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As Good As It Gets. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

As Good As It Gets

And The Randomness of It

As It Combines. . . 

 

The film, As Good As It Gets seems so long ago in some ways.  After all, it was released in movie theaters in the 1990s.  Yes, I know that entertainment venue has been replaced in recent years by newer experiences.

 

Our world has certainly changed in countless other ways.  ActiveRain didn’t exist until this century.  Many communities outside the online sphere continue to arrive and depart. The number of options competing for our attention can test each of us.

 

Sometimes movies, milestones and other moments merge in not so mysterious ways. Like cinema-going, I find concepts involving change as well as evolution fascinating. And it seems to me, it's in the combination we discover much more.

 

 

Often, there is a message found in a film.   Maybe it's kindness or some gracious gesture. I learn from observation as well as participation. The roles can reverse as I move on the life's stage. Such things can be discovered on this platform as well as in the everyday world. Reel life versus real life can reveal lots.

 

 

Oh, the complexity of it can be confusing. Add some drama along with comedic relief and you may see a bigger picture. Some may call it an adventure while others criticize it as a horror show. I digress for an intermission.

 

 

Unfortunately indifference, maybe meanness along with some scene-stealing can enter at times. Twists and turns can occur as the plot moves along in this living auditorium. The power of presence on any screen is intriguing. Kinda like real life. Or is that reel?  I repeat it in case that initial reference was too subtle. Maybe a sequel might help explain my view. Would subtitles make a difference? Looking beyond any situation or setting can direct our take on things.

 

 

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Attributed to Aesop

 

Meanwhile, my refreshment area continues to offer an abundant supply that is good and plenty. Words whether found in quotes or elsewhere can prompt as well as prod and poke my pondering. I can see a certain satisfaction in reflection as well as produce something a bit different when perspective is present.

 

 

As far as kindness, there are multiple opportunities playing in wide release in an ongoing series of scenarios. Such experiences can be repeated, retold and reinterpreted. Over and over. Talk about preferential participation. I feel fortunate.

 

 

This is my submission for the December 2023 AR Challenge. Although it may be unorthodox, I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts on kindness.

 

 

As for this post title, it's tongue in cheek. Each of us can be better. It's definitely not as good as it gets. Is that a path of improvement? Is this a concession or confession? Wordplay or just more messed up thinking? Food for thought? Wasteful calories? As for me - I'm still considering the various categories of achievement as well as the many combinations.

 

 The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com  

   



   






Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Michael.

I hope all is going well for you this week. We have a chilly day in Maryland and I am thankful that we have no snow to shovel.

Dec 22, 2023 08:37 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Roy---we have a bit (okay, more than a trace but not torrential) but the weather forecast looks favorable for the holiday.   We shall see if the big parade in Pasadena for the start if 2024 is sunny.

Dec 23, 2023 06:49 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs: Remember the movie well!  It makes one wonder if it is as good as it gets. Sometimes, I think I will never see another good film, and then I am surprised. Isn't that what life is all about? Happy Holiday Michael 

Dec 23, 2023 06:53 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Hannah - I continue to see movies, big as well as small budge, that I continue to enjoy.  Happy Holidays to you. I hope your future film-going experiences offer entertaining times. 

Dec 23, 2023 07:40 PM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

We never really know what internal struggles the people we meet are facing at that moment. Be kind and give them the benefit of the doubt. A small act of kindness can change a persons day or even life for that matter. I love that movie and have watched it many times. 

Dec 24, 2023 04:49 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Joyce - you make many good points in your comment.  Whether in movies or everyday life, we may not know what is going on behind the scenes.  

Dec 24, 2023 06:39 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Popping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  You still write amazing blogs. 

Dec 24, 2023 04:43 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Sharon  - what a nice surprise.  Merry Christmas and I hope life and the holidays are treating you well.   Take care and I hope the coming year brings good health and lots of happiness. 

Dec 24, 2023 05:07 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning, Michael.

Enjoy the holidays and be well prepared for a Happy New Year!

Dec 25, 2023 06:26 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Roy - proper preparation can be a bit of a predicament for some thanks to Murphy's Law.  Enjoy the day.  🎄

Dec 25, 2023 07:10 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Michael Jacobs - Merry Christmas! May you experience joy and happiness. 

Dec 25, 2023 12:19 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello and Merry Christmas, Patricia - thank you for the nice thoughts.  🎁

Dec 25, 2023 01:15 PM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Merry Christmas Michael,

Thanks for sharing the perspective on kindness, and reminding us of a very good movie.

Wishing you and your loved ones many blessings this Christmas!

Bob

 

Dec 25, 2023 01:43 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Bob - I hope your Christmas was a special time for you. Best wishes as 2023 comes to a close and as 2024 awaits.  Opportunity is knocking.   Again. 

Dec 26, 2023 08:26 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Tuesday morning, Michael. We have a rainy day in Maryland and I am thankful that it is not cold enough to snow.

Have a great day!

