Miles to go before I sleep

They came directly towards the tractor sprinkler and sat right down.

My dad verrrrry slowly pulled the hose of the other sprinklers, and repositioned them in the backyard so they would spray grass under the shade of several trees.

Lo and behold, the mother moose got up, walked over to the water now pooling beside these trees, and plomped down. The two babies followed after and just fell over in the cool water.

We’ve all seen that Gothel makes Rapunzel come to her for hugs, but today I realized it goes deeper than that. Gothel doesn’t want Rapunzel showing physical affection unless she has been given specific permission. Opening her arms is that unspoken permission.

For example, towards the beginning, when she’s reminding Gothel that it’s her birthday tomorrow, she grabs her arm in exuberance. Gothel is put out and then pries Rapunzel’s hands off her arm, all the while pretending she doesn’t remember (or care) that her birthday - something Rapunzel is extremely excited about - is fast approaching.

She also uses Rapunzel’s need for physical affection, deliberately taunting and “teaching” her with it by pretending to offer it, then taking it away immediately.

The first bazzilionty times I saw this movie, I always assumed Rapunzel was relieved to see Gothel towards the end of Mother Knows Best just because she was scared.

But now I realize it’s not only because she’s scared, but because Gothel is now giving Rapunzel permission to seek the creature comfort of physical contact that she so desperately needs after the gamut of fear she’s run.

Eugene, on the other hand, starts showing physical affection as soon as he starts feeling any affection for Rapunzel at all. He uses it as a comfort. Yet Rapunzel keeps her hands to herself.

It continues when he gives her the little flag, touching the small of her back in an affectionate way. But her hands (and attention) are full at this moment.

In fact, the first time she realizes she’s touching him, and he’s touching her, and there’s affection and enjoyment buzzing between them, she’s the first to pull away.

She’s alarmed at first, then apologetic and sheepish. Sorry I was touching you, Eugene. And he politely takes a step back, tuned in to her discomfort and giving her a little more space.

But that is why the moment on the boat is so important, and why Rapunzel has the reaction she does.

“UpNorthLive reached out to Boyles to see if she was interested in explaining her side.

This is the statement she sent in response:

‘I would like to address some recent comments regarding my actions. Throughout my career, I have always aimed to maintain a positive and respectful environment. I acknowledge that my decision regarding the splash of color may have crossed certain boundaries, and for that, I sincerely apologize.

When the family left my establishment, they appeared to be happy, and I received no indication of any dissatisfaction at that time. I even provided them with a card and additional treats as a gesture of goodwill. In an effort to resolve any concerns, I issued a refund prior to the online comments made about me.

I understand that my initial apology may not have been perfect, but my intention was to minimize conflict and ensure a positive outcome. It's disheartening to see how some individuals choose to diminish others rather than support them.’”

How can anyone be this stubbornly unable to admit fault? How can you possibly, with hindsight and SO much backlash, not understand how egregious this is??? Completely bananas!

Perhaps the wildest thing though is that the instance that went viral isn’t even the most bonkers one? Like look at this one!