Why Peppermint Patty Is the Best Peanuts Character

Peppermint PattyDo you have a favorite Peanuts character, friends? That’s an age-old question, I know, and there are so many possible choices for a favorite. There’s Charlie Brown, with his lovable innocence. There’s Lucy, with her bossy attitude, which I can admit to identifying with. But when all is said and done, there’s one character that towers above the rest. She’s the one, the only one — Peppermint Patty.

First of all, yes, I’m aware that this seems like an incredibly random post on a completely random Tuesday in February. But I’ve been saving this idea since November — over Thanksgiving weekend, to be exact. You see, I was SO sad to see everyone dragging Peppermint Patty on Twitter. It was the night that A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was on TV. Maybe you’ve seen it; in fact, you’ve probably seen it! It’s the classic where Peppermint Patty invites herself to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. I mean, OK, so maybe it wasn’t exactly nice to invite yourself, but people on Twitter were coming for her like there was no tomorrow!

And that’s when I realized just how much I love that shirt-and-sandals lady! She’s fierce and strong and outspoken and powerful. Plus, she’s not afraid to be herself, even when her friend Marcie is constantly calling her “sir.” Like, that doesn’t even seem to faze her in the slightest and, well, I AM HERE FOR THAT. I’m here for her bucking conventions and saying “this is who I am.”

Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

Peppermint PattyPlus, she had such a huge crush on Charlie Brown and he was oblivious!! He totally friend-zoned her!!! Honestly, I’ve never identified more with a cartoon character in my entire life and I can’t emphasize that enough, people!!!! Friend. Zoned.

Seeing Peppermint Patty trending also reminded me of that time those internet trolls compared me to her, so I’d just like to end this post with one more important question: Who wears green better?? And, we both have that Big Hair Energy that is just wild and phenomenal — in cartoons and in real life, of course!!

Peppermint PattyI’d love to hear all about your favorite Peanuts character and why you love them! Their adventures never get old, do they? I particularly love the one where they all go to Europe as exchange students and have all sorts of wild adventures!! xoxo

Super Bowl Halftime Show: Can We Please Stop With The Super Double Standard?

Super Bowl Halftime ShowWe need to have a serious talk! And by serious, I mean super serious! Maybe I was naive to think that my blog post last year would be enough, but apparently, it’s not. Not nearly enough. How do I know this, you ask?? Well, it’s pretty obvious: We’re still applying such blatant double standards when it comes to the Super Bowl Halftime Show!!

The social media vitriol started shortly after Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage at halftime for a rousing performance full of power and purpose. They commanded and owned that stadium — two strong women who were confident, electric and fierce. That’s exactly what their performance was, but judging from so many of the comments, not everyone saw it that way. I saw so many people complaining about how the Super Bowl Halftime Show was “not appropriate” and “needed more clothes.” Maybe there’s a rampant case of amnesia going around? Because people seemed fine with Adam Levine strutting on that stage with his shirt off last year. I mean, y’all were practically salivating at his toned abs! Y’all couldn’t get enough! I see you, soccer mom Karen from Nebraska — not a real person, though I’m sure there are plenty of Karens from Nebraska!

Super Bowl Halftime ShowBut I digress. I suppose my point is this: Why are we still having this conversation in 2020…? Why do we think we have any kind of say over women, their bodies and how they choose to live (and dance! and sing! and be all-around fabulous!) in those bodies? There was SO much pearl clutching and the hypocrisy was off the charts! Did y’all get carpal tunnel from all that pearl clutching? Here’s what you missed while you were too busy clutching those pearls and being uncomfortable — things like a beautiful statement about inclusion, complete with the Puerto Rico’s flag, and a not-so-subtle message about the border crisis, which, Karen from Nebraska, I bet you don’t even give much thought to, do you??

This is what the performance was actually about. It wasn’t about trying to be as overtly sexual as possible. It wasn’t about the shock value. Y’all made it about those things with your internalized misogyny. In fact, J.Lo herself shared these words about the show…

All I want my girls, the little girls on stage with me and all over the world to know is how to use their voices and be proud of everything they are. We are proud to recognize that all of us together are what makes this beautiful country truly great.

