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Post by AR15 on Sept 9, 2009 11:04:15 GMT -5
It could be good to actually start with the two books.
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nature
Newspaper Vendor
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Post by nature on Sept 9, 2009 22:00:03 GMT -5
Maybe a separate discussion could take place about Mr. Earl Hamner Jr.'s books, maybe like an online book club.
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 10, 2009 0:57:59 GMT -5
"It could be good to actually start with the two books." Maybe a separate discussion could take place about Mr. Earl Hamner Jr.'s books, maybe like an online book club. Personally, I rather see the books discussed separately and would like to join in that having just read them both. I feel the formats of book and tv show are so different it's hard to mix them. Just my feeling. Holly |
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 10, 2009 1:12:30 GMT -5
This can go any way we want it to go. Everyone, share your ideas here. Hollygirl has indicated that she doesn't want to be the 'boss' or moderator, so I guess I will make the final decision, or we could have another poll. I hope a lot of people participate. Brenda Brenda, It seems so far no one has expressed feelings on whether we should do a new episode each week or every 2 weeks so I was thinking of trying one per week and see how the discussion flows and see if people find that it works for them or if they'd rather have a longer time. I'll wait until the poll closes on which program to start with (happy to see lots of people getting involved) and then choose a day to begin and I can announce it and maybe you can help with that announcing. How does that sound? Holly |
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Post by lorijean on Sept 11, 2009 20:02:48 GMT -5
Sounds like fun! I haven't been on for some time. Looks like I checked in just in time!!! ;D ;D
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 12, 2009 22:39:36 GMT -5
Sounds like fun! I haven't been on for some time. Looks like I checked in just in time!!! ;D ;D Glad to have you aboard! Holly |
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 13, 2009 5:29:21 GMT -5
Some thoughts on The Waltons before we start our discussion group. Add your own if you like.
How courageous, ethical and responsible Mr. Hamner is for taking on difficult topics throughout the series. He never shied away from painful and challenging circumstances although the show was set for a tv audience.
The characters are three dimensional; they have flaws and they shine.
The Walton family is an open one, a healthy one. When disagreements arise, even strongly felt ones, there is an open airing of feelings and respect for one another's viewpoint. Even when someone doesn't get "their way", be it parent or child, there is room and allowance for disagreement so that harmony is eventually achieved. This is contrasted with families that are closed, with rigid rules handed down by parents or even grandparents that no one is to cross. In such a family not everyone is permitted to be or invent themselves, but must conform to the dictates of the closed system.
So much drama in tv and film is dependent on the plot coming from family members keeping secrets from one another for fear of reprisal by another family member they feel they cannot be honest with or with whom they cannot be themselves. This builds a lot of complication and triangulation of characters which leads at best to misunderstandings that eventually get resolved or at worst tragedies with no resolution or terrible damage. This formula is the norm and does reflect reality for so many families and so I find it very inspiring and enlivening to follow the story of this open family with real love and respect for one another.
Integrity and humility of character is a hallmark of John Sr. and he is known for this throughout his family and his community. He teaches this to his children. People learn they can stand by the word of a Walton and as John Sr. tells John Boy upon leaving home, "don't take unfair advantage of any man and don't let any man take unfair advantage of you". As each child grows they learn the value of playing fair.
Charity, even in hard times is seen constantly. What Olivia and John can, they give and all are enriched by it. How much the children learn through witnessing their parents' charity and through all the many people they meet as a result.
Respect for parents, whichever generation is a constant. Not the totalitarian type, through fear, but for love and genuine admiration.
An abundance of love expressed within the family is palpable. In the series the front porch is where a person goes in the evening when something is troubling them. No sooner are they there than someone joins them and gently opens the door of conversation to help. Of course these porch scenes are a plot device but the notion of being there to listen without even being asked, to show you care, is beautiful. Examples of love abound and are truly heartwarming. This love can't help but express itself in caring and kind relationships with their larger world.
Personally, I was moved as a young person and again as an adult with the character of John-Boy. He is a rare, passionate, real, sensitive, bright, forthright, need-to-be-honest, need-to-be-known human being. He is a thinker and a seeker and we get to follow him as he learns about life. What a privilege! He is incredibly lovable. Bravo to Richard Thomas for bringing him to life in a way only he could. He never hides from us and I thank him for that bravery. And foremost I am thankful that Earl Hamner chose to share himself and his family with us.
If Walton's Mountain is where Mr. Hamner was happy, it is also where he shared that happiness with us.
