Stories have the power to influence us. They have the power to affect us, touch us in unspeakable ways, make us feel as though we aren't alone, and teach us something important and sometimes, profound. Stories bring beauty into our ordinary days and invite us to join in on adventures that take us to lands both real and imagined. They allow us to see things like a child again and inspire us towards a magical, imaginative and beautiful way of living. Stories also introduce us to some of the kindest friends, the dearest folks and the most kindred of spirits.
Stories come in different shapes and sizes and even various forms. Sometimes, stories are told through paper and ink in the form of a book. Other stories are told through song or with the help of theatre actors who bring the characters to life. And, still, there are some stories that are told through the screen, whether it be on television or a movie.
And today, I'd like to invite you into some of my favorite on-screen stories and the characters who have been bright lights and kindred spirits to me.
There are some movies or shows that I like to watch for the overall enjoyment of what it offers. It's not that they don't bring that kindred spirit-ness, but it's just that that isn't the main aspect of the show for me. Gilmore Girls, Letters to Juliet, and Downton Abbey are like that for me. They are comforting to me and enjoyable to watch, but there isn't a particular character that I feel a kinship with. Today's post is about those kindred spirit characters.
Kindness is found in overwhelming supply in Sister Julienne from Call the Midwife. She is a mainstay of the show and the heart of Nonnatus House in many ways. Her fellow nuns and the other midwives look to her for guidance and wisdom and gentle compassion. The folks of Poplar see her as a comforting touch and a safe place as she lovingly and sincerely cares for them and their families. I echo the words of Sarah Clarkson..."When I grow up, I hope I get to be a little like Sister Julienne. I love the way that people instantly feel calmed and hopeful, even safe when she arrives. What a marvel of a thing to offer in this uncertain old world." She speaks softly and serves others graciously, and I think that's something to be admired.
I am also fond of Chummy who brings a genuineness and down-to-earth approach to her midwifery, along with her kind personality and sweet heart. Shelagh is compassionate and also soft-spoken, always lending a hand and being sensitive to those around her, particularly her patients. Barbara is quite possibly my favorite midwife from the entire series. I love how real and sincere she is, along with being dedicated to her midwifery and the families she serves. She is a girl-next-door kind of gal and I just like her a lot. Phyllis brings that no bullshit attitude, which I appreciate and admire. But along with that, she is genuinely caring for those around her and wants to be there whenever she can. And finally, I can't forget to mention Sister Monica Joan. She brings a bit of comedy to the scene, but oftentimes, the wisest of words. I don't think Nonnatus House would be the same without her.
Annie Camden from 7th Heaven has always been a role model of sorts for me. She is a minster's wife, mother to seven children of a wide variety of ages, a friend, neighbor and never one to back away from helping others. She cooks meals for her family daily and often brings an extra plate or two to the table for guests who either pop by or are in need of support in some way. Her feet hit the ground running from the moment she wakes up and she doesn't stop until bedtime. Her love for her family runs deep and her heart for home is steadfast. She isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and is often the one who does the repairs and handy work at home, and she is always learning something new to add to her long list of skills and talents. I have long since seen her as a wonderful example of a homemaker, wife and mother.
I've always walked to the beat of my own drum, so to speak. With living that way, you can bet I've had my fair share of criticisms and mocking and bullying in school...and out. Sue Heck from The Middle came along when I was an older teenager and brought that "you're not the only one" reassurance to my life. She is a one-of-a-kind sort of gal. She dresses in her own way and isn't afraid to wear something because it may be "childish" or far out or not what is popular. She isn't afraid to add glitter to her notebooks and believes that people are born with good hearts. She firmly holds the belief that smiling is contagious and isn't afraid to prove that on frequent occasions. She is kind and sweet and holds onto her girlhood innocence and sees the world with such a magical perspective. I always feel as though I have a lot to learn from her about life and being comfortable with being myself because that's the best person I can be.
