Paul's Corner

I really don't like being the first to respond, but I guess it's the time difference between here and nearly everywhere else!

1. I blog because I like it. I like it because it is interesting and gives me contact with the outside world. I only blog on this site. I only blog while I am at work. It gives me a mental break. I often work very long hours and I mostly work on my own. It's not so much that I get lonely, because I don't really get lonely like the majority do. It's a legacy of (my) life, and it's fine. Being here is something of an interest in something real. It's very often inspiring, and consoling in many different ways.
It's also given me a great opportunity to tell just a little about myself, and hopefully share the experiences in a constructive way.
I enjoy the company of the rich variety of incredibly nice people.
I learn from hearing about other real people.
It also gives me the opporunity to ramble.
It's not terribly disruptive because I can type reasonably quickly.

2. My wife does not know that I blog (shock, horror). I don't normally keep ANY secrets from her, but have just not chosen to tell her. I don't expect her to tell me about all the conversations SHE has at work. She is very much more private about her self and her thoughts than I am. She wouldn't understand it.
I really don't care if (some) people think badly of me or what I have to say, so there's no real impact. I just see this as talking to my friends at work.

When I sense that people don't want me to be here, then I will leave. It's very important to me that I have no adverse impact on anyone during my journey through life. Perhaps not totally achievable, but a worthy goal nonetheless.
I just thought I'd throw that last bit in.

Cheers all.

Help, Paul, help, Peter!!!! (Hope you're having a good evening.)

Excuse me for my ignorance, but what the h--- is
"blog, blogging, to blog" mates, dear????

It ain't in my Webster's dictionary. I am sure it is pure Aussie...well, you know what I think about anything Aussie, so clue me in!

(Maybe I'm blogging right now, and don't know it!)

Your loving and thorougly confused,

Grandma Mil

Dear Momma Mil:
"Blog" stands for web log, you know, like logging onto this site and leaving a message.

I blog therefore I am...

According to Peter, I would say everyone in the Corner is a blogger! My partner finds it amusing that I blog. Before this I found Paul's site, I seldom blogged.

Linda

I blog because it is wonderful here and I have met many friends here with whom I can blog. As I don't have a partner who can say anything about me blogging i suppose it is irrelevant to me. However, my parents...don't give a hoot. They don't mind at all, as long as it's constructive I guess and the people i meet are kind. :)

Hey Peter, Layla and Linda! *hugs*

Peter, been attending anymore highlander festivals?hehe. Eating more haggis? Yuck.

And my Grandma!!! How are you Mil? Well I hope! I love Cassablanca! Just thought i'd tell you! My mum bought me Gone with the Wind the book yesterday so I'm excited about reading that!

Anyway I'm off out for a hot chocolate with my friend.

Love to you all!
Hannah*
xxxxxx

P.S How are you Paul? Good I hope!

Peter, good answer and I hope that you will always feel welcome and wanted here. As for adverse impacts - I believe only I can adversely impact myself if I choose - it's like trying to go through life without hurting anyone. I never intend to hurt but sometimes the breath I take to live upon is felt as a harsh judgement on another. Going through life with dignity and integrity seem to be keys and goals of mine.

It's time for bed and sometimes I stay up and blog and then some one gets annoyed I stay out too late instead of snuggling up in bed. Good idea to blog at work. I have been doing that but I dont think the boss likes it 100%

I am well Thank you Hannah!

Hello all you bloggers!! Say hi to your new kitty...Kat. (groan)
1. I blog because it's fun, it's interesting and I don't have to spend all my money on drinks to get some good conversation.
2. My husbands knows I blog, sometimes he is right over my shoulder and we have our own discussions about some of the topics.

Well late for work again.
Innussiq

Thanks, Peter, Paul...looks like I've been blogging all over the place! I have met such wonderful young people on The Corner, (Thanks, Paul, thanks Cat) and don't make any wise cracks about being "young" you guys!

If you're under 65, you're "young" in my book! Anyone above that is "senior." The "O" word is not in my vocabulary!

This blogging among us has been absolutely heartwarming, invigorating, educational, and so unusual, that if you try to explain the circumstances, people are very surprised and actually amazed!

Have a wonderful day, everyone, and keep blogging!

Your eldest Blogette,

Grandma Mil

Please do not PUBLISH THIS.

It is for PAUL MERCURIO ONLY

Paul, we are great fans of Strictly Ballroom.

Would you come and be a guest at a charity screening of STRICTLY BALLROOM for the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland in Rockhampton?

The Manderson Dance Centre is directly across the road from where we will be screening the film - they are Dancesport teachers and dancers.

If you would be interested please email:
jwebb@vtown.com.au and I will give you the details.

Thank you

Julianne
AQA Co-ordinator
Cerbral Palsy League of Queensland
90 Jardine Street
Rockhampton 4700
Ph 4927 5655

1) I read other people's blogs mostly to find out what's going on in their life. I recently got married, and it seems that so much of my life has been flying by and I haven't really had a lot of contact with my friends during that time. Most of my close friends blog, so I can jump on their blog and find out what they've been doing.

I keep a rather rudimentary blog because I've always had a journal, and it feels good to log my daily events.

I have bookmarked a collection of blogs that I've stumbled across in the past year or so. These strangers have been telling a compelling story, in my eyes, and I enjoy seeing how their life is playing out. One is a 19-year old mother whose husband basically abandoned her. One is a 56-year old grandmother who talks about her best friend and her mother dying and her low-carb diet and her granddaughter. Another is a 28-year old single woman, very Bridget Jones-esque. They are all interesting, and have become part of my life in a very simple but engaging way.

I come here, to Paul's blog, because I'm a fan of Paul's and enjoy reading his comments and perspectives on things. I think reading Paul's blogs, as well as my friend's blogs, helps me to realize that I am not the only one who struggles, but that everyone has highs and lows and life is still good.

2) My husband is very active in Bulletin Boards, so he understands my blogging. It's the same ... but different. To me, blogging is more personal than BB'ing (for lack of a better term), but it's still keeping track of friends and acquaintences.

1. It's fun; I love haning out with all you wonderful people on this corner; it is inspiring to hear what you all have to say, think, do; I learn a lot; you enrich my life immensely; you support, motivate, cause laughter, challenge; expose me to new thoughts and ideas that I otherwise might not have encountered (or not at this time in my life); you allow me to be me and explore me and are part of that process as well; you allow me glimpses into yourselves; Paul teases me for being a beer waster (by all means, tease away, I think it's funny and it cracks me up, usually when I need it most.. =) thus don't stop); I've met incredible people here and made wonderful new friends; the honesty and respect on this corner is absolutely refreshing, mind boggling and wonderful--very attractive...

2. N/A as I'm currently about as single as you can be (and I don't mind it one bit!!!) Told Mum about you all the other day and how I adopted myself a new grandma and sister and she just gave me that look "What the hell happened to you and what have you done to my daughter?" as a non-internet user she doesn't get it, but that's okay, didn't expect her to either.

Thank you all again for your congratulations, but pat yourselves on the back too, you helped me a lot in getting there as well. THANK YOU!!! and Linda I'm all in favor of this web graduation party idea that you suggest, but even better, come here and we'll have a real party, that is all of you!!!

Back to work, have precisely 5 minutes to prep for a staff meeting I didn't know I was in charge off. Love the winging part ...

Evelyn

Ps. Peter, I want to see a picture of you in your red pants!!! Totally cool! and thanks for the image of the headless faculty member. I wish I had read that before this awful meeting with her. Will keep it in mind now, as she seems bent on giving me hell all week until the exam...Professional arrogance, laziness and her own agenda is what's behind this and then she accused me of not kissing up enough to her, which is something I don't do anway. ARGHHH! Still smiling though!

1) Although I don't write very often lately (did so in the e-group about a year ago when Paul's Corner did not yet exist), I come here frequently and it's mostly after work when I'm tired and do not want to talk to anybody for a few moments. It's to find out about what's going on with my favourite actor/dancer and his fans. :-)
It all started when I began to recover from the trauma of my panic attacks and tried to find a new way to get in touch with other people (without necessarily having to leave my home, haha).
And last but not least it's an interesting way to learn more about written and "spoken" English - hey, there are still so many things I'll have to find out.

2) My husband knows that I'm blogging but he doesn't mind because he usually comes home later from work than I do and at that time I'm already offline again.

Paul, apart from Eat Drink Man Woman - do you have other favourites?

Have a great day all!

Hannah,
I went to a couple of Brigadoon festivals about ten years ago, when my wife was volunteering on a stall. There's no way that I'd touch a haggas. Bleccchhh.
My own cultural foodstuffs would probably be fish, olives, tomatoes and chilies. At least that's what I'm told they eat a lot of in Dalmatia, though I've never been there.
The Mediterranean style diet is a very healthy one.

