DONT BELIEVE IN THEM. What I mean is “I” dont believe in them. For me they seem to be the first promise we make to ourselves in the New Year (and there fore the first lie) and then they become the first promise we break. Perhaps there are people out there who manage to stick to their NYR and good on them but I fear it is the majority of us that make and break all in the first week or so.
It goes back to that idea of balance or Einstiens theory that every action has an equal and opposite reaction (or something like that) The desire to make a resolution is matched by the desire to not break it. So as one goes about applying the effort to ‘not break it’ the strain becomes too much to bare and bang – gone, broken. Why? Because all the effort is focused on the outcome you didnt want to happen -
(thinking)…dont do it dont do it dont do it Im not gonna do it not gonna do it god Im not gonna do it its hard but im gonna make it im not gonna do it im not gonna make it im not gonna make it im gonna do it im gonna do it gonna do it OH DAMN I DID IT
See what I mean. Resolutions seem to empower that which we are resoluting against.
Perhaps the resolution should be reversed. Make your resolution to do what it is you dont want to do ie eat, drink, smoke, put on weight etc and then set about doing it with great fervor and I reckon eventually you’ll get so sick of it that you will give it all away quite a bit easier and sooner than you would have if you had done it the other way around. Try the excercise above and I am sure you will find I am right. I am not being cynical – tongue in cheek yes, cynical no.
So I do not make resolutions. However if asked the resolution question – and now I can see you move closer to the edge of your swinging chair – I would answer by saying thus….
I do not make resolutions, however I do have an affirmation for this new year ahead of me – an affirmative action plan if you like – and that is: to take the lessons learnt from this last year (which is cumulative from years gone past -kind of like a good stock) and apply them as best I can through this new year. Thereby I will continue to grow, continue to nurture, to discover, to evolve, to become, to change. I will use the lessons of the past to help me in this process and in doing so learn new things, create new lessons for new years. I will be actively and positively creating/re-creating – ‘me’
The best thing about this -for me – is I dont have to give up anything or lose anything. Instead I am changing. I am gaining and giving to myself that which I need to grow. I am evolving into a more trimmer me, I am nurturing better health through looking after myself differently from how I did last year. I am applying what Ive learnt about myself this last year to improve myself this New Year.
Do you see what I am getting at? Do you think I am kidding myself?
I am not indulging in the the issue and pressure of success or failure according to resolutions. I am owning the responsibilty of being me, of making and meeting my goals, of continueing my growth and fulfilling the promise of my creative soul.
I think that’s a healthy philosophy Paul. Focus on adding muscle not removing fat. It just happens in the process.
Well it’s about 1:00 in WV. This is my official Happy New Year! Have one!
“You can live an ordinary life or an extraordinary life. It’s up to you.”:
Family friend of James Brolin (I think)
Caryn and Michela’s New Year’s Resolution (according to Paul’s philosophy):
Watch “Strictly Ballroom” every day.
Clearly this will help us along the path to self-improvement. (inner conflict) don’t do it, don’t do it, not gonna do it, not gonna put the movie in, don’t let me do it, oh god don’t look at the heinie, it’s hard, not gonna do it, gonna do it, OH DAMN WE DID IT
Now, for a self-appraisal… yep, it’s working so far. We won’t say what it is exactly we just did, but we bet you can guess. Here, we’ll give you a hint – it starts with “Watched”, ends with “Ballroom”, and has “Strictly” in the middle.
My god, we can recite/comment on the entire movie by now. Here’s an example: “Oh, OH! Here it comes! Wait for it, wait for it… RIGHT THERE! The hip-shakey thingie! SO HOT! Woo-HOO!”
Forgive us, the champagne must’ve gone to our heads. Thanks for the ideas, Paul. More comments to come in response to your thoughts, tomorrow when we are a little more sober. Hope you enjoyed the parody.
-Michela and Caryn
Dear Caryn and Michela,
Wow, Caryn, why didn’t you invited your adopted grandpa (my hubbie) and me to your house for New Year’s? We would have whooped it up with you while watching our fave movie too! We old foggies went out for an early dinner, and then decided to go home and watch the craziness in Times Square at midnight…however, I fell asleep well before midnight, and would you believe it, the New Year came in anyway?
I think you and Michela might have had a bit too much champagne, but thank goodness, it did not diminish your love of, (I’ll say it with much reverence), “Strictly Ballroom.”
When watching Paul, we seniors show much more decorum…we only “swoon”…(faint from the experience!)
There will be a lot of swooning going on when “Strictly Ballroom” will be shown in our brand new Theatre (970 seats)on the huuuuuuuuuge
screen, where it belongs, (35mm) sometime soon in the New Year. Wish you all lived closer!
Paul, you say you hope to trim down…when you do,
could you send me your secret? At my age, the scale moves only one way…up! Good luck!
I’ll say it again…HNY, with love!
Grandma
Did I say “foggies” in my previous post?
I mean “foogies” but sometimes the first one works well too!
Your Foggie Grandma Mildred
When I grow up I want to be a foggie!! Foogies arent nearly as cool. Luv ya Grandma!!
Oh, be still my heart!!!…Paul, I luv you too!!!..you wanna be “adopted” also? I’ll include Andrea and the girls…they’d love Florida! (Don’t call me, I’ll call you.)
Love,
Grandma Mildred, who just came out of her fog(gie)!
Well Paul my deaf daughter’s first words she picked out for the new year were… -ACCOMPLISH-to succed, to do, a goal that you want to attain. ACHIEVE- to gain that goal, ADAPT, to make fit sometimes by modification.ACRE, a broad expanse quantiy to make fit often by modification, APPLAUSE- feeling of self approval. She is nine. These were her words in our studing sign language at last night.(no coaxing on my part) a last word …APPRECIATE- to grasp the quality, the nature. What’s the saying ..out of the mouths of babes…Sometimes she seems so much wiser. She pick out these word all by herself.
Suz
P.S her sentence for this year is I BELIEVE.
My new year so far has consisted of deep conversations about:
a)Whether N.Korea is actually a threat
b)Who the top ten comic book heroes are and why
c)Whether God meant “Thou Shalt Not Kill” or “Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder”
and finally,
d)Does Truth exist if it cannot actually be comprehended by man? Digressing, can a completely and utterly true statement be made about anything?
So yeah, it’s all off to a good start. And just a reminder to everyone, the Hopi ceremonial cycle of Soyal runs until Jan.6th, so no shouting and no digging! And teach your children why they should respect their elders!
There’s another good question: Why should children respect their elders? How would you explain it to your kids?
Happy New Year kids!
Happy New Year’s Day to one and all. Yes, I know a little late and most likely a dollar short. So why should starting this new year be any different as the last few.
Spent the evening shelling walnuts and watching movies with DH. Guess that’s the way my next year will go. No big party here, just a nice quiet night at home.
Paul; I think you have hit the nail on the head with this resolution thing. I’ve got too much to do the 1st 4 months of 2003 to worry about sticking to a resolution. New tax year, getting small things done on the house so we can tackle the BIG projects after April 15th. My loving husband and I can’t even seem to keep resolves going for 3 weeks. ( We cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom and we were going to keep it that way- done before the kids got here for Thanksgiving- looks like world war three took place in it this morning.) There’s only the 2 of us and a cat, and we can’t seem to get a handle on anything.
Going to watch the Rose Parade when it come on and then it is outside to gather more pecans that have fallen out of the tree. Already have picked up 50 pounds and probably have another 100 or so on the ground and in the tree.
Best wishes to all for 2003, resolutions or not, hope you succeed at all your endeavors whatever they may be. Eat those black-eyed peas everyone, the farmers need all the help they can get.
I too am working toward better eating habits and trying to get in more walking. It’s not easy specially at my age, which increases friday.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2003
Hugs all around,
Sherrlyn
Well, I spent NYE drunk of my butt… and wishing I was at home with my candles lit and Strictly Ballroom on my DVD player… My thing that I am goin to do this year is… um… I can’t really think of anything… I guess I should quit smoking… I love my cigs… but I think they cause cancer or something (mental note: look up harmful tobacco statistics)… but Paul you are an inspiration, I hope that you do well with your weight loss (which is hard to do)…. Happy New Years Everyone!!!
Amy A.
That’s supposed to be off my butt… I was real drunk…
Paul, I totally get what you say about the new years resolutions. I gave them up a long time ago, because they don’t work and I don’t keep them anyway, so why make them? I make adjustements and changes to my life when they come up and when they make sense, not when some calendar date tells me to. The freedom that you built into your affirmation action plan is fantastic!!! and I hope you will thoroughly enjoy the process of growing and nurturing yourself!!!
Must I beg and growl??? I can do it, but I’d much rather not do it (at least not in public … LOL). I did not watch the ball drop in Time Squares either, quite frankly, I find that boring and don’t get it, did like the fireworks around the world much more and of course saw the ones from Berlin, although had I been home, I wouldn’t have gone there either, I like the local thing much more, where you go out on the street, meet your friends, neighbours and families and everyone shoots up the fireworks all over the place, it’s usually freezing cold, but everyone toasts the New Year with champagne on the street with whoever happens to be out there. Okay, nobody has to get that one either, but it is kind of fun, less staged and much more spontaneous.
I know where I’m going to go when I get sick again…. and I think I should check on my friend’s dog today, since she’s the only one who got drunk last night (I think). We let the dog drink champagne with us … and she liked it, but her eyes looked a little funny later on in the evening. Poor Frannie!
Grandma, I am sooooooo lost on this foogie/foggy word play. Would you care to enlighten me? PLEASE
So far the new year has been fantastic!!! I’m beginning to feel like a normal human being again, my friend Paula decided yesterday that my flu and cold had to stay in 2002 and was not allowed to continue on into 2003, I like the powers that she seems to have that I didn’t know about
Off to visiting one of the four cats I’m taking care off over term break, if only they didn’t live all over the Twin Cities…
Well happy new year guys. It’s here and a very greyday in Atlanta. So very typical. I got the following from my friend in the keys..I think you’ll like it.
Subject: I can’t believe we made it….
> >
> >
> >
> >If you lived as a child in the 40′s, 50′s,
> >60′s or 70′s.
> >
> > Looking back, it’s hard to believe that
> > we have lived as long as we have…
> >
> > As children, we would ride in cars with
> > no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the
> > back of a pickup truck on a warm day was
> > always a special treat.
> >
> > Our baby cribs were covered with bright
> > colored lead-based paint. We had no
> > childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors,
> > or cabinets, and when we rode our bikes,
> > we had no helmets.
> >
> > (Not to mention hitchhiking to town as a
> > young kid!)
> >
> > We drank water from the garden hose and
> > not from a bottle. Horrors.
> >
> >
> >
> > We would spend hours building our go-kart
> > out of scraps and then rode down the hill,
> > only to find out we forgot the brakes. After
> > running into the bushes a few times we learned
> > to solve the problem.
> >
> > We would leave home in the morning and play
> > all day, as long as we were back when the
> > streetlights came on. No one was able to reach
> > us all day.
> >
> > No cell phones. Unthinkable. We played dodge ball
> > and sometimes the ball would really hurt. We
> > got cut and broke bones and broke teeth, and
> > there were no law suits from these accidents.
> > They were accidents. No one was to blame,
> > but us. Remember accidents?
> >
> > We had fights and punched each other and
> > got black and blue and learned to get over it.
> >
> > We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank
> > sugar soda but we were never overweight…we
> > were always outside playing. We shared one
> > grape soda with four friends, from one bottle
> > and no one died from this.
> >
> > We did not have Playstations, Nintendo 64,
> > X-Boxes, video games at all, 99 channels on
> > cable, video tape movies, surround sound,
> > personal cell phones, Personal Computers,
> > Internet chat rooms … we had friends. We
> > went outside and found them. We rode bikes
> > or walked to a friend’s home and knocked on
> > the door, or rung the bell or just walked in
> > and talked to them.
> >
> > Imagine such a thing. Without asking a
> > parent! By ourselves! Out there in the
> > cold cruel world! Without a guardian.
> > How did we do it?
> >
> >
> >
> > We made up games with sticks and tennis
> > balls and ate worms and although we were
> > told it would happen, we did not put out
> > very many eyes, nor did the worms live
> > inside us forever.
> >
> > Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team and
they
had
> > to deal with disappointment…..
> >
> > Some students
> > weren’t as smart as others so they failed a
> > grade and were held back to repeat the same
> > grade…..Horrors. Tests were not adjusted for
> > any reason.
> >
> > Our actions were our own. Consequences were
> > expected. No one to hide behind. The idea of
> > a parent bailing us out if we broke a law was
> > unheard of. They actually sided with the law,
> > imagine that!
> >
> > This generation has produced some of the best
> > risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors,
> > ever. The past 50 years has been an explosion of
> > innovation and new ideas. We had freedom,
> > failure, success and responsibility, and we
> > learned how to deal with it all.
> >
> > And you’re one of them.
> >
> > Congratulations!
> >
> > Please pass this on to others who have had the
> > luck to grow up as kids.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because
you
> >stop laughing.
And one more…I thought this one was great…it’s not just for women per se…WE ALL have “dusting” of sorts we can waste our time on.
Dusting (I think this is so wonderful):
“A house becomes a home when you can write “I love you” on the furniture.”
I can’t tell you how many countless hours that I have spent CLEANING! I used to spend
at least 8 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect -”in case
someone came over”. Then I realized one day that no one came over; they were all out
living life and having fun!
Now, when people visit, I find no need to explain the “condition” of my home. They are
more interested in hearing about the things I’ve been doing while I was away
living life and having fun. If you haven’t figured this out yet, please heed this advice.
Life is short. Enjoy it! Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
to paint a picture or write a letter, bake a cake or plant a seed,
ponder the difference between want and need?
Dust if you must, but there’s not much time, with rivers to swim
and mountains to climb, music to hear and books to read, friends
to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world’s out there with the sun in your
eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, a shower of rain.
This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it’s not
kind. And when you go – and go you must – you, yourself will make
more dust!
Share this with all the wonderful women/men in your life!
I JUST DID.
It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of
life you have lived.
Take it as a proverb…I think it says a lot for the new year. Focus on what you can do to enjoy and make your life better. No self imposed limits..just keep reaching and trying…
Love to all and Happy New Year.
Tim
Hey Suz. How old is your daughter? She picked some great words and an awesome sentence. I hope 2003 is especially good to her as well as your whole family.
Sarah, that’s some heavy thinking. I take it you were doing some heavy drinking! I like your distinction between whether God meant “Thou Shalt Not Kill” or “Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder”. That never occured to me, but I’ve often wondered about the “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” commandment. Not every lie incriminates someone for something they didn’t do. Does that mean the commandment doesn’t apply to every lie?
Evelynn! You got the dog drunk? Can dogs take ibuprophen? On the word thing: actually, if Grandma was describing herself as “a person with old-fashioned ideas.”, she was calling herself an old fogy or fogey (there are two possible spellings), She accidentally called herself “foggie” a word that has a few definitions, one of them being “something that confuses or obsures.” Get it? Ain’t the English language great!
I tried to drink all of my beer last night, but I hate a hangover and now I have three Beck’s Dark taking up space in my tiny fridge. I guess I could go ahead and put them out of their misery. After all, beer doesn’t improve with age. However, I chose not to. Maybe I’ll ship them to Australia. And at the risk of sounding defensive, I use the calendar. It doesn’t use me. From past experience, I’ve found that I’m more successful at making a whole-hearted commitment to a lifestyle change if I establish a date to begin. That’s just me and I’m sure others know best what works for them. Like Nike says “Just Do It!” right?
Thanks for sharing those Tim, especially the dust one. You could make sculpture from the stuff I’ve got going on most of the surfaces around me. I have priorities! And cleaning anything more than the dishes and bathroom, is pretty low on my list of things to do. I do enjoy a cleaner home though. I wish I could hire a maid!
Paul, I must say that I disagree with you on New Year’s Resolutions. They are not pointless, and I BELIEVE IN THEM! The only reason not to believe in them is if you can’t make them work, and that’s something each individual has to do for him or herself.
The end of the year is a chance to reflect (once again, good ‘ole self-assessment!) and figure out what you need to do better in the coming year. If you never did this, you’d never get any better! And nobody said a New Year’s Resolution had to be giving up or losing anything. The best resolutions are just the opposite – resolving to do or gain something.
The problem that most people have with New Year’s Resolutions is that they don’t take them seriously enough. To really have a good resolution that you can stick to, you need the following elements:
1) Make a small number of resolutions. One or two max. Otherwise, there are too many to keep track of and too many to break. And often if you break one, you figure “oh, what the hell” and break them all.
2) They must be reasonable. Obviously.
3) They must be measurable. For example, a resolution “To be happier.” won’t work because how do you know if you’re happier? You can’t measure happiness.
4) They must be specific. What is “happiness” anyway? It could be any number of things that make you happy.
5) They must be tangible. What can you DO to make youself happier? If going for a walk makes you happy, then resolve to go walking three times a week. That way, at the end of every week you can look back and see if you’ve done it.
6) They must be flexible. Not an “all-or-nothing” attitude. That way, if you slip up once, you still can salvage your dignity and your resolution. For example, if you went walking only twice one week, go four times the next week.
7) They must be pro-active. Not “I will not do this,” but rather “I WILL do this.” That way, you don’t get caught in the mind set Paul was talking about where the more you think about not doing something, the more you want to do it. (Which is a proven psychological phenomenon, by the way. Here’s an example: Don’t think about a pink elephant. I bet you thought of one, didn’t you!) If you want to lose weight, don’t think “I will not eat cake,” but rather “I will eat vegetables at every meal,” or “I will chose the lower-fat option on the menu.”
Here’s an example of my own:
Resolution: take more dance classes.
Last year: did swing class series.
This year: do both rhumba and waltz class.
And there you have it. It’s simple, reasonable, measurable, specific, tangible, flexible (I may miss one or two classes in the 8-week series without breaking the resolution), and pro-active.
The two instances I can think of where Paul’s overboard strategy will work are alcohol and chocolate. Eat or drink yourself sick one day, and you won’t want to touch the stuff for a good couple weeks afterwards!
Paul, your “affirmative action plan” is a good idea, but it does suffer from a number of flaws, for the reasons denumerated above. How do you know what you’ve learned, and how can you tell if you’re applying it in 2003 in order to evolve? I would suggest writing down a few things you’ve learned, and then what they have taught you to do differently. That way you can asses if you really are keeping your promise to yourself.
I do commend you for “owning the responsibility… of continuing [your] growth.” Just make sure that next New Year’s you can look back and say “Yes, I did that. I kept my promise to myself.” To be able to do that gives one a lot of pride and dignity. We all deserve a little of that, don’t we?
Love,
Caryn
P.S. BTW, not to be nitpicky, but the “every action has an equal and opposite reaction” is Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion, 150 years or so before Einstein.
And it’s true. For everything you resolve to do, you have to give up the opposite. I will have to give up what I did the past 8 weeks from 9-10pm on Wednesdays (usually sitting around) in order to go to dance class. If you resolve to choose the lower-fat option on the menu, you are giving up the higher-fat option. Just keep in mind that the “equal and opposite reaction” is not always bad.
Tim – I loved your thoughts on dusting. Very poetic, very true. My mom used to stress whenever we had friends over that they would see the house “in such a state”. I always thought “what ‘state’? It’s always like this!” Finally I convinced her that guests didn’t care – in fact, didn’t notice – how clean or dirty it was. Guests come to be with YOU, not to be with your clean floor.
You and grandpa are invited over anytime. I’m serious. If ever you’re in Ithaca (or Boston, during the school-year), let me know and I’ll throw a party in your honour, including a viewing of SB. I love to cook and throw parties (just not wild drinking parties because then your house gets trashed). In fact, that invitation goes for everybody!
The one exception I would make is that if you live with a roommate, you do have to keep a certain level of cleanliness and personal hygeine just out of respect for him or her. My roomies are awesome about this. I’m really lucky.
Grandma – We love you, foggy-minded old fogey and all.
Tim Hord, excellent post. I’m sharing this one with friends and copying it to put on the refrig. My friends would call me anal when it came to cleaning. I want you to know that under their influences, I have resolved this problem. I now live life and don’t fret over small things like dust. I feel more comfortable walking into someone’s house that looks lived in and not picture perfect.Was I keeping my house picture perfect for me because I was afraid how people might judge me? Or maybe a control thing? My house was clean and everything was under control….but…I’m was miserable because I missed a beautiful day out at Lake Berriessa. The lake or clean, the lake or clean? Do I tell friends that now is not a good time to come over (because secretly my house is a mess). Hell no! My door is always open! I love entertaining and would feed the whole block. During the summers my husband would always come home to people visiting, playing cards, dominos, swimming, ect..I realized life is better living it than trying to play catch-up.
It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.
I like to scatter love, people’s feelings and thier happiness is important to me.
Evelyn. Hey hope the dog with the hang over feels better. P.S. don’t give him/her anything but a asprin, my dog takes one a day for her joints. Of course the dosage depends on the dogs weight. My dog is a mixed Newf (about the size of a large Colly).
Caryn, I have to agree with you on the New Years Resolutions. To sum it up..BELIEVE.. the ability of something. Could you imagine if we all gave up the ability to believe in our selves? We have to set realistic goals in order to attain them and the main point is to give something back to yourselves. A gift to yourself…
Paul, I have to admit I could have caught flys with my mouth so wide open when reading your post. Sorry I don’t mean to be so harsh. At first I was dissapointed..then I read on. I can see your point of view. Doesn’t mean I agree with it. We all have our methods of weaving though life and different tactics work for different people. Its sounds like your trying to protect yourself from let down. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. It’s what works for you is what counts. My daughter signs a beautiful song..I believe I can fly.. She sets goals and learns from them.
Life is a lesson and what you make it.
Suz
Good for you Suz. My mother always made me clean house with her on Saturday. I deeply resented it because this was the last possible day on which I would ever choose to clean anything. Now I’ve internalized this resistence. I’m telling myself to clean out the car but instead I hear my mother telling me to and I don’t do it. It’s just a theory.
When making plans I always consider the beagle factor: will my dog be able to go with me and will he have a good time? Usually if it’s an activity my dog would enjoy, I’m bound to like it too.
Caryn, thankyou for your view on resolutions. My affirmation only has flaws according to your idea of resolutions. According to my idea it has no flaws. I dont need to quantify or qualify what it is I have learnt and how it is that I apply it nor if it is successful or not – that would imply a degree of judgement. It would also imply that I dont know ‘me’. As Evelyn pointed out, there is freedom within my affirmative action plan. This allows me to be sponteneous, to be flexible and to be fully open to change.
As for ensuring I keep my promise to myself – which is why according to your 7 point plan one must keep resolutions accountable – I dont make resolutions, there fore I dont make those kinds of promises – for the reason I outlined in my post. I am at ease with trusting myself to know what it is I am, what I have learnt and how I am becoming. Re-read my post, you seem to have missed the point. You certainly do not have to agree with me. What works for me may not work for anyone else.
Thankyou for clearing up Newtons Law – it’s a bit slack of me to have not checked it out properly.
Now I hate to be nit picky – but the law is about balance and harmony. When you choose one reaction or action you dont give the other up, you actually get the other as well. It is a force that cant be split apart, the opposite reaction/action happens, you cannot avoid it – its law. It’s how you deal with the forces at play upon you that directs the outcome of your enjoyment of the meal, the dance class or of life.
Tim, I remember when I would walk to school or ride to a friends house. Spend the whole day playing out in the woods and come back scratched, bruised and sometimes bloody but happy and safe. My kids dont do any of that. I wish they could know that freedom but the world now is a bit different – more cars, less woods. The innocence of those times are lost – especially in the city.
I guess that is life and that is what we have to deal with now. I will show my wife your two posts. She often stresses about the state of the house which only serves to stress her. She does the majority of the cleaning as I am at work so I understand where she is coming from. But it is not worth stressing over. It is what it is – a home with messy kids and animals, lots of laughing and joy and quite a bit of dust.
Sarah, I will think hard and too long on your question before replying. Ah Heck no I wont. Truth is subjective – isnt it?? There fore my truth is different to yours. There are some truths that we all agree on like if you put your hand in the fire you will burn it (if held in long enough) – although maybe some people burn quicker than others so again the truth may differ as will the length of time you hold your hand tin the flmaes. So is a collective truth a truth, a fact or a law???? What is the truth that man cannot comprehend? As far as I know, man cant comprehend itself and thats a truth, or is it a fact? It could certainly be a law – mans understanding of what is truth will be equal and opposite to his/her/it’s comprehension of itself.
Oh and children should respect their elders for two reasons: one because our elders repect themselves – lead by example and two because our elders respect children.
Susans, your daughter sounds pretty clued in!! I believe too!!!
Dear Paul. . .
I am sending this correspondence to three addresses – two snail mail and one email – in the hope that this will ultimately reach you.
While visiting my sister in New York this past November, she rented several movies, one of which was “Strictly Ballroom”. She and I, as well as her twin 15 year-old sons, thoroughly enjoyed the film. When I returned home, I told my family that they needed to see it. My son, who is a college student majoring in motion picture direction, said he had already seen it at his girlfriend
Paul,
Thanks for responding. Clearly we are talking about two different things, on two different levels. You’re talking about a Life Plan; I’m talking about a New Year’s Resolution (which can be part of a life plan, but obviously isn’t on the same scale.)
One must judge a Resolution in order for it to be a proveable promise. However, you’re right that your Plan is much more flexible and open to interpretation, so it’s more forgiving and less judgemental. I’m sorry I called it flawed, that was just me trying to superimpose your idea of a plan on my idea of a resolution. Clearly it was a bad parallel. Only you can really know yourself and know how to apply this Plan to your life.
I think I balked at your initial post because, to me, the first part implied that you didn’t believe in yourself… that you didn’t believe in your ability to keep a promise to yourself. That made me sad. I thought maybe you (and others) were just going about resolutions the wrong way, because I certaintly believe in you and your ability to do that to which you put your mind! So, if it’s this Plan – instead of a Resolution – that works for you, then I’m sure you’ll do it. Let us know how it goes.
While I respect your view and see how it works for you, I still don’t agree with you fully because I know it won’t work for me. I need more tangible goals. Whereas you don’t make concrete resolutions because you’ll break them, I don’t make intangible plans because I’m sure I won’t follow them (unless by accident). We’re just different in that way.
