Paul's Corner

Paul,
I can’t agree more. I have been ‘lurking’ on this site of late & have enjoyed reading all the posts. FYI, ‘Back to Beyond’ was on the Trio Channel last night here in the States. Have you tried Chi Gong? It goes very well with Tai Chi.

To All,
I think your posts are full of wisdom, wit & integrity. Wish I lurked sooner.

Sarah,
I enjoyed the ‘Astrological Praying’ because I’m a Pisces. “Pisces: Dear Lord, as long as I'm going to drink this fifth of Scotch tonight, please use the stimulation for Thy glory. “

: )

No gripes, just Love, as per usual.

Sometimes I wonder if you guys are gagging over some of the eternally optimistic sh** I post, or cringing at the sexual innuendo, but then I remember that, oh look, I don't care! That's just ME...so take me or leave me. (TAKE ME, please!!!) SEE???

I do worry that Paul feels "pressure" to perform for us, that we have expectations that he post more frequently, or whatever...so Paul, dear, just continue to be You, as you've promised that is the only way you could.

The reverent Scorpio,
Dhiana
;-)

Oh, PS. Had a CRAZY dream last night, significant because it was my birthday night. It was of two people holding hands, speaking with their eyes. It was souls touching. AND, the weirdest part, I KNEW I ws dreaming WHILE I was doing it. I woke up three times and went back to it. VERY weird, yet awesome--like humans had evolved to speak telepathically. I kind of think that is what we do here, in cyberspace.

Hey there,

Well I just came across this board today, and I must say, I really enjoyed reading people's thoughts and feelings and seeing how freely people express themselves here. Sometimes although I really hope this doesn't sound mean but I'm sure we can all relate: When I read of other people's problems or lows in life, I feel somewhat lighter inside.

Whether it be the fact that I know I'm not alone, or I realise that some may have it worse than me, not to sound selfish, but it makes me feel a great deal better than the day before.

Sometimes I wish that daily life, where we see people face to face, could proceed like this. I wish that more people would find the strength to just let out what's in their hearts. And speak their minds. I think people would realise how much they actually have in common with eachother.

Wow, I'm the last person who would consider myself as an idealist, but today I feel as idealistic as they get!!! LOL

Um, I'm done now :-)
Ciao,
Natz

i've tried to ween myself from this board just for purposes of me needing to have a life, but this place is like a car wreck, you can't not look. a happy, healthy, homey car wreck ;)

with that said, hopefully, pam will be back, and push her way in to conversation like the rest of us did ;)

Hello Paul and Everyone,
It's very true that many people read and don't post a comment. There are several times that I have read something and not had a comment to contribute. And, yet, there are times that I may feel I have something to say and post it.
How many of us have friends or family or just know someone who says, "Will you look at me when I'm talking to you?" or "Well, what do you think?" or of course my favorite one to say to my husband, "Are you going to answer me?!"
Some people just need more validation (Damn, where's my dictionary when I need it...Oh yeah, I tossed it at my husband to get his attention...
:)!....) It's very hard when you get a group of people together talking to respond to everyone all the time. For example: I am at work and a bunch of people are talking to me; making comments joking around and asking questions. Now, in the background I can here Monica saying,(in a normal "accent free" tone)"Damaris, how many canisters do we need...?" Now, I can hear her in the background and I am listening, I just haven't gotten around to answering her beacause I'm answering three other people at the same time.
Then all of a sudden you hear her raise her voice, "DAMARIS!" ( With a Hispanic accent... ok bear with me phonetically its Dah.mah.Reece spoken really fast) Never the less she got my attention. Some people just need that personal response from someone.
So, I can understand when you have all of these people talking and asking one person to respond personally, it is impossible. Don't you agree?..... :)! Well, aren't you going to answer me?.... :)! Okay where's my dictionary..... :)!
I hope everyone is well and I look forward to coming back and reading everyone elses posts!

Hey everyone!

I see this place has been really jumping in my absence! JACHO is over and I’m now officially recovered and back to business. Last night I decided to take a mental break and watch some telly and to my surprise what was on – no not Strictly (yet again) but Back of Beyond – then later on another channel - Welcome to Woop Woop! I felt like I hit the daily double!

Wow, eventually I will go find this post from Pam, geez did I miss something? How compelling - was she mad about something someone said? (or from the tone of this current post maybe something someone didn't say?) I personally love the Existentialist stream of consciousness sorta rambling style that exists here. But I know I'm an odd duck, and what I like isn't always the what others like, but that is what makes life interesting - everyone's differences. I thrive on diversity, it makes for good writing, and makes living in Los Angeles a lot more interesting (in spite of the HUGE population). Someday I'll move someplace where tehre's more elbow room (that's my dream - and according to National Geographic, Australia looks like my dream destination!) So maybe someday I may even bump into Paul at the grocery store! Now that would be a fun story...

Paul,
I’ve got a meeting with this guy who is mounting a production of Marilyn (some Marilyn Monroe thing) he’s actually in NYC right now I think with auditions and stuff.
He is very enthusiastic about seeing what I’ve come up with. I’ve not heard anything from Rima, so I’ll assume that she’s not interested in the spec I sent her. So I’ll start working on the musical, there’s gonna be a lot of dancing since the initial idea right now is in a dance school setting. I’ve already got a songwriter here in LA who wants to work on the musical with me. And singing as good as Gene Kelly is good enough for sure, I mean if Marlon Brando could be in Guy & Dolls, enough said…

And the previous post (the fuck everyone post) – PAUL you ROCK! I love what you wrote - I loved the passion. I do that “ranting” bit every once in a while too; it feels good – just putting it out there. I actually had a rant session with a good friend and I have effectively come out of the funk, I think a lot of it was the “thankless” work schedule I was keeping at the time, but of course there are always other miscellaneous bits of crap that sit dormant and then just start bugging you out left field… But thanks for the advice and to EVERYONE for bearing with me! Amusing side note – I watched animal planet the other day and there was this bit about the albatross and they showed it gliding along and strangely enough it made me think of PAUL! I think the visual of the magical way sea birds float will now always remind me of Paul! Funny the way the mind associates images.

I hope all of you are well, and not having too much drama in your lives currently, the gods KNOW I have more than enough for a small continent! I will have to eventually go through all these posts and catch up, but I’ll save that for later.

Gotta run!

Later everyone,
Charlie

Tequila4ever, please lurk to your hearts content and whenever you feel the urge to post do so, especially when you say such nice things!!

Dhiana, "eternally optimistic sh** I post, or cringing at the sexual innuendo" ....mmmmmmmmmm.....cant say I noticed :)!! But I'll keep on being me if you keep on being you! It is in fact a challenge to do so and oh so liberating!

I was nervous asking if any one had gripes because in all honesty I dont want to perform to any standard set out by anyone, this is a place for me (and you) to be free of expectations, shackles and dictionaries. I do at times feel I should post more often as I dont want you guys getting bored but it seems that most of you can take care of yourselves. It is interesting also to go back over some of the older posts and hey leave a comment - you never know who else has revisited with a new outlook or thought.

Natalie, welcome - it is good to know where and how we fit in the world - there is a line in one of my favourite poems the "Desiderata" it says - "do not compare yourself with others for you may become vain and bitter for always there are greater and lesser persons than yourself" well it goes something like that. To compare is to say you are better than some and worse than some - a negative viewing on oneself I think, but to simply acknowledge we all face challenges in our lives and to take strength from the human spirit to overcome those challenges is a positive thing. It proves we are all on an equal footing and opens us to being more compassionate to those around us. It is okay to feel good about how you are doing in the world, it is also okay to be reminded of how you are going by acknowleging those around you.

Texas I am glad you have not weened yourself off the board. I may not have responded often directly to anything you have posted but I have always enjoyed seeing your name and reading your posts, always enjoyed your contributions and thoughts.

I did for Pam as well. I cant help but wonder what else is going on for Pam that she feels so ignored. It is ironic that now she has got my full attention she has signed off.

Damaris, I didnt notice one spelling mistake! Mmmmm...that may or may not be a success! lol

Ah Damaris you posted while I was writing (and making coffee for my wife)so as you dont feel left out I am saying gidday now. I havent spoken to Rima for too long so I will touch base with her and see what the go is. Glad to hear you are recovered!! I love to go down the beach and watch the seaguls glide on the wind - any one see the movie Jonathon Livingston Seagull??? Great film although I was pretty young last time I watched it. The seaguls are very graceful fliers and I have often just sat and watched and flown with them. About being an albatross....?? I see it as a compliment, thank you.

It's crazy - here I am in Oz, an out of work actor not really feeling appreciated due to no work, frustrated by the lack of opportunities to practise my craft and worse no outlet to allow my creative juices to flow and yet two of my films have just shown over there. Weird, while I feel stifled people somewhere are being entertained my me and are having a laugh - it's crazy!