That’s why I was really disappointed to see so many women saying this after the Halftime Show yesterday. Why do women continue to be so unnecessarily cruel to each other? And why do we keep sending them these disgusting mixed messages?

We want women to love their bodies…just as long as they’re covered.

We want women to be anything they want to be…just as long as it’s acceptable.

We want women to be powerful and fierce…just as long as it doesn’t make us uncomfortable.

Super Bowl Halftime ShowIn another Instagram post, J.Lo gave this shout-out to Shakira: “Let’s show the world what two little Latin girls can do.”

J.Lo and Shakira brought the 2020 energy. THAT is what two little Latin girls did and I’m here for it. You should be too!

Did you watch the Super Bowl Halftime Show this year, friends?? What were your thoughts?? xoxo

Forget Those “Best of 2019” Lists: Why 1999 Was Really the Best Year In Pop Culture

1999 1999I can still remember the first time I heard the unmistakably, now-iconic opening hook of Christina Aguilera’s Genie In A Bottle: It was a hot summer day in 1999 and I was swimming lazily at the local pool. I heard the song blasting from the radio next to the lifeguard chair and, honestly, the song was like nothing I’d ever heard before — the double punch of sass and confidence practically broke through those radio speakers and found its way right to my heart. Maybe I’d just swallowed too much chlorine, but it was all intoxicating.

It was right then and there, friends, that I knew I’d never be the same again.

Prince once sang about partying like it was 1999. Even way back in the ‘80s, he was onto something. And around this time every year, as all those “Best of…” lists start making the rounds, I’m reminded once again of one true fact…

1999 was truly the best year in pop culture!

Yes, it’s time to put away those lists that extol the best memes of 2019 and the best YouTube video of 2019 and the best binge-worthy TV show of 2019. Yeah, this year did have its moments, like those sultry and steamy duets from the likes of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper AND Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, but quite honestly? The last 20 years have mostly fell flat on the Wow-O-Meter. I mean, when you’re up against the dawning of a new Millennium, it’s really not a competition!

1999As a self-described Older Millennial, I know exactly what I’m talking about!! I was born in 1981, so my coming-of-age coincided with the ‘90s coming to a close. Spaghetti straps and body glitter were all the rage and everyone worried about a little thing known as Y2K, but there was a certain energy to 1999 — and that was even before people became obsessed with healing crystals and Mercury Retrograde!!

And perhaps nowhere is that exuberance and energy more apparent than in the pop culture from that year — everything from music to movies to our favorite TV shows!

Britney! *Nsync! The Backstreet Boys! Dawson’s Creek! Buffy! The Matrix (the original)!

Yes, 1999 had it all.

Remember the days of racing home to watch TRL and see if your favorite video nabbed the #1 spot? How about those nights of watching The Real World when the show was actually groundbreaking and really delved into the issues of the day? Or what about holing up in your room with the newest issue of YM magazine, making sure to take every last quiz even if the topic didn’t apply to you?

Yeah, I know. Because I did all those things too (hi, “Which Dress Should I Wear to Prom?” quiz!) and looking back now, I don’t think I realized just how much those times would mean to me in, say, 20 years. Sure, life seemed so simple and (sometimes!) boring back then, but 1999 was such a trendsetting and revolutionary year, especially when it came to young women like Britney and Christina! They were powerhouses and I love how they both spoke out when people tried to pit them against each other. It was the epitome of Girl Power; I was there for it then and I’m still here for it now!

1999 Of course, there’s no denying the effects nostalgia plays in all of this, you know? We all tend to look back on our childhood with this sense of wistfulness — don’t we all yearn and long for a return to a simpler time and place? I know I do. But still, I’m all for romanticizing the past in this case because, like I said, 1999 was downright epic!! It was full of awesome and no one will EVER be able to convince me otherwise!