Dec 26, 2023 08:14 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Roy - it may be cold for some in SoCal.  However, it's not the same as Maryland.   Perspective plays a part of each day.  Enjoy your Tuesday.   😎

Dec 26, 2023 08:30 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Michael! I do hope you had a lovely holiday. I had a houseful of guests and thought the time went far too quickly - as always! Here's to 2024 being your best year yet! 

Dec 26, 2023 10:05 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Debe - time remains an interesting topic.  It plays a role in many, maybe all aspects of life.  Christmas Eve 2023 will be staged tonight as a family tradition occurs later than usual with family traveling to and fro.  Best wishes to you as well in the year we will soon welcome.  

Dec 27, 2023 02:40 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

The Prince of Ponder, aka Wizard of Words, strikes again! So much to absorb in this post.

Loved the movie.

Too much competing for my attention these days.

"Reel life vs. real life"    Brilliant.

Comic relief is my salvation in life and a favorite aspect of movies.

Have not had Good 'n Plenty in years, but I am a fan of black licorice.

Excellent entry for the challenge!

The comments this post inspired are great too!

Dec 27, 2023 08:25 AM
Michael Jacobs

Hello Sharon - I am pleased with the praise from the PhotoShop Princess.  Thank You.  There's much to digest from your comment and you're right that those left by others can be a tasty treat enjoyed by so many.  

Dec 27, 2023 08:30 AM
Brenda J. Andrew
Aqua Terra Real Estate, LLC. - Willis, TX
Broker/REALTOR in N Houston & Corpus Christi

Hello Michael.  I remembered the name of the movie, but had to watch the clip to see the awkwardness.  Of course the storyline played out nicely in the end.  I think everyone needs someone to show them kindness.  Like others have said, you never know what someone is going through.  Your post always make me think!  I'm getting here late to the theatre but hope you had a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Safe Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Dec 27, 2023 02:36 PM
Michael Jacobs

Brenda J. Andrew - I apologize for my tardiness re[lying to your comment.  My Christmas this year extended beyond the actual date of holiday.  Life is like that isn't it?  And interpretation of that goes beyond "as good as it gets" too.  Merry Belated Christmas and best wishes for 2024.  

Jan 01, 2024 04:27 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Michael. Have an outstanding weekend.

Happy New Year!

Dec 30, 2023 09:38 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - Happy New Year to Dolores and you as well.  

Dec 30, 2023 09:49 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Michael Jacobs - I'm looking forward to 2024 to read your new year blog posts! I hope it will be happy!

Dec 30, 2023 09:57 PM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia - Happy New Year in advance to you as well. 

Dec 31, 2023 04:10 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Your thoughts on kindness are so beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to write this and share it with us.

Jan 02, 2024 06:20 AM
Michael Jacobs

Dr. Paula McDonald - thank you for the comment.  

Jan 02, 2024 09:04 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Can you imagine how much better the world would be if we each focused on kindness toward one another, friends and unknown, and toward ourselves.  Kindness and forgiveness would make such a difference. 

Jan 05, 2024 05:46 AM
Michael Jacobs

Lise Howe - with your comment in mind, I might have the song, "Imagine" playing in my mind for a while.   Thank you for providing that inspiration.  

Jan 05, 2024 06:13 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Reel life versus real life can reveal lots --- that is very profound!

I guess I am "sappy" . . . I love Hallmark Movies because I know the ending and it's always happy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR Michael!!

Jan 05, 2024 01:47 PM
Michael Jacobs

Joy Daniels - Happy New Year, right back at you. Even though, a familiar song says, "It's A Small World" - we understand there is room for lots of people.  I believe that includes those who enjoy sappiness as well as others who might like to avoid it.  I hope you have many moments in 2024 to enjoyment.  

Jan 05, 2024 02:50 PM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA

Thank you Michael!  2024 is going to be a great year for my family.  We are expecting a 3rd grandchild, I think my oldest granddaughter will get engaged and I am confident that the Real Estate Roller Coaster is on the way up the slope.  Hearing from you was also a great start to the new year!

Jan 05, 2024 04:01 PM
Michael Jacobs

Joy Daniels - congratulations on the expansion of your family.  Although my visits to FB are limited, I do see that your business is growing in multiple ways and that's good news.   Thanks for the kind words.  

Jan 05, 2024 05:45 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Apologies for missing this posting. I believe you are heart are a philosopher which is a good thing, though does not pay very much in dollars.

Jan 06, 2024 06:39 AM
Michael Jacobs

Leanne Smith - thank you and no apologies are necessary.  Even with glitches of many kinds, time and the ways things occur, it's not difficult to miss things.  On this platform and elsewhere.  

Jan 06, 2024 09:07 AM
Gloria Todor
Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA
& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Michael, thank you for your post melding the real world with the reel world.  Life is but a stage and we can all chose to play different parts as we enter different plots in life.

Have a great new year!

Jan 10, 2024 12:44 PM
Michael Jacobs

Gloria Todor - I hope 2024 is off to a good start for you.  The reality of real estate as well as films, which both can feel more than a bit unreal at times, continues to be fascinating.  

Jan 10, 2024 01:25 PM