My appologies I meant to say...Ah Charlie you posted etc ... yes the above post was for Charlie .

scooza

When I read Pam's entry last night it made me very sad and --okay, now I need the dictionary, although a German-English one, thank God for online dictionaries :-) ... damn, that didn't help either--but somehow her post affected me a lot and made me wonder about expectations that I have, we have for our discussions, and then of course there is this new post up and running again. But being able to be myself and that you guys are (or at least seem to be) yourselves has been the greatest inspiration for me. Reading about a new way to look at a situation in something someone has posted here, the laughter I experience, the tears something triggers, it's been amazing how you all have touched my life and help me grow, and I really don't comment on all the things that shift something in me or impact me in some way from being here and in that sense I totally agree with what Paul said, that we do impact each other in many ways, even when we do not comment on it directly or personally to whoever impacted me/us.

Dhiana, I love your optimism and "your sexual innuendoes" if and when I pick up on them--okay, trying not to blush here--you usually make me laugh a lot, and how can I not thank you for that? Don't you dare stop being this funny. LOL :-)

Paul, the line you quoted from the "Desiderata" got me thinking just now again about my interactions with my colleagues about how much negative comparing I am still doing as I struggle through these conflicts with them. While I've managed to pull myself together and develop a thicker skin against their unfair criticisms and listen to their fair criticism, and am again in pretty high spirits these days, I also wonder if in some way I did not build up another wall in developing this protective thicker skin and am peeking out from behind there, comparing and particularly with one colleague, looking for her mistakes rather than the good things. Damn! Note to myself for work tomorrow: look for the good things and praise them for it and get off that high horse myself! and tear down that wall of looking for their mistakes! Damn, I hadn't noticed it until now as I type that I constructed this wall anew. :-( ... Will have to search for the "Desiderata" poem, since I've come accross it in references a few times, but I don't think I've read it in its entirety.

Texas, the image of the wrecked car is somewhat scary, but I think I know what you mean and see the humorous part in your statement, which is so often part of what you say.

Okay, I'm ready to head home and relax and finish my latest poem about my amazing friends. They made me laugh so hard this weekend and for my birthday surprise blind-folded me and took me to Glamour Shots for a photo-shoot. Being their with all of them was immensely fun, and exploring different sides of me/my personality with them there was hilarious. They put together two of the three outfits and most of the poses... I'm still laughing tears days later--and have some of my holiday gifts taken care off.

Take care all! Love & Blessings to all.
Evelyn

ps. Dhiana, what a beautiful dream and I think sometimes eyes really do communicate more than words, but I guess that wouldn't work on this site ... :-)

Yeah I'm back... just can't stop talking today.
Charlie, does that mean JACHO is on the way up to the central valley? I'm considering preparing to challenge the board for LVN. I'm not sure if I should. It's a stressfull job, but what isn't...
Back to the current subject. Sometimes it is good to not say anything. I like to watch people. It's difficult here because all you see are words. Many things are unspoken and you may have to read between the lines. I like to observe people's actions and try to understand them.
What's that saying, Silence is golden........
Oh...oh, okay I'll shut up now.

Hello Paul & everyone,

Thanks for the welcome! By the way, your 'Back of Beyond' movie was just on that Trio Channel (on satellite TV) again. The credits are rolling as I prepare this post & try to prepare dinner. As for work, you never know what's around the corner. I wish you the best.

For anyone to freely express their thoughts and feelings--be proud. Over the last year, Using email to express my thoughts & feelings about the NYC terror attacks has been (at times) more therapeutic than speaking directly w/ my family & friends.

Dhiana,
No harm in being optimistic!

Demaris,
"...So, I can understand when you have all of these people talking and asking one person to respond personally, it is impossible..." We must work at the same place! :)

Damaris, back again from home, but when I left work, the wheels were still spinning in my mind around the image you described with all the simultaneous voices, but perhaps the walk to my car through the cold clear air helped. I've very clearly shut out many voices in an attempt to desperately stay on top all my responsibilities at work, as well as private ones, but I did not listen and did not give the personal response to my co-worker that she clearly needed. We've forced the channels of communication open lately, but at times danced around the issues both being upset and hurt. When I read your post, something clicked in me that finally made me understand my own interactions as well as my colleague's actions that I can now see in a very different light. I just sent her an email and apologized to her (since this is the form of communication we have chosen at this time). So THANK YOU for sharing this part of your life, it helped me make sense of mine.

Now I also have to respond to something Inussqui said in the previous post, but I think I will post that there.

Upps, hit the post button too quickly. Welcome to Tequila4ever! Is there a story behind your name?

And Paul, I love the book/movie Johnathan Livingstone Seagull a lot, I re-read the book recently and I love the way seagulls are able to just let go and glide, but must have seen the movie many years ago. I think it's time for a re-viewing of the movie. Flying has always held an incredibly strong power over me, I wish I could at times just pick up and fly and in that sense let go and be free.

Hey Paul,

I happened to run across this board about a month ago. It just so happened that Strictly Ballroom was showing on the United States Dish Movie Channels about 3 times a week and I started searching the Internet to find other movies you had starred in. Strictly Ballroom is one of those movies - I have purchased the Red Curtain Strictly Ballroom DVD, the sound and picture are fantastic, and had to have the Soundtrack CD also.

Strictly Ballroom is a fantastic addition to my video library. It's impossible to stay in the dumps after watching this movie. It's interesting that Doris Day (she was really special to me in my younger days) sings the song "Perhaps."

Thank you for sharing your rants and raves. It's a great reminder that we all face some of the same problems in life (the names are just changed to protect the guilty). It seems that Life can be extremely complicated at times.

P.S. This is my first ever posting on an Internet Board. May you always find in life that which you need.

Thanks Ray and welcome. The "Perhaps" sequence in SB is actually my most favourite of all for me.

I've just read thru the previous thread and this one and I just don't get it. We can't possibly respond to everyone's comments and neither can we expect Paul to respond, but that doesn't mean we haven't read them, felt the pain, joy, excitement or whatever the writer is expressing. Not posting does not mean that we didn't respond, but maybe in some other aspect of our lives we did.

I spent a week traveling, with no access to a computer and did I ever have withdrawals. Last week when I got back to work everything was waiting for me to finish and so I only got to read the posts. Then as everything began to fall into place, my dad is hospitalized. Seems he now has congestive heart failure and diabetes to go along with the emphysema that he has had 2 years or more. As of this writing he is still in the hospital, on oxygen and diabetes meds and will probably go home sometime this week.

We (all the brothers and sisters and our kids) went to the hospital to see him Saturday and Sunday. (When mom called Friday night she really didn't think he would make it thru the weekend.) By Monday he was 10# lighter (fluid loss with meds) and felt much better, was off the monitor but will be on oxygen probably the rest of his life.

Now my problem: I am having a really difficult time sympathizing with this man. When he was diagnosed with the emphysema 2 years ago he was told to lose some of the excess weight. His mother and father both died of heart attacks so this runs in the family also. For 2 years he has done nothing but sit in his recliner and watch TV and complain about what he can't do anymore. Mom has tried to cook meals for him that would limit the fats and sweets and salt. But he has complained every step of the way. My sister and one brother is all gushy over his current situation and my youngest brother (who lives at home and runs the farm) and myself feel that he has brought this all on himself and there's not much we can do for him at this point.

I'm not writing this for a response from anyone in particular but as a means of venting. If anyone out there has an idea for me in dealing with this I would like to hear it. I will visit the folks when he comes home, just to support mom and my brother. I know dad will make their lives a living hell for the rest of his.

I am the oldest of the children, the one that can do nothing right in this man's eyes. I try very hard not to let his BS get to me and until this weekend had not been home since the 4th of July.

October is almost gone, and I'm looking forward to November. My son in NO is coming home for Thanksgiving so I have to get busy getting the house in order and deciding what we will do for the holidays.
I must apologize for the length of this tirade but I feel that I can let it all out with this group and be forgiven for the length and hopefully gain some insight from one of you.

Hugs All Around
Sherrlyn

PS: My thanks to Paul for having such a wonderful site to visit and vent. Love to all.

Hey, Evelyn!
Ok, my name is Margarita...like the drink :) Thanks again for the welcome!

Speaking of 'Strictly Ballroom' & Baz Luhrmann, I hope I to get tickets to his version of "La Boheme" that's supposed to open in NYC in a few weeks.

Hi everyone!

I have to say this, and it may sound a bit harsh: don't feel guilty about Pam.

I think it's fantastic when you guys reach out and help each other, and I never want to see that change. But to *expect* help on an internet bulletin board is inappropriate. She needs to be getting help in real life.

