Paul's Corner

Hi Paul,

I am new to you today, but have bared my soul on the your last posting, so go back and read all about how amazed I was with you and your work. Moore important, how amazed I was you open yourself up so freely to your fans. I feel like I know you just from hour and hours of reading your posts. I have seen several of your films in the last few days I have more coming in the mail day by day)Joseph was FANTASTIC!! Don't give up on USA projects!! I do not know why you are not a smashing huge star on the cover of every magazne here in the states. You are a marvalous actor and I can't wait to get each and every dvd of your films.

I'm glad all went well with you "opening" night. Good luck in all you do. I'm here every day now, so I will talk to you soon. Your excitement is contagious! Happy New Year!

Love to all

Kelly

Kelly, welcome to the corner!!! Thank you for your posts and thanking for taking the time to visit, we all look forward to sharing the journey with you.

Thanks Paul!

hanks for the warm welcome!! Make sure to let us know when there is a write up in the paper about the show so we can all read it. I was searching every Australian paper I could view by internet this morning hoping for a glimpse, but there was nothing. Gradma Mill reminded me it was not actually opening night so there wouldn't be anything..... yet. I will keep watching!!!! Thanks for your work, and all you do for us fans. I can't beleive how "hooked" I am on this site since reading your and everyone elses posts. Thanks!!

Congratulations!!

I thought about you and the show this morning while at work and sent my good thoughts! Glad it went well. Looking forward to the great reviews.

A Happy and Peaceful New Year to All

Kathryn

Paul...Paul...Paul...
You know I was there with you too. I thought about your opening night. I knew you'd do well, and I was in "spirit" there with you rooting you on.

Yes you did take those steps small and slow and look where you are now. Look how we've all done over the past year. I'm in much better shape mentally than last year.

I'm so very proud of you and so glad your family was there to witness your entry back onto the stage.

Yep...it's gonna be work, but you know you're going to love every ounce of it. And we're all here clapping our hands. You get a standing ovation from me and I wasn't event physically there.

Keepit up mate. Your successess help me with mine.

peace and love

your mate

Tim

Paul, your joy is palpable! I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Your words about the importance of small steps are so encouraging to me. I think we approach life thinking we have to make big changes in order for our dreams to be fulfilled, when all the time it's those little steps forward on our journey that make all the difference! Thank you for the inspiration you brought with your post, and Happy New Year to all the Mercurios!

Love to you,
Michelle in Chicago

I lift a glass in your honor, Paul. Thanks for sharing the struggle and the triumph with us. You're such an inspiration. As this year ends and the next begins, I feel as though I'm going through that dismemberment process and it can be very disturbing. We can say to ourselves that we embrace change, but I think we're talking about predictable alteration with a forseable and pleasant ending. The real hero's journey is full of peaks and valleys.

And, Tim, I lift a glass to you as well. You've done the hard work and you should be very proud of yourself.

I could say this about many others on this site, but just know that you have my sincere admiration.

On an earlier announcement... my husband's bit on the New Year's Eve (ABC) show will happen at 5 minutes to midnight and then at 10 minutes after.

Happy New Year!

Love,

Diane

With Diane as well as all in the Corner, I raise a glass to Paul on his triumphant opening and to everyone else - Happy New Year!!

Linda

Timmer, we journey together - and what a pleasure it is my friend! Congrats on your small steps and on your triumphs over the last year!!

Diane, sorry I cant see your hubby do his bit. I have been busy of late but did glance a post regarding you and an operation? How are you doing and how is your business doing? I need a catch up:)

Linda you posted while I was posting!! Happy New Year to you too. Hows your back?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am so happy for you, Paul, and everyone who has found new paths and been revived on old ones in 2003! Congratulations one and all!
I was looking for some type of review of TFM,too, and I did find something I hope you won't mind me mentioning,Paul.
Michael Veitch kept a Full Monty diary from audition to now, and a certain someone is mentioned more than once and very favorably, I might add. Had me smiling, then laughing out loud.
Here is the site:
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/27/1072308729137.html
Here's to a wonderful 2004,
happy hugs for all,
Sally aka deltaldy

Dear Paul

It is midnight here and the fireworks has been going off for the past three hours in my neighborhood.

I read your last years note about resolutions. I don't make them either.

However, my friends and I have started a New Year Tradition. Those of us who have cut Christmas trees take them over to a friends and put them all on her burn pile. Before we set the pile on fire, we write all our negative thoughts on little bits of paper from the previous year and stick them in among the branches. It is a great feeling to lift all those negative images out of our minds.

Not that you have "cut your teeth" with TFM, I hope the run will go on.

Is there any website of reviews we can look in on?

Happy New Year to all of you here in PC.

Dear Paul

OOPS!

I forgot to say CONTRATULATIONS on your preview and knew it would be wonderful for you and your family. I am sure your brother was there, Richard too.

Eight performamces a week??? Yikes!!!! Take care of yourself. Your star always shines with us at PC.

I feel the same as Kelly. To let yourself be so open and honest with your fans here, I too feel that we are also a part of your family. Not like some of those Hollywood snots that call them selves 'stars'.

Warm hugs and love.

Marge

A wonderfully happy new year to you, Paul.

Last night (UK time) I was Googling around, trying to see if I could find any reviews for your preview night. I think it was probably a little too early for them to have hit the net, but I did find the following link:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/27/1072308729137.html

It was a diary written by Michael Veitch, cataloguing his attempts to get cast in The Full Monty, and there were two entries that I felt summed you up beautifully:

"Like a drowning man, I am plucked from an ocean of humiliation by Paul Mercurio, whom I have never met, and who takes me aside and patiently tries to drill me in a couple of the basics."

and:

"Paul makes an outrageous suggestion. So, after our pre-arranged strip down to boxers, we depart the stage as Atkins announces that, sadly, we're unable to reveal all today. Then suddenly we're back on stage, buck naked to a man, hands covering genitals as we bound across the stage like idiot schoolboys.

Four hundred middle-aged women full of mid-price Chardonnay spontaneously explode in hysterics. Atkins is required to quell a near-riot."

Good on you, mate. You're one in a million ;O)

*hugs*

Karen

Happy New Year! I've been thinking of you and the start of previews over the last couple of days. Congratulations. What an absolutely beautiful way to begin a new year.

Paul...Thanks for asking about my back. I am in physical therapy now and doing pretty well. Some of these exerises are quite challenging (actually a real bitch!), but they do help.

Very best wishes to you, your family, and all in the Corner for a great 2004!

Linda

Congradulations Paul!
I'm pretty new to your site as well. I love it. Everyone is soo nice and personable. Thinking of your opening night I could imagin the high you were on. The smiles, the excitment, the applauses.
I was in theatre in high school, wanted to pursue my career...got married and had children instead.
I'm not married any longer but my children were worth it. My older son wants to go into comedy, I encourage him daily. Nothing ventured...nothing gained. I agree with Kelly, I don't know why your not a hugh success in the U.S. You are a wonderful actor. I also have learned so much about you from reading your post, and feel as if I know you and your family personally. Thank You for sharing your life with all of us. Have a Wonderful and Blessed New Year!!

Paul, I'm so happy for you!! Thank you for sharing your joy and excitement with us.

You'll probably never know how much of an inspiration you have been to me over the last four months. I found the Corner at a time when I seemed to have run out of momentum. I had been on a road to change for a long time but things had more or less come to a standstill for me. I was ready to move on again but couldn't do the 'moving'. Some moments in your life are 'meant' to happen, I think and one of these for me was definitely when I found SB again after many years (that's another story) and recognised the change I was seeking in the joy and energy of your dancing. Reading your posts, I found someone who showed me how to go about finding it. Not only that, you led by example.When you said that life is an incredible journey, that you should embrace it, take the risks, I believed you because I knew you truly believed it yourself. When you said that the only person who can save me is myself, I thought long and hard and decided you were right. Not only that, since coming here I have started to believe, really believe, that by changing my attitude to situations, I can change situations, at least for myself. I have heard and read these things before but for some reason, your honesty and integrity have convinced me that I can actually put them into practice in my own life. All of these are gifts that you have given me to carry into the new year with me. Thank you.

I want to thank you also for giving me the chance to meet all the wonderful people that you have drawn here and the opportunity to share in their thoughts and energy. Thanks to each and every one of Paul's friends here who help to make PC such a special place.

I hope the months ahead are filled with excitement and success for you. Good luck!

Sending good wishes to everyone here,
Take care,
Mary

Congratulations Paul! Eight shows a week? You'll do that easy!
Happy New Year Grandma Mil,Timmer,Michelle,bluedog,deltalady,Katalina(where ever you are)all the lovely Mercurios,and also welcome to Patricia,Kelly,Karen and Racheline. My toast last year included you all. We had a nice celebration at my brother's home and the whole clan slept past noon today. So,here's to the new year may we meet all the challenges before us and enjoy all the pleasures we are given.
Peace

BTW, happy new year to you too Peter I hope you weren't too flat out to enjoy the birth of 2004!
Peace

Happy 2004 to all the wonderful people here!

