So often I sit looking at my screen blankly as it blankly looks back at me. Me like it has a lot going on behind the facade of nothingness. It shines forth, like me but does nothing, like me. All this stuff is going on, electrodes warming up, tubes ready willing and able, millions of colours ready to grace the screen and transport me to worlds hither to unseen but the screen blankly goes no where, like me.
I look at the screen my head swirling with a myriad of thoughts, feelings -(feelings sadly being a hangover!!) and emotions and there is just too damn much for me to let out. It is like a Pandoras box. If I dare let a little out I will be swept away by a torrent of thoughts, feelings and emotions that will ravage you, my dear reader and leave me breathless and empty. And worse!!! I am still try to think of what the worse is but believe me it would be pretty bad!
Often I sit here looking at you looking at me as you wonder “when is he going to write something” and I wonder – how can I write all of this that I am feeling? It is not safe, sane or appropriate. How can I even start to type what I am trying hard to not feel and trying even harder to keep at bay that which I am.
I miss you.
Yet I am so full as to be bursting at the seems and in being so full I excise my fullness and thus sit before this blank screen feeling well emptied. Reflecting back it’s emptiness and not knowing where to start I get up and leave this room to put the rubbish out and dont return.
ahhh….soo deep
Yah, you do spend too much time on the ‘puter :
But, it is a great outlet
Dear Paul,
Perhaps it is not a good idea to sit at the computer when you have a hangover, and I say this respectfully. All kinds of feelings seem to well up to the surface when one is in that state and sometimes we can only see the negatives through the haze.
Sitting at the computer, though, can be a catharsis as well. We are all here for you and don’t mind if you want to vent. We certainly do, so if it makes you feel better, vent away.
You’ve always told us to embrace our feelings, accept them, and throw away the negatives. Hopefully, when you took out the rubbish, a lot of the negatives went with it.
Be well.
Sally C.
Paul, I know the feeling…I’ve been sitting here, at my computer, reading your letter over and over, and thinking, “Mil, what can you possibly say to make his pain go away?”
I agree with Sally that you can vent all you wish, and we will only love you more, if that is possible, for trusting us, for helping us, for empathizing with us, for bringing such joy and beauty to us, and for loving us.
Now, what can we do for YOU?
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
Paul,
I have to admit, the post is familar to me, sitting at the blank screen, with ideas, no ideas, or ideas that I thought that stunk. The writers block that haunted me for three years until the day I decided not to be judgemental to myself and my ideas and over the next year or so I wrote the hundred pages of my first film.
Also it seems as though being in front of the screen isn’t the best thing for a writer to do. This past sunday, as sick as I was and still am with this cold, I got dressed and went out to a local French Bakery for hot tea and a pastry, a breakfast habit that I picked up from my husband who is french. As I sat at one of the tables I started to stare with childhood amazement at all the little delicacies that were in the pastry cases. All lined up like little soldiers ready to attack the most weakest of willpowers. I took out a piece of paper and started to write how I was feeling at the moment, what I observed when pulling apart a Pan Au Chocolat with its goey chocolate in the middle, and dipping it into my cup of tea. It makes the worst of thoughts go away, relieves stress, and no wonder the French will riot if their pastry shops on every corner were suddenly to dissapear.
The cafe will always be the true inpiration for a writer, the blank computer screen is…not as welcoming and warm.
Take Care all,
Boy, can I feel your pain. When I get that way I am usually blabbering away and crying and my husband always tells me to just stop thinking. Just chill out and stop thinking for awhile. Easier said than done, but I agree with Sallie C. Walk away from the computer. Don’t even try to think about anything at all. When you are feeling better come back and vent all your feelings. We all love you Paul and we miss you writing here, but take care of yourself first.
Paul-
Believe me-we are not going to be overwhelmed by anything you are feeling–Grandma Mil and Sallie said exactly the right thing and so eloquently–
Strong emotions and thoughts are like wild animals..if they are let loose, god knows what kind of damage will they do..if they are caged in, they will never know freedom, only frustration..
so what to do?
If you think writing your thoughts here could be too much…write them down somewhere…anywhere…get them out and then you can deal with the emotion.. Even the writing process helps you deal with it. You shouldn’t keep it pent up inside you…Then when all the negative crap is gone, maybe there will more room for the positives to flow in.
But then, I’m a champion at brooding and wallowing in my own sorrow!
Paul it isn’t healthy to keep things bottled up. We are all here for each other whether it is good or bad. The support I’ve had from everyone here has been amazing and overwhelming. In fact I’ve had more from everyone here then I do from some of my own family.
Take time out for yourself and put yourself first, sod everyone else. Come back to us when you feel you are ready.
Take yourself of on your motorbike and try to blow away some of those cobwebs, it might help.
Take care
Kim
Hmmm, interesting or strange paradox you are experiencing right now, Paul, both so full you feel that you are about to explode with all the thoughts and feelings and completely empty at the same time. Hate that feeling of being all over the place and nowhere at all, all at the same time. Sorry you are in this stressful place. As Lyn already put it and Grandma, Sally, Jo, Julie & Kim, don
I’m sure you must be under tremendous pressure at the moment, Paul, what with working two shows and preparing for the fundraiser all at the same time. In trying to be all things for all people, you must be wearing a bit thin by now and it shows in your post.
I am hoping you will find the strength you need from somewhere to carry on and to take care of yourself. Don’t worry about us now, as we can carry a thread for quite a while, all by ourselves. You can peek in, but do not feel pressured to respond, eh?
We do miss you when you don’t post, but we also know you need your down time. Please take some down time for yourself and return to us when you can.
Remember, we love you, no matter what.
Robyn
I was re-reading Paul’s last post and realized that I missed something. So I will comment…
In my opinion Paul, you don’t need your reader’s permission or approval. This is Paul’s corner, your corner, and however you like to conduct your corner is up to you not us. So shock us, unload or not unload post or not post, I respect whatever you decide to express and honored to be here for whatever you decide to share.
Do something good for yourself and your family (no matter how small or large) and the universe will provide an abundance of happiness.
take care all,
Paul, I think it’s safe to say that the space is here for you to say whatever you are feeling. Your energy created a place where I think we all feel we can do that. But I agree with Evelyn when she says that you should do whatever feels right for you to ease things. I love reading your posts but I don’t feel your presence any less when you’re not around as often. The bonds of friendship here are true bonds of spirit and transcend many things. Everyone here has expressed so well the love and support that is always here for you, if that is what you need.
Trying to not feel is a tight place to be. The flow of the journey can get backed up pretty quickly this way in my experience. Just be true to yourself and to whatever is important to you. That way, you’ll remain on solid ground.
Love to you,
Mary
Paul
What did you do the night before that caused this hangover? Were you at a party or just sitting at home drinking anf thinkind negative thoughts. We are all here to listen to your thoughts even though they are sad.
We love you, Paul. You have so much to give to a world that does care abou`t you. We all look forward to your postings, and understand when you don’t post so often, when your mind is a blank and is like that blank screen.
Sometimes we all get to a low point of feelings and need to “take out the trash” hopefully these feelings will go with it.
On a funny note, the neighborhood boys had assembled in back of my house and were having a fireworks battle, with a fort. I started watering down my roof and deck and then decided to spray the boys. What a good time we had. Their water did go as far as mine was““““` (oops,that was my cat Smokey). Needless to say the fireworks battle stopped. The neighborhood firewords didn’t quit until about 12:30am.
I am still coming off my high from seeing Cirque Du Soleil Cavalia.
Take care & Love to all.
A special ray of love and Hugs to you Paul.
Marge
Paul:
Everything offered here regarding your post is very good advice, and I truly hope you find things that you can keep that will help.
Not to be judgemental (because Lord knows, I have all kinds of issues of my own), but everyone knows that alcohol is a depressant and just makes things worse; it doesn’t solve things, only postpones having to deal with them.
Remember also, that you need never make excuses for your feelings. They are YOURS; they are neither right nor wrong -they just ARE.
Cowboy up, Paul. One foot in front of the other. I truly hope this rough patch doesn’t last long.
Vicki
“Often I sit here looking at you looking at me as you wonder “when is he going to write something” and I wonder – how can I write all of this that I am feeling? It is not safe, sane or appropriate. How can I even start to type what I am trying hard to not feel and trying even harder to keep at bay that which I am.”
i find that part interesting…what do you mean here paul?? hmmmmmmmm
Paul,
Life is a fragile journey.
Please take care of yourself mentally and physically. We’re all pulling for you.
Thinking of you,
Claire
hey paul i have a strange idea….
why not just write what you want to say and get it all out and stop worrying about if its bad or not. we are your friends tell us what you are feeling
he he sorry for writing so many times but um…lol..i was just looking at your filmography paul and i saw the movie “exit to eden” and i myself have never seen it cause when i was little i wanted to rent it and i saw the cover and i always thought it was some kind of porno movie or something by the way it looked so i was too scared to ask my dad to rent it for me…
anyway one of my friends saw it and she told me there was a scene where rosie HO donnel (sorry i hate her) was riding you like a pony and slapping your ass is that true??
I would just like to sing
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear JO, TIM & SARA, Happy Birthday to you.
I hope you all have a very special day and I hope it’s a good one.
Love
Kim
Thank you Kim. That’s nice of you to remember.
I have spent today looking for another kitten for my niece. She took her cat in last week for ear mites and the vet “accidently” put the cat to sleep. He was going to do a culture and gave the cat too much anesthetic. She had had the cat for 14 years. That afternoon she had to go for her second chemo treatment for breast cancer. She is going to have to have this done once a week for six months before they do surgery and then radiation. I found a beautiful little seal point siamese at the local shelter on Thursday and another beautiful little lilac point today at another shelter. It won’t take the place of her 14 year old cat, but it might help some. The cancer has gone into the lymph nodes and we are all hoping that she is going to be okay. Maybe the new kittens will lift her spirit.
May I say this and you can tell me to leave if you want – Erika, grow up!
jo now that you know my comments annoy you you can simply skip over my posts and not read what i say
i dont think anyone is forcing you to read my posts. i will continue to be and post however i please to do so, so just simply look the other way and mind your own posts
love
ME!
Paul-
I don’t feel I have anything more helpful to say than everyone else has, but I send all the same thoughts your way. I also feel a strong reflection of your post within myself. Sometimes it just isn’t possible or necessary to let out those things in your mind. Sometimes life(positive or negative) is just too present inside us to encapsulate in words and then let out in the world. Sometimes I feel things have to stay inside for a while.
When I first found this site I spent some time reading the archives. I can’t remember which month/year it was in, but you had a post that went on about all the hate/anger/resentment you had toward things in your past that live in your memory- this is the best I can describe it, and I don’t know if you recall it. Well, that was one of the most powerful things I have ever read about someone’s life. The honesty and clarity of your thoughts moved me very deeply and stayed with me for a long time, even today. What conclusions I drew about my own life because of it I will keep for myself. But I want you to know I value open-ness more than all other ways of being and I think all of us are here because we are the kind of people who are able to be that way. So never hesitate if you feel something is on it’s way out of a pandora’s box in your heart. You are not surrounded by indifference here. I believe something productive can come from it, whether in your life or ours.
-Astrid
HEY ALL !!
Astrid, I think we all felt and still feel the same way you do, at some point and time. When I first found this post, I read for 4 hours straight. I just couldn’t believe Paul could open up that way. I read his poems and every post from this blog to date. I just could n’t stop. I was amazed from the get go. I posted telling Paul how truley touched I was and how moved his poems and posting had made me feel, not expecting a reply, but he welcomed me, as did everyone. It felt wonderful. Acceptance in the purest form. I don’t htink I had ever felt that before this blog, really, he he I know that sounds weird. But it’s true, I went from a shocking childhood to an adulthood stil feeling worthless, then I got sick and everyone here made me feel like I was worth something and now I FEEL LIKE I AM WORTH SOMETHING. All because of Paul and all of our friends here. So, I understand how you feel
Jo, I think Erika IS young.
Erika, Paul did not do that in the film, but there is a nice spanking scene with his bottem. And, sorry Paul, it IS nice. Erika , perhaps you should wait a few years to watch that. : )
Love to all,
Kelly
Paul,
I forgot to ask how the big Moulon Rouge inspired event go over in Australia I was reading about. Did you and Andrea enjoy it?
Kelly
Jo-
I’m definitely not Mormon either! But it did cross my mind that you were doing geneology work and I thought, Is she? Nah! I also thought you would say that about my research, but let’s just chalk it up as another one of those situations where I could “give 100%”. Actually I couldn’t help it if I wanted to. It’s why I chose this as my course of study! That’s nice of you to go looking for a kitten for your niece. What an awful loss at such a difficult time. I know that doesn’t compare to my grandmother’s hip replacement, but I feel like I know where you’re at with your niece. My grandmother is improving after her comlpications(a blood clot), and all of us do whatever we can to help, right?
Mil- I’m with you on the Penn/Brando issue. I hate those comparisons with the oldies! Now there are no original ideas, but there are original people and actor is molded by the press to be like another, then where has all our charachter and imagination gone?
Speaking of imagination in that direction, i just saw my little cousin (whose birth knocked me out of youngest grandchild status after 20 years)this weekend while I was away. He had just seen Spiderman 2 the day before(I agree about Kristin Dunst’s teeth B.T.W.) and he spent the whole weekend imitating a spider and playing out all these rescue scenarios on every piece of furniture, with every relative, with the dog…I swear that 3 year old boy is made of rubber! Funny how this little guy can do even the most mundane thing and all of us adults just sit around watching him as if we are glued to a TV set!
Anyway, I’m glad to be home, glad to read the posts again, not glad to come back to the heat…
-Astrid
kelly yes i am young i am 20 years old and i am not naive or immature i just like saying random things sometimes to see how paul will respond.
i come on here to have fun, i already have too much seriousness in my life.
Yea, sometimes seriousness and life overwhelms you to the point that you can’t think of anything else. Oh, to be 20 years old again!!! Sorry Erika. You can go and rent the movie now. You will enjoy it. Personally I liked Exit to Eden. It was a fun movie on an exotic island. It looked like Cayman, but I don’t know where it was.
Astrid, I am sorry about your Grandmother. I hope she will be okay.
Didn’t Kristin Dunst play a young vampire in a movie with Brad Pitt or was that someone else?
paul: i get what you mean about all the feelings you have and not knowing where to begin. when thoughts are so fluid and unorganized inside, you need to let them out, but where to begin, and no matter where you start you don’t know where the diatribe will take you or if it will ever end. in that regard, it’s hard to write it all down without then explaining why you’re writing every sentence, then the over analytical catharsis that pours out your fingers can become so confusing to the readers when all you really wanted to do was work it out on paper in a safe place. it’s overwhelming. will people understand where the inappropriate comes from and know that sharing it for a moment in time should not define all you are. but if you only share a little will you really be helping yourself at all or just making the bits easier for the readers to digest.
am i making sense?? i hope i get your meaning.
jo and erika: i hope you can find some common ground.
xo –
alot of texas fans i see..
i am also from texas
Happy 25th Birthday Sara W., Happy 60th Birthday Jo (Texas) & Happy 44th Birthday Tim! and happy Birthday to my other two friends, Lyn (70) and Claudia (35) who also celebrate their birthdays today. I hope you feel particularly special today!!!
Paul, I hope you are feeling less frustrated and stressed as well. A very happy day to you as well & everyone else for that matter.
Paul
What were the circumstances of the hangover? What set you off? Were you partying, or just feeling blue and sad by yourself? Where was Andrea? Was she with you?
Hangovers
There is a new product on the market just out here in the States called “Chasers” You take 1 or 2 tablets before you go drinking. You might want to look for it ‘downunder’.
I am not a drinker. I have a bottle of Irish Whiskey in my cupboard which is about 15 years old. I only use it to stop coughing during a cold. I hate those cough syrups, tooo sweet! My wild drinking days were in the sixtys. I am going to check out Whidbey’s Loganberry Liqier though. It’s only made here on Whideby Island.
Erika
Exit to Eden is my third favorite of Paul’s movies, I loved the scene where Paul is in a thong competing in a roller blading race. All of the semi nude scenes are done in good taste. (I have seen worse videos on our public channel that leaves nothing to the imagination. My 1st is SB and the second is Joseph. Paul played a spectac-tular role in Joseph.
Last night one of the boys left the meelee and said as he was leaving, “I guess I will go home and play with myself. With a chuckle, I told him that that was what boys his age were supposed to to.
Today the boys were cleaning up all the trash from their fireworks fight and displays. The lawn got mowed as they were too lazy to walk around to pick up all the little pieces of paper. One of the boys even came over and cleaned up my yard and deck for me.
Love to all & take care.
Paul were here for you, you know that!
Marge
“Exit to Eden is my third favorite of Paul’s movies, I loved the scene where Paul is in a thong competing in a roller blading race”
did you say paul is in a thong??!!!
THATS IT I AM LEAVING TO RENT THE MOVIE RIGHT NOW
and joseph is really the only movie ive seen from paul. i like the scene where paul is in the bathtub and the slut whore masters wife comes in and trys to slide her hand down to his…..*cough*
anyway paul has got a really nice body
Erida Crystal has her own website if anyone is interested in seeing her picture. Just click on her name, or type http://www.erikacrystal.com.
To Jo and Timmer, happy birthday, and also to Claudia and Lyn. Lyn, you’re 70? I’m 71, and I extend special congratulations! Aren’t we fortunate?