I say this because I've seen it over and over again on other boards. It happens a lot--people who need far more than internet friends can provide come in and demand that their needs be met. It just doesn't work, and it always, always ends badly.

I'm sorry for that, and I hope Pam gets the support she needs from the right sources.

Oh shoot! I meant to say something entirely different and got sidetracked.

Apparently there's been a little press, because we're getting a few more hits than usual, and they are from people typing in the URL (rather than searching for the site or coming from a link). Has anyone seen anything?

Hi Paul,

I just finished watching the DVD of "Strictly Ballroom", and decided to do a search for you on the net and found your site. First of all, you are such a marvelous dancer. During the dance sequence in the studio before Fran connects with your character for the first time, there were some moves where you just seemed to float in the air. I felt my heart expand and lighten as I watched you dance. Seeing your performance again was such a gift. Thank you so much.

I wish you well and hope that we will see you dancing again in North America soon.

Blessings,
Ross

I'm not sure who brought up Johnathan Livingston Seagull, but here is a little more info on other books by the author Richard Bach (who just happens to be my favorite author). The most famous besides Johnathan is A Bridge Across Forever. It is about how he met his wife but it has a very spiritual tone to it that is quite beautiful. The story is a little bizarre at times but to me, that is what makes it interesting. In fact, all of his books mix some fact based experience in his life with stong elements of The Universe, spirituality and the learning and growing process. He tells them in a format that reads like non fiction, yet he always states before each story that he makes no claim to their truth but that they are true to him. The book Nothing by Chance is one of my favorites because it explores the idea that nothing in your life ever happens by accident, good or bad. A truth that I strongly believe in. It's about choices not coincidences. Also Illusions is a very good book. It is a story of a modern day Messiah that comes in the form of a biplane pilot. The stories seem real because he tells them in the first person, like he has actually experienced these things he is writing about. It is the readers choice to believe or not. The reason I enjoy all of his books so much is because they are, in some ways, like this website. Throughout them there are insights and ideas that transcend the hum drum of everyday life. You know, spirituality, lifes journey and all the rest. Ideas and concepts that most people feel weird talking about because it has bears no relevence to whether or not they can make their car payment. And every time I read a book by Richard Bach (not to be confused with Steven King's line of Bachman books) I pick up or discover some truth about myself or the world and it seems to fit into my life somehow at the precise moment I needed it. If anyone out there reading this enjoyed Johnathan Livingston Seagull, I am sure they will enjoy any of the other books I have mentioned. They are interesting and insightful. Damn, you really do need a dictionary when writing these posts.

Sallie

In response to Pam and her feelings of reproach and resentment to those who paticipate on this website. Feeling lost and alone is something everyone goes through in life. Everyone from the most famous to the kid who always sat by himself at lunch in highschool. It's disparaging but not forlorn. Self reliance is a hard lesson to learn and one which most people continually strive for. In general, it is human nature to need a pat on the back or a "Good job" but in reality, putting your experiences out there should be for your benefit only. It's like when I say something funny, it's merely a bonus if someone else laughs because the only thing I care about is if I was amused. Not to say that I don't enjoy it if someone else finds it as humourous as I, but I don't require that to make me feel good. If you get a response, great, but if you don't that does not mean people aren't listening. It just means they are probably too wrapped up in their own lives to comment on someone elses and in that respect who really cares about a response from them anyway. If all you were looking for was validation of your feelings then maybe what you should be getting out of this is slightly offbase. I'm no phycologist, I just hate to think of someone getting their feelings hurt over this website. Don't give in to the whims of insecurity, its a lonley path to follow and is cause for much regret.

Sallie

HI! NATALIE---- I feel that way sometimes too, it's not that you take comfort in the misery of others, it's just that sometimes you're too preoccupied by your own problems, that it's hard to realize that there are people out there who are suffering more that you are. It's certainly nothing to feel bad about, it just that sometimes we forget. :)

_mushr ( a newbie)

Hello everyone,

Just got home from the night gig. Checking email and thought I’d check back the list since I was on anyways.

OK Paul, that’s the second time we’ve been online –on the site at the same time :O *cue Twilight Zone theme* tres bizarre. And yes please do take the albatross reference as a compliment, I didn’t mean it in the “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” way – it was more of a visual cue, “the magical way the seagulls hover on the breeze” (can’t remember your exact words) but the albatross that was on TV was cruising along on the breath of the gods, and that visual struck me and just reminded me of your words. So you can rest assured that it was a compliment – you dance the way the sea birds glide; magically, effortlessly captivating… I’ll always be reminded of you when I see seagulls or other sea birds dancing in the air currents.
And I actually really enjoyed Woop Woop, in fact knew most of the songs. I need to find that on dvd for my collection, I wonder if I'll have better luck than I did with Back of Beyond. I wish you (Paul) had residual rights or points on some of these movies. If you had a dime for everytime Strictly aired somewhere, you'd never have to worry about money and you could have your own production company actively developing projects FOR you. But it's this way for a reason, and we'll figure it out - eventually.

The “Perhaps” sequence is one of the sexiest moments ever caught on film in my opinion (gee and no one was naked) the raw emotion conveyed – amazing. Now THAT is acting, and what also completely convinces me that Paul could play this character of mine who is BAAAAAD to the bone, but completely sexy and irrisistable at the same time. The Perhaps sequence is also one of my favorite movie moments, it ranks right up there with “I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen” scene from Say Anything.

Sherrlyn,
Hey feel free to contact me off list if you’d like to talk, and/or want some advice/info or just to vent with someone who knows how you feel and what you are going though. I was the Original Coordinator for the Advanced Heart Failure Program (CHF/AHF) at the hospital I currently work in. So I dealt with transplant and CHF patients on a daily basis. Unfortunately your story is not unique (and sadly neither is your father’s). The diabetes is a common complication as it the diet/weight thing. So as not to bore/gross out everyone here with medical details… Contact me if you’d like. I’ll do what I can even if it is just empathize. My email addy is his_antarctica@yahoo.com

Damaris,
Personally I think JACHO is a SCAM! If your hospital’s accreditation has expired they will be on their way! We passed with a very high score for an institution of our size – and got a 3-year accreditation. Hmmmm, just like last time, and it will expire and we will jump through all these flaming hoops again in 3-years. Gotta keep that federal funding coming in… And if you do take your boards remember it is a labor of love, much like teaching; it’s a super important job, but they treat you like crap and try to pay you as little as possible and work you like a dog…

OK I guess I’ve goofed off enough – back to the writing. I guess this is what happens when I’m working on 3 projects at once. Rambling, but that is what Paul’s Corner is great for, there is always something going on here to distract. As much is it is Paul's - I think it is really cool that he shares it with us all. :D

Anyways I’ll try to check back tomorrow – but it is Halloween and I did promise the girls (my nieces) that I’d go trick or treating with them. They actually asked me if I was going to dress up like the “ballroom guy” – they associate that Perhaps song with me (to them it’s my song). I told them if anything I’d dress up like an actual grown up cause that is the scariest thing I can think of! Anyways, I’m working on the vampire manuscript right now so I better get back to it.

Peace be the journey all…

Damaris

-Umm I mean Charlie :P (BwahahahahahaHAHAHA! Just giving you shit Paul!)

Hello people!
Wow thanx for that warm welcome!!

Paul, I hope now (due to this thread of Pam's) that you wont feel obligated to answer EVERY SINGLE message in hopes of not having people feel left out. It will be exhausting. But thanks for my welcome anyway.

About what you said earlier on how you feel that someone is watching your movie and seeing your dancing now etc...

Well I gots news for you bro! We are doing Strictly Ballroom at my school RIGHT NOW for film study in english 1st language. Its my final year (Grade 12) and to mention even more (no pressure ;-) its the same film study that the whole province is doing right now for film study.

So when I write exam about you Paul on the 21 Nov, THINK OF ME!! LOL I doubt I have anything to worry about though, its gonna be an easy exam cause I just LOOVE the movie.

Hey Mushr! Welcome. Yeah glad someone feels the same. And its great to know that if you are on the lighter side of the world, here you can help someone out who isn't. :-)

Natz.

P.S. where's everyone from?? I'm in South Africa.

whew!!!! posts and more posts.....

charlie----keep posting.....funny and fast with the wit.....wonder if you talk like that? i'm a newbie so unfamiliar with your past rants/raves)

cat.....glad to see you posting again, it's been awhile....i'm heading over to your site to see what you've been up to....

okay gang - keep posting....there's some good reads here...

jonathan livingston seagull -- great book. so darn inspirational. i think my favorite book is the giving tree by shel silverstein. that book still gets the waterworks going.

p: no worries. i've never been any good at breaking a habit. i'm hooked on this cyber forum.

e: yeah, sometimes my visuals can be a little on the "um, gross" side of the literary spectrum, but i made my point, no?

happy halloween.