Paul, I hope you won't mind if I make a copy of this new thread you wrote to keep me focused on my New Year's resolution? Somehow, your words were just what I need to get me going in the right direction. I won't go into the who, what and why of my new journey right now, but if it's o.k., I'd like to take you along for support...

I'm so happy to hear you had a great "opening" night. We all knew you would. Thank you for posting so quickly, as we were all dying to know how you did!

Marge and Karen, thanks for the link. It was a great read. And Marge, you were right when you said it was like family here.

Good to hear from all the familiar regulars and all the newbies. It dosen't amaze me that people are so drawn to Paul and feel comfortable immediately here. There is so much support and energy from him and all the others here that you go away inspired, taking exactly what you need with you. Thank you all.

Good luck, good wishes, good friends...

Sally

Paul,
Thank you. You have inspired me and made me smile. I so enjoy what is here at PC and love checking in. A special thank you to Cat also.

BTW, my kitchen appliances mysteriously all started working again. It was the strangest thing. My daughter said that the alien spaceship has moved on from our house.

Natalie

Happy 2004, again!

Thanks for asking about my surgery, Paul. I had an ongoing problem that wouldn't respond to a simple solution. I decided to find a permanent remedy which meant the doctor had to shorten my toe by cutting out a piece of bone. I'll have the stitches and a wire in my toe for another week and then I can get back into my favorite shoes — athletic shoes. (Yes, Millie, I too could live in them if I could wear them with dresses.)

The business was very busy from mid-November to mid-December and we've had a nice holiday break. Once the next semester starts, I think we'll be busy again finding tutors for many of those students. Allan's puppeteering gig from last night may turn into a more long-term job as the makers of the candy product have expressed an interest in an ongoing contract. As has been my experience in the past, when it rains, it pours. No doubt he'll be so busy that I'll be running the company by myself. After the deadly quiet and financial worries of this past year, I'm ready to welcome the challenge of too much.

Natalie, I'd love to believe that your appliances suddenly sprung to life because I wished a problem-free household for you this year. We just saw the Lord of the Rings - Return of the King again and I'm in the mood to pretend I'm a wizard like Gandolf. Hmmm, or maybe I'm ready to be fiesty like Eowan riding into battle with the menfolk. Seems like a real story for our times.

Big squeezes to you all!

Diane, I tuned in and saw your "sweet" husband last night. Very cute! Did he have a good time? I imagine the energy there was outrageous.

Very quiet time here. I'm redoing part of our bedroom for my reading/meditation area. Really just a place to hide when the testosterone gets to be too much for me! My guys are the best, but being the only chick in the house can be tough sometimes.

Paul, I hope today was even better than yesterday. I've been thinking about what you said about needing to deconstruct/lose yourself to actually find yourself. I'm hoping I'm close to that point as my frustration lately is really discouraging. The struggle feels like it will never end at times. I was so comforted by what you wrote, and I wanted to thank you again for that.

Love and light to all of you, my friends.

Michelle/Chicago

Hey all,

I have to have an MRI tommorrow on my left shoulder. I have been going to physical therapy for 2 months now and it's only taken me so far.(from no use of my upper arm to somewhat use, I can raise my arm about 2 feet now.) They think I will have to have surgery. I'm very nervous as I am not the best in close quarters and because of the short time frame they gave me (yesterday), my husband is not able to go with me. I will be in for 45 minutes and I'm a little (alot) nervous. I don't know how I will hold still for 45 minutes when lying on my back for long periods of time is painful on my shoulder. YUK!! Well enugh complaining from me!! I can't get better without doing this so I will just shut up and suck it up!! Wish me lick, I'll need it.

Hope everyone's New Years was pleasant!!

Kelly

Hi to all

Our "White Christmas" finally got here on New Years Day, in Washington. It has been snowing on and off ever since. I love the snow. It makes everything look clean and new, and the air is crisp. My "kids" (2 dogs and a cat) think they are house plants. I am retired, so I don't have to go anywhere, but can if I have to as I have a 4WD truck.

I stocked up on groceries and the only thing I need to do on a daily basis is go take care of my horse who is kept at a friends house. He too is a senior of 24. Thats 72 in human years.

Love, Marge

Check out the website that Karen left. It's a really good article about Michael Veitch in getting the role for TFM.

Marge

Linda, I meant to commend you on your therapy. I'm sure it's demanding; but I guess you're building up muscle support for your back and we should all be doing that.

Michelle, I've got that testosterone deal here, too. I love my guys too; but I was also outnumbered growing up with three brothers. Most times, I can adjust to their pace and tastes. Other times, I need to seek out my women friends or indulge in some uniquely feminine endeavor. I like that decorating idea of yours. I may just try something like that while they're visiting with grandma and grandpa next week.

Kelly, I'm not good in confined spaces either. How about meditating or fantasizing during the process? I've done that before in an unpleasant situation and it really helped.

Marge, glad you've had a white Christmas. We keep hoping snow will revisit us in north L.A. County. Last time was '92. I really think we're due.

'Night all.

I agree with the rest of PC that your latest post is most encouraging and inspiring, holding on to hope and finally achieving your dreams is a story that is held close to the heart for many.

It is not what you accomplish but how you got there that gives you that sense of achievement. And you know what I'm talking about when I say that I'm sure. Its something we can all learn from.

Congrads on opening night! I applaud you.

Where's Grandma Millie?

Take care to all,

Happy New Year!

Cheers,

Paul, my sincere Congrats! there is little as powerful as a mind that is focused combined with a discipline to walk past all that is not relevant to the goals you have set yourself. I admire and have enourmous respect for this trait.

Many go ohahh when they see the chick break out of the egg but few appreciate the weeks of work it took to get there. Never forget the journey, enjoy your success and always fall back on your feet between highs and lows...

Soak up the Moment!
Soak up the Applause!
It has been a long journey...
Ralf

Hi PJM/PC,
I read the comments by Michael V. re: our Paul. We're not surprised by any of it,are we??? It is who he is as a man: kind, generous, empathetic, sharing, caring, nurturing, joyful, silly, loving, compassionate, loyal, etc. Paul if you could kindly make a Xerox copy of yourself & mail it to me, I'd be one happy girl!!! I especially enjoyed the strip to the buff part. Oh, if I could be a fly on that wall!!!! Just reading the words had me grinning!!!

No question that Michael, Russell, & Richard are always with you because you carry them in the best part of your heart. Place your hand to your heart, & I promise you will find them there.

I set my alarm clock to co-incide with your show opening so I could send positive thoughts and energy to you. I see it worked!! No surprise there. Eight shows a week?? Piece of cake for you, babe. You'll just become better and better, if that's possible.

Welcome to newbies.

Healing thoughts to Kelly, Diane, & Linda.

Diane: Hubby's a cutie. Looks like a keeper to me.

Lady Dhi: Glad to hear that the new business if going well for you. Catch your breath, you've been working hard, girl.

Kat: I'm a chocolate girl, so Chocolate latte for you for the New Year.

Timmer: Hope you heard all the wonderous sounds of the holidays!!

Gran Mil: I'm loving you and E. C.

New Year's love & kisses to all who have been so accepting and supportive of me and my lovely son, John Thomas (schizophrenia and all). He sends special hugs to you, Paul. You are a great model to him of what it truly means to be a man. He reads of your successes, losses, and the ups and downs of your life's journey. You give him great courage and strength to appreciate what goes right, and to find the life's lesson in what could be better. He loves that you love your Mom so much!! He says "it's a son thing...Paul would understand it." Thanks for that.

I've loved this child since before I ever had him. He is the air I breathe and the beat of my heart. It's a Mom thing I tell him.

We saw The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King last week. I'm thinking about taking a Berlitz course in Elvish so I can be placed between Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen: YIKES, is he gorgous)on one side, and Legolas (I'm signing up for archery lessons as we speak), the Elf of the Woodland realm on the other. Whatever they're selling, Janice is buying. What can I tell you, I'm a SUCKER for long haired men!!

I want to move to Rohan, the home of the horse lords because Theomir, Bormoir, & Faramir really had IT going on!! I can dream can't I??? What I really appreciate in this trilogy is that the women are such strong characters. I like that!! No wussy girls for me!!

Till next time, PC:

Elbows up, head high, feet moving forward.

J.

Hey all

I am back from the MRI. My husband called in sick to work so he could go with me. I could not have done it without him. I tried but I was very smooshed in there (side to side) and I lost feeling in my arms and hands. They had to go to the waiting room to get him and he held my ankles through the whole thing. My ankles were the only thing sticking out. What a difference he made. I could NOT have done it without him!!
He is my rock, I can't tell you how many times he has gotten me through the rough patches. I will get my results in a few days.

Diane, I tryed fantasizing like you suggested, but the only fantasy I could think about was Paul's tush scene in "Exit to Eden". Ya know, the one with the hairbrush!!! Anyway, I thought that was not too keen since my husband was being so supportive. hehe ... But I did a little bit!

Thanks for the visual, Paul. Thanks ALOT !!!

Janice, I love a mcoho latte as well. I am sipping one now to calm my nerves.