Also, I stick by my view of Newton’s Law and how it applies to this discussion. He was talking about matter, energy, and how they displace each other. When you jump out of a boat, the energy you put into propelling yourself forward will also displace the boat backwards. I’m talking about time and choices, and how one choice will displace the other. When I choose to go to class, it’s displacing what else I might have done in that frame of time. See what I mean?
Caryn
One more thing, about the way kids play today. It reminds me of that song in the musical – can’t remember which one, but perhaps it’s “Bye Bye Birdie”:
Kids! What’s the matter with kids today?
Kids! Who can uderstand anything they say?
Why can’t they be like we were, perfect in every way?
What’s the matter with kids… to… daaaaaay??
Yes, it’s hard when you live in a dangerous city to romp in the fields, but there were dangerous cities when Paul and Tim were growing up, too! And isn’t that part of the reason why you moved to the country, Paul?
What kids need today is grown-ups to show them (us!) the way we should play. And to teach us non-violence. I think the real sad thing today is that parents are often too busy to spend that time with their kids. Not that it’s the parent’s fault per se, it’s the work-a-holic society that leaves us with no time.
I’m lucky that my mom was there for me when I got home from school (and my dad soon thereafter), and that we live in a safe place where I can go romping through the fields behind our house. I only hope that my kids will be as lucky as I am.
I’m glad to read the two of you hashing this out. You have lovely minds though she may have a firmer hold in the physics dept. I could be wrong.
And I agree we should lead by example and respect children. When I was little, children were treated like second class citizens and women were treated like children (often still are).
Goodnight Millie!
I am not taking sides here, just giving my humble opinion. It is my OPINION that everyone reacts differently in any given situation (as we have seen with this debate between Paul and Caryn).
And I know you will keep the promises to yourself.
Go write your 20 page paper before I bust out a can of whoop-ass on you (and then you’ll have to take me to the hospital) 
Perhaps the psychologists are right in that everything stems from your childhood. I understand where you are coming from Caryn, since I have known you almost my whole life. But, I also understand Paul’s statements.
I have grown up with more dissapointment and hell than I wish to remember. I haven’t made a NYR in a long while. When I was a little girl I used to wish for things(to have a better life, to be beautiful, to have my parents love eachother)… the funny thing is these wishes never came to me on New Years. Just when I was most desperate for hope. Perhaps so much dissapointment in life has robbed me of my belief in resolutions, or perhaps I make mini-resolutions every day; so what’s the point of New Years ones? While attempting to crawl out of the depression of my life, I have been thinking a lot about my life and how I act in situations. My reactions are very different from many people’s; my reactions are to ensure my survival. Somewhere deep down inside, I know that more dissapointment would do more damage than good.
Caryn, the other day you asked me what my NYR was, and I had to stop and think. I just told you the first thing that came to mind. That thing is what I do every day just to keep myself alive. It isn’t really a NYR then, but me growing all the time. In my opinion structure is good for you Caryn, you thrive under it (you’re my dependable old pug)
As my mother says: “live your own life, and let others live theirs.” and “try to look at it from other perspectives.”
So girl- I know i’m not as smart as you, and i’m a hell of a lot smaller than you… but i’m pulling some seniority here. (I was born first… haha.)
I love you, and thanks for making my life worth living! Don’t change sweetie. mwwwaaaa!
for the rest of you, have a nice night!
~Michela
hey everyone! Happy late new years! I was in Atlanta for New years and just got back tonight and there were so many posts to read. thanx! It sounds like everyone had a wonderful New year!!
Paul and Carlyn- I believe in what you, Paul are saying about New Years Resolutions, IF I can’t stop a habit or promise myself something,on any other time of the year then way try to do it on New Years when I know it will be broken. But also what Carlyn said about New years being the best time to resolve or gain something was so right there at what I was thinking . I didnt make resolutions this year, because I already know what I need to do this year and its not because its New Years, its because I know I need to do it. Im starting a new semester on January 6th at school and the classes will be harder than last semester, im always worrying about the that when I need to just stop worrying and go with it. You could say thats a resolution but if we didn’t have New years I’d still be saying that to myself because I need to say it!!! I have to have that support of myself and to be able to promise myself that I will and can do it even its a new years or a new day. Everyday should be like a resolution, we should always try and be better people no matter what, to always go with what feels right =)
Evelyn- I hope your friends dog is feeling better, even though im 16 and don’t drink yet my friend’s mom let my friend and I have some champagne for New Years, only one glass, I thought it was good, it did give me some what of a headache but that may of been because of the fact we didn’t get to sleep till around four =).
Tim- Thank you so so much for those thoughts, I loved reading them! It really makes you think!! im going to show it to my mom because I know she’d like to read it too! thanks again!!
Okay, to all of you concerned about my friend’s dog, she’s doing just fine!!!! The only effect it had on her is that she slept in this morning, which made my friend very happy. No throwing up, blanace problems etc. I’ll respond to some of the other exchanges tomorrow when I got some sleep.
I love her, but her standards of neatness and tidiness were unreal and that’s the part I didn’t like about her visits. She’d checked out my room and no matter how hard I tried to straighten it out, it was never good enough, she even checked out my school note books and if there was even one ink blotch in there, she’d make me copy the entire damn note book over until it was as neat as she expected it to be. Definitely anal, repulsive etc. and not how I want to live or do live in fact, there are much more important things as is the point of your posts.
Tim, I like your posts very much, and will share them with some of my friends and family. The one about the dusting made me laugh very hard, b/c that’s one thing I unfortunately have to do a lot. I’m highly allergic to dust, so I must remove it, but otherwise, I like the homey, not totally straightened out feeling too, rather than overdoing the neat and proper tidy state of my apartment–I hope the universe does not transmit this to my grandma (No I’m not talking about my newly adopted grandma) or else she might come an haunt me …
More later, sweet dreams or a fantastic day to you.
2003 – wOw!! I’m ready — 2002 was just fine, but always look forward to the new year….
ah peaches…good stuff…and i’ll honor the Hopi …no shouting and no digging until after jan 6th..
Good morning, Whitney!
Caryn, thank you for your sweet invitation to visit you either in New York or Boston..(love that town!) The closest we get is Connecticut and New Jersey in the summer, when we visit with our daughters and their families. We don’t stay long, just enough to get re-acquainted with some of our grandchildren before they go off to camp.
Too bad we can’t have a “Strictly Ballroom” Lovers
convention, preferable at Radio City Music Hall, so SB could be shown on one of the world’s largest screens, and maybe Paul and I would be co-emcees. (no, I haven’t been drinking…don’t touch the stuff.)
Evelyn, I was relieved to know that I was not the Grandma you were talking about. I would hate to alienate any of my “adopted” brood!
Tim, yes, I had read about the children of the 40s
50s, etc., and heartily agree, especially the 40s, which was my time. It is good to be reminded, but to yearn for those times…no, these times are amazing, if we could eradicate the troubles of the world in which we live today. Case in point..just being able to communicate on this site so freely with so many, so intimately, is a marvel in itself!
Paul, you and the other “youngsters” on this site are so eloquent, so worldly, so passionate in your views, so kind, concerned, and respectful to each other and to your elders (me) that it is a pleasure to be among you…actually, you have no choice…if “Strictly Ballroom” is involved, here I am, warts and all!
Linda, welcome! Yes, “Strictly Ballroom” has brought us together, and now, because of the sudden interest in Baz Luhrmann’s projects, it has again attracted a whole new generation of admirers…without Paul’s magnificent talent in acting and dancing, it would not have become the international hit that it became right after
its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival back in 1992.
Paul’s performance and his interaction with Tara Morice, his co-star, make this film unforgettable, and addictive. It can be deemed a true classic! It is my all-time favorite musical-drama, and I go back a long time!
Luhrmann may not like it, but many critics have stated that “Strictly Ballroom” is the best of his Red Curtain Trilogy…no argument there!
Love, Grandma
…AND LET’S HEAR IT FOR CAT CONNOR, WHOSE TALENTS BROUGHT THIS SITE TO THE INTERNET, IN PAUL’S HONOR!!!
HIP, HIP, HURRAY, CAT, AND THANKS…LOVE YOU!!!
XXXXXX Grandma (again)
Good morning Grandma!
Yes, this is a lively bunch Millie and it’s fun just to read the posts. You sure know your SB info! It would be cool to see it on the biggest screen possible. And I wouldn’t doubt that it was the best movie from the collection because Paul absolutely kicked ass in it!!!!!!! It’s undeniable!
You mentioned a get together for SB, have you ever looked for a site on “Somewhere in Time” with Jane Seymore and Chris Reeve? They actually do have conventions. You should check it out.
No shouting or digging until after Jan 6th? I can do that and honor the Hopi with Uncle Peaches and bluedog.
As Grandma pointed out, you made this possible Cat. Participating is fun and interesting! Thank you.
Happy New Year to you Kelli. Atlanta sounds like fun! Champagne gives me a headache too!
Did you get some good rest Evelyn? I’m glad the dog’s ok. I’m glad you’re not a slave to cleaning like your grandma was. I liked the way my grandmother kept house. She drew the line at cobwebs. Though I cleaned house for her the last few years of her life, I didn’t realize how much she did until after her death. And as I mentioned, she didn’t make it the highest of her priorities. Being a housewife she was just naturally on it as it needed doing.
Hey Paul. Linda Thomas had some good thoughts and questions. I also have wondered if you should go for Broadway. I guess it would take you away from home initially, but maybe you can find a way to minimize this. The world is your oyster Paul! What do you really want to do with your life?
Dear Paul,
Happy New Year (well, belated). Speaking of resolutions, mine is to be more independent. Last year, I did not move out of my house, but, this year, I’m going to save up for an apartment and for a new car.
Paul, do you think it’s fair for the child who’s in their 20′s pay a boarder’s fee to their parents while living under their roof? It frustrates me sometimes when I think my dreams of independency is going to shatter. Sometimes I feel like a slave whos freedom was taken away. What I said two sentences ago are my true feelings of how I still live with my parents and pay a boarder’s fee.
I have another New Years Resolution: start my office career. Right now, I’m in a position called bussing. I work for the ABC Commisary Restaurant at MGM. Wiping down the tables and sweeping are ok, but when it comes to trash runs, I hate it!! It would be nice to work in the office at Disney. I just hope they accept my training. If not, I’ll keep on trying. Paul, wheneven you don’t get accepted in the role for the movie, try again for the auditions, whether the same part or for a different movie. I believe that you will have a good year. With your acting abilities, you’re still my #1 fan.
Today is January 2 already. Wow. Next year will be leap year which means 366 days. Hope you are ready for it. You know, it’s pretty cool that Australia ring in the New Year first.
On December 29th, I worked til 11, got home by midnignt, got up in the morning, December 30th, at 4:30 to go back to work by 6:30. Thankfully though that I didn’t get cranky at work. Then, December 31st, I worked from 4 until 1:30. I tried to stay dry, but in Florida there was rain and I got drenched even when I wore a trash bag to protect my body from being soak. Let my tell you, one of the wettest New Year’s in my life.
Were there any days, during the filming of Joseph, where you were so tired and cranky? And do you ever keep in contact with any of the main actors from the Joseph movie? Especially Leslie Anne Warren?
Well, Paul, be commenting later. Hope you’ll comment back.
Your fan,
Sara
susan d — thanks for the kick.
sarah (UP) — comic book heroes…wish i had been there for that conversation. hope wonder woman was in the list somewhere, maybe tucked between superman, batman, capt. marvel??
paul — sounds like we sort of agree on resolutions if you read my brief post in last thread — better to gain something/affirm. i gave up meat for lent when i was 14 and gave up lent for lent when i was 15. i figured, why do i need this rite to help me…and, well, if something is worth giving up for 40 days, isn’t it worth giving up for good?? so, no more red meat since. wish my thinking was as black and white now as it was then sometimes. seemed when i was younger and made up my mind to do something, that was it. it was done. now i’m a “tomorrow is another day” kind of gal, which can be good and bad.
but, i also agree with caryn that they shouldn’t be looked down on as the first lie either…they could be the first truth of the new year for some people. and caryn, i, coincidentally, did the exact same thing with dance classes last year as you. woohoo. yay us.
ciao for now.
You are not fooling yourself regarding your approach to New Year’s resolutions.
Your comment:
“I am owning the responsibilty of being me, of making and meeting my goals, of continueing my growth and fulfilling the promise of my creative soul.”
That’s a *great* attitude.
Continue to be well.
Peace to you and yours,
Joan P.
Erie, CO (USA)
I must confess that I’ve only been restricting my food options for two days and already, I’ve gotten urges for food I wasn’t even eating, like hot dogs and soda pop. There’s something to Paul’s observation that we want what we tell ourselves we can’t have, almost compulsively!
I have to laugh at my mind the way it operates. It’s a survivor, a manipulator. But I beat it when I gave up cigarettes. Once I figured out how to control my thoughts by redirecting them I had the upper hand. My brain isn’t me, just another organ (though a very important one).
I did an upper body workout today and 40 minutes of aerobics. Yes, it’s a pain in the ass but, it feels good to get back into my free weights. I did the workout in 59 minutes; you’re supposed to try and do it in 46. The brevity of the training appeals to me. I can do anything for 46 minutes!!!!
I’m taking the required “before picture” tomorrow, but you guys won’t see it. Maybe I’ll post the “after” one.
Goodnight Grandma
Love, Whitney
Hey Guys:
So glad you enjoyed the two posts. I thought they were great. Re: NYR, I can only say I revert back to my first career. Accounting. As a C.P.A., I was responsible in a few jobs as a Controller to prepare budgets for the next year but also to during the next year prepare a flexible budget. What that meant was set a goal and then as things changed during the year re-assess and project again. So NYR’s? Nope I just re-assess all year long. Like I started my weight control in December. By the way, I’ve lost 12 pounds thus far and I’m doing my treadmill every other day. Not bad huh? I fully expect to be down a couple of pant sizes by the end of the month. I had my review at the salon today. The owner thinks I’m about to break a barrier. He told me my skill was exceptional and the only thing holding me back was how hard I was on myself sometimes. So I told him next time I appear to do that to Thump me on the head. And he’s sending me to New Yorkfor a couple of classes. New York is always a great getaway from Alanta. Although abroad would be a preference…we’ll see.
Grandma…like you said, I wouldn’t want to give up the internet to go back in time. Otherwise, we’d never have the pleasure to meet each other and “talk” to Paul. How cool is that? Living in a city though, makes you wish for a simpler life..but living in the country is not possible unless you have a great deal of funds stashed away..there simply are not jobs out there. Can’t think of anywhere else in Georgia I could tolerate other than Atlanta…if not here it would have to be another state and preferably another country.
Paul I hope your wife enjoys the posts. They are meant with the best of intentions. To reflect on the past with amusement and great remembrance and to remember that our future definitely will involve dust but what we do with it can definitely impact our lives.
I love posting here and talking to you guys and for that I too wish to thank Cat. Thank you. This is exhilarating, empowering and fun.
Happy 2003!!
Tim
Texas–
Oh yeah, Wonder Woman was something like #5 or 4, because she is not only the daughter of a God, but also she can take a beat down for an hour and then hit you with one blow and kill you. But I don’t know jack about comic books, this was all them. I just argued that you don’t need a “good” alignment to be a hero, you can have a “neutral” alignment and still be one (this is more going by D&D standards, though). Interestingly enough, the number 1 comic book hero (according to some magazine) is the Silver Surfer, having no other weakness than not being able to come back to Earth. I dunno, don’t ask me.
And thank you to everyone helping to celebrate Soyal; the situation among the Hopi in Hotevilla (the last traditional Hopi village) was dire and desperate a few years ago, I can imagine it must be all but gone now. According to the Hopi, this means dire things for the planet and the (very accurate) fufillment of the worst of the prophecies. Interesting stuff to research, I highly recommend it and some reading on the Mayans. But I digress.
Yeah. Okay, I guess that was it. Later!
Tim, BIG pat on the back for your success on your weight loss and sticking to it. It was reflected in your post. You sound very proud of yourself and justly so. Best of luck on your classes. Hey let us know if ya need a thump.
Whitney, I’d give you a kick but you beat me to it. You go girl! Lets see… I had a beer during our domino’s game so I’m due to do some aerobics. You have inspired me. Hey where’s my kick? Gee does this mean I have to wait till tomorrow?:)
Texas,Evelyn,Paul and others here’s your kick..
Paul, My daughter Samantha wants me to tell you that she really liked your movie and she watches it over and over, she says that you are really good at dancing and she loves to dance too. She wants to say Hi. She was happy you liked her sentence for this year.It put a big smile on her face. She also was surprise that you answer the most of the posts and that you take time for this web sight. Her question to you is..Was it hard dancing in the movie SB and doing ballroom dancing steps? She also wonders how you got to be in the movie?
Suz and Sami
Good Morning Grandma!
Before I step on my elliptical trainer I want to give a double virtual kick in the butt to Suz, texas, Tim, Evelyn, and of course, Paul. Did I leave any kicks out?
Tim that’s great!! How wonderful that you’re getting more recognition! There’s nothing like some time spent in NYC to give you some extra confidence (I drove there once and now I’m fearless behind the wheel!). And of course the training will do even more to get you closer to your goal of kicking ass in Cosmotology.
You know this NYR thing has never been very important to me. I quit making them years ago. I’m like you, I just happen to be working on something and I felt I could use the resolution to strengthen my personal comittment. Congratulations on sticking with your routine!
Uncle Peaches, what were the worst of the Hopi prophecies? Thanks for keeping me informed.
Au, au, au –stop kicking me!!!
))) okay, not, –I am going to the gymn after having had some herbal immune system boosting tea! I really did miss it while being sick and this reminds me of a long overdue THANK YOU to all of you wishing me that I’d shake this bout with the flu quickly, so THANK YOU!
, giving me so much to think about and triggering all sorts of thoughts and memories, but it was good thinking even though still not exactly sorted out in my mind. Caryn, your posts reminded me in many ways of who I was when I was in my early twenties. I wanted very clear structures, goals (okay, not in all areas of my life, but in a lot of them) because it felt safe, it was what I was used to, had grown up with and I think that these boundaries helped me to explore certain areas of me in a clear, “safe” environment but I was always chasing after something out there that wasn’t me, that I felt I was expected to be though. The entire stuff with the resolutions, which for me would work as a perfect means for self-judging/ self-criticism and a tool to pull myself down–hence I reject them for myself and the whole positive affirmation / assessment adjustment, which very strongly appeals to me is still working in my mind, but here are a few thoughts. Over the Thanksgiving Holiday I took some time out to write about all the things I was thankful for and over the Xmas Holidays I sat down and wrote down things that I love, two days later things that I value and then a day later things I spend money, time and energy on. It really helps me see ‘me’ who I am, who I have become and am becoming and of course in the whole writing exercise it was & is important not to be judgmental or judge what you write down. I do want to go back and look at this soon to see how much of how I spend my money, time and energy overlaps (or not) with what I love and value and then begin to make adjustments if I choose to do that or feel the need for it. In some way this sounds perhaps like making resolutions, but I don’t think it is for me, because I make resolutions based on a notion of who I think I need or should be, thus not accepting who I am now, and in that way the resolution is focused and based on something I am not. In the reassessment it comes more out of who I am, it comes out of my soul and in that way I feel I’m essentially part of the process, moving along with it and I’m doing it for me not for an idealized version of me. This is perhaps getting a bit too technical or clinical…but both of these writing “exercises” have helped me to focus on the positive away from the negative that I very often chose to focus on.
Another few delayed responses: Suz, you have one hell of a daughter!!! When you posted her chosen words and the sentence the other day, it just blew my mind, chin dropping somewhere down to my knees and leaving me speechless. Will you give her a hug from me and keep nurturing that beautiful soul she has?
Kelli, I haven’t forgotten about getting you more input about Baylor, just haven’t heard from my friend, who’s most likely in Europe over term break. When I get her response I will send it to your email if that’s okay, rather than posting it here.
Whitney, thanks for explaning the foggy/foogey word play, it does make sense now and sure, the way things are spelled multiply in English, gets to be confusing at times to us, the non-native speakers/writers/spellers of English. And did I get enough rest the other night? Hmmm, rest, yep, sleep, nope, YOU GUYS KEPT ME UP PRETTY MUCH ALL NIGHT
Tim, congratulations on the weight loss and for sticking to your exercise plan. Whitney, congrats on starting yours!!! and here’s another round of electronic kicks to all of you/us, and a double one for you, Suz, one for today and one for tomorrow. Don’t all these electronic kicks begin to count as work outs??? Okay, off to the gym, yeah!!!!! I really am looking forward to this and I’m not kidding about it. I really missed it!!!!
Whitney: Yes, many movie buffs have conventions.
I almost went to a “Gone With The Wind” convention in Atlanta, (Hi, Tim!) years ago, when I was still teaching, and our kids were in high school. I even got as far as calling the airlines to find out about a reservation, but got cold feet, and decided not to go. (I guess I changed my mind when my husband said, incredulously, “Are you kidding????”) I took the hint…(I guess that’s one of the reasons we are still married for 50 years!) Instead, for GWTW’s 50th anniversary, my principal allowed me to take my class, with mothers as chaperones, to see GWTW at
Radio City on the big screen. The principal went along too!
The next day I had a GWTW-theme luncheon in my classroom, and we tried to serve Southern food, and the kids dressed up to look like Scarlett and Rhett. I had a Scarlett look-alike contest, and the winner was a wonderfully talented, delightfully funny black girl, who won the contest, by exclaiming in her best Southern accent, “Fiddle-dee-dee, I won’t think about that now, I’ll think about that tomorrow!”
Today, I write about that experience, but “Strictly Ballroom” has replaced GWTW as my #1
favorite film classic.
It’s no longer Rhett Butler, it’s Scott Hastings, and it’s not Scarlett O’Hara, but “Fran…just Fran!”
Sue, I don’t know how old your child is, but SB has been recommended as a teaching tool in the classroom…just find http://www.teachwithmovies.org and
click on “S” It is recommended for children from ages 8 and up. Has I remained a teacher (I’ve been retired for 12 years) I would have said, “Gone With the Wind” blow away, here comes “Strictly Ballroom”!
Tim, you wanna have a dieting buddy? I suddenly turned over a new leaf, and am going to try harder for the New Year. No resolution, just common sense. At my age it’s hard to diet and have success, but I’m on my indoor bike for 20 minutes each day to start. I have arthritis, and cannot walk for exercise. I will be 70 this month, and I want to look better on stage and in the real world! My variety show is in early March…I hope my costumes fit!
I thank you, Tim, for inspiring me, and by living in Atlanta. You helped me bring back those memories…By the way, did you ever try to find “Tara”?.. (the GWTW mansion, not Morice, our wonderful “Fran”.)
Don’t bother looking…in the book it was in
Clayton Country, Georgia, but in the real world, it was a wooden set on the back lot of MGM in Burbank, California!
Love ya’ all,
Grandma
Whitney: Yes, many movie buffs have conventions.
I almost went to a “Gone With The Wind” convention in Atlanta, (Hi, Tim!) years ago, when I was still teaching, and our kids were in high school. I even got as far as calling the airlines to find out about a reservation, but got cold feet, and decided not to go. (I guess I changed my mind when my husband said, incredulously, “Are you kidding????”) I took the hint…(I guess that’s one of the reasons we are still married for 50 years!) Instead, for GWTW’s 50th anniversary, my principal allowed me to take my class, with mothers as chaperones, to see GWTW at
Radio City on the big screen. The principal went along too!
The next day I had a GWTW-theme luncheon in my classroom, and we tried to serve Southern food, and the kids dressed up to look like Scarlett and Rhett. I had a Scarlett look-alike contest, and the winner was a wonderfully talented, delightfully funny black girl, who won the contest, by exclaiming in her best Southern accent, “Fiddle-dee-dee, I won’t think about that now, I’ll think about that tomorrow!”
Today, I write about that experience, but “Strictly Ballroom” has replaced GWTW as my #1
favorite film classic.
It’s no longer Rhett Butler, it’s Scott Hastings, and it’s not Scarlett O’Hara, but “Fran…just Fran!”
Sue, I don’t know how old your child is, but SB has been recommended as a teaching tool in the classroom…just find http://www.teachwithmovies.org and
click on “S” It is recommended for children from ages 8 and up. Has I remained a teacher (I’ve been retired for 12 years) I would have said, “Gone With the Wind” blow away, here comes “Strictly Ballroom”!
Tim, you wanna have a dieting buddy? I suddenly turned over a new leaf, and am going to try harder for the New Year. No resolution, just common sense. At my age it’s hard to diet and have success, but I’m on my indoor bike for 20 minutes each day to start. I have arthritis, and cannot walk for exercise. I will be 70 this month, and I want to look better on stage and in the real world! My variety show is in early March…I hope my costumes fit!
I thank you, Tim, for inspiring me, and by living in Atlanta. You helped me bring back those memories…By the way, did you ever try to find “Tara”?.. (the GWTW mansion, not Morice, our wonderful “Fran”.)
Don’t bother looking…in the book it was in
Clayton Country, Georgia, but in the real world, it was a wooden set on the back lot of MGM in Burbank, California!
Love ya’ all,
Grandma
Whitney: Yes, many movie buffs have conventions.
I almost went to a “Gone With The Wind” convention in Atlanta, (Hi, Tim!) years ago, when I was still teaching, and our kids were in high school. I even got as far as calling the airlines to find out about a reservation, but got cold feet, and decided not to go. (I guess I changed my mind when my husband said, incredulously, “Are you kidding????”) I took the hint…(I guess that’s one of the reasons we are still married for 50 years!) Instead, for GWTW’s 50th anniversary, my principal allowed me to take my class, with mothers as chaperones, to see GWTW at
Radio City on the big screen. The principal went along too!
The next day I had a GWTW-theme luncheon in my classroom, and we tried to serve Southern food, and the kids dressed up to look like Scarlett and Rhett. I had a Scarlett look-alike contest, and the winner was a wonderfully talented, delightfully funny black girl, who won the contest, by exclaiming in her best Southern accent, “Fiddle-dee-dee, I won’t think about that now, I’ll think about that tomorrow!”
Today, I write about that experience, but “Strictly Ballroom” has replaced GWTW as my #1
favorite film classic.
It’s no longer Rhett Butler, it’s Scott Hastings, and it’s not Scarlett O’Hara, but “Fran…just Fran!”