Evelyn,
YOU did the work. YOU deserve the rewards.
I'm afraid I can't furnish a picture of the red pants - I don't have one.
Seeing people with your own personal imagery can put a very different perspective on things. Hang in there.

Paul,
Thankyou for the welcome. Some small things can be of huge value.
I agree with and respect your ideals of integrity and dignity. My expectations of myself are sometimes just a little too high.
I'm lucky that I can blog at work. I run my own show, so it's easy.
You have an understanding wife!

1. To meet people I would probably never get the chance to meet in real life and in the process see the world from a new perspective. It is a wonderful moment when you find people who share your feelings about a movie or an actor. It is quite a profound moment when you find friends who share beliefs that aren't quite what the neighborhood has to offer. Makes you aware of what an awesome place this universe is and that there is hope for it's future after all.
2. My husband wants me to be happy. That is the foundation of our marriage. We both realize that being happy and whole as individuals makes for a much stronger, satisfying relationship. He asks about you guys when he sees me on the computer, he thinks its cool that we enjoy each other. I have another message board that I have been part of for eight years, where I've also met some great friends. I do try to blog when Mike is at work or busy with something so that we can spend time together in the evening. He's my best bud.

Peter, you're up way too early! Not getting enough sleep can cause that whole "flat out" existence. Wouldn't want you going reptilian on us! Take care my friend.

Love from Chicago,
Michelle

Hmm...I'm trying to find a good way to say this, because this is a wonderful community...but I'm not comfortable with this extension of the definition of "blogger". Blogging is something you do on your own site. What we all do here on the Corner is participate in the community that has arisen.

A good definition of a blog is: your personal site, where you post whatever you like, and it's organized by date. The first blogs were a place for webgeeks to keep links and share them with friends. Soon after, more personal entries became the norm. After 9/11, there was a huge influx of bloggers--many people think this is where it started, even though it was going for years before. These last folks are mostly political. So there's blogging in a nutshell.

I blog because it's the personal component of the thing I'm driven to do: make websites. My blog is like a painter doing the occasional self-portrait.

My spouse was reading my blog long before we met, and he got to know me better by trawling through my archives.

I hope this wasn't harsh--what we all have here is something very special. But Paul is the blogger (and the few others who have sites), and we are his devoted readers.

Tim, I wanted to respond to your post in the last thread, so I will teeter out to the edge of the limb and just spit it out. Get out of that house. I know you're waiting for the London thing to come through, but you're bleeding NOW. Is there a friend you can move in with for a while?
Is there ANY chance your wife will start respecting you or your feelings? Is there any possibility of a future with her where you are allowed to be you and loved for being just who you are?
Maybe someone already said this, I can't remember, but you know when you fly and they tell you "in case of a loss of air pressure blah, blah, blah, put YOUR mask on and then help your children with theirs"? Wouldn't a few hours of shit-free, dogma-free time with you a week be MUCH better than the time they are spending seeing you and their mother interacting negatively and you struggling just to get through the day? They are aware of so much more than you know. Again, if you were physically wounded or sick you would not wait for the "right time" to make it better, you would take care of yourself at once.
You keep making references to killing yourself and it scares the shit out of me. PLEASE make the changes necessary to start living. Don't wait for an opportunity, make your own. Make a life for yourself, one where you can be just who you are, and then share THAT with your kids. They will benefit greatly from your time together, and you will show them a wonderful example of what a life outside their mother's jurisdiction can be.
Do it for yourself and for them as well. If you leave them permanently they will never see that there is more to this world than what their mother shows them. Go out there and find what's waiting for you, and then share it with them.

I'm sorry for being so blunt, but I had to say something. I have been divorced. I have been depressed. I have watched someone I love lose their grip on reality and be hospitalized because their mental illness wasn't treated properly. I have made many mistakes (some big ones), and I've taken lots of chances. My experience tells me that when something continually makes you feel bad, change it. Do not sacrifice yourself for financial problems or for misplaced guilt regarding your children. Take a chance. Make a move. Shit or get off the pot. JUST DO IT. It is out there waiting for you.

In love,
Michelle/Chicago

I dont blog very often, kind of shy, but I see where Michelle is coming from, I am also divorced and went through depression etc.... I looked in a mirror one day and realized that my hands are my lottery ticket and it is me who can make my life better. I made my life better and daughter is one very happy child. I went back to school and got my bachelors in sciences, joined the fencing team, started painting again etc...As I improve myself my daughter blossoms more:)
You will figure it out.
Mercedes

ps blogged again :)

Cat, thank you for setting it straight. I was aware that my question was inaccurate and I could have given it more thought but I geuss I was asking because I am interested in why I blog and so I phrased it such.

Now I will go back and read the responses instead of jumping around.

1. I blog/read because it gives me a sense of comfort. It is nice to know that there is a place I can go to and discuss whatever is on my mind. This site is sort of like therapy. It makes me feel so much better to let my feelings out. I receive such good advice on this site. I am often intrigued and motivated by the stories of others here. Other people at my school don't talk about the things that we talk about on this site. If I try to start a conversation about life or some deep thought at school, people become bored or they don't know how to respond. They don't like digging deep into their souls.

2. I don't have a partner because I am only 14. My family and friends don't know that I go here. Nobody knows except for you guys and me. I feel like this is a place that I can escape to and I don't want my friends or family intruding.

Best Wishes from Wisconsin,
Jenny

Now that I have time to be less cheeky in an existential manner- and having given some thought to Paul's provocative question- I think I blog because on 911 I was in Manhattan -where i live without any of my loved ones. My dad was suppose to be right downtown in the thick of things and my boyfriend should have been on the Boston flight. It was the loneliest day of my life. When Manhattan was closed down and you couldn't get in or out- I was filled with panic and despair. It took me hours to find out if all my people were ok. Fortunately no direct tragedy befell my people- but i still live in fear of one day finding out that someone I went to High School with or Summer Camp was killed. I remember the days following-seeing dump trucks filled with rubble and remains driving up the Westside highway in convoy formation. It was the death march on wheels. I have forever been changed since that bright September day.

And in response to myself and my change and my desire to not shut down as a person- or hate others who i know nothing of- i reach outwards, as hard as it is - it is very important for me to know that the world is an intrinsically good place filled with wonderful people who share views and thoughts and who are willing to acknowledge you for no other reason than just the fact that you exist. It is our existence that makes us special and ties us all together.

I blog because the human condition is to love and be loved. I blog because i have to believe that no matter what happens- there will always be people who are out there to connect with. i blog because there are times when being outside makes me feel vulnerable. I blog because you are all there

I blog because in doing so i make the world a little smaller and less threatening place to live.

-Layla

Layla so beautifully said. I was in NYC at a Bumble and Bumble training class that ended on 9/10. We finally got a flight out because of the bad weather after 12:00am on 9/11. I had already called my wife and told her I'd be in NY on 9/11. That was a very out of body experience. To be awoken the next morning by my wifeyelling that the towers were falling. I was like my god I just saw them from the plane ..what the hell?

Michelle...thanks so much for your honesty and bluntness. I appreciate and am taking your kind and thoughtful words into consideration. I'm not dillydallying around as they say, but there is a time and place for everything and it's got to be the right move this time. I can't make another bad move.

Standing corrected by CAT, I dialogue with Paul's blog, because I have an intense of so many things. However I'll list a few. When I worked my little piece of the business with Fox and UPN I was so intrigued by everything. One of the other things in my childhood that i wanted to be besides a hairdresser was an actor..that's why I was in drama and in the plays. But I was fat so it limited me in what I could play. Like the janitor in play. A nerdy teacher in another one. But I LOVED it. No I didn't pursue it like lots of other things, but it still fascinates me. So here I found an actor/dancer/creative soul that I can actually talk to. Also everyone else here shares the same initial interest of enjoying the art and Paul's immense talent. I've also found a place that I can say I have friends and we talk and I can say how I feel and people just listen and respond if they want to. I think it's exceptional. And some people do not understand this. They cannot believe that I have a friend that's an actor. And I say I do, but you know he's just like everybody else. He and everyone on his board just share thoughts, feelings, recipes, poetry and it makes for a special moment in my day.
As for my wife, yes she knows I get on here. She would rather shop on ebay or the stores all night. I need the friendship.
And I thank you all for it.

Tim

1. Why do I post on Paul's blog? Good question. I've never posted on anyone's blog before this one. I was drawn to this blog by the openness of Paul and the other posters here. There is alot of support given here from caring people. I haven't posted as much lately, but I can't help peeking in to see how this extended family is doing.

2. Does my spouse know I post here? Yes, as a matter of fact sometimes he likes to read over my shoulder and we discuss how it my feel to be in someone elses shoes.

Dr. Evelyn, CONGRATS!