Erika, you’re very sweet, but I can’t believe that you haven’t seen “Strictly Ballroom” yet, or have I misunderstood your last post?
Forget the thongs and the bathtub scenes, and run, don’t walk to buy “Strictly Ballroom”, for you will want to see it more than once.
It is a gorgeous film, with a compassionate love story told through sensual dance routines, and with only one sweet kiss shared by a fantastic couple. If I adore this film, even at my age, you’re right!
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
Thanks all the birthday wishes. I’m the first one awake at home this morning and it’s a pleasure to see people sending me happy thoughts.
Paul..What I get out of your post reminds me of my circumstances over the past few years. I work, then I don’t. I work again, then I don’t. I work again at full pace 7 days a week 12 to 15 hours a day…then I’m stuck at home. Then when I finally go back to work I’m not really sure I “like” it. I want to make money to support my family..although that has been slight of late, but the work strains me. If you have so much going on..which you do…your page IS empty. The screen will stare back at you because you are giving every inch of yourself away right now. That’s my two cents worth mate. You don’t always have to say anything. Just type a : )..We’ll know what you mean.
Erika..
You must buy SB. As for Exit to Eden..I have that one. Sorry but I like the Rose..she’s funny ashell in this movie. As far as the ride and spank scene it’s Dana Delaney…who is in a new Lifetime movie starting this week or next about illegal baby adoptions..Looks interesting enough. Paul doesn’t wear a lot in this movie until the end of it. It didn’t get good reviews, but it was funny. I like Joseph and The 1st 9 1/2 weeks. 9 1/2 weeks is another that you should rent.
Aunt Mil I’m shocked..did I detect a mis count or am I wrong. You said one kiss. Please help me calculate here
There is the moment at the fence when they share a very sweet kiss. Then as they dance with everyone at the end of the movie they kiss again right? Of course there are so many moments when it appears they would like too. My favorite is the “perhaps, perhaps, perhaps..dance”…what a great movie..and what excellent talent. I Tara would visit the site. Auntie Mil…you should invite her here. Tell her we’d all like to say Hi and talk..I’m sure Paul wouldn’t mind..A little SB talk.
School was not open Monday night b/c of the holiday, however it started online. We were given the work and expected to post on line. My class tomorrow night has six chapters, over 100 pages of hand outs to review and analyze and two models to assess. (Economics) Dear God what have I gotten myself into? Then as I’m prepping forall this I think well why not just go all out and get my JD MBA? I think I’m a school junkie…
I think my son will enroll in a different dance school this year. He likes and is very good at tap, but he’d like to take hip hop and modern as well..Give him some other “moves”
We had a fund 4th. My wifes best friend from Tennessee is visiting with her 3 children. The girls are playing such girlie things. 2 2year olds pushing little pushcarts withbabies inthem,then taking them out wrappingthem up and feeding them. Talking to each other. Putting on fake jewelry and nails and wearing their moms shoes. It makes my heart swell. My incredible little girl. Of course my life would never be complete without my little men. The older two which are in fact “becoming” men. It’s fascinating to watch froma parental view. My six year old still sits in my lap..even my 11 year old. It’s hard to get a hug out of my 13 year old. But I do.
Hugs to everyone. Enjoy your week.
Paul, take care of yourself mate. Andrea is there to hold you and comfort you and listen to you. And we’re here to listen as well. Vent..feel better.
Tim
Good Morning All,
I agree with Grandma Millie, “Strickly Ballroom” is the best one. Go see if you haven’t or you’re missing out on Paul’s real talents.
I’m still feeling crummy with this cold but I won’t let it totally ruin my week off. I’m may stop at the health food store later to purchase a multi-vitamin and a bottle Eucalyptis. I called Grandma Millie yesterday and I have to aadmit it was the best medicine of all. Thanks Mil!
Maybe in my wildest dreams someone will knock on the door with some hot soup (particularly someone who’s a hunk of burning love but I’m too sick to even enjoy it if it did happen). Who knows **Sigh**.
Time to take my Claritin D and drink my protein shake…so exciting.
Take care all,
Julie, I hope you’re feeling much better!
Talking to you is always a treat, and having you close where we can visit together is so special also!
Timmer, I had a senior moment by forgetting that last kiss between Scott and Fran.
However, that was the end of the movie (boo hoo) so I guess I goofed!
I had been in touch with Tara Morice in 2002 when I wrote her my first fan letter, and she graciously answered me herself with a lovely letter and a signed picture of her and a poster of SB also signed.
When you come to FIF, you will see those items hanging among our family pictures. (When Whit was here she saw it and called it my “shrine.”)
I think at this point she probably thinks I am a pesky Grannie-fan, for I send her a birthday card each year through her managment agency.
I think by now she thinks of me as a pesky Grannie-fan, but that does not diminish my love for her as my favorite contemporary actress!
Even her small role in “Salem’s Lot” did not change my mind.
Peace and Love,
Mil
Happy Birthday Tim! Hope it is a good one.
Also, Happy Birthday Sara W. Hope you have a good one too!!!
Hi Paul and everyone! I posting here for a first time. Ad I want to say that the only feeling which making me feel bad and breaking my brain is – love. It’s the only thing that bringing me pain and sorrow. Why? Just because my soul hasn’t been loved by onyone else…I know it’s stupid, but a fact. Sometimes I just want to seat in a car and break it and myself (just like Madonna in “What It Feels Like For A Girl”) but I’m living and waiting till the day when I’ll meet someone whom I’ll be able to love and care. And I don’t know how much time I got to wait…Why God don’t give us an anwsers?…
Good morning from the subtropical, mosquito-infested, mold and pollen-filled, ’91 degrees at 8 a.m.’ and 89% humidity paradise known as NW Florida!! “Happy Face!”
BTW–how many Lyn’s are there here? I’m only 47!!
Whoa–Erika has never seen SB?…OMG! Someone hold her back after she does…It’s the ultimate movie for incurable romantics..and it’s still playing on Starz and Sundance channels.
Lyn, I apologize, I thought Evelyn was talking about you!
Only 47? You’re qualified to be a child of mine…my “babies” are twins, age 45, and my eldest, almost 49, is a grandmother also.
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
Sorry, didn
Lyn B, you mentioned that you live in NW Florida.
Are you close enough to attend FIF (the Strictly Ballroom convention) in February by driving to the Ft. Lauderdale area? (Febr. 5-7, 2005.)
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
I was just having fun with you about the age, Evelyn (ahem, that’s MY real name, too! But I have always gone by Lyn) Actually, you did say it was a friend of yours.
Mil- I would LOVE to do the convention…don’t know many of the details… but it sounds like fun! Ft. Lauderdale is quite a ways but since my mother lives in Clearwater, I could break it up into a 2-day trip. What in the world would I tell the hubby? LOL!! He’d think I had gone over the top! Might have to suggest a fishing trip to the Keys to make this work! (Been with him since we were 17….in 30 years, you learn what works, don’t ya?)
Happy Birthday to Jo, Tim, and Sara! I wish you much love and happiness for this year and forever!
Paul, you seem to have what I refer to as Monkey Mind. An inability to clear out the crap and sort out the important stuff. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great defense mechanism. I use it quite frequently when I’m stressed out because it keeps me from concentrating and doing the work I need to do to move on with things.
Change and growth are likely to come out of this frustration you’re feeling, so try to weather the storm. Maybe a little more Self-nurturing is needed. It couldn’t hurt! In the mean time, spill your guts if you have to. We can take it!
I wish you clarity and peace,
Michelle
Michelle, I laughed when I saw what you wrote on Paul’s ‘sense’ post! It’s great to be sharing the journey with you. Love to you.
Lyn, thanks for making me appreciate where I am right now!
Abeth, hope you are feeling better and that all is well.
Welcome to you Alex!
Paul, I came across this today and thought about how you have always led the way here in doing just this. Thought I’d share it on account of the topic in hand.
‘There is only one thing you can do. You must honor your feelings. For honoring your feelings means honoring your Self.’
Conversations With God
Hope everyone is well in the Corner tonight.
Love to you all,
Mary
Lyn B, subtropical, mosquito infested, mold and pollen filled 91 degrees sounds pretty good from where I’m sitting. Here in the UK is wet, windy, chillyish, some sun but not for long, just miserable weather at the moment and it’s Summer! I’ll gladly swap!
Jo I hope you didn’t have to much ironing to do and on your birthday of all days, where is the justice in that.
Evelyn that is great news your employment authorisation was approved, does this mean it is all systems go now? I’m really pleased for you.
Monika I hope to see you back here soon, you are missed.
Hello to everyone else here
Love
Kim
Evelyn, just remembered that I forgot to congratulate you on getting your employment authorization. I’m delighted for you! Good luck with the packing and the apartment hunting!
Love to you,
Mary
Hellos and hugs to all my friends here at PC! I haven’t posted for a little while and am checking in.
I heard the baby’s heartbeat today which makes the pregnancy seem more real than ever!! I’m excited. Morning sickness is going away except in the evenings I still feel a little yuckity.
Happy Birthday to all of those celebrating one this month!
Paul-Being bipolar-I know what it’s like to have a Swiss cheese brain. And, talking-even when I’m making no sense-helps to put my thoughts into perspective. And, I’ve learned that those intense and jumbled feelings are only temporary.
Talk to everyone later!!
HUGS!
Abeth
hey guys and i guess ill wish everyone a happy birthdya whos birthday it is/was too
no i didnt go see it last night it was too late to go and rent it it was already like 1 am lol so i will more than likely go out and rent both movies later today for sure!
Hi guys,
Have been quiet lately but have been catching up with the posts.
Paul, you have gotten great advice from everyone, so I won’t repeat what they have so eloquently expressed. I will just encourage you to hang in there, my friend; we all go through days/nights like the one you were having when you posted. The good news is that, even though we may not be able to see it at the point where we are standing, there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. Hope you are at a point right now where you can already see it in the distance.
The posts and the group of frineds here remind me of the “Friends” theme … When it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year… I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour; I’ll be there for you, ’cause I’ve been there before; I’ll be there for you, ’cause you’re there for me, too!
Hugs,
Nertha
Jo, forgot to say I hope your niece is doing well. I’m sending positive thoughts her way.
Evelyn belated congratulations. Sorry to be so out of the loop but where is your job?? I know I should have gleaned this somewhere, but some days I can only skim through the blog is getting so busy.
Only kidding here, but just have to say it. Erika you can’t be an “official” poster til you’ve seen SB. Remember just kidding, but so many people come here AFTER they’ve seen it. I did.
It’s been a great day. I played in the pool with the kids all day. Studied for my class. Did a lot of “me” stuff and didn’t feel guilty about it. : ) 44 is great
It’s not a bore, chore, core, pore, or sore, but it’s like a door
for more
room to soar.
corny I know, but I’m not a poet.
Love
Tim
Erika!!!
I am willing to call this a SIN! You must must must must must see S.B.! Oh, that was just an awful thing to reveal. It makes my heart hurt. J/K!
Evelyn- congratulations on your job! My father’s family is from Germany! So I’m biased in saying I’m happy for you, but I wish you the best of luck.
Jo- Yes, Kristin Dunst was also in Interview With A Vampire. She played Claudia, an orphan turned into a vampire by Louis(Brad Pitt). She was rather young then and I havn’t seen her play anything since that I liked. I was a fan of that film at the time it came out, though. She certainly wasn’t in need of prosthetics for the role!
-Astrid
Dear Lyn B,
I will contact you personally about the FIF convention!
We must convince the husbands and other family members that this is NOT a questionable Internet site, filled with weirdos looking for thrills!
Just refer them to me…one look at my gray hair and all fears will be put to rest!
Peace and Love,
Mil
LOL! Mil-too funny! No one would think it was weird…would just have to have something for hubby to do as well..i.e. fishing.
Weather’s much better today…only 90 at noon but 57% humidity is so…refreshing! (not!)
I’m heading for the No. Carolina mountains next week to get away from this heat.
Tim-loved what you said about being 44, but for me, 47 is when I went from looking in the mirror and thinking, “Oh my god…what is happening to me?” to “Ahhh…who gives a s**t? I’m gonna go have some fun!” I guess I just don’t stress out about things that really don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. But then, thank goodness for now, I’m healthy, my family’s healthy and happy and so I’m relishing the moment… because you never know when something will come along and change everything.
Tim & Astrid- I had to laugh about Erika because I couldn’t believe she’s never seen SB–hmmm…where is she anyway? in “post-Ballroom” shock? Or “post-Eden” shock? or both?
I remember the first time I saw SB- it was so funny/sweet but I knew I had to wait for the credits to see who played that guy??!! He was incredible! (Blatant ass-kissing here…how many points do I get?)
evelyn, i’m out of your loop, too. what’s this job? you moving overseas? sounds exciting. oh, and as far as stilettos go…they have to wear them for dusting and vacuuming, but we sure don’t want to puncture a cheek, if you know what i mean, when scrubbing tubs and toilets!
astrid, i love your name. is it a family name?
backyard bbq tonite i need to get ready for (read: clean this house before guests arrive).
bye guys
Gran Mil & Paul
I just saw the tail end of a documentary called Amargosa, on the Sundance channel. It’s the profile of a 76 year old Ballet Dancer who left New York for Death Valley, where she still creates her own dances & performs in an opera house. You can read her story at http://www.amargosafilm.com/story.asp. I am sure this documentary will be shown again. I thought you might be interested in reading her profile.
Marge
question. what year did SB come out and was it in the movie theatres?
When you were 8 years old and yes.
I thought I would quickly drop in to say hi to everyone. I can’t sleep because of the strong winds so I’m not sure whether to stitch Paul’s face or watch SB. What a hard choice to make, not sure if I could do both at the same time as I no I would get distracted by one or the other, hmmmm!
Grandma Millie are you still doing your rehearsals for the Follies, are you getting excited about it all? I wish I could be there to see it.
Jo thank you for the lovely surprise, it was so nice to speak to you, I loved that accent of yours.
Well I’m getting tired again now so I think I might try going back to bed.
Goodnight everyone
Love
Kim
ohhhhhh im sooo bored right now
sooo im going to ATTEMPT at building Paul a nicer website for fun
My greatest wish of late almost came true today. I have a terribly unreliable automobile that has given me a great deal of grief which I have cursed and prayed would just dissapear alltogether and it was almost stolen today from the parking lot behind my business. The guy who works in the building next door saw it and stopped them. Call me crazy, but I’m dissapointed! Hell, I’ve got the insurance!
Well, it would actually be rather inconvenient right now and no one really wants all that they ask for.
We have two family friends coming in tonight from Milan. I am so excited! My mother and one brother are fluent in Italian and I’ve ben trying to brush up. It’s going to be an interesting 3 weeks since we’ve never had houseguests before. Good thing I had such a nice trip to the lake this past weekend! I don’t know why they wanted to come at the hottest time of the year, but whatever.
It’s like someone flipped on the hot switch around here! Plus we have some rare humidity this week and if that’s not just the worst thing! You’d think that after all my years in Utah I wouldn’t have much to say about the weather, but god I sure hate the winters and summers here. People say I should be grateful I can experience four entire seasons of extremes, but I can’t wait for the day I get out here.
Lyn B- yeah, where is Erika? Wonder what she’ll say about S.B. after viewing it, hopefully knowing full well the folly of her ways!
texas- Yes, it is a family name, and thank you for the compliment. It’s one of two middle names and I appropriated it for social uses long ago. It’s a name from my paternal grandmother’s family. Being as German as a German can be, this pleases her immensely.
Love and best wishes to all-
Astrid
Erika,
If you want to read more about SB just go to Amazon.com and do a search for Strictly Ballroom … and read all the reviews from fans of all ages. It will also give you some idea about the plot, too. It will keep you busy for a long while.
Nertha
Wow did you read all of them, Nertha? It sounds like an intriguing idea…
Here’s to Paul and all of the people he’s encouraged and inspired! I hope that we can be half of that to him when those computer-screen days come along. Thank God that, although the screen may be stationary, Life always wakes up and moves on…
Hi Maile,
Well, at the time that I went, which was last year, I was still able to read all of them, but I doubt I could do it now! Don’t know if it’s still the same, but people were using it almost as a message board because one person would kind of comment on another person’s review. What I found interesting is that people really think about the movie, the message, unspoken words and feelings … although it’s such a fun movie, it is also a thought provoking movie.
Nertha
Hi guys,
I did a scene in miniature which I entitled “Love is in the air”.
“Timmer, I had a senior moment by forgetting that last kiss between Scott and Fran.
However, that was the end of the movie (boo hoo) so I guess I goofed!”
==========================
Grandma Mil, I can see that you need to see SB again! LOL Yes, you must see it again and refresh your memory of the kiss while “Love is in the air” is playing.
Hope the weather in Florida is a bit cooler than it has been lately, and the rains have subsided making way for the Florida sunshine.
Hugs,
Nertha
Paul writes: “how can I write all of this that I am feeling? It is not safe, sane or appropriate.”
Ah yes, those things crawling in the deep recesses. I have them sometimes, dark thoughts that shouldn’t enjoy polite company. The sentinel must keeps them at bay, for the sake of propriety, friendships, reputation, peace, love. Once released it is Pandora’s box in its finality and cannot be undone, unsaid, unthought, unacknowledged, and one never knows if it would be forgiven.