Sue, I don’t know how old your child is, but SB has been recommended as a teaching tool in the classroom…just find http://www.teachwithmovies.org and
click on “S” It is recommended for children from ages 8 and up. Has I remained a teacher (I’ve been retired for 12 years) I would have said, “Gone With the Wind” blow away, here comes “Strictly Ballroom”!
Tim, you wanna have a dieting buddy? I suddenly turned over a new leaf, and am going to try harder for the New Year. No resolution, just common sense. At my age it’s hard to diet and have success, but I’m on my indoor bike for 20 minutes each day to start. I have arthritis, and cannot walk for exercise. I will be 70 this month, and I want to look better on stage and in the real world! My variety show is in early March…I hope my costumes fit!
I thank you, Tim, for inspiring me, and by living in Atlanta. You helped me bring back those memories…By the way, did you ever try to find “Tara”?.. (the GWTW mansion, not Morice, our wonderful “Fran”.)
Don’t bother looking…in the book it was in
Clayton Country, Georgia, but in the real world, it was a wooden set on the back lot of MGM in Burbank, California!
Love ya’ all,
Grandma
Fiddle-dee-dee, my post certainly did get screwed up, didn’t it? I beg your pardon..I only wrote one..how in the —-did I end up with 3?
Embarrassed Grandma
Evelyn- Thanks so much!! thats perfectly fine for you to email me!! =)this week Im thinking of becoming a dental hygenist since I use to want to be that when I was little, lol who knows! Thank you again!!
Susan- Your daughter sounds so delightful!! tell her I give her my best wishes of a happy 2003! Keep watching SB!!! XXOO
Whitney- I know what you mean about the food you can’t have. After the holidays I try to go back to my normal eating habits but for those couple of weeks in january im always left full because for the holidays I had gotten use to eating so much! its hard but I always get over it!! ‘Wink’
Grandma- My other grandma loves GWTW so much! I have so many memories of going to her house and curling up on her sofa and watching it with her and my cousins! it was great! the same way for the Sound of music! I guess I’ll get older and show everyone Strictly Ballroom, and they’ll love to come over and watch it at my house!!
Love to everyone!!!
Kelli
Millie, check out a Web site called http://www.wonderfulbuys.com. Last year I bought my refurbished Orbitrek (elliptical trainer) from them for $99 and they paid shipping! I think you’d love it! I do. It won’t hurt your fanny like a stationary bike. Do you have access to any weight equipment?
Evelyn, I’ll have to make those lists myself. They sound like a good tool for self-assessment. Though I’m sure you won’t want to take it this far, you’ve reminded me of a book I stumbled onto at the public library years ago. It was called “Self Watching” I believe and it was either written by or based on, the behavioural theories of Benjamin Franklin. It seems he believed that you could better change undesirable behaviour by keeping a close eye on the activities of your life. He kept track of all sorts of information. Personally I think he could have benefited from some of our modern medicines for OCD, but your lists sound enlightening and edifying.
Hi guys!Hi Paul!
Yep, I’m new here and I don’t know what to begin with:)Well, I’m glad that Paul has such devoted and unique fans!You should be grateful for that Paul;)And your fans should be thankful for having such talented idol!
I heard about your crisis and some problems concerning your future developement….Well, what can I say?I’m only 22:)But all I know is that YOU WILL SURVIVE (can you hear Gloria Gaynor singing now?:)and that ALL WILL PASS!
Therefore, keep on moving, don’t stop (these words come from a Soul II Soul song:)- STAY POSITIVE!
I will keep my fingers crossed for whatever you do!
Kisses,
Agnieszka.
For all of you GWTW fans, there really is a “Tara”. It is North of Alexandria, Louisiana, been there, lovely bed and breakfast now, but it was used as a model for the interior and exterior setting for the Stage set. They have a lot of photos and sketches that were drawn. The scene where Scarlet shoots the Union Soldier, actually took place in this old mansion. Supposedly the blood stain is still under the carpet on the staircase.
I’ll go thru my travel expenses and forward the correct address and name of the plantation. It is off the beaten path, we were only the 6th visitors the day we toured the home.
Hope all are enjoying this the 3rd day of January, DH left a very cute BD card on my pillow last night before he left for work, then fixed me breakfast this morning. Yes, I had to come to work and am corresponding with all of you during my lunch break.
Must get back to the bookkeeping so I can work on more taxes. I’m not sure we are ever going to get thru with 2001 returns.
Tim: I was a child of the 50′s and 60′s and lived on the farm, I can relate.
Hugs all around,
Sherrlyn
Welcome Agnieszka! Where are you? How did you get such a unique name?
You’re so right about Paul being talented! It’s easy to idolize him. Read some of his threads and you’ll see what a sensitive and intelligent thinker he is: good looks, talent and a mind too. I guess that’s why his blog attracts such a wide variety of cool people.
Okay, to show what my project for the new year will be (cuz I don’t have any weight to lose, although i could concentrate on getting a job…..heh heh heh), I’m gonna post the first of it here. I’m studying Sindarin, the language of the grey-elves in LOTRings, and for those of you out there who enjoy the elven-speak, mae govannen!
Here goes:
Anirim cuil
Pathran meleth
Pathran miphil
Am thir nin
Ar am camin nin
An-ithil, taur a corn,
Vi menel daw
Anirim pen,
Sui lin,
I henio ardhon
An-dol idhren
A henin
Sui laeg nin
Tirim pen
I u tirio
An nin
***Note, of course the accents won’t show up on here, so it’s typographically incorrect, but screw it******
And the French version, pour les personnes francophone:
Je souhaite un vie
Remple d’amour
Remple des baises
Sur mon visage
Et mes mains
Avec la luna, trop bleme
Dans le ciel nuit
Je souhaite un personne,
Comme toi,
Qui comprends le monde
Avec un tete lucide
Et des yeux
A percant des miens
Je cherche pour un personne
Qui est jamais
Chercher a-moi
So I say we all make new year’s projects and see how they turn out and share with everyone! Good compromise?
HEY GUYS
Yes GWTW was suppose to be in the far away country from Atlanta called Clayton county. Well of course as only Ms Mitchell knew so well herself it was a long ride out to Clayton from downtown. Now of course it is metro and actually the airport is located on the NE tip of Clayton county. Also Clayton county is one of the more undesired places to live in Atlanta. South Atlanta is not really a place many people seek out. I lived in Burbank and I’d much prefer to live there and be able to see Tara on the backlot of MGM. I lived a few blocks from Disney and Warner Bros. I could walk to the Starbucks and watch people in line for the Tonight Show. Ahhhhh, those were the days. The OLD CAR night at the Big Boy. People would bring their classics to the drive-in Big Boy and order food and stuff and everone could walk around and admire the cars and sit in them..Mine is the 1959 Chevrolet Impala. What I wouldn’t give for one of those. I have a 72Convertible VW Bug. It needs a new top. That 59 Chevrolet though..OH it is so HOT.
Someone was writing about Somewhere in Time. One of my all time favorites. I love that kind of time travel movie. Very similar to the one with Lindsay Wagner where she travelled back in time when she put on this old dress she found in her attic. Then when she decided to stay in the past, she left paintings for her husband to see in his time of her and her family…chill bumps.
As I’m typing please forgive typos, I’ve got my four month old princess cuddled up in my left elbow, so my left hand is somewhat restricted.
I had a great, great day at the salon. Over $700 and most of it 3 clients. I love that…make em over and rake it in. One of them wanted me to do something about her chin..kidding of course and I said…you know they say I’m a beautician not a magician.
Oh and by the way..I got a message from CAT. She asked what we would be interested in with regard to letting us post pictures of our selves. I just told her we’d like to be able to post our pictures. She said whatever it is she’d have to put it in herself. Let her know if you’d really like to do it, she’s ready and willing.
I’m seeing a light…when I get out of this hole, I’m taking two trips..1 to London and 1 to Australia.
Tim
I confess Tim, it was me that loves “Somewhere in Time”. I can’t resist a supernatural thriller with a paradox. What’s the name of the Lindsey Wagoner movie? It sounds interesting.
I did my aerobics today. Glad you had a good day too! Hope everyone else did as well.
Butt kicks all ’round!!!!!!!!!!
Goodnight Grandma!
Thanks for the kicks everyone. I was a good girl today and did the aerobics.
Grandma Mildred, thank you for the web sight. I’m going to check it out as soon as I log off of here. Sami says thank you for think of her. She is excited about visting the web sight.
Kelli,Thanks for the best wishes of 2003. The best to you too from Sami and I.
Evelyn, thanks for the hugs:)Sami sends one back.
Paul, Evelyn,Tim and Texas here’s a big kick.
Whitney you get a little one, we don’t want to put you into overdrive:)
Suz
Susan, so glad that Sami has interest in the site
http://www.teachwithmovies.org It is an awesome site for teachers, parents, and kids of all ages..that includes all of your lovely people on this site!
When the home page opens, go to “Alpabetical” and when that comes up, click on “S” for “Strictly Ballroom”..you will see many movies, so look carefully! There are tons of other movies, including the children’s classics, all reviewed!
Paul, the site is so complimentary to you, especially. You have inspired many people of all ages to take up dancing, which changed their lives!
“Strictly Ballroom” also heightened my interest in Australia Every time I hear an accent anywhere, I think, is that person from Australia or England?? I have studied Australia on the Internet, and even in tourist guide books.
Last spring, when Tara Morice opened in the Australia premiere of a prestigeous American play, “Spinning Into Butter” at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, my husband and I looked into the prospect of going to Australia, seeing Tara in her play, going backstage and meeting her, and then going on tour! Our children wanted to give us that trip as our 50th anniversary present.
We had to drop that idea when we found out that the plane trip from Florida to Australia was over 22 hours, one way…not a good idea, healthwise, for us oldsters. (Tim, I can understand why you would like to go to Australia, also.)
I would love to exchange photos with everyone on this site…I am fearless,and promise not to dye my hair, Tim, in order to keep up with all you “youngsters”…I have earned every wrinkle, every double chin, and every gray hair!
Have a good weekend, everyone! Elliott and I have a Saturday rehearsal for the show…the first week in March (the grand opening) will be coming up fast!
Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
Love, Grandma
Excuse me, here I am again: I really don’t want to dominate the posts today (Saturday morning) but I just found something in our south Florida morning newspaper that may be of interest to the twenty-year-olds, like Sara.
Sara, your post about how you are expected to pay a boarder’s fee to your parents interested me. I am not going to make a judgment on this one…every situation is unique!
I did read a letter written to an advice columnist, from a twenty-year-old young woman
who was having a problem similar to yours. The columnist advised her to get this book:
“Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties” by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner.
I don’t know if this book will address the issues that you mentioned, but maybe it’s worth a try!
Love, and best wishes,
Grandma Mildred
thanx whitney and susan d for your encouragement.
i’m flying back to nyc today (car’s in the shop down here in nashville. i’ll fly back next week to pick it up and drive home with the dog). i’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. i will miss mom, but am grateful her health is so well i am able to return home. she’s gonna bawl when i leave. mom’s are funny.
hopefully when i get back in my nyc routine, i will have more time to read every post. i know by skimming them, i’m missing the meat. sorry guys.
enjoy your weekend everyone. talk to you soon.
Hey well its Saturday morning, Yesterday I slept till 12 trying to catch up on lost sleep I had over new years but today Im feeling much more rested!!
I hope everyone is too!
Paul, I have something to ask you, you remember Steven Grace the actor/dancer who played “Luke” in SB? well I was watching the commentary on SB and they said he also dances in Moulin Rouge. I was shocked because I had thought that before. When I was little and use to watch SB Luke and Kylie were some of my favorite characters besides Scott and Fran. I just wanted to see ifu know of any movies or other dances he has been in. I hope your enjoying the warmth in Australia. Take Care
Texas, Have a safe and happy trip!! =)
Grandma, I love reading your posts, and I want to here more about your show it sounds so interesting! I had an interest in Autralia too ever since SB and then…well this may sound sorta silly but the Croc hunter as well!! lol I loved to watch his show and see the “Outback”!! he is so funny! well Grandma I hope you are doing wonderfully!!! have a good week!
Susan, no problem! yourdaughter sounds so smart, what grade is she in?? hope you and Sami are having a wonderful week!!
Love to everyone!! XXOO’s
Kelli
happy new year!!
Kelli, my daughter is in 4th grade, my son is in 5th. They are very close in age and are like twins. My son was 10 months old when I found out I was carring my daughter.(don’t ever listen to that old wives tale you can’t get pregnant when nursing). My children are living proof that it’s not true!:)
Grandma Mildren, Have you seen the movie “Shall We Dance”. I haven’t and was wondering if I should rent it. I found it listed on the http://www.teachwithmovie.org.
Paul,Evelyn,Tim and Texas…KICK
Whitney..your litte one…kick.
Suz
Hi Grandma. I’m sad to hear that you can’t travel long distances by air. Would you be able to take a cruise?
The book you mentioned sounds interesting. I no doubt, could have used some direction at that point in my life (and every other). I thought I’d read every self-help book ever written, but I somehow missed that one.
Have a safe trip back to NYC, texas. I know what you mean about preferring your own bed. I hope this isn’t too personal, but what ails your mom? I’m glad to hear she’s feeling better.
Thanks for the mini kick Suz. I did 35 minutes on my elliptical trainer and 20 minutes this evening on my favorite nature trail (doggy likes this one). I also did my lower body workout (36 minutes), took my “before” picture and regisered for the BFL Challenge. I’m the picture of determination!
Though it isn’t a part of the Hiltonhead Metabolism diet, tomorrow is my free day in the Body For Life Challenge. I don’t have to exercise and I can eat anything I want! I’m going to my favorite steak house with my little sister.
Butt kicks all ’round!!!!!!!!!!
Goodnight Grandma.
Susan, “Shall We Dance” is a Japanese film that was well received internationally but it has subtitles that for many may be annoying.
It is interesting, enough, but not for children. It is the story of a rather dull Japanese accountant who in order to put some spice in his life decides one night to take dancing lessons at a dance studio he spots from the train that he takes home each night.
One critic said it was “reminiscent” of “Strictly Ballroom.” What an insult! No way does this film resemble our SB!
Kelli, one day I will post a very short overview of my variety show, “Follies 2003: Love Is In The Air”. We had a good rehearsal today, running through the show (39 acts) in l hr. 45 min., no intermission! All I can say is, there are four acts that come from the music of our “Strictly Ballroom”. I produced and directed Follies ’97, ’99, 2000 and now this, and I am happy to say, all of these programs were different, and all well received with complete ticket sellouts each time! I understand that ticket sales are very brisk this time too. We hope to open in our brand new renovated Theatre, if it ever gets finished in time…we’ve already been postponed from January to March.
Goodnight, Whitney!
Love,
Grandma
Lindsay Wagner’s movie is The two Worlds of Jennie Logan (1979).It was a made for TV flick and can be found on ebay. Some blockbusters have it.
Grandma…I can’t wait to visit Australia. I was working on finding a job there last year. The fee to get in and requirements are some what tedious and expensive. My age hurt me most. Made me feel OLD. You get points OFF if you’re over 35.
Anyway, in anticipation of a possible relocation, I took diction lessons with a Hollywood Coach. I have the supporting computer program to keep using at home. So, I can “speak” Australian. I also worked on standard American english as well. Being stuck in Atlanta for so long and not travelling is a killer on the voice box. You pick up these awful slurs…so I practice my standard english everyday and am pretty much accent-less. As are my kids. I hated it as a child when you would go somewhere and they “IMMEDIATELY” know where you were from or at least assumed. I remember in NY when I was 10, my cousin was with us and she ordered chicken at KFC and everyone behind the counter just busted our laughing and kept asking her to say her order again. Even then I wasn’t horrible, but ever since, I was determined to be just American and not Southern.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend. My day went well..it’s over. Tomorrow…work on the house..gee I can’t wait.
Take care everyone…keep on pushing toward those goals. I AM!
Tim
Thanks for getting that movie title for me Tim. I’ll have to check it out.
What’s the name of the program for standard English? My twang is mighty bad! Actually, my accent is minimal compared to many around me, however, when I was in Chicago recently one person thought I sounded extremely “southern”.
My parents almost moved us to Australia when I was 10. They sent a letter inquiring about taxes. Whoever read the letter, thought they had written the word “taxis” and told my parents that “The taxis run from one end of the street to the other.”. Needless to say, we decided to stay here and I’m glad we did, because I would have missed my grandmother!
Susan, your daughter seems so much wiser than her years, a very smart girl!. Im so glad that she has a brother that is close to her. My brother and I are 3 years apart and have a similar relationship, is wonderful to have that, hope all is well!
Grandma, your variety show sounds very interesting and I bet it will be wonderful too see. I wish I had seen the others that you had done before, it sounds like something I would have enjoyed! I bet lots of people who saw it loved it! Im glad that you had a good rehearshal =). do you direct also? I can’t wait to hear your overview of it. take care Grandma!!
Hope everyone is doing great!! lots of love!!
Kelli
Shall We Dance did indeed come out after Strictly. I remember seeing it advertised and thinking imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Strictly was very popular in Japan and an interesting fact for those that may not of known – it was called “Dancing Hero”
Tim a belated congrats on the commitment to working out and trimming up!!
What is the deal with the kicks??? I am not sure my over sensitive ( not oversized!) butt needs any!!
I’m at work – Sunday! Very quiet. Mmmmmmmmmmmm…….What was the meaning of life again???
The meaning of life = to propagate one’s genes.
Working on Sunday! That sucks!
So you arent as big as your posts led me to believe? And here I was pulling for you! Well, no more virtual kicks in the butt for you.
Caryn! You’re suppose to be working on that paper girl! You couldn’t help yourself could you?
(sheepish grin)
nope
thanks for getting me back on track, whit!
No problem. Nose to the grindstone and all that stuff!!!
Hey Paul,
Just a quick question about your last post: If your butt is not over-sized, then what is making it so over-sensitive? Just curious.
It just occurred to me how ridiculous I sound talking about your butt as it’s own entity. Well, judging by some of the posts on these boards, it certaintly does seem to have forged its own fame and attracted its own admirers… lol!
Anyway, remember that there’s no shame in soliciting a little help from friends. As the Beatles said, “Oooh, I get by with a little help from my friends.” So, here’s a kick in the butt for our “Dancing Hero”. Not that you have to take it… remember our earlier discussion of following your heart and not the advice of others because only you know what’s best for you. But I mean that kick only in the friendliest of ways, should you choose to accept it.
Now, somebody give ME some more kicks to keep chugging through the night at this 20 page paper!! (Thank you, Whit!
Bed-less in Boston,
Caryn
I am sick and tired of being the butt of other peoples jokes!! I think it’s high time people Butted out and left me out of these posts. I am not sensitive butt I am sick of being the one left behind in Paul’s wake!
Best wishes to you all
P. Butt
ps stop kicking me because I am feeling droopy. I am trying to give myself a lift and reading these posts hasnt helped. Spreading the word is good butt not at my expansiveness!!
oops!!! Must have sat on the key board!!!!
No, Whitney, it’s not “nose to the grindstone and all that stuff”, it’s “what about a life lived in fear, and all that stuff…” (Scott to Fran, secretly, in the shadows of the back porch of Fran’s house.)
I would never be able to quote from “Shall We Dance”..first off, seeing it once is enough, and secondly, I don’t intend to learn Japanese at my age!
Hummmm..”Dancing Hero” Paul? Not bad, certainly rings true!
Love,
Grandma
Dear P. Butt,
HAHA… LOL!!!!! Bravo. It’s high time you spoke your mind. (Or is it low time you spoke your butt??)
BUT, whew, talk about over-sensitive! I do remind you that it was Paul who brought you up. (Or is it let you down?) You should take the issue up with him. (While he raises the issue with you…)
Seriously, though, butt. Try not to get too (black and) blue with all these kicks. I mean, the very cleverness of your response goes to show that there’s more to you and Paul than that which made you famous as a body part.
Happy expansiveness to you and yours,
Caryn
Caryn, here’s your kick in the butt to keep you chugging though the night.
Grandma Mildren, Thanks for the info on shall we dance. Sounds like Sami will have to wait for it later in life.
Dancing Hero, Here’s a kick if you need or want it
(optional). Not intended to hurt. You can kick me back if ya want . So you heard of Shall We Dance. Did you watch it? Was it good enough movie to recommend? Your views?
Tim, Two Worlds of Jenny Logan, I remember that movie now. I liked it.
Kelli, Sami and I says hi.Sami says your delightful.
Kicks for Texas,Tim, Evelyn
little kick for Whitney. Don’t forget your water!
Sami says hi to everyone.
Suz
You are absolutley right Caryn, there is more to me than meets the eye, so kick Paul in the butt so he might get up off of me and let the world once again gaze on my magnificence with awe and inspiration.
Lets face it, if it wasnt for me he wouldnt be able to sit on his laurels!!
Let the Butt stop here.
P Butt
ps everyone give Paul a big kick – in the shins!
Dear Paul,
While we’re on the subject, Cole Porter, the famous composer and lyricist once wrote:
“….I get no kick from champagne,
Mere alcohol doesn’t thrill me at all,
So tell me, why should it be true,
That I (we) get a kick out of you?”
Adoringly, (at my age, oh, my!)
Grandma
arggggggggggggh!
let’s put this behind and move on…(lol)
Whitney: You can find the American training at American Accent training.com, I think…just do a search for “American Accent Training.” They send you C.D.’s and and you work with them over the phone as often as you can afford…
Grandma..I meant to comment about your grey hair. I have clients with grey hair and it’s all in the mind. These (women in particular) have chosen to wear styles that are very upbeat. A little spikey with some pomade. They do not get a roll and set every week. As a result…they feel and look as young as everyone else. They haven’t stuck themselves in one generation..they’ve moved on.
Paul. I think everyone is off to kicking everybody in the ass to keep them motivated. I don’t think you need that. You mentioned an expansive behind as quoted from your wife several pages ago. Only she has a point of reference on that. Even if we did see Exit to Eden. You can call it kicks or whatever I just like to give people some form of motivation. A high five on excellent achievement or a standing ovation at weight watchers when someone hits their goal…damn hard to do. I for one just want to stay motivated and looking in the mirror is enough for that. I’m focusing really hard on where I want to be by June. My wife and I have talked and we’re going to start planning a vacation for our family. We both had those “vacations” to remember as children. My oldest son will be 12 this year. I’ve got to get on the ball and give him that inspirational trip. For me it was when we went to New York as a child. I went back several times as a teenager to the city to watch plays with my buddies. God I loved that place. I was never the same again. So we’re going to plan a trip to Europe…starting with London spend some time there and then go to Australia. Expensive YES…but it’d be worth a second mortgage on our home if it opens my childrens eyes to the world and makes them realize that there truly is a whole lot of world out there to explore and live in than just suburban Atlanta. After that I will feel that I’ve “opened their minds” maybe they will also feel they can do anything. I’m working on it. I feel great today…How about you guys???
Paul!!! Stick with it man…I’m very thankful to you for inspiring me. You have SO MANY people that feel the same way. Get out of the droops…you’ve done so much more than I’ll ever be able to accomplish creatively. I hope my script is sold one day. It’s actually very good. I know it is.
Have a successful and incredible day you guys. (or tomorrow)
Tim
Tim, I commend you on recognizing the importance of travel with your kids. They’re very lucky. My parents did this for my brother and I. We don’t have a lot of money, so sometimes it meant morgaging the house multiple times or not getting a new car (we’re still driving our ’87 Honda Civic… one of these days it’s going to fall apart while driving down the road!)
One of the trips we took was a sabbatical to Australia. Yep, I lived for a year in Tassie, and did grade 9 at The Friends’ School in Hobart. That’s where I learned to row, in fact! Ahhh, I miss Australia. And yes, I do love Vegemite now. Bring a jar with me to the dining hall sometimes. lol.
I even had an Australian accent when I came back. Didn’t last long, though. Sometime I wonder if that’s why I like ‘Strine accents so much. So sexy. The Tassie accent isn’t as exaggerated as some others. One of my good friends is from Perth. That’s where you’re from, right Paul? He sounds exactly like you.
Anyway, that’s also why I was so excited when I read somewhere that Tara Morice is from Hobart. Grandma, do you know what she’s up to these days? Where can we find info on her?
Happy trails to you,
Caryn
Good morning Grandma! Working to achieve a goal does often require a “nose to the grindstone” philosophy from my experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s done in or out of fear: just common sense. Anything worth having is worth working for, etc.
Thanks for the kick Suz. And thanks for the reminder on the water. You’re very thoughtful. It’s even more important when we exercise. I have a little sign that tells me to drink it. Tell Sami hello for me and give her a long hug, but give yourself a little kick. You didn’t think you wouldn’t get one back did you?
Caryn’s right Paul. You brought this whole “butt” thing up. I’m mentally kicking you in the shins (as you requested) while I write this. It’s unfortunate that my encouragements and comments aren’t reaching you. Maybe I’ve said something that offended. I thought I was helping somehow, but I guess I’m not, so I’ll be quiet. I do hope you’ll talk more about your search for an agent as well as your brewery project, when you have some news in the future.
I will continue to give occassional “virtual butt kicks” to those who want them. They never had anything to do with Paul’s awesome ass anyway: just a playful way to encourage each other to “take care of business”.
I’m grateful for all the support that people on this site have shown me. Your kind words have helped, really, and when I reach my current goal, I’ll celebrate it with you, because that’s what gives meaning to life for me: sharing.
Sincerely,
Whitney
p.s. Butt kicks all ’round!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Tim. We posted at the same time so I’m writing a second short note to tell you that I agree with your travel philosophy. I’m sure your kids will never forget these trip and they will surely shape their minds. You’re a good dad!
Please keep tellng me about your exercise success. It really helps to know someone else is sticking to it. Let’s trade before and after pictures through email when we reach our goals.
And thanks for the info on the diction program. I have a friend in Japan who wants me to come and teach English for a Summer. Though I speak proper English, I wouldn’t want to transmit my country accent and the disadvantages that it could come with.
I would love to read your spec script. Is there anyway you could email me a copy? I promise to keep it top secret.
OOh gosh you guys I feel kicked!! Paul’s butt needs to stop taking crap from Paul. don’t let him sit around all day!!
