Sunday, September 04, 2016

PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE....



Peter Finch as "Macauley" and Dana Wilson playing his daughter "Buster" in the 1957 movie "The Shiralee"

Come this time of the year I’m always at a loss for words. “What? You - at a loss for words - never!”  I hear you screaming in disbelief!  Shhhh! You’ll wake up the neighbourhood!  If you don’t believe what I’m admitting it’s time for you to sit up and take notice. Prepare yourself if you plan to continue reading because you might be in for a shock.    What I say is true!  
 
Yesterday, Sunday, 4th September was Father’s Day here in Australia.  I assume, however, if you’re an Aussie you were already aware of this fact without me having to give you a mighty wake-up nudge.

Not ever having had the experience of a father playing a role in my life I never quite know what to write about when Father’s Day comes around.  I can only go by what I’ve observed from the lives of others. And, because I’m not a sticky-beak, this probably means I’ve not gained much information at all. 

I’m not, and never have been, a person who envies what others have; how big their homes are; how much money they have etc. I think perhaps there were times when I was a child I did wonder what it would’ve been like to be in the shoes of my friends, all of whom had fathers, but I didn’t ponder on the thought at length or in depth.  

Even though there must have been children other than my brother, Graham and me who lived in fatherless homes there are none that I can recall.   

Maybe it was different in the major cities, but in a small town like Gympie of the late Forties and the Fifties the greater majority of families consisted of both a father and a mother. 

For a few years, a few years far too long our stepfather played a role in our lives...more like “terrorised” than “played”.  He was an arse-hole of the first degree (and that's putting it as politely as I can when in open company).  He was one committed to beating on women – namely our mother. 

Around 1950 he was run out of town by the Gympie police with strict instructions never to return.  The police had the power to issues such orders in those years.  When that mongrel left - a heavy, dark cloud lifted allowing some light into our lives. 

Even as one so young, I hated the man.  He is now long dead, having died when I was 16 years old (I was over the moon when I heard the news; also I was disappointed at the same time because I wanted to be able to confront him, eye-to-eye....adult-to-adult, and, by him dying, he took that away from me before I had an opportunity to do so.  Throughout my childhood I'd promised myself the day would come....).  

I will never forget, nor will I ever forgive.  If that, in the eyes of some, makes me a bad person...for hating and not forgiving...so be it.  It concerns me not. He was a monster, pure and simple...a waste of space and oxygen.

It’s funny how situations change over a few decades.  Nowadays single parent households are far more common than they were when I was a child. Sometimes I think we were the first dysfunctional family – I know we weren’t, but at times if felt like we were even if I’d never heard of the word “dysfunctional” back then, let alone knew its meaning.

Never once did I feel - have I felt - the warmth of a father’s hug.  My brother never had a father to guide and teach him.  The way I look at life I believe it’s of the utmost importance for a boy to have a strong, fair father figure throughout his formation years and beyond. Unfortunately, my late brother never had that in his life.  I wish he had.

The father of my good friend who lived across the street from us, (she remains my dear friend to this day) was a fine gentleman. He was a gentle man; one who always exuded calm kindness.  To this day my memories of him remain fond indeed.

He fathered seven children – six daughters and one son.  Within his immediate and extended family he was known as “Daddy John”.

His wife passed away when their youngest child, my friend, was only eight years old “Daddy John” was a revered, much-loved, stead-fast patriarch of the family. 

If I was given a chance to piece together a father (or father figure) of my choosing...like a giant jigsaw puzzle... I’d fit together characteristics of the following fathers to form the perfect father...for me. 

First off the blocks would have to be Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” (and Gregory Peck who played him in the movie). Toss in Liam Neeson aka Bryan Mills in “Taken”. Having a Dad with his special skills could come in handy in moments of crisis. Add in Spencer Tracy’s character in “Father of the Bride”; also the father Tracy played in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”. 