Hello all!

First time posting here, though i am totally hooked on the site since i found it a fortnight ago after - how original - first time seeing Strictly Ballroom. ("Dancing? Really? Um, I'll wait a decade.") Glad i finally watched the film - and LOVED IT - otherwise i would never have stumbled across you all and been so totally blown away! I have never eavesdropped on a more positive conversation - my mind has been buzzing for days, and i keep asking people about The Meaning Of Life And Other Big Questions, something I'd given up of late. As yet, most of them are still talking to me...

But to my point...I've loved Jonathan Livingston Seagull for years, and i wanted to ask - have any of you read the fab spoof/companion, Jonathan Livingston Trafalgar Square Pigeon (I kid you not) by David Lines? It's beyond hilarious and totally uplifting - instead of flying really fast this pigeon is ostracised for taking the London Underground. HIGHLY recommended to those with a perverse sense of humour:)

Happy wishes to you all..

Natalie,
Of all the places in the world I want to visit, South Africa is my first choice. Did you grow up there? Is it as beautiful as a have imagined? I don't know why but I have always had this overwhelming desire to go there. I've read several books about it and there is a movie called "The Power of One" that is good. It's another one of my favorites and it has a great soundtrack. That is what got me interested in african music. I'm from Missouri and it is really beautiful here with the drastic season changes, but I just always wanted to see Africa. Glad to meet you.

Sallie

Bluedog: sadly, nothing new at my site because I'm trying to move it to a new host and having tons of problems.

*cries*

I'll get it. I hope over the weekend. Know what's awful? Having tons of stuff to write about and not being able to post to your site!

Paul,

Have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN. (sound effect Ghoulish laugh)Howllll! Ha, Ha, ha ,ha.

Your fan,

Sara

PS: What do you do for halloween in Australia? i know that the seasons are different over there.

I have read most of Richard Bachs books and absolutely love them. Once read you carry them in your heart and soul drawing on them at all sorts of strange times.

Welcome all the newbies - Sallie , Lizzy and Ross.

Cat you can post here as much as you want till your new site gets up!! BTY hows married life going?? Also what do you mean press?? Having tons of stuff to write and know where to post is the same frustration I feel with having no outlet for my acting juices ARGH!

Got to go walk the dogs - it's a beautiful day today. I have really enjoyed the vibe on this post, thank you every one!

Ahh...married life. If only I knew. Hubby is still over there. We can't get a straight answer about immigration issues, so we're meeting with a lawyer next week. It will be nice to just let someone else do it--immigration is incredibly complicated! So I'm hoping to see him at the end of November, when he will move here for good.

What I mean by press is that some newspaper or magazine somewhere printed the words www.paulmercurio.net and people have been sitting down and typing it in to get here. No one in the guestbook has mentioned it, but it's obvious from the referral logs. More than 50 visits a day are coming in this way. I'm putting a note on the front page in hopes someone will tell us about it.

Paul: I have a lot of friends that do local plays--the rehearsals are generally in the evenings so it leaves the day free for other things. Have you thought about getting on stage to keep the saw sharpened? Hrm, of course if you were suddenly filming in Sydney that could upset a director.

Even though I wrote this poem for a very specific group of my friends and they have seen this in the meantime, I think a lot of it also applies to you, so I'm going to share it with you as well, since I think of you guys out there as my friends as well and in that sense it was also written for you. The underdog part in me of course has to preface this with "not great poetry, give me at least another 10 years or more" but it is definitely heart felt and I hope you will embrace it for that.

My Friends

people I love to hang out with
people who love
who care
who know where to get the best coffee in town
and go there with me
to chat
to exchange ideas
to relax

people who surprise me
and take me to Glamour Shots
for my birthday
to make me feel gorgeous
beautiful, sassy,
sexy
who explore different sides of me with me
who dress up for me
when I ask them to
and boy did we all look hot and gorgeous!!!

but most of all
they nurture my soul
laugh and cry with me
tell me when I’ve lost my marbles
yet make me feel okay about it
they listen when I need to vent
they tell me when I’m way off base
when I’ve succumbed to
self-pity
and
victimhood
and that I need to snap out of it

Inspiration, laughter, tears
gentleness, caring, correcting
honesty
and most of all fun
is what we share.

Welcome to all the newcomers and please consider yourself my friends as well if you wish, because your posts have already inspired me.

Nats, I'm German, but currently live in the US.
Texas, I do get the message of your images and I like them, particularly for their directness.
Charlie, how do you do it? You seem to work all day and then you manage to sit down and write, even though you must be exhausted. My creative juices are often dead and non-existent after a long and hectic day in the office and this just stalls my professional writing that I need to get done. What's your secret"
Cat, good luck and best wishes with getting hubby "through immigration" I've had my own fare share of problems with the US immigration at times, not for a hubby, just for myself so I hope all goes well and here's to a very happy reunion for you to. Picture me toasting you with a beer! Also good luck with the server space and moving your site, I've been there as well, but haven't posted there, maybe I should/will :-)

Happy thoughts and vibes to you all,
Evelyn

I really do get this site so much better now.

Paul, I have a much deeper appreciation for the type of corner you host here. It is very refreshing the way you are so connected.

Why haven't you contacted your old friend Baz? I can't imagine he would pass up an opportunity to put you in one of his projects.

By the way, was it my imagination or was your co-star from SB (Tara Morice)in the very beginning scene in Moulin Rouge?

I have caught the "Paul's Corner" bug. I find myself coming back more and more.

All the best

Michelle -Nova Scotia

Hey all,
Yeah, I like the vibe in this thread too! LOL its all homey and warm.

Sallie: South Africa is a beautiful place. I was born and lived in the capital, all my life. But above all, Cape Town is a dream come true. I'm moving there in exactly 12 months to further my studies at the university. Cape Town is probably the most beautiful place I've ever been to. (Oops, I've never benn outside of SA but still! LOL)

Well I gotta run off to get ready or I'll be late for school. And its halloween dress up day. oh joy. LOL :-I

See ya all laters!
Natz

Ah Michelle you hit a sore point regarding Baz. When he was developing and then casting Moulin Rouge I rang him several times (about 5 times) regarding the opportunity to audition for a role. He did not return my calls and his assistant treated me like an actor trying to get to the big boss in the hopes for getting a role - which I was, I just hoped that because of our past experience and freindship I may have got a phone call back. Yes it was Tara in Moulin Rouge and I guess that was the biggest role Baz could find for her. I see it as an insult but that is purely my (slightly bitter) feeling. I have never spoken to Tara about it.

Mmmm Cat I figured you were having a long distance marriage - damn the kids have hidden the dictionary!!! - No doubt you will have a great xmas together!!!! and New Year....and Valentines day.......and Easter.....and....

Is it our immigration or US immigration that you are having difficulties with? I am yet to find a theatre group here!! I have been looking for a good acting centre for classes and there is not one in Melbourne that I can find. And before anyone suggests I start one I am not qualified to do that! But perhaps I could start a workshop group and invite directors to workshop scenes????

I am so full of good ideas and ALL of them are works in progress. Not one of them is actually happened!!!! ARGHARGHARAGHARAGHARAHAR!!!!!!!!1111

Hi Paul,
I did not post here in a while but i kept reading most of the posts. Just wanted to let you know that you and the other people on the board are great and if and when i post anything i don't expect to get a personal comment...We post and share our thoughts because we feel comfortable doing so here.
Sorry to hear about Baz & Moulin Rouge, i personally think you could only contribute to the movie *smile*
As for me, i was busy with work, working in IT and dreaming about doing a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, which i will probably start next year (it's always been a dream).
Paul, i am about to get one or two of your earlier films later on this month, i'd like to hear which one is your favourite, if it's okay with you.

Take Care,
Olga.

Olga long time no hear. Happy to see your name on the board. One of my favourites is Red Ribbon Blues. One of my all time favourite movies is Eat Drink Man Woman. It saatisfies my craving for cooking shows and good nourishing story telling. Glad to hear you have been reading and getting something out of it all.

I liked Moulin Rouge, but Strictly Ballroom was by far a much better movie. It was much more bizzare and captivating. Best movie of all time: It's A Wonderful Life. Corny and overacted true but it still makes me cry every time I watch it. Something about being grateful for what you have no matter how little you feel makes it great. I think it would be hard to make it in the acting world. I've never been there but I do work with professional baseball players and it seems like as soon as they get a taste of fame, the first thing they do is treat everyone else like they're to good for them. Sorry to hear about "Baz" being such an ass, considering you were the one who made him famous. Anyway I had an excellent Halloween, hope everyone else did too. G-nite.