Paul, you should play P.butt that song that was very popular in the US around the early 90′s! cough’! lol. and no seating on the keyboard!!! that had me laughing!!!=)
Susan, tell Sami she sounds very delightful as well!! hope you two have a wonderful week!
Carlyn, Im jealous! you went to school in Australia! I love accents too!! =)
love to all!
Kelli
You guys are toooooo funny, I’m laughing very hard and now I’m almost tempted to welcome “Paul’s butt” to this forum, but I wouldn’t want to risk all the bruises and kicks I might get as the result of it …. and yes, I did indeed exercise Friday and Saturday and will do some today. Feels really good!!!! and not having gained weight over the holidays, but done the opposite, even better
)))))
Keep working on it!.
Paul, how is working in computer sales going for you? I hope you are not finding it too dreary.
Thank you Sami for your hug. I hope you are having a great day!
Tim, can I tag along on your family trip? It sounds wonderful. The south of England (W. Sussex) is where I spent many of my family holidays, learned some good English in the process, used to pronounce things properly and now after 10+ years in the US, my British friends pronounced me “ruined.” I kind of tend to agree with them. These family holidays to the UK have definitely had a huge impact on who I am and who I have become, a really cool gift parents can give their kids.
Caryn, how’s that paper coming along? I’ve motivated myself to working on the last dissertation chapter this weekend and am liking it and am hoping to be done with it by Jan. 20. That might be pushing it a bit, since I decided I had to do a whole lot more research, but hey, I’m going to do my best.
Whitney, what does “proper English” mean for you?
Love to all.
Evelyn
Hi, Caryn,
In answer to your inquiry, here is some recent information on Tara Morice, who, at almost 39 years old can be considered one of Australia’s finest actresses, and a classic beauty to boot, (in my opinion.)
Her work since “Strictly Ballroom” can be found on this Internet site: http://www.imdb.com Just type in “Tara Morice”. The site has all her work in film and television, but nothing about what she has done recently, since 2001. (You can also find Paul’s work on the same site.)
Lately, she has done the narration of an important documentary on the life of Annette Kellerman, Australia’s famous Olympic swim champ,
actress, and one of Australia’s most famous persons. The story of Annette Kellerman was made into a lavish MGM musical, starring Esther Williams, called “Million Dollar Mermaid.” The documentary is called “The Original Mermaid” and is having its Australian premiere at the Australian National Maritime Museum on Febr. 13th, 2003. Wow, would I love to be there, even as fly on the wall!
Then, Tara also narrated a series for Australia’s ABC TV station called “Deadly Rivals” which I believe has already been shown.
The last film she made, in 2000, was called “Hildegarde” (The Duck Down Under) that is a family oriented film. It tells the story of a young widow (Tara) and her 3 teen children, who must cope not only with the loss of the husband and father, but the theft of their pet duck, Hildegarde.
“Hildegarde” was shown at a Children’s Film Festival in Berlin, and I think in Melbourne, too, Paul. It has not gone into general release.
Sue, I think Sami would love this one!
Tara appeared in “Moulin Rouge”, in a 5 second part that was listed on the last credits as “Prostitute”…outrageous! I spotted her right away…it was her beautiful eyes that gave her away, in spite of all the heavy makeup and costuming she had to endure!
I don’t know what she has done recently. I do know that her “partner” and father of her 7 year old daughter, is Craig Pearce, the screenwriter for SB, “Romeo and Juliet”, and “Moulin Rouge”.
Tara and Paul were absolutely breathtaking together in “Strictly Ballroom.” I know we will always cherish those moments!
Love,
Grandma
Hi Evelyn. I guess I should have used the term Standard English. I don’t have a personalized definition. The dictionary provides a nice one:”The English that with respect to spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary is substantially uniform though not devoid of regional differences, that is well established by usage in the formal and informal speech and writing of the educated, and that is widely recognized as acceptable wherever English is spoken and understood.”
Good night Grandma.
Whitney,You sound like I have dissapointed you somehow. You have not offened me at all and I have enjoyed reading yor posts. You, like everyone, here inspire me by your efforts, commitment and comments – keep em coming – they do reach me.
As far as working in a computer store goes – I am grateful to have the opportunity to earn something – however it does not cover the weekly bills so it depresses the shit out of me! I enjoy dealing with people but find it stressful at times when a client asks the inevitable question and follows up with the what are you doing here?? etc etc etc They then want ot talk film/tv stuff and forget about buying a computer!! As my wife wisely pointed out last night – this is a temporary measure, it lengthens our ability to eat. It is not final, it is not my life forever but I hate to say it, somewhere in the back of my head that little dark voice of fear whispers quietly and incessantly……. In the meantime I will keep on dog paddling!!!!!!!!!!!11
There’s no shame in being a computer salesman, especially if you set out to be the best damn computer salesman you can be. Acting skills should help you with that, and you’ll be brushing up on those skills while you’re at it. Here I’ve got a challenge for you, Paul: can you create a computer salesman character and act him so well that people don’t recognize you??
Of course, being a computer salesman is not your dream, and I wish you much success with acting in the future. However, in the meantime, we wish you all the best in computer sales right now. Make those costumers walk out saying “Damn, he was the most couteous and knowledgeable salesman I’ve ever had!” instead of “Damn, I just met Paul Mercurio!”
Grandma, thanks for the info!!!
One paper down, two more papers and three exams to go….
Caryn
Thank you Paul.
I have a funny story for y’all (not related to any posts here… I just read it today):
A member of Parliament once interrupted another member by calling him a “shining wit” …and then apologized for making a spoonerism!
If you don’t know what a spoonerism is, see here: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=spoonerism
Paul, I thank what you are doing is very honorable. You are making money for your family, something that everyone must do at some point.
keep on dog paddling, it’ll pay off! 
And for the people who ask about your movie/TV career you could say “yes I am in the movie/TV business now would you like to buy a computer that alot of the latest “movie/Film” people have?” lol I know i’d buy a computer from you! and to Carlyn’s great comments about walking out of the store having met you they will remember afterwards how great a person and devoted you are, just from meeting with you Im sure, and thats worth alot to have! Good Luck!!!
no doubt in my mind – it’s temporary, just like your wife said….
we’ve all dog paddled in some shape or form… yours is just more public….
you know your craft and with a new agent and the release of SB again…the movie industry will come looking for you all over again….
cheering you on….bluedog
Kelli,
I didn’t point this out earlier because I was hoping you’d notice it yourself, but you haven’t. My name is Caryn, not Carlyn. Minor detail.
Thanks,
Caryn
Good morning Grandma.
I saw the movie The Hot Chick last night. It was funny in a National Lampoon sort of way. We really did laugh ourselves silly. Bear in mind, I enjoyed Zoolander too.
Do more than show them the features Paul. According to the Screenwriter’s Bible, you want to explain the benefits. That’s what sells the object. How will the custumer benefit from making the purchase. It would be cool if you could use an SB DVD to sell laptops with players. Then you could explain to folks how they would benefit by getting to watch you on their laptops!!!
Have a good day everybody.
Good idea about the DVD, Whit! I mean, how could anyone resist the benefit of getting to watch SB anytime, anywhere?
I myself asked for a laptop computer for Christmas so that I could watch DVD’s (and write papers!!). And I’ll bet y’all can guess which DVD I’ve been watching on it!
If use the SB DVD, Paul, I think you should show the part where Scott and Fran do the rhumba behind the curtain (chapter 7 on the DVD). That’s my favourite part. It’s so intense the way you stare into each other’s eyes the entire time.
Paul, Whitney had a maaaaaaaaaavelous idea to show “Strictly Ballroom” DVD version, on any laptop that you are selling!
I own the DVD version, and I love to play it on my computer, for one is really upclose and personal, and I get the urge to give you and Tara hugs and kisses…however, Tara’s pimples are usually so prominent (in the beginning) one must be careful!
If you were selling me a laptop using “Strictly Ballroom” in your demonstrations, I would buy a dozen!!! (Yeah, yeah, in your dreams again, Grannie…)
Great idea, Whitney!
Love,
Grandma
Paul, anything I/we can do to make dog paddling easier or less stressful or less frustrating for you? Here’s a hug of support for you and thanks for sharing how this experience in your life is going, sorry it is so hard on you and I hope that in hindsight you will understand the Why part of it.
Whitney, you sure love your dictionaries, dont’ you? so do I by the way and I have lots of them.
Congrats Caryn on one paper down and good luck with the rest of them.
Grandma Mildred, I always meant to ask you, what subject(s) did you teach when you were a teacher?
Have a great day everyone!!!
PAUL:
OK…you gotta read this. Everything is relative so just try to relate it to your life in some way. I’ve already mentioned my past. I was a “professional…executive type…however in my own history I hated what I was doing…but I had arrived I thought because at 34 I was making over $100k a year..had my BMW but worked for the BIGGEST Bitch that ever existed on earth. Almost 10 years later I’m doing hair making less than half that. My kids are on a free lunch at school. I’m deciding to start over..
Let’s talk about that little point in the back of your head going What in hell are you doing? Is this all there is? Is this as good as it gets? My head bangs that out all damn day. That’s why I take Xanax. The anxiety of it goes away. People in my chair at work constantly say..”You were a CPA? What the hell are you doing here?” Then I say because I like it. We’re on opposite poles there. Your at the point you’re doing something just to keep a little cash flying in…
And another thing…at the store…you don’towe those people an explanation foryour life…tell them your on hiatus. You needed a break and are trying out some different fields of work for a script your writing. It’s none of their damn business and when they next see you on screen they’ll have a new appreciation for you. I don’t tell people that I’m completely on skid row..other than you guys. These people I work on don’t want to know about my life. They want to think I’m one of those one in a million hairdressers that does extremely well. So…let em believe it.
So, PLEASE don’t let this lull get you down dude. We all want to see you in film again. Have you got your new agent? Do you have one here in the states as well? Maybe you do need to do a film over here. Everytime they do films these days it seems they pull from overseas. Why not you?
Do not give up. Keep working. Keep your head up. Kiss your wife and kids goodbye every morning knowing you’re supporting them and doing the right thing. And if there is anything we can do to help….ASK. Would you like us to write letters to your agent? Anything man…just ask. We’re here for you. You’ve done something special for us…we’ll do something special for you.
Take care…
Tim
Dear Evelyn,
I taught elementary school, mostly the 4th, 5th and 6th grades, which I loved!
I taught all subjects, my favorites being Social Studies and Language Arts. I was able to incorporate the theatre arts and film into my teaching plans, and that culminated into an assembly program each year, which the children and their parents enjoyed!
I taught for 21 1/2 years, and they were memorable and rewarding years. Teaching is still an honorable profession, but today times are different, and the demands on teachers are certainly different.
Even today, while directing my variety show, sometimes I have to stop a rehearsal and remind the cast to PLEASE be quiet when an act is on. The cast just loves to gab! I remind these lovely people,
my peers, (give or take a few years), that my sixth graders from years back had better manners! That usually works!
Love,
Grandma
Wow, life really sucks for me at the moment.
Michela set me up on a date with her older brother (with a lot of prodding from her mother, too!) We had a great time, and I really like him. I told my roommate back at school about him. She IM’ed him and asked him – without my knowledge – how he felt about me. He must’ve told Michela this, and she must’ve assumed I put my roommate up to it. I guess her protective instincts for her brother kicked into overdrive, because she told me that I’m “childish, insecure, immature, and manipulative” for “playing coy little games” with her brother. Wow. Ouch. That really hurt. I was shocked. I think it’s all just one big mix-up, but she won’t listen.
I tried to keep my friendship with her separate from how I feel about her brother. I should have known it would never work. Arggg, why didn’t I see that something like this would happen?! She ended up hating his last girlfriend with a passion, despite the fact that she was the one who introduced them. I should have never agreed to go on date with him.
Add to that the fact that I have barely slept in two days, and I still have two papers to finish plus three exams to take in the next two weeks, and I think you’ll agree with me that life really sucks right now, huh?
Michela, if you’re reading this, I still love you, but I’m really hurt and upset that you would accuse me of trying to mess with your brother and his emotions. I wish you would give me a little more credit than that.
Caryn, (Not Carlyn)
wish me luck!!
Opps sorry! I knew what your name was but just like kept typing it that why for some reason. I know alot of people that have Lynn in there name! lol I do too!! Kelli Lynn! Jocelyn, marlyn…..lol but Im sorry about your date..and Michela’s Brother? Hope all goes well
Paul, I hope you had a great day at work!!! today was the my first day back to school since christmas break, I had to go to my new classes for the semester! I got Advanced art even though im not an artist at all! Is anyone here good at art?? I need help!! my other classes seem fine, US History, I think I can take, but Algebra!! ugh!! I don’t know!!
Take care everyone!! LOVE TO ALL XXOO
Kelli
thanx to whitney, susan d, evelyn. i’m home safe and sound. whitney — mom has hepatitis c. most of the posters know already, but i think you might have come on board shortly after i mentioned it. she’s kicking hep’s butt. even paul’s would be proud.
i’m happy to be home. the first morning i woke up in my bed i seriously thought about never leaving it. it felt soooo fricking good.
now it’s time to get my rear in gear. resolutions won’t fulfill themselves. darn it.
take care
Happy New Year everyone!
Just a suggestion on the “in the meantime” source of a regular income. Since you are interested in owning a pub, and your love beer so much, why not partner up with an existing pub, be a manager or bartender. I know it sound menial in a way but think about it, you are around 3 elements you love, pub, people and beer. An owner would be a fool not to want a draw such as you. The tips would be phenomenal and since you are out there in the mundane work world, put your charms to good use. I bet it would pay the bills more than the computer job would and I bet the work would be more fun as well, not to mention the practise for when you own your own. Oh, and I think you would agree, a beer is a much easier sale than a computer.
Food for thought.
Dear Kelli,
“You’ll be swell,
You’ll do great,
Gonna have success
On your plate,
Startin’ here, startin’ now,
Honey, everything’s coming up roses…
Now’s your inning,
Stand the world on its ear,
Set it spinning,
That’ll be just the beginning…”
Okay, so I used these words before,
but who cares???
Good luck, darling, in whatever you do!
Love,
Grandma Mildred
PS. About the bartending thing, I did it for years, had a good time doing it and made a decent living. (I just had looks, not looks and fame going for me!)
I’m glad you’re home safe texas. I’m sorry to hear about your mom! It sounds like she has it under control and having you in her life has to help immeasurably.
OK Evelyn, you busted me. The dictionary is one of my favorite books. In fact I’m in a panic because I think I just spelled “immeasurably” wrong and I can’t find my dictionary.
Caryn! I can’t believe your best bud would doubt your word! I know I don’t know you well, but that just doesn’t sound like something you’d do. I hope you two can patch things up.
Tim, you give good advice. I’m sure Paul will benefit. I also think he needs an agent over here. Something has to happen soon.
Paul, don’t misinterpret this, but is it possible for you to get into an acting class? It’s not that I think you can’t act (I hope that goes without saying), but I keep reading about established, successful actors who continue to take classes occassionaly. It keeps them sharp and they make more connections with up and comers. Who knows who you might meet and how that encounter could affect your situation.
Well, I’ve got lots of things to do. My very best to everyone!
Good night Grandma.
Whitney, you love the dictionary, too?! Yay! I’m known among my friends for being a Grammar Nazi.
You were correct: immeasurably
Here’s an online dictionary for those days you can’t find your book:
http://www.m-w.com
Caryn
Grandma, =) I smiled so much when I read your poem!! thank you!!! I’m going to save it!! Im sure my friends at school, who are stressed over school work would love to here it too!!! thank you again and Hope all is well with the variety show, how is the cast behaving?!
!!! XXOO’S!!
Hope your mom is doing better!!
Love to all
Texas, Its wonderful that you had a good trip and your back safe. Isn’t it just wonderful to sleep in your own bed after having to sleep on some hard hotel room bed!!
Whitney, I live with a dictionary too, there is even one by my computer. I have no idea why I think its like the biggest thrill to look up words!! lol Propinquity is a good word, and you probally did spell Immeasurably right
Hope everyone is well, no flu I hope, its going around here!
Kelli
I was just reading about the cast members from Steven Speilberg’s film A.I. The woman who played the mother, I think her name was Francis Connell, has done some work with the Melbourne Theater Company. Just thought I’d mention it since it’s in your neck of the woods Paul. No response necessary.
Hey Kelli. I didn’t see your post. I’m glad you use your dictionary. The English language is so subtle. Speaking of subtleties, I have a pet peeve about the words “jealousy” and “envy”. While the dictionary makes an important distinction in their definitions, it still says they can be used synonymously.
The difference between jealousy and envy is that you can only be jealous if someone has something that used to be yours. Envy applies when you want something that belongs to someone else, but never belonged to you.
I guess that people prefer the word jealousy because of the negativity associated with envy. After all, one of the ten commandments tells us it’s a no no to covet and isn’t that another word for envy?
Well, I’m glad I got that off my chest. And by the way, I don’t always check my spelling when I post. After all this isn’t a thesis paper right?
Thankyou all for the good advice. Rest assured I am doing everything I can to get things happening and create other and better opportunities for myself.
As far as working in a bar and getting tips – Aussies dont tip – and the money is ho hum but worse is the amount of people I would be explaining why I am working in a bar instead of making movies. The computer shop has less traffic, which I would prefer. The earning potential is greater also.
The idea of acting classes is one I have chased since coming to Melbourne. All the classes I have found here are for working with the camera or auditioning techniques – basically for new actors learning those ropes. I am looking for workshops aimed at professional actors wanting to sharpen, flex and maintain there skills. I have done the excellent RAP course twice – for any Aussie actors reading this give the Actors Centre a call and see when they are doing it again, it is fantastic!! I am contemplating starting a workshop group for like minded actors.
As for agents – I have a fantastic Agent in Los Angeles whom is constantly asking me to come over. The problem being I need to earn some money so I can pay for all the costs of such a trip as well as have enough money for my wife and kids to survive on whilst away etc It’s a catch 22 really. I need a job so I can earn some bucks so I can come over to L.A and get a job so I can come back to aussie and get a job…….
Selling computers by showing SB – NOT ON MY LIFE!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING!!!! Great idea but not one I find appealing. I dont actually want to draw attention to myself – it is humiiating and depressing being that actor from the movie whom every one loved/ loves fallen down to selling new and used notebook computer. Rather be that really helpful lovely salesman that you bought the computer from and would go back to again.
Got to go, time to shut down the shop.
ps, I say fallen as in: fallen down, fallen on hard times, fallen from the lofty heights I once soared high amongst. It is a transition and when I stand back from it and look at the means to an end I can see that. When I stand within it I see a rather desolate bombed out kind of land scape – when I am in a negative mood. And in a positive mood I see a garden ready to be sown. There’s good old Newtons law.
Tim, this lul will get me down, that is the nature of it but I will be bounce back. Never say never, never say die, never give up and never surrender. In fact I may take back the surrender bit. Often in acting you have to surrender yourself over to the character to allow it to be who you are. I guess life is the same – one must surrender to it so as to allow it to be who you are. If we surrender to life we there fore stop fighting against it and maybe the outcome is to embrace it more fully, openly and unconditionally.
Worth thinking about.
Hey, Paul…I have come back to your site and been reading the posted comments. There is so much positive energy from everyone. That should help guide and sustain you. Looks like you are getting your thoughts together. Each small step forward gets you closer to your goal.
I have written to Baz Luhrmann in care of La Boheme in New York and asked him to contact you. So be ready when he does!
All the best, Linda
Good moring Grandma!
After I suggested the SB demo I began to think the same thing Paul. It would only lead to more people questioning you and you get enoughof that from us!
Getting your own group together sounds like a good idea. It would cost less and I’ll bet there are plenty of people that would love to work with you. I guess putting a notice up somewhere or runnng a classified ad could get it started. I’d still check out the Melbourne Theater Co. if you haven’t. Who knows who you’ll meet?
I know how hard it is to keep the right attitude in the face of reversals and your words to Tim indicate you have a handle on things. I’m going to think about what you said.
Have a kick ass day everybody!
paul,
what’s RAP?
hey paul i am a big fan of yours and i have a question to ask what kind of music do you like and have you heard of denzel washington
Paul, I’m thinking (of disagreeing?) here on your last ponderance:
“If we surrender to life we therefore stop fighting against it…” yes, that is true, and in the context of your statement, it SOUNDS good…however, here’s the problem:
(and this is TOTALLY the “fault” of my bladder, which after two kids makes me get up WAY too early in the am to do anything else but read, and I am currently reading “The Four Agreements”, that Toltec Wisdom book I’ve spoken of before) You say to fight against Life. But you should be (the Toltec say–I’d NEVER presume to tell anyone what they should or should not do or believe) DISALLOWING the things which grey up the Life so that your vision of Life is more clear, yes? The mind is a fog which gets in the way of the Truth, the real vision and experience of Life. However, it is behind the fog, in the emotions wherein lies what the Toltec call “the Dream” that we have come to believe is the moral and social obligations and rules of our world. We didn’t choose this Dream, it was born into us behaviorally by our parents/society. That gut feeling in your solar plexus is your True self noticing a dissillusion to the Dream, something that doesn’t quite sit well with the True you. For me, it’s when I feel guilt about working a job away from home, when I think I should be home caring for my babies. Why do I feel guilty for it? Why not accept that this is what I’ve chosen to do, and do it, guilt-free, until the time comes when I don’t have to do it anymore? It would be so much EASIER if I could sail through my days, guilt free. But I create that guilt by listening, and AGREEING, to the one half of society’s ideas that Mom’s belong at home, that the lap is the center of my kid’s universe and I remove that center for 10hrs/day, four days a week. It is when I choose to NOT believe that “agreement”, that Mom’s “should” be at home, that I become free, and can detach that pain from my daily rituals. Some call it a cop-out, I suspect. But it makes a LOT of sense to me.
Now, once again, as in the Adam and Eve/Serpent lied post, I’ve probably abbreviated the crap out of the intent of the Toltec philosophy, and I personally, don;t like the “Dream” word they use for what I’ve called “my personal reality” for so long, but c’est la vie.
Do you see the value in this? Is it possible to live this way?
Everquestioning,
Dhiana
Paul, I hope you know (and if you don’t I’m telling you now) my question about how things are going at the computer shop was in no way meant to add to or cause you any humiliation. After I posted the question, it occurred to me that this could be a touchy/touchier subject for you. If I caused you any pain, humiliation or something else along these lines, I am REALLY sorry, though I hope you got the real intentions behind having asked this question. I also didn’t think you’d go for the SB demo computer sales pitch. Somehow that doesn’t strike me at all like you or something you’d do.
“If we surrender to life we there fore stop fighting against it and maybe the outcome is to embrace it more fully, openly and unconditionally.
Worth thinking about.”
Totally agree with you, will do that, but first I have to put in some hours of research…it’s soooooo easy to do other things first.
I hope that the beautiful garden image is dominating your mind today, if not I might just have to draw it for you ….
Hi Dhiana, just saw your post and you too have a lot of interesting things to say (as usual …
) and I will add that to my thinking later on. How are you? Was wondering where you’ve been. Hope all is well.
Thanks Grandma for answering my question about your teaching. You probably know from earlier posts that this is the profession I chose, and feel very passionate(ly) about and want to get back into, even though currently I’m at a loss as to what institution I will be teaching in/ want to teach in, and also the very big question WHERE? Will I stay in the US? Do I want to stay in the US? Do I want to move back to Europe and if so where (Germany, the UK, Scandinavia etc.) or somewhere completely different? On the other hand, I (or the greater powers out there) might just have opened a lot of new roads for myself, [that's the optimist in me speaking, loving the optimist and definitely nurturing it].
Kelli, just be the best artist you can be in your Advanced art class. Telling yourself you can’t do it, more or less automatically blocks your creative juices, telling yourself that you can and are willing to try, gives you access to your creativity. Perhaps you will never be the greatest artist the world has seen, so what? Is that the point?
Caryn, hang in there and give Michela the space she needs right now. I know it sucks big time, been there, done that. As long as you feel you were true to yourself and did the right thing (cynical me throws in “whatever that is” [ignore cynical me!!!]), let it go and see what happens. Perhaps write the damn papers and get the exams over with in the meantime (clearly a pep talk I am going to give myself in just a second!!!!)
Whitney, welcome to my now officially founded club of dictionary lovers
Have a great day everyone!
(Awe, shucks, Evelyn, thanks!)
Criminily…
Actually, I was wondering if the newer-to-the-boards would wonder “Who the hell IS this pompous ass with all her philosophical bullshit and Earth-toned realism crap???” But then, adopting my “new” philosophy of the Toltecs, I don’t really care! aha! (Sarah, UP, help me out here with the “Screw the World, I’m right!” posters…;-)
Really, though, I was away from work, a LOT the past month, due to holiday and no work to be done (the Big X company for whom I contract is in a red block zone then, so no work gets done) and so spent a lot of time with my boys. And now, my husband is out of town for three weeks, so I’m playing SIngle Parent in three feet of frigging snow. Honestly, I mean I KNOW husbands are good for other things, but snow-shoveling is RIGHT up there on the list these days!
I’ll be here all week, popping in, because I’d rather talk to real people like you guys than some of the fakes hereabouts.
Love (Paul, loved the post from your posterior…very nice!
Dhiana
Hi, everybody! Gee are your guys getting any of this thick wet fog? Living on this bay inlet gives us weird weather. Just the past two day have been hot enough to wear shorts and now it’s back to the cold fog. I’ve had to pull out those toesy socks. I shouldn’t complain. We were blessed with to lovely days. I’m now just trying to stay warm and nurse this cold. I’ll use no butt kicks today.Send them tomorrow when I’ll need them.
Grandma Mildred, Thanks once again for thinking of our family. I will put Hildegarde on my movie que.
Evelyn, a great day to you!
Hello, ME
Tim, I wish I could squeeze in to your suit case. I think it’s great that your family is going to see Europe. I have family there and use to live there. My brother’s family just came back from visting family. It was wet, but they still enjoyed themselves. He was begging me to go but the funds were not there for me this year. Best things to pack are weather proof shoes that are comfortable, a parka, and an umbrella.