Love to all!!

Kelly

Hey all!

Check out the article about Paul in "The Age". It's an australian newspaper. www.theage.com.
They talk about past projects and a little about TFM. It's nice to see him in the spotlight.

Kelly

SORRY! THE CORRECT WEB SITE IS AS FOLLOWS

http://www.theage.com.au/

LOOK ON THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN

WAY TO GO, PAUL. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE!

KELLY

Paul,

I loved your posts on Christmas and New Years!

May your New Year be full of happiness.

Suzanne

Kelly, thank you so much for the web link to the article on Paul. I really enjoyed it! Hope your shoulder is coming on and that the surgery will work.
Thanks also to Karen and Sally for the first link. It was lovely seeing Paul through someone else's eyes and finding him as we find him here.

Diane, I'm so glad for you and your husband. I hope 2004 will be a fantastic year for both of you in all your business ventures.

Patricia, I wish your son the best of luck in his chosen career. People who can make us laugh are such a blessing in this life.

Michelle, I have always found that the frustration and the struggle are at their worst just before a breakthrough. In a way, this is your apprenticeship to 'finding yourself'. I suppose it is only by the hard road that you can come to this place and then, through your experience, help others who are still on the journey. Having said that, when you do reach that place, another level seems to open up in front of you, with its journey stretching out before you. And really, this is the wonderful thing about life - I don't think it's
about completion, it's a learning experience right to the end or at least it is, if you let it be. I really hope that in this new year, you will reach one of the important steps along the way. I'll be thinking of you.

Tolkien's book The Lord of the Rings has been a passion in my life for a long, long time and Peter Jackson's adaptation is just awesome!! The bonds of the Fellowship are something we can all aspire to.

Paul, I hope things are continuing to go well for you.

Sending good wishes to everyone in the Corner today, take good care, all of you,

Mary

Diane, ditto on the brother thing. I grew up with four of them. After thinking it over, I guess I just need a quiet place to be by myself. I would want that whether I had boys or girls I guess. The older I get, the more I seem to need that time to myself. I hope you get your space as well.

Mary, thanks so much for your encouragement. I SO hope you are right about a breakthrough being near. I am ready for a new level of my journey to begin, as you say. I want to quit struggling, treading water. I would be happy to let go and float. Hopefully I'm closer to that than I think. Change, even small changes, seem so scary sometimes. Little steps...

Where is Grandam Mil? I'm starting to get a little worried. She was so excited for Paul's big night! I hope all is well and we'll be hearing from her very soon!

Big hello to Peter, wherever you are. I miss all your wise, introspective posts. Hope you're not flat out, lizard-like.

Hi to everyone else, Kat, Whit, Inn, Tim, Linda, Sally, Marge, Kelly, Julie, Janice, Evelyn, Dhiana and everyone who has posted.

Hi Paul!

Love to you all,
Michelle/Chicago

Michelle and everyone else, just to let you know that I have been in touch with Grandma Mil and she is fine. She has not been able to access the Corner for the last few days for some reason. Everything else on her computer is working fine. She has written to Cat to see if she can help but maybe someone who knows about computers could e-mail her and see if they can help. I sent her a copy of Paul's New Year post and also a copy of the article Kelly told us about (which she had already found!), so that she could stay in touch.

Mary

To Kelly

I checked out "The Age" website, but could not find the article you mentioned. Is there a title to it? Thanks, Marge

Thanks, Mary! And yes, I meant GRANDMA, not Grandam. Although I'm sure she is quite racy!:) Miss you Grandma Mil!

My spelling could use some work I guess. It didn't help that my family was collectively tapping their feet, waiting for me to finish so that we could go out to eat. They have no patience, and I obviously don't work well under pressure.

Better days,
Michelle, who is thinking about dropping the "Chicago" as it is seeming more unnecessary all the time. Maybe I'll change it to "purle"!:) With apologies to our friend Peter.

Diane...(and Janice, too) Thanks for the good thoughts. I hope you are doing well after your surgery too. I hope this procedure will not alter your gait. About four years ago, I lost my great toe from a freaky thing that included a ruptured tendon - yuck! I think this contributed to the pinched nerve situation. So watch yourself and if you need physical therapy, go for it! Happy new year!

Kelly...Hope all goes well with your MRI. I only had one of those and was sooo claustrophobic - kept my eyes closed tightly throughout. Hope it gets to the bottom of your problem.

Michelle...We know who you are so adding Chicago is your choice or not. A rose by any other name, etc.

Pleasant evening to the Corner.

Linda

HI,

What does the link "3 laws safe" have in relationship to Paul? (Are they making him into a robot? )

Thanks,

Suzanne

Marge,

I saved the article in my bookmarks. I tried to email it to you but your email address didn't come up. Click on my name and send me your email address. and I will sned you the article. If you are trying to see the article today on the web page, itwon't be there. It updates at midnight.

Kelly

Shhhheeeeeeesssss Baaaaaaaccccccccckkkkkkk!

-Jared "The Computer Expert"

Testing, just happy to be back and posting comments!

Ooh, my dear chickies, I was gone for almost a week, and how I missed you all! I wasn't far, just at my computer wondering why I couldn't get into Paul's Corner, even after I called Compaq Technical, got India, was switched to Canada, worked with the technician for 2 hours, with no success. Then, I called my "old" tutor, whom I met when he was 15 and I was just starting out using a computer. He's now 20, in college, taking Computer Science as his major. He spent an hour, went into the innards of my computer and fixed everything at a minimal fee of $15.00!

I had written to Mary in England about my plight, and she sent me Paul's letter about opening night, and I was able to join the excitement!! Thank you, Mary, I owe you one!!

Yes, Paul, I was with you when the curtain rose for the first time...it was 4:00 a.m. Wednesday in Florida, and I was completly dressed, with makeup on, for one has to be dressed on opening night, (unless you're a cast member of TFM.) My God, I sound like a real looney Grand Dame, (and thank you Michelle, for giving me a new name for the New Year!)I can just imagine how proud Andrea and the girls felt when you made your first entrance on stage!

Paul, when you get to Sydney in March, a big surprise awaits you...it could be animal, vegetable or mineral, but I ain't talking now, but a hint is, it will involve PC...'nuf said for now..

I marveled at the tone of all the messages that I read on getting back.

I am proud to be part of this site, and being out of the loop for even a few days was too long.

I missed you all, for you touched this old heart with your experiences, your love and respect for each other, and, of course, for our Paul.

Peace and Love,

Grand Dame Mil

Here's the link, Marge:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/12/31/1072546578180.html

And Suzanne, 3laws safe refers to the following:

"I am off to Canada to be the movement consultant for "I Robot"" that Paul posted May 15th.

If you read much scifi, it refers to the three laws of robotics, put in place to make people safe around robots, and vice versa. And yeah, I remember them, long a huge fan of the late Isaac Asimov!

It's cool site, grabs your attention,lol!

hugs and smiles,
Sally

Mary, me darlin', pardon me for saying you were from England, when you are from Ireland!

Pardon me for sounding like Barry Fitzgerald in the "Quiet Man" for I just finished putting in that wedding scene into my February "Sights and Sounds" video concert program (Valentine's Day tribute.)

I included the wedding scenes from 6 movies: The Sound of Music, Father of the Bride, (with Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy) My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Muriel's Wedding, (the best wedding I ever attended) Fiddler on the Roof, The Quiet Man, and ended the sequence with Natalie Wood singing "If Momma Got Married" from "Gypsy". You are all cordially invited....

Peace and Love, and have a wonderful week of more knock-their-socks-off performances, Paul darlin'!

Grand Dame Mil

What a wonderful post: filled with enthusiasm and positive thoughts. I'm glad your preview went so well Paul!!! I'm sure we were all there in spirit.

I add my holiday wishes. Happy New Year to everyone!
Love,
Whit

We have really had some winter weather here. It snowed for a couple of days off and on, and the temperature has been below freezing ever since. My neighbor was out with his sons building a snow fort. He said the last time we had this kind of weather/snow was back in 1987.

I have been house bound for three days, but that's OK. I tried to get out to run some errands, but couldn't get up the hill, even in 4WD. Too many cars were parked along the side and I didn't want to slide into any of them. I forgot to get cement blocks in the back of my truck for weight

Looks like tomorrow is going to be bad for those people who have to go to work. There are already school schedule changes in our area.

To: Delta lady
I got to the website about Paul and copied the article. Thank you very much.

To: Grand Dame Mil.

Glad only your computer had the flu and not you or your family. I am fortunate that I have a computer geru nearby to fix anything for me. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Paul could pop in and fix it for us? What a rush that would be!!!

Love to all,
Marge

Grand Dame Mil (I like it!)- Welcome back!! It's great to see one of your posts up again. Thank you Jared!

Would you believe The Quiet Man was showing on television here a couple of days ago! It was made down the West of Ireland and apparently gave employment - as extras - to most of the people in the area when it was made. My sons and I visit the West for a couple of weeks holiday every year. Some of the remoter places are so beautiful, particularly the beaches. You have the soft (rounded) mountains behind you and the Atlantic waves crashing at your feet. It is where I go to recharge my spiritual batteries!!