Sallie

it's so late here that you're gonna see me get all serious and stuff.

i was actually going to post to paul an addendum to my earlier one where i "tried" to use a bit of humor to talk about weaning myself away from the board. i did that in response more to pam's thoughts than my own. i said it in jest as i have grown fond of all of you, and, let's face it, when paul actually does respond, though we don't expect it, we (okay , I) get a thrill out of being able to correspond with someone who has touched me. yeah yeah, i told you i was gonna get mushy. even more unexpected than paul's replies, though, have honestly been your own. it really does my self esteem and my heart good when you guys find a nugget to latch on to in something i say. that's cool.

after reading further, i'd like to respond to the moulin rouge and baz comments briefly. i think, and i'm not trying to blow sunshine up your ass, paul, but maybe the reason you were disregarded in moulin rouge is because you were so successful in strictly ballroom. consider how the press would latch on to your involvement. it may have (it would have) distracted from those signed on. the pr factor would have been considerable at the least. with that said, it doesn't excuse the rude way in which it was handled. you derserved an honest call with honest answers straight away. a shame when talent like baz' gets all mucked up in hollywood burearcracy or just downright selfish insecurity, huh?

i am a bit out of the loop regarding the theater group, but good luck with that. i know that if you offered classes i would be one of the first to suggest that all posters interested sign up for a group trip. always bite off more than you can chew. most of the people serving try to intimidate with the size of the portions, but the knife and fork are in your hands.....did that metaphor make any sense? it's late and i'm reaching.

signing off texas' longest post ever --
texasjanet

Dear Paul,

When you told us how Baz Luhrmann completely brushed you off, I became almost livid, and at my age, it isn't good for my blood pressure!

I always thought that you should network and let people know that you are available. Well, it seems you have been doing that, but now I would suggest that you contact Tara Morice, for her partner, Craig Pearce, is the screenwriter for Jennifer Lopez's newest project, a film remake of the opera "Carmen". Maybe you could audition for that in the near future. In this world it's not what you know but who you know, unfortunately!

I think the reason that Tara had just a teeny cameo in "Moulin Rouge" was because in 2000 she was filming a family picture on the Gold Coast, called "Hildegarde" which has not been released anywhere! Since then, she had a successful run at the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, in the play "Spinning Into Butter" and got great reviews.

Call her, and tell her Grandma Mildred Levine from Florida suggested that she could help. She may hang up when she hears my name, but heck, that's networking! (My husband and I are perhaps her oldest (70 and 72) and most ardent fans and one must respect age, especially when we love you and her in "Strictly Ballroom", our favorite film in our lifetime...our favorite used to be "Gone With The Wind" but now you've seen how far we have gone in the ensuing years, and the great esteem in which we hold both of you.)

She, like you, are loving and gracious to your fans, and she answered personally the first fan letter I every wrote!

Good luck!

Love,

Grandma Mildred

Hmm, I was sorry to read Pam's post. In a way, I can identify with her. I used to frequent a forum on Delphi. Eventually, I gave them up, though not quite so dramatically. I guess I decided I didn't like what they had to say, although we had many common interests. The last straw for me also was no response to a post I had left. But, people are all different. This place just did not have what she was looking for, I guess. She really did not give it much of a chance since her first post was only a short time ago. Perhaps, like me, she will fish around and find a place that suits her better.

Paul, I can't beleive you post and respond as often as you do. I hope niether you nor anyone else here ever feels obligated to welcome or respond to me. I hate that "kiss noise" shit! In fact, that is probably the main reason I left Delphi. I am content to put in my two cents from time to time as well as collect, now and then, from all of you.

Wow!

This is such a remarkable site! I so would like to be a part of this. This isn't a 'oh thank you to my fans for all the support, blah blah blah' site, it's as someone mentioned, a personal journal that everyone can contribute to. I think that it takes a strong person to open up your thoughts to the world for comments. I admire you all.

KD

Wow!

This is such a unique site! This isn't one of those sites where a celeb would say oh that you for supporting me but not really meaning it. here I do beleif that you support one another and you really mean it. I think a person is very luck to have someone to go to with their problems. And I think it takes a strong person to put their deep thoughts out for the whole world to see and comment on.

KD

Sorry for the repeat, I'm having problems with my computer.

KD

Here is a list of things I'm grateful for:
The way a cool pillow feels on the back of my neck.
Catching a storm just as it's rolling in.
The rush of a cool wind on my face in in the spring.
The overwhelming excitement my dogs greet me with when I get home even if I've only been gone 10 minutes.
How unexpected adventures feel like I'm just experiencing the moment.
Warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
Being able to surpise kids at the ballgame by letting them sit in the front row even though they don't have tickets to be there.
Random acts of kindness.
Fast food after a long nite of drinking.
My dad for teaching me to enjoy life even when the people around you try to bring you down.
That first moment when I wake up before I start thinking about what I have to do that day.
A long hot bath.
My cat Bonti when she's giving my dog Gus kisses.
The excitement in a child's eyes on Christmas morning.
Being able to lay in my hammock on a fall afternoon with my cat Newman.
That feeling I get when I kiss someone that I really like for the first time.
How I can feel the electricity in the air during a lightning storm.
My dogs and cats.
Gambling.
Dancing.
Useless trivia.
How good it feels to help someone out when the really need it and expect nothing in return.
Frida Kahlo.
My wonderful little apartment.
Spending time with the people that I love.
Being lucky enough to have people in my life who have helped me unconditionally and have set such good examples on how to view the world.

Sallie

(Geez, a gal takes one stinkin' day off to get her kids ready for Halloween and the board get's 40 posts!)

Charlie! It is so good to hear from you! Knew you were still scrounging around that hospital, stealing t.p. upon which to write your next wonderful masterpiece!

Sherrlyn - he'll never change, so just be the best YOU that you can be, even if it means sucking it up so your family can do what they feel they need to do for him. Being the oldest--well, you put a lot of pressure and responsibility on yourself. I'm the baby, so have to scream and cry and fight to be heard/get my way, etc. The challenges suck, no matter what the birth order. (Incidentally, a music friend of mine is 13th out of 15 kids. ZOIKS!)

Paul - Ok, did you have to mention the "Perhaps" scene (the way your expression changes is INcredible) and then say "artistic juices" after that? (wink wink, nudge nudge) ;-) I know, I know. I should be tamed. Ptah! Doubtful...

The "Perhaps" scene is right up there with my all time fav...from "Somewhere in Time" when the music starts to swell (Rachmaninov's Variation on a Gavotte/Theme by Paganini)and Jane Seymour runs down the steps screaming "RICHARD!" and falls into Christopher Reeve's arms...SOB!!! (you KNEW I was a closet romantic, come on , fess up)The music just kills me everytime I hear it on the radio. I blubber for no apparent reason--to passers by--but I can just recall those feelings like they were my own. Now HOW do I market THAT talent, I ask you? ;-)

I had much more to say--but I have to change clothes to go out for an evening walk, and it freaking SNOWED today! Ya know what the best part about this board is? Starting to read a post and realizing you know who it's from before you go down to look at the name. I laughed with a girlfriend today, who just got all dolled up to go out on a date, and it totally reminded me of Evelyn's Glamour Shots friends. My glamour shots days are over, but I am glad for others who can and DO participate in letting friends make them feel the most desirable and acceptable thing possible.

Cat, omg, that totally sucks. And here I am whining that my husband wants to be gone for 14 days in January--to go to some swamp in Florida for a two week intensive course for his Conservation degree. What a baby I am! He'll appreciate my new take on things tonight. Maybe. I still haven't figured out how to manage child care and keep my job while he's gone--this damned trend of people moving all over the world as they see fit has ruined my babysitter options! (his sister used to sit for us and she just moved to--oh, Evelyn, don't slay me on the spelling--Bertchesgaden??? Oh well. Who needs this stinkin' job anyway? ;-) KIDDING!

Ok, as a BETTER means of measure, instead of asking where we are all from, ask us what kind of DOGS we own! Now THERE is a tell-tale characteristic finder!

Mama of 2 Newfies (WHY couldn't we be satisfied with just one????)
Dhiana
(in boring old New York state)

OK Dhiana - will ferrets do? No dogs or cats here at the moment just a little ferret named "GiGi". By the way -I'm in Maryland.

Wanda

First, it's been awhile. Had some crazy stuff going on in my life--mostly depressing crap. This is the last night of my well deserved one-week vacation. (It's amazing what a Bed and Breakfast which comes complete with a fireplace, king-size bed and jacuzzi can do to chase away one's sorrows. I missed you all and it's good to be back.