Be sure to take lots of pictures and Enjoy yourself!:)
Caryn, Sorry to hear about the fall out with your friend. I hope you girls patch it up. True friends will stick it out. You sound torn apart inside. Do you still have feelings for her brother? Or is he totally out of the picture now? Is it possible that she might feel her brother has your attention now and maybe feels left out? I don’t know the whole situation but maybe each of you need time to sort it out. Time heals. I have alot of longtime girlfriends and it’s natural to not always see eye to eye or to have mis-understandings. But we have come to a agreement that we really do love each other and sometimes we have to set aside our pride and say: “Hey I was wrong” (I’m not saying you were in the wrong) and I really do care about you. Maybe you can send her a card? Like I miss you, can we work this out. What ever you do, I hope this passes quickly and you can concentrate on your papers and exams. Get some sleep! Take care.
Whit, You have such clever ideas. Your a great brainstormer. How’s that dog? I admire people that have a respect for all life. Isn’t it amazing what unconditional love can do for the soul! It can heal so many wounds.
Texas, Glad to hear your mother on the up in up. Sounds like you need some well deserved rest.
Kelli, I love art. Wether your good at it doesn’t matter. What does matter is wether it makes YOU happy doing it. Hope you coast through Algebra and you get a great teacher that makes it fun. Hang in there!
Paul, alias, p-butt, dancing hero. May you sow many gardens.
Today I will not give you a kick in the shins,as P-butt requested,(this means I’d have to kick you twice). You sound a bit tender. How about a big HUG
Whit, Texas, Evelyn,Tim KICK……
Suz
Paul, your seeing the light at the end of the tunnel that’s good for you! It’s great that you can step out of the tough times and do that.
I have been in some tough times that I look back on and wonder how in the hell did I make it though that! There were days I felt so deep in the hole I wasn’t sure I could climb out. But I did!I can say I have learned alot and feel so much stronger. Let me share this with you..
My husband is deaf, so I had to make changes to my life style to blend with his, our first child was born with seizure’s, trets and acute asthma..ect. He has needed to go to alot of special programs. My daughter also was born hearing impaired and goes to a County program for the deaf and other special programs. I gave up my career in Ocean Engineering to run my children to their needed programs and give them the health care they needed. I loved my career job very much, and cried when I had to give it up. I don’t know how we made it from one paycheck to the other. Would I give my job up if I had to do it all over again. You bet! I’m a much better person now. God, there were days when our plates were full. But I’d rather have a full one than an empty one. My son is doing much better now due to the special attention and you wouldn’t know he’s had obstacles in life that he’s had to jump over.. My family is a happy one regardless of our trails. There might be bumps in the road in the future, but I know we’ll make it over them too. Paul..keep your light burning the way you do.
Suz
suz: thanx 4 the kick, yet again, but, thanx more for sharing about your husband and kids. full is better than empty, whether it be family obligations or a pint of beer. i had a friend in college who was deaf, and learned so much from her and her boyfriend — how to use the phone, how they “hear” the doorbell, how they feel music, even went to see a completely deaf-produced and acted play (that was quite an experience). it’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you learn about others.
Paul, You’ll be great at whatever you do!! im sure that your a great salesmen!! do what you hafta do!! =) Im sure you make all your custumers smile and have a better day!
Evelyn and Susan, Thanx! I exactly did some art today in class, with markers and I made bubble letters because my teacher said we could draw/paint/color anything, I must say it was colorful!! lol!! I know I’ll find what im most creative at, eveyone is stronger in some areas or another. thanks so much!!
Whitney, I have wondered some about Evny and Jealousy, and your right Evny is something you can’t have and Jealousy is something that you may or may not have, there are two very different words. Great thinkin!! lol
Grandma, Have a wonderful week!
Love lots!!
Kelli
Hey everyone,
Paul Mercurio was in the movie Exit to Eden with Rosie O’Donell and Rosie O’Donell invited Josh Groban to be a guest/singer on her show, the Rosie O’Donell show. 
Just thought it was kind of neat that there was only 2 degrees between Paul & Josh. Hope everyone is doing well and I enjoy reading all your posts!
Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile, I do tend to read the message board several times daily but often feel at a loss for words. Many posts are deep and intellectual, which I do quite enjoy, but others are a bit dark. Anyway, here’s a happy post ’cause I’m in a great mood. Paul, I just bought Exit to Eden and Joseph from Suncoast Video in the US and just to let you know, both videos were not on their side on the shelves but rather facing front, which is great exposure. I can’t wait to watch Exit to Eden again and to watch Joseph for the first time. Anyway, I was just thinking the other day about the six degrees of separation theory and I was trying to link Paul, my favorite actor, to Josh Groban, my favorite singer and I managed to do it pretty quickly
- Tiffany
Hello everyone!
Tim wrote me regarding pictures, and I gave him erroneous information. Now I feel like such a goob!
There’s a very, very easy way for you all to post your pictures. At the same time I built this site, I also built a Yahoo! group so all the fans could talk. Now it’s little used because everyone comes over here (as it should be!). But…there is a section of the site where you can post pictures! So here’s the scoop:
If you aren’t already a member, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PaulMercurio/ and join up. Once that’s done, you can post to the Photos section.
I only ask that you keep your photos SMALL. Under 20K, please. Mildred, I know you have some big collages. They are beautiful, and I am working on getting them up in the fan section of the site, so hang in there.
I can’t wait to see you all! I’ll go post a picture of me right now!
Cat:
Hey that’s great! I will definitely have to arrange to post a non-repulsive picture of myself. If I can find one at this weight?!?
Thanks for your help on this one.
Paul:
I know you’re in a lull pal and I know exactly how it feels because I’m there with you. If only I’d known you sooner; I used to loan out my apartment in Burbank all the time. I of course don’t have it now. I’m glad you have an agent in L.A., I know you’d have to leave your family over there (not cool) but we need to get you to LA. I need a new computer can I buy one from you? Where’s your shop? I believe the US dollar is higher in value than the Aus dollar right now anyway. Or I could make a donation to your flight fund. I’d rather send you a $100 (~$1810 aus dollars) than waste it on fat clothes…
my emails on the post..I’m serious. It would mean a lot to me to see you get out of your place. I’m used to mine. You’re not. And if you’re on screen then I can be a happy person for that. I know it sounds way out there, but a friend of mine needed help some time ago and I gave him the money…and said just pay it back when you can. This same guy later just gave me money when he knew we were in trouble. It’s humbling but at the same time it was special b/c it came from the heart. One of my clients a very well to do woman knew about my issues and left me a check for $1500. She is a dear woman. In return I was able to help her later obtain a listing (she is a real estate broker) for a house that my wife cleans. They are selling their house for $2.4 million. She stands to make a nice commission on it when it sells.
Don’t feel too bad about the Computer sales thing either. I have cleaned houses with my wife. I have worked at Home Depot. The cleaning was about the lowest I felt. We charged (my wife stilldoes) $30 per hour to clean. We only clean homes that are 5000 square feet or larger. This one house near the governors mansion we cleaned was enourmous. The people that lived there were mine and my wifes ages. It was humiliating. It made me feel like shit…Especially after cleaning up after their kids who had been sick..
9 bathrooms in this place. The cigar room, the theatre, the formal living room, the informal living room, the gym the master suite (3000 sf) the piano room…Then we took on their next door neighbor Skip Carey was his name. He’s an announcer for the Braves (baseball team) or he works for CNN re: braves. Anyway…they were awful.They were the last straw for me. WE just walked outof there one day and told them their shit did in fact STINK.
SO, I hope this endless post at least helps you realize you are not doing the worst thing in the world.
Ok so swoosh around in the lull and as Cher said in Moonstruck ….”Snap out of it!”
All the best man…all the best.
And re: our trip to Europe. It is planned but it won’t be this year. Unless I hit a windfall of somekind. (right there with you on that one Paul))I have to pay for 6 people to fly all over..but it’ll be one hell of a trip.
Then again..my disney guy asked me about my script today. He’s very keen on me finishing it. Maybe I’m on to something. If I sold it…Damn it’d be great. And if I do…Paul your ticket to LA is on me…Promise
Tim
An incorrect conversion in money…some accountant huh? My comment should have read $100 (~$181 aus dollars
And one more thing I’ve gotta agree with Suz..and some of the others, I hope you’re seeing more of the garden that needs sowing than a bleak landscape. I have to keep those positive types of pictures in my head all the time. One of these days this existance I’m currently in will change if I keep pushing and trying hard.
Yours will too!
“I’m lucky that my work helps me burn it off but I suppose I’ll have to adjust my beer intake if I start doing less exercise. I don’t want to end up with a pot belly.” (Courier-Mail, Dec. ’92)
You said it buddy…amazing what we think when we’re let’s see you must have been 29? LOL
Ya gotta love it.
tim
Comments from my last post on – as read – ie spontaneous reactions…
Dhiana, surrender to the dream! I never said to surrender the battle, I said merely to surrender to life – sometimes that means surrender (yourself) to the battle. When one surrenders to the battle one fights with truth, conviction and even (their version of) god on side!! To surrender is to allow that which you surrender to, to wholely(phaark wheres my dictionary!!!) enhabit – be it love hate positive or negative.
Your personal reality is only one version of what it could be. Examining the others may make a difference to the fog.
Envy is something you dont have jealousy is something you want but cant keep.
Tim I doubt you could post a picture any of us would find repulsive – disgusting sure, weird uhha, rude you betcha – repulsive nuh!
Cat, great to hear from you, I have been wondering where you have been as your webblog has been kinda quiet. Bill still here??? Hope you had a great Xmas and New Year!!
Tim, how dare you quote me back when I was 29!! Where did you get it…LOLOLOLOLOLOL God things DO come back to haunt you!!! Yes Yes Yes I said it and I am glad to say I have drunk much less this year than I did last year:) I thought I could be safe blogging, get away with winging and feeling sorry for myself and damn you guys just keep showing me I am human – thank the powers that be…
Tim, I want to know where you got that from man!! And as for your $$ conversion, if you think I am going to pay you US$ for a hair do forget it – It’s Ausssie bucks with a diet coke thrown in as a tip!!! Okay?
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh…. Evelyn, Suasan D, Tiffany, Me, Kelli, Texas – say hi to your Mum for me!!, Michele and Linda – thanks for your post, your thoughts, your hugs and your kicks!
Oh…. Evelyn, Suasan D, Tiffany, Me, Kelli, Texas – say hi to your Mum for me!!, Michele and Linda – thanks for your post, your thoughts, your hugs and your kicks! Grandma too!
Paul,
“I am glad to say I have drunk much less this year than I did last year.”
Well done. Especially considering that so far, this year is 357 days shorter than last year. I’d really be worried about you if you have drunk more this year than you did last year…
Just pulling your leg. Keep up the good work.
BTW, that article Tim quoted came from your very own website! (or Cat’s, more precisely): http://www.paulmercurio.net/articles/2dec92.shtml
Vegemite beer… hmmm, that sounds interesting! How do you make that? Does it actually taste like Vegemite??
cpd
Dear Paul,
I wish you had been in our multimedia auditorium last night when I was presenting my monthly video “concert.” It is called the “Sights and Sounds of Music”, and it is my 8th year…well, actually you were there, up on on a 9ft. screen!
The security guards had to come and chase people away because of fire laws, and the fact that there were no seats left and people were leaning on the walls and sitting in the aisles!
The program is a new one every month. I compile 3
minute film clips from all over: movie musicals, documentaries, opera, ballet, what have you. I have hundreds of tapes in my work room, with thousands of scenes, all catalogued. I use two VCRs
to record and play, and last night’s tape ran 1 hr. 45 min., only because it was a special 8th anniversary night! No one left, no one even went to the john!
Anyway, one of the scenes was from the old “Moulin Rouge” (1952) that won Oscars galore.
Then, I had Bazzie’s “Moulin Rouge” briefly, with all the turmoil, noise and and 5 Excedrin scenes…Then, immediately, I had the scene where you were looking into the grocery window at Fran’s house, searching for her, after she ran home in tears. The poignant scene where you encourage her to “dance our steps” were so beautifully done, you could hear a pin drop in the audience! Then, I went into the whole paso doble bit with “Grandma” (not me, unfortunately) beating on your chest, and ran the paso doble dance sequences until the train scene..nobody moved, no one even went to the john!
Paul, you know how we all love you, and now the seniors in my village are getting in line! As I mentioned a million times (it seems) I was promised by the Entertainment Dept. that “Strictly Ballroom” will be shown, in its entirety, on a brand new mega sized screen in our new theatre sometime in early spring after my “Follies” is over.
If any of you lovely young people wish to attend this auspicious event here in Florida, raise your hand……oh, m’gosh, the response…on second thought, don’t call me, I’ll call you!!!
I truly love you all!
Grandma
Dear Paul,
I wish you had been in our multimedia auditorium last night when I was presenting my monthly video “concert.” It is called the “Sights and Sounds of Music”, and it is my 8th year…well, actually you were there, up on on a 9ft. screen!
The security guards had to come and chase people away because of fire laws, and the fact that there were no seats left and people were leaning on the walls and sitting in the aisles!
The program is a new one every month. I compile 3
minute film clips from all over: movie musicals, documentaries, opera, ballet, what have you. I have hundreds of tapes in my work room, with thousands of scenes, all catalogued. I use two VCRs
to record and play, and last night’s tape ran 1 hr. 45 min., only because it was a special 8th anniversary night! No one left, no one even went to the john!
Anyway, one of the scenes was from the old “Moulin Rouge” (1952) that won Oscars galore.
Then, I had Bazzie’s “Moulin Rouge” briefly, with all the turmoil, noise and and 5 Excedrin scenes…Then, immediately, I had the scene where you were looking into the grocery window at Fran’s house, searching for her, after she ran home in tears. The poignant scene where you encourage her to “dance our steps” were so beautifully done, you could hear a pin drop in the audience! Then, I went into the whole paso doble bit with “Grandma” (not me, unfortunately) beating on your chest, and ran the paso doble dance sequences until the train scene..nobody moved, no one even went to the john!
Paul, you know how we all love you, and now the seniors in my village are getting in line! As I mentioned a million times (it seems) I was promised by the Entertainment Dept. that “Strictly Ballroom” will be shown, in its entirety, on a brand new mega sized screen in our new theatre sometime in early spring after my “Follies” is over.
If any of you lovely young people wish to attend this auspicious event here in Florida, raise your hand……oh, m’gosh, the response…on second thought, don’t call me, I’ll call you!!!
I truly love you all!
Grandma
..there, it happened again…could it be that at my age, I am entitled to double messages??
Love,
Grandma
Yes, Bill is still here, and we’re all blissful.
Has my blog been THAT quiet? Well, probably…I didn’t have a home connection for nearly a month! I was jonesin’, I tells ya. Now I’m back and ready to get to work on some of those projects I put off over the holidays. You know, like catching up on all the posts here.
paul, thanx for saying hi to my mum. she, and especially i, appreciate it.
tim, you sneaky devil. way to go with the quote-tracking. i’m so glad no one actually committed to paper anything i said last year…at 29.
cheers all.
Good morning Grandma!
I didn’t get to post last night, but I took the time to read and, as usual, I felt encouraged by the messages. I was able to post so frequently before because I was on a break from teaching. Now with my work back on and my exercise and eating increased (getting in shape is time consuming!), I’m having trouble keeping up with all the wonderful posts to this site.
In fact, this has to be short because I’m still preparing for my art class of 8th graders (temporary gig, but fun). I’ll post again later today, God willing.
I wish everyone a wonderful and fulfilling day!
Paul – After browsing through and re-reading many of the old articles on this website in which you talk about your daughters, I was just wondering what activities your little girls – or perhaps little women now
– do for fun these days. Do they dance, too? Or have they found something else? Would you be worried if your daughter got interested in motorcyles? What about beer??
I sometimes wonder if I would encourage my kids to row. I certaintly wouldn’t push them, but it would be really great if I could share my passion with my kids! It would be difficult if they were into music or something because I just don’t know that much about it.
It’s interesting because in my family, it went the other way around… my brother and I started rowing, and then my parents got into it. My dad joined the rowing club and eventually took a course to become a judge-referee for our regattas! But my dad did teach my bro and I sailing and skiing, which we still do.
Also, stop us if this quoting thing is bothering you, but I found another quote that struck me: “I feel as if I’m standing in a doorway at the moment, looking out to a future with incredible potential and possibilities.” (Sunday Herald Sun 1992) I just wanted to say that you will always be looking out to a future with incredible potential and possibilities. You may be looking out of a different doorway, but that future is still out there for the taking. Carpe diem and all that stuff…
Whit – Good luck with the class preparation. It’s so weird for me to think back on my teachers from 8th grade because at that age you just assume your teachers have no life outside of school!
I have some good news:
1. Finished my 20pg paper (only a day late) and my German final presentation.
2. Michela and I sorted things out. All a big misunderstanding, as I suspected.
3. I’m going to bed. After barely sleeping for 4 nights in a row, it’s time for some serious sleep. Yipee!
Night,
Caryn
Paul
Well they’ve already posted where the comments came from. CAT has them posted to vote on which of your comments was our favorite. One of them about tights is pretty funny considering my son refused those. Dancing yes. Tights Hell no.
That yahoo page is where we’ll be posting OUR pictures. I’ll put one up when I have a thinner one to post with it. Taken from a really good angles probably 500 feet away…
The dollar conversion? From http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic?user=AmericaOnline2..Of course I had a huge typo on the first one…If I could get paid US dollars in Cash and live in Australia I’d being doing really well right now.
As far as the haircut:
1)when in LA call me I’ll come out and do it for ou…I love LA and can use my free ticket.
2)I’d never charge you..are you kidding??? Friends I do for free, because I want them to look great and feel great.
3)If I’m in Australia…you still get it free..I’ll take you up on the Diet Coke though : )
Bring the kids and wife I’ll do everyone.
Tim
I didn’t realize you were pulling comments from the Yahoo Group–I figured you were all going into the Articles section of the site. If you aren’t–you’re missing out on a goldmine!
Er, sorry Paul.
Paul, My Mum says hi back!! lol and that your a great dancer( I made her watch SB with me one night and she loved it!) have a good week!!
Grandma, lol two messages are just as good, It happened to me one time in one of my other posts! stupid computer! Tell all the “senoirs” in your village I said Hello and that they should all go see your follies show!!
Cat, Thanx I know I’ll try and join that group at yahoo soon looking forward to it, hope all is well!
Love
Kelli
Dear Kelli,
Thanks for reassuring me about the extra posts that happen once in awhile!
I checked the Recreation office today, and I was told that tickets are going fast for the show in March…both nights are almost sold out. The cast and I are thrilled!
Love,
Grandma
Hey everyone,
Someone, please fill me in. 
Said hello to my mum but have no idea why? Is it a special holiday over in Australia, like Mother’s Day or something?
- Tiffany
Just a quick question…Cat…When you say..Has my blog been that quiet? What exactly are you saying. I’ve noticed Paul using blogging…it apears to be “talking” “chatting” “scooping”…I looked up the Aussie dictionary on line and did get one I had figured out…in bootmen they tell this kid he’s never had a root…I was right in my assumption…So..Blog????
Thanks
Tim
Tiffany, I’m lost on the mum thing too..Does this mean I should call Kansas and talk to the inlaws…LOL.(actually they are the best) Thanks for the thought anyway Paul.
Caryn, glad to hear you and your friend sorted things out.
Grandma Mildred, Went looking for Hildegarde on net flix..couldn’t find it. Any other recomendations?
Whitney, Have fun preparing your art projects. Been missing your posts. Here’s your KICK.
Texas, Hey thanks for the laugh, your right full is definitely better when it comes to pint of beer. I’m glad you have been able to experience the deaf world. It really does give you new eyes.
Tim,Evelyn, Texas,kick
Paul hmmm… lets see … a real BIG KICK, KICK to the shins (blame P-butt), Here’s a HUG if they hurt. You let me know if one kick is better than two..:) Sow …Sow..Sow..your gardens. I’m beginning to wonder if I should see your Eden movie that everyone talks about so I’ll know what I’m kicking or miss kicking by kick your shins.LOL
SUZ
ahhh. I’m having to type this again. My post was lost.
Cat, thanks for the info on the web site.
Suz
Tim asks: blog??
Blog is short for “weblog”, and developed several years ago when people started keeping track of interesting things they saw on the web. The loose definition of blog is:
A frequently-updated personal website, with datestamps, organized with the most recent entry on the top.
Not just for links anymore, blogs can now be on just about any subject under the sun. Journal-style blogs are especially popular. Paul’s Corner is a blog, as is frykitty.com (my site). If you’d like to explore, go to my site and scroll down to the “short list” on the right. Those are all blogs.
I think I’m almost caught up on this thread. Lots of interesting posts.
Thanks for setting up the yahoo group thing Cat. I’ll go check it out and post a picture.
Grandma, Cat’s right. Your collages are great. I noticed the wedding pix you sent the other day were very high resolution and 300 dpi is great for the original. However, if you want to post any to the Yahoo site, you can reduce the resolutin to 72 since that’s all your screen can reproduce anyway. Just remember to save a copy.
Your compilation video show sounds awesome. One of my friends has just started doing that sort of thing with his computer. He uses Imovie (unsure of spelling). It’s a Mac thing. Of course, in order to project a digital image you’d have to get a projector like a Leonardo and they aren’t cheap.
Tim, I know what you mean about not wanting to buy “fat” clothes. I feel a little sad about the fact that I won’t buy clothing for myself at this size, but it would be a waste of money; I’m going to be smaller soon. And you are too.
On the envy / jealousy thing: I try to admire things or qualities that another person has rather than envy them. As for jealousy, it’s an emotion that I’ve experienced and I must confess, it’s pushed me to the brink of insanity at times. Some people just want to mess with your head constantly. Being single means no one to rattle my cage.
Caryn, my 8th graders were misbehaving today, but it’s just one hour, so I can handle it. I never had art in Jr High so I came to this with no expectations. I was pretty timid in school at that age, but then I was an extreem introvert. I like these people , but there’s no way I’d want to teach Jr High for a living. Putting this class together has been fun. I’m using Microsoft’s PowerPoint to construct presentations of images from the same book I use in my college level course. I make the lecture out of a summary of the text and toss in stories I’ve heard over the years. It gets pretty juicy with all the freaky things that artists do and have done to them. Teaching is sort of like being a storyteller in this instance. Good thing I overcame that introversion.
Good job on the school work. And I’m glad you and your friend were able to sort things out. Communication is so tricky! Egos are the problem they say. Everyone has one and they get in the way of relationships. I try to minimize mine, but I’m obviously not doing well if judged by the length of this post.
I was glad to read your post Dhiana. I’ve missed your “philosophical bullshit”!
Suz, it sounds like your life has had some dramatic twists and turns. I’ve read that drama builds character and that’s pretty darn invaluable. I admire you for having the adaptability to handle the situation. You’re my new hero.
And that was a very interesting quote you dug up texas. It made me chuckle. In this case foresight was 20/20!
Oh and Evelyn, thanks for admitting me to your dictionary club. I’m one of those people that corrects the words before the spellchecker provides options just because I want to get it right. I’m afraid my brain will rot if I let the machine do it all the time!
Kelli, I missed the post where you talked about studying art. Where are you in school now?
Hi Tiffany.
God bless everyone on this site, but especially you and your family Paul. I’m not going to worry about you anymore, you’re going to be just fine. Of course I’ll continue to read your posts and offer suggestions when I have ideas and can’t fight the urge, but I realize you don’t expect us to fix your problems. All we can really provide is an open ear and our best wishes.
Well I’ve got to go to bed. But kicks all ’round.
I’m sorry this was so long but I had to catch up and who knows when I’ll be back again? What am I saying? Of course I’ll be back as soon as I can because you guys are addictive!!!
Good night Grandma.
hi gang…whew!! trying to catch up on all the posts…there’s been a few!
cat – me too again, with the thanks…this site and your site are great!
ok gang, if you haven’t already checked out cat’s site and links…do so after you’ve posted here….she’s one funny and witty person with a dead on aim for whatever has captured her interest at the time.
ummm – let’s see what else….
granny mildred, what collages? see it in whit’s post but do not remember seeing it elsewhere…
tiffany..only 2 degrees between mercurio and groban – cOOl..i’ll have to give it a try with the late great gene kelly!
later……
Good morning, Whitney,
One comment about teaching in junior high. In my day, the 7th and 8th grades were always deemed the hardest of all…it must be the hormone levels of the kids in their early teens!
Bluedog, Cat will probably post my collages of “Strictly Ballroom” on the Yahoo site. I made them, lovingly, with a digital camera, my computer, and a great printing program. ‘Nuf said!
Suz, “Hildegarde” was only shown, so far, at two children’s film festivals in Berlin and Melbourne.
I believe it will eventually go right to video. I will watch out for it. In the meantime, I suggest that you use http://www.teachwithmovies.org to find suitable films for children. Please give Sami a big hug, and tell her Rent-a-Grannie sends her love!
I am showing my video concert, “Sights and Sounds of Music” again this evening. I hope those people that were turned away on Tuesday night return early enough to get seats.
One observation: I compile scenes from video from all over, choose the scene I want, and copy it to a master tape. What I am doing is film editing.
(Whitney, I do it the old fashioned way, to accommodate a 9ft. screen in the auditorium, and a projection VCR on the ceiling. I have such a large collection of tapes that I can keep the program going, even though there are few video tapes for sale in the stores…everything has gone DVD!)
Now, the film editor of “Strictly Ballroom” is Jill Bilcock, and her work is well known in the industry. However, with SB, she goofed a bit, you should excuse me, Paul. In two important dance sequences, “Perhaps” and “Time After Time” she has Tara out of sight for just a second, and it bothered me! Could I have done better? YOU BET!
Love,
Grandma
Paul, I have two questions for you.
1. How come you didn’t respond to the questions in the NYRs comments section?
2. Have you ever considered being a competitor on ‘Fear Factor’?
I feel a little angry that you didn’t respond to my post. But I guess you must be too busy. Hope to get a response from you in this post.
Sara
Good morning Grandma. Gosh, it sounds like you missed your calling. You could have been a cinematographer! I admire you for taking on the technology required for your collages and shows. I couldn’t even get my mother, let alone my grandfather, on a computer. You amaze me!
I think you’re right about the hormone factor in this age group. I’m sure they’re much calmer individually. When you get them in a pack, there’s peer pressure and they tend to get rowdy. Of course drawing promotes moments of quiet concentration as well as fun chatter. I want them to have fun, but they have to do some concentrating too. Drawing is initially about improving your skills of observation.