Suzanne, I'm glad Sally explained the '3 Laws Safe' reference. I knew it referred to Paul's work on I Robot but didn't understand what it actually meant. Thanks Sally! And Suzanne, hope you are doing well.

Marge, I hope the weather clears for you soon and that you can get out and about again. How are your animals coping? On the rare occasions that we get snow, my mother's cats take it as a personal insult and refuse point blank to set their paws in it!

Janice, hope you and your son John are well.

Michelle, I have been thinking about what you said about changes scaring you. I can understand where you're coming from. I think some of us have actually to learn the skill of embracing change and going with it, while others seem to take to the idea in a more 'natural' way. It is one of the challenges of my life to let go of fear and take off. It's taken me a while to realise that but it has been a transforming realisation for me. I don't think it will ever come 'naturally' to me, but I am trying to make it a skill that I have adapted into my life so that I can try to live it to the full. Remember,the part of you that is scared of change is just one aspect of who you are. Think of all the other skills that come naturally to you but would be challenging to others. For example, you come across to me in your posts as a very open and 'sunny' person. Not everyone in the world has that gift. By the way, I think Paul has hit on something with his 'small steps'. I think he has opened up a path for us to take, each in whatever direction we need to go in.I've used the idea more than once already since the year began.

Sending everyone here good wishes,
Mary

To: Mary

Cats are like that. They think your world revolves around them.

I really don't mind the snow and cold weather. When it's cold like this, the air is crisp and clear, and you can get outside for a bit. I usually wait until the sanding trucks have done their job. Usually it is raining here and everything seems gray.

My two dogs like to romp in the snow for a bit, but being low to the ground, (the're Pekineze) they want back in after a few minutes.

Paul,
I found this quote, by George Carlin and am sending it on to you. "Always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." This seems appropriate for your wonderful night on NYE.

I have found quite a few of these quotes and will share them on PC from time to time.

Love to all, Marge

Dear Mary,

I'm glad you like my latest new name...Granddame, like in "There's nothing like a dame, nothing in the world..." or like in royalty, such as Dame Judi Dench, or Dame Maggie Smith..notice that these Dames are almost my age, which proves one has only to live long enough to be coronated!

Mary, about "The Quiet Man"..it is shown so much in the states, but I ever get tired of watching it, just like "Casablanca". I always loved Maureen O'Hara, who is still beautiful in her 80s, and John Wayne?...he always played the same type of character, but no male American actor today comes close to having his magnetism.

You notice I said "American actor" but there's one male Aussie actor that has "it"...guess who?

Have a great week, everyone!

Peace and Love,

Granddame Mil

Granddame Mil

Now that's appropriate. And when you said Judi Dench...well that says it all.
You know auntie mil...I think you should be in a movie this year. Get your agent to put you out there for a part. You'd light up the big screen with that beautiful smile of yours and be forever emblazened into film. : )

I hope you are doing well Paul. I'm sure you're so busy you probably can't check this much..but we're still cheering you on.

Hope everyone is well at PC. Hello to all. And a group hug to everyone for a successful new year.

Hey Peter...hope you're doing well too down there.

later everyone

peace and love

Tim

You're right, Tim, WHERE IS OUR PETER?? Come out, wherever you are, Peter, hope all is well with you and your lovely family!

You are so kind, Tim, but I already am a celebrity of sorts, among the retired in our community. E.C. and I just went to the bank on an errand, and 4 people stopped me to ask me when my next show is...(tomorrow night and Thursday night.)

I always wear makeup when I leave our apartment, my hair is in place, and my nails are polished, for I never know when a talent agent will grab me and..ask for directions!

Timmer, how was your holiday? I hope your clients
showered you with big tips during the holiday season! I know I was happy to give my haircut gal extra moolah, for she's very special in what she does.

Peace and Love,

Granddame Mil

Hello to All!

Hi Grandma Mil or I should say Granddame Millie, its nice to have you back finally I was getting worried about you. I hope to come up sometime to Wynmoor in the next few weeks to see you. I'll keep you posted of course. Are you planning a trip to Sydney?

Kelly, I admire your positive attitude and your positive visualizations. Since this is the Paul Murcurio fan blog I guess I should bring up a subject that relates to Paul's career.

Was it really your derrière in that scene in Exit to Eden?

Ok that wasn't funny. I guess I should ask a more appropriate question...what makes it all worth while?

Anyone can answer this one I welcome all responses.

good wishes to you, your family and your lovely wife,

No trips to Sydney, Julie, unless it's in my dreams! Long plane trips are out for Granddame Mil and and her consort. (Stud Muffin, whatever)

We had planned to go to Israel to see our eldest daughter and her family the end of this month, but those plans are put on hold.

British Airways, our carrier out of Miami to London, and then to Israel, has had shut-downs due to terrorist alerts.

We haven't seen our daughter, her husband, and their large family ( 9 children, and their 3 grandchildren), for 5 years...circumstances, distance, health issues, what have you.

In the meantime we exchange emails, send pictures, and speak on the phone. Ellie and I try not to dwell on the fact that we miss them. We only pray they all stay well and safe. They live in Jerusalem.

We have two other daughters, who, with their smaller families, live in New Jersey and Connecticut. One daughter will be down on Jan. 22 with her two children. We look forward to that!

Hope to see you soon, Julie. Maybe you'll be able to come to my February Valentine show on Febr. 3 & 5th.

Then, in March, I am showing "Strictly Ballroom" (DVD) on a large new screen and new state of the art equipment in our multimedia auditorium....can't wait! Everyone is invited!!!

Peace and Love,

Granddame Mil

Granddame Mil...
My clients were quite kind to me. It was lovely.

Paul...I've sent a surprise to you. The wonders of the internet. I sent it to the theatre so expect it. A congratulations gift on your success. You deserve...it would have been beer butI couldn't get it.

Anyway..rock on!!!!

peace and love

The Timmer

Granddame Mil...Such a great title. I still think you need an agent. Thanks for your well wishes, my clients were very kind to me.

Paul...be on the lookout for a surprise arriving at the theatre...A congratulations gift from me to you and yours on your stupendous accomplishment. I tried to have a 6 pak of beer sent to you but that was just something I couldn't quite seem to pull off. Anyway..it's a surprise..

Take care everyone...

Here's to a great 2004..

Timmer

More snow coming our way tonight. They're saying this is the worst since 1996. I will need to get out, but I think the roads will be okay later in the day, and all the computers will have gotten where they are going. I'll just have to put some weight in the back of my truck on the axle for traction.

Love to all, Marge

OOPS

I meant to say commuters, not computers.

Marge

Cat
What awesome articles. I loved the chronicle over time of how it emerged (TFM). Great stuff.

Good pics Paul...

Timmer

Granddame Millie your last post tugged on my heart. My nieghbor next door is a manager for
El-AL (I think that's how its spelled). There are flights still going out twice a week to Isreal from what she told me last time we spoke. I'll ask her what the schedual is these days.

Hope all is well with everyone,

Oiiiiii Paul... ops... Hi Paul!
I live in Brazil and I don't speak english very well but I want desire a happy new year for you!!!
kisses...
Dessa (www.elehtrika.blogger.com.br)

Julie, I appreciate your concern about us and our not being able to visit with our children overseas.

Maybe peace will break out all over this world, and people will be able go freely to visit their dear ones. In the meantime, Ellie and I are just happy that everyone is well, so far, and who knows, maybe we will be able to go some day before we get too old, God willing!

Peace and Love,

Granddame Mil

Grandame Millie,
The last thing I would call you is old!

You are a spitfire.