Sallie, that is one of the greatest lists ever. The more I read, the more I smiled. I needed that. Thanks.

Dhiana, you asked: one Old English Sheepdog (named Guiness) and one Cockatiel (named Foster). Now, I'm not sure if the animals I own say anything about me, but I'm thinkin' their names do (lol). Have a good weekend, all.

Paul
I just recently became a fan. I saw Strictly Ballroom on a Redeye from Los Angeles back to Atlanta back in 1993 I think it was then, at any rate, I remember I didn't think much of it. For one think I was over the wing and half asleep and couldn't understand the accent well. Jumping forward in time, I now have four kids and I don't work on one side of the US and travel back and forth. I take tap with my 9 year old son. Something I wanted to do as a kid but wasn't allowed to do. My parents religion restricted almost everything I could do. Anyway, we watched Bootmen and saw Adam Garcia. That inspired him to want to dance. It wasn't too "feminine." We started tapping. I remembered S.B. I bought it. We watched that and he loves it. I guess what I'm getting at is you and Adam Garcia have inspired the artistic side of my 9 year old. He's pursuing something and I'm so proud that he is and I'm not going to stand in his way. We enjoyed your performance in SB very much. I know it's just one movie. You've clearly done much more since then, but I wanted to thank you now for something you did back then. I'm greatful it was there. My oldest son suffers from Asperger syndrome Autism and just doesn't get dance. My youngest son wants to do whatever the 9 year old does (he's 4) and we have a 2 month old daughter she'll probably want to be a cowboy or something. Sorry for the long post. Thanks for doing what you do and what you have done.

Tim and Spencer

eat drink man woman, a film by ang lee right?
It's always on cable, but I always seem to manage to miss it, I saw pushing hands, and wedding banquet, by him also, (i think)... good films. I prefer independent films, rather than the big hollywood blockbusters that blow up in your face, they actually have a story line.
Speaking of foods in film, the first thing that comes to mind is Chocolat...
I've never been a chocoholic, but after seeing that film, I just had to have chocolates,
I have to say, I'll never look at chocolates the same way again!

Did anybody here go trick or treatin??? lol

-mushr

Geez, look at all the posts – maybe I should take breaks more often!

Bluedog – as a matter of fact (much to the chagrin of some) I do actually “talk like this” in real life.

Cat – If you two are already married why is there such a problem with immigration? I mean seriously I live in LA and I swear half the population here doesn’t even speak English, sometimes I wonder, do we even have an immigration policy! I have over the years thought about immigrating to another country, but immigration laws are so hard if you don’t have family or employer sponsorship. My favorite dream county to move to is Australia, mostly cause it is nice and UNDERPOPULATED, but the immigration laws there are pretty strict.

Evelyn- How do I do it? I don’t know. From the hospital to my friend’s business then whatever projects I’m working on before starting all over again in the morning. The real question for me is more how can I not. If I don’t write I’ll go absolutely crazy, my thoughts and stories would take over my mind. I’ve been an insomniac since I was five, I love to sleep but sometimes that pleasure just eludes me. Some of my most interesting/bizarre ramblings have come after 2-3 days without sleep, and some of the best stuff will come after 14 hours of straight REM. I’ve been published since I was 16 and I’ve never missed a deadline, I just can’t. What sort of professional writing do you do? I always had the hardest time doing technical writing, bores me to tears - but the pay rocks, and I usually remedy the “boredom” by procrastinating!

Dhianna – hey there – fortunately for the trees of the world I try to limit my hard copy scribblings; and most of my “work” is done on the shrinking gigs on computer hard drives and in PDFs in cyberspace. But yes rest assured that my creative work continues and someday I’d love to see Paul in one of my creations. As we all know already – he’d be wonderful… OK and as for the dog question… I’ve got three English Mastiffs (Aria 170#, Bugs 265#, and Kuma 245#) AND three Burmese cats (Kiki B 5#, Igor Monkey 13#, and Simon Kajoosta 10#) so how’s that for opposite ends of the size spectrum?! Hmmmmm I wonder what that says about me? What would the characteristic be?

Kay Lynne – Hey the names of your animals are interesting, we actually have Guinness on tap here in the house. Kuma and Igor were both almost named Guinness… My BF/husband actually prefers Old Australian Stout or VB to Fosters (since Fosters in the US is brewed in Canada by Molson I believe).

Anyhoo, I gotta get back to the musical thing, got a meeting regarding that Monday. So it has been moved up in priority. I'd love to sleep right now, but there's extra work to do and I can sleep for 14 hours next weekend.

Check in on you guys tomorrow...

Charlie

I just snuck out to the office to have a quick squiz at what is whirlwinding on the site but my 6 year old caught me and demanded I come in for cuddles!! Who am I to say no - am I stupid?? 30 minutes to bed time and cuddles are the best!!!

before I go - Knight, my dog - black belgian shepard, Lady, Andrea's dog, red/fawn cross german shepard Huskie, Mima - oldest cat belongs to Elise, Sabrina, black cat belongs to Emily, Chelsea youngest ginger cat belongs to Erin. Also when we bought this house we inherited about 60 gold fish in a pond out the front - as seen in my buddhist photo. MMMMmm kids still havent returned dictionary, at least that is my story!!

Night all!

ps some ducks have decide to bathe in the pond and we have noticed that there seem to be less fish?

Natalie: Thank you for the information. I'm sure some day I'll get there. How exciting you're moving away to go to school. It was a great experience for me and I hope it will be for you as well.

Dhiana: I have two beagle mixes, Lucy and Gus. I'm not sure if they are husband and wife or brother and sister but either way they love each other very much. Then I also have three cats, Bonti is yellow and white, Newman is a grey tabby and Kelly is grey. I accumulated all these guys when I worked as a vet tech several years ago. Everyone needs a home. Great names for your guys. Fosters is one of my more favorite beers. I ordered one on a first date with a guy once, instant respect. I guess he figured that any chick who can down a beer of that magnitude is not a woman to be triffled with.

Kay Lynne: I'm glad you enjoyed my post. Do you have a list of your own? Sorry to hear you've had some troubles and I agree with you about the Bed and Breakfast. Take care of yourself.

Sallie

Hello mates!

Well gee, I get here and people are mentioning chocolates and the "perhaps" secuence of S.B..... YUMMY!!! LOL

Dhiana, I gots 3 French Poodles (Cleo, Juliet and Nuska) 1 Chow (Sasha) 2 Dwarf Rabbits (Hot Chocolate and Cappuccino) and 1 Silky chicken (Amber)

Scary eh? ;-)

Natz

Hello, Paul and everyone,
I had to comment here; I am one of the people who reads far more often than I post, and love the interaction here between everyone.
I love SB, and I agree it is impossible for me to watch it, and be in a bad mood! So many scenes I just love...and you would be surprised how many people I have enticed into watching it,hehe.
"Just let me show you this one scene..., okay ,now one more quick one..."
One seducee said "Okay, I have to see them dance at the end now!" :)
Hate to bring up a sore point, but I noticed the DVD Baz trilogy is out; Paul, did that ever get straightened out? I remember the posts about using your image, etc, and hope compensation was made.
Take care,
Sally

Hey everybody,
I confess, this is my first time posting. Yes, I'm more of a reader than a wirter, but I have no gripes about the website. This is actually the best fansite I've ever seen! Thank you, Paul, for responding to your fans' messages.
:-) Megan

Sallie: I don't have a list of my own Guess I should come up with one some day. Mind if I borrow three-quarters of yours until I do? :-)

Paul: dumb question. Are those ducks migratory or do you think they've been won over by your charm and never leaving?

I know I stated in a previous post that I had just returned from a one-week vacation. Well, being the total workaholic I am, I decided to go into my office today to see what kind of damage there was. AGGHHH. I'm gonna need another vacation just to de-stress from what was left for me this past week. Somehow that doesn't seem fair, huh?

OK, before I go, I have a question for everyone. What do you all think is the sexiest film of all time? (You know, the kind that brings a faint flush to your cheeks watching it--no, porn doesn't count.)

Later, all.

Charlie, I'm just taking a brief brake from god awful job application related writing--what a fun weekend!!! but I guess it needs to be done, since I have deadlines mostly between now and Nov. 15. Otherwise most of my professionl writing is academic writing, big one right now is finishing up the dissertation, thank God I'm in the last chapter, which is the most fun for me which is about twisted medieval gender identities, but the requirements of academic writing as to how I have to write, kills me and takes the spark out of it, but I'm not complaining too loudly, since I chose that profession. There's always the option of changing the system ... :-) And at work in an academic office a lot of proposal writing, conference publication related things etc. pp. won't bore you with that, but I often find that at the end of the day, when I get home and want to do some of my own writing, I have no creative spark left in me and draw a blank, stare at the computer screen and if I'm lucky get a sentence into the document or perhaps a paragraph. And then occasionally I get those days, when I can write the draft of almost an entire chapter--those days I love, but I wish I could bring more consistency to my writing and just do it on a daily basis and it sounds as if you can do that and quite honestly, I envy that. Anything that falls under my "pleasure writing" umbrella category fares much better and I'm searching for the bridge that will link them both. An idea is shaping in my mind that is coming out of my research projects and will either turn into a theatre play or a novel or perhaps something different, but I really want to write this some day.

