National Pig Day

 In case you weren’t aware, March 1st is National Pig Day. Perhaps it’s meant to be a day to reflect on the porcine contributions to mankind; a day to appreciate pork, in all its forms. 

I spent it sharing the fact that there actually is a National Pig Day with my fellow Wodehousians, and we all understood what that meant for us: a day to celebrate that supreme sow, the Empress of Blandings!

The Empress, in my opinion, has had a most adventurous life. I’m tempted to compare her lot to that of “Babe” or “Wilbur”, only posher. She’s well cared for, well traveled and well admired (despite having the nickname of Piggy Wiggy).

If reincarnation is real, let the most unfortunate soul on earth now come back as the Empress in their next life!

So, let us all raise a piece of bacon in salute of pigs! 🐖

Tally ho and hard forward! Yoicks!

This was not part of my plan. Really, it wasn't. But, in the interests of advancing both the march of technology and my admiration of Wodehouse, well, here we are! 

I will put forth my thoughts in this forum. They will be mostly about Wodehouse, but it might be a meandering train of thought that doesn't arrive at the station of making a point quite on time. 

My point for today is this:  I love comedy.  Love it. If it's funny, I will appreciate it. I am a self described word nerd and Wodehouse is one of the authors who feeds my soul, in that regard. Got a good pun? Tell me! A dirty limerick? I am all ears! A brainy play on words? Yes, please!

I've never understood why comic writing is so underrated. Why does it seem like only serious books, dramatic plays and depressing movies are the ones who get awards? I mean, seriously? (Ha! See what I did there?) Why can't humor be just as award-worthy? The story still has to hold our attention and make sense, of which comedy is perfectly capable. Not every situation in life has to be viewed through the lens of negativity or seriousness. The light touch sometimes fits the bill. Sunshine and light - that's the ticket for me. 

Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors. His stories were not all sunshine and light, but there is enough lightness in his stories to make me appreciate them. Irony and a sharp wit help to lighten the load, so to speak. I could give an example here, but, I won't. Do your own research! 😉

 If you're looking for something brainy and erudite here, you might need to keep on looking. This probably isn't for you. But, if you enjoy laughing and have a great sense of humor, I invite you to make a return visit at some point in the future. Who knows....you might find something to amuse you.

My (short and quick) Introduction to Wodehouse

 

(from The New York Times)

Pelham Grenville Wodehouse

Born: October 15, 1881, Guildford, United Kingdom

Died: February 14, 1975 (age 93 years), Southampton, NY

A lot happened between those two dates. 

Wodehouse (Plum to friends) was a prolific British author of all things humorous. Song lyrics for Broadway; serials for magazines; movies in Hollywood. But what he's best known for is the irreverent, fascinating and unforgettable characters that he created. Characters who, when their names are mentioned, spark an instant recognition to most people today, almost a century after their creation. Names like Bertie Wooster and his infinitely sagacious gentleman's personal gentleman, (Reginald) Jeeves. Or Clarence, Lord Emsworth, of Blandings Castle, famous in the annals of history for pumpkins and pigs. His lordship's brother, man-about-town, Galahad Threepwood; his long suffering sister Constance; his loyal butler, Beach; and his second-born, Freddie Threepwood. And we won't even touch on the large bevy of his sisters and nieces.

Don't forget his neighbor, Sir Gregory Parsloe, Bart.

There's Psmith, the pioneering journalist And Psmith's friend, Mike, who attended Wrykyn. 

Or Ukridge, who raises chickens, when not running a school for Pekingese dogs.

Don't forget about Jill the Reckless, or Sam the Sudden. Or Bill Lister. 

And, of course, Mr. Mulliner's family stories, told at The Angler's Rest. 

Then there's Cuthbert, as well as Lord Ickenham. 

Honestly, this is beginning to sound like a Who's Who, so, I'll quit while I'm ahead. 

Suffice it to say, Plum was a busy guy, and we fans are oh so thankful for that. With around 90-100 stories to his name, Wodehouse will be amusing... dare I say, ensnaring... future generations to come with his beautiful use of the English language and captivating humor. There is no one quite like him. That is why he was, and will remain, The Master.