I release them sometimes on a leash, the unacknowledged thoughts — write them down then burn them up, at least they get a little exercise and can be put to bed without a fuss.
Sometimes, there is a door which must remain shut because ultimately in the deepest of nooks and crannies, it is perhaps true that every man is an island.
Still, there is hope in the possibility of archipelagos, in finding amidst a sea of strangers those for whom our dark thoughts are for them not so beyond the acceptable realm of being justifiably human.
Millie,
I don’t know how bad this is on the Richter scale, but (hold on to your feather boa, Mil) my dance teacher does NOT like SB!! (YES, my DANCE teacher! That was not a typo).
Is that allowed? Is that possible? Do I have a deviant sicko for a dance instructor?
I didn’t know what to say. I was speechless. I was without speech.
Upon close interrogation (I could not simply leave it at that, even as minutes ticked by at $50/hour a lesson), it turned out that she may have deep rooted issues with the so-called “latin rhythm” phenomenon which allows people of latin persuasion to dance like Antonio Vargas with apparently no formal training. The issue is not with Antonio Vargas himself, but with Antonio Vargas playing a character who can dance as well as Antonio Vargas without any formal training — better than Scott (who has no natural dancing ability at the genius level, being born, poor lad, white), who’s been dancing since he was 6!!! Got that? Got all that? Because even now as I relay that explanation I am still reeling a little with the reasoning.
Evidently, that issue entirely overshadowed all other merits of the movie and consequently made it a “thumbs-down” in her review book.
The only good comment was that Paul’s arms were good. Got that Paul? Keep those arms up, buddy!
But, I can’t let this be the deciding factor in the criteria for dance instruction (can I?). I do like her, and one must dance, no? even in cow country.
Hanh, I am deeply wounded, not by you, but by a DANCE teacher who doesn’t like SB! It’s outrageous, and un-American…(or is it un-Australian??)
I suggest that a) you drop her, (literally) or b) ask her to charge less per hour for her instruction.
We seniors also love Paul’s arms, but we love the rest of him too. Maybe it is a generational thing.
As far as the latin factor goes, I have tons of latin in “Follies”…I would invite your teacher to FIF to see the show, but I am deeply pissed at her, and I will not give her the satisfaction!
I join you in your wrath. Have you looked into singing lessons instead?
Peace and Love,
Mil
astrid, thanks for sharing name origin. my family has always been interested in such things, and i guess i inherited it. my mom actually wants to write a book, a little off topic, on the origin of band names…from the stones to the smashing pumpkins to good charlotte, she’s always been the type to find the story behind people or their names very telling. astrid is beautiful.
cheers all
Paul,
I can JUST see you sitting at the computer, face in hands, making a move toward the keyboard, catching yourself, sighing, making another more resolute move, catching yourself…etc.
(((hugs))) and a shoulder squeeze,
Dhi
Hahn,
OH! How much will you sell THAT book title for? I want the rights!!!!
“One Must Dance, Even in Cow Country”
mine mine mine mine mine mine mine
THAT is totally the story of my life, girlfriend!
It’s killing me just how appropriate that tag line is.
Hanh-Your dance teacher sounds like Barry Fife!
Barry: “Where do you think we’d be if everyone went around making up their own steps?”
Scott: “Out of a job!”
Natural talent and creativity threaten job security, eh?
Hanh, not loving SB on first encounter – unbelievable! Singling out one part of the whole lovely package that is Paul in SB – unforgivable!
This woman needs help!!
Mary
Un-American? Un-Australian? I say it’s Un-Human! Or in-humane, whatever the grammar is on that.
My lord- what an absurd way to live one’s life! Besides, all of Paul’s parts and all of Paul’s talents are great, not just his arms! How simplistic! How stupid! What a silly woman. I’m going to watch SB all afternoon tomorrow on my day off just so I can fume over this.
I’m beginning some ballet lessons for the first time in 17 years next week. I think “What are your feelings about Strictly Ballroom?” has just become a prerequisite question for all dance instructors in my future.
So, this is a bit unrelated, but I came across this quote in a book I’m reading and I liked it so much I tacked it to my wall and I wanted to share it. It’s from Ralph Waldo Emmerson, I believe:
“Insist on yourself; never immitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous half-posession.”
Hanh- you make me laugh!
I hope everyone is well, especially Paul and his family. I send my best wishes for a lovely day ahead.
-Astrid
yay! just rented strictly ballroom today so im going to watch it in a little bit cant wait
God help us!
just kidding Erika! Seriously, can’t wait to see what you write after you pick your jaw up off the floor.
wel….i just finished watching strictly ball room and…it was pretty good…paul looked fiiiiiiiiine on the part when they told him and his partner to leave the floor cause they were disqualified and hes just standing there starting….he has such a beautiful face..anyway it was a very good movie but can someone help me out i didnt understand what the whole thing was about the father dancing and his past? the mother didnt want scott to win or what? i didnt get it i was a bit confused…anyway someone please explain.
it was great but i think joseph is still my favorite
wel….i just finished watching strictly ball room and…it was pretty good…paul looked fiiiiiiiiine on the part when they told him and his partner to leave the floor cause they were disqualified and hes just standing there staring….he has such a beautiful face..anyway it was a very good movie but can someone help me out i didnt understand what the whole thing was about the father dancing and his past? the mother didnt want scott to win or what? i didnt get it i was a bit confused…anyway someone please explain.
it was great but i think joseph is still my favorite
WOOPS i accidentally posted twice and i meant to say “when he was standing there STARING not STARTING” lol
Paul…not to make light of your computer/brain freeze….but while driving home tonight from commute i was following this big truck which had a bumper sticker that was done up in Greenpeace or eco/wildlife conservation style and it read,”
“SAVE the ALES” (and of course a stein overflowing…next to it)
Needless to say, I thought of you, and it put a big grinn on my face. Had to share it.
Wishing you good cheer my friend (and all here at PC) Have a better day, week…
latte luv n a wink n a grinn
Katalina
ps. where’s my Hairdeenie aka TriviaQueen? LOL
Lyn,
You are right! My teacher IS Barry Fife! Life imitates Art! I need to break out! Dance my own steps! Learn how to stop writing with so many exclamation marks!!
Dhi,
You and me kiddo — co-writers of that soon-to-be best seller “One Must Dance, Even in Cow Country”.
Of course, we’ll need to take time off from cow feeding and the other daily pastoral chores to do the Tonight Show, Late Night w/ David Letterman, E!, etc. And there will be those inevitable parties with Paris Hilton, photo shoots for Rolling Stones, etc. I have a horsey outfit that’s just superb for that, with lil’ silvery tassle thingies sewn in here and there.
Mil,
Singing lessons? Surely you jest. Clearly you have not heard me in the shower doing Aretha. Let’s just say it has been known to cause cow stampedes.
Gran Mil
Just got through viewing the Japanese virsion of “Shall We Dance” It was a good little story, but doesn’t compare to SB. Maybe the new on coming out will have a little more fire in it.
Take care & love to all
Especially you Paul. Are you getting out of your doldrumes? I sure hope so. How is the choreography going? Are you doing anything else? Are you still working at the liquer store?
Love
Marge
Marge,
I cantered for 2 hours today through the Withlacoochee State Forest. YEE, and might I say, HAW!!!
The key to it all is this fantastic Australian saddle with those fabulous wings! I am addicted. I feel the need for speed. Not allowed to gallop yet, but am pushing the envelope (via a constant process of incessant nagging) and I think my instructor is beginning to fold.
Must re-prioritize husband’s work plan and expedite construction of horse stable (a pre-requisite for purchasing of horses) ASAP.
His plan is slightly skewed — the argument goes: we need to finish the house FIRST before the stables, yadda yadda yadda. Must devise devious plan to re-orient this flawed thinking. Stable, horse, then house. Sounds like good plan to me.
Astrid,
“Insist on yourself”. I LOVE it!
Personally, I loved the Japanese Shall We Dance.
I saw the trailer for this silly American version the other day and I was appaled! Of course, it pales in comparison to SB! But it is the subtle quality of the acting and the tensions of Japanese culture that make that movie so endearing. Anything that silly Jenifer Lopez touches is an utter tradgedy, in my opinion, and that’s not even the tip of the iceburg concerning Richard Gere!
Aretha in the shower, Hanh? Try Madame Butterfly or Diane Ross…
Shall We Dance? I agree, Astrid, that the original will not lose its stature when JLo and Richard Gere trash the original concept.
Marge, you said it…it’s a good little story. (I found it slow moving, just like the bored accountant!) Of course, I always compare any musicals these days against you-know-what.
Nothing in world will take the place of SB ever, in my not-so-humble opinion!
Peace and Love,
Mil
I saw an interview with Paul once (I don’t remember when it was, but it was a few years ago) and the interviewer asked him about SB. I think he said something about enjoying making it, but he had moved beyond that. I don’t remember the exact phrasing of it. We would need Paul’s input for that. I love SB. It is my tonic when I am depressed (which means I watch it A LOT). There is no other movie that lifts my spirits and gets my mind off whatever is bothering me. He did such an outstanding acting job in Red Ribbon Blues though. I am still trying to get a copy of that and haven’t been able to. (I have all of his other movies.) If anyone knows where to get a copy please let me know.
A big hello to everyone at P.C. and I hope you are feeling better Paul.
I just read in the paper thismorning that George Michael shut down the blog on his own fan web site. All these newbies came along after his recent album release and posted all this stuff about him being old, fat and washed up. His statement about it said something about it becoming a situation out of control, where his steady fans put up a lot of defense for him and it was unfair to their loyal efforts when all of this poisonous blathering came along to overwhelm what had been a good thing.
It made me very sad to think of how easily these things can occur and how hurtful it must be for the star as well as longstanding fans to no longer have access to such a connection because of a few bad apples. It’s so much more important to be supportive, and positive. Oftentimes the bad ones weed themselves out, but as in the case of George Micheal, it doesn’t always move on so smoothly.
Though I’m a newbie, I just want to say that I’m glad we all seem to feel the same way about Paul, and eachother. I hope things here never have to come to that sort of bad end.
I support and want to cheer you on in everything you do, Paul. Though SB is such a constant theme here, you are so much more than that. This web site is a perfect testament to this. You have the talent to keep going every day, whatever you choose to do.
Love to all-
Astrid
You know, Astrid, I also read about George Michael shutting down his blog, but did you know Guy Pearce did the same? We had some bad apples here not too long ago and Paul had to step in to straighten things out. I would hope that the problems on other blogs not affect us, but who knows? Paul sounded pretty distraught when he wrote this thread and I’m hoping that keeping up the blog is not overwhelming him to the point that he feels he should also shut down.
I don’t know what I would do if he did…
Claire
I was and still am a little worried about the
“put the rubbish out and dont return” part of Paul’s posting.
People have said mean, nasty or just stupid things here (sometimes), but I think for the most part they are jealous, immature individuals that I sincerely hope he doesn’t listen to. I have often thought how overwhelming it must be for Paul to have people EXPECTING him to sit down and write something. I go to write a letter and still come up with “How are you? I am fine. Blank.” So to have a group of fans wanting you to write something every few weeks must really be hard on an individual. So I think the best thing we can do is be supportive as a group, let Paul know that he is a special individual to all of us and that he doesn’t need to write great things here, just be around. Isn’t that all we really want?
I have a bushel of freestone East Texas peaches that my husband brought home at noon from his boss that I wish I could share with all of you. I have no idea what I am going to do with a bushel of peaches! I made a cobbler with about 12 of them. That still leaves about 60 plus.
mmmm cobbler….
I’ve been eyeing our slowly emerging blackberries along the trail i walk into work lately..
oooh i love summer and all the frutas of the season. Hugs to you Jo,
Katalina
Oh! …peaches. The peaches we get in Hawaii are always mushy and gross and not at all what peaches should be. Have fun with them, Jo! peach jam, maybe? hmm.
I lent out my copy of SB and have been missing it ever since. Tells me not to do that again anytime soon. SB withdrawals!
Erika, Scott’s mother knew that Scott wouldn’t win dancing his own steps, so she wanted him to have the right partner and to dance the way he’d been trained to. That’s why she was so upset, because he didn’t care about winning. In that way, he was just like his father, who had made up his own steps, and, in the process, (ruined) the people around him. She wanted to win, they wanted to dance their own steps.
Am I making any sense? Anyways, I hope things are a wee bit clearer… perhaps just watch it again!
Jo-If I could hop a plane right at this moment-I would come to take care of the peach problem!!
As for George Michael shutting down his blog-it truly is ashame. If only people could just follow “if you’ve got nothing nice to say than don’t say anything at all”-he wouldn’t have needed to shut his site down.
Hellos and hugs to all at PC! Have a lovely weekend!!
Abeth
I think those peaches are multiplying! I have taken peaches to all my neighbors, made cobbler and there is still enough for about 12 pints of perserves, which I didn’t want to make, but quess I will have to.
Abeth, please think about hoping that plane and save me from canning peaches!!
Yummm, peaches. Jo, wish I lived closer to you, too. Peach cobbler, peach pie, canned peaches, peach ice cream, peach, peach, peach. Can’t get enough of them and the ones we get from the market here aren’t that good. Always too hard or green or soft and mushy. But, when you get that perfect one – heavenly.
Jo, Astrid, Maile and Claire, I totally agree with you about what is happening with people’s blogs. I, too, hope Paul is not having second thoughts about carrying on with this wonderful place. I wouldn’t know what to do either, if I couldn’t come here anymore.
Hope all is well with everyone. The weekend looks lovely here for a change, and I can’t wait to go out with the grandkids tomorrow to Six Flags Great Adventure. Not too hot, not too humid so I intend to enjoy!
Have a good one,
Sally C.
Jo I’ll also be joining Abeth on that Plane, I will gladly help you solve your peach problem. It’s had to of been years since I last had a good peach.
Have you tried Amazon or e-bay for Paul’s other film? I’m still on the hunt for his films but they are so hard to get here.
Just out of curiosity where is Withlacoochee State Forest?
A big hello to everyone and I hope you all have a great weekend.
Paul I hope you and your family are well.
Love
Kim
What is a peach cobbler?
Sally, hope you and your grandchildren have a lovely day.
Jo, too far away to take you up on your offer of the peaches, but I want to thank you for the thought! I thought that what you said about Paul being around is very true.
Paul, you’ve been in my thoughts over the last few days. Hope you are doing okay.
Love to all,
Mary
*wonders what paul is doing*
Kim,
A cobbler has fruit on the bottom with lots and lots of crust on the top. You cook it until the juice bubbles up through the crust and the top is nice and brown. It is really nice with ice cream. East Texas peaches are the best in the world when they are fresh because when you slice them they just fall away from the stone and they are juicy and sweet.
I didnt expect that you guys would see this post as a downer on my part. And rest assured I have no intention of quiting the blog. I have been in Uluru shooting my last day on the TV mini series and posted this just prior to leaving. Andrea and the girls were away on a little holiday and I had some mates over for several too many beers and a good feed. We spent most the night making up silly, songs had a good time! Had a nice hang over the next day too. The post was something I have been thinking about for a while – what is it I want to say and when you have too much to say – constipated it wont come out. It is much like being in a crowd and yet feeling lonely.
Anyway. Happy birthday to all those now a little older than you were when I last posted. On your birthday do you turn one year older or one day older? Mmmm….
Well, that’s a big relief!!!!!!!!!!
Paul,
You must see the cross stitch picture of you that Kim is doing. It is absolutely fantastic. I think the following address will take you to it.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4615499&uid=2346938
If this doesn’t work then Kim can tell you how to get to the picture.
“It is much like being in a crowd and yet feeling lonely.”
i know the feeling well
Good to see you back, Paul
Paul, I
Is Peter here?
We just got home from a lovely evening of Bass Ale and Colin Hay. He was awesome! He did his one man show rather than the full band, which made it much more intimate. It was a beautiful setting, an arboretum no less. Lots of trees and a setting sun with storm clouds in the distance. I had a few beers or maybe four, so here’s hoping this makes sense!
Paul, he did a song called Melbourne Song, so I naturally thought of you. He mentioned a club there called The Razor that he used to enjoy. Is it still around? Not that you do much clubbing!
Peter, because we were in a wooded setting I looked for rabbits (possibly purle hued) when he sang Overkill. Not seeing any I chose to keep you close in my thoughts while he sang it, so I hope you felt the connection!
Love to everyone. Too much beer here so I’m off to take a shower and climb into bed. Sweet dreams.
Michelle
I’m off to Redwood forest to get back to Nature for a week, but I hear there is a new “Paul’s Rant” new to be released, so on return perhaps there will be something in the news about it. I think it’s episode 3, “Paul’s Rant: The Return of the Hangover”. Must confirm with press agent.
Anywho, ciao y’all, I’m off to frighten furry woodland creatures.
In the pipeline: Episode 4, Paul’s Rant: The Attack of Verbal Constipation.
Hanh,
Did your teacher really understand SB? Did she see the same movie?
You said:
“it turned out that she may have deep rooted issues with the so-called “latin rhythm” phenomenon which allows people of latin persuasion to dance like Antonio Vargas with apparently no formal training.”
==========
I have news for her, there ARE people who can dance, or play an instrument, or sing, without having had formal lessons! I have a friend who has a country music band, plays the guitar and fiddle at virtuoso level, and cannot read music at all! Oh, and he can tune a piano, too! Not a note of music, and no formal training, but he has perfect pitch and boy can he play, sing, and fiddle!!! He’s Italian, by the way … I guess that may qualify as Latin Persuassion.