Whit, I need some serious butt kicks.

Grandma Mil, Thank you for thinking of me in my time of sorrow. Sami and I send hugs.

Does anyone have special plans on mother's day? I've decided to go camping for 4 days and get away from the house! Taking the dog too.(one dog,the other is too big to fit in the vehicle, she'll get a sitter) I'm even going to take an extra kid. I hope we all fit. The hubby is going to meet me up there later.

Just in case I don't log on before then ..everyone have a great mothers day.

Paul have a good week and on mother's day give your wife and mum a hug from us. Take care. Sow Sow Sow.

Hugs to everyone
Suz

Hello again,

I guess I "blog" (still getting used to Aussie slang) because it's nice to be able to hear so many different people speak their minds. I've never blogged before in my internet experience, so there is definitely something unique about the community here. I also have to say that once one is immersed in a specialty/career it's very difficult to meet others from different walks of life.

Ohh... no partner to speak of so am free to blog any hour of the day or night.

1. I don't blog at present although I've been thinking about creating one on my website...but not sure I would keep up regular updates. I much prefer cruising other blogs seeing how other folks live out their days & maybe leaving a comment to say Hi.

2. No partner.

So Paul- dispense with the suspence- Why do you blog and how does you wife feel about it. Does she ever come online? Does she read what others write? The sharing is appreciated.

I'm off to try to get tickets to the Tribeca Film Festival for this weekend. Hopefully my Thesis will be completed and I will truly have some free time- the first time in 2yrs.

Tim- by the way I used to always get my hair cut at Bumble&Bumble- pricey . One day I was waiting for my "stylist" when model/actress Iman walked in and in that low husky voice she said "I am Iman" everyone scurried around her like she was royalty and they kept us plebians waiting. I never went back. Truth be known- if I didn't go into acting I would have wanted to become a stylist. I used to cut and perm friends hair since I was 14yrs old. I have always loved working with hair. But all those hours on your feet must be a killer. I have been cutting my own hair for several years. I'm sure if you got your hands into it - it would make you sick- I probably cut it incorrectly - but since it is long and curly- I seem to get away with it.

Have a great day/night all- Grandma, Hannah, Whitney. Peter, Michelle, Jaece, Tim, Dr. Eve, Susan, Jenny,Mooke, Mercedes, Cat, Heike, Linda, Inn, Cyn, Paul and the rest of you good people.

Please say a pray or hold those in the Midwest in a good thought- the tornado damage out their is inconceivable.

Hope you all are well,
Layla

Mooke, Mooke, I'm here! (She's a special mate of mine, she's an Aussie, and also is the owner of that great website, "Aussiewood". I contributed some information on Tara Morice.)

Mooke, I hope you and Cat will meet. You are two terrific gals, doing great "mitzvahs" (good deeds) for us loyalists of great film!

Cheers,

Grandma Millie

Good morning Mil!

I'm going to read everyone's reason for doing this. What a great topic Paul. I understand this is a community that evolved from your blog. Thanks!

Because I can't stay long, I'll just say that this is the first time I've ever participated in an online community and I keep coming back because it's an easy way to surround myself with supportive, intelligent and loving people. You guys are truly the sort of friends I would prefer. Can everyone move to WV please? Thank goodness for the Web!

As for the second question, I don't have a human partner, but my dog finds my computer indulgences very annoying. It really cramps his morning routine sometimes.
Dog out!
Love,
Whit

Hi, just wanted to say hi and I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts. I have hesitated in the past to post because I notice a definite "clique" thing going on. Paul is great at trying to respond to as many people as possible, but some people, especially newcomers, tend to get ignored, unless, of course they are negative in manner or persistant and continually post day in and day out. While I think getting a response from Paul would be a great high, I've always been shy to post in the past, because to be ignored is a form of rejection and there is certianly enough of that in my day to day world. So here is me taking a risk. Who knows? Maybe I'll "blog" again.

I like to post on blog because this truly is becoming a much smaller world,IMO..we are meeting and talking with others all over the world.
I think it opens up our perspective so much more to other ideas, cultures, values.
There are so many interesting people here with many talents and abilities and it's also neat to just share things in common, even daily family life, etc.

No permanent spouse, partner - so to speak who would object to my blogging, but my new b/f would not, i think, be opposed to it. He is a very open minded person, and I think he's interested in doing similar things himself except as it pertains to musical interests or live journaling...

It's a cool place/way to share with others what's on our mind..learn what's on Paul's mind and then come together in discussion and encouragement or even debate, which can be interesting and challenging.

Hugs,
Katalina

p.s. Hello there Jessi!! Hugs to you! :)

Dear Jessi,

I haven't heard that word "clique" used since my college days, and that goes back a long time.

Yes, in a way, with the definition of "clique" being "a exclusive group of friends sharing the same interest" (Websters) we could almost earn that word, but in essence, we were not friends when we first wrote to Paul, like you are doing now...in fact we were complete strangers!

Paul Mercurio and his work, and "Strictly Ballroom" has bound us together. We come from all walks of life, young and old, all occupations, singles, marrieds, some with children.

At this writing, Jenny is the youngest (at 14) and I am, proudly, the elder at age 70. Paul is the only celebrity that I have ever known (and I go back a long time) who actually "speaks" to us, sometimes collectively, sometimes privately.

We have formed wonderful friendships. Pictures have been exchanged, our private worlds explored,
and we all try to support each other, as Paul has encouraged us to do.

I, personally, have been in touch with some of the posters..we even exchange emails outside this site.

I am thrilled to write to Hannah, my Princess, in England...we all met her through this site. She loves classic books and movies (so do I) and she is bubbly and precious, and only 18! She is so kind to her adopted "Grandma" (me) by assuring me that I shouldn't complain and worry about the way I look in my pictures. (I'm "slightly" (yeah, I wish) overweight, but on a weight loss program now, thanks to Whitney

My husband and I were delighted when our dear Whitney came to Florida from WV to meet us personally for the first time, to see my variety show, and to take backstage pictures that were later used on a web site set up by Evelyn, (whom we all congratulated this week upon getting her doctorate.)

This is just a small example of the wonderful people on this site. I would proudly say that we're a family, and not a clique.

And, of course, our Paul, who with his work schedule and his devotion to his loving family, still finds time to write to us.

He toasted me with a glass of Coors and offered to dance with me on my 70th birthday...that's the way he is, and if you just have patience, I am sure that you will find that the rejection that you seem to feel is not intentional.

Katalina gave you a "hello" and hugs..so do I!

Grandma Mil

I don't have any answers for blogging, Paul, but I am back in the comments section. I know I've been quiet for awhile. Have a good day at work.

Sara

P.S.: We have to fight spiritual battles in our lives. Who knows what evil may be lurking? At times, we have to fight evil in order to keep going on the righteous path.

Sara

Welcome Jessi! I hope you stick around and write more about yourself. I'm sorry the vibe you felt here was less than inclusive.

I think it is important to remember that when you post you are doing it for yourself. You are taking that brave step and putting your words out into cyberspace for all the world to read, yes, but with the understanding that if no one responds it does not mean that you or what you wrote are somehow unacceptable or uninteresting.

I have written things here that were very important to me that I'm pretty sure garnered no response. What I wrote meant something to me, and I made that clear by putting it here, and that is enough. It is really wonderful to get responses and make friends, too, but write for your own benefit primarily and the rest will follow.

Paul's Corner seems to be growing rapidly lately. It's getting harder to respond to everyone individually, which is unfortunate, but that is the nature of this kind of communication. I think most of the regular posters do their best to include first-time writers and welcome them.

Jessi, I'll be looking for your next post!

Paul, I will drink to you with my last bottle of Coopers. I hope all is well in your part of the world.

Michelle/Chicago

Hey Jessi,

Welcome. It's true sometimes what you write can go what seems to be undetected. But as Michelle in Chicago says, "write for your own benefit primarily and the rest will follow". There have been many times I've written something and I've recieved no response, however, there are other times when the great folks here and especially Paul take the time to reply.

I'm sure now that you've pointed this out, the "Clique" or family (thanks to Mama Mil) at this corner will do what they can to make you feel welcomed. That's the kind of folks they are!

Take care and don't be discourage.

P.S. This is one place you can unload about those "rejections" you suffer from day to day life!

Dear Timbo,

Just a short note to find out if you and your family are okay, for we heard that Atlanta was having horrible storms. Love you and worry about you!

Unbelievable, that such disasters are occurring, causing such trauma, damage, and loss of life. I hope everyone is okay...and we worried about Iraq!

