I'm confused: What should I do with my life?

“Follow Your Grail”.

Recipe: Berry Fool

Saturday, I saw the Broadway export, “Spamalot”, at L.A.'s Ahmanson Theater. It was a crack-up!

Based on the equally funny 1975 film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”, the modern musical is full of foolish wisdom under the guise of farce. For example - you public policy folk would enjoy a classical political dialectic worthy of inclusion in “Roots of the American Order” between King Arthur and the about-to-be Sir Galahad. Dr. Gordon Lloyd could use these three pages of script as a springboard for a three-hour lecture on rights of the governed.

A few scenes further on, John Cleese as God, commands Arthur and his knights to “find the grail - and get on with it; the people don’t have all night.”

“God be praised,” cries Arthur. “We have a quest!”

Sir Robin cheers, “To the quail!”

“No, no, the grail. The vessel used at the last supper.”

“They had a boat at the last supper? A sort of dinner cruise?”

Galahad interjects, “The grail is a cup.”

Robin sputters, “God the Almighty, all-knowing misplaced a cup?”

Galahad shrugs. “Apparently”.

“Can’t we just buy him another one?” suggests Robin.

Arthur stands and addresses his assembled knights. “Look, it’s not about a missing cup, it’s a metaphor. We must all look within us. That’s where we’ll find the grail.”

So on, they march into “The Very Expensive Forest”, each person seeking his own personal grail. In no time, the knights paths diverge, each seeking his own route to fulfillment.

Behind them, a chorus of Laker girls pops up singing this very good advice:

“Life is really up to you. You must choose what you pursue.
Set your mind on what to find – there’s really nothing you can’t do.”

So in the way of everone, including well-guided public policy students, Arthur and his knights stumble on, encountering perils and occasional humiliations along the way. They wander down dead-ends, and when they do, they get back to their feet, proclaiming, ”I’m not dead yet!”

As long as you’re still alive, pursue the goal that lies within - and only you can know when you find it. Over the course of your life, that grail may lose its luster. That's perfect - it's the way of things. Go, seek another one.

In Spamalot's finale, another foolish bit of wisdom tumbled out of the mouths of Arthur’s hapless knights: “Always look at the bright side of life.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_tgjj4ieQc.

“When you’re feeling in the dumps, don’t be silly chumps. Just purse your lips and whistle – that’s the thing.”

And, smile – you’ll find your path. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? If you're lost or just cruisin', stop by and say “hi”.



The Recipe: Berry Fool

Fools are favorites of mine. They’re like court jesters, wise enough to admit they “simply don’t know the answers”. That's why there's a smiling clown on my wall.

Fools as desserts are delicious – easy to make and loved by all. The recipe originated, at least, in the late Middle Ages, where it was served weekly at Cambridge University. This 21st century version updates the classic with an infusion of creamy white chocolate.

WHITE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY FOOL

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: Best, prepared in stages

4 cups sliced fresh berries – blackberries, strawberries (your choice)
Sugar, to taste (usually about 1/ 4 cup)
1/ 4 cup cassis or Chambord, optional
1 /2 pint very cold heavy cream
4 ounces white chocolate, melted

1) Mash berries with sugar to taste. If using liqueur, add. Let rest 30 minutes.
2) Whip cream plus 2-3 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in the white chocolate, gently. Stir in the berries, reserving ½ cup for garnish. Be sure to leave pale streaks in the mix for authenticity.
3) Chill for at least one hour before serving.