That was my one big Hollywood hit, but, in a way, it hurt my picture career. After that, I was typecast as a lion, and there just weren’t many parts for lions.
– American actor and singer, Bert Lahr was born on this day in 1895 (died 1967)
This post has nothing to do with Cecil.
Sorry. Not Sorry.
I’ve never played the lion in a full length production of The of Wizard Oz. I did play him in one musical number in a college variety show.
But, I’ve always had a fondness for lions since the first time I read The Chronicles of Narnia.
Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.
As spoken by Mr. Beaver in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
I have a small collection of lions that I started shortly after reading that. I regretted for along time not buying the onyx lion I saw in the gift shop at The Grand Canyon when I was there just after college. I was sure I’d be back for it.
I may. Some day.
I put the collecting process aside for a while when our household started collecting things like Hot Wheels and Legos. Occasionally now and then, I’ll add something new.
I had a “talking” Lion as a child. A pull string toy. I’d completely forgotten about him until I started this post.
Then I went on a search and found “Larry the Lion” by Mattel. There are a few on eBay, and I thought about it. But…no. Or at least…not now.
It’s funny though how that memory took me to do some “research” that took about twenty minutes of writing time.
But he was a darn cool lion and I loved him.
So, maybe I loved lions well before I met Aslan.
There may be a sermon in that, but I’m not sure, and I’m not preaching.
I have absolutey no idea where I’m going with this post.
I hope you’re enjoying the ride.
There are days like that. I ain’t lion.
Groan.
Seriously though. As a writer there are days when I think I’m going to be inspired by a particular thought or message and then that train of thought goes off on tangents left and right.
Speaking of which, there’s a vintage Larry the Lion available on Amazon. He’s pricey. But if you’re shopping early for my Christmas present.
[Note to my spouse and offspring: I know your bank balance, do not buy me that lion.]
Again, I digress.
Lions are strong and purposeful.
I have to be that way as a writer. This post is living proof that I’m not there consistently yet.
I’d make a crack about having to meet writing dead lions.
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