Love,

Grandma Mil

I haven't really participated in a blog before. My only other online experience was "chatting" when I had Compuserve way back in the day. I don't have my own blog although I'm contemplating the idea. It's a bit of a scary thought, opening yourself up for the world to see. We spend so much time trying to show the world the "right" face. It's a bit like wearing masks with different people and in different situations. Which is the real you? All of them, I guess. I think I was drawn to Paul's Corner because of the dialog and connections to other people that seem pretty organic and unforced. Perhaps this blog is more compelling because of who Paul is and the fact that his risk in blogging is just a bit more pronounced than someone who isn't famous. I think it's actually pretty ballsy (pardon) that everyone here opens up and I admire that.

As for my partner, we're both so techy and geeky that he probably assumes I'm posting something somewhere. We both work in the videogame industry and this kind of thing is part of the culture.

I don't post as often as some here do but I do read everything. I enjoy the day to day goings on which remind me that people are pretty much concerned about the same things; taking care of the family and loved ones, having a meaningful or at least tolerable career and finding some kind of meaning to all the crap we do every day. Just when I think I'm at my limit, I find a post from someone else who is dealing with just as much, if not more, than I am. It helps one to ground.

Okay, ramble is over. I must get back to all that everyday crap! I have to admit I've got a lot to be grateful for these days. I get to quit my temp job this week and start a new project on Monday, YAY!! Oh and I'm getting married in August so if that's not someting to be happy about I don't know what is.

I hope all is well with Tim and family down south! Please let us know you're all okay.

Oh, and a belated CONGRATS to Dr. Evelyn! I'm still finishing up the Bachelor's degree so I'm inspired by your example!

Night all,

LaLisa

Gidday Jessie, thank you for being brave and posting your thoughts and views. Sometimes the risks we take pay off and sometimes they dont, but having a go is the key to succeeding because if you didnt have a go in the first place you would never know if you could have done it, made it or succeeded. If you chose to post again, risk again there are no promises. I read every post and if my head isnt swimming try to respond to those that affect me the most - they all affect me but if I responded to each and every one I dont think I would be getting and doing what I need. That said I am not the only person to read every post, to respond nor to require that special gift you may bring.

Oh and dont believe everything Momma Mil says - it was a glass of 'Coopers' I raised to her not Coors!!!! I am going to have to come over and give you all a beer tasting session!!!

Lisa - well put!

Hi everyone. I'm just stopping in on my way to bed. I'm up late tonight studying, which is not fun. I had an all around bad day today for a variety of reasons. I won't go into detail. While going through my bad day, I kept thinking of stuff that was said on this site. It helped me a lot. My soccer game didn't go well today either. Whenever a ball gets past me, I blame it on myself and get frustrated. I have to remind myself that it was not only my fault. The other people are the ones that allowed the ball to get down to me in the first place. That doesn't always help though. The first thing that comes to mind everytime a ball goes past and I get mad is what Tim said a while ago. He said, "Try as hard as you can to feel the moments, focus on the good parts and let the bad shit roll off your back." You do not realize how much that quote helps me. It makes me focus on trying to get the next ball instead of feeling bad for letting the team down. I feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders when I keep telling myself that. It's sort of like just shaking off the idea of what just happened with the ball going past. I think about this site a lot while playing soccer. It's not like a goalie has that much to do when the ball is on the other side.;) I'm trying to memorize the Desiderata during school. That has a lot of useful advice in it. Well, I need to go to sleep because I am so sore right now. Darn those other soccer players for "roughing the goalie". Plus, it is way past my normal time that I go to bed. I hope everyone has a great day.:)

Best Wishes,
Jenny

Hello,
I just want to say that you people are wonderful!!
Grandma Mil I never had a grandmother, can I adopt you as well?
I would come to this site to see what Paul the dancer was up to, now it is the Paul the person and great community along with him on this board. :)
Mercedes

Jessi welcome. Oh please don't think we're a clique. See I just read through probably 15 posts since yesterday and I have a short term memory thing. I have to scroll back up and re-read everything to respond to it. You are indeed welcome here. You'll find so many people here interested in your comments and suggestions. Gramma Mil maybe the oldest but everyone here knows I'm like the soap opera for the board. The "middle aged and the restless." Play by play stories where I laugh and cry and just live.
Momma Mil has been adopted by most everyone here. I have adopted her into my life as a unique person. She and my mom are the same age, but my mom passed away 6 years ago. So I can't call her grandma, and auntie is fun...but since she came up with "MOMMA MIL" from Chicago...That's the spirit I like.
Jenny...you made my morning. See that's what is so special about this corner. I offered some advice and it was just my little opinion but Jenny has used it and it made her feel good. That's like one of those MC commercials. Cost of fishing pole $35. Cost of boat $2000. Cost of son catching first fish...Priceless. I consider everyone great friends here. Michelle (both), Momma Mil, Peter, Katalina, Evelyn, I can't name them all I'm awful with names. And of course Whitney.
Momma Mil...the storms were a bit scary..we were under a tornado warning for awhile yesterday. I was taking a smoke in our pool room in our back yard, and as I exhaled the smoke went up in spirals. Lightening was crashing and then it started to get quiet. That's when I high tailed it back inside to corner of the basement. Last time it did that one of those bad boys jumped right over my house. But we are all well and thanks for asking. It freaked my kids out at school because they delayed the bussed from leaving and had the kids in the hallways in the tornado position for awhile. You just never know with those bad things. My thoughts do go out to the midwest. I have several dear friends out there.
Everyone have a great day. I'm going to try myself. I called my dad monday and begged him to come up yesterday to help me out with some stuff...put myself way out on limb there..Pleaded with him. Guess where's he's at. St. Simons Island. Just couldnt' make it. Ahh the LOVE.
I feel so much more of that here. That's why I'm here.

love to all and peace to everyone.

Hannah hope all is well with you. Sorry haven't written.

tim

And one more little question...Hey Paul..
What's your take on your own question???
Why do you do this? Like 3 key reasons and does you wife read this? She should.
And on mothers day you give all the women in your life big hugs from us, we'll let you do all the kissing, and something extra special to let them know how key they are to your existance. I know from your writing that you mom and lovely other half are an essential part of who you are.
And as for that comment on snuggling. Don't ever stop that. You sign off and getyour ass (arse) in bed. When you stop snuggling...not a good sign mate. I KNOW.
Timmer

Paul...Your always put things into perspective.

Jenny...Good luck with the Desiderata! In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful peices ever written. You cannot read or say the words without being moved.

Linda

Come on over, Paul, and give me that lesson on the difference between Coopers and Coors...I'm waaaaaaaaaaaiting!!!!

One sip of either and you can have your way with me...oh, m'gosh, did I really say that?? Don't tell Ellie!..better yet, don't tell Andrea!! (We could start our dance lessons, too!)

I had you and Tara on screen last night during my video concert, "The Sights and Sounds of Music." It is a compilation of scenes from all over, the great MGM musicals, opera, ballet, documentary, etc. It is my 8th season. I used "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" as part of a tribute to the rhumba...what else??

The first scene I called "rhumba on ice" with the famous English skating champs, Torville and Dean
actually ice dancing to a rhumba.

Then, there was the closeup of you and Tara, just as you hear Doris Day, and she turns to look at you with that look of love (lucky girl), and you go into your dance...I could tell the large audience of seniors were enthralled...sheer silence...they admire you Paul, and think that you are a marvelous dancer and actor! (All this on a 9ft. screen, and it's all free!)

Mercedes, I would be proud to adopt you! Join the PC club of adoptees! The perks aren't bad...a standing invitation to visit my husband and me in Florida in our retirement community, and a free tour of my "screening room". Sorry, but transportation here would not be included!

Whitney came to visit us, and to attend "Follies 2003" my variety show. We met for the first time at the airport when she first came...it was as if we knew each other forever!

We spent 3 marvelous days together, she saw the show, and took pictures backstage that were put onto a website in collaboration with our Dr. Evelyn, who graciously shared her own site with "Follies" and part of our family. Go to:

www.tc.umn.edu/~meye0289/Follies2003.html

You'll see Whitney with us and backstage, and "Evelyn-in-Spirit" where Evelyn superimposed her picture among us! Click on "Gallery"..it goes faster, and enlarge any thumbnails!

Timbo, so relieved that you are okay!

One piece of personal experience...don't let the weight issue get in the way of anything that you wish to do with your tapping or whatever. I have that issue too, but I just dress in a lot of black, for I am on stage a lot in our retirement village, and no one complains.

My audiences are definitely interested in whatever I bring to them in the way of entertainment. It takes them to another dimension, where for a couple of hours of nostalgia, song, dance, and comedy, they are taken away from their cares.

Love to you all,

Momma Mil

*phew* so relieved that you're ok Tim! *hugs* I'll send you an e-mail very soon!

Grandma-I wish I'd have been at your video concert...*sigh* one day! hehe. I hope you're well Mil!