Natalie

Happy New Year to all of you and also thank you for your good wishes for my job interviews last week. You probably didn’t notice it, but I dragged you along for moral support into each and every job interview. Thanks!!! Needless to say, I survived :) but have been very exhausted ever since. But I enjoyed that experience very much (for the most part), wasn’t nervous at all, except at 4 am on the first day when I had all these butterflies in my stomach which I then visualized as beautiful butterflies and released individually and from then on, I was calm, confident, and decided to be me and to enjoy it. Didn’t see your response about the butterflies until I came back, Paul, but I like it. Okay, it helped that the first interview went really well and that they had fantastic questions, none of which I had expected :), definitely building confidence. Next interview went just as well and the third one that day, was plain weird and it felt as if they were interviewing me for a totally different position than they had advertised for. Still not sure what that means or if this was some sort of very twisted strategy to see what else I can do or am willing to do on top of the job skills they are looking for. Furthermore, it didn’t help that they did nothing to put me at ease during that interview and everything to keep me on edge and totally clueless as to what they are doing and looking for in the interview other than playing a nasty power game with me. They asked so many bad questions and a few too many where I’m left pondering how (if at all) that relates to the position. I’m proud of what I did in this interview, proud that I can think on my feet if I have to and didn’t let them intimidate me as badly as they intended, but this experience has triggered a lot of anger, frustration over the course of the last week, along with hurt and very strong feelings of insecurity, self-doubt and feeling utterly unqualified for this and also the other positions. Kind of funny how within a few hours I went from feeling really good and self-confident to the exact opposite but now am beginning to bounce back from that, since I decided that the one interviewer who antagonized me, was condescending and very arrogant has no right to make me feel inadequate, insecure and unsure of myself as a human being and in my professional life. While I yielded that power to him for a little over a week, no more!!!! And this in many ways describes the process I underwent last year and still am undergoing that is to learn to trust my instincts, to draw strength from within myself and to believe in myself and not to pin how I feel about myself, see myself etc. on other people who don’t always have the best intentions for me. I don’t think I ever will be comfortable around these power game playing people who seemingly need to hurt others to make themselves feel powerful and good about themselves, although I’m not sure how that is possible, but it seems to be working on some level for them, and there still is a part in me that is crouching in fear, wanting to withdraw into some safe corner, avoiding, mentally pleading with them not to hurt me again, but there’s also a part in me now that stands up for herself and protects herself and that in itself is a pretty big step for me. The fourth interview, the next day, went really well again and I’m glad I was able to leave that less pleasant experience behind me and focus on the new situation and made the best of it and the moment I walked out of that room, the adrenaline crashed … and I noticed how stressful the last few months have been. Now, I’m really antsy around the phone, as I’m waiting to hear if I left enough of a positive impression to be invited to the next round of on-campus interviews, where they narrow it down to 3 or 4 candidates, although this is a process that is going on over the month of January. Ugghhh!! don’t like this waiting game and then of course it’s dragged out all the way through March. Enough of that!!!

Congratulations Paul on a great opening preview night and by now also official opening night and thanks for sharing your excitement and experience with us. This sounds great and you deserve the standing ovation every night, 8 times a week!!! so here’s one extra one from me and I’m sure the rest of the PC family will join me --- hmmm, how does one put the sounds, excitement and energy of a standing ovation into a blog posting???? Good thing you have a creative mind and can imagine it, so please do!

Happy thoughts and best wishes to all of you, Kelly, Kathryn, Tim, Grandma Mil/Grand Dame Mil, Michelle, Diane, Dhiana, Linda, Sally, Marge, Mary, Karen, Racheline, Patricia, Innussiq, Sally C., Natalie, Julie, Janice, Whitney, Paul and all of your family, and everyone else. May you be healthy, happy and enjoying the journey that your life is.

Grandma, speaking about your family, has your granddaughter had the baby yet or when is that supposed to happen or did this happen already and I'm loosing my mind???

Michelle, much of what you said, I can relate to and I hope that you will break through and enjoy all that life has to offer more freely again.

Peter, where art thou????

Cheers & much love!

Natalie, I agree with you! Millie is one of these people who will always be young at heart. In an ideal world, everyone would have at least one person like her in their life.

Granddame Millie - I hope the applause is deafening at the end of your show tonight!

Julie, I will try to answer your question off the top of my head. If I think too much, I might not be able to choose only a few things. So, for me (in no particular order) what makes it worth while is - music, being with friends, mountain air, walking on my favourite beach, hearing my sons laughing together, family gatherings, being able to visit Paris once a year, seeing understanding in the eyes of the children I teach when I'm tackling something difficult, believing that ultimately, we are all connected and are being held safely in the hands of God/the Spirit of the Universe/the Divine Presence. I'm sure I could think of other things but these are what came into my head first. Actually, I'm glad your question gave me the chance to write these down. I really am lucky.

Back to work tomorrow, after a wonderful break. This is my favourite term in the school year. I have gotten to know the children and they are up and running and raring to go - everything seems possible! I have a lot of challenges to face over the next six months or so, some are new and exciting, others are old ones that still hold me back. I'll be trusting in those 'small steps' that Paul recommends and approaching them in a new way and hopefully, this time next year, they'll be a thing of the past.

Here's hoping Paul is getting all the applause he deserves. I wonder what Tim's gift to him is??

Take care everyone,
Mary

Ps Michelle, hope you are well.

Evelyn, you posted just as I did. Congratulations on surviving what sounds like a very challenging couple of days! I really hope that you get the best possible outcome from this experience. Three of the interviews were confidence-building and the fourth was a learning experience and an opportunity to rise above something and show yourself how much you've grown. That sounds pretty good to me. I'll be thinking of you over the next few weeks. The waiting sounds like agony but try to trust that you've done your best and if the job is right for you, then you will get it.

All the best,
Mary

Grand Dame Millie...Welcome back and happy new year, darling!

Evelyn...Super job on keeping your perspective during all those interviews. My wish for you is to get the job you want and want the job you get. Hang in there!

Sally...Nice to hear you are an Isaac Asimov fan. My husband has always been a rabid one and some has rubbed off on me. We are anxious to see "I, Robot" not only because of Paul's part as movement coordinator but to see how this story comes off on scene. Will Smith is usually great fun to watch.

Good night, all.
Linda

My Dear Ones,

Evelyn, glad the interviews are over..you'll be successful...has Granddame Mil ever been wrong? (Yeah, lots of times, but not this time..)

I was up extra early this a.m...like a kid, I was all wound up from the show last night... ("The Sights and Sounds of Music".) Paul and I really are sharing similar experiences this week!

When "The End" appeared on the screen after one hour and 40 minutes, (the falling curtain from "Strictly Ballroom"), the audience let out such a roar,I was almost speechless...when the lights went on, they were on their feet, applauding, grinning, and I asked them, "Was the program too long?" and a collective, loud "NOOOOO!!!" came back at me.

It was my 9th year anniversary of the show, and the auditorium was so packed, people were turned away, but then, more people are around enjoying Florida's summer-like weather these days. I will show the same tape on Thursday, and a brand new tape for February, March, April...etc.

There were scenes from Broadway, opera, (Pavoratti singing an aria from "La Boheme" on Miami Beach surrounded by thousands), Liza Minnelli singing "New York, New York" Natalie Cole singing "Unforgetable" with her father, so cleverly done through digital electronics, Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell dancing to "Begin the Beguine" in a magnificent setting from "Broadway Melody of 1940", and a scene from "Smokey Joe's Cafe" where the song, "Spanish Harlem" was sung and danced...gorgeous! Of course, there was much more, including scenes from "Saturday Night Fever", "Hairspray" "42nd St."
on Broadway now, and a continuing documentary on the music of Richard Rodgers, and other scenes too numerous to mention.

All of these scenes come from 500 tapes that are in our den, all catalogued by comptuer for easy access. Only Whit knows the secrets of our den, when she visited us during the opening of "Follies" last March. She said that she "slept among the stars."

I taught myself how to take scenes that I want to use from these tapes, through the use of 2 VCRs, one for playing and one for recording. I guess I am doing film editing, and the finished product and the reception it gets is what makes it all worthwhile.

I told the audience that I would be showing "Strictly Ballroom" in March (again) when new equipment and a larger new screen will be installed. I am sure I will have a full house for that too!

Peace and Love,

Granddame Mil

Paul,

What is your tatoo on your right ankle of?

Hope all went well with opening night. We are all waiting to hear how it went.

Evelyn, just remember if an interview is going that badly, and you have no intention of working for that company because of the way they treat you and treat their employees, then don't forget you can speak your mind and leave the interview. If they can't show respect in the interviews they are probobly not going to show it in the daily workday either. I had to do just that about 7 years ago. They were so shocked I would speak my mind and covey my feelings without feeling I had to agree with everything they were saying, that they called me to come back for a second interview which I declined. I think it was a much needed wake up call for them and very liberating to me that although I was walking away, I did it under my terms and I called the shots and if anyone was feeling down it sure wasn't going to be me. I accepted a different job within the company in a different department and the person that gave me so much trouble in the interview is no longer with the company. (noone was sorry to see him go, either). Anyway, keep your head up and remember... you hold the cards to your future and any decisions made are made for a reason and know that the job meant for you is waiting for you. You will find it when the time is right. Or should I say, it will find you. Good luck in your search.

No school here today , too much snow! Good thing I only work a few miles from home.

Love to all,

Kelly

Hello friends. Hope this finds all of you well and happy!

Evelyn, thank you for your kind wishes. My struggle seems to be familiar to lots of people. I hope your job search is fruitful and that the change the new job brings will be wonderful for you!

Mary, you are so thoughtful to be watching after me! I am doing well I guess. Still feeling a bit stuck but am finding myself more hopeful than I was before. Your kind words had a lot to do with that, and I thank you again. I'm learning all the time, which is what I'm here for!

Grandma Mil, I am in awe of your technological abilities. You are a wonder, and I wish I could see your Sights and Sounds program!

I have a question for all of you. Do you beleive in Spirit Guides or Guardian Angels? Do you think you have one, or more for that matter? Have you had an experience where you felt their presence?

I ask this because of a book I'm reading. I've lifted my self-imposed moratorium on spiritual books since I was given some for Christmas, and the one I'm currently reading is by a psychologist who speaks to people under hypnosis about their time BETWEEN lives. Every one of these people talk about their guides and how important they are throughout their lives and in between. I'd never thought about it much, and now I'm trying to decide how I feel about it. So, what do you think?