Then you added:
“The issue is not with Antonio Vargas himself, but with Antonio Vargas playing a character who can dance as well as Antonio Vargas without any formal training — better than Scott (who has no natural dancing ability at the genius level, being born, poor lad, white), who’s been dancing since he was 6!!!”
=================
Your teacher totally missed the point! Fran’s mother and father were performers; that fact is revealed when the grandmother is fitting the dress for her and talks about her mother lighting up a stage whenever she performed. It follows that Fran’s father was a performer, too. As a matter of fact, the whole point was that Scott may have had training in ballroom dancing, but that is not real flamenco or pasodoble! Who dances the real thing best? “Untrained” dancers in Southern Spain! Because most of the best dancers come from Andalucia, since flamenco (which is what they were dancing in SB) is a dance with the influence of the Moors, and the people who dance it best are mixed.
If your teacher’s theory were true, then people like Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and other great ones could not have made it because they were not “formally trained” … can you imagine that? :-O
Certain forms of dance DO require formal training … ballet is one. I mean, unless you take lessons you don’t even know how to stand correctly, let alone dance! But the movie was not about ballet, or even ballroom dancing … it was about FEELING the music … dancing music that you feel in your guts, and injecting that music with your own passion.
Paul has said he doesn’t enjoy ballroom dancing and that is because he prefers music that he can feel and add his own personality to it. Ballroom dancing is too restrictive. I remember in the old days when a really large part of the score was for the “compulsory” part of the competition, when they had to do the figure eights and other technical stuff, at the Olympics. They did away with that and now the technical stuff is nicely hidden in the programs. The skaters are still doing the hard jumps, but they can add their own feeling to their presentation, even though they all have to include the same elements in their programs. I believe that after they eliminated the compulsory ice skating became more popular because it was more interesting for the regular spectator.
Sorry, didn’t mean to go on so long, but as a spectator individualism and personality in a performance are things that I really appreciate because it makes me feel that there is an emotional connection, a feeling that is transmited from performer to spectator.
This brings me to Erika’s question about whether the mother didn’t want Scott to win. Yes, the mother wanted him to win, but in order to do that he would have to sacrifice the “flame” that burned inside him. His father had that flame, too, and wanted to dance “his own steps” but the mother was afraid that they would not be able to be certified as teachers and earn a living as dance teachers, so she listened to Barry Fife’s advice (which is like Adam and Eve listening to the serpent) LOL
The whole movie is summed up in “Vivir con miedo es como vivir a medias.” So simple, and so true!
Nertha (movie and dance teacher critic at large)
LOL
Thanks, Astrid, for that wonderful quote!
It’s from Ralph Waldo Emmerson, I believe:
“Insist on yourself; never immitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life’s cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous half-posession.”
Nertha
Michelle,
If you look long and hard, the purle hued rabbits will eventually appear. I promise.
I’m glad you had a nice time.
I’ve been taking some big steps forward lately, in terms of re-discovering self. I like what I found.
Paul, “..constipated”.., that’s a good analogy.
Silly songs and beers with mates sounds like a great way to pass time while the family is away.
Mine has been gone for a few days too, but I’ve had to settle for a bit of a rest.
Cheers to all.
Best wishes to all.
Paul,
So good to have you back on PC! As usually happens, we let our imagination run away (we are a very creative group, after all) and came up with all sorts of scenarios to explain your silence. But, you must admit, you didn’t tell us you were going away, so I think we had some reason to be worried. And you must know that we worry because we really care about what happens to you and your family.
About your question on birthdays (even though mine won’t be until September) … I find that the older I get the more like it seems that I am a day older, not a year older. Not sure if it is that time and relativity have sped up, or I have slowed down, so everything appears to be faster by comparison, but I find myself just enjoying more and more the present day and not worrying so much about tomorrow.
Hope your day is a good one. We had a gorgeous evening, nice and cool, highly unusual for summer!
Nertha
Great to hear from you Paul.
Evelyn, you must be really excited about your trip. It’s nice to think that you will be closer than usual for a while. Enjoy the build-up!
Hi Michelle! So glad you enjoyed the concert. The setting sounds amazing. I’ll have to check out Colin Hay for sure.
Hope you enjoy your week away Hanh.
Peter, I wish you lots more steps forward.
Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.
Love to you all,
Mary
Good Morning All!
I”m laundering some work out clothes this morning before going to the gym and I’d thought I’d check in. It’s nice to have Paul back, hope the shoot was successful, I’m sure it was. And hope Andrea and the Kids had a good holiday.
I finally went to the doctor the other day and my so called “cold” turned out to be a major allergy attack. He put me on some meds for that and I’m feeling 100%. And last night I was able to finally get out of the house and went to the book store. I picked up some travel essay books on Italy and France started reading the first chapter of “A Year in Provence” and did some people watching. I would rather have gotton a bunch of friends together, drink wine, eat good food and share stories and outragous jokes but it seems that since I started school all my friends have dropped out of my social circle. Usually when my husband’s out of town I always have an agenda. It was pretty depressing this past week while I was off from school, as much as a value being “undependant” a person’s got to have contact with people sometime. Maybe I need to join a club, a Kayaking club or butterfly watching I don’t know something of the sort ( I can imagine who’d I’d meet butterfly watching), book club, the lonely club ( I could start that one). I”m just glad my husband’s comming home tommorrow and school starts back up next week, at least the days will be busy once again and the evenings to. I guess sometimes it takes one of the couple to leave for a while to really appreciate each other. Next time I have a week off like this and I happen to be making a good salary from massaging ( Oh do I wish) I’ll just hop on a plane to Italy or England and just go for the adventure. Hm.
I feel like a blank sometimes if that makes sense and the challange is to get un-blanked if you know what I mean. I”ll go back to the bakery maybe that will be a good start.
Well got to go the gym.
Take care all!
hmm i see..thanks for the explanations
Great to see you pop in, Paul. Some of us were starting to go into panic mode, me included, and I feel silly now. Thank you for the reassurance.
Julie, it would be great to just jump on a plane and go somewhere on a whim, wouldn’t it? I’m afraid I’m not that adventurous at this point in my life, even if I had the time and means to do it! One can dream, though.
Good luck to Evelyn on your new adventure.
Hanh, your trek back to nature sounds wonderful. We have a trailer parked on a beautiful wooded lot in the mountains and we go there as often as we can.
Peter, it’s good that you have found positive things on your re-discovering journey. Hope you find much more to like about yourself. You are deserving of it.
Nertha, I enjoyed your critique on SB. You are very knowledgeable.
Jo, did you get rid of all your peaches yet?
Ooops! Gotta run – the ice cream truck is coming up our street and the kids are clamoring to stop him. Can you believe the truck plays “La Cucaracha” as it trolls the streets? Maybe I should be a little leery about what he’s selling??
Hello to Michelle, Mary, Kim, Kelly, Mil, Tim, Astrid, Inn, Kat, Sally, Texas, Erika, Robyn and all the other wonderful people here.
Enjoy your weekend.
Claire
LOL Oh Claire, thanks for the laugh, I needed it! I can just imagine the ice cream truck playing “La Cucaracha” … and if they are Mexican … well, let me just say that some Mexicans (and they are not the only ones, quite a few cultures around the world do, too) think of bugs as a delicacy. LOL
Claire, I’m glad you enjoyed my “critique” of SB, but I think I must dispel the notion that I am particularly knowledgeable! When it comes to Spanish dancers and such it’s not a big achievement, since I am Hispanic, so I grew up hearing latin music, including flamenco and pasodoble. I remember when they performed on television and were interviewed, and the vast majority of them didn’t have formal training, they picked it up growing up around performers.
As far as my looking at the message of the movie, I just picked up my husband’s habit of looking at movies and trying to find the philosophy behind it, etc. He can examine a “B” or even a “C” movie and try to find some pearls of wisdom in it, so you can imagine how easy it is for me to find some pearls of wisdom in an “A+” movie! LOL
Hope everyone is having a great weekend. We have another great day here in NYC, sun is shining, not too hot, and we’re alive!
Hugs,
Nertha
i dont like how trained dancers move
the best dancers are ones just born with the natural talent
I certainly know how it feels to be so full of thought and feel unequipped to convey these thoughts. It is easy to say “just stop thinking” but not so easy to do. How do you turn off your thoughts? is there an actual way to consciously bring your mind to an unconscious state whereby you simply switch off? if you find a way let me know because as you can see i think a bit too much.
)
i’m going to go eat some chocolate maybe that’ll help (it couldn’t hurt!
Hi Lucy: Isn’t that the what they teach you to do in yoga? Quieting the mind?
Yeah glad to see Paul back with us again. I often get that feeling of being with people but feeling very lonely at the same time and being on my own and still feeling lonely, does that make sense? It’s like I sometimes have so much to say but I know if I say it, it will come out all wrong or no one will listen to me so I keep quiet. Like Paul said feeling constipated, you want to get it out but you can’t.
Jo thanks for explaining Cobbler to me, so it is sort of a pie but without the crusty bottom. It sounds lovely and Oooh with ice cream. I can almost taste it.
Paul if you would like to look at the picture I am doing it is on Picturetrail and just type in
kimscrossstitch. You need to look at the portraits section.
I hope everyone is enjoying there weekend, it is wet and cold here tonight.
Love
Kim
Mary, Claire, ..Thanks.
Have a nice weekend one and all.
Paul, did you include The Lumberjack Song amongst those silly songs?
question:
anyone here know how tall paul is?
Andrea is 5’9″ and I think Paul is 5’8″ or around that.
Peter,
Do I dare ask, but what in the world is The Lumberjack Song?
Tomorrow, Sunday, is my husband and my 39th wedding anniversary. I am determined NOT to be canning peaches on that day. Those peaches are multiplying. Today I have given away more peaches and canned some and still have a refrigerator full. I think it was more than a bushel after all.
Erika,
I agree that dancing is a gift of God. I have tried to learn to dance, but I am one of those people with two left feet.
Hello to Kim, Astrid, Nertha, Mary, Vicki, Evelyn, Claire, Lynn B., Lucy, Mil, Marge, Robyn, Julie, and anyone else I might have missed. And a big hello and hug to Paul, Andrea and the three E’s ((((((:o))))))
Jo, The Lumberjack Song is a famous song from Monty Python.
Check out the lyrics on the website (Monty Python’s Completely Useless Website) or, if you don’t want to spoil the laugh, then see it on the Monty Python’s Flying Circus video.
It’s good.
Jo, congratulations on your anniversary. that’s quite a grandly comforting old-fashioned achievement in this ridiculously modern world. =)
Perhaps those peaches are conspiring against you! the whole situation sounds rather suspicious.
greetings to Paul and his wonderfull family…happy (almost, or already) Sunday to everyone at PC.
thanks jo
Peter,
Thanks for the explanation of The Lumberjack Song. They have Monty Python on BBC America somethings so I will keep my eyes open for it and in the meantime I will go to the website.
Maile,
Thanks. “Our” song was When I Fall in Love sung by former Mouseketeer Johnny Crawford. There have been lots of bumps in the road but neither of use would have taken another route. All those bumps put us where we are today and that is just where I want to be.
Love to all.
Jo, congratulations on your 39th anniversary!
Please check your email for a little something from Ellie and me.
Our “song” is “All The Way” preferably sung by Frank Sinatra. He sang it in the film, “The Joker Is Wild”.
Glad you’re back, Paul! In the New York Times this morning there is a full page ad for “I, Robot.” I don’t like sci-fi films as a rule, but I may be persuaded to see this one only because you worked so hard in its production!
I read that the Lindy Chamberlain case has taken another twist. (That’s the film that Paul was part of, about the story of a woman convicted of killing her infant daughter, after she swore a wild dog, a dingo, dragged the baby out of a camping tent, and devoured it.)
Lindy was convicted, spent some jail time, and then released after some years. Now, some old guy swore, before he died, that he saw the dingo do the deed after all! Did he have a senior moment?…and the beat goes on….
Peace and Love,
The Mil
Thank you so much Mil for the cards. They are absolutely lovely. It is the first card(s) we have ever gotten for our anniversary. They mean a lot to both of us.
Love,
Jo
By the way, I saw that too about the old guy confessing to seeing the dingo. It was on the local news actually and I thought it was going to be a review about the new mini-series, but it turned out to be an actual news story. Maybe he was afraid that he might get involved in the frenzy and be accussed of something if he came forth with the story before.
Good Morning ALL!
Happy Anniversary Jo!
Grandma Millie, boy that is a wild turn of events. Scary. That’s why I’ll never go camping.
Well, yesterday afternoon I got a call from my friends Gene and Ted who just moved here from Chicago seven months ago. Gene’s a landscape architect and Ted is an Engineer who relocated to Florida to finish his PH.D. They invited me to go with them to Auction 84, an auction house located 10 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale in what we call “horse country”. It’s nothing glamorous just an very very old warehouse that is falling apart and every Satursday they auction everything and anything you could imagine and the place is always packed. It’s family owned and operated business that has been around for thirty years. Its fun to go just to get a good laugh at some of the items up for grabs. The last time we all went a few months ago they auctioned off a set of Donald duck ice cream cup goblets for thirty dollars! Its amazing what people collect, what books people read, and what kind of furniture they buy. Last night they managed to auction off a goat skeleton head. It was sold for seven dollars unbelievable! Sometimes (rather most of the time) they’ll show an item and you’ll think to yourself “No one would possibly buy that” for instance a quilt with a hole in it or a box of old magazines but someone always manages to place a bid. They even have a website http://www.auction84.net and you can see all the previews of what they will be auctioning each week.
time to walk the dog.
Take care all!
Julie,
Thanks.
A lot of people buy that stuff for resale and make a fortune at it. I know that people buy things at garage sales and sell them on e-bay. My cousin makes and sells jewelry on e-bay and she says that it is all in how you list it.
..Julie, forget about the beach tour during FIF…maybe you’ll take the gang to Auction 84!
(Well, maybe we’ll have to take a vote!)
Jo, I’m glad you liked the card…actually, if I had sent it to you by regular mail, it would have been one card, front and inside. By email, each part was sent separately. This way, however, you got it immediately! Ah, the wonders of the Internet!
Peace and Love,
Mil
Here is the web site with the story about the old man that shot the dingo that killed Azaria Chamberlain.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/04/1088879359611.html?oneclick=true
Jo Happy Anniversary. WOW 39 years that’s some going. My mum and dad celebrated 37 years not so long ago. What sort of jewellery does your cousin make?
Julie I had to laugh about the goats head, where on earth would you put something like that, maybe they use it as a table centre piece!
It amazes me that people pay good money to buy others rubbish e-bay is a good place for that. I’m not sure if I should have said that, I sell my cross stitch pictures on there!
A big hello to everyone today
Love
Kim
Thanks Peter, for reminding me of The Lumberjack Song! We never missed Monty Python when we were growing up. Zany and timeless.
Jo, Happy Anniversary!! I wish you both joy and health for many more years to come. I love this quote about soulmates and thought you might like to read it on this special day:
‘Two people who love each other should never feel called to explain to an outside party why they love each other, or why it is that they belong together. The place where they belong is a secret place. Their souls know why they are together; and they should trust that togetherness.’
John O’Donohue
Diane, thinking of you and wishing you well.
Hello to all my friends here – Okay, I’m going to try a list ….Michelle, Evelyn, Peter, Mil, Diane, Kelly, Monika, Lori & Janice(I miss you both), Tim, Jo, Marge, Melinda, Vicki, Astrid, Claire, Sally C, Sally D, Julie, Robyn, Dhi, Inn, Whit, Kat, Tim, Nertha, Maile, Erika, Hanh, Lyn, Abeth, texas, Lucy, Jean and anyone else I forgot to mention. This is an amazing place. It just keeps growing! Special Hello to Paul, Andrea & the girls.
Love to all of you,
Mary
Hi Kim and thanks. My cousin sells mostly beaded jewelry that she strings herself. Very beautiful pearls for instance. She embellishes them with all kinds of things. Her husband is a jeweler and they work together. He fixed watches and things like that. Right now she is only selling individual beads and medallions on e-bay because she says that the summer is so slow for selling.
Thanks for the quote Mary. I am saving that in my “Book of Quotes”. It is lovely. I have always felt we were together before this life and will be together after this life so it is fitting we are together in this life.
Happy Anniversary Jo! (Or should we just nickname you “Peaches”??)
Ah…35 years? That’s great! My husband and I have been married since 1977- but I can’t, for the life of me, figure out why!! LOL! I know we belong together, but I blame that on some bad karma! We are SO different it’s really unbelievable. We both laugh about it! Is it possible to get along by NOT being compatible? I tease him all the time about being my anti-soulmate! He says it works because we have so little in common…Our song was “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel. It was obvious…”don’t go changin’, to try and please me…”
Jeez….
My favorite E-bay item was the “Ghost in a Jar” that someone supposedly dug up out of a haunted graveyard. I love to look at the items under the “Bizarre” category.
Hope everyone is doing well.
Hi everyone.
Happy Birthday, and Happy Anniversary to all those who have had one of these. So many that we can’t catch up.
Auctions
We used to go an Auction on Saturday nights here. They are no longer around. I think the garage sales have depleted their inventories. Yes it is amazing what people will bid on. Unless you bid on a lot of stuff, it was a good cheap Saturday night entertainment. The family that owned it had a 90 years old grandmother who cooked the hamburgers in the kitchen.