Jessi-Welcome hunny! I hope you enjoy it here! xx

Jenny-I'm sorry you had a bad day but I'm very
glad that Tim helped you!

*waves and hugs* to Grandma Mil, Tim, Whit, both Michelle's, Katalina, Jenny, Jessi, Linda, Mercedes, Lisa and last but not least Paul. Oh and everyone else! *hugs hugs hugs*

Love and kisses,
Hannah*
xxxxxx

Hey all,

Tim.. really glad to here you are ok!

My foster daughter who is now married and living in Tennessee (we got her when she was 14 and she is now at the tender age of 20) was right in the middle of everything. She is so scared. I talked to her on the phone yesterday and I wanted to drag her through the phone to the safety of Nova Scotia. But thank god/goddess she is ok. Her house doesn't have a basement and there is no cellar, her only recourse is a ditch or a bathtub. I really don't want her there, but she is an adult now and I can't make decisions for her.

I hate tornados more than anything! I was raised in Oklahoma, and anyone that has seen "Twister" the movie has seen a personal glimpse into my childhood. That very first scene when the family huddles in the root cellar.. I got chills when I saw that. Thank goodness no one in my family got sucked away like the father did, but it was always a fear.

Anyway, hope everyone stays safe. Blessings to all.

Grandma Millie: "Mooke, Mooke, I'm here! (She's a special mate of mine, she's an Aussie, and also is the owner of that great website, "Aussiewood". I contributed some information on Tara Morice.) Mooke, I hope you and Cat will meet. You are two terrific gals, doing great "mitzvahs" (good deeds) for us loyalists of great film!"

Hey Millie how you doing? Actually I have emailed Cat and she was nice enough to allow me to use an image of Paul from her website.

Aren't most folks on here aussies? Or is that a rarity? :>)

Linda, it is so weird that Jenny mentioned Desiderata because just yesterday I was remembering posting about it and you responding that you love it as well! I have been wanting to tell you about my matted print of the poem done in calligraphy, it is so pretty. Mike got it for me and had it framed. I have it in my kitchen since I spend the majority of my time there. It's a wonderful reminder for me to slow down and appreciate the moment I'm in.

Anyway, he ordered it from Isabella. This company is so cool, on the front of their catalog it says "Books and Gifts for Reawakening the Spirit". If you're interested, their website is www.isabellacatalog.com. I would highly recommend ordering a catalog. Just looking through it makes me feel good!

Michelle NS, I grew up in Kansas and remember tornados all too well. We were never hit directly, but they came very close and the destruction was awful. I remember many nights sitting in the basement, listening to the radio and hearing the wind howling around us. But hey, in an ironic twist, my Dad's family (grandparents) came to Kansas from Canada. Yes, all of them and many other French settlers in the area came from Quebec. My maiden name is Bombardier. I hear I have some very wealthy relatives up in the Great North! So see, not only do we share a name, we also have Canadian and Midwest connections!

Hey Suz, I know where Wellington is. We lived in Wichita for a few years between Arizona and moving here. Where I grew up is in north-central Kansas. Very small, very Mayberry.

Stay strong Jenny! Jessi, are you still here? Jean, how are you doing with your reading? A warm hello to all my friends here.

Michelle/Chicago

Hi Hannah, Jessi, Evelyn, Whitney, Momma Mil,
Linda, Timbo, Mooke, Paul, Michelle/s, Jenny, Mercedes, Inn (where are you dear?), Sara, Layla, Susan, Jaycee, Cat, and all others here at the PC.
Good morning/eve...all time zones inclusive with the hugs and lattes passed around.

BTW: has anyone listened to the Matrix Reloaded soundtrack yet? I've heard clips on the radio stations..I like POD's Dreaming Awake..and a few others...
Now i _KNOW_ there are some metal fans here, if I remember some past postings....has anyone heard of Evanescence (Fallen) "Wake Me Up Inside?"
I totally love that lead girl's voice! Reminded me of the power that Heart had when they were in their prime. Except this girl combines a kind of Sarah McLauchlen quality with the metal in the background and gives it this
amazing surreal, yet powerfully blended, flowing quality. It's amazing really, I think.

Also, anyone here like Visqueen or Loudermilk?

Big Hugz n Coffee Smooches,
from Latteland,
Katalina

Mooke, believe it or not, there are only two Australians on this particular site...Paul and Peter!

Yes, the rest of us are from all parts of the United States, England, Nova Scotia, and....did I leave any place out?

"Paul's Corner" is just part of Cat's site..if you go into her "Guestbook", there are messages of appreciation and love for his work from all parts of the world!

Cheers, mate!

Grandma Millie

Howdy, all PC posters, (newbies included).

Tim and anyone else under the gun tonight, take cover. Bad storms in your neighborhood. I've not been in a tornado, but have seen the destruction in several areas around us. Was in the airport in Dallas a few years ago when they had the one in Arlington and Ft. Worth. We haven't had one here since 1970. Seems that tornado alley has moved east.

Another tax deadline is fast approaching and we are working frantically to get franchise tax returns done. Think there are still 6 to be done by next Wednesday. Had the office to myself most of the day, which was good. Was in no mood to deal with people in person or on the phone. We had to have our 14+ year old Shepherd mix put to sleep today. Combination of old age and arthritis just got the best of her. I know she is resting peacefully now. She was an outdoor dog and not the brightest but we are going to miss her. My cat knows something is wrong, she wants to sit in my lap and has been following me thru the house fussing at me.

I need to go get the kitchen cleaned up.

Hugs to all,
Sherrlyn

Sherrilyn so sorry to hear about your dog. We had to put our dear old cat to sleep in March. She had been such a sweety, but she broke her leg and the cost of it, plus the likelihood of her surviving the surgery was too prohibitive to save. We miss her.

I've been meaning to post a comment about the article at the beginning page. Vannessa refers to Paul as an "ex-dancer" 1)Paul do you consider yourself an ex-dancer? I'm not an ex anything except an ex-CPA...I don't have a license anymore and wouldn't pay you 2 cents for it. But I still play piano, even though I don't perform, I'm not an ex-piano player.

I think you'll always be a dancer...and an actor...and a writer...

Well so far no rumblings from a tornado here. Just that earthquake was it last week? What a hoot. I DO NOT LIKE tornados. They are vicious and I've seen them here...and I'd clearly rather be elsewhere.

Take everyone.
peace and love to everyone

tim

Katalina-I've been hearing Evanescence on the radio here in LA and I love it. If I've heard anything else from the soundtrack I didn't know it, but I'm dying to see it the movie. We're going to see XMen this weekend. Yes there is at least one other metal fan here. Although I'm not a diehard, I do enjoy bands like POD, Tool, Soundgarden, etc. I also love bands like Coldplay, Radiohead and of course the chick singers (I can use that term because I actually went to a Lillith Fair concert) like Sarah McLoughlin and Eva Cassidy. Unfortunately the all the radio stations in Los Angles are owned by 2 or 3 big media companies so pretty much they all suck. We're lucky to hear anything outside the 10-15 songs they rotate ALL DAY LONG. I've been listening to internet radio quite a bit lately. Moontaxi is my current favorite.

Night all!
LaLisa

Hi, Everyone!

I'm sorry to about the loss of your dog, Sherrlyn. To me, my animal companions are like family and it's hard to part with them. So my thoughts are with you.

I posted at the end of Paul's last entry. This one had been started already and I guess I should have just carried it forward. Anyway... Dr. Evelyn, CHEERS! I lift a glass to you. We have all encouraged you, but YOU did the work.

Glad to hear from more and more newbies as well as the regular cast of characters. Jesse, I try to respond in some way to those who are new to the site, while still giving a nod to the many wonderful people I've met here. Sometimes, I haven't the time to commend everyone for their insightful and funny posts; but I love visiting here. There are some who haven't posted in a while and, at some point, I'm going to have to backtrack and send them personal emails to say hello.

My sad news is that my dear senior friend in Florida is suffering. His mind is still sharp, but his body is rapidly failing him in so many ways and he just wants to die. Even his attorney doesn't fault him for that. I don't know what to do to help him. If I were in his situation, I might want exactly the same thing.

Work is madness this week; but I'll soon be leaving this place. Each day, as my husband and I talk about the possibilities, I feel stronger about opening our own business. When you know that you could do a better job, it's time to put your money where your mouth is.

In response to Paul's post... I agree with many of the reasons given for participating in Paul's discussion group. I have never done this better. I don't do it elsewhere. I was drawn here first by Paul's work, then by his personality, then by his courage and honesty, and finally by the warm, soulfull people who have become a part of what feels like an incredible extended family. I had a friend whose Greek family was full of energy and humor and they drew people to their home and their lives. That's what this feels like to me. And I think it's all the more inviting and intrigueing because it's like interactive journalling. I can bounce something off of you and you throw ideas at me and in the process we can all learn something more about ourselves and each other and the bigger issues.