Of course, there is no doubt “Mrs. Doubtfire” would be a sure-fire addition. It’s a given Clark Griswold from the National Lampoon movies would be included. His unwavering determination to ensure his family has a Christmas to remember and vacations of a lifetime has to be admired. Everyone loves Raymond, so I guess he has to stick his nose in. His heart’s always in the right place.  A sense of humour never goes astray. Straight-shooter, man of patience, Marty Crane, Frasier’s dad would be good value.

The father J.K Simmons portrayed in “Juno” is a worthy character, as is the widower father of six sons played by the unforgettable James Stewart in the 1965 American Civil War movie, “Shenandoah”.  I’ll toss in elements of Adam Braverman from the TV series “Parenthood”; as well as the beacon of hope, the heroic father in Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”.

Last, but by no means least, is one of our most iconic characters – novelist D’Arcy Niland’s Macauley, the salt-of-the-earth father in “The Shiralee”.  In my book, Macauley stands proudly beside Atticus Finch.

If you've never read D'Arcy Niland's "The Shiralee" or seen the 1957 movie starring Peter Finch....try to get hold of both.  The story was also made into a TV film in 1987 starring Bryan Brown as "Macauley" and Rebecca Smart as "Buster".  It is a wonderful story....I'm sure you won't be disappointed....



Papa’s Tapas - Jalapeno Poppers: Process 200g cream cheese till smooth; add ½ red onion, diced; season. Slice 8-10 jalapenos chillies in half lengthwise; remove seeds; leave stems on. Fill each half with cream cheese; then sandwich halves together, pressing firmly.  Roll each chilli in flour to finely coat. Batter - separate 2 large eggs. Whisk yolks in bowl; add 1c flour; add 1/2c beer and 1tbs melted butter; whisk until smooth.  Beat egg whites until stiff; fold gently into batter. Heat vegetable oil in saucepan. Take each floured chilli, holding by the stem and dip into batter to coat. Lightly place in the hot oil; fry 1-2mins on each side until nicely browned. Drain chillies on paper towels; serve with lime sour cream (lime juice added to sour cream and/or sweet chilli jam.

Pop’s Chops:  Combine ¼ onion, finely grated, 1tsp smoked paprika, hot or sweet, 2tsp ground cumin seeds, 2tbs olive oil and 2tbs lemon juice. Coat 12-16 lamb cutlets with marinade; cover; chill overnight. Before cooking, combine 1tbs freshly ground cumin seeds, 1/2tsp sweet paprika and salt; sprinkle lamb liberally with half the spice mix. Grill chops, 5-8mins each side. Serve sprinkled with remaining spices, lemon wedges and flat bread.

Red Wine Chorizo Tapas: heat pan to  med-hot; add 2tbs olive oil, 1 sliced echalion (banana shallot) and a finely chopped garlic clove; fry 2-3mins; add 300g chorizo, cut diagonally into 2.5cm chunks; fry 1-2mins; add 2 bay leaves and 200ml red wine.

Prawns & Chorizo Tapas: heat pan until med-hot, add 2tbs olive oil and 2 sliced garlic cloves; fry 1-2mins; add 500g chorizo, diagonally cut 1/4cm thick; fry 1-2mins.  Add 8 medium prawn, shell-on; season; cook  2-3mins; Add 50ml dry sherry; deglaze pan.  Tip into serving dish; sprinkle over chopped flat-leaf parsley.   You can shell the prawns if that's what you prefer...but don't remove the tails.

33 comments:

  1. Like an idiot, I accidentally deleted Elephant Child's comment. I'm sorry EC...please...if you can...would you please re-post what you wrote? I'm so sorry. Below is my response to your response!

    How it occurred was I was deleting my own response to amend it...and wham!!!


    "Oh, yes, it is, EC. I love the story and have done since I was a kid...the book and the movie. An absolutely wonderful story.

