This past weekend, Natasha and I were watching Sunday Morning on CBS.
One of the featured stories was of people who live in a van or bus rather than a house or apartment. We found it rather interesting, this life choice, especially with the family of six, who live in a converted school bus, and the older gentleman who resides in a space that would be too cramped for my taste.
You can read the story or watch the video HERE.
While there is some romanticism to be found in the mobile lifestyle, one still has to have a financial source to pay for gas, food and the cost of being upright and breathing. The father of six, for example, is a financial adviser who can work from the bus due to today’s technology. The older gentleman makes a living from writing, photography and a popular website.
While watching the story, I thoughtfully stated,
“I wonder if they live down by the river.”
Natasha chuckled; however, upon further questioning, I determined she did not know of Chris Farley’s Saturday Night Live character, Matt Foley. This character was a motivational speaker who lived in a van, down by the river. While motivational speakers are typically successful and charismatic, Foley was abrasive, clumsy, and down on his luck. (The real Matt Foley – the one Chris Farley named his iconic “Saturday Night Live” character after – is head pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights, IL.) There were a total of eight Matt Foley sketches on SNL from 1993 to 1997.
While this was not my favorite SNL character during the seasons I watched the show, I will always associate living “in a van, down by the river,” with Matt Foley. I’m sharing one of the sketches for your viewing enjoyment (note the very young David Spade and Christina Applegate), whether you are a fan, are clueless, or live next to flowing water.
Chris Farley | Matt Foley: Motivational Speaker (SNL 5/8/1993) from Wes Candela on Vimeo.
This post has been brought to you by a van, a river, and Linda Hill’s One-Liner Wednesday. If you are wondering what One-Liner Wednesday is all about, CLICK HERE.
Linda G. Hill is the Queen of One-Liners and rules over her kingdom of followers. Check out today’s post and commit yourself to join the Queen’s one-liner army because there’s no fighting or blood, only comradery and fun with words.
Mary J Melange 
My hubby likes to watch HGTV and a series about tiny houses. I don’t even think I could live in one of those! I remember those “motivational speaker” sketches from SNL. Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane! 🙂
You’re welcome, Laurie. I occasionally watch a tiny house episode and I don’t believe I could live in one either, especially if I had to climb up a ladder to find my bed. Too old for that!
True, and think about getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. I would break my neck for sure! 🙂
Chris Farley…gone way too soon. I don’t know how they all kept a straight face.
I know. He was quite the character and physical comedian. It’s always a shame when a celebrity dies before we feel it’s their time.
Too funny. You could tell they were trying not to laugh 🙂
I could not have kept a straight face through that, but I suppose actors get some type of training in that area.
Whupsa daisy!
Yup! 😄😄😄
As long as it’s not a real motivational speaker, I’m good with it. I love how certain lines remain linked to something we saw in a movie or on a show, years ago.
I hope your Wednesday is off to a good start.
Good gawd, could you imagine a speaker like this…for real? I don’t think he would last long, or would have to change jobs to fly fishing instructor. 😏
Tiny houses are quite chic these days. Not for everyone, obviously, but popular nonetheless.
If I were younger, single and it was the only home I could afford, I might consider a tiny house…especially in the right setting.
Haha! SNZl has had dome crazy stiff ovef the years.
Yes, they have! Aside from the original cast years, I loved the Bill Clinton years. Haven’t kept up with it, though, as this Grandma Bunny can’t seembto stay awake past 10:00.
I loved the Daredl Hammons/Bill Clinton sketches.
As a person who camped for several years, I can honestly say I would not choose to live full time in a vehicle of any kind or size. I know several couples who choose that option, and I’m very happy for them. I like my king sized bed, large shower, recliner, and washer and dryer. I know – I’ve lost my spirit of adventure. 🙂
I’m with you Judy. I enjoy camping, but not as a fulltime sport. There’s nothing quite like a pillow top mattress and hot shower!
That’s one of my all-time fave sketches — everyone cracks up, and Farley keeps goin!
The boy one said he’d be open to building some sort of single abode where things can be pushed in, aside, or converted to implement others. I thought “Oh how neat” and also “No Way Jose.” I shall admire the tiny abodes of others.
Admire from afar…or as a visitor to the boy one’s place when he builds it. Sometimes I think a tiny house would be cool in the woods or near water…as long as there is heat and water and a shower. But I’d have to be in a warmer climate with less snow. 🙂
Classic SNL. Sad to think of Chris and Phil gone too soon. Thankfully their memories live on.
Phil was also a great comedian. I wonder what their legacies would have been had they lived longer
Thanks for the chuckles, Mary J. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs.
You’re welcome, Teagan! Looking forward to Chapter 6…
This one made me giggle!!
Cool! 🙂