I have friends with whom I don't get together often enough. I love seeing them; but I'm also aware of their problems and needs and we're all exhausted because we're all trying to juggle so much. Sometimes the discussions are not as open and spontaneous as I'd like them to be. Here, we can throw thoughts around without fear of boring or offending.

My husband knows I visit here regularly. He plays video games. It all equals out. I share some of it when I think he might be interested. Otherwise, it's my retreat.

He's calling me now. So, goodnight!

Diane

Hi everyone! I see people have been flocking to the board, the more the merrier!

Sherllyn, I am very sorry about your dog:( We have a dog right now that can't walk, we have not put him down because he has a happy spirit, but it is so hard to see animals dieing. When they go it's like a great friend has left.

Diane, sorry about your friend in Florida, at least he has people who care about him. I have met older people who told me that they wished they had the courage to kill themselves, because they are so bored with this life, and having no people to share it with, loneliness can be a painful death of the soul.

About blogging, I do it because I think it's fasinating how I express my feelings so much better and more honestly when there is just me and my keyboard (I usually always do it at night), and when there caring people to listen it helps me so much.
That's why I came on tonight, I wanted to share some good news, and to thank everybody. I wrote a while ago and said I was thinking of taking dance classes, but did not have the money, well. Paul, and Tim and many others were very supporting, so I decided to get my act together. And in the last three weeks I have finished paperwork that I was supposed to do monthes ago for financial aid (I've been going to cummumity college for two semesters) and I got a check in the mail last week for over a thousand dollars. Then I had put around a few job applications, and Friday I had an interview, this Monday I was hired, and today I did training (I actually start work Saturday). It's an outdoors place that sells camping, and outdoor sport stuff. Though I have not yet signed up for dance classes I will be talking to the people at work about time and most likely will be signed up for summer dance classes by next week!
So, thanks for helping motivate me to follow my dreams. Though I can tell you it is NERVE RACKING. I can barely keep my eyes open now because I got so nervous about the training I had today, I was waking up every few hours in a panic that I had over slept. Doing all this new stuff is really scary! I felt more comfortable when I just started driving a few monthes ago, then starting working! But I am doing it. Thank you all for being you.

And on a note about music, I just have to say my favorite musical of all time is The Music Man, though I love many others also.

Cheers, and thank you all again,
Melinda

PS Sorry if I'm hard to understand, like I said I have not gotten a lot of sleep.

Melinda: "About blogging, I do it because I think it's fasinating how I express my feelings so much better and more honestly when there is just me and my keyboard"

That's how I feel too - sometimes in conversation you don't think of what you want to say till later on, but with time on your side commenting on the net allows for more thought to enter the equation.

Still here Kat my friend, just been flat out lately with not much to time to write. Had some computer problems which seem to be all fixed. (cross fingers) I'm early this am because my youngest had a school bus trip. I would have missed it and she would have been really angry with me. I thought the bus was leaving 1 hour later than it was. My husband called from the road to make sure I was up and I yelled at him. Looks like I'll have some making up to do *winks*.
Poor thing, it's hard to be married to me.
Well, is that enough of my life or what? Hope everyone is well.
Sherlyn, sorry about your dog. I don't know what I will do without mine when the time comes. I hope your pain eases soon.
Diane, best wishes to your friend.
peace, Inn.

Hi to the PC.

Hey Inn!!! Glad you're doing well. Kid/life juggling takes precedence of course!! As it should. Wishing you a 'calgon' day my sweet! LOL

Sherrlyn: I'm sorry about your dog. Hugz OOOXXXOOO

LaLisa: i hear you on your favorites...this week we're having some cool music festivals in Seattle hosted by one of our favorite radio stations (107.7 FM THE END) It leans toward rock, metal and new music - edgy, cool stuff. I really like it. I also listen to danceable music (especially during my commute to/from work) such as C89.5 FM KNHC Seattle - it's run independently by one of our local high schools and they get the best and newest stuff (because the kids know what's hot and what's coming out), and much underground...it's kinda cool. They stream on internet too now...It's kinda cool, check it out if you can!)

I like the Lilith Fair artists too!

BTW: did anyone see the CMT special with Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow? OMG!!!!!!! OMG!!!!
Willie is a musical landmark, tradition, a giant. I like Sheryl anyway...but this just really added some extra points in her favor...I really saw her as a serious artist from this special with Willie. She is incredible. I usually just saw her as a pop artist, but she really shone as a writer, musician and artist/singer and as one who can do well at collaborating with other great artists. There was a tremendous amount of mutual appreciation and respect going on between Willie and Sheryl. You could see it happening before your eyes.
They made amazing music together and had great professional chemistry. It seemed very creative and "in the moment." I felt like I was watching something historical being made or something just so precious and valuable. It was so cool. The unique energy and flow and harmony they created, inclusive of their own unique stylings was just awesome I thought. Two very strong unique personalities and artists, self styled, self-made almost, real, raw and down to earth, kind of pure in terms of keeping true to their heart and musical styles at least while performing...I don't get the impression that they have been dolled up- packaged up excessively for the market/radio stations or oversold commercially changing their original intent in their music or messages.

I think one of the cable channels might show it again if anyone wants to catch it. It was worth seeing I think.

Hugz to all around here today.
Lifting an English Toffee Latte to all.
Love from Latteland,

Katalina

Peace, hugs, and love to you and your friend, Diane.

Katalina

Yes, Katalina, Willie Nelson is still an icon.. I'm glad he is still working, still singing, for he's exactly my age!

He wrote "Crazy" which was Patsy Cline's greatest hit, and was a crossover from western to pop...they play it at all the dances here in the retirement communities, and I just love to lipsync it...to Patsy's voice, not Willie's!

Good for you and good luck, Melinda! How refreshing to hear your good news. So many out of work, out of luck, but your experience is very encouraging!

Love,

Grandmomma Mil

Just rented Eat Drink Man Woman...but darnit, fell asleep lst nt..not because it wasn't good..i was just burned out from my week where I've been burning that candle at both ends...LOL Finally caught up with me.
I'm gonna give it another go tonight!!!!
Who was it that loved it here? Was it Paul? Peter?
Anyway..it's been on my list of must see's.
And soon I shall...

*wink n a grinn*
Katalina

Hi everyone. I'm not going to type anything sophisticated tonight because, honestly, I can't think. I got a concussion today at my soccer game and it hurts like heck. I feel that recently my life seems like a soap opera. This is really starting to bug me. I have never had so many problems before. You know what I want? I want a day where I can just zone out of the world, and not focus on anything. That's what sucks about life. It doesn't give you any breaks or days off.:(Well, I'm supposed to rest, so I better go.

Best Wishes,
Jenny

Thanks for all the well wishes for my friend Bill. I hope to reach him tomorrow before I go to work and I'll let him know that you are thinking of him.

Good for you, Melinda. Make it happen. I agree with you and Mooke that I'm more likely to express myself fully when I write.

Jenny, I'm sorry about your soccer accident. My boys played soccer for a while and they were really worried about being hit by the ball. Finally, they had to let their fear go and engage in the game. Life can be tough, so you have to make sure you get the time you need to rest. That may mean giving up something, even temporarily.

My husband worked with Willie Nelson on Disney's movie The Country Bears. Says he's great. I'm not surprised. He always seems so genuine in performance.

That Evanescence song is popular with two of the people I work with. They're both talking about quitting the place and moving on with their lives. I have not enjoyed my latest work experience; but I think that I was placed in this situation in order to awaken them (and myself) to some new possiblities.

Gotta walk the dogs.

Best regards to all!

Diane

Little long here folks. Jenny, hope you get better, make sure to rest.
I got this tonight in an email and I really loved it so I thought I'd share I hope no one minds.

1. If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it will always be yours. If it doesn't come back, it was never yours to begin with. But, if it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and doesn't appear to realize that you had set it free........ You either married it or gave birth to it.
2. Reason to smile: Every 7 minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.
3. They keep telling us to get in touch with our bodies. Mine isn't all that communicative but I heard from it the other day after I said, "Body,
how'd you like to go to the six o'clock class in vigorous toning?" Clear as a bell my body said, "Listen fatty....do it and die."
4. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.
5. The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
6. The nice part about living in a small town: When you don't know what you're doing, someone else always does..
7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.
8. Amazing! ! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes!
9. Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.
10. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding?
That's my idea of a perfect day.
My allotted space taken up for today.
Hello dear Kat. Yep, kids have me busy. PM me and bring me up to speed with you.
Peace, Inn

gawd...gotta fess up! i'm a eco challenge fanatic!!! it just finished up on american television...the kiwis took it this year!!! i follow it on the 'net, tape the programs...yep i'm hooked!!! find it absolutely fascinating to watch the drive and dedication of the participants...so who's gonna tell me it's all canned? arghhhhh!!!

diane, getting ready to stir things up a little? you've been a good influence to the ones working with you...you have a strong sense of right and wrong... go after what you want and sorry about your friend...

in answer to m'curio's question - not sure why i post, probably to run my mouth in print and yep, partner knows

later all

whoops...rest of answer - yep partner knows and is cool...been together a long time, we do not love or even like all of the same things...but find we're very alike with the serious stuff...

okay now i'm outta here...