They used to have storage auctions. This is where storage companies
Mary, darling, if everyone you mentioned on your list, (including Linda), came to the FIF, there would be a wonderful traffic jam outside the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, and the press would be there, and we’d get free publicity in the local papers, something that I plan to do anyway!
Peace and Love,
Mil
Oh, I wish I could come!
Hi guys,
Thanks so much for visiting my web site, it was so neat to find your entry in my guestbook! 
Hi Mary, so nice to be remembered among your PC friends! Can you see me waving hello back at you???
Happy 39th anniversary to Jo and hubby! Hope you had a truly wonderful day. May you spend many more years together.
Kim, I sell some of my work on Ebay and also have sold some books and other stuff, but not real garage sale items. So far my favorite Ebay listing was a guy who sold his ex-wife’s wedding dress (or it may have been his ex-fianc
Paul-
nothing in life is safe… that’s what makes life interesting and worth trying one more day….
what is or isn’t appropriate is entirely dependent upon wether it is relavent to you and whom you say it to… how the other person receives and responds to it or not isn’t…. Don’t ever worry about feeling something if you didn’t have your indivual feelings and thoughts no matter how dark sometimes they may be. The darkness must always balance the lighter side or you would never know what the lighter side was.
I’m just as guilty of having a few to many now and then. Everyone does even if they don’t litteraly drink alchol, brooding over something has the same effect.
when I get stuck –I allow myself to feel evertyhing, not brood over it,then deciding what to do or not seems a litte easier. Having a drink sometimes allows me to give in and feel the thoughts and feelings I normally wouldn’t.. drinking is irrelavent as long as you take care to be safe, not harm anyone including yourself and not act on any enlightenments while drunk. (I’ve done that a few to many times, before I thought it through with a clear head.)
If not I’m able to decide what to do or have to vent and writing it down doesn’t work, I tell one and only one person. That way it focuses me on the feelings of the original thought and not the everything surrounding it. It’s nice to feel all sides and even when a complete stranger may tell me something dark or light hearted it helps me connect and understand myself a little more.
Oh my… I humbly apollogize. This is why no one has seen me post before… I will stop before I cross to many lines…
Good health to all-
ever the silent friend to all,
Stephanie
Nertha, the weather here in south Florida has been fine, in the low 90s, not too much humidity, and no hurricanes in sight…yet!
Yes, we are the lightning center of the world, and people living here sometimes don’t use their common sense. Dark clouds that seem so far away, could harbor potential lightning bolts, especially is one hears thunder! The worse places for people are the tennis courses, the golf courses, and the swimming pools! Don’t go under a tree either! Stay in your car if you’re caught!
We won’t have to worry much about lightning in February during the FIF. There will be enough energy and love during that weekend to light up the sky without a cloud in sight!
Peace and Love,
Mil
Thanks to all for the anniversary wishes. We started to go out yesterday (it was 30% chance of rain) and it started raining so hard the streets were flooding. With the water rising my main concern was the feral cat colony that I take care of and I made my poor husband a nervous wreck wringing my hands and walking the floor. After the rain stopped and the sun came out I saw that they were all fine and nobody drowned. We have had more rain in Houston this year (according to the news) than Seattle has had this year.
Julie,
I was telling my husband about the goats head and he said that he actually saw one of those attached to the handle bars of a Harley Davidson motorcycle once.
I loved the Ghost in a Jar. Like my cousin that sells on e-bay says “It’s all how you advertise it.”
A big hello and good morning/good night to all at P.C.
Hi everybody
i don’t know if thats what they teach in yoga Lyn, this quieting mind stuff is pretty new to me, i will check it out though!
And congrats on you anniversary Jo, 39 years my dear God that’s an achievement, i wish you all the happiness for the next 39!!
hope everyone is keeping well,
Lucy
Hi everybody
i don’t know if thats what they teach in yoga Lyn, this quieting of the mind stuff is pretty new to me, i will check it out though!
And congrats on your anniversary Jo, 39 years my dear God that’s an achievement, i wish you all the happiness for the next 39!!
hope everyone is keeping well,
Lucy
Sorry for posting that twice, read the second one it’s better written
Hellos and hugs to all my friends here at PC!!
Jo-Happy Anniversary-37 years is really something!
Nothing much going on here-just wanted to check in-catch up on the posts and say hello! Hope everyone is doing well.
HUGS!
Abeth
Linda! And as I type….Sherrlyn. And now, Stephanie(Welcome to you!). Paul’s circle here is certainly a living organism.
Dearest Millie, you are so right about the love and energy in FIF! Something wonderful is being created in your very capable hands. Love to you, as always.
Hi Nertha! Caught the wave. Thanks!
Hugs back to you Abeth. Hope all is well.
Tim, hope the course is going well.
Love to all,
Mary
Hello to everyone! So nice to see my name pop up in the lists!
I went away on short notice 4 days ago with our houseguests from Italy, and there were so many posts to read! This gets cumbersome if you don’t keep up, but really it’s very wonderful at the same time.
We went to Yellowstone Park. I had never been there. It was neat to see all those animals up close, and the geysers, and all the different people! Wow, it was crowded. On the way, we stopped in Jackson Hole,WY which corresponded with my parent’s 31st anniversary. My father was a riverguide at the time and he kept asking my mother to go on the river with him for the summer. She said, “No way unless we’re married!” So he asked and they wed, and she spent the first 4 months of married life on the river, which was a much more rustic experience back then. So as we went through Jackson, I got to hear all the same stories over again, in English and Italian, with visual aides! LOL
So- to JO(in Texas), and all others who make it for the long haul- congratulations!
Paul- so nice to have some clarification about your activities of late! I’m glad you are doing well and thankyou for the reassurance.
Spending time with these Italians has thrown my language skills for a loop and I think I have some bad wiring in my head! Every time they would speak to me in Italian, I would instinctually reply in either German, French, or really loud, slow English. But I’m picking up fast enough. Six hours in the car is pretty good immersion, I think!
Julie- I strongly disliked A Year In Provence! If you havn’t put yourself through too much of it, stop while you’re ahead!
Well, I think I’ve gone on long enough. Take care everyone!
-Astrid
p.s.
I love Monty Python, too!
Paul, my wife and I have followed your career for some time and have to say that the things you share on this site, the personal things, reflect the soul of a very creative individual. While my wife’s a left-brained broker and investment person, I’m a totally right-brained teacher, artist, writer. I guess even more than my wife I can relate. There’s a lonliness that comes through that is the “curse” of the creative, I think. It’s been my feeling anyhow. Thanks for the insights. The “giving 100%” mathematical formula was tops! Oh, one other thing. I know you could have made a difference in your career if you had moved to the States, Paul, but from all I’ve read, your marriage, your children would have suffered needlessly. In the very long run, I suspect there will be three young ladies who will be very grateful their dad (and mom) gave them a life among family and friends and culture, don’t you? They will never understand the sacrifices you have been making, but they will understand how much you love them. Nothing in life can ever compensate for a failure in the home, Paul. Best regards: Rob (and Pam, in Denver, Colorado)
Hello All!
Grandma Millie is right about Florida in February. Its the best time of year when the weather is in the seventies and you enjoy a lot more being outside Its the time of year that people fall in love with Florida.
Went to pick up my husband from Miami international airport yesterday. Since I had to wait two hours (the plane was running late) and without much else to do unless I wanted browz the bookstand, I decided to walk around the airport, stand at the different airline counters and listen to where people were from. Hundreds of different accents, Italian, British, French, Jamaican, Spanish… I also listened to Americans talk about their travel adventures. Then an unexplainable sensation came over me. My feet were tingling. I continued to walk and ignore it but my feet continued to tingle even more until I began to have a hop in my step. The energy overcame me. Then I came to a realization. I’ve been feeling stagnant lately, sad, and weakened in my spirit. I was alive again when I thought of the possibility of spending time in a new place, emersing myself in a new culture. Ideas of where I could go were flashing through my mind until a French woman walking a small Yorky walked by me and the Yorky decided it was the right time to do a “doo doo”.
After recovering from my small dog trauma I continued to think about how I was feeling and how rediculous I was. At first I excused it as just a silly fantansy to alievated my sour mood after recovering from my allergy attack and lack of sleep from them. But why excuse them? Why ignore that small adventurous child in me that is screaming asking to be released? My need to travel is calling me. I cannot deny it or excuse it, its just there. And going up to Disney World or just staying around the U.S is not going to cut it.
So I continued my walk around the airport, occassionally looking out the window watching planes taking off and arriving. Then I reached a ticket counter that had more people in line than the others. That’s right if you guessed it, Quantas. Then I made my decision. I was going to Australia. What other place could be more adventurous to go to. I immediatly after that told myself that I was being silly. Then I thought about it again, woke up and said to myself how could I possible go with students loans from message school and university, trying to start my career, other bills to pay but the more I thought about it the more I thought about my dear neighbor across the street who told me when I conteplated about going back to school, “Its not about the money in the end, if its what you really want to do you’ll find a way.” So I decided that when I graduated I would work until season is over in Florida, around May and then go next June for a month. I’m going to start saving for my travel expenses now and I’ll see how I do with my massage income in the near future.
This morning on my way to school and thinking how nice it is to have my hubby back at home I excused the silly idea again then I told the universe, “If this is something that I should do I need a sign” (Italian people are into signs for some reason). And then before you knew it the radio was playing that song from Men At Work. Then it became official that I would actually try to go through with it. Maybe my husband will tag along or someone else that lives in my area. Hmmmmm
I’ve flipped my wig.
Oh well, it happens all the time.
take care all!
Julie-
That’s how I felt when I decided to go to New York City for the first time. Not that Manhattan is all that exotic, but I had a big financial burden on my shoulders at the time. What sealed the deal for me was that I couldn’t convince myself that the reasons not to go were valid enough.
Also, my life is governed by the fear of regret. I was afraid that I would regret it far too much if I didn’t go at the exact time I did. That fear was strong enough to override my fear of financial strain.
My point is that when you feel something that strongly, there’s no way you can put it off. And yes, I firmly believe that even if you do something as small as marking that trip on your calendar and spread the word that you’re going, the universe will put enough in order for you to manage. So good luck!
Ah–In a roundabout way, Astrid…you have kind of come back to a prior discussion with Erika–what the theme of SB was all about! Which is worse–fear of regret or fear of failure?
In my case, fear of regret pushes me to act on what my heart is telling me- that’s why that film is so important to me! In this sense, fear of regretting something is just a challenge.
However, many times in my life I’ve allowed fear of failure to manipulate me into believing I can’t do something and I avoid it, no matter how strongly I desire it.
Yet sometimes, fear of regret will override fear of failure for me, if the issue really stems from both. But somehow, I manage to fear failure in a different way and over different things than I do regret.
So, Lyn- I think I’d take fear of regret over fear of failure any day. However, if I didn’t take fear of regret as the sort of backwards inspiration that I do, I would then have to consider it like this-
Would I rather die failing or regretting?
I’m now finding that very hard to answer!!
Well, you know the old saying- Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all!
Hey all,
Got back from Indiana late last night. My son’s ball team took second place in thier tournement. We could easily have taken first but the championship game was our third game straight in 100% weather and the boys were shot. Theopposeing “home” team had played one game in the early morning and then sat in air conditioning the rest of the day so they were full of energy. Our poor boys fought till the end. Two boys got hurt, one lost a fingernail (very bloody) and my son pulled several mucsles in his back swing too hard like a fool determined to put it over the fence. He just wont be happy till he does it. We thought he was done and were prepared to come home Saturday night as Caly could barely move and was in so much pain I could barely stand it. But he said no, he wasn’t missing a second of any game, and he came in for the championship game when we got down in the second inning, and pitched for us!! I can’t belieive he was out there pitching with pulled muscles in his back. he is such a Bulldog. He held them from scoring anymore runs, (They only hit the ball 3 times on him and our defense got them out) He ptiched great, we just couldnt get our batting going. They were all so exsauted and Clay just couldn’t get the steam going at bat after her got hurt, but he still swung with conviction just couldn’t get it over centerfeild. They brought their trophies home exhausted and happy. I called in sick today as I fear I picked up a touch of sun stroke. Sick all day today and sunburned. I was busy making sure the coaches and boys & Paige were taken care of I didn’t take care care of myself. oh well. We are off on Saturday to the world Series
in Canton, Michigan (near Detroit) Hope we fair well. Well be in a hotel for a week, this time.
Wish us luck!!!
Jo congrats on your anniversary!! You should be proud of yourself.
Julie, nice dream, can we share???
Love to all
Kelly
True- I did consider that about it being better to have tried… and I think it’s good that we can have consolation in that and learn from our mistakes and what-not. However, I think it’s hard not to remember every failure when you’re in a tough spot.
Then on the other side we have regret, which is not always so bad. It can be bittersweet at times or maybe only create a sense of melancholy. It perhaps gives a little cushion against any harsh realities, because you don’t always know what the outcome would have been.
So on one side I’m looking at the depression that failure induces and the cowardly avoidance of regret.
Oh, hell! I can’t believe I’ve put this much thought into this! I’m going to go polish off the wine from dinner and put my glum self to bed!
welcome rob & pam.
Yes, a hearty welcome to Paul’s Corner, Rob and Pam! You are the first couple to sign in, and the first to represent the beautiful state of Colorado!
Our regular PC writers are from all over the world:
Ireland (Mary), Australia (Peter and Paul M.), England (Hannah Banana, as she likes to be called), Holland (Monika),and from the states of New York, Florida, West Virginia, Georgia, Minnesota, Michigan, California, Oregon,
Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania, and now, Colorado, and if I left anyone out, chalk it up to a senior moment!
Rob, we are planning a Strictly Ballroom “Convention” in southern Florida in February, 2005. My husband and I live 20 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport.
The code word is the FIF, (Florida In February, or Follies in February.)
The dates are: Friday, Febr. 4th (optional)Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, (Febr. 5th, 6th and 7th.)
We will be meeting meet each other in person for the first time, and then see my variety show,”Follies 2005″ as part of the activities for that weekend.
About 17 people had originally told me they were interested in attending, although the list may end up being smaller. I already have contacted a Marriott Courtyard for rooms.
Rob, if you have any questions, please contact me. I am sure Paul will be greeting you one day soon. You must already realize the high esteem in which we hold him for many reasons.
Kelly, glad to hear you’re back being main cheerleader for your son and his team…just stay out of the sun, or cover up!
Grannie has learned years ago that one has to dodge the sun’s rays, which can cause life threatening skin conditions!
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
Whoops, I want to include Kim from England too!
(Sorry, Kim, it’s a SM (senior moment).
Grannie Mil
Dearest Grandma Mil, it must be so nice to have the SM as an excuse. Comes in handy, doesn’t it? Yes, I’ll admit it, I’m envious of you in that regard. Is there an equivalent for us younger ones? PLEASE, invent one (for me) if you have to and you shall receive my most heartfelt thanks and eternal gratitude,
Mil, don’t forget the chick from Chicago! FIF is definitely part of my future!
Jo, sorry I missed your Anniversary. I know it was “peachy”, but here’s wishing you a wonderful year with your Joe!
Peter, I’d like to hear more about your Self-discovery. It’s a hobby of mine, you know;)
Evelyn, what is it with rabbits? I’ve been seeing them everywhere! Maybe it’s a sign that we’re all on the same wave-length or something. Peter can’t be everywhere, so there’s got to be something we’re missing. Maybe it’s just a good year for rabbits:) Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your time at home!
Julie, I think you’ve stumbled onto something. Go for it! We should all learn to live more by our gut instinct. I think we’re conditioned NOT to trust ourselves, to always rely on convention and what society thinks is “appropriate”. Screw that. Plan your trip and take lots of pictures!
Mary, I hope you’re having a good week!
Hi to Kim, Marge, Astrid, Kelly, Lyn B, Abeth, Lucy, Texas, Nertha, Stephanie, Maile, Erika, Claire, Hanh, Robyn, Whit, Linda, Sally C., Tim, Monika, Dhiana, Katalina, Inn, and all the family.
Special love and light to Diane.
Peace,
Michelle
In the UK, if your feeling blank and a hangover is involved then the only answer is hair of the dog (another alocolic drink) keep the alocohol in your system generally topped up until you can sleep it off OR lots of coca-cola. You’ll be fine the next day. Trust me its a practiced religion over here.
However seeing as the blank thing was a few days ago you’ll probably be fine by now.
Meeta
Michelle, I hang my head in shame (again) for forgetting my dear Michelle from Chicago on my world list! Puleeeze forgive me!
“Chicago, Chicago, that tottlin’ town…” (I’ve got 4 selections from “Chicago” in my Follies.)
Peace and Love,
Gran Mil
Julie, go for it!! Trust your feelings and embrace the experience. The signs are there! It sounds like something incredible to look forward to. Lately, I keep promising myself that I will make the most of every opportunity I get to just experience as many things as possible for as long as I can. Glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Kelly, good luck!! Clay sounds like a real fighter. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!Love to you.
Astrid, I enjoyed following your thoughts on regret & failure. After dwelling too much on both of those for a long time, I now try my best to reflect, learn and then move onwards, regardless of what the issue is. Mind you, I don’t always succeed! But it’s where I set my sights.