This is a Christian academy and there wasn’t a room available for this class so we’re working in the balcony of the sanctuary. It’s very informal and we get to use this super nice projector. There wasn’t a slide projector in the whole school, but I didn’t have all the images I wanted on slide anyway. I scanned them from my text book, so this arrangement is perfect.
Hey bluedog. I checked out Cat’s site and you’re right. It’s very interesting! I read some of her posts and I enjoyed her sharp mind and kick ass writing style. I’m going to look some more. She had some very insightful comments on film.
Have a good day everyone!
Oh Cat, I forgot to ask you something. Are you referring to personal profiles on Yahoo Groups as the place to post our picture?
I went to your site which led me to the Shuttlecock site you admire. I generated an Alanis Morissette song. It was fun. I’ll visit some more. I’m impressed!
Whitney, just having figured out the uploading photo thing, you have to subscribe/register to the group first and then the photo link is activated afterwards, klick on it and it’ll show you the photos that are currently there. Then I think you have to click on Photoalbums and there is the option to add a photo and you can take it from there. Of course I personally was very tempted to add a photo when I was about 6 months old, but I stopped myself in time and put it on my own website instead and added a much more recent one there. Whitney, what the heck are we going to do with our dictionary club????
and re. the 3 feet of snow, care to share some of it with us here? We still don’t have any. On the other hand with this “exercise craze” going on here, shoveling snow is a pretty darn good work out, so there you have yours!
) that there is a whole lot of freedom in being human (kind of along the same lines as your positive affimation strategies that you mentioned in the initial post of this thread), in the sense that you can free yourself from being upset about feeling frustrated, stressed, having to dog-paddle etc. It is soooooo totally okay to be down at times, to feel sorry for yourself etc. who doesn’t? but there’s also nothing wrong with feeling and experiencing these things either, it’s part of being human and thus has the potential to take the pressure off. Here’s another hug for you, and also one for Andrea and your daughters. And for your mentally beautifully growing garden, three of my favorite things to have in one: a softly cascading water fountain, ferns (kind of like the ones one sees on the galleries in New Orleans, only planted in the ground) and calla lilies.
Cat, a very happy new year to you and thanks for all your efforts. I, too, like your website, interesting stuff on there!!!
Grandma, you amaze me with all your computer literacy & technology saviness. Good for you!!!! and I’d love to see your collages too!!!! I’ve got my own Mum to use a computer, mostly for typing stuff and I taught her a bit about creating images and charts etc. but I cannot for the life of me convince her to get email. I’ve been working on that one for almost 2 years… I hope to “wear her down” sooner rather than later.
Dhiana, just give the newbies a chance to get to know you ….
Caryn, I’m glad you and Michela are on good terms again and boy are you a fast paper writer!!!! Hope you enjoyed your more than well-deserved sleep.
Suz, how’s your cold doing? I hope the cold is doing badly and you great and on your way to health. Mine unfortunately is still sticking around …. Damn! And please no kicks anywhere near my abdominal muscles, they are being overexercized particularly at night from this overly persistent cough and are sore enough!!!!!, and no kicks in the shins either for me, that’d hurt too much!!! How’s your exercising going, Suz? A hug to Sami.
Paul, you know (of course you do…
Everyone, have a wonderful & happy day!
Hey, Cat, Hey, Evelyn,
Grandma Mildred and Grandpa Elliott are now on the Yahoo Photo site, next to you! What beautiful company we have! Is the other picture of our Suz and her husband?
Let me tell you, it so wonderful seeing the people with whom we correspond. Now, Tim, you can give me some hints on my hair and makeup! Excuse the double chin…I’m working on it!
Lots of seniors in our community have computers, some are taking computer courses, but I don’t know anyone here that does posters and cards. I have been doing it for a couple of years, and have given some lessons, but it does take a certain amount of expertise, which I have gained over the years through trial and error!
Cat, am I able to post my collages the way I did the pictures of Elliott and me? The collages are on my hard drive, in a file. I won’t do anything until you instruct me. Also, do I need any kind of legal release? (You know what I mean!)
Love,
Grandma
Grandma:
I wouldn’t put the collages on the group (sadly) because we have a limited amount of space. Even if you make them 72dpi, they will still be very large. If you made them small enough, no one would be able to see them!
I’m finally starting on the work I wanted to start a few months ago. My life is *finally* calming down to the point where I have regular time to work on my sites. Yay! So let me put the collages on the site, where we aren’t so limited.
Also to all: thanks all for the kudos on fryopia! I love my little corner of the web.
So many wonderful posts to read and me with not enough time to do it. Hello all!
Paul, I hope your new year is going great. And everyone else of course!
My husband bought me this wonderful book called “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It provides me a daily dose of inspiration and appreciation.
I felt some of them were quite appropriate with the tone of this and most of the other threads. Might I share?
“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth — and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up — that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.”
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
So forget about New Years resolutions, I say we should have daily resolutions. Mine today was to not yell at my children, embrace their joy and show them my own. Tell my children and my husband how much I love them. Show them how much I love them with my tone of voice and interest in their lives. I am happy to report I succeeded with todays resolutions and look forward to another success tomorrow.
Take care!
Whitney, Im a Junior right now and this is my sencond semester, I started Advanced art on monday, and Im actually doing alright for now, I made a large bubble letter adversement with markers and made it very colorful and My teacher Ms. G thought is was very good. so maybe I’ll do alright in that class. although my Psychology class is getting harder
I hope you have a good week!! and God Bless u too!!
Grandma, thats so wonderful that the tickets are doing so well!! im very happy for you!! Im sure its going to be a wondeful show!! wish the actors good luck for me and u too!!!! love always!
Caryn, True friends can always go through anything and always work it out no matter what! im glad you and michela have that!
Kicks to everyone from me! although mine wouldn’t be as high since Ive been doing kicks at school in dance!! OOh my muscules!
XXOO”S to everyone love always
Kelli
Evelyn and Grandma, I went to the Yahoo site and saw the Photo’s and had the biggest thrill when I saw that you two had posted your pictures!!! You are both so beautiful!!! (Grandpa too) he is very handsome! thank you for posting them!!
Everyone should go and see them!! and Cat is on there too! I think she is FryKitty!! but anyways Go soon!! love always
Kelli
2 degrees to Gene Kelly?? I almost met him several years ago. I was at Disney Studios having a meeting with a director – I cannot remember his whole name – First name Kenny – he was a choreographer turned director and I think was shooting Hocus Pocus with Bett Midler when I met him. He was a close personal of Kenny’s and I am obviously a big fan of Gene’s. He was in Hospital at the time and Kenny offfered to arrange a meeting for me when Gene came out of hospital. Sadly it never happened. But there you are – two degrees.
Sara, sorry you are feeling angry. I am sure you have seen that I do not respond to every question every one asks. I do not mean to be rude – sometimes there are so many new posts that my head is spinning by the time I read them all and then I start thinking about many things and thus often dont post direct responses. So to answer a question or two – you always get tired on a film shhot, they are very long hard working days. I try not to get cranky as that is not very professional. I do not keep in touch with any actors I have worked with really – mainly because we are often in different country’s and busy doing other projects. I do think it is fair that parents charge board to a child if that child is in there twenty’s and working. I would charge my kids board in that case and I paid board to my Mum when I was working. I think it is fair and shows respect to your parents and to yourself.
Michelle, I am right in there with the idea of daily resolutions. I often ask my self at the beginning of the day what is it I want to achieve today and then go from there. Sometimes it is to only think positive thoughts, sometimes it is to practise my Tai Ji, sometimes to remember to love my life etc Daily resolutions/affirmations/tasks or affirmative action plans – love em!
Suz, I am here. Just returned from holidays with my family. The first for me in 9 years.
Did the big car trip to Noosa in Queensland to see my wife’s parents. Took our two kids (aged 6 & 7) to lots of scenic attractions: The Big Banana (no I’m not kidding, there really is such a thing), The Big Pineapple (please stop laughing), and loads of other places including Australia Zoo, which is where Steve Irwin feeds and frolicks with crocodiles. Has anybody seen his TV specials? He calls himself “The Crocodile Hunter”. It’s quite bizzare. Oh well, the kids liked it.
If you don’t believe me about the “Big” stuff, then maybe Paul can verify this. There’s also the big apple, axe, mower, mosquito, prawn………
Just skimmed the 290 odd postings since last I tuned in. Good thing I can read fast!
I’m back to work and in full swing with no end of it in sight, so I may not have much of a chance to visit Paul’s Corner in the near future.
Whitney, It’s fine for you to ask about my back.
I’ve sprained my SIJ (sacro-iliac) twice now and have also damaged the L5 disc. Each time I was unable to walk for 1 to 2 weeks, then I was on crutches for 4 to 8 weeks. It was quite a nuisance.
I have ocassional recurrences of lower back problems, primarily due to uncontrollable and extreme muscle tension, which is brought on by an imbalance of sorts in my central nervous system, caused by both (minor)physical damage and systemic dysfunction somewhere in my brain. It seems that there were a few external factors affecting my development before birth. I am hoping that I can learn to control the problem by a type of chinese medicine (meditative) technique that my chiropractor has been showing me. At present it is generally fairly useless, although, I was able to spontaneously fix such a problem about 2 years ago, by a similar visualisation/meditation technique. But only the one time! Damn. Damn.
No, I am definitely not kidding about this and I am not imagining it. It really happened. The pain and physical dysfunction just disappeared.
I may just have to live with the hand that has been dealt to me, but I’ll keep trying ’till I drop.
Drugs could help, but I’d rather put up with the pain than be a zombie for my remaining days. No thanks.
Oooops, there I go, spilt my guts again!!!
I just can’t seem to provide simple, brief answers. I should practise.
Maybe I should have just said that I have a “crook back”.
To Paul and everyone else at Paul’s Corner:
Happy New Year. You have a terific group of people meeting here. I find it inspiring to witness your love and support for each other. It is a wonderful example of humanity at it’s best. Good luck you you all. May all your good dreams come true.
Peter
Peter,
Damn, you really do have a “crook back”! Both my parents have had times like that where they had to crawl from the bed to the bathroom because of bad backs. My brother had back surgery for a herniated disk two years ago. Now I’ve been having back problems, which is really worrisome to me because I’m a competitive rower and haven’t been able to train because of it. It must run in the family.
What is that “Chinese technique” you were talking about. I’ve tried Reike, but it didn’t seem to do much. Yoga helps me, but only when I’m already on the road to recovery or to prevent further pain. When my back is really bad, yoga just makes it worse.
Caryn
Cat: Thanks…I’ve been on the internet for a long time and have never seen or used the term blog. Learn something everyday..isn’t that the great thing about life? My desk calendar actually is a “word a day” calendar. I’m learning new words..
Sara: Don’t get upset with Paul. He’s a busy guy and he does at least (at the very least) take time to talk to us. That believe it or not should never be taken for granted. So MANY actors out there will give you this opportunity. When I worked with FOX and UPN in L.A., even when you worked with some you couldn’t get the time of day from some of them and they knew damn well who you were and why you there and that you were doing a job that was required for THEIR future endoresements. And to ultimately help THEM. He’s said in a previous post he tries to respond. That’s enough for me.
Peter: They show “The Crocodile Hunter” on the Animal Planet channel here in Atlanta. My kids LOVE that show. That’s why they want to visit Austalia.
Paul…Heads up dude…
Tait Brady with Palace Films in Melbourne is willing to take a look at my script. I’m going to send it to him in a week or so when I’m finished with the re-write. Wish me luck.
Caryn,
I believe that this is a very common technique.
The technique involves placement of the fingers of one hand onto the wrist of the other whilst holding the hand to the forehead.
You then modulate the pressure of one of the “key” fingers, while visualising the source of the problem.
Please note: This will only work if the source is neuro-emotional in its’ nature (i.e caused by nervous system/body energy meridian imbalance or dysfunction). It is not meant for purely physical (i.e. mechanical) pain due to existing physical damage.
The technique can only be shown by a chiropractor or similar practitioner, as they must first assess which element (fire, earth, metal, water, wind etc) is required to affect the particular energy meridian in question. This tells you which finger(s) to use, and which hand.
If this sounds somewhat mysterious, then I apologise. It’s difficult to describe in words.
My general advice is to find both a good physio and a good chiropractor who can agree on the nature and source of your problem and then provide some synergistic support for you in healing.
I am fortunate enough to have found both. Now it’s just a matter of learning for me. Perhaps in time…….who knows? I did it once, therefor I can’t see any reason why I can’t do it again, or always (eventually).
Caryn, I sympathise with your frustration due to the injury. Do not give up hope. If I’ve learnt anything, it’s this:
Just because a problem presents or manifests itself as something really severe, don’t make the mistake of thinking that it must be hard to fix.
Sometimes the answer is dead simple, it’s just a matter of finding it.
I sincerely hope that your back recovers fully and that you can resume full training, and SOON!!!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Peter
Have you guys looked in to Pilates? It may not be too good as a treatment to fix the problem but to help keep the body aligned, straight and true it is a good form of exercise. A lot of dancers use Pilates techniques to help them recover from injuries and also to help keep fit. Over the last 10 years it has become much more main stream and now even gyms are offering pilates classes. Just check for a qualified instructor – there are a lot of people teaching it without the right sort of training. In fact my wife is about to undertake the training so she can eventually (if she decides she wishes to)become a qualified instructor.
Paul, Thanks mate.
Yes, I have been doing basic pilates for a number of years now. It’s a brilliant way of developing functional stability and strength.
Back in ’97, a video gate analysis showed a distinct hip sway when I would run. It’s related to the other neural problems that I have to contend with.
My physio put me on a programme of neuro-biofeedback, where the muscles (glutes, transverse abdominus, spinal erectors etc) are trained (patterned) to trigger off a contraction of the pelvic floor, and work together to aid with body balance and stability. It was like learning to walk again, as my physio put it.
The whole aim was to improve pelvic and spinal stability. I was lucky in that I responded well to the patterning. It worked brilliantly, to the extent that I became the guinea pig for the Aussie cycle team, via the AIS where my physio worked with the Olympic and C’wealth games teams. I was taught how to use an anterior (forward) pelvic tilt to create a more rigid pelvic area for better power production on the bike. Apparently the programme was a great success for the Aussie cyclists. The technique was just an extension of what I had already been taught.
Let me echo Paul’s wise words by recommending pilates to anyone with a back stability problem or weakness, especially for athletes.
Paul, I have always admired the power, athleticism and dedication of dancers towards their training.
Thanks again for reinforcing some excellent advice.
Peter
That is great news Tim!!! Chookas to you for that one. Peter great to see you back from Hols! Do you surf? I was up at Noosa shooting a video clip and the waves looked great! I was shooting on the beach so whilst working my butt off I could watch the waves and the guys riding them – JEALOUS!! I had a surf last year and absolutely loved it – I used to surf almost every day before kids arrived.
Look forward to getting wet a bit more often.
Paul,
Yep, I know it’s a waste to go to Noosa and not be able to surf, but…..I’m guilty. I swim like a brick. Maybe I could get a really thick wetsuit.
Hmmmm…. that’s got me thinking.
Great to hear that you got to go somewhere nice for work, but pity that you had to watch everyone else enjoy the surf instead. Life’s just not fair sometimes, is it?!!!!!
Back to work now.
Pilates.
I just started, can’t wait until I become flexible enough to .. 
Anyway, hi again Paul, it always gives me a little thrill to see you post on the board. I’ve been advertising you to all the Grobanites. 
If the Grobanites like you, you can go far. We’ve already gotten Josh on Oprah, Simpsons, etc;. 
Hope all is well, see you.
- Tiffany
Wow! Paul is right! There are so many posts. It’s a bit intimidating to try and read them all, let alone respond.
Evelyn, thanks for the explanaition on the photo upload thang. I’ll have to try and mess with that tomorrow.
I took a class that taught Latin and Greek word elements to build English vocabulary. Our teacher always made us bring a new word to class each day. Our definitions had to include the word origin info. That was fun. Maybe the Dictionary Club could try that?
Kelli, I keep thinking you already mentioned this in a previous post, but are you a junior n highschool or college?
If you choose to study art further, you may find yourself struggling for inspiration and motivation on assignments. Just keep at it and try to personalize your solutions; explore your interests. Initially, you won’t have a direction of your own, but it will develop in time. Then you can really focus. Even when I had to write papers for art history class, I would pick a subject that helped me develop my personal direction. It kept me interested.
Peter, glad you’re back! Gosh, I’m sorry to hear about the complexity of your back pain. I beleive the mind is much more capable of controling paing than when can appreciate. Maybe a small bio feedback device could help you relax those muscles. You can get them cheaper these days, but they’re still out of my range right now; I’ve wanted to try one for a long time. Are you referring to some sort of polarity therapy in your post to Caryn?
Paul, I just picked up a book at the public library called “The Pilates Powerhouse” by Mari Winsor. I was thinking it might help my back pain and I’m definitely loosing flexibility. The illustrations are interesting. It’s looks sort of like isometric exercise. I’m going to check it out.
Oh, and I think that technically, that qualified as envy on the beach, unless those people took your wave, board or surfing priviledges away from you.
Tiffany, who are the Grobanites?
Tim, that’s fantastic! I was just reading about query letters and you’re already there and beyond. This sounds like your hard earned break! Best of luck!
Grandma, Cats right about your collages. It sounds like she has a great solution though. I’ll look for the picture page tomorrow.
It’s 2:30am and I’ve been working on my Powerpoint presentation too long. I can only sit at this computer for a certain amount of time before my back begins to tighten up and spasm. Back when I did my thesis paper, I was in so much pain, I had to pull my bed up to my computer and finish the paper while lying on my stomache.
Good night everyone and sweet dreams Grandma.
Whitney, Thanks for the suggestion re bio-feedback for muscle tension. We’ve tried it some time ago without success. As my physio said (after pulling some of her lovely hair out): “It’s not the muscles, it’s not the nerves, it’s in that brain”. Oh well.
BTW, about two years ago it correct itself, COMPLETELY! It lasted only two weeks, then things again changed in my life. Damn. At least I now understand the relationship and significance.
Tim, I wish you great success with the script. You sound like a very talented and interesting fellow who deserves a little more success. Hopefully we’ll all soon be able to do a Crocodile Hunter and shout “CRIKEY!!!” about how well you’ve done. Good luck mate.
And hey, what’s with the age thing? I’ll be 44 in a week or so. Still plenty of miles left in the tank for both of us. Loads of opportunities too!
Peter: You’re absolutely right about the miles in the tank left for you “youngsters.”
When I was 40, I reinvented myself, by going back to college, going to classes day and night (our 3 daughters were pretty self-sufficient after school) and getting a teaching degree.
I taught elementary school for 21 1/2 years, a most satisfying and memorable time, and now I am 70, retired for 12 years with my husband in Florida,(where DID the time go?) and again, am reinvented. Today I am involved in doing stage and screen projects in our retirement community,
and this may be the most satifying time of all!
Here’s Grandma’s simple advice: “It’s never too late, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, easy does it, one day at a time”, and that all time favorite, “if you don’t succeed…..” (I give you all an A!)
Cheers, everyone, and good health to you all!
Love and best wishes,
Grandma
Thanks everyone. Oh no biggie on the age really. It’s just I’ve already been in two different colleges for 6 years of my life. And I have re-invented myself a lot since I was 37…just keep waiting on my break to make it a “successful ($$) makeover. The salon I’m working for did ask me to serve as their Controller yesterday. So I’ll be working for them in a financial capacity as we as a stylist. The good news is I demand a nice fee for the accounting work…god knows I’ve earned that.
It’s 7:46am here in Atlanta. The kids are migrating to school. One’s off at 7:30, then 8 then 8:30. Total mayhem from 6am on…Does it ever end? Don’t answer that Grandma. I know, Iknow it goes by TOO damn fast. And then I’ll be wishing I could recapture those days…when they are off on their own.
Back to the script…just wanted to check in.
Thanks again guys..
Tim
So Peter, they’re telling you it’s a brain irregularity or psychosomatic? My chiropractor told me I have “soft tissue damage”. What the heck’s that? I was doing better until last summer when I spent a few months bending at the waist, teaching at a couple of children’s art camps.
I read once that back pain is sometimes associated with financial worries. I imagine that’s possible and probably a factor in my case. I just want it to go away. I wake up in pain. In fact, I can only lie down for about 7 hours before pain forces me out of bed.
Someone mentioned the Crock Hunter before (was that you Peter?). I don’t have cable tv, but my sister watches him all the time. I think he’s on the Animal Planet channel. I haven’t seen probably more than 5 shows, but I love his enthusiasm and he’s downright adorable in a chubby sort of way. It’s very supsensful when he goes about poking at snakes etc. I also think it’s cool that his wife and he share a love of nature as well as a job. They’re a team!
Gosh Grandma, you’ve had a full life! You’re right; 40 is young. We can choose any direction at our daily crossroads. Thanks for encouraging me.
Got to get ready for work. The nice thing about this teaching job is that I’m not going in to work until 11:00am, two days a week. The other three days are free for me to structure. Of course, as Grandmas knows, there’s some outside work involved in teaching.
I love having the morning to eat, do aerobics and walk my dog. Actually, he walks ; I sit and read a book lately. We had two wonderfuly warm days this week (it got up to 72 degrees!), but now it be cold out there!!!!!
Butt kicks all ’round
Love!
Tim, Tim, you don’t know how happy I am for you with the news that you will be working as a controller as well as a stylist…way to go, young man!
Yes, the years do pass quickly, and the small children will “suddenly” be all grown up, so try to enjoy every precious moment!
I am so happy for you that I am typing this with great difficulty, but I wanted to get this message to you quickly. I just came back from the opthomologist, who had dilated my eyes for an exam. Now the computer screen is jumping, but I was able to read your post, and am answering you while almost whooping with joy on learning about your news!
Love, best wishes, good luck, and all that stuff!
Grandma
Now I’m thinking about actually putting in the Pilate
Peter, I’m glad you had a great trip. Your references to the Big Banana/Pineapple made me laugh ( and I’m still laughing!!!), since I just read about them the other night in my rather funny book about OZ. I think I might just have to do a search on them online and see what they look like. My interest has been peaked….
))) This is where I will have to do a lot of editing in my thesis. I tend to produce long, complicated sentences, and supposedly American Academics hate that. Oh well! Off to some exercise and then research for the rest of the afternoon.
On the Pilates discussion, having just started it about two weeks ago, I can only recommend it highly. I enjoy it, but it sure is a lot more challenging than it looks, I knew that going in though … and I think I might finally learn some better posture for my back. Yeah to hopefully no more back pain soon & better spinal alignment. Here’s a healthy dose of back support for everyone with back problems, such as Caryn, Whitney, Peter, etc.
Tim, good going on the accounting addition to your job!!!!
Whitney re. the word of the day suggestions, as long as it doesn’t involve Greek (never studied it) or Latin (did study it for several years) but can take it or leave it (the latter of course, upps, I should not have said that, since all Medievalists are supposed to know it and know it well and love it–not me, don’t tell on me, if I can avoid it, I will!!!), your on. Didn’t I just create a fabulous run-on sentence?
Have a great day & weekend everyone!
Thesis? Do tell Evelyn. What’s your paper about? What’s a Medievalist? I’m going to read one of Caryn’s Social Psych papers this weekend for the pleasure of it. I would love to read your thesis if you want someone to do so.
Michelle, I’m afraid of the land down under too! My dog probably wouldn’t last a week. Fear of death can sure take the fun out of living somewhere. We have Copperheads and even Rattlesnakes in WV. Now they’re promoting the existence of Black Bears; when you camp, you have to put your dog in the car.
That is great about the accounting work Tim. More money to keep life going and get you closer to your prefered career. This sort of situation is what I was referring to when I mentioned to Kelli that I also consider what will make me the most money when thinking about jobs. You make more cash per hour in the CPA career so it will inadvertently continue to be developed as you wend your way towards being able to support yourself doing what you love. Work doesn’t pay well in WV and it’s also not a place conducive to a career in sculpture. Circumstances have shaped my thinking. Teaching doesn’t suck, but I’d rather be doing something else. It just happens to be the highest paying job I can get at this moment in time and for once, I’m making money with my masters degree. Things could be much worse. This is keeping me afloat as I pursue my ideal career. Well, my heads above water at least.
Today is upper body workout day so I’d better get on it. Bill Phillips is right: the sooner you get it done the more likely you are to do it. I keep finding my mind dwelling on the Chineese buffet down the street. If anyone needs to find me this Sunday, that’s where I’ll be, stuffing my face with crab rangoon, spring rolls, egg drop soup…
I hope you’re having a good day Grandma. I forgot to say good morning. What was I thinking?
Whitney, Im a Junior in highschool, its been very stressful, like being pressured to find a “career” and be able to take classes for that career that you are suppose to know of by now! of course Im still searching, but I know I will follow what goes with me best. Sometimes I feel I’ve learned and studied so much I couldn’t put anything else into my head, much less remember it all. Lots of time Im up late on school nights because I can’t go to sleep because Im thinking about school things. Then when I’m at school its like OOh gosh I wish I could go home! plus all my after school things and friends, it can be very confusing time and Im always feeling like Im fighting a battle with A’s B’s and C’s and if I get anything below I’ve lost! sorry Im going on so much guess Im just venting! lol I hope your doing great, Have a good Weekend!
Kick!! lol Hope all is well with you!
Paul, My mom has a tape of a Pilates workout!! I did it with her a couple of times and thought it worked very well with muscle strength and toning!
Grandma, I hope you are doing wonderfully! Im glad you went back to college it helps knowing that even after you go a first time you can always go back later!!
For the People who mentioned the Croc Hunter!! I love him too!!! he isn’t camera shy at all! lol and he never acts too cool which I think makes him even cooler!! lol
Love to all!! everyone have a great weekend!!
Kelli
Whitney, “Soft tissue” generally means tendons, ligaments and spinal discs. The damage usually heals, albeit sometimes with scar tissue. Bending and any form of safe mobility exercise generally helps with flexibility, especially backs.
On the stress thing, it (stress, a very general term) can cause any number of ailments or dis-ease, as it’s sometimes called. Mine just happens to come out in my back. Others get it in different places, lungs, major organs, skin etc.
Mind you, my life’s good and I do not feel stressed in the general sense. I’m happy.
A bit bruised perhaps, but happy (onwards & upwards!!).