Inn
Those are the ten best things in life. Hell I have stuff hanging in my closet that shrunk 4sizes...What the hell?
Well guys I finally got all, ALL, the paperwork for London. I'm making copies of the other two letters of rec today and sending it abroad. We'll see what happens. I just don't fit in here anymore. Might as well blow.
Get this, this week I called my father. Huge humbling experience for me. We're not best of friends or anything like that. I needed his signature on some forms for gov't aid and thought it'd be easier if he just drove up for a couple of days. I could explain everything etc. . . You guys I BEGGED this man to come. He sent me $200 in the mail. I forged his name on the doc's. They had to be in the office today the 9th. He just blew us off. He'll come when he can. Oh and he sent me a religious article to read on depression. Drawing close to god will eliminate my need for a psychiatrist. I was like Dad, right now if I cold turkeyed on these med's I'd probably kill you. They hold me together somewhat. The more religion is shoved down my throat,the more I want to just take it shove it up there asses so far they can taste just how bad it really is.

Lots of crappy little jobs to do today. We've only got 3 weeks till our dance. We did really good this week. It's going to be a hoot.

Later guys

peace & love

Tim

Dhiana here:(Oh I know, I know, "Where the hell ya been?")

Ok, I'll answer Paul's question first, and this is a BRUTALLY honest analysis: I come to this site and one other forum, for different reasons. I write to you guys to show you who I am and what I feel, hoping someone will see a different perspective (mine) and perhaps replace one of theirs with mine. It's kind of like a subtle world-take over thing...(kidding!) No, really, I hope that the way I react to something someone says will make other folks thing, "Hey, now THAT's a different take on things/more positive take than *I* would have..." and thereby spread the PEACE and Light that this world is in such desparate need of.

Ok, so it IS a world take-over thing. A Spiritual world take-over! "ALLRIGHT, people, everyone in YOGA position #Alpha, NOW!"

(Did ya think I'd have changed in a few weeks?) heehee...

Seriously, my "directive" if you will is to Know that I make a difference, Own it, Shine it, and Share it. It's printed on business cards (a gift from a friend) and they are scattered throughout the house--in dresser drawers, on the mirror in the bathroom, in the silverware drawer...so I am always reminded of my task. Coming here and writing to you guys is just part of my "mission" I guess. Some small part of me hopes that words I have said to Tim will keep him out of admitting himself again. Congrads to Evelyn will be carried with her and in her core, that someone is PROUD of her, from this day forward. Words are so powerful, and I hope to return to Paul what he has given me in his performance (which brought me here) and now his philosophies and nature.

And, my husband would call me a TOTAL stalker if he had any IDEA that I was here!

Ok, other news...Sherrylyn, SO sorry about your dear friend...hugs from afar. Hello to all the new folks! I'm the crazy, Mother Nature honoring, fiddle playing, technical writer who keeps chickens (ohmyGODS we've hatched 6 new chicks! They're striped! "we"...like I had anything to do with it) and bellydances and goes to Renne faires and basically screws off on this site instead of working. BLUEDOG! What up?! Peter, darling...I loved your description of you doing your work alone and the peace and interest it brings you. Tres cool.

Allright, I've hogged enough bandwith for today. Cheers to all! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there! (esp. the FOSTER mom, Michelle NS, jeesh...what an experience)

Hugs,
Dhiana

Greetings to all PC-ers!

Everyone seems to have had a pretty good week - except Diane and her friend, Bill, and Sherrlyn and her dog. Thinking of you both!

Chicago Michelle...How wonderful of your Mike to be so thoughtful and have the Desiderata framed for you. Lucky lady you are to have someone so caring. I always think the Desiderata is the ultimate of what love should be. Sadly, we mortals do fall short of this but, none the less, it gives us a beautiful image of what to strive for.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers whether they are with us or not. They will always be in our hearts!

Linda

Blog? Ok, I am writing this from Canada, (Beautiful British Columbia, to be more precise!, and we don't use that term here. Good thing it was explained straight off. Why do I blog? I never have...until right now. I just moved from a big city to a very small town to be with my future husband (July 5th, 2003!), and I am quite lonely. I make friends easily enough, but I guess I am just sort of expected to to be friends with my fiancee's friends - and they are not all who I would want to be friends with. Looking for a job (desperately!), and am finding it tough, to say the least. So, in the meantime, I am playing with our dog, practicing my baking and cooking skills, and ripping through the internet.
I came across this after searching Paul Mercurio's name, and it struck me somehow. I felt that I wanted in. I hope this is ok with all of you...
What does my partner feel about me blogging? Hmmm...well, he would be sad that I am lonely, and as long as I am not doing anything naked on the webcam, I would assume he wouldn't mind! ;)
Hope to talk to you soon, and Hello, Paul!

Welcome Byn. Sorry to hear about your blues. For me to move to a small town would be instant reason for the docs to put me in the state nut house. Dhiana you inspire me. I do read your stuff and take a lot with me. I take a lot from each of you. I'm not heading into the cell again. That was enough. Very claustraphobic when you can go outside but they have chainlink and barbwire at the top. Really the feeling of prison not a psych ward. NO THANKS

Anyway another night at Emotions anonymous. Hopefully it will be uplifting. I've had a good day. So let's celebrate.

Everyone...glass up. Cheers...Paul I'll assume yours is Coopers. Everyone a shot of your favorite and for me uh...well a shot of Diet coke. What the hell.

later

peace and love

Tim

Hi Byn! and Hey Inn baby! Hi Dhiane! and Jenny!
Hi Tim!!! cheers mate. lifting glass of diet lemon coke mmmmmmm

Hugs to all at the PC today/tonight.

luvz from Katalina coffeebeana
lol :)

BTW: i have a song & a question for ya'all:
can anyone tell me if this is Doris Day singing this? LOL
Anyway...it's super hot up here in our clubs and I love it! It's got my blood pumping, legs/feet a jumpin whenever it comes on. Love the percussion. The unbelievable rhythm sounds very....tribal -- at least the drum beat...how can one NOT get up and move??? LOL

Just Won't Do (without you....)by Tim Deluxe feat.Tim Obernik (club mix)

..if anyone can..ahem..."obtain" it....online..that is.

Hugz
Kat

Hi everyone,

This is Michelle's husband writing from NS, Canada, saying hello to the wonderful folks here at Paul's corner, along with a special thank you to you, Paul, for having such an open forum.

Lately, some comments have been made in this forum that trouble us, and in light of recent research I felt I needed to offer some very important information to you. Michelle and I have spent the last two years researching a book on toxic food additives. It will be published in the US and Canada in then next month. The book cites over 120 published scientific experiments that deal with three major man-made additives that are poisoning our children and ourselves every day.

There is a chemical on the market that actually stimulates the Pancreas to create more insulin, causing even more glucose to be changed into fat tissue.

This chemical when ingested turns into Formaldehyde, a substance that in high amounts destroys nerve cells in the central nervous system, and creates the symptoms that we see in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and most recently Gulf War Syndrome.

This chemical is so toxic, that the pharmaceutical company that created it had to hide research from the FDA showing it caused tumor growth. The FDA turned down the use of this chemical once before, and would have continued to ban its use, had it not been for the director of the FDA being replaced by one that was a supporter of the Pharmaceutical company. He managed to put the drug through the approval system in a record three months without proper research to validate the safety. Months after he approved it, he resigned as head of the FDA and went to work as a consultant to that same drug company at $1000 a day.

So what is this chemical that research has proven is toxic and should never be put in our bodies?

Aspartame.

Also known as Nutrasweet.

One of the most dangerous additives in the history of mankind.

Do not take my word for it, check for yourself.

Go to your favourite search engine and type in "Aspartame dangers", and see for yourself how many sites you can research on your own. If you do find a site supporting it, check to see if it is sponsered by any private companies, if so, are they really telling you the unbiased truth?

Michelle and I used to drink diet soda all the time, even had our kids drinking it. But scientific research is an eye opener. Since we quit drinking it, our health has improved substantially. We used to have headaches almost every day, two years later, the new bottle of tylenol still has not been opened.

Nutrasweet is far more damaging than the sugar it was designed to replace.