Evelyn, I’ll be thinking of you flying by! I’m so glad things have worked out so well for you. Hope you have a fantastic holiday!
Michelle, don’t be too quick to think Peter can’t be everywhere…remember the Purle Suit!?!
Re: the aforementioned rabbits….I have found the best thing to do is to zone in on the deep, thoughtful-looking ones. I reckon they’re the most likely candidates.
Speaking of which…Peter, I’m with Michelle. Anything you feel like sharing would be welcomed. Some of your insightful observations would go down nicely where I am right now.
Big welcome to Rob & Pam and to Meeta.
Love to Paul and to all the PC family,
Mary
Evelyn, I admit to having had scant little time lately, and that includes reading these posts in detail. It has been more of a rapid skimming than a proper read.
How is everything going at your new location?
Is it to your liking, both personally and professionally? How have you been.
I’m neither confirming nor denying responsibility for the rabbits.
Omniprescence is a nice goal, but I haven’t quite got that far yet, at least not in this present form! Maybe it’s as Michelle said, it’s just a good year for rabbits (isn’t it always?).
Michelle, my continued journey of self-dicovery is becoming far more worthwhile, but probably a little harder to relate to others (something I generally avoid).
One really important aspect that has just come about is the ability to understand that I am able to like myself. It’s not that I disliked myself, it’s just that I have never had a conscious concept of self-worth. It’s seemingly just another trick that my brain decided to adopt for my best interest (or so it thinks, down there in the depths of the subconscious), given the circumstances.
There was also a good measure of guilt that I was needlessly harbouring, and for no good reason. I can now see how unfair that has been.
I have come to understand the reality of it all now, and better than that, I can actually FEEL it.
It’s something of a first for me.
I feel more complete. Let’s say: less fragmented.
I can see and feel a continuous linking now, right back to my beginnings. It (mostly) all makes sense and is seen in a much better light.
Mary, why did you have to let the secret out regarding the power of the purle suit! Oh No!!
I walked into my little son’s room yesterday and there sitting on his dresser wae a Phantom comic.
I just smiled quietly.
Nothing terrible insightful to say, more introspective than anything else.
I’ve been continuing to seek help with my journey from a professional who deals with holistic counselling. I’ve been doing this for about 15 months now. It has been slow progress sometimes, but overall exceptionally worthwhile. My main motivation is to be the best “me” that I can. That is, not needlessly carry bagging that can detract from my happiness, understanding and enjoyment of life.
There have been a couple of little incidents which have emphasised why this can be so important for me. Here’s one. Just recently, she had me volunteer some “gestures” that I should include in a type of mantra for continued meditation.
Apparently, I had said: “I can love myself”.
I could not possibly imagine myself think of that, let alone say it!
Now, when she repeated this to me only several seconds later, I had ABSOLUTELY no memory of having said this. I thought she was kidding me, but I knew she wouldn’t. She assured me that I had said it, and I trust her completely.
See what I mean? Our subconscious and conscious mind sometimes have differing agendas.
It’s important to me that I understand the nature and extent of this, so that I can recognise it and manage it, if need be.
Fortunately, this “phenomenom” does not seem to extend to normal, everday living for me.
During this session she also completed a “balance”, where the body’s energy flows are brought back into balance. It’s a fairly widespread therapy nowadays. I felt very positive after this session. It was a true milestone and significant turning point for me. Shortly afterwards, I went for a long walk and decided that I should try to run a bit, albeit slowly.
Surprisingly, it felt quite OK, with no objections from my spine. For some unknown reason, I thought of a fellow named Paul. He is a long time local of my district, but I haven’t seen him for around 18 months. I held this thought for a short time and then slowed to a walk to recover a little. At that instant, Paul and his wife came along over the approaching rise in his car, with his wife driving. We both waved eagerly.
This was also the same stretch of road where I had the experience with the three birds.
I guess sometimes we just manage to tune in.
Oh shit, look at the time, I’d better get some work done! Too much to do! I’ve babbled on long enough (sometimes a danger!)
Love to all at PC.
Peter
Grandma Millie thanks for remembering me, I’m often having those moments too. I’m with Evelyn, please make a “moment” up for us younger ones, please. How are you getting on with your Follies, are you still rehearsing?
Evelyn I’m not sure if I will be out of bed at 7.30 Saturday morning but if I am I’ll look up and wave at that plane flying over, knowing me I will probably wave at the wrong one but if I see someone waving back then I know it is you
Hello and welcome to Rob, Pam & Meeta
Hello to Paul & family, Jo, Mary, Marge, Astrid, Abeth, Peter, Tim, Hanh, Michelle, Nertha,, Kelly, Lyn B, Texas, Maile, Monika and to everyone else that I haven’t mentioned. WOW there are so many of us.
Love
Kim
Evelyn-
Where my family comes from is a dangerous question! Watch out, this might be a long winded answer. This is because Utah has the largest geneology library in the world, which is a part of the Mormon church. Even though I’m not one, it is impossible to be a well rounded member of society here if you don’t have a precise answer to said question!So here goes-
My grandmother makes a big issue of the fact that her family came from Konigsberg, former capital of German East Prussia. It is a small wedge of land along the Baltic between Poland and Lithuania, known as Kaliningrad since it was ceded to Russia after WWII, but is now independent. When it became part of Russia, German citizens were displaced. By then my grandmother was married to my grandfather and they lived in refugee housing, moving around quite a bit. They lived in Brackwede, a suburb of Bielefeld for quite a while, which is where my father and his first brother spent their childhood before coming to America. My great aunt married and lived the rest of her life in Schwerin. My father has a few cousins in Hamburg, and we are close to them. But none of them had children, so the line kindof stops here with us in America, especially because my grandfather was illegitimate and nothing is known about his family except that they were also from Konigsberg.
So, there you have it. I hope it’s not too big of a bore.
Welcome Rob&Pam and Meeta.
Love to all of you,
Astrid
Astrid,
Your genealogy is so interesting to me. What a wonderful thing to know and not have to research.
My nieces husband comes from Tartu, Estonia by the way, which is right around the corner from
Kaliningrad. As a matter of fact my niece wrote a book about the revolution that took place in Estonia when Russia took over. It is called The Christening.
Welcome Rob and Pam and Metta.
Hello to all in P.C. land.
Well, Kim, it’s hard to believe that someone so young like you and Evelyn do have senior moments like I do, but in order not to be embarrassed, maybe you could call it a MM,
(Millie Moment). Everyone on PC would know and understand, and as for the rest of the world….
No one would question you, except to ask if it meant those lovely little round candies which I gave up during my diet.
“Follies” rehearsals have been on-going since March, and we rehearse twice a week, for 2 1/2 hours each day.
Right now I have reached the point where the cast is practicing their curtain calls at the end, and I reminded everyone that a special guy named Tim Hord and his sons may be doing a tap
routine before the final curtain drops. Tim, got that? I know you’re busy with your school and work, but tapping is more fun! The audience on that Monday morning “matinee” will be relatives and friends from out of town only, including my FIF visitors.
Then, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, its the paying audiences, with 970 seats each night.
Peace and Love,
Mil
Peter,
I have been wanting to ask you what is purlie suit?
Here is a good laugh for the day!
You Know Your Church Is A Redneck Church (or deep East Texas) if …
…the finance committee refuses to provide funds for the purchase of a chandelier because none of the members knows how to play one.
…people ask, when they learn that Jesus fed the 5000, whether the two fish were bass or catfish, and what bait was used to catch ‘em.
…when the pastor says, “I’d like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering,” five guys and two women stand up.
…opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday.
…a member of the church requests to be buried in his 4-wheel-drive truck because “It ain’t never been in a hole it couldn’t get out of.”
…the choir is known as the “OK Chorale”.
…Baptism is referred to as “branding”.
…high notes on the organ set the dogs on the floor to howling.
…the baptismal pool is a #2 galvanized washtub.
…the choir robes were donated by (and embroidered with the logo from) Billy Bob’s Barbecue.
…the collection plates are really hub caps from a ’56 Chevy.
…the minister and his wife drive matching pickup trucks. (Let’s not get too touchy here because I STILL drive a pickup.)
…the communion wine is Boone’s Farm “Tickled Pink”.
…the final words of the benediction are, “Y’all come back now!! Ya Hear”
Jo-Ah, what memories you evoked when you mentioned Boone’s Farm Tickled Pink….it’s what was purchased by the teenagers when I was growing up…And here I thought it was a Dundalk thing (it’s where I live in Maryland). I’m chuckling at this very moment at those memories….
Hellos and lots of hugs to my friends here at PC!!
Abeth
(dropping into the pits of hell here, WARNING!)
We’ve mulberries here, and I make a zillion mulberry cobblers for my boys and neighbors. Used to them and pies, and just berries by the court, but I don’t have time this year. (Ok, I won’t TAKE the time to stay up til one am rolling out crust and falling asleep in my dish soap.) 
Allright, WHAT is wrong with me? I’m THIRTY SEVEN years old, not twelve!
Mary, I am so sorry…”Paul’s circle here is certainly a living organism.” I read as (oh, yes) “orgasm”. GAH!
ANYHOOBIES (General Audience Now Allowed…) Hi everyone. I cracked up at Paul’s post not being on of down in the dumps, just regular ramblings, and I’m glad you got a little goofiness out of your system with your friends. “Silly Songs” and alcohol…well, I will be writing my own version of that after Saturday when I take my friend to the Rennaissance Festival in our area. She’s engaged, so I’ve set up a scavenger hunt for her to go find items hidden about the shire in vendor’s booths, and on people’s persons (mostly actor friends who are MORE than willing to play along–one guy has to hide an acorn. HAHAHA! Can’t WAIT for that one.) and we’re topping it off at the 6:00pm “Bawdy Songs of the Sea” which our musician friend is leading, so it ought to be a hoot and a half. I’ll be in the bag by 2:00pm if all goes as planned, so someone better take pictures to prompt my memory.
PEACHES, Jo, love the new nickname!
Oh, and Jo, the “purle” suit was from a thread WAY back, when he MEANT to type “purple” but didn’t, and so we (hoglets that we are, ok, some of us…Millie, still have some couth!) totally raunched it into some skin tight Spiderman get-up which makes him invincible. Or ws it invisible? Malleable? Inevitable?
Must dash. Deadlines and all.
Smooches,
Dhi
Dhi,
Thanks for the explaination of purle suit.
I love your organism/orgasm mistake.
Reading the paper to my husband this morning (which by the way irritates the hell out of him) I read “a Vidor man died of west nile disease”. He looked up shocked, then said “I thought you said spiderman died of west nile disease.” I told him his hearing is as bad as mine and he responded with “you have to admit that they sound an awful lot alike”. And you have to admit at first glance there are only two center letters missing in orgasm.
I can just see him saying, spiderman?! Too funny, Got a laugh out of that one.
The tradewinds are blowing and the sun is shining. Love to all at PC!
Lady Dhi: any chance we can have some colorful stanzas printed here from your BSOS?
I’m truly amused and curious…
(I believe this sort of event regularly occurs here in our lovely Port of Seattle every so often)
Hmmmm…
*winks n big grinnz*
Latte luv,
Katalina
Hugs, smoochies n purle rabbits to all at PC today/tonight
OMG Dhiana! Talk about putting an interesting slant on something!?! Thanks for the LOL! How I WISH I could see the world through your eyes for just one day. Hope the festival is amazing for you and your friend. Enjoy!
Peter, it must have felt good to run, even for a short distance. I hope you continue to make progress with this. Lately I’ve been having the most amazing dreams where I’m running really fast over huge distances. It feels so good. None of the strain – just strong feelings of freedom and joy. Wonder what that means??
It really sounds like you’ve been making a lot of progress on your journey lately. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s funny how you were telling Michelle how your sense of self-worth is growing and then you spoke about the mantra that obviously came from somewhere deep inside of you. If you’re starting to work on your feelings of self-worth and liking/loving yourself, I’d say you’re definitely heading in a very positive direction. I reckon these are the anchor feelings that bind all the others together. FEELING more complete and less fragmented sounds good too.
I’m intrigued with the idea of ‘holistic counselling’. I wonder would you need to bring something to that, that you’ve already managed to discover yourself? It sounds like a sifting out of all that you have learnt up to this point. I’m probably interpreting this all wrong! Also, the energy balancing…everything seems to be co-ordinating beautifully at the moment. I hope you have a long stretch in this part of the road.
Speaking of which…THAT stretch of road….once again, I’m fascinated but not really surprised.
You always seem to me to be very ‘clued in’ in some fundemental way. As always, I wish you the best as you continue on with your journey.
Before I go….Paul, yesterday I watched Joseph for the first time and I can’t let the opportunity pass without telling you how much I enjoyed it. I thought you were wonderful in it. You must be really proud of your performance. I’m sure many people have said this to you, but as with any performance, for each new person, the impact is new and fresh and true. The legacy of an actor I guess. As always, I wish you many more opportunities to make an impact.
Love to all,
Mary
Oh i love that Lumberjack song too (Monty Python)
omgosh…still tickled.
Kat
So today in work i had the SB soundtrack which technically i’m not supposed to have on because we’re supposed to have the good ol’ celtic mystic trad stuff on but i thought feck it the boss isn’t in i’ll stick it on. Well talk about bringing in the crowds, everyone from dotty old ladies to teenagers came in! But what was most suprising was this guy of about twenty comes in and when i say he looked tough as nails, he was scary with his leather gear, earrings in every possible hole, tatoos covering the arms&neck etc.. and that tough guy look that only certain ppl can carry off. Anyway he comes up to me adn says God i love that movie and i was like are you taking the piss? but he was deadly serious and we had a good old chat about our favourite bits etc.. of the film, talk about a weird conversation! So i told him to come along here to have a chat with you guys, hope he does, v. nice guy. I suppose it just shows how we immediately pre-judge people..
Just thought i’d share that with everybody,
Take care
Lucy
hello everyone, I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Birthday this month. Hope you all enjoy or enjoyed your special days. As for getting older i really think that you are as old as you feel. I have a friend who is in his mid 70′s and he feels like he is only 40 and acts just the same. Jo i saw that in an earlier post you had asked if Kirsten Dunst was in a vampire movie with Brad Pitt and she was it was Interview With a Vampire…I did not know if anyone else had answered that. Paul congrats on finishing shooting on your mini-series hope you enjoyed it. Gran Mil…the FIF is for anyone who wants to come is that correct? That would be neet to do. I live in Oregon and have never been out of the three surrounding states. Although I have never been to Idaho either. Erika enjoy being 20 for me too.. I never really was able to enjoy being that age because I was very occupied with going to school full time and having two baby boys one being only a few months at the time. Paul I also remember you saying that you hung out with some of your friends and had a few beers…cool…for the first time on monday I drank tequilla…a nasty drink I might add…lol…but my friend was complaining that in our 8 year friendship I had never drank with her so I thought what the heck…we were so gone…lol no matter how many shots you have that stuff is still nasty…we didnt sing unfortunalty but we did dance like dorks in front of her house for like an hour…lots of fun…although the next day she had a hangover and I did not so now she doesnt want to drink the tequilla again…lol. Anyway I seem to be rambling on maybe because I have had a full day of being a mommy and I just needed a break..So thanks to all for letting me vent so I could keep my sanity for later…Lots of Love to ALL! May all of you have a wonderful day:)
Peter, thanks for sharing your news with us. The concept of liking yourself is a tough one. I’m fairly certain we’re conditioned to do just the opposite from a very early age, and then to have personal issues on top of that makes it seem a near monumental task. Whether you liken it to peeling away layers, rewriting your map, or just busting out of a cocoon, it’s all rewarding but generally hard work. I don’t think people realize the dedication it takes to make that journey. Other paths are definitely easier and more appealing at times, but I’m pretty sure they won’t get you where you want to go.
Like Mary, I’m intrigued by your counselor. Wish I knew more about that sort of thing. As to the conscious/subconscious, I seem to get lots of messages from my subconscious through writing. At first this didn’t happen because I was too aware of what I was writing, but then I got the hang of just flowing with whatever came to mind and was I surprised! This type of writing has been a powerful tool in my journey. Of course dreams are the other way I’ve experienced those messages. It’s interesting how we’re all wired to get the information in ways that suit us best. Peter, I’m so happy things are going well for you!
Mil, no worries! I knew you wouldn’t forget me. Our family has grown by leaps and bounds lately! Can’t wait to hear the songs from “Chicago”!
Lucy, my boys both have long hair and get comments about it all the time. It’s a shame that we tend to judge people according to how they appear on the outside, but I don’t think that will change anytime soon. It’s one occasion when it feels good to be wrong! I loved your story.
Jo, I’m saving the Spiderman story to tell my husband when he gets home. I’m sorry to say he’ll relate to it a little too well!
Dhi! Orgasm, organism…both good things, full of LIFE!!! Let’s celebrate that, shall we? And think about sharing those pictures with us, will you?
Love to all of you,
Michelle
Jo, The redneck jokes gave me a good laugh. Thanks. I see Dhi explained my spelling!
Dhi, do you think that your interpretation of “organism” as “orgasm” may be due to some overwhelming sub-conscious drive?
Sorry, just asking! You never know until you ask.
Mary, this particular holistic therapist combines a number of methods, including general counselling. One reason why I like her is that I see her as being very objective.