Julie and Julia is one of my all-time favorite movies. It's one that I watch over and over again and never tire of. Julia Child is someone who brings simple, but beautiful lessons with her in the movie. Perhaps the greatest one is that you are never too old to learn something new, even if others say you can't do it. She wants to learn how to cook and so she does. She wants to write a cookbook and so she does. Neither one comes without hiccups and challenges, and often discouragement, but she persists and keeps on carrying on. There are so many things I want to learn and when I think of her, I am reminded that there is always time and every day is an opportunity to try something new. And, of course, I couldn't forget that she also reminds me to laugh at myself and take myself lightly, to have fun and learn new things with a "what the hell!" sort of attitude. And I think that's awfully powerful when so much of the world is stiff and seems to have an allergy to this way of thinking.
Frances in Under the Tuscan Sun brought beauty to ordinary spaces as she renovated an old Italian villa in the countryside of Italy. She found friendship in some unusual places as she served food and shared meals with her construction crew. She made a home for herself, and prepared a space for those who needed rest and a haven as well. She also prepared the way for her dreams to come true, not having found her soulmate as she began, but surely, he came along a bit later on. She was expecting good, though she did face discouragement and have doubts along the way. Frances reminds me to cultivate beauty, to expect good and to make room for my dreams to come true. Oh, and to feast and laugh and love with those you share life with, too.
Anne Shirley is, without a doubt, the creator of the term kindred spirit. Her belief in beauty, her persistence in pursuing wonder and her imaginative spirit are some of the things that I admire most about our dear Anne girl. She is stubborn and fierce in what she believes to be good and right and isn't afraid to stick her neck out there to fight for what she believes in. She is a good, sincere friend to her Diana, and is loyal to her Marilla and Matthew. She has a hunger for learning and is full of spunk. So much of Anne is opposite to my personality, but one thing we do share in common is our belief that the world is filled to the brim with beautiful, magical, wondrous things and to keep alert for it.
The March ladies of Little Women are like a kindred spirit circle in and of themselves, and when you watch the movie, you are invited into their closeknit circle...and they welcome you in with gladness, a cup of tea and a biscuit, too. Each of the March sisters brings something different to the table, and I think most people who enjoy the movies, while they have their favorite, can find something in each one of them that they relate to. Whether you have big dreams of becoming a writer like Jo or conquering the world like Amy, or if your dreams are smaller and closer to home like Meg or you simply enjoy the loveliness of ordinary days like Beth (or a bit of this and that), there's something to be found in each one of the sisters to relate to. And Marmee brings that older wisdom, gentle compassion and loving guidance along the way.
The newest kindred spirits in my circle are none other than Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. This trio of friends come together on a train to Hogwarts, and unbeknownst to them, are forming a tight friendship that will conquer evil and darkness. They are fiercely loyal to each other, and to the pursuit of good and light. Their friendship isn't without little misunderstandings and annoyances, but their sincere care for one another overcomes all. They are in it together until the end. I love how they are always there for each other, without apology or being ashamed. Their friendship is filled with humor and plenty of laughter, love and care for one another, and loyalty and protection towards the others.
Each of the characters above is special in their own way. They each remind me of something unique. Each teaches me something new and different and brings that kindred spirit-ness in a variety of ways. Fictional friends and the stories they tell are like lights in the darkness. They are comfort givers and goodness pursuers. The magic they invite us into through their stories is a gift in itself. The beauty they share with the world is powerful and lifegiving. They bring us along for adventures, keep us in on secrets, teach us lessons, and give us a safe place where we aren't weird or strange or awkward, but welcomed just the way we are and celebrated for our uniquenesses.
And these are my dearest fictional friends, kindred spirits...the on-screen version. Sometime, I'd like to share my novel version of this kindred spirit circle, but to be honest, I'll have to revisit some of those stories to fully remember all the wonderful aspects of the characters.
I'd love to hear who some of your favorite on-screen kindred spirits are...so do share below!