Dhiana, I know the place in Germany, not one of my favorite places from back home, too touristy and your spelling of it is close enough :-)

And to the pet question, I have a cat, called Freyja (named after the Nordic fertility and sexuality Goddess--former boyfriend named her, not me, but I love the sound of the name...), she's all black with bright green eyes and very tiny at 6 pounds full grown, and she loves to cuddle, but in the process I get totally soaked.

Kay Lynne, can't you just take some of the stuff that has piled up on your desk/in-tray and put it into someone elses?

Sallie, thank you for that wonderful list of yours!!!

Okay, back to pathetic job letter writing :-), so that I can be done with it and do something more pleasurable, like go see a movie with my friend Blythe, who's been bugging me all day and accused me of being too disciplined and concientious ...
Hope you all are having a great day!

ummmmmmm let's see - bluedog after my old (now deceased)faithful blue heeler..

cats - yep have them too....how many? well with no dog one tends to get cats....'specially if you're a sucker for a pretty face......

me too for sallie's list....good stuff....

do know that for ducks, fish are a preferred food

later

8-yr-old white german shepherd female named arrow (after the animated film "the point" with songs by harry nielsen. anyone remember "me and my arrow?") she is as wide as she is tall and has the best temperment i've ever seen in a dog.

i also, somehow, inherited an orange tabby named rex from a former neighbor. he's hip. so hip i call him t-rex. but i need to find him a home.

sexiest movie of all time? wow. there's a thinker. "9 1/2 weeks" is an easy answer. bogie and bacall in "to have and have not?" i'll think some more.

Gidday Deltalady and Megan S and Tim Hord.

I am very happy to hear that you and your son are dancing together Tim. It must be a lot of fun and even more fulfilling than words can say!

Kay Lynne, dont know about the ducks, they are wild ones and havent been around for a while but that may have more to do with the fish going deep than the ducks migrating.

Boy do we have a lot of pets or what? As much as I love mine they drive me nuts as well!!!

Wow! Lots of new folks. Hi and welcome to everybody. As for me I'm more of a reader than a poster but I absolutely adore the fact that this list and you people are here so I can view the world through different eyes. As for Pam, well, I always thought that all humans are pieces of the same jigsaw puzzle. You don't always fit with the pieces you are next to at a given time, but rest assured you do fit somewhere and you will find your place. Unfortunately some people don't understand this or they don't have the confidence to believe their "place" exists.
Paul (and everyone for that matter), change, don't change, post to everyone or don't. Be true to how you feel, that's all I would ever ask.
Dhiana, let me take this space to say I love your posts and am happy to read them all, even and maybe especially, when I don't respond. I have one Jack Russell Terrier, Dixie Chicken. She is a spoiled brat. I love her almost as dearly as I love my children.
KayLynne..your question is very difficult. I think
The Pillow Book, or Still Breathing. The "Perhaps" scene in SB is a killer one, and I must admit Knockaround Guys really warmed me up (not too shrouded sexual innuendo there Dhiana)even though there were no actual sex scenes in the film.
Ok..I'm awfully long winded today.

Lets see...I'm not sure if I can pinpoint which movie is the sexiest. Desperado is pretty sexy, with Antonio Banderas. For some reason I thought The Piano was pretty sexy, maybe more passionate than sexy. Harold and Maude is the best love story, but it's definately not sexy. I'm not a big fan of 9 1/2 weeks except when she shuts him out cause he's such a creep. Nonetheless, it's one of those movies you would pretty feel uncomfortable watching with your parents. And I liked the dance scene to Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps in Strictly Ballroom as well.

It was a sad weekend for me. We lost my brother's dog to kidney failure. He was such a sweet little boy and he got so sick. It was heartbreaking. But I'm sure my dad is showing him the ropes up there which means he's probably having a great time. So everybody give their babies a kiss tonight and appreciate them. And Kay Lynne your more than welcome to use my list as long as you want, in fact I suggest you use the long hot bath one every nite when you get home from work. It's a great stress reliever. Dim the lights, put out a few candles, lock the door and you'll feel better in no time. Good nite one and all.

Sallie

sallie: harold and maude is one of my favorite all time movies ever. my mom was the influence there, and aside from getting teary-eyed every time, i discover something new in the characters and myself...especially if i go a few years between viewings. so glad you brought it up.

reading paul's post about getting sidetracked cuddling with his kid, and, for that matter, all posts by you loving parents, it defintely makes me wonder if one day that will be in the cards for me. if not, it is sooooo great to know you guys are out there. i've always felt that being a parent is a privilege not a right, and this board has been blessed.

Hello all - man you guys are busy...

Sexy films...hm. Easy to think of moments in movies, but not entire films. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof comes to mind; Paul Newman, Liz Taylor, and that big unslept-in bed... Those who like Tennesse Williams usually hate it, and there's a lot more going on in the film than just their relationship. But the final scene, as Paul Newman tells her 'Lock the door.' - gets me every time. The English Patient has its moments too - the bath, the corridor - , but for me they are undone by the ending. (He leaves her in a cave! He fights with the Nazi guard and gets himself arrested! Prat.)

Sallie - sorry to hear about your sad weekend. The cat I'd had since i was a kid died last year, and it was awful, watching him get sick. Thinking of you and your brother.

Texas's post's just appeared above: couldn't agree more about you parents. It's so obvious from the way you all talk about your children, how much you love them, that you are all great parents, something not only important but rare. Growing up through truckloads of teenage angst i thought my parents' mission in life was to humiliate their children. It was only when i moved away to college, made friends with people i would never otherwise have met, that i began to appreciate them - that they're still together, that they love each other, that they love all their kids, that my home was never violent, or drunk, or abusive. I have friends now who've been through all of that, some still hurt and others now have good relationships with their families, but all have been shaped by their experiences. It's such a huge responsibility to be a parent, to help shape another person, too hard for me i think, i haven't the patience. But then, i am 22. There's time:-) Congrats to you all for managing it with not only patience, but humour and, above all, love.

Kind days and happiness to you all.

Hi everyone

Glad to be back! Had a great holiday and brown as a berry!
My, everyone’s been busy!
Watch out for the RSI

This is a quick scribble so apologies up front for ALL spellings, inaccuracies and especially tactlessness

Paul, everyone seems to love Sallie’s list of things to be grateful for (myself included) Why don’t you start a new post on this theme, so everyone can add their own favourites?

Sexiest film? SB/Perhaps of course.
Sea of Love with Al Pacino & Ellen Barkin.
The Big Easy with Dennis Quaid & Ellen Barkin.
Also incredibly fond of Groundhog Day. I just think it’s a perfect script.
Not very sex tho.

Sallie/ Texas – I just love Harold and Maude too. Don’t get to see it much but it’s a great story

Jonathon Livingstone Seagull. Read it . Forgot it. Thought it was a bit “cute”. What did I miss ??? Feel free to put me straight!
Lizzie, I’ll look out for the David Lines version. Amazon doesn’t seem to have heard of it.

Oh, and I’m from Brighton, England. Its just like Sydney, only colder. With worse beaches. And better pubs (ha!)

Lots of love
Lesley
x

ahem.... um.... well.....

Ok, I came to this site maybe a bit of a sceptic. But I must say, with the charm of Paul and the charm of his most amiable fans, I have truely enjoyed coming back to read all the posts.

As far as Baz is concerned, it's really a shame. You will get your proper due in the business one day Paul, and when you do, I wouldn't be surprised at the amount of crow folks like him will be eating.

I would imagine playing the Hollywood game living in Australia is a bit hard. I understand your desire for living away from Hollywood for the family's sake. I used to live right outside of LA in Simi Valley. It was voted #1 safest place to live in US for a few years. So there are some decent places to raise kids out there. I have some family that are in the business and I know how quick success can come and go. My Uncle (actually my father's cousin) has done it all: actor, casting director, agent, now he is a director at a theatre in LA. I know you have just moved recently (I made good on your suggestion to read your past posts!)but if you ever decide to make a go of it in LA, and want some advice about decent places to live I might be able to to help.

Thanks for a great site. Thanks for the tone you've set here. And thanks for being such a cool guy.

