Yes, the Kentucky Derby was this weekend. It's a big deal around here in Kentucky. People have Derby parties, eat Derby food, drink mint juleps and wear big hats, even if they are not going to Louisville.
I live on a street named for Aristides, the horse that won the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875. That's a photo (above) of Aristides' statue at Churchill Downs. Every street in my development is named for a horse or a jockey.
I, however, have not been able to watch the Kentucky Derby since 2008, when Eight Belles had to be euthanized on the track. It was so heartbreaking that I can't watch it anymore. I don't ever want to witness something like that again.
Some people have told me that I am just too soft-hearted. I refuse to see a Disney movie because as a child I was traumatized by what happened to animals in Bambi, Dumbo and Old Yeller. People tell me they are just movies... but I was still traumatized.
I have even been known to feel bad for inanimate objects. There is a house near here that was bought by the county, marked for demolition so a road can be widened. It's a little house that was obviously well-loved. It was always freshly painted, with crisp white trim, flower beds, and a gazebo out back. The owners moved out before last Christmas, and when I drove past it on Christmas Eve I cried, because it sat dark and empty. I found myself feeling bad for a house! What's wrong with me? It's not always easy to live in this world with feelings like that.
I know what you mean, Judy; I'm sensitive about things like that too. My mother has also noticed how they always kill off the mother in Disney movies.
ReplyDeleteI know... why do they do that? I've been teased because I won't go to see a Disney movie.
ReplyDeleteI know we've talked about this before, but I do agree - it's hard being too 'feeling' sometimes. And Disney movies are so manipulative of kids' emotions - who doesn't remember the death of Bambi's mother, or the inherent cruelty in Dumbo?
ReplyDeleteRachel, I was very young when I saw those and those emotions have stayed with me all these years. I don't know why they do that to little kids.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you understand.