Have you ever dreamed about having a certain occupation or career? If so, what’d you do about it? Did you pursue your dream?
Laurel works for a big Chicago financial company and they’re trying to acquire a Memphis bank. So, to close out the deal, she returns to her hometown of Memphis. While there, she bumps into Clay, a concert promoter. Clay and Laurel used to sing together, but, since she’s left town and started her financial career, she’s not been a part of the music world. She no longer sings in front of crowds, but, you can tell, deep down, that she misses her music.
Clay is in the midst of pursuing a career away from Memphis, so, looks like he’ll be leaving town sometime after Christmas. When one of his music acts cancels at the last minute, he asks Laurel if they can do a duet together. Laurel hesitates, but, eventually agrees.
I couldn’t stand Laurel’s boss. He pops in and interrupts the flow of the movie. Plus, he’s a pompous arrogant person and he doesn’t seem to have much common sense. Laurel knows what the Memphis bank owner wants, and to pursue this deal her boss needed to leave her in charge.
It’s obvious that Laurel doesn’t love her job.
I can really relate to Laurel’s plight. She’s a singer – I’m a writer. I know both of those occupations are totally different, so, let me explain what I mean. Laurel doesn’t like her finance-based job. I work as a financial analyst at my day job and I don’t enjoy it. I long to write romance novels full-time but, so far, that’s just a dream. Yes, I’ve published several novels, but, it doesn’t bring in the bucks that I need to make a living. Both my husband and I work full time because we have to! We need the money!
I can understand being busy on the job, too. During audit season at my job, things can get hectic. I have to juggle my time and I can relate to the struggle with family time during busy season on the job, too.
I think that Clay could’ve been more understanding when Laurel told him that she had to fly back to Chicago – she didn’t want to lose her job. It’s tough when you’re tied to a job financially and your boss has the power to give you such an urgent command.
I loved hearing both Clay and Laurel sing. I also loved the Christmas decorations. Graceland looked AMAZING and it was a strong and touching moment when Laurel and Clay sang at the Graceland piano. When he asked her what had happened between them – well, that was so endearing. She’d explained that her mom’s passing had really affected her life.
There were also other little Christmas touches that I enjoyed like Pin the Nose on the Reindeer game, drinking hot cocoa, going ice skating…such nice heartwarming things that I love seeing in a Hallmark Christmas movie! So wonderful and enjoyable!
That finale was awesome! Loved the gospel choir and I was ecstatic that Clay and Laurel were together at the end!
So, have you ever dreamed about having a certain occupation or career? If so, what’d you do about it? Did you pursue your dream?
I did pursue my dream job. From the time I was young, I wanted to be a nurse so I went to college to get my BSN and worked in various nursing jobs as we moved around. Finally, I ended up in long term care, which remains close to my heart. I also taught in a medical assisting program. I retired about 18 months ago and am trying to decide what I want to do. I am working on a book of my own. I don’t know what will come of it, but I have always wanted to write. I took a creative writing class many years ago but never moved forward from it. So we will see if I make it.
Hi, Elaine
So glad you pursued your nursing career. Since my mom’s taken ill from a massive stroke, and was hospitalized for a month, and is now in long-term nursing care at a nursing home, I can REALLY APPRECIATE all that nurses do. I don’t think a lot of folks really know what nurses have to do until they, or a close family member, gets ill.
Yes, you should write your book and see what happens! I can’t really say that I’ve always wanted to write. I know one of the first times I voiced my desire to write was when I was in my early twenties. I’d gone to see a show at the Kennedy Center with a friend of mine. His parents were there and they asked me what I wanted to do in life. I recall replying, “Write a book.”
But, I didn’t actually start writing until was in my late twenties, around 28. I’d forgotten to bring my book with me to read during my lunch break. So, I started writing instead – I’ve been busy writing ever since. I learned a lot from joining Romance Writers of America (RWA). They really helped me to learn my craft and to get my first publishing contract! Great group of people!
Be sure to keep writing and finish your book!