In the spirit of revisiting the nostalgia and wisdom of TV shows from my childhood, I finally took a gander at The Pursuit of Grouchiness: Oscar the Grouch's Guide to Life, which is a gift book I got last Christmas. Now, there are only three other famous Oscars that I can think of: Oscar from The Office, Oscar Mayer, and that gold statue that everyone in Hollywood covets come award season. Needless to say, this book isn't about any of them, but the not-so-loveable character who lives on the seamier side of Sesame Street. Everyone knows that Oscar the Grouch is a misanthrope in Muppet's clothing, a naysayer of the first order who's probably been kicked by life even more than his trash can.
This would probably be a good time to reveal that I've spent most of my life as a pessimist -- in other words, a better-smelling Oscar, but an Oscar all the same. These last few years, though, I've turned a corner into optimist territory, and I'll be the first to admit that it's a much brighter, more beautiful, and all around easier place to live. Nevertheless, the snarky ghost of Tracy past couldn't help cracking a smile at some of Oscar's less-than-sunny-sentiments. Here are some of my (her?) favorite parts. Even if one is the about the author page.
"We're grouches, we can only be happy when it rains."
Whoa. A garbage can dweller who's only happy when it rains?! Is it me, or was Garbage front woman Shirley Manson inspired to name her band and first hit single after the original Dumpster diver?
"Morning people annoy me. So do all other people."
I think this one speaks for itself.
"Oscar the Grouch doesn't need to explain himself to you.
He lives in a trash can on Sesame Street."
I like this one because I still struggle to not explain myself.
And finally, here's the incongruously upbeat bookmark I used to mark the aforementioned Oscar and friends (enemies? frenemies?) page. Tricked out with the neon peace sign, yin yang, and happy face that were the poster child trio of '60s-turned-'90s pop culture, it stands for pretty much everything that Oscar doesn't.
That said, the, ahem, Oscar (Emmy? No, just go with the bit) goes to . . .
. . . Oscar the Grouch for his portrayal of a curmudgeon on Sesame Street!
Because anyone who expends that much enthusiasm for being miserable is, deep down, loving life.
8 comments:
Such a thought-provoking post. Oh, and to be Oscar in the garbage can, too. Truly, in his own world. Such a great reminder of the past, helping us get through the future. I had my second vaccine yesterday. I got the shot in the same arm. It hurts a little.
Oh, when I was little Oscar always made me think that was what old people became..but since I am closer to that point I hope it's never that way.
I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing this Sesame Street moment. It does bring back memories. And yeah, I did feel sad for the guy too. But only a little.
How beautiful the graphics and colors of your bookmarks ..., the cheerful colors make you excited to continue reading.
Greetings.
Pretty bookmark ❤
Sesame Street is one of my favorites when I was kid...
well written review of the book .... love to read it.
Have a wonderful day
"Morning people annoy me. So do all other people."
There have been so many times when so many people have annoyed me. I totally agree with him.
Oh my gosh how fun!!! I love that you've come into optimist territory. 😊 The quotes are totally funny along with the photos - I love the tie-in with Shirley Manson from Garbage and the "only happy when it rains" line! I hear you about struggling with not explaining yourself. Lastly, that bookmark is so much 90's fun!
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