Paul, I hope you're doing well with your heavy schedule. How is your voice holding out? And your muscles? I'll bet you're knocking their socks off!

Love and light to all of you,
Michelle

Michelle,

I believe we definately have guides and gaurdian angles. Sometimes when I feel lost or alone or feel I need protection, I ask my angels to guide me, protect and gaurd over me and keep me safe. I always feel a warmth come over me and I know it's because I am not alone.

My mother was in what should have been a serious car accident were her car went over an embankment
about 75 feet down. She was airborne. As she she floated through the air ( all 15 seconds of it)She saw 2 large trees in front of her and knew she would hit them head on. She said that inher mind she thought of her angles and right when she did she noticed two angles sitting on the front of the hood on her car.one one each corner of the hood. When she hit, She hadn't relialized what she had hit because the two trees that were directly in front of her, were now one on each side of the car. Just far enough apart for the front of her car to "slide" in between them. Her car dropped down in the back far enough for her to get out. It was as if the trees had let her go. She crawled out of the vehicle and up the steep embankment. This took her several minutes to do. When she reached the top of the embankment, she noticed she was standing in front of my IN-LAWS house. My husbands parents lived on the other side of the embankment. Tom's parents called 911.When the police and paramedics arrived, they noticed they could not see her vehicle from the road and they would never have found her because no one would have noticed her down there. I know angles exist because my mother is proof. Besides being shaken up, my mother was fine. A few scrapes on her face
and arms from crawling up the embankment but that was it. Her brand new car was totaled. The ploice said that if she had landed any other way she probobly would have been seriously injured or dead. They were baffled at how the vehicle had landed, as if it had been placed there. For years I blamed myself because we had had plans to go to dinner that night, but I cancelled to go see a freind I had not seen in years. I still feel bad about it, but I wonder if I would have as much faith had this not happened. Her angles guided the car perfectly. I know they did. My mom said as soon as she saw them, she felt safe and was no longer scared. So much to happen in just a few seconds. I am just glad we are NEVER alone. Sometines it's one of the only things that keeps me going.

You have to form your own decisions from within you. It comes from within you. Nowere else. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, only what you feel matters.

Love to all,

Kelly

Congrats to Paul on a superb opening night and glad his spirits are up up up!

Big hugs to all here at PC.

Snow was fun for a day, but now it's back to the freezing rain. Our winter wonderland was lovely while it lasted, sleds, skis, frosty walks warm coffee & smiles to the neighbors and all...

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

Katalina

PS Hi Inn!!!! I'm here...but more of a lurker lately. Cannot post or read as often as used to. I do it before or after work now. Still nice to keep in touch. I'm still PM-able.LOL *grinn*

No more snow for a while. The weather has turned to rain, but everything has a crust of ice over it. I went out to get in my truck started, but couldn't get in, as the doors are frozen shut. Reminds me of when my family lived in Alaska. I guess the roads will be hell tonight when the temperature drops. Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled.

My horse is being well taken care of. My friend is carrying hot water out to them and they love it. I will stay in for one more day.

I get a kick out of all these people who have "SUV's". They seem to get a false sence of security. A lot of them ended up in the ditches.

I also believe in angels. I have a traveling guardian angel in my truck on the vizor.

Paul
Hoping you are well and coping with your exaustive schedule. We are all waiting for updates and to find out what the surprizes are waiting for you.

Here is a thought to ponder. Does a clean house indicate that there is a broken computer in it?

As you can see my computer is alive and well. My house? We won't go there!

Love to all,
Marge

Just checking in to see what's going on, and my goodness, so much activity! Hope all are well and life is good - or at least bearable for everyone.

I think Paul will get a big kick out of Tim and Mil's surprise gifts, not that I know what they are, but am really curious. I have sent a note to the theater as well, and I was thinking... wouldn't Paul be pleased to get a card or note from a bunch of us here? It doesn't cost much for an air-o-gram to Australia - under $1 - and depending on the size of a letter or card, not much more. It would be fun if we could get a collection going to send him flowers, but I'm not sure if that would be possible. Some of the fan sites I patronize do it, but I'm not sure what is involved.

Cat, thanks for putting up the new links! They were good reads and it was nice to see a new pic of Paul other than his SB promo ones. Can't wait to see the reviews!

Take care, all.

Sally C.

Congratulations, Paul, on the official opening of TFM! I loved reading this:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/07/1073437328126.html

Sounds like a fantastic fun show!

hugs and smiles,
Sally aka deltalady

Sally,

Where did you find the mew links and the photos of Paul?

Kelly

Never mind, I found them. Silly me!

Kel

Dear Paul

I am watching an interesting piece on our History Channel. It's about the 18-Wheeltruckers who drive the "Snow Road" that is build each year from Canada up into the artic circle. Every year this road has to be rebuilt. Driving over it makes the ice crack and grown, and they also have to travers over frozen lakes. It has to be at least 40 below before they can even start. The reason I am sending this is that one of the truckers, I think is from Australia. He sure has the Auzie accent.

Love to all, Marge

Sally, my surprise for Paul won't be given to him until the TFM gets to Sydney, starting on March 18th.

Tim's gift will probably arrive soon in Melbourne. That's a secret too, right Tim?

I just sent Paul a homemade card. If anyone wants to send him anything at the Melbourne Theatre, the address I used was:

Paul Mercurio
c/o Victorian Arts Centre
100 St. Kilda Rd.
Melbourne, Australia

We still haven't heard from Peter for a long time! Peter, we hope you and your family are well! Give us a sign!!!

Love and Peace,

Granddame Mil

Oh, Kelly...that's WILD about your Mom's accident! I am so relieved for both of you. (and glad to hear the guilt is diminished too--that rots!)

I saw "someone" (angel, guardian, ghost?) after I'd just had a blowing visit with my post-cancer treatment father. I was BAWLING on a highway, headed back home, and there he was--his face in my rear-view mirror. I WHIPPED around, but no "body" was there. That was just a little reminder to shock me out of my self-pitying crying jag so as to pay attention to the road and LIVE myself. Certainly not as miraculous as your story, but still...they're out there!

Evelyn, my friend...yuckorama on that one "what do these people want?" interview! I HATE that. Hope you can revitalize you self after all that.I'm sure you can, since you've faced adversity before and come out of it not too derned bad...;-)

GD Mil (oh, now THAT sounds bad...) Thanks for posting the Melbourne address. Ya think you can WADE through all the fan mail? Are you getting any sleep? Can your head fit through the door?
;-)

PETER! now hear this...we miss you. ;-)

Gotta split. Major lifetime issues on this end (as in NONE of my Graduate Credits are any good anymore since I never finished my thesis so I am back to Square One and deciding what to do with my life...you know, simple little easy things...)

Miss everybody! Paul, hope you're zenning out at some point during every day...otherwise the pace might get to you. ;-)
Hugs,
Dhi

Mil, Thanks for putting up the address for the theater. Didn't think to do it myself, Duh!

Peter, Time to put on the "purle" suit and show yourself...

Take care all,
Sally C.

I'm not entirely sure of how this all works...but I basically just wanted to say how much I enjoyed The Full Monty. (I went and saw it yesterday with a friend of mine.) I'm not really into musicals (figured they were only for the older generation so what was a 25 year old going to get out of a bunch of people on stage singing & dancing???)...but I surprised myself by laughing, crying, WOOHOO-ing & clapping throughout the whole production. Some friends & I are going to watch it again!!! You all did such an amazing job...definitely made us laugh! :) Anyway, I just wanted to say that you really were incredible in it. Very believable!! :)
Best wishes for the rest of the year!
Take care,
Rach x

Hi and a very happy new year to Michelle, Tim, Gran Millie, Evelyn, Dhiana, Sally, Paul and everyone else at PC.

I've had a little time out lately. I desperately needed it in order to re-focus, re-group, regain perspective etc etc. It's been good.
I've been able to successfully separate myself from my (perceived) life's purpose (bloody work), and it is very good indeed.
I feel renewed and invigorated. I'm really looking forward to the future. It's looking rosy and wide open. No restrictions. Just like the "me" of old.
The hard stuff has been dealt with and I'm now stronger as a result.

The Purle suit will be temporarily traded for a running singlet & shorts (purle in colour, of course!). After all, it is summer down here and it's flamin' hot!

Congratulations to Paul on the success of TFM. I hope your happiness continues indefinitely.

Best wishes to all.

Peter, I'm so happy that you were able to transition into a new, happier, more relaxed space. I know how much you needed some down time and it sounds as if you got it and made the most of it. Here's hoping the New Year continues to be wonderful for you. I've missed you!

By the way, I asked in my post above for stories about spirit guides and it seems to me you spoke of one earlier. Am I wrong? Either way, I'd love to hear your opinion.