What do you think? Do you have fond memories of 1999? What’s your all-time favorite year? As we say goodbye to this year, let’s reminisce about years of yore, shall we…?? xoxo

World Kindness Day and the Power of Mr. Rogers

World Kindness DayIt’s no coincidence that World Kindness Day and Cardigan Day are on the same day! There’s no one who personified love and kindness like Mr. Rogers and I saw that kindness first-hand when I was just four years old. I wrote him a letter (I’m pretty sure my mom helped!) about my disability and he took the time to write back. I’ve saved that letter for three decades and thought today was the perfect time to share it. It’s a bit tattered from the ravages of time, but his message is still fresh and vital…

Talk about life coming full circle (I feel like I do that a lot lately): Last year, I wrote about the importance of Mr. Rogers for CNN Opinion!! It was a complete joy to honor his legacy in words and share all the lessons he’s taught the world. I wrote these words…

I grew up with the wonders of public television. Shows like Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood not only entertained me, but were also the building blocks of my education and the cornerstone of my childhood, teaching me all about numbers and spelling and even life skills like manners and how to make friends. And because of my disability, I couldn’t get around as easily as the other kids my age, so at times, those shows were literally my window to the world. I may not have been able to climb on the playground equipment, but I sang along to Mister Rogers’ opening song and hung out with Lady Elaine Fairchilde.

World Kindness Day
In 2019, kindness doesn’t always come easily. I know that I’ve been there far too many times to count myself, so don’t think that you’re the only one who has ever felt like this. The world feels like a mess and we all get angry and frustrated, but thank goodness for the wise words from everyone’s favorite neighbor!

Let love and kindness guide you today and every day — whether it’s World Kindness Day or not. I love you, friends… xoxo

My Essay on CNN Opinion: “My Parents Bought Their First Color TV So I Could See Big Bird”

Big Bird Big BirdThis post is brought to you by the number 22 — as in my 22nd CNN op-ed! I’m so honored that I got to write this in celebration of Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary!! I was obsessed with the show as a child and, well, I’m still obsessed, especially with Big Bird, who still don’t look a day over six!! What’s his secret?

This piece has been decades in the making — ever since I was a kid in the ‘80s glued to the TV watching Sesame Street! I’m so honored that I got to write this in celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary!! I’ve been wanting to pitch this idea all year and I was literally counting down the months until November!! I mean, what other children’s show has been on consistently for FIVE DECADES and is still so culturally relevant? Sesame Street has never shied away from tackling the tough topics of the day, whether it’s racism, homelessness or the opioid crisis.

Plus, I think it’s so cool that people my age who grew up watching Sesame Street are now watching the show with their own kids. I loved my writer friend Erin Khar’s quotes and am so grateful that she let me interview her! Follow her on Twitter for a huge dose of inspiration!

Here’s an excerpt of the piece, in which I quote my favorite song in the opening paragraph (and no, it’s not the show’s theme song)…

As a child of the 1980s, I grew up watching — and loving — that group of furry friends. Because of my disability, the show was often my window to many aspects of the world — the perfect way for me to explore and grow beyond the confines of my wheelchair. In fact, I remember my parents buying our first color TV just so I could watch the show in color.

The show’s classic theme song asks this question: “Can you tell me how to get? How to get to Sesame Street?” But perhaps it’s so much more than just a physical place. Sesame Street is love. Sesame Street is treating people with kindness. Sesame Street is friends and family — both the furry and human variety. Sesame Street is creating memories. And, like Big Bird sang, Sesame Street is home. So how exactly do you get there? Maybe all you really need to do is look around. Maybe you’re already there.

Big BirdPlus, I couldn’t let Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary go by without snapping a selfie with the Bert to my Ernie!! We even ended the day by watching some classic clips of our favorite duo!! Happy birthday, Sesame Street! Here’s to many more years of love, laughter and learning with our furry friends, especially Big Bird…

You can read the full piece here and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me anytime at mellow1422@aol.com and let’s chat! And of course, feel free to share my essay on Facebook, Twitter or even your local refrigerator. If you share on Twitter, be sure to tag me @melissablake so I see your tweet and we can connect! I can’t wait to hear from you! Love you all… xoxo