Curious George: A Love Letter

When I was a little girl, one of the CDs my parents had on absolute repeat in the car was the Jack Johnson-penned soundtrack to the Curious George movie. That along with the Once soundtrack, a Beatles mix, a classic rock mix, and the musical Wicked, I firmly believe made me who I am in many ways musically.

I’m writing this because I’ve just had one of those magical moments where a song comes on and every word knows exactly, profoundly how I’m feeling. I’m on the bus back to New York from Virginia, Henry and I took a wonderful two-day trip down to my hometown to go to the Harvest Festival at Cox Farms, and go on a ghost tour in Oldtown, Alexandria. Both experiences were just as magical as I’d remembered them to be as a kid, and I felt so much love and warmth.

At the same time, we’ve been laying witness to some of the most immense horrors of our time, going on in Gaza at the moment. Not only that, but with the knowledge that the US government is not only endorsing it, but funding it. Being in DC felt incredibly complicated, and being FROM DC has felt even more complicated. Growing up is learning that nothing is as it seems.

So, how do we take that? What do we do with the changing of it all? How can we use the wonder/love we feel t0 protect the Earth and the people on it from our worst impulses? Is the goodness and wonder real?

All to say, like he’s shown up for me musically in many times in my life (listened to “Banana Pancakes” to get through Nashville’s EF-3 in 2020), Jack Johnson’s words came through for me again. “Upside Down” from the Curious George soundtrack just came on, and though I’ve listened to it a million times, it felt different, and reflected everything I’m feeling.

I named this Memberspace “Calista’s Curiosities” for a reason, because I do, so desperately want to understand this world, and help us understand each other, so maybe we can do something. I keep it really whimsical and romantic because I’ve found that it gives me the strength to delve in this way. How can we move forward in delving to the roots of our spiritual sickness? With gentle curiosity, rather than fear.

Maybe that’s why I love Halloween, and Dia de los Muertos so much. Where they “make light” of death, they just strip some of the fear from it, so we can better understand it.

So, this Halloween, I encourage you to be curious. Whether it’s researching the origins of your costumes, of related holidays, getting to know friends/people you meet at parties better, asking your relatives about memories/traditions, staying informed on even the darkest news, or just noticing a new freckle on someone you love’s face - be curious this Halloween.

Much Love to You All and HAPPY HALLOWEEN,

- Cal