Love to all the Corner,
Michelle

There's a new article on TFM.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/07/1073437328126.html

KELLY

Michelle, thankyou.
As for spirit guides, I have had experiences where I have "remembered" being in some kind of spirit plane, but in my case the reason for the journey to this life semed to be that I had to do it on my own, well at least to some extent.
I haven't really worked that bit out fully yet.
I'm sure that there has been guidance. I just haven't always been aware of it.
I do however, strongly believe in the existence of spirit guides or "guardian angels".
I have had visions of my twin sister. I believe that she passed on while we were still in utero, very early on.
I felt her presence one day while I was out walking. There I was, strolling along throught the quiet rural countryside, my mind totally distracted by the beauty around me, when, out out of nowhere I muttered these words to myself: "one of us lived, one of us died".
At the time, I had no idea why I said that.
I had no prior knowledge of any twin. I continued to walk along normally, only in my mind's eye I was walking with my left arm around a female form. She was smaller than myself, perhaps 5 foot 6 or 7. It seemed very real. This continued on for maybe 5 minutes or so, until she left. While she was there, I felt completely fulfilled. It was only then that I realised that something had been missing all along. I had several more "visits" soon after. These were always as I was meditating before dropping off to sleep. She had beautiful long golden hair, but the face was always filled by a black void. No matter how hard I tried, I simply could not visualise any face.
Finally, I saw her face. It was beautiful, kind and loving and it made me feel completely safe and at peace.
I have not seen the vision since that time, but have sensed the presence occasionally.
I don't feel alone any more.

In general, there have been far too many "coincidences" in my life for these to fall into the category of random chance.
I believe that all these things have been guided.
Here's just a few concerning my birth family.
(BTW: I was separated from my mother at birth and she kept me a secret. I was told she was dead. I only discovered that she was alive about three years ago. I have two younger half-brothers.)
Please remember that I grew up and continue to live in the country, some 2 hours from the city, where my birth mother lived. The population of Sydney is around 3 million people.

Coincidences:???
- My wife's grandmother & aunt were my birthmother's neighbours in the eighties,
- My wife and my half-brother's wife have the same birthday,
- I met my sister-in law's brother (also from the city) at a fun run, and spoke to him at great length. He was just some bloke that I struck up a conversation with. This was about a year before discovering that my birth family still existed,
- My two female cousins each called their sons Peter & John. My name is Peter John.
The younger one has the same bithday as me.
- Since she was a toddler, my female cousin had an imaginary brother called Peter who lived in the country, with horses near by (my situation exactly).

Do you think that there was something guiding my detiny?

I've babbled on for far too long.
I fear that I might surpass Evelyn's effort and would then be in big trouble! (Hi Evelyn, just kidding!)

Love to all,
Peter

Just a quick hi folks, I'm flat out today. Speaking of which..Peter, so glad to hear from you! Have a great day all.
Peace

Peter, we're all glad to hear you just took some time off to "recharge your batteries", as the old saying goes.

Coincidence or destiny? Who knows? Just enjoy every day, and please know that we all missed you, and really worried about you.

Now it's our Inn that's flat out, and hope you're doing better, darling...Stud Muffin also sends his love!

Paul's TFM days are on my mind. Almost every day, at 4:00 a.m., I can visualize that curtain opening in Melbourne at 8:00 p.m., except for matinees and a day off...yes, I am up, my regular time anyway!

Peace and Love,

Grand Dame Mil

Kelly, thanks for sharing your story. I'm so glad your mom wasn't hurt. It truly sounds as if her angels came through for her in a big way!

Dhiana, I would have freaked out and driven off the side of the road had I seen a face in the rear-view mirror. I guess you needed to snap out of it, but if it were me something a little more subtle and not so damn scary would be better. I'm sure they do what they feel you need at the time, but I'd like to request butterflies in winter or something equally non-threatening yet out of the ordinary.

Peter, I remember part of what you wrote but I don't think you've ever listed all the conincidences before. That is amazing. Your descriptions and choice of words are very similar to what I'm reading right now. My first thought is that your sister is one of your guides and maybe she was in on the life planning before you came here. Maybe she agreed to come with you so far as she knew you'd chosen a life that would bring you some tough challenges before you were even born. Then, when you were in a place where you could accept the idea of her, she revealed herself to you? I don't know, I've been thinking about what you wrote for a few hours now and I can't help but speculate. All I know for sure is that you are so fortunate to have her with you. From what I've read, meditation is the best way to meet and/or communicate with your guide. I wish I were as far along in the process as you are. But just like with everything else, I have to stop trying so hard. Damned control anyway! Now letting go...:)

Mary, I miss hearing from you!

Grandma Mil, how do you get up at 4:00 a.m.? I guess the real question is how do you stay awake? Your energy is something to behold!

Paul, are you surviving your schedule? Here's wishing you lots of energy to get through another performance!

Love and Light to the Corner,
Michelle

Michelle, I'm here! Thank you for missing me. I'm just after reading through the posts and saw your question about Spirit Guides and angels. I think my answer would have to be that, yes, I do believe in them but have never had any reason for doing so. What I mean is that the idea that they exist makes sense with what my view of this life is at this point of my life. But I don't think about them except on the odd occasion when I would read/hear something about them. The idea that they exist comforts me and I actually have always prayed to my children's guardian angels to keep them safe. A few times, I have tried to stop and see if I could sense their presence, but have to say, I didn't manage to do so. This didn't put me off the idea at all. I am happy to think that like lots of other things,they are just out of our circle of awareness in the physical dimension. After reading Peter's story, I wonder if he is more aware of his sister - who I'm sure is one of his spirit guides - simply because she shared part of this physical journey with him and that bond has enhanced his ability to sense her presence. By the way, I love your idea that she chose to come part of the way with him.

Peter, I don't think these are coincidences. I think you are definitely being watched over in a very loving way.

Kelly, your story about your mother reminded me of a woman I heard talking on a radio show about a book she had just written on angels. She related one of the stories in the book, about a woman who was walking home alone late, along a lonely dark road. She saw a man standing in the shadows and felt a terrible sense of danger. She instinctively said a prayer to her guardian angel and to her relief, the man made no move as she walked past him. The following day, she heard that another woman had been attacked in the same place, a short time after she had passed by. She felt sure it had been the man that she had seen and went to the police to give a description. From this, they were able to identify him and he was arrested and charged. Apparently, he had been determined to attack someone that night.The police happened to ask him if he had seen the first woman passing by and he said yes, but described her as walking along the road with two men, one on either side of her. Nothing could persuade the woman that these were not angels protecting her after she had invoked their aid.

Marge, are you still snowed in?

Dhiana, that's really tough about your Graduate credits not counting. I hope that somehow this will lead to some new positive direction in your life.

Granddame Milie, thank you for putting the address up. I feel sure that Paul is drawing on your energy and commitment to him in TFM! I'm sure it is helping him to shine even brighter on stage.

Hello to everyone else here. Hope you are all doing well.

Lots of good wishes to all,
Mary

Mary

No, I am not snowed in anymore. Left me with a broken water pipe, but nothing serious. Got that fixed. Yesturday (Thursday) was the first time I ventured out. It is now a balmy 48 degrees and no rain, snow or wind right now. The ice rain was the worst. It sticks to the trees and as they get heavier they snap off. You don't want to stand under any trees when they are breaking or the ice is melting. It sounds like fireworks going off.

I now have 200lbs of weight in the back of my truck, so I am set for whatever bad weather we have in the future. I'm sure we will get more bad weather.

Take care and love to all.
Marge

Rachel..
It all works basically like this. We're envious of you. I would love to see Paul on stage. He's been working sohard at reviving his career and he'sgot a huge break there.

After your second viewing please oblige us a witha blow by blow production.

I so wanted to go to Sydeny to see it..but I'm not sure it's going tohappen.

PS so excellent tohere rom you again Peter.

Timmer

Keep rockin Paul

Rachel, my goodness, you live in Australia? In Melbourne? You saw Paul in person in "The Full Monty"??????....I think I am going to faint..........

Okay, I've recovered! Do you know how fortunate you are Rachel, and special, yes, special, to have the opportunity to see Paul shine without having to travel too far. We're envious, right, Tim..right, everyone?

Rachel,you're the third Aussie among us, with Peter, and Sara Lovett the other two, but you are probably the only one in or near Melbourne.

We knew Paul would be fabulous in the show! He's working very hard, with the weekly performances and matinees and evening performances on the same day!

Peace and Love,

Grand Dame Mil

Rachel,

Just how much of Paul did you get to see???????? hummmmmmmm. I read at the end ehwn they go completely naked they shine a light on the crowd to blind them so yuo can't see anything. Is that true?

Mary,

I sooooo believe that if you pray to your angles for saftey, it will be there. I also ask my childrens angles to protect them. I do this each night when I tuck them in. Yes, even though they are older, (10 & 13) I can't go to bed unless I have tucked them in. My son, who is as big as I am now,,,, still likes it so I will do it forever.

Love to all

Kelly

Hi to Inn, Tim, Gran Mil, Mary & Michelle.
I feel flattered and more than a little humble to receive such warm welcomes. Thankyou.

Mary, the thought of "being watched over in a loving way" makes me feel very comforted. Thanks for reinforcing that.