As well as being an instructor in “Healing Tao”, a type of healing meditation, she also has a PhD in Molecular Biology (but no longer works as a geneticist!). This sits well with me because she is able to see things from various viewpoints, including the purely factual, if need be.
Ah, the running. Running fast and long represents freedom for me. Maybe that’s what you’re experiencing, in some way at least?
I also frequently have dreams about flying, also very fast, but can’t seem to do it in real life!
Yesterday I walked 12km and ran about 3km of it, albeit slowly to restrict impact, since I need to drop another 20kgs. I’m still 133% of my previous weight, and I feel it!
Yes, Mary, things are coming together for me and falling into place. It’s very comforting, satisfying and even exciting at times!
I’m not sure what it is about that stretch of road. When I’m out walking, there’s one spot where I feel the need to stop and just allow the sun to shine on me for a few moments. It seems to fill me with some special kind of strength.
I feel warm, free and fulfilled. Whatever it is, it is good. Sometimes I think that this stretch of road is somehow representative of my life in some way, perhaps a kind of spiritual nexus.
Of all the places that I could walk or run, I’m drawn mostly to that one.
Michelle, I like how you describe the journey.
It’s certainly not easy, but the conscious decision to ask for help is often a good way of helping us on our way. We sometimes hit sticking points that are easy to move past with the right kind of help.
The idea of writing is really good. I have heard that several times before.
It seems to work very well for me, similarly to the open discussion with the counsellor. I tend to write as I would say, and I pretty much say whatever I feel like, so it’s basically the same.
Well wishes and good luck on your journey, Michelle.
Love to all at PC.
Peter
Melinda,
Before you drink tequilla you need to take a bite of lime with salt on it. Then drink the tequilla really fast.
Grandma Millie (Millie Moment, MM) yep thanks for that. I won’t feel embarrassed about using that one. Don’t you find that things always seem much better when they have a name. I think I’m having another MM!
Jo I always thought that before drinking tequilla you had to suck a lemon, lick some salt then knock back the tequila, are there different ways of drinking it? I have never tried tequila is it good?
Mary where do you buy Paul’s films. I have only managed to get hold of SB the others are so hard to get hold of and I feel I’m missing out.
Hello, G’day, Howdy to everyone here today, tonight.
Love
Kim
Peter, for some reason a scene from the film ‘Phenomenon’ keeps popping into my head. It reminds me of what we’ve been talking about I suppose. Anyway, John Travolta plays George and is talking with his friend:
George: Now Nate, everything that we need is already in us. We just need to clear away the crap that it’s buried under. Now I want you to erase something. (Nate erases) George: There ya go. See that? (holds up eraser with smudged pencil lead on it) That’s the crap. Now, love is buried under fear. Partnership is right there under competition and there’s compassion underneath greed. Now, you gotta take your eraser and do the work. And its hard work and nobody can do it for you. There is no drug. (Nate takes eraser. George puts his hand out.) Nate: What? You want it back? George: Get your own damn eraser.
…Thought you might like that.
Michelle
Michelle, I loved the movie.
I really loved those words too. Thanks.
It’s all under there somewhere.
Kim,
I have only had tequilla in Mexico, just across the border and that was the way they said to drink it. No it isn’t good. It is terrible!
Peter,
Have you ever tried Tai Chi? They call it meditation in motion and it is very relaxing. I used to do it and would love to get back into it, but find that I am far to lazy to make the effort. I think it was originally a form of Taoism.
I was delighted to read the news article on the home page and discover that Paul choreographed the robots in I Robot. I am really looking forward to that movie and even more so now. Do any of you recall Jude Law’s performance in AI (Artifical Intelligence) and do you know who was the choreographer for that? Jennifer from CA
Hi everyone,
Have not been posting much, but I have been reading PC Corner. The redneck church jokes are really funny. LOL The mixup of organism and orgasm is funny too, and it brought to mind a movie I saw sometime back with Angelica Houston … forgot the title, but it takes place in Ireland, it’s about two best friends and one of them is diagnosed with cancer. Having to face the fact that one of them is dying, they decide to do together things that they have always wanted to, but never had experienced. The cancer patient expresses her regret to have never (in all the years she has been married) experienced an orgasm. It’s a very poignant and touching movie, and this particular scene is very funny … the joke is that she gets the name wrong and calls it “organism” instead.
Kim,
I have purchased Paul’s movies from Amazon.com. You might want to go to Amazon.com UK and do a search for “Paul Mercurio” … that should bring up all the DVDs and videos that they carry.
Hope everyone has a great day. We have been having rain and in some places, especially New Jersey and Maryland, there were areas that got 10 inches of rain in a little over a day, so there has been extensive flooding. We have been fortunate to have just rain and thunder storms. There is more rain forcasted for the rest of the week, so not too much hope of sunshine … but I sure hope the sun is shining where you all are!
Nertha
Forgot to wish all the July birthday celebrants a wonderful day and best wishes for many happy returns.
Evely, have a safe trip. Don’t forget to wave if you fly over NYC. LOL Enjoy your vacation, you worked hard and deserve it.
Hugs,
Nertha
Evelyn, a “bon voyage” to you, (although you’re flying and not sailing), and enjoy a wonderful visit with your family, and return refreshed and ready for your job and new apartment!
Melinda, everyone who writes on PC is welcome to come to FIF. I would say that anyone that loves Strictly Ballroom or any of Paul’s movies is welcome, but that would include millions around the world, and the Marriott Courtyard Inn could not possibly accommodate them, (nor could I!)
We are already going international. Our Mary is coming from Ireland, and Monika and her boyfriend from Holland are thinking of coming too, as well as a young man (anyone younger than
Grannie is “young”), from England.
He and I share a love of SB and Paul’s other works, but we also agree that Tara Morice resembles the English actress, Vivien Leigh, as a young actress. You all know about Vivien. She played Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With The Wind” and opposite Marlon Brando in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and won the best actress Oscar in each film.
I have a gallery of her (Vivien’s) pictures hanging in my den, and it was easy to compare her to Tara.
Kim, I’m glad you like the idea of a MM. I think I like it better than SM (senior moment) for it removes any mention of, you should pardon the expression, AGE!
Ta Da! I went for a yearly checkup yesterday and the doctor was happily shocked to see I had lost
31 lbs! I told him only 30 more to go, (I wish) but I’ll settle for another 20 before FIF! My cholesterol numbers are way down, and so is my blood pressure! The secret? No beer, no wine, no tequila, no fun!
Peace and Love,
The Mil
To everyone else who read “orgasm” instead of “organism”, you are not alone. It must be like the brain teaser in the last thread where the brain only reads the first and last letters of a word, not the whole word.
Jo, I loved your redneck jokes. My husband could pass for one, especially the one about being buried in your truck! And we can’t forget “you might be a redneck if you have a tree growing out of your car on the front lawn”, courtesy of Jeff Foxworthy, whom I love. There’s another comedian
who makes the rounds with Jeff but I can’t remember his first name – Pete the Cable Guy comes to mind. It’s —– the Cable Guy and he wears a cut off sleeve flannel shirt, jeans and a cap – hilarious.
Abeth, Boone’s Farm wine was a rite of passage for most of us I think. I remember strawbery wine being the drink of choice. Ah, memories. Haven’t thought about that one in a long time.
Mil, congratulations on your checkup. You must be very proud about those 30lbs. I know I would be.
Dhi, we always go to the Renaissance Faire in Lancaster, Pa. every October. (I can’t spell Renaissance, either!) The scavanger hunt sounds like lots of fun. Yes, you’ll have to share some of your bawdy songs with us.
Peter, it’s good to hear you’re on a positive path with your journey. Good luck and please keep sharing your progress with us. It is very interesting and informative. Oh, the purle suit – a ledgend in it’s own time….
Welcome to all the newbies and shout out to all the regulars, Kat, Inn, Tim, Nertha, Kelly, Robyn Abeth, Kim, Mary, Evelyn, Astrid, Claire, Delta Sally, Michelle, Cat, and of course, Paul. Please forgive me if I missed you. There are so many wonderful people here, it’s getting hard to remember all without a scorecard!
Be well,
Sally C.
Sally C.
The comedian Jerry Van Dyke was married to someone from Arkansas about 20 years ago and he said that upper class in Arkansas was TWO cars in your front yard up on blocks rather than one. Having many relatives from Arkansas I can sadly say we are only a one car family!
I used to make wine and I made a really mean Strawberry wine. Last year I found a “vintage” bottle that I had made with lots of residue in the bottom. We strained it, drank it and watched the movie Hair.
We have the Renaissance Faire in Magnolia, Texas which is just north of Houston. For the past couple of years it has been rained out most week-ends though because they hold it in October and November.
Mil,
Congratulations on the weight loss and your excellent check up. 31 pounds!!! Wow! Good for you.
Hello to everyone at P.C. especially, Paul, Andrea and the kids.
Oh, Peter, YAY for you! You know you were ready for some good things in Life, so take hold and have a lovely ride!
Holistic Councelling – I may act like a totally sex-depraved (deprived? hmmm…) crazy pagan gypsy nut, but actually, I had business cards made up two years ago with the name of my business, Healing H’Arts, and my name and title…”Empathic Counsellor”. I was feeling VERY pushed at the time to get paid for what I was doing on the side for FREE…listening to people’s woes, encouraging them to find Peace and Quiet, giving them reading assignments, journalling, suggesting music (therapy, in actuality although I disguised it well), sending them information on where to start to get on with their lives they wished to live. These were just people at work and friends who would call me to vent. I’ve been doing it all my life. SO, I figured, go for it…even if it’s 10yrs down the road and I wind up doing it out of my farm house’s porch while keeping an eye on the vegetable stand and the animals. Of course, then the market will be all aglut (look at Massage Therapy! Man!) but I don’t care. Those who need me will come.
ANYHOOBIES…Peter, I am glad you found someone who’s style meshes with yours to offer direction when asked. Lovely!
Oh, Sally C…Lancaster faire! My friend is a musician there, Jill. She plays flute and button accordian. Her husband (who is muttering across the hall from me as I type) works at the Sterling Ren Faire here (as well as with me, if you couldn;t tell) and she loves it down there!
Kat, I’ll drop some snippets into this thread when I get a sec. My deadline is hanging it’s hairy eyebrows over my conscience, so I must dash.
Mil – You GO GIRL! 31 pounds. Makes my 19 look paltry! But I won’t deny you your lead. Sweat on!
Love and blessings,
Dhi
Yay for the people losing the weight, i am also currently trying to lose some, just to get a bit fitter&be healthier…ok i want to look good at a family wedding coming up! Isn’t it amazing how we sometimes worry more about what our family think than the rest of the general population? i really couldn’t care less what evryone else thinks but when it comes to my family i get a bit paranoid! Go on Mil 31 pounds? That is excellente, i have only managed about five so far i think!
Michelle – love men with long hair but i get what you mean about the prejudgements, happens more adn more these days which is strange because you think people would have learned over so many years but you can’t stop the madness.
Ok gotta go watch some tv adn hit the bed, hi to evryone else and take care,
Lucy
Jo, I tried Tai Chi a few years back, but unfortunately I found the instructor to be a little awkward. Things just did not flow for me.
Perhaps I was awkward too. I might give it another go in time.
The Toa (pronounced dow) meditation I mainly use is called “the six healing sounds”. It suits my way of things, re visualisation, and brings on strong emotional responses. It’s purpose is to assist the body to heal itself, including all emotions.
There is another called “microcosmic orbit” which serves to re-energise the body & spirit.
Millie, 31lbs is phenomenal! Congratulations.
Be careful, if you lose another 30lbs as you said, you may well end up waif-like!
I’ve lost about 16lbs now and losing about 1% bodyfat every two weeks. Good steady progress. I’m happy with that.
Sally, Thankyou. I’m glad you find it interesting.
I’ve often been reluctant to tell, but manage just the same!
The purle suit: I guess it’s now a permanent part of my wardrobe. As Paul once pointed out, I can secretly wear it under my street clothes so that I’m always ready for action!
Dhiana, my dear, I would never have used those strong words to describe you.
“Empathic Counsellor” sounds wonderful, only I cant help thinking of a Star Trek TNG character named Deana Troy. She was Ship’s Counsellor and was also an empath. In fact, she belonged to a race of beings who were ALL empaths. Can you imagine it! A whole planet of people huddled around the coffee machine, nodding gently and comfortingly.
Jokes aside, that is a wonderful gift. It’s no wonder that people are drawn to you for help.
Real empathy is a powerful thing, with the potential to bring about real healing. You should consider it some more, perhaps?
Yes, this counsellor works well for me. She never “directs” me, but gently nudges me so that I can find my own direction. It’s best, after all it’s MY life.
Cheers all.
Peter
Lucy, I loved the story. Thanks for sharing it.
Peter, I smiled when you wrote that things are coming together and falling into place. I’m so happy for you. Comforting, satisfying and exciting…yes, you got it right. I agree with Michelle. This kind of journey requires dedication. If you’ve reached this place, you’ve obviously earned it. Whenever I’ve listened to your story, I’ve always got a strong sense of a protective and gentle guidance. Maybe part, at least, of all this is the result of you responding to that.
When you talked of the freedom and joy of running, it struck me that the whole life experience has so many facets. Along with the journey of self-discovery (which requires thought and reflection), you have the chance (if you’re lucky) to experience joy, freedom, loving, being loved….all opportunities to feel and not think! And then sadness, loneliness, pain, rejection.. as a contrast to all those. What a package…
Your counsellor sounds really perfect for you. Do you reckon she came along at just the right time? I would love to think that that was the case. You know…when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
At the moment, I feel like there is a positive shift in direction on my own journey. Still a long way to go, but probably for the first time in my life, I at least feel that I am on the right track. With another birthday fast approaching, I’m not thinking. I’ve just decided to hang on to that.
Michelle, thanks for reinforcing all of this for me.
Jo, I did Tai Chi for about six months a few years back. I loved it but didn’t manage to keep it up. Everything in my life was so hectic and hassled at the time and it just didn’t flow for me. I’ve always intended getting back to it. Maybe now would be a good time.
Hi Kim! Like Nertha, I bought Joseph on Amazon(.co.uk.) It took less than a week to get here! Hope all is well with you. How is Paul’s portrait coming along?
Millie, well done!! 31lbs is very impressive. I also love the idea of an MM. Can any of us claim to have one? Love to you.
Dhiana, I can see you as an ‘Empathic Counsellor’. Definitely. I’d say you’d be a natural.
Love to Paul and everyone here tonight,
Mary
Welcome to Stephanie and thank you for your post!!
Welcome also to Rob and Pam and I thank you for your kind and true words. They may never know the sacrafice but then they dont need to. It is enough that I see them grow up to be the best they can be thanks in part to my wife’s and my influence and actions. The rest is up to them.
Welcome Meeta and thanks for being a part of the site.
Lastly I would like to thank the goddess Dhi for her living and joyous feelings which encompass this community – more orgasms to us all!!
Hi everyone, thank you to Nertha, Jo and to Mary for letting me know where to buy Paul’s films. I’ve got my credit card sitting here next to me waiting to get used.
Mary yes I am very well, are you? Are you having good summer weather? It has been awful here, strong winds and heavy rain so much it came through my ceiling, I wasn’t none too pleased about that. Thankfully I had lots of buckets and bowls!
Paul’s portrait is coming along slowly but nicely. I have put a new picture on my site if any one wants to take a peek, picturetrail kimscrossstitch
Is Tai Chi the one where you move your arms about in slow motion. I think Helen in Neighbours done it, Peter is that right?
Jo have you used all of your peaches yet? Those cobblers sound lovely.
Hi to everyone else here and to Paul, Andrea and the 3 E’s
Love
Kim
Funny you guys should talk about Tai Chi. I had my first lesson in over a year and a half yesterday!
And Talking about peaches – my peach beer I am developing with the eye of putting it on the market in September is coming along very nicely!
Paul will your peach beer be available here in the UK?
Oh, would you mind having a look at my picturetrail site. I am doing a portrait of you for you, I would like to know what you think so far.
Kim
Paul,
Kim is much too modest about this picture!! She is doing it as a gift for you. Here is the web address so you can see it.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4615499&uid=2346938
lucy…great story.
mmmmmm, peach beer.
Kim, the portrait is really progressing. It’s so beautiful. Keep going! I’m doing great thanks. The weather here is mixed. You just have to make the most of the sun when it shows!
Paul, good luck with the peach beer. Is it possible for a beer to be sweet? It’s the slightly bitter taste that I love but I suppose I haven’t tried enough to get the full picture.
Wishing anyone else heading to bed a good sleep!
Mary
Paul,
Are you doing Tai Chi Sword yet? I never achieved that, but find it to be so beautiful.
We were in the park one day and I saw a boy with a fishing pole doing sword. Down by the water, even with a fishing pole rather than a sword, it was still beautiful.
Sally C
There was a song out years ago called Summer Wine with Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood. I had to look in my collection of old 45′s to find it. The chorus goes:
Strawberries, cherries and an angel’s kiss in spring. My summer wine is made from all these things. Take off your silver spurs and help me spend some time. And I will give to you, my Summer Wine. Needless to say he winds up without his silver spurs and a hangover.
Kim/uk
I got most of my “Paul” movies from ebay which were new videos.
I would like to share the following.
Anyone you know?
Because I’m a man, when I lock my keys in the car I will fiddle with a wire long after hypothermia has set in.