    What a marvellous coupling it was...D'Arcy Niland and his wife, Ruth Park who wrote "The Harp in the South", "Poor Man's Orange". "Fishing in the Styx", "A Fence Around the Cuckoo", along with others.

    Thanks for coming by. :)"

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    1. Possibly not worth repeating. I loved The Shiralee, and like you, Ruth Park's work.

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    2. Hahahaha! It was worth repeating, EC....my accidental deleting isn't worth repeating, though! Thanks for coming back. :)

      Delete
  2. Although I don't recall any in our road I did have friends who had no father: one of the results of being born at the end of the 2nd World War. Divorces were, then, rare. I do like heart-warming stories and the 1957 film is still available here (although the 1987 mini-series in an Australian import). One of the things I admire about most of the Aussies I know is that they say things the way they are. Although I assume your politicians can be as two-faced as any in the rest of the world.

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    1. Hi Graham...I think all politician from everywhere attend the same school of learning!!

      I loved Peter Finch's depiction of Macauley in the 1957 movie, particularly. I was always a fan of Finch, too. And I love the book.

      Thanks for swinging by. :)

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  3. I have a copy of The Shiralee, both book and movie, the original with Peter Finch and Dana Wilson. I've seen the remake with Bryan brown and Rebecca Smart, but prefer the original.

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    1. I, too, prefer the the Peter Finch/Dana Wilson version to the later remake with Bryan Brown and co., River. I've read the book a couple of times, and have watched the movie a few times from when I first saw it when I was still a kid. I have the book, but I don't have the movie. Perhaps I should rectify that situation!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  4. I know you pride yourself on the correctness of your writing Lee. After what are now years of looking I have finally spotted an error! Ring the bells! Bang the drums! Lee has finally made a mistake! I have already contacted "Tamborine Mountain News". And here is the wart, the blemish, the scar upon your mighty reputation:-

    Eleventh paragraph:-
    "than there were when I was a child" - it should of course be "they", not "there".

    But what I am mischievously referring to is just the "how" of writing. Of course it is always the "what" that matters most. I can only begin to imagine what it means to grow up without a father and how such an absence must live with someone forever.

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    1. My God! Dammit! I'm not perfect after all!!! And for so long I have fooled myself! I'm shattered and torn apart with and by grief At least I made your day, Yorkie! *wink* and a *smile*!

      I think the presence of the stepfather, albeit for a short while in the whole scheme of things, was what I've had to live with forever, Yorkie...the memory of how evil that man was.

      In truth...as the saying goes..."One doesn't miss what one never had"...or words to that effect.

      Thanks for coming by...and (seriously) thanks for pointing out my typo. I've now corrected it. I know you know I hate making them! lol

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  5. I was divorced from my children's father at the height of the divorce boom in 1975. A single parent for 26 years, I raised my children with lots of love and they never heard the word dysfunctional until one of their teachers in school said "Oh you are from a dysfunctional family." Yes I visited the Bi@@h at school. Meanwhile my son also became a single parent when his wife deserted the family and he raised his 8 month old his 3 year old and his 5 year old alone He is a wonderful father and I ask him once if he regretted not having a father's influence in his life. He saId "No, I am a parent and I learned parenting from you." Greatest compliment I ever had. People can do anything with love.

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    1. That is such a wonderful thing your son said to you, Annie. It must have made your heart swell.

      Like you, I, too, would've given that teacher a few words of stern, easy-to-understand advice!! She is the prime example of an - "expert....a drip under pressure."

      Love is the greatest teacher of all; and I know our mother and grandmother loved us.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. Oh Lee.....My Dad would have loved you...I'm so sorry...
    ((((((((HUG)))))))))

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    1. Awww...thanks, Donna! :)

      Our Mum and Nana did a pretty good job in raising my brother and me. We did without little...and we had much love and much laughter.

      Thanks for coming by...and for the hug. :)

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  7. I still marvel at the idea of the police running someone out of town. I think "waste of space and oxygen" summed him up pretty well. But oh, could I go for some of those jalapeno poppers and chorizo tapas right now!