The “stress” causing my problems is completely at a subconcious level. I’m truthfully not even aware of it. But, I sympathise with your stress. I think we’ve all been there at one time or another.
Hope the back improves Whitney, it can be a pain in more ways than one.
Evelyn, I’m still shaking my head about it myself. Where the hell did this “Big” thing start?
Do they have these things in the US?
Oh, did I mention the “Big Lawnmower”?….quite a cultural icon, no doubt.
And yes, Australia Zoo, home of the Crocodile Hunter does have a “Big Crocodile”. The legend goes that Steve Irwin and his dad carved it out of a single tree trunk (and then painted it brown).
I must say, it is a very impressive example of chainsaw artistry,….oops,….now I’ve started something!
Grandma, If we all had your energy and kindness, then the world would be a much better place. Thanks.
Yeah, I read a book by Hans Selye when I was 18 and he pretty much laid it out. I also read a book called “Skin Deep” (can’t remember the author) and it explored the connections between mental stress and how it shows up on our skin sometimes. It was pretty convincing and insightful. Who knows what’s going on in my subconsciouse? Obviously I wouldn’t. How is your doc suggesting you approach this?
Kelli, I know it’s hard, but try to avoid working on stuff about 30 minutes or so before you need to go to bed. I find that if I’m on the computer or working on a pieces of art right before bed, I can’t sleep either.
Well, my dog needs OUT, Oh and I’ve tried to post a picture to the album, but it won’t let me. =( I’ll keep trying. Everyone looks great!
Dear Peter,
Flattery will get you everywhere with this grannie!
I am humbled by your words, and if my “vast” experiences have helped just one person, I am indeed happy!
This site is so rich with the thoughts and insights of so many, so eloquently written, that the site should be published to help others not as fortunate as we.
We must thank Paul and Cat… (shhhh, let’s not embarrass them!) They are truly our dynamic duo!
What other celebrity would answer almost 200 posts with such insight, love, and devotion? I am not aware of anyone…except our Paul!
So, let’s serenade Paul and Cat with this ditty, which I wish I wrote, but didn’t…Cole Porter did! All right, follow me, read my lips!
“You’re the top,
You’re the coliseum,
You’re the top,
You’re the Louvre Museum
You’re a melody
From a symphony
By Strauss,
You’re a Bendel bonnet,
A Shakespeare sonnet,
You’re Mickey Mouse!
You’re repose,
You’re Inferno’s Dante,
You’re the nose,
On the great Durante,
I’m a total wreck,
A worthless check,
A flop,
But baby, if I’m the bottom,
YOU’RE THE TOP!!!
Love,
Grandma
*blush*
Peter you left out the BIG MARINO (just outside Yass or is Goulburn??)Plenty more we probably dont even know about it.
As far as all the deadly creepy crawlies we have here – yes we do have lots but they generally dont bother you if you dont bother them! Generally LOL!
Congrats Tim on the promotion/addition to your work load and your $load!
Although this is not in line with the general discussion I have been thinking about deceit, dishonesty and the Human Nature. Two things got me thinking regarding this:
After giving my life over (okay my career) to my agent for one year and then determining it was not going in the direction I thought was healthy for me, I, as you know, left. I did discuss my concerns with my now ex agent whose attitude was of a couldnt care less nature. What gets me the most is upon leaving I thanked my agent for the work they had done on my behalf and wished them the best for the future. What did I get from them? Nothing!! I asked for them to send anything pertaining to me which they did with a short note saying – here is the stuff pertaining to you.
The question is what did I want. I wanted them to say thanks for the year you spent with us, shame (maybe even sorry) it didnt work out, I wish you all the best the your future. But no, not a word. The attitude shown shows I was right in leaving, I just feel a little ripped off that after putting my faith, trust and dreams in their hands they couldnt even raise a good luck at the end of it all. To me there is something dishonest/deceitful in this. My ex agent had a duty of care towards me that I feel they failed in and then punctuated it with a full stop by their lack of care at the end of it.
I acted with integrity did they??
Which brings me to my next dissapointment …. retail dishonesty!!!!!! What is the difference between telling the customer what they want to hear and telling a lie? If you tell a lie to a customer but that is what they want to hear therefore it is their truth – is it still a lie?? A lie to the slaesman but a truth to the customer. So, have I told a lie? NO! Have I repeated something that I have been told but am unclear on the truth of it, Yes! They are more likely exagerations on the facts but not untruths. I have heard people say that you cannot get anywhere in this business by being honest. What a disappointing indictment on human nature. I am not stooping to that level nor their truth. That word I aspire to – Integrity – shall be my guide. – I wonder how long I will last???
That question is not how long will my integrity hold but how long I can be a salesman, my way, before I get sacked or chuck in the towel.
Ah life experience!!! Character building dog paddling!!!!
Just saw your song Grandma!! Thanks!! I love the fact that we are all out here and contributing to the positive growth of all those that post and or reads. The great collective conciousness is a powerful tool, a vibrant and health promoting energy that we, in doing this, NOURISH and thereby ourselves.
Thanks to Cat – a very special person!!!!
Paul, Yes you’re absolutely dead right.
You acted with professionalism, integrity and plain human decency. Your conduct, concern and your disappointment say a great many positive things about your good character.
Your ex-agents’ less than professional display also says a lot about them. This is an all-too-familiar demonstration of professional immaturity.
There are loads of other so called “professionals” just like them. I’ve met a few who even venture into the malicious, let alone ignorance or plain bad manners.
Be happy that you are not in any way like them.
We all like to think that we can set a good example by being the best we can, unfortunately some people are just oblivious to all except their own selfish interests. That’s their failing.
Don’t afford them the attention, as they are not deserving. BTW, I’d be p*ssed off too. I had a similar thing happen to me, after 17 years service with a major company. I put it back where it belonged – with them. It’s their crap, not mine.
Instead, be proud of your self and your achievements. They are (both) quite extraordinary.
Back to work now.
Dear Paul,
did you get the plot? It should have just reached you because I did send it to your agent 3 weeks ago.
There is a change in the introduction. “This heart of mine” is being canceled and replaced by “Love is here to stay”, sang by Gene Kelly in “An American in Paris”. It was in the script before, but on a wrong place, and when I changed musics I forgot to put it into the introduction. Please notice this well.
I hope you will get the script soon.
Best regards
Reinhard Linde
I’m glad you aren’t willing to deceive to make a sale Paul. After all, the product should be good enough to sell itself.
At least you aren’t having to go door to door. When people come into your store, it’s likely they’re looking to buy or at least wanting to do some research before buying. You provide a valuable service by being able to explain features and point out benefits. I don’t think you’ll be able to go on comfortably without getting the “untruths” straightened out.
I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing I hooked someone up with something less than what they could have had. The only satisfaction that a sales job could hold for me would be the feeling of accomplishment I could derive from helping someone determine exactly what they need and helping them get it.
I’m guessing your employer is asking you to exagerate the value of something in order to unload it for more than it’s currently worth. Maybe you can just tell your boss what he wants to hear and tell the truth to the customers. Honesty sells.
Goodnight Grandma.
Grandma..loved the song.
Cat..Said it before..but Thanks for all your wonderful work.
Paul..Read your post. It is about integrity and you will reach a saturation point wherein you will throw in the towel or succumb to their wishes. I gave in once and have forever regretted it at the same time I quit my old profession b/c I was constantly being asked to generate false information. They SHOULD have written you a thank you note. You were not doing them a favor. They have a fiduciary responsibility per the contract to represent you with some sense of urgency and are accountable for their acts. They s/b thankful you haven’t hit them with a law suit. Asking for details of their level of representation. How many calls did they make? Provide you with some sort of evidence of work on their part otherwise it would seem you would be due at least some sort of damages for breach of contract. They didn’t perform their side.
They took a year out of your life and career…that’s not to be taken lightly.
Keep afloat…get some oars and start rowing towards that next film.
I have total confidence in you. I know we’ll be seeing you again on the big screen. And don’t worry about the sales thing. It’ll pass.
Tim
Hang in there, Paul…Your ex-agent did nothing for you which is a shame because one would think that they want to do their job! How do you recruit an agent that will work with your best interest at heart? There must be someone out there! I only just began to write letters on your behalf – too early to see where this journey leads.
Also, I felt badly that you were so close to meeting Gene Kelly and didn’t. It would seem that you are kindred spirits. Did you have a role model for your dancing? Just wondering. Linda
Tim, “…get some oars and start rowing towards that next film.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Don’t worry so much. (I know, easier said than done!) But goodness, you’re only in high school. That’s the time to have fun with life, not to stress about your future. Heck, all times in life are to have fun, as long as you keep the future in the back of your mind.
Paul, I really know nothing about agents and especially your ex-agent in particular, but I was thinking a little about this actions, and I have a feeling it was a sort of self-preservation thing. It always hurts to be told you didn’t do a good job (which I’m sure he didn’t!) So he probably tried to convince himself that you just didn’t have the talent and that’s why he didn’t find you any jobs, rather than the truth that he was the one without the talent. He did that by blowing you off, by not sending a note of “thanks,” by not sending you your stuff, by not acknowledging your talents. He responded by treating you badly because he felt badly that you left him (which you rightfully should have).
I’m not defending his actions, I’m just saying that it is human nature to get a bit defensive, to defend your own ego at the expense of others. Wouldn’t you agree? So don’t feel bad about the way he treated you. The best thing to do is just move on and find someone worthy of your talent!
Speaking of your talent, I am slowly but surely introducing all my friends here at Harvard to that which is *Paul Mercurio*. Mostly through SB, but tomorrow’s task is to rent and watch Joseph. I can’t wait.
Cat, I’d like to add my voice to the chorus of thanks going around for this website. You’re awesome. I went perusing through your frykitty site, too. Very entertaining.
I also have a question for you: I emailed the woman from whom you said we could buy Life’s Burning Desire, but haven’t gotten a response. Do you know of where else we can get it?
Whit, let me know what you think of the paper I sent you. If you want another, I can send you the one I just finished. It’s a scientific analysis of sexual addiction… muahahaha.
I started erging again this week. Back seems to be holding up. Doing yoga again, too.
Peter, have you ever tried Vioxx? It’s kind of like Ibuprofin, but ten times better. I had some problems with my rib/intercostal this past summer, so the team doctor just shoved a huge box of it at me, and it really worked wonders! (I rowed in Worlds completely drugged up on the stuff… all drugs legal for competition, of course!)
Paul, will look into Pilates. Thanks.
Kelli, WHOA GIRL! Slow down, sugah!
Believe me, grades don’t matter that much. Five years down the road from now when you’re trying to get a job, nobody is going to look at your high school transcript. Trust me.
Oh sure, you need good grades to get into college, but grades are less than half of the equation. You have to find your passion, something that defines you and makes you special. What are you passionate about? For me, it was rowing. Yes, my grades were good, but to be honest with you, it wouldn’t have mattered what my grades were like. Grades certaintly weren’t what got me into Harvard…!
Harvard could fill its entire freshman class with kids who got a 1600 on the SAT’s. But they don’t, because then we’d be a pretty boring bunch of students, wouldn’t we? Instead, they look for people with spark, people who are unique who will add a fresh new perspective when they move in freshman year. (BTW, don’t believe that new book “The Game of Life”. It’s full of crap. I went to a talk by the author, and the Harvard athletes in the audience were running intellectual circles around this poor guy during the Q/A session!!)
Evelyn, I had my Wirtschaftdeutsch final today and thought of you. Ich werde dir ein email diese Wochenende schreiben…
Ok, over and out. Gotta be up for morning practice tomorrow. Or training, as they say in Oz. I always cop flack from my Aussie friends for saying practice. Paul, which do you say?
Bon nuit, mes amies!
Caryn
Caryn, Vioxx….OOOOH, please don’t scare me!!Thanks for the advice, but I’m strongly allergic to Ibuprofin. I had it prescribed for me when I first injured my back at age 18, but took an immediate adverse reaction to it. It was very worrying.
I have the same reaction to the other aspirin-family pain killers and NS-AID’s.
I can put up with the pain, but the chronic stiffness severely affects my movement most of the time, including my training (not practise)!!!
It’s the immobility that holds me back.
Anyhow, thanks for the thought.
Just wanted to make this post as it is the first time we have reached 200 comments in one post!!!! Will comment later.
YeeHAAAH!
Dear Peter,
Here Dr. Grandma Mildred giving you some advice from personal experience about the use of pain killers.
I suffer from arthritis of the knee, and it caused much stiffness and pain. I tried all the extra strength stuff, to no avail, until my orthopedist told me to take CELEBREX, and not Vioxx, which has numerous, dangerous side effects.
I am fine now, no pain, no stiffness, and I feel like a “new” woman, which at my age, is quite a miracle! Just trying to get behind the wheel of the car to drive was torture, but now it is easy!
Hope you are able to try Celebrex without the side effects you mentioned with Vioxx.
Good luck!
Grandma
Paul, Yeah its 201 I guess this will make 202! gettin up there! I hope eveything with your agent and ex agent works out well!!
what are they?? I’ve been taking it since the first of December, but not every day more like once a week or whenever I have pain in my back. My doctor told me to take vextra (sp?) and it cost so much almost 200$ a bottle so the alternative was Vioxx, advil works but not as well. Ifprofen has worked in the passed, and I went to a chiroprator over summer but I heard its not good to have your back popped all the time. anyways
thanks you!!!
Grandma, Ive been taking Vioxx for awhile for my lower back problems, its been helping, I never heard about side effects!!
I hope your doing wonderfully!! I wish the play luck I bet the sales have doubled!
Caryn, I know what you mean!! must stop and smell the roses!! its the weekend and I have no more work till monday so yea Im going to have fun! and not going to think about school!
Whitney, Im taking your advice too and not working pass 9:00 or try not to! so that I’ll have like 2 hours of not thinking about school work. what kind of art work do you do?? right now in class we are working on self portraits!! its one of my favs beside painting I think!! although I can’t get any of the portraits to look like me so they aren’t really self portraits there just portraits!! lol hope all is well!
Love to all!!
Kelli
Caryn: How long ago did you write her? She sometimes takes a while–perhaps even a month–to get back. Write me directly in case I don’t get a chance to check the board.
By the way–I recommend that to everyone. Paul is better than I am about keeping up here, and I don’t want to miss any questions!
Dearest Kelli,
I don’t want to alarm you about Vioxx, but in general, when anyone is given a prescription for anything, the best course of action is to be cautious, find out information on the product, and question your doctor if you are unsure!
We seniors have learned that one must be a careful consumer, especially in drugs!
Go to http://www.Vioxx.com and read the literature…be aware, “don’t be scared!” If we all paid attention to the contraindications on the drugs, we wouldn’t take anything!
Chances are, you are safe with Vioxx. My cardiologist did not want me to take it. Actually, he gave me free samples of Celebrex.
Be cautious, beware, be safe!
Love you,
Grandma Mildred
Dear Grandma Mildred,
I’m glad that you’ve found relief and mobility from the medication. Arthritis must be shocking to live with.
In my (different) case, I’m working on stopping the root cause, not masking the symptoms.
I’ve been working with Applied Kinesiologist and am confident that I’ll succeed eventually. Call me stubborn, but that’s my way. Nothing if not persistent.
I have other reasons for not being in favour of (some) medication. I was born affected by prescription drugs due to my birth mother’s dependance (poor woman). Now, common drugs such as pethadine (used in a recent operation) cause systemic shock. Too bad, but maybe there’s a message somewhere in that for me.
Hey Paul!! Congrats on a BIG 200! Naturally we’re expecting a truly profound next posting to surpass this achievement. (just kidding).
Are you still mountain biking? Stupid question for a suburban Melbournite,… but the Dandenongs aren’t too far away!!
NO!…. I wasn’t trying to emphasise that last posting!! I blame it on “button bounce”. Does anyone believe me??
I beleive you Peter! lol
Dear Grandma,
Thanks for telling me about the Vioxx site Im going to go their next! and as always I’ll keep your words to heart.
Take care!! lots of love
Kelli
Wow!!! Now my mind is spinning and where do I begin??? Okay, let me begin to respond to you, Paul. I’m really sorry that you are getting this kind of crappy treatment from your ex-agent. Can the ‘world’ please give you a break??? and in now way do you deserve that kind of shit. The fact that it upset you as much as it did does speak for your integrity, A LOT!!! and I hope that you never doubt yourself on that account. I’ve often wondered, why it is that people who care deeply, who have the greatest integrety, end up getting hurt because of it, and quite frankly, I’m not sure what the answer to this question is. This thanklessness from your ex-agent really does not speak highly for him/her at all, and as someone already said, points to problems on their side. Let it be their problem and reject every attempt they made/make to make it yours. It’s their problem, let it blow up in their face!!! They have no right to hold that kind of power over you and transfer their problem onto you. Classic avoidance strategy and rather scum. Whenever you feel this is pulling you down, refuse them that power. You are out of their league and remind yourself of that!!! Re. the dishonesty issue at work, that’s really a tough one. Only you will know how long you can take it and survive in an environment that seems to compromise your own ethical values and moral beliefs. It’s a really nasty, icky feeling and it makes me angry that people think they have the right to do that to another human being. My ex-boss did that to me repeatedly and after a year and a half of struggling to survive in that environment, I could not take it anymore. The first opportunity I had to get a different job, I took it and was out of there. I miss my old job (teaching), but at least I don’t have my soul poisened by a cold and disrespectful boss anymore and from that perspective, I’m far better off and throughout was able to remain true to myself and my own beliefs. You, too, will find your way, give yourself that time!
)))) Okay, for the British/Australian English spellers its ‘mediaeval’.) The topic of my thesis ….. hmmmmmmmmmm …. hmmmmm …. –of course I know what the topic is!!! but how do I state this in a short manner???? — don’t know, other than that is on the Arthurian romance “Iwein/Yvain/Ywein” –pick your preferred spelling– really cool medieval story, unfortunately mostly ignored, and I’m working on disputed gender categories, esp. in terms of what was perceived to be appropriate female behavior of aristocratic women and to what extent these cultural adaptations reflect historical reality. Probably I’ve lost you by now. If you really want to know more about it, you can read a description of the thesis on my web site http://www.tc.umn.edu/~meye0289/Dissertation.html but keep in mind that I wrote this for medievalists, who at least should know what some of the issues are that I’m working on/out/through –whatever. And re. you wanting to read this, that’s fine with me, but it is over 200 pages long already and I’m not quite done with it yet.
))) How did the exam go? And re. the “Life’s Burning Desire” tape, I did get mine incredibly fast, so if you want to visit me, we can make an evening/weekend out of it, but I sure as hell won’t loan it to you, by sending it through the mail!!! Not a chance!!!!! But it’s REALLY interesting!!! and I particularly liked the creative process behind ACE and its first performance–Paul is probably thinking by now, “Geez, that was so long ago” etc. etc.
Peter, I did look at the Big bizzare objects in OZ last night on the web and I laughed so hard, it hurt, and quite frankly there are so many of them, which makes it even more bizzare. I think I’ll skip that one, when I eventually visit OZ, unless I happen to come across one accidentally. Re. your question, does the US have some of these things? hmm, …. when does the US not go for big, bigger, biggest??? and of course the Big Banana supposedly was the idea of an American … no surprise there (for me…) Not being an American, I think I should let them answer that question, but I vaguely remember some bizzare biggish objects along some roads here in Minnesota, like the Green Giant in some valley (the symbol of a vegetable canning company) and also a huge fish “up North” (= northern Minnesota) and the giant lumberjack with his blue bull in connection with Paul Bunyan. Most of these are 2D rather than 3D though and tend to be in the style of huge advertising bulletin boards along rural highways. No, no visiting centers or tourist shops in them, as seems to be the case with most of them in OZ, you guys win on that account.
Whitney, you probably looked up “medievalist” in your dictionary by now, but here is my def. of it–by the way, sorry about using it in the first place. It’s a household word for me, but not for most other people–a medievalist is someone who studies the Middle Ages (ca. 400/500 – close to 1500 AD depending on the country) traditionally limited to (Western) Europe, but now expanded to the study of e.g. Asia, Russia, the Islamic world etc. during that time period. It covers pretty much every possible subject you can think of, as long as it is within this time period, such as literature, language, culture, history, art, music, theology, the sciences, archeology, bla bla bla bla … I’m predominantly approaching it through literature, culture in Western Europe, but have meddled with pretty much most of the things I mentioned as being part of Medieval Studies (and please do not spell it Mid-evil, which is what a lot of people do, it is soooooo annoying!!!! and no, I do not study something half way evil!!
Caryn, I’m looking forward to your email, and of course I’m hoping that you only had positive thougths about me while taking your business German final, rather than “Damn this language and their particular customs, rules and regulations!!!” although, sometimes I’m thinking this about my own language and heritage
And Kelli, I can only second what has already been said re. lightening up on the grade pressure. I know it is hard and it gets me every damn single time that I’m taking a class, although by now, I usually end up laughing at myself at some point. In the larger picture of life, it really doesn’t matter so much. The important thing is what you learn and that is something no one can take away from your, regardless of what grade you got in a particular class/course. I guess, do your best, enjoy it and try not to buy into the grade pressure and instead focus more on learning.
I too love the pictures of everyone. It’s great to be able to put a face to the name and thoughts of the people who post here. How long will it take before the guys will finally post their pics there???? LOL, Grandpa Elliot seems a bit lonely, although, who knows, he might just enjoy all the female company. I hope we are not getting him into tooooo much trouble, Grandma Mildred. By the way, I think it’s fantastic that your shows are (almost) sold out and I hope that all the rehearsals continue to go well and that you continue to have as much fun with them as you do!!!! Good going, Grandma! And Whitney, your picture is up there, just thought you should know, since your last comment about it was that it hadn’t gotten up there.
Okay, okay, okay, I’m shutting up now, and Paul, I REALLY do hope that the ‘world’ is going to give you a well-deserved break and that things will pick up for you.
Love,
Evelyn
Evelyn, don’t worry about Grandpa Elliott feeling lonely and out of place among all those beautiful young ladies, including you…why do you think he’s grinning????
If anyone should ask what 2 grandparents are doing on Paul’s Corner, just say we’re the chaperones!
Rehearsals are going well..what we really are doing is marking time until we can get into our new theatre…I looked in today, and the workmen are working weekends to finish by the middle of January. We may get on the new stage in February, and then open on March 11th and 12th. We
can’t wait!
Here’s a short synopsis of the show. It has 39 acts, all variety, and a cast of over 40 seniors. It has the title of “Follies 2003: Love Is In The Air” and four acts have the music from “Strictly Ballroom”. The seniors in our community know of my love for Paul and Tara and their work, and I get kidded all the time, but I know this show is going to knock their socks off! Am I bragging a bit? You betcha!
The huge, new curtain will open in folds, from bottom to top to the music of Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade.” The scene: a nightclub, with 8 couples dancing quietly to the music..the narrator explains that the floor show will begin will have song, dance, and comedy, all dedicated to thoughts of love and peace.
Then, a soloist starts: “Love is in the air, everywhere I look around,
Love is in the air, every sight and every sound”…
then, a chorus of 30 walks on, singing, “and I don’t know if I’m being foolish, don’t know if I’m being wise, but it’s something that I must believe in, and it’s there when I look in your eyes”..then, the chorus goes into: “Another openin’ another show, from Philly, Boston and Baltimo’….then, “there’s no people like show people they smile when they are low…yesterday they told you you would not go far, but then you opened and there you are, next day on your dressing room they hung a star, so let’s go on with the show, let’s go on with the show!!
2 acts later, a beautiful 70 year old woman comes out and sings “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” with the rhumba rhythm, and then, breaks into the Spanish lyrics, “Quesas, Quesas, Quesas!”
Later, a solo dancer, named Dolly, age 75, comes out and dances to “Happy Feet.” (That was the music that was playing as Les and Shirley were giving lessons 3 days later after the fiasco at the dance contest where Scott wanted to dance his own steps and lost!) The number only lasts 1 min. 23 seconds, but Dolly will bring down the house!
Elliott and I do one act together…I lipsync (my specialty) to the voice of Patsy Cline. I “sing” part of “Heartaches” and then part of “Crazy” and Ellie “accompanies” me on a toy guitar from ToysRUs…always good for a laugh!
So this is just a small sampling of what we will finally be doing come March. Wish all of you could be there opening night! Actually, we open one night, and close the next…that’s show biz!
Goodnight, Whitney!
Love, everyone!
Grandma (I call Tara my “Dancing Queen” and I am known as “The Lipsync Queen.”)
Hi Paul and everyone,
I haven’t posted lately, so Happy New Year to all! Just had to tell you that I had my first Cooper’s Pale Ale today. My second, too. That is damn good beer!
We drank to you Paul, and imagined how warm it must be Down Under. It’s a lovely 10 degrees here.
Love to all,
Michelle in Chicago
Hi Paul, and eeryone!!!
So many new people and such prolific writers you are!!
Hey, Paul and Peter…
Have you ever heard of Emu oil? I just heard an add on the radio for some new topical analgesic with emu oil that “has been used in Austraila for thousands of years”. Thought it was funny. Is it for real?
I’ll write more later…
Margie
Margie, haven’t heard of Emu oil, but there genuinely is a product called Goanna Oil.
Damn frustrating though,… I can never get a goanna to stand still long enough so that I can oil it…
Peter
Hey everyone,
Six degrees of Separation, I figured out Paul & Gene Kelly, maybe someone knows a shorter one? Paul Mercurio was in Exit to Eden with Rosie O’Donell. Rosie O’Donell had Josh Groban on her show. Josh Groban performed at the rehearsals for the Grammys with Luciano Pavarotti, Luciano Pavarotti has performed with Placido Domingo in the Three Tenors, Placido Domingo is connected with John Levine because they are friends. James Levine is connected to Geroge Gershwin because they worked together at the NY Metropolitan Opera. George Gershwin is connected to Lena Horned because Lena Horne has acted for George Gershwin, and Lena Horne is connected to Gene Kelly because she has acted in the play Words and Music in 1948. It’s more like 7 degrees or 8, but that’s the best I could do. 
Hope everyone is doing well.
Also, since I’m too lazy to look through 200 posts to find the web address, could someone post the web address for all the photographs? I’d love to take a look.
One more thing, I dont’ want to sound stupid, but is there anyway to get an autographed photograph of Paul? Either for sale or through an agent? That’s about it. Thanks guys and I thoroughly enjoy reading all your posts.