Because I’m a man, when the car isn’t running very well, I will pop the hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I’m looking at. If another man shows up, one of us will say to the other, “I used to be able to fix these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn’t, know where to start.”
Because I’m a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You’re a woman. You never get as sick as I do, so for you this isn’t a problem.
Because I’m a man, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at the store, like milk or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items like “cumin” or “tofu.” For all I know, these are the same thing. And never, under any circumstances, expect me to pick up anything for which “feminine hygiene product” is a euphemism.
Because I’m a man, when one of our appliances stops working, I will insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice as, much once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
Because I’m a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss a whole show looking for it (though one time I was able to survive by holding a calculator).
Because I’m a man, I don’t think we’re all that lost, and no, I don’t think we should stop and ask someone. Why would you listen to a complete stranger? I mean, how on earth could he know where we’re going?
Because I’m a man, whatever you get your mother for Mother’s Day is okay; I don’t need to see it. And don’t forget to pick up something for my mother, too.
Because I’m a man, you don’t have to ask me if I liked the movie. Chances are, if you’re crying at the end of it, I didn’t.
Because I’m a man, I think what you’re wearing is fine. I thought what you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is fine. With the belt or without it—looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we just go now?
This has been a public service message for Women to better understand the Male.
My grandson, Logan, took his first steps a couple of days ago. He was in his pool and stood up and walked three paces. Later he was sitting on the coffee table and did it again. Yaaee!! He just turned two last Sunday. “Mr. attitude” is a Downs baby, but that has not stopped him. He is a wonderful happy child, and I can’t wait to see him in September when I go back there.
After FIF I plan to fly up to Maryland to see them again. Thought I would, seeing as I am on the east coast.
Take care & Love to all
Marge
Kim, Sorry, but I’ve NEVER watched neighbours.
I’ll have to take your word for it.
Peter
Thanks all for being excited with me about my trip. I
Evelyn,
Hope that makes you feel better. I am trying really hard to stay positive in light of all things..
Not that it will make you feel better, but….
Thanks goodness your car got broken into, and not stolen. That you sliced your thumb, and not cut it off (my brother did!) and that at least your office has a door. (mine doesn’t)
Well, trying anyway. Were off to Canton, mIchigan for my son’s World series tournement.
Love to all,
Kelly
Paul,
all the trailors for I, Robot, I have been noticing the robots are very fluid in their movement and look like dancers. You wouldn’t have had anything to do with that,,,,, would you?
Kel
Peach beer, I cant picture it at all, but usually that is a good sign, I hope all the best for your product. Paul,lots of buzz about I Robot here in the states.
I’ve been feeling a bit on the stressed out and glum side the past couple days, perhaps a little lost. I want to say that it makes life seem less daunting to read about all of you, especially Peter’s story and Evelyn, starting something big and keeping the head out of the sand.
Ah, Evelyn. So you know about Prussians. They’re like German Absolute. One step beyond.
Went to the first class of ballet tonight. It was good to get my mind off things, but my god I’m a klutz! Since I took it as a kid, the steps come back easily but practice practice practice I will need to attain any measure of grace or balance! It’s so odd, with the belly dancing I’m used to, everything is so loose, earthbound, and low to the ground. So I’ve really got to think in the opposite way!
Mmmm. Peach Beer. I had some apricot beer at a pub on the way to Yellowstone last weekend. It was rather tasty, but I had way too much because I forget when I travel that the beer will have more than the 2.5% alcohol we have in Utah. So I drank 2 and a half pints, not even thinking and boy was I in trouble! Anyway, Good luck Paul!
I think I have atleast a few of what I’d call MM’s each week. But am I still too young to use this or are you not allowed yet at my age?!
I’ve been thinking about the FIF(now that I caught on to what it is) and I think It sounds exciting. It would really be special to see some faces. I think I will allready be tying myself down in school by then, so I can’t say if I could go. It’s a lot to look forward to though! I hadn’t thought of it, but wow Mil, Tara totally looks like Vivien Leigh! You’re so right. And cheers to you for your achievement!
Love to all-
Astrid
Astrid, my sweet, thank you for agreeing about Tara and Vivien Leigh! I thought it was my bifocals again, but others who have received my photos of Viv and Tara agree!
BTW, those that will be unable to attend the FIF, please be informed that plenty of digital pictures will be taken, and a special website will be made, like Evelyn and Whitney made for “Follies, 2003″.
Whitney came in person to see “Follies, 2003″, stayed with Ellie and me, and took pictures backstage before the curtain went up opening night! What excitement! Evelyn and she were able to collaborate over the Internet.
Peace and Love,
Mil
How To Impress A Woman:
* Wine her,
* Dine her,
* Call her,
* Hug her,
* Support her,
* Hold her,
* Surprise her,
* Compliment her,
* Smile at her,
* Listen to her,
* Laugh with her,
* Cry with her,
* Romance her,
* Encourage her,
* Believe in her,
* Pray with her,
* Pray for her,
* Cuddle with her,
* Shop with her,
* Give her jewelry,
* Buy her flowers,
* Hold her hand,
* Write love letters to her,
* Go to the end of the Earth and back again for her.
How to impress a man:
Show up naked ..
Bring chicken wings ..
Don’t block the TV
To live with man you need an iron nerves!!!
…after 51 years, chicken wings still work!
Grandma Mil
Hello all from the North Carolina Mountains!! Yay! Fresh air! No humidity! Cool breezes! I feel alive again…
I’ve been watching all the morning talk shows with Will Smith promoting I, Robot–can’t wait to see it.
Evelyn-What an awful couple of things to happen right when you’re getting set to move! We’ll keep our fingers crossed for the house.
Mil- You go, girl! Congrats on losing all those pounds! Don’t work yourself too hard!
Kim-You should have Cat put your cross-stitch on the ‘fan work’ page!
Paul! I want to try the peach beer!
Hope everyone else has a great day! Sorry if this is kinda choppy…more later.
Kelly, thanks for that perspective! you are absolutely right, it could be worse and I’ll try not to worry now that my car could get stolen while I am away and it will be sitting on the street the entire time. I actually was a bit amused by the fact that whoever broke into my car and took the backpack I had (stupidly) put behind the driver’s seat and not in the trunk
, because it was filled with teaching manuals and materials I needed to take to my office. I had a bit of fun visualizing his/her face when s/he went through it and noticed that there was absolutely nothing of interest to him/her in there, I just wish I could have seen his/her face! Well they tossed the backpack into someone
Hi Lyn, you posted while I typed.. I think it’s cool that we both have the same name!!! I never knew any other Evelyns growing up, but this year alone I met 3!!!
Hi to all!
.
Jo (texas), what a great list!! I am just now sending it to all of my female friends. Very good!! And those peach entries made my mouth just water! I wish I could have taken about half of them from you!
Lyn B, I am soooo jealous!! I moved from Asheville 7 years ago and still yearn to go back, especially when it hits the 90′s down here! My house did not even have air conditioning! Unfortunately, a 12 hour drive is no ‘day trip’ or I would be back every other weekend!
Grandma Mil, I am still coming to FIF, even though I have been extremely slack in contacting you, especially since I live right around the corner! I have been having a hard time with the heat, it just saps my energy and makes my depression worse!
Anyway, my love to all that I did not mention, have to get back to work
Beth
Evelyn,
I will wave in the north direction tomorrow as you fly home. Hope you have a great trip home. I have several cousins that were born in Eislingen, Germany. One of them went back to Germany to live after she was grown.
Beth Ellen,
Sorry to hear about the heat and your depression, but you are not alone. It does the same thing to me. Look at it this way though – fall is just around the corner. Unfortunately we still have August to live through.
Peach beer! mmmmmmmm Wish I had thought of that. I have made peach wine and plain beer, but how in the world do you make peach beer. Is this going to be one of those secret recipes that you take to your grave with you Paul or pass it down for generations until it becomes a legacy in the Mercurio family?
Paul, you KILLED ME! Oatmeal shot RIGHT out of my nose and onto my screen. (The IT guy is pretty peeved about the keyboard mess, thanks much for that!) Those kind, sweet words, then the zinger! But thanks for saving the best for last…me!
, and to everyone else. Special smooches for Peter and Timmer!
Peter – oh, that i fit into that purple (AND purle) suit of Diana Troy’s! (Or had that HAIR! Now SHE is a real Greek Goddess, that woman…) A whole race of Empaths…yep, some folks tell me I am “of the Star people”, as in the Lakota Creation legend–and I found out last week that we are 14th generation decendents of the Wampanoag tribe of the Northeastern United States (around Massachusetts, they were the tribe who met and helped the Puritans when they came over) so that is TOTALLY freaking me out, although I know not why that would be such a shock to me.
Anyway, I’d raise a peach beer to your endeavor, Paul, and to your trip Evelyn, and to Lyn basking in the NC mountains (hear any banjos?
PS. Alex I totally LOVEd “To live with man you need an iron nerves!!!” Mine left me a nasty note this morning about who said who would do what about some housework, then he calls me all peaches and cream and asks me out on a date tonight! Hello! I have to finish my BODICE for my dress that I need to wear tomorrow, and spend time with the kids, and pack my car, and get to bed at 9:00 so I can get up at 5:00am, and you want me to go out with your friends so I can sit on a bar stool and listen to you talk about football and jock itch and all the girls you dated in high school??? Iron nerves indeed!
PSS. Kelly, YAYAYAYAY for Clay! Hope the rains stay away for you.
Really going now…
**poof!**
Marge, great news about Logan’s first steps. What a milestone!
Evelyn, the car, your thumb, the office door…all on the outer circle. Your inner circle is on a roll!! Trust in the house coming to you. Hope you all have a wonderful time together. Your Mum must be looking forward so much to having her three daughters all together. Under those trees sounds very inviting! Love and safe travelling to you.
Kelly, good luck to you and Clay in the tournament!
Jo, loved the list on ‘How to Impress a Woman’. Even reading it felt good!
Forty-sixth birthday tomorrow! I’m going to see Simon & Garfunkel in concert – seems like a pretty good way to celebrate the day. This year I feel like I’ll just be turning a day older!
Love to all,
Mary
Mary, ‘mo chara dhilis’(“my dear friend” in Gaelic) happy 46th to you! A mere child, for you’re only one year older than our twin daughters.
Enjoy the day, (and every day) and the Simon and Garfunkel concert. I liked most of their music when they were at the top of their fame.
Who could forget “Mrs. Robinson”? Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) today is about my age today and married to that maniac, Mel Brooks. I’ll wager they sing that song and bring the house down!
Much love,
Mil
Happy Birthday Mary. Enjoy the concert! I hope they sing Kodachrome. That was one of my favorites.
Hi all!
Dhi, you really are a breath of fresh air. Love your name, are there any stories behind it?
I went to the Cheescake factory last night, and if ever dessert could be called sinful! Thank goodness I don’t work there… I have a month until I move to L.A. for school. The days pass so fast, they make me want to stop life flying by until I am ready for it to go by so quickly like it does. Hmm.
Kim your picture is splendid. I like the updated one and can’t wait to see it finished.
As for the men discussion… I think I shall pass on that one.
Love to all!
Maile
Mary, *** Here’s to best wishes on your birthday! ***
Just wanted to check in before I left for the weekend.
Marge-I live in Maryland. Where does your daughter live? Wonderful about Logan and his first steps! What a milestone!! Next comes the running and the parents following with outstretched arms waiting to catch-ahhh, now that’s real fun, ha, ha!!
Paul-Peach beer….although it sounds lovely-can’t drink until after January 21, 2005. Don’t think the baby would appreciate the taste as much as I would!!
Mary-Happy Birthday-enjoy the concert!!
My dear Millie-31 pounds and still counting-you go, girl!!
Hellos and hugs to all of my friends here at PC!!
I’m doing okay-just waiting for this damn morning sickness (it’s worse at night) to get along!! One more week of the first trimester left. All is going well though. I’m beginning to feel more excited and have started a Baby List. I’m looking forward to feeling the baby move and kick and twist and turn. I suppose I should feel fortunate to have the morning sickness-it’s always a positive sign that I was pregnant and I wasn’t left feeling worried.
HUGS!
Abeth
Oh, almost forgot-wings really, really do work. My husband raves about my Buffalo wings to anyone who is willing to listen. It makes me feel good that he loves them soooo much!!
Abeth
Mary, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MARY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I hope in my heart that it’s a great one.
Evelyn, I’m wishing that someone will move out of the house for you, and quickly!
I will send a special rabbit envoy, at once. I’m not sure what they’ll do, but I’ll send them just in case. Maybe the rabbits can think of something.
I know that the new job will go well. Your writing is projecting all of the right sort of energy.
Stay with your healing. Sometimes it may feel far from easy, but if you relent, then some may be lost.
I’m wishing you wonderful happiness with the big move and all that life has to bring.
Jo, you forgot the six pack.
Dhiana, It seems your destiny is set, eh?
You must become a consellor, purle suit or ney.
14th generations you say? That’s an amazing legacy that one would be deservedly proud of. I’m impressed by that, and I’m also impressed that anyone could keep track of 14 generations.
I’m just imagining a conversation between two Beta-Zeds over coffee:
1st B-Z: Oh, I know how you feel, I feel the same way.
2nd B-Z: Oh, I feel the same way too!
1st B-Z: Oh, I know!
2nd B-Z: I know that you know. Isn’t it amazing.
Ist B-Z: Yes, I feel the same way!
Re Deana Troy, it was her purle suit that first got my attention, Oh, …and her devotion to duty.
Astrid, I hope you feel a little less glum.
Have a great weekend and maybe do something really nice for yourself.
To all at PC, have a great weekend.
Abeth
I tried to send you an email by clicking on your name, but it didn’t work. Alana, Jeff & Logan live in Bowie MD. Jeff is in the Navy working in Wash. D.C. I will be out there in September for two weeks. We plan to do a lot of sight seeing. I especially want to go see the new WWII memorial. If you want, click on my name, and maybe we can have lunch or something.
I am going to see cavalia again Saturday. this time I got VIP tickets. You car is parked, you have a VIP tent before the show and after the show you can go begind the scenes and meet the performers, two and four legged. I am looking forward to it.
Love to all and take care.
Marge
Peter,
How in the world could I forget the six pack? You have to have something to wash those chicken wings down with!!!
Marge,
I really envy your VIP tickets. Have fun for all of us.
Thanks to everyone who has looked at my updated picture of Paul, even I am getting excited about seeing it finished but there is still some way to go yet. I will add more pictures as it grows.
I am so happy tonight, Paul has signed my guestbook and he likes what I have done.
Paul thank you for taking the time to have a look, I do appreciate it but can I ask if there are any changes that you would like me to make before I stitch too much as I would like to get it right. Thanks for writing in my guestbook, I’ll be bragging to everyone now.
Mary have a wonderful birthday. I hope it will be a very special day for you. Enjoy every moment.
To all of you that have lost the weight, WELL DONE to you all.
I’m of to bed now, that’s if I can sleep!
Love
Kim
Marge& Abeth-
I have family in Maryland! I even spent the summer of my 14th year in Bowie! I was very obsessed with David Bowie at the time, and though you don’t say the two names the same way, I thought it was sooo cool. My maternal grandfather grew up there and my great uncle lived on the property until he remarried 2 years ago. Bowie is a lovely place, but I really loved Baltimore.
Dhi-
Your man sounds like my ex-boyfriend! I was with a fella for two years until this past December. Every weekend felt just like that- parked on the barstool listening to who knows what until I was passed out in my beer. Well, it wasn’t that bad all the time, but I certainly didn’t get any reciprocity like that list.
Jo- thanks for posting that list. It gave me a good laugh.
Evelyn- Oh, I was just being cautious! I agree, Prussians are just that bad! From the day of my birth the cards were against me! Of course, my older brothers were golden boys and it just killed me. Once I got old enough to realise it made no difference wether I pleased them or not, it got easier for a while. But since I was raised that way, it didn’t take long before I started wanting to live up to something of my own creation. Anyway, half the time its a comedy, half the time a tragedy!
Peter- thanks, your words help.
I hope everyone has a good week end. I Robot is opening here in Salt Lake tonight and I’m planning to see it on Sunday, my movie day, which I’ve missed the last 2 weeks due to my travels! I’m so excited about this, Paul!
Love to all!
Astrid
Hello all- I’m feeling SO good tonite…
My poor hubby and son, who travelled to Costa Rica with MY travelling partner’s hubby and 3 sons is miserable…supposed to go fishing, surfing, and hiking, etc… But instead, they have been stuck in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone, no tv, no phone lines, and no fishing because of the rain..
Meanwhile I’m enjoying the mountain air and dulcimers, Celtic harps and an art festival (no, Dhi, no BANJOS! LOL! Altho’ I have spotted a few “inbreds”, this is pretty cool place!)
Beth Ellen–I’m in Blowing Rock..wanted to visit Asheville…I’ve always been drawn there, I’ve heard that it’s a spiritual vortex area on a Ley line crossing (or something) and draws lots of people prone to metaphysical….How long did you live in Asheville?
The bad part is that I really miss my dogs! Haha! I had 3 kids grow up and move out, and each time, I replaced them with Golden Retrievers..(so much more loving, without judgement) I just have to “mother” someone/thing!!
Abeth-Sorry if I’m just catching up, is this your first baby?
Happy B’Day to Mary…(late, of course)
And many thanks to Paul and his PC’ers for even letting me be here…I really do appreciate all of you.