As we embark on a weekly discussion of the episodes I hope we can mine each one for the values we cherish in it while still feeling free to have an open discussion of all we like and dislike as we would a beloved book. Let us take inspiration and be an open family as well in our manner of discussion and in our ability to discuss openly. I'm so glad to have this opportunity to share this story with other fans, don't you know. So when the announcement comes that we're beginning our group find yourself a spot each week somewhere on the mountain, on the family couch, in Ike's store, in the privacy of Grandma and Grandpa's bedroom, in the barn or at Drusillas Pond and share your thoughts:-)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2009 18:22:38 GMT -5
"So when the announcement comes that we're beginning our group find yourself a spot each week somewhere on the mountain, on the family couch, in Ike's store, in the privacy of Grandma and Grandpa's bedroom, in the barn or at Drusillas Pond and share your thoughts:-)"
I am going to find myself a spot on the broad back of a horse named Roo, which is as close as I can get to a mule named Blue.
Now, what did John boy say about riding? Something about it being hard on the behind, but easy on the brain.
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 14, 2009 3:01:02 GMT -5
How nice, a horse of your own!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 14, 2009 15:42:29 GMT -5
Now that the poll has closed, when do we start?
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Post by historyrus on Sept 14, 2009 16:16:02 GMT -5
I'm sure any Waltons show would work great to start the discussion. I can see why more voted for "The Homecoming" as not only is it a great movie, but its success directly led to the tv series. The movie "Spencer's Mountain" was good too but it was made I think without the direct control or influence of Earl Hamner so it's significantly different from either the book or the later tv series.
When is this episode discussion group going to be started? Thanks.
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Post by Forum Administrator on Sept 14, 2009 17:18:57 GMT -5
The poll has closed, and The Homecoming seems to be the preference for the majority of voters. I have created a new category for our discussions, and within it, I have created a board just for discussing The Homecoming. I intend to create a board for each Season of The Waltons. Hopefully this will keep our discussions more organized. The Homecoming Discussion BoardLet the discussions begin! Brenda |
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Post by hollygirl on Sept 14, 2009 20:23:59 GMT -5
I guess we're beginning! I had requested to start on Thursday as I wanted a little time to watch it and come up with some discussion questions but that's cool, we can start now. If I come up w/ questions I'll add them. Of course other members can add them as well. I did get a little intro done and I'll post that on the Homecoming Board.
Enjoy all!!
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Post by wizardofpaws62 on Sept 21, 2009 2:10:07 GMT -5
Hi Everyone!
I'm Virginia. Nice to meet all of you online. I've just been watching the old episodes up to season eight and i have a nagging question that i was wondering if anyone knew the answer to. In the episode "the Spirit" Olivia decides to stay at the hospital to help john boy recover. A few episodes later john boy returns home from the hospital but where is Olivia? Wasn't she supposed to be there with him. If he came home, wouldn't she come with him?There is no mention of the reason she is away in the next few episodes either. I haven't completely finished watching season 8 but i am on the last CD. The rest of the story has always continued very well, informing the viewers of gramdpas death, grandmas illness etc but could this be a blunder? Probably not. I probably missed something. Any ideas? Thanx guys I absolutely love the show and cant wait to visit the waltons mountain museum next year!
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Post by Tracey on Sept 21, 2009 8:31:05 GMT -5
Hi Everyone! I'm Virginia. Nice to meet all of you online. I've just been watching the old episodes up to season eight and i have a nagging question that i was wondering if anyone knew the answer to. In the episode "the Spirit" Olivia decides to stay at the hospital to help john boy recover. A few episodes later john boy returns home from the hospital but where is Olivia? Wasn't she supposed to be there with him. If he came home, wouldn't she come with him?There is no mention of the reason she is away in the next few episodes either. I haven't completely finished watching season 8 but i am on the last CD. The rest of the story has always continued very well, informing the viewers of gramdpas death, grandmas illness etc but could this be a blunder? Probably not. I probably missed something. Any ideas? Thanx guys I absolutely love the show and cant wait to visit the waltons mountain museum next year! Hi Virgina, Welcome to the forum. John-Boy actually came home from the hospital in "The Furlough" while Olivia stay at the hospital to work for Red Cross. In Season 9 "The Move" which is Ralph Waite last appearance as John Walton. During the episode is about Ben come home from the war then John goes visit her but then when John returns to inform the family that Olivia has had a relapse. He is taking her to Arizona for her recovery from TB. Tracey |
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