- Tiffany
Caryn, I just read your paper and I thought it was very good! I especially liked the fact that you chose a subject that had personal interest for you. Did you say you wanted to be a Vet? You should consider research psychology. Oh and send me the paper on sexual addiction. I took abnormal psych thinking it would be juicy, but the teacher practically put me to sleep (and he was the head of the dept!). I’m sure your paper will be fascinating.
I think you’re right about Paul’s old agent. Like they say, “The best deffense is a good offense.”. If the agency apologized, it would be an admission of guilt and that aint gonna’ happen.
Kelli, on your self-portrait, I recommend starting with the eyes. Drawing is really about observational skills and hand/eye coordination initially. Look back and forth frequently from your subject to your paper. You should never be drawing for very long before you take another look in the mirror. Look, look, look and then look some more!
Evelyn, I hadn’t looked up Medievalist. I figured you would be able to provide a great definition and you did. It sounds like an interesting paper! I read a few stories about Merlin when I was little. I think one was called “the Crystal Cave”? I’m sure it was a kiddy version of a part of the story, but Arthurian legend does interest me. Send me the paper when you get close to done. If I have time, I’d love to read it.
The follies sound fun Grandma! Only one night? That doesnt’ seem right with so much love and work involved!
Peter, I’m with you. I’d rather fix my back than continue taking this pain medicine. I’m hoping that loosing weight will help a lot. I think you’ll succeed at loosing the pain; you have a great attitude.
I hope you had a great day Paul and of course that goes for all of my fellow posters as well.
Oh, and butt kicks all ’round. According to my “calendar” it’s been 11 days since I started my program. I really thought I would have a little trouble letting go of my beer, but I find myself thinking more about food and not even missing alcohol. Tomorrow’s my free day, so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m for sure hitting the Chinese buffet!
Good night Grandma!
Tiffany, I think Paul posted a two degree seperation between him and Gene Kelly. Maybe you missed it. It would have been great if they could have met.
Good evening to all! I’ve read all the posts and feel compelled to respond to Paul’s integrity issue with current employer. As I’ve told you since my first visit to this site, Stay true to yourself! I know that sometimes it is easier said than done, but having spent too many years in retail sales, 17 years as either manager or assistant manager I understand your frustrations. It’s really hard to sell diamonds that look like frozen spit, so I didn’t. But, because that particular piece was on sale that’s what everyone wanted. They hated us because the better quality was not on sale and accused us of “bait and switch” tactics. This is not only the case in jewelry, but in every retail environment that I worked. I finally got to the point, when asked what I thought of a given product, I asked the customer if they wanted the truth or wanted me to lie to them. Most wanted the truth, if it was something I knew nothing about, I told them so. If I had someone in the store that was knowledgable in the product line I turned the customer over to them. I’ve had supervisor’s who did their very best to get me to “push” inferior products or embellish the attributes of products in order to make the sale. I knew that if it didn’t do what I said it would I would have to deal with their rath another day. It’s not worth the stress. Read up on your products, look at Consumer’s digest, read their reviews. Trust me, the customer in the know has already done their homework and they know if you are shooting straight with them.
As a consumer, I expect to be told the truth, no embellishments, that’s why my computer cost me a little more. I didn’t like what the “package” contained. So I made my purchase somewhere else.
Bought each piece separately and only spent an extra $50.00 to get what I really wanted, mainly the printer.
As for your ex-agent,they obviously weren’t doing their job, knew it and didn’t know how to properly handle your exit. So to say nothing was better than having to explain why they did nothing.
Forget it, move on, hopefully the new agent will get off their duff and find you that perfect opportunity. We all know it is out there, it is their job to find it for you.
Kelli: You are a Jr. in High School, what do you do for fun and relaxation? I have a nephew that finished high school this past May, has no idea what he wants to do. Went to college fall semester, flunked out. Wasn’t going to class, doesn’t have a job, has never had one that lasted more than 6 weeks. Guess where I’m going with this is: Enjoy your last years in high school. You have the 1st 2 years of college to really decide on a major.
Like many of us, life had caused us to change our “major” in life. When in high school it was my greatest desire to go to Cosmetology School, I had the budget set, I had everything planned out. An Aunt and Cousin who were beauticians in their own salons convinced my parents that it was too much hard work, long days on my feet, and not good for the heart condition everyone was so concerned about. So off I go to college and major in business administration. I don’t stay in an get my degree, just enough knowledge to get a decent job. I kept books for several companies over the next 12 years then go into retail sales. Spent 20 years in retail and now I’m back as an assistant to a CPA, one man firm, myself and another lady that helps out from mid-January thru April 15. I keep Quick books for 20 clients, do the payroll reports monthly and quarterly for about the same number and work on taxes the rest of the time. We lack one return being finished with 2001 taxes. I’m about 1/2 the way thru the end of year reports.
Big question? Do I like it? Yes and No. I enjoy what I do, but my boss is a procrastinator, waits till the last minute to meet a deadline. I tell him all I can do is my part, the rest is up to him. Is the pay good? No, at least not what I was making as retail manager(guess you really do get paid for the stress level). If I go back to school it would be better and we are looking at that possibility, my boss is encouraging me to go back and at least get my associate degree.
So in some respect, Tim and I have reversed our situations. I can relate.
Have run on long enough, dryer has stopped, so must go get clothes out.
Snow and Sleet on it’s way tonight.
Hugs all around, Specially to Paul, think you probably need an extra one.
Sherrlyn
Good morning, Whitney!
Tiffany: I don’t want to be a spoiler, but George Gershwin (1898-1937) was dead well before James Levine and Placido Domingo were born..Lena Horne was a kid! Gershwin died prematurely of a brain tumor.
“Words and Music”(MGM)is a film biography of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, the great composer and lyricist…Hart died in his 40s and Rodgers went on to collaborate with Oscar Hammerstein.
Together they wrote Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, State Fair, Sound of Music and on and on…
Directions on how to find the pictures: You will have to become a member of Yahoo to get into the site.
Go to: http://[email protected]
At left click paulmercurio,(not Strictly
Ballroom)
Click “Photos” at left…that should bring it up.
If you go to strictlyballroom and to “photos” you will find some wonderful thumbnails of a very young Paul, Tara, and Baz as they were interviewed about their roles in SB..they were posted some time ago by a young man. I would never have recognized Tara!
The thumbnails will enlarge when you click each photo..amazing pictures!
Good luck, and if my information is wrong, just chalk it up to a senior moment!!
Love,
Grandma
Dear Whitney, Good Morning, (again!)
My show will run two nights, March 11th and 12th
We will also have a morning performance on March 10th for out of town relatives and friends…you are all invited…it’s free, this performance only!
Love,
Grandma
Hey everyone,
Thanks for the info, everyone on the picture page looks lovely. I will post my picture up there soon. 
Not to bug you guys, but once again, how would I get an autographed photo of Paul? I’m willing to pay for one, that’s no problem, I just want to hang it up in my room. 
ANyway, going back to bed, it’s Sunday.. just wanted to read the posts. 
See you all later.
Hi Grandma, I got all the info from a webpage, goodness, guess they were wrong then. Thanks for clearing it up.
- Tiffany
Good morning Grandma!
This has to be short; my dog has already waited long.
I just have to say, Sherrlyn, you’ve suffered enough! Go to school if it’s possible and if it takes you closer to what you want to do. And I agree with your advice to Kelli.
Also, great advice to Paul on the sales and the agent issues. I was especially interested in what you had to say about your personal sales experience.
Doggy OUT NOW. Talk to everyone soon, God willing.
Grandma, Your show sounds terrific! The song that you and Granpa Elliot sing is a good one! can’t wait to here how is goes on opening night!! Take care. Love lots!
Ms. G, My teacher said to use a mirror which is a good idea to look at yourself while drawing. I will be looking, looking, looking, we will be doing still life soon!! thanks so much!
Whitney, Thank you for your advice on drawing a self portrait, I will start with the eyes!
Sherrlyn, Thank you for you advice also, you asked what a do for fun!! lol well…..basically the usual teenage things…I do stuff with friends like going to the movies..ect. friends are very important in highschool and you feed off each others strengths alot of times, we all need that support…others things I do umm..driving, and all those after school football and basketball games!! and of course shopping, all that good stuff!! then there is studying studying studying which isn’t all that much fun, but what Evelyn said (thanks Evelyn) all that matters is that you learn something, and I know thats true! I like school I just hate the feeling of being overwhelmed, and not having control over how im graded by my teachers. Maybe I have the “Need to Please” attitude in me!
I hope your Nephew hopefully goes to some kind of job and stays there. cosmetology is a good field I love make-up who knows!! thanks so much for sharing! and I will enjoy and have fun even though its been rocky!! my dad told me last week! “try not to sweat it!!” lol
Love to all
Kelli
Paul,
Was sitting in my chiropractor’s waiting room this morning.
There, directly in front of me, I saw a video by “Gus Mercurio – Dr of Chiropractic”. Had to look more than once. I know, given the situation that it’s not exactly profound, but, …degrees of separation?!!!…
I am confident we had a breakthrough today. I saw a larger piece of that which I had only previously viewed for an infinitessimal moment. Looks good.
Wish you well with the sales. You’re integrity will not stand in the way of success.
With all the positive energy around you, the big picture must soon reveal itself, with blessings in the form of good, creative work that will satisfy your soul, as well as the daily bread & butter.
Peter
You are still my favorite actor, Paul. And, I am not angry anymore. Just one of those days.
Sara
Grandma, I’m blushing, but thank you for the compliment and naturally, I will return the compliment: both you and your husband are beautiful yourselves and why would we need chaperones??? I don’t think that this is a role you should see yourself in. By the way, does Grandpa Elliot ever look at this site? Thanks for the plot summary of your show, very interesting. And are you aware that you’ve made quite a few people blush lately …..
)))
Tim, a friend of mine asked me “to thank the person whom I had gotten the Dust/cleaning and Children of the 40s – the 70s pieces from.” She liked it a lot for herself, but also specifically because the Children of the 40s – 70s piece gave her a text that she had been looking for for quite a while for her English High School class in Austria without finding anything suitable. You made her day!!! So here’s her THANK YOU!
Whitney, I’m glad you liked my Medievalist definition and I will keep you posted about the thesis (i.e. when it’s done). What kind of a dog do you have? I always have two dogs at my disposal whenever I want canine companionship while going for a walk. They both live in the same house as I, two different apartments, though they act like a couple. Samson is a very gorgeous Huskie, golden retriever mix and Franie (the dog who got drunk on New Year’s Eve (hmmm)) is equally gorgeous, she’s a golden retriever, black lab mix. My cat (naturally the most gorgeous of the lot, black, very petit with startling green eyes) is mad at me today, since I dared take down the Christmas tree (finally found the time to do that…). She obviously has a fixation or fetish for the lights, weird! How was the Chinese buffett (is that where you wanted to go???)
I hope everyone had a fantastic day and will have another one tomorrow!
Evelyn, you are so very welcome. I was just passing on something I found amusing and interesting.
Wow what a weekend! Gone in a nanosecond. I don’t officially work on Mondays, but now I do. I have to start on the records for this salon. The capitalization of all the construction in process versus the equipment versus true expenses. Setting up the account structure that will interface with the salon software. Sales tax return to file. Year end reports to generate for the tax returns. God the memories are flooding back.
So today I focused on relaxation. Slept a lot. Watched movies. Between yesterday evening and today I watched 5. What a slob. Barber Shop, Jawanna Mann, Signs, Exit to Eden, and Joseph. The first two had me on the floor laughing my ass off. Signs made me think a little too hard. When my mother died I lost all my faith just like Mel Gibson did in this film. Just when you really need it, it goes away. Exit to Eden and Joseph. It took quite a bit of searching. In my ‘hood, the blockbusters and Hollywood Video stores are half espanol and other international films. So, the english selection is limited. I finally did find them though.
Exit to Eden…why the hell didn’t I watch that one when it came out? Sorry Paul I really didn’t know you then but I loved Rosie and Dana. Dana absolutely took me over in China Beach. Whoa Baby…and the closeness you experienced with her…damn man…how does one stand so close and not bump???? : ) And I have a new respect for cinnamon and butter. I never tried it that way. Seriously though it was great. You’d make a great hairdresser. You used the brush well, and if you dressed like that in a salon with your accent…well you’d be doing over 200k a year here. This dildo I worked with for awhile was from NY and worked out like crazy. Great build. Smooth Manhattan talker…and he did close to 200k a year. Woman wanted to sit in his chair. And often times they wanted more and he would provide it…but that was him. I feel like I know you better since I’ve seen two more of your movies. I am very impressed. You were great Paul. You looked bigger than in SB. NOT BAD, just muscle weight clearly. If I had looked like that just once in my life…
Typing certainly gets me no where. Only working out and not eating. SLOWLY. I know I’m sounding redundant here, but I thought your acting was terrific. I don’t know why you haven’t been in more demand. Dana was doing an HBO series. You seriously need to look into one of those. At least for a season. It would give you some great cash flow. Fox used to shoot a lot of work up in Santa Clarita..some people would commute from Santa Barbara…great place. Your family could stay up there. Great private schools. One more comment on ETE, I had to do a lot of work for FOX in New Orleans. That is the nastiest, scariest place I’ve ever had to work in. New York, Chicago, San Fran, DC, LA, any of them were a 1000 times better than that place.
Joseph. You were incredible in that piece. Just incredible. You had a full range of emotions to exhibit and you went through them with great ease. Of course in film if one shot doesn’t work you get another chance, but still, you did it right, b/c the final piece was excellent. I had to read the bible a lot when I was kid. That particular story was one of my favorites. Not getting religious here, I don’t want to offend, I just liked it. It’s a great story of compassion and forgiveness and dealing with adversity.
You and I should visit that thought process. We’ve both been dealt some nasty blows lately. Joseph had his God. We’ve got inner strength and perhaps an outside source of some kind. Joseph couldn’t sit back and cry about what his brothers did to him or the fact that he was held in a lofty position before by his father. Translated…you were up there on the movie marque a couple of years ago…I made some real money a few years ago. The movie made me think. Trials happen for various reasons, some are lucky to have fewer than others. Joseph’s inner sense of integrity and moral values pushed him into a higher place. Hollywood is certainly not known for high morals nor integrity, but it doesn’t require that of those playing there. It only makes you stand out more. They can trust you. There was a lot to be learned from that movie tonight. I thank you for being in it, to peak my interest to watch it.
So tomorrow, ah look at the time it’s 12:50am, so today, I’ll get up and start with a fresh outlook.
Maybe you’ll read this post this afternoon. I hope your day went well. Make more phone calls. Call your agent in LA…get back on the screen asap. Things will fall in place. You can dance, you’re an excellent actor and you’re a great friend to your fans. It’s the coolest thing to be able to be friends with a celebrity. Internet friends at least.
This week we start working on our “recital” piece for our tap class. The adults (me) are doing a Martini type number to a Dean Martin piece. It’s such a hoot. Then we parents are going to team up with our kids and do a number that’s very Broadway. We’re having a blast with it. When the rest of this weight gets off I’ll be able to do the weight changes a whole lot better. Right now some of moves feel like I need a crane to lift my fat ass off the floor.
Ended on a bright note. Everyone have a great day and week.
Tim
Hey Evelyn. Buffet was great. My little sister went with me.
My dog is a mutt: half beagle and half generic hound. He looks like a fox hound. Your pets sound nice. I’ll send you a picture of Worhy when I get a chance. We can exchange pet pictures!
Kelli, you’ll do fine. And when you do the still life just remember that you can pick a section of it; you don’t have to draw the whole thing. Move around if you can and find an angle that interests you.
It’s 1:00 am so this has to be short. I’ve been working on the presentation for class tomorrow, but I have more to do in the morning, so I’d better get some sleep!
Goodnight Grandma!
One more thing…
Re: the pictures. You all look great! I haven’t gotten one suitable enough to post yet. I’m going to. I’m just still trying to find that right angle and …unlikely but at least one without the extra 50pounds or at least 35. Grandma…you are a beautiful woman. Your haircolor is great I wouldn’t change a thing. Your eyes are filled with life…I can see it through the net. And your husband is quite a looker. As younger people you obviously both were quite the lookers. You still are.
Just a comment from a 40ish person. (getting too close to 43….argh….)
Tim
Dear, dear, dear Tim,
You made my day, my night, etc., with your kind remarks! I am very flattered, and oh, I think I am blushing! Thank you!
The saying goes, everyone needs help sometime, and that pertains to life and to looks!
Case in point: With your knowledge of hair and makeup, you would appreciate this: I always apply my makeup after I dress, first thing in the morning…I want to look my best even when taking out the garbage, in case a talent agent is lurking in the bushes!!!
Love you madly,
Grandma
You’re more than welcome..but you are what you are. And your procedure is a wise one. You just never know who’ll be standing outside your door.
Paul. Sometimes late at night I think faster than I post. In reference to the dildo that made a lot as a hairdresser…I was in no way implying you were anywhere near such a character, simply that you had this guy beat in a million different categories and if he could do it, then you could do it hands down so much easier. That’s all I meant by that comment. I hope you didn’t take it any other way.
My wife and I celebrate our 16th anniversary on March 21. I’ve got to give her something special this year. It’s been awhile since we’ve done anything spectacular or for that matter something special.
Paul a succinct version of my last post since I became quite verbose late at night, is believe in yourself, because we believe in you. Make those phone calls. Enlist the help of ones you trust to help you get things done. And be assured that you have a group of people that like you as a person and respect you as an actor and want to see you reach more plateaus in your field. You can do it! I could never get in front of a camera and people wearing only a thong…first of all never had the body for it, but even if I did..no way in hell…I’d have to be stoned. Then again in my 20′s that was a frequent case and I was known for stripping down for hot tub parties..Live and learn.
Take care mate. Good wishes to ya.
Tim
I just started reading the book on Pilates and the intro revealed the history of its origins. Joseph Pilates sounds like an amazing man! Someone should do a movie about him.
Tim, your “dildo” post didn’t read negatively to me, but after reading your second post I can see why you were afraid. Better safe than sorry.
The picture I posted is from a few years ago (I’m a bit bigger right now), but I wanted a happy picture of me drinking a good beer. I had my hair highlighted right before I left for this DC / NYC roadtrip (the picture is from the trip) and I felt my hairdresser screwed it up so badly that I never went back to her salon. Truth be , I can’t really afford good haircuts. If you want to see what I look like now, visit my Yahoo profile.
Peter,Peter, Peter…ADF.. Welcome back! Sure missed your posts. Glad to hear you were having a really big holiday. It sounded like a alot of fun. It was really BIG of you to share it. Okay, Okay I’ll stop on the big stuff. Do you know of a internet site where I could get a glimps of your interesting trip? I hope your back is feeling better. Did anyone find out anymore about the emul oil?
The kids and I love the crocodile hunter. I keep telling my husband that he reminds me of him and that were going to put him in khakis for the next Halloween party. I just have to find him a BIG stuffed crock.LOL Sorry Peter I couldn’t resist.
Adopted Granny Mildred, I’m going to wish you a Happy Birthday now. Just in case I’m not posting on the 20th:)
Pilates, I do pilates and would recommend it.
Evelyn, Thank you for your concern on my cold. I’m on the up and up. My son is sick now. I had to bring him home from school because he couldn’t breath and needed his breathing machine. He seems a bit chipper now. Hey how’s your cold? You have been battling it for sometime now. I hope you kick it’s butt. Speaking of butt kicks. I’m ready for mine now. Your thesis sounds right up my alley. I’m so interested! You don’t suppose I could take a peak at it?
Kelly I hope the overwelming feeling in school subside as you start to settle in. Hang in there.
Whitney, How’s that thesis doing? What did you say it’s on?. Hey what’s that Life Burning Desire Tape everyone is talking about? I feel so out of touch since I missed so many posts.
Michelle, your one up on me with the Coopers Ale. I haven’t tried it yet.I rather lean towards the stout. I have to try Coopers some day.
Geeezzz. Who am I suppose to be kicking now? Let me know if I’ve left any kicks out.Am I suppose to be kicking you Peter?
Tim, Evelyn,Whit, here’s your kick
Paul, I’m glad your not going to lower yourself to their level. It’s smart of you not to do the, if you can’t beat them, then join them attitude.
You’d be letting yourself down and all that you know is right. Hold on to your values. They obvious don’t have any. They must be really empty people. Your full of life and they need to get one. God gives us trials, tests, this one is for you. Hold on to your true self. You have to live with you for the rest of your life and they don’t.
I guess this is were I kick you in the shins. You do remember I have to kick you twice now? Here it goes, KICK, KICK…let me know if once is enough.LOL. here’s your hug if I was a bit rough on ya…SOW…SOW ….your garden.:)
SUZ
Suz, I’m afraid I’m out of the loop on the tape too. I seem to recall some mention of it but the memory is vague. the answer may be hidden in this thread. It’s getting so long (hint, hint) that I have to scroll so long to get to the bottom of it (hint, hint) that I’ve never tried to find the info. Let me know if you find out.
Evelyn’s the one doing the thesis and it does sound very interesting. I did one, but it’s shamefully short. It’s on my website if you want to read it. Some of the images are gone. I apologize to anyone that goes there. To get the missing pictures, I have to get a book on inter-library loan and I just haven’t gotten around to it.
I’m watching “The Interview”. It was done in Australia, I believe. I can’t help, but watch this and wonder if Paul should have had a role. Yes! Yes!!!!
Did I say “good morning” to Grandma? I hope everyone’s having a wonderful day. I just did 20 minutes of aerobic activity and I feel great!
Butt kicks for everyone!
Got to walk the doggy.
Whit, do you think Paul will bless us with a new thread? I gave him two really hard shin kicks. I’m feeling a bit to lazy to go through the threads myself. So who ever wrote the post about Lifes Burning Desire could you please fill us in.
Whit, I’ll read your paper! I just don’t know where your web site is. Are you finished watching the Interview? Let me know if it’s any good. I’m always looking for a good movie.
I was a good girl today and played basketball for my workout. Kick my own butt.:)
Paul, how about sow sowing us a new thread?
SUZ
Hey guys…
I’ve been trying to see view the rest of Paul’s movies. There’s a place called http://www.netflix.com where you can order rentals and they send them to you. Kind of a cool place anyway I found two more, the 1st nine and half weeks and Dark Planet. The rest I cannot find, so I guess I’ll have to buy them off the net
Paul please tell me you get some kickback on these films.
Which leads me to something else I’ve been pondering. Please don’t take this wrong either, I’m not being nosy trust me..it’s just my accounting coming out. You’ve been successful with several films. While you’re considering a new agent, what about a financial planner or business manager.
Something else…do your daughters dance? I can’t imagine they wouldn’t with both their parents being so talented. Or perhaps they absolutely hate it and prefer something else. Just curious. None of my kids will touch a piano yet. My daughter might and my youngest son..he bangs around some. I’m just thrilled about my two youngest sons tapping.
Our next topic could be like an Exit to Eden…what life would be like if we truly had what we wanted and made us completely satisfied without the hardships. It’d be fun and upbeat.
Hope all is well down under.
Tim
Sadly Tim no kick back but that of the joy it brings to those who watch. Which is pretty bloody nice!!!!
Elise dances and plays the piano. Emily does drama classes and plays violin. Erin dances and wants to learn guitar but is a little young yet so we may start her on piano. Elise is thinking about being a hairdresser come model, Emily an archeoligist, Erin a teacher/dancer. They are such great people!! And I credit my wife for that. Mind you I played a part!
As for…. “what life would be like if we truly had what we wanted and made us completely satisfied without the hardships.” Tim, Tim, Tim! Have you not read what I have spoken of regarding Balance?? In fact my wife and I (congrats on 16 years by the way)have just had a chat about hardship, comfort zones and life lessons from which has sprung a new post. I love the statement God grants you want is needed not what is wanted. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, well trust, faith, destiny take your pick – I dont know about any of that but I must trust what is needed, is what is given so I may learn, grow and thus nuture more growth. Maybe along the way I will ‘earn’ the brownie points so as to get what I want or perhaps I will ‘learn’ what is needed so as to get what it is I want! Good luck to us all.
Tim, I like the way you think late at night/early in the morning. Your post cracked me up!
))) [sorry couldn't resist] but in the section that lists Paul’s movies “Click on “Films” on the navigation bar”, it is listed there , click again on the movie title, and there are also vidoe clips from that movie on this site. It is about ACE (Australian Choreographic Ensemble, I hope I didn’t screw that one up) which Paul founded and he talks about his dance career and also why he founded ACE and it has a lot of things from the rehearsals of the first show (I think) as well as video footage from opening night. Quite interesting!!! how’s that?
Have a great day all,
Suz, glad you are doing better and I hope your son will do too. My cold still likes me a heck lot more than I do it, but I think it is VERY SLOWLY getting out of my system. It’s about time after a month and I soooooo want to get one night of uninterrupted sleep ….
Sure you can read my thesis as well if you like, but let me finish it. I had a fantastic day of writing yesterday and I hope that this will continue all week. I might actually finish the chapter by the end of the week, which would be fantastic!!! If you want, I can email you (and Whit) a short version of this chapter (actually just one aspect) that I gave as a conference talk last May to whet your appetite, [hahahaha] although let me check first, I might not have translated all the medieval textual quotes and without that you might get lost. It really amazes me that you guys are interested in this kind of topic. Most of my colleagues just shurg their shoulders and kind of blow it off as uninteresting or not real scholarship (of course, for the most part, they have no clue, since they never took a course in that area, even though they should). There’s quite a bit of predjudice in academia towards the study of earlier time periods and of course the same goes for academic positions. Oh well!
Suz, here’s the link to Big Things in Australia, that I amused myself with the other night http://members.ozemail.com.au/~arundell/bigthing.htm
Re. the question of the video “Life’s Burning Desire” I didn’t start it, but here’s the answer: you just have to aquaint yourself better with this site
Whitney, I’m a bit jealous (or is it envious???). I’d like to have a Sunday brunch with my sisters too, but if we were to meet half way in the middle, it’d probably have to be somewhere in the Atlantic or perhaps in Greenland … I guess will have to wait till the summer if and when I get to go home next.
Okay, now on to pondering being given what we need/want and the question of what is easy (not an easy question).
Back to writing, uhmmmm, the other kind of writing of course.
Evelyn