Trying to teach full time while taking online classes is like playing the accordion with no musical training. I thought I might accomplish something on par with the Amelie soundtrack and I ended up with pandemonium, aggravation at my habit of biting off more than I can chew, and a tremendous headache. At least online classes have finished and I can take some life lessons from Elwood P. Dowd, the fictional character in one of my favorite plays/films, Harvey. The theater department at my school recently put on their own production of Harvey. The theater teacher asked me to paint a portrait of the student who plays Elwood P. Dowd and his imaginary friend from whom the play derives its name. A substantial part of the play's humor depends on the portrait. I knew this from having watched the film starring Jimmy Stewart, so the great responsibility of my job was not lost on me. I already had so much going on, but I can't say no to painting one of my favorite characters and his imaginary friend rabbit. I think the painting turned out pretty good and the play turned out even better. As I watched the show, I realized that Elwood P. Dowd possesses the most important character trait: kindness. Even in stressful times, even when his own sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, Elwood P. Dowd remains kind and sees the best in everybody. I have to remember to be more like him. On a side note, I was watching interviews with David Bowie because he is another person I decided to take life lessons from. In one interview he admits to having a large rabbit follow him around. I noticed as he was talking that the design on the wall behind him looks like two rabbit ears. Coincidence? Maybe hallucinating rabbits is the key to happiness.