With all of you at this site going on about how good Diet soda is, and with the truths that we discovered while researching our book, we just couldn't sit idly by.

What you do with this new knowledge is up to you. But at least we did our civic duty by presenting you with the truth.

Please, for the sake of your health and the health of your children, do your own research, ask questions, be open minded enough to hear the answers. Stop being sheep for the corperate profiteers and start being advocates for the health of your children, and your grandchildren to come.

Our kids deserve a safer world.

It starts with you.

Dear John and Michelle,

Welcome to PC John, and thank you both for the scientific lowdown on aspertame...(Nutrasweet).

I stopped using aspertame and switched to Splenda almost a year ago when reports about aspertame toxicity came over the Internet.

I also use Sweet and Low once in awhile, but it had problems too, (saccharine) but the seniors hand it out at club meetings with the coffee and cake.

I drink club soda with zero calories, zero sodium, zero carboyhydrates...it's very refreshing! My husband loves Diet Coke, but now I have the information from your research that may change his mind!

Thank you both and good luck with your book!
(Have a great Mother's Day.)

Love,

Momma Mil

Hello Paul and everyone......
It has been really a long time since I came here. I have been busy with kids and home has been pretty crazy. I took a Pharmacology class and am still on my goal of challenging the State Board for my LVN license. Sure what an exciting life I lead, yeah right :)!!!
I originally came to this site the day after I saw Strictly Ballroom. I typed in Pauls name and came to this web site (Well, it looked a little different then). I read what Paul wrote about and thought it was pretty cool that someone else cared what other people thought and had to say. So, I kept coming back to the site. I shared it with my husband later. I believe I even shared one of his poems on a blog. I usually just lsten to everyone and not always input too much, but I suppose that's just my nature. Somehow I always come in on the end of the conversations, so I think I will go back and read what I missed.
I hope everyone is well.......

Paul, everyone, go to www.smh.com.au (Sydney Morning Herald) and on home page, click on entertainment on left, and when the entertainment section appears, scroll down...A BIG ARTICLE ABOUT YOU AND "THE FULL MONTY", PAUL..! I'M SO EXCITED AND THRILLED FOR YOU, YOU'RE BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT WHERE YOU BELONG!!!!

It's already May 11th in Sydney, (Sunday) although it's still Saturday, late aft. in Florida, so hope you all will catch this article before it becomes history. I am going to print it out.

Your very excited

Momma Mil

Oddly, the article has Paul playing the lead. Did I miss something, or is the article just wrong?

Yeh the articles at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/05/10/1052280481860.html

Hey, Mooke, I'm sooooooo excited. The address of the Sydney Morning Herald is also on my last post.

Cheers!

Grandma Mil

Congratulations, Paul! You'll be great! I hope that you and your family have a great Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms at PC.

I live in the part of the country that has had tornado warnings or watches everyday for the last 6 days. It's so humid you can wear the weather!

Congrats Paul. Not a surprise, because we knew you were going to do it and now it's just a matter of time before your back on stage and heading up the ladder. We'll all be here in cyber space watching and cheering.

To all the lovely mums, mothers, moms, nanas, grandmas or whatever you go by out there. Have a fabulous mother's day. If it weren't for you none of us would be here. 9 months of kicking inside of you. Making you throw upsometimes. Embarassing you in the middle of a store by making you pee in your pants. Making you waddle like a duck before we were born. Ripping your insides out trying to get out and then, you looked at us and it all went away. You gave us unconditional love from the moment you put us to your breast or held us close and fed us. You stayed up late at nights when we were irritable, cleaned up our messes when we were sick. Always gave us a hug and kissed our boo boos. Watched us grow up and make mistakes. Always there for a hug even when we have kids of our own. Words of wisdom drip forth from your mouths now like diamonds, whereas when we were younger sometimes we fought you with every ounce of energy we had.
We love you. We respect you. And thank god for all our moms. And to my mom wherever you are...I love you and I miss you terribly. Somedays it's only your conviction for pressing forward in the worst of circumstances that will keep me going. And one more if you're looking down on this, I apoligize for trying to join you too soon. I have a lot to do here still. Thanks for being the incredible and unforgettable mom that you were to me.

Love to all

Tim

Hey Damaris nice to see you again. And big Hey back to you babay! Thanks for the heads up on the article Momma Mil.
peace,Inn

that babay was for u katalina :-)

I'm starting at the bottom again.

Good evening Mil. Thanks for letting me know about Paul's great news!

Paul congratulations! I think you'd kick ass in the lead,but I realize the article may have misinformed. You may have already posted the news, but I haven't scrolled all the way up.

Tim, your mother would be so proud of the caring young man we've come to know and love. I'm sorry you two can't be together, but you do have more things to do before you split. You have screenplays to write and young'ns to raise! Plus, you haven't met me yet! Only then will your life be truly complete ;) Ask Momma! But weriously, I enjoyed reading your Mother's Day post. You really are good with words and imagery.

Damaris, I found this Corner in exactly the same way and stayed for the same reasons. I'm glad you're back. I've been away from the Corner too and I know you must miss it.

Linda, I'm with you on Desiderata. What a wonderful world this could be if we all saw life that way.

Thanks John and Michelle for the low-down on aspartum. I tried it when it first came out, but the taste told me it couldn't be good for me. I never drink it. In fact I've been off even regular soda for over a year now.

Years ago I read that unrefined sugar in the form of sugar cane, actually prevented tooth decay. I think the book was called "The New American Cuisine". The author claimed that only after refinement did cane become the poison we call sugar. Personaly, I think it's better for my body to eat honey. If I need a powdered form of sweetner I prefer fructose.

Katalina, I have a friend who can find anything and he loves dance music. I'll let you know if I "run into" your request.

Byn, welcome! I hope the most wonderful people find you. Are you getting out to places were you can meet nice folks? Dogs are a great ice breaker. Maybe you'll make friends at the local park while you exercise.

Dhiana, you old chicken farmer you! I like your spiritual world take-over thing! What's YOGA position #Alpha? I hope you "stalk" more frequently. I've missed your light hearted posts.

Well, I better stop for a little while and post this. I'm a bit behind, but I can't catch up all at once. My message is already soooo looong!

Love and peace to y'all!
Whit

Congrats Paul on your gig, too bad we are not in Aus. to come see your performance. I will take your word for it. :)
Off to watch Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn.
Happy Mother's Day
Mercedes

Gosh, Tim I just read your post of the ninth. Please don't take this wrong, but I think people like your dad give Christianity a bad name. What would ease our depression the most, though often we need our meds too, is the support of family and friends. He just blew a great oportunity to be supportive by simply signing his name. I know that my family cherishes this image of me as a crazy artist and it keeps my mother from really seeing me. Actually, she doesn't know me at all. He probably has locked in some inacurate image of who you are and sees you in the same light no matter how you approach him. His loss. I hope you do the England thing. You're going to have a grand time and meet so many cool people (take pictures for us?). You're headed for the "cutting edge" and you deserve it. You've been on that rather short leash for a rather long time. Stroll freely for a change, you world travelor you! It's time to live again!!! It's my belief that even chemical depression has a situational side to it. Pursuing your dream could have a wonderful effect on your state of mind! Just hearing about it brightens my day.

Hey Jessi. I finally made it to your post. It was right after mine. When I first started posting I made a similar complaint about being ignored as I recall and I did get a personal message from Paul. However that's rare. He's naturally too busy to respond to all our messages. Sometimes he may just not have anything to add. To avoid feeling rejected I post to anyone who wants a response and I respond from my heart in the spirit of love. If I need objective and caring opinions, I come here and someone provides feedback. I hope you continue to read, but don't be afraid to post. I think it's safe to say that everyone is welcome and this is a supportive community.

hey baybay back to Inn!!!

Whit: thx sweetie, I was able to get it on peer-2-peer. Thx dear.

Hugz and luvz to all at the PC today.

Luv,
Katalina

Great Kat. It would have been tough to send an mp3 via email. I'll have to hear this myself. And I believe "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman was a favorite film of Paul's. Before i forget, I loved your review of Evanescence' lead singer. You described that so well. Maybe you could be a music critic. Looking back at your posts, your recounting of the Willie and Sheryl musical moment was interesting written as well.
Time to crash.
Whit

Thx Whit. Needed to "get out the kleenex" for
Eat Drink Man Woman. Gosh... it was really touching. Or maybe I was just in the mood for a really good wail.
LOL

I recommend this movie too. Made me very hungry too. LOL

Im about to watch the Luzhein Defense today.
Story about a worldclass chess player who falls in love. Gosh Im a geek. Only katalina would find chess romantic. What can i say? LOL

Hugz, Katalina

I would just like to say that I stumbled across this site by looking for bb straight which is a straightening hair product by Bumble & Bumble :)

So... blog.... I can blog too.