really need?”) 

In the memory of his loss, his future appears and he runs to it!

As the film concludes and Tommie finds his future, spend time with all your clientele discussing these aspects of reminiscence:

Joy

Laughter

Solace

When we are unsettled or lost can past memories help shape our future? How and why?

Shaping futures, bringing joy, solace and laughter, through Movies and Music - a great way to “make the memories live again!”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

~~Lori