Michelle - Nova Scotia

Hello again to you all and greetings to those newly joining the site. I've been checking in often, but for various reasons haven't posted in weeks. You have all been busy little beavers here. I feel badly for Pam and hope she'll return. She may, as Cat suggested, benefit by some counselling, but she could have been going through a temporary problem. Anyway, Paul, I think you responded with the kind of compassion that keeps us all coming back for these exchanges. I've missed you all.

As for me, I've been busy, sick, frustrated, angry, depressed and tired. For some reason or other, the overcast skies in Southern California have gotten me down. I didn't think I'd lapse into that seasonal depression thing, so I'm sort of surprised by my reaction to the weather and the time change. I think my biggest personal challenge has been cleaning out the clutter thoughout my house. The more physical rubble I try to remove, the more the mental clutter asserts itself.

Of the larger issues, I was really saddened when one of my favorite U.S. Senators, Paul Wellstone, died in a plane crash. And I'm really worried about tomorrow's elections. I was out walking flyers for a friend who is running for a local water board and with every step, I kept praying for a good outcome at all levels.

I did see a cute sign today on someone's front door. "Home to two spoiled cats." Weeeelllllll..... I've got two dogs: Stella, a 4-year-old black lab, so named because her name is good to yell; Tucker, a 5-year-old Newfie/Chow/Chocolate Lab/Australian Sheep Dog (take your pick), a gorgeous shaggy mutt (sort of like my ancestry), so named because we thought he'd be as big as the 40s car of the same name; Midnight is Geoff's black cat, Rosey is Jacob's tabby cat; Wheezy and Tarzan are our pet rats; Fluffy is Jacob's Beta Fish. Thanks for asking.

Loved the "Perhaps" number. Gotta think about that sexy movie. Dhiana, yo da goddess!!! I enjoy all the posts here, but you always kind of give me a shot in the arm. I have more to say, but I have another thousand things to do before bed tonight — help kids with homework, take kids to Scouts, call friends about election insights, feed the animals, walk dogs, etc.

Night, all!

Diane

Hey. It's funny, the way things happen sometimes. Sometimes you're just sitting, uninspired, thinking to yourself how ordinary the world is at that moment and wishing for something more. Then, a week later, or maybe a year later, something happens, and you think to yourself 'I wonder if someone was listening to me that day. . .?. . .'
I was having one of those days last weekend. Biting my nails was interesting enough, but boredom had lost my concentration so completely. I was ready to scream but couldn't muster up the willpower to achieve the correct vollume. Ever had one of those days?
So I switched on the TV and layed down the book I'd been torturing, and of course, among the first 4 channels I glanced at, and in my present mood, there was absolutely nothing to watch. So I switched on the TV Guide channel. Right as I looked up I saw something that immediately brought my body up, hands out of my teeth, and restored my heart to it's normal beat. BRAVO, that lovely channel that feeds my ever fickle love for the independant film, was showing Strickly Ballroom. 'Oh OHH OH OH!!' I yelled silently and quickly switched the channel over to beloved 59. SB was a movie that I'd wanted to see for a long time, but simply hadn't because. . . . . because I hadn't. There was always something that took precedent. And here it was on TV, and I didn't even have to fork out the four dollars to rent it. Not even to mention that at that particular time I couldn't walk into a Blockbuster Video without being strip searched, being a wanted indebt woman and all. . . :D
So I began to watch the film, all the while opening my mouth every few moments like a fish needing the air so badly if only to tell someone who wasn't there about how wonderful life was. Sadly, there was no one there to share my excitement, and too bad for that.
Skip up to now. I'm at work, supposed to be checking my Yahoo Groups, ignoring a friend who is probably wondering where I am, since I'm not yet logged on to chat, and it IS getting rather late. And yet here I am. And why? Because I've not been able to get you out of my mind. I first saw you on that TV screen and said to myself 'I had no idea Baz had such great taste. I thought he was simply the finder of good fortune in snaring Ewan Mcgregor for Moulin Rouge. If I'd known about this, I'd have forked over the four bucks a long time ago! WHY didn't anyone tell me?'
I'm here because I did a search for SB, then a search for your name, not coming up with anything associated directly with you. I've not read all the posts, I'm afraid I don't have the time for that. But I've read a few. That gal, Pam? I think there might be something else going on there, first of all. And second, I've been a fan of yours for *counts*. . . . a week and a day. . . . LMAO!!! . . . . Do you have any idea what a gift it is to write something to a celebrity and KNOW that they'll read it? Do you realize how rare that is? It seems like I should just be thankful for that, and not wish for anything more, cause what could ever top that? I'd like to thank you for having this online journal, or discussion, or group, or whatever label you might choose to put on it. I'm bookmarking it right n. . .ok I did it thirty minutes ago, I lied, but hey. . . :D
Alright, now comes the really mooshy part. I know you've felt it, like a tidal wave coming and feeling the wind before the water reaches you. But I simply must, so be forewarned. If it's too much, just put on your windbreaker and life preserver, and everything will blow over!
I feel it when you dance. I feel it as if you are me. I can't take my eyes off of you. Even when you're not in the scene, my eyes are drifting, searching for a glimpse. I don't know what actors or dancers think. I doubt they trully understand what the viewer goes through when watching them. How can they? It's like falling in love, finding that you've grown wings and taking that first flight. It spurns the imagination, creates dreams, arouses desires that never knew they could be. I think you are breathtakingly beautiful, and now, after reading some of your posts on here, I know you are.
I'm also aware that you have a wife and children. I don't mean for this post to be an infringement or an aggressive attack. I'm using this board to tell you that what you've done, and continue to do, touches people. Touches this person. And it's lovely to be able to tell you so. There is nothing better than a beautiful man with an artistic talent. It's like watching heaven raining down. You are a gift to me just by being alive.
*sigh*. . .I've gone overboard, it was bound to happen! But. . . . *sigh*. . . I'm not touching that menacing delete button staring at me down thar! LOL. I look forward to seeing your other work, by the way. And regarding your feeling bad and being out of work. . . . .good luck is all I can really say. I hope that you find a project that is worthwhile and makes you happy. I'll be visiting here often now that I've found it. . . .so . . . .see ya around. . . . . . you know that whole 'spelling' issue???? I'm the worlds worst speller, so beware!

chelsey,
p.s. I will be scanning through old posts on here, if only for the poetry. Beautiful stuff people! Maybe one day I'll contribute something. . .I write poetry too. . .all the time! :D
bye

Hi, it's me again. This is bad form, I know, and I should have read up until the end before posting before. . .but that's me I guess.
So I read about Baz and stuff. That must have been horribly frustrating to you to not even get a response. Had you had correspondance with him alot since SB? I like to find the good rather than look to the bad. . .there's sometimes reasons for things that we can't see. I feel like a jerk for mentioning MR up there now, however I still love the film and it's still my favorite movie of all time. But I can understand your anger. I have this friend (the one I said would be wondering about now where I am and why I'm not chatting with her) and she gives me mixed signals alot. Sometimes it seems like she's just done with me, like she's got no more use for me. And other times she's pooring out her affection and calling me her best friend. It can be confusing. I have another really good friend who I've known forever, and I tell her sometimes about the problems with this other girl. She tells me to quit worrying, that I'm being overly sensetive and whotnot, and she's been right everytime so far. This other friend is just very moody, and sometimes lines get crossed, and misunderstandings happen. I guess what I'm getting to, is try to give Baz the benefit of the doubt. And also, feel free to kick me if I'm way out of line, as I suspect I may be! We could get into a kicking fight! :O might be kinda fun? hehe. . . . anyway, I wish for the best and hope everything turns out good.

Chelsey, thank you thank you thank you. Made me blush and all!! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to have moved people through SB. It represents for me a life time of dance training and performance and perhaps perhaps perhaps a lovely connection to the spirit of dance and all that is embraced by living a life not in fear but in joy and abandonment. Maybe that is my life lesson.

Your post has caught me at a time where I am feeling a little frustrated by my chosen career path and I am blessed to be given such a warm and honest regard. It is often hard to accept a gift without refuting worthiness but I gladly accept yours and know it is given with a sincerity that is truly heart warming.

Thanks once again and welcome to the forum.

Well, I finally read this thread. I'm so glad that people are telling Paul how his dancing and acting affected them. That has to be encouraging.

And the Baz thing: I certainly wouldn't burn that bridge. Some peole just avoid anything that even seems like conflict. He should have talked to you personaly, but it was easier not to. He probably already had the parts filled and as one person pointed out, you would have inevitable, yet unintentionally, stolen the show.

I loved Strictly Ballroom sooo much. I love dancing, but I i don't know if I'll ever be good enough..

This is a great site to visit. I'll be back to read more! Will post when I have something intelligent (hopefully) to add.