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    1. Hey, Dexter! I've been thinking about you over the past few days and wondering how you were getting on. It's so long since I've "seen" you, I hope all is well.

      I often wonder, Dexter, how it all would have ended up if the police hadn't had that power then, and exercised it. I've respect for our police. They have to face so much...and get little thanks in return.

      Thanks for coming by...it's good to see you. :)

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  8. That's terrible that you had to go through that with your step-father. Those TV and movie dads are usually awesome, aren't they? My late father wasn't perfect, but he loved us, for sure, and I feel so fortunate about that when I read stories like yours.

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    1. Hi Lynn....too many adults don't realise from their idiotic behaviour the harm it causes a young child; what occurs in a child's young years stays with them forever. Memories are long and never leave. I wish such creatures would wake up to themselves!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. You were blessed to have a father in your friend's father. Sometimes blessings don't come in the packaging we want but it sounds like he was a wonderful influence for you. I love all the movie fathers you mentioned, too. I was lucky enough, in my mind, to have a great father.

    Lizzy didn't tell me how they turned out...in the water. She will not swim but chest deep was a big step for her.

    I enjoying painting. It was long overdue. I should do more fun things instead of working so much. I can never understand how anyone can be bored, I never have enough time to do all the things I want to do.

    Have a very blessed week.

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    1. Hi Gail...My friend's father had little to do with me and vice versa. He was always respectfully known as "Mr. Mullins" by my brother and me. We just watched on quietly from afar....from across the street.

      Lizzy is a sweet little thing. I don't understand boredom, either. I'm never bored; and sure can understand you never are...you're always on the go! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  10. I'd surely find time to watch The Shiralee. Thanks for recommending.

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    1. You won't be disappointed, Lux. It's a great story. An Aussie classic.

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  11. "Come this time of the year I’m always at a loss for words."

    I've copied that bit into my diary!

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    1. Hahahahaha, you twit!


      Thanks for coming by, Mr. Ad-Man...I've noted you are lost for words, too! :)

      Delete
  12. Wow, I am having a hard time picturing in my mind a combination of all those characters put together as a Father. I believe in the quote from The monkey in The movie The Jungle Book. *It is in the past. Either learn from it or forget about it." I use both when my Father comes to mind and I chose not to remember it mostly. My Mother might as well been a single Mom as she raised us kids on her own. At Dad's funeral people kept telling me what a good fellow he was and I told my sister, I wish I could have known that guy. Peace

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    1. Hi Lady Di...Some things are easier said than done; some things are easier to forget than others.

      Nice to see you, Miss Kitty...thanks for coming by. :)

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  13. Quite a father collection.
    How come I am always hungry after I visit you?

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    1. Because you always visit before you're had your dinner!!

      Good to see you, Cosmo...give my best to Lee! Thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. Lee nicked some of your recipes. He's like that.

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    3. I know! He can't be trusted, particularly when he's hungry! :)

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  14. Even if I'm not hungry when I see your photos and recipes I get hungry. due to my circumstances I am unable to comment any further but I do sympathize profusely and moreover I applaud your ability of piecing together a father of your making.

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    1. Hi Linda...with your love of cooking and ability...you could have lots of fun with these ones.

      One's imagination is a wondrous thing. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  15. Mentioning The Shiralee brought back some memories. When my parents were invited along to the film premiere in 1957, my Dad was dressed in a tuxedo (a Penguin suit) We were all very excited at this special event.
    There was a special screening for the family and I remember being proud as Punch seeing my Dad's name emblazoned across the screen!
    He was a great Dad! I have always felt fortunate to have had two caring supportive parents when growing up. I know how important that can be in shaping who we are.
    Great post, Lee!

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  16. Ever see the movie Life with Father? Just curious how the William Powell character would rate with your others.

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