Michelle, I'm extremely flattered that anyone would remember what I had written previously!
I don't normally try to meditate, that is, I don't "force" myself. Any "visions" that I've experienced have just come along when the timing was appropriate, so it seems. Granted, a couple of times it was as I was lying on my bed, just trying to think of nothing, but usually, in my case, the actual situation was sometimes a little unexpected. Take for instance the occassion on which I saw myself as an unborn baby being pulverised by someone's large, heavy boot. (Boy, did I question my own sanity on that one, LOL!). It was about 6:00am in the morning. I was standing, quite alone and isolated in a conveyor gallery, high above the ground, inspecting the installation. I had no previous thoughts or knowledge of anything even vaguely related to what I was about to experience.
I most certainly WAS NOT meditating (not in the normal sense, at least), yet the vision was as clear as seeing it in "real life". Full colour, full sound, smell, taste, feeling...the works. I sat down and had a quiet cup of tea after that one. I'm still not fully clear on it. I saw it again a couple of times very soon after, but there was nothing further to explain it.

I like your interpretation of why my sister was with me. It feels right to me. It's my basic interpretation also.

Cheers to all,

Peter, after I wrote my opinion of your visions I was a little worried. After all, it was your experience and I didn't want to act as if I knew better than you what it meant. It was just so amazing to me and so close to what I've been learning. Your story continues to fascinate me.

Now, lying in bed and trying to think of nothing IS meditation as far as I'm concerned. And maybe observing or fixating on something (was there repetitive motion?)as you did in the gallery would put you in a relaxed state that could let thoughts or feelings float more freely to the surface.

Call it a coincidence, I went to a meditation seminar today. The man giving it was orphaned as an infant and spent many miserable years in foster homes, two of which abused him horribly. Not exactly your situation Peter (I do remember the details), but I kept thinking of you. He did mention that when he started meditating, one of the first things that happened was that all those memories and feelings came quickly to the forefront. He was able over time to process them and move forward.

I'm hoping my meditation practice improves, but it is definitely something you can't force. And results take time. Again, the journey starts with a few small steps.

Mary, you and I will just have to keep believing and watching for our guides to make an appearance. I'm thinking mine will be in my dreams.

Diane, I hope all is well with you and that your husband made it home safely. Will he continue to give voice to the "sweet stuff"?

Hello to all of my friends here at the Corner, and to Paul, wherever he might be!

Love to you,
Michelle

Michelle and Peter, do you think that people who have a bond with us in this physical existence - family members, like your sister, Peter - are special spirit guides for us? In a way, I think this might take away the 'random' element of why we are born where we are born. It's just a thought. I know I would find it particularly comforting to think that my father and my grandmother, both of whom I loved very much or my grandfather, who I loved from hearing about him - were looking out for me and guiding me.

Michelle, thinking about you mentioning dreams as a possible way to meet your spirit guides, I remember having a very vivid dream about my grandfather, who died before my parents got married, at what was a very stressful time for me. In the dream, I ran to him and he just hugged and held me for a long time. I awoke with a wonderful feeling of peace and calm.

Peter, your feeling of having guidance through your life - was this a sudden realisation or a gradual one? Do you think that you had cleared the way for a realisation like this by preparing yourself in some way - knowingly or unknowingly? Please don't answer these questions if you don't feel you want to. I'm just curious as the idea is appealing to me.

Kelly, I know what you mean about tucking your children in at night. Watching my two sons sleep peacefully has given me some of the most serene moments in my life. You feel, no matter what, all is well.

Hello to Natalie, Suzanne, Diane and Janice and to everyone in the Corner.

Millie, a special hello to you!

Paul, good wishes as always. Hope the shows are going really well.

Love to everybody,
Mary

Michelle and Peter, do you think that people who have a bond with us in this physical existence - family members, like your sister, Peter - are special spirit guides for us? In a way, I think this might take away the 'random' element of why we are born where we are born. It's just a thought. I know I would find it particularly comforting to think that my father and my grandmother, both of whom I loved very much or my grandfather, who I loved from hearing about him - were looking out for me and guiding me.

Michelle, thinking about you mentioning dreams as a possible way to meet your spirit guides, I remember having a very vivid dream about my grandfather, who died before my parents got married, at what was a very stressful time for me. In the dream, I ran to him and he just hugged and held me for a long time. I awoke with a wonderful feeling of peace and calm.

Peter, your feeling of having guidance through your life - was this a sudden realisation or a gradual one? Do you think that you had cleared the way for a realisation like this by preparing yourself in some way - knowingly or unknowingly? Please don't answer these questions if you don't feel you want to. I'm just curious as the idea is appealing to me.

Kelly, I know what you mean about tucking your children in at night. Watching my two sons sleep peacefully has given me some of the most serene moments in my life. You feel, no matter what, all is well.

Hello to Natalie, Suzanne, Diane and Janice and to everyone in the Corner.

Millie, a special hello to you!

Paul, good wishes as always. Hope the shows are going really well.

Love to everybody,
Mary

Mary, I think we have spiritual family in the same way that we have physical family.
I tend to think that some are both, but not all.
My feeling is that the spiritual family is far more extensive, that is, they are more active in directly influencing us than say some distant cousin might be, for example.

The realisation that there has been some kind of guidance was fairly sudden. I don't think in my case that the realisation is complete. The visions definitely introduced me to the idea, gradually but firmly. I probably prepared myself by developing some basic understanding of my true history. This enabled me to make logical sense of it and piece the threads together into some meaningful context.

I'm now looking back into the past and recognising meaningful events to which I was either oblivious, or had just put it down to coincidence.

I must tell you about my experience with the three birds, sometime. It's one of those odd happenings that's just too coincidental to just be coincidence, if you know what I mean!

Peter, one idea that I have come across that seems to make sense to me is that God/the Universal Spirit/ Life in its essence can be compared to a great circle. We are part of that circle, we help to compose it. At the centre is what we refer to as God or the Universal Spirit or whatever other name we have for the very heart or essence of life and in which all life has its origin. Each one of us comes from a different place in that circle and we will return to that place. All of the yearnings that we have in this life for whatever, are actually a yearning for that 'home'. If you follow on with this line of thought, those close by us in that circle could maybe be what we would call our 'spiritual family'. And those people who are lucky enough to find their 'soulmate' in this physical existence, have actually found someone who is right beside them in that circle. They belong together even in the spiritual dimension. Maybe that all sounds a bit far-fetched but when I listened to that theory (it was actually on a tape), something just clicked inside me and I experienced an inner calm that I have essentially held on to since then. I suppose it goes back to the idea that we each have to find our own way when questioning this life and finding purpose to it. This is one thing that has had a profound effect on my life-journey.

I think it is interesting that the 'visions' you had were only revealed to you as Michelle said, when you were in 'the right place' to take them on board. There is a gentleness evident in that idea that appeals to me.

The three birds has me intrigued. Whenever the moment feels right - fire away!

Take care all,
Mary

Hi all, I'm new to the "gang". I'm a friend of Grandma Mills. I was watching Joseph the other night with my mom (i'm 12) and thought it was good and so I came to this website and saw some real kewl stuff. And I saw he was a dancer too which was real neat since I've been dancing since I was five. So I just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself.

~Cara :):)

Welcome, Cara, you got onto Paul's Corner, good for you!

You have the great distinction of being the youngest on this site to write to Paul, and guess what, Grandma Mil is the oldest...almost 71, and proud of it, for many reasons, one being able to get on the computer and write to all the wonderful people on this site.

If you need an extra Grandma, Cara, just let me know. I have lots of grandchildren about your age, and I would be happy to adopt you!

Anyone who loves Paul or loves "Strictly Ballroom" deserves extra attention!

Keep writing, and even though Paul is working long hours in his new role in "The Full Monty" he will eventually find time to stay in touch with us!

Love and Peace,

Grand Dame Mil (or) Grandma Mil, whatever you prefer!

Welcome to you, Cara! Have you seen Strictly Ballroom yet? You would really enjoy that movie since you're a dancer, too. Paul is amazing in it!

Peter, please tell us about the three birds. I've been wondering what it could mean ever since you posted! I hope all continues to be well with you.

Mary, what tapes did you listen to? The book I've been reading is called Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton. Have you read it? You and I seem to be in the same place in regards to spiritual matters, which is nice! I don't know many people who think like I do, or will admit to it anyway. I'm still waiting for that guide to make her appearance! And please forgive me if you've mentioned it before, where do you live in Ireland?

I hope everyone is doing well. Diane, are you working too hard again? Paul, how are you holding up? We miss you!

Love to you all,
Michelle

Hi all,

I just saw Mama Mia, and it was incredible. If you enjoyed Strictly Ballroom, I think you'd enjoy this one!

Suzanne

Michelle & Mary, Here's the story about the three birds. I'll condense it, otherwise It will take too long.

Several years ago I was out doing a long run in the countryside. As I was running, I just happened to glance down and see a small hawk type of bird sitting just on the edge of the bitumen. I stopped immediately and slowly approached it. It just looked at me, but did not otherwise move.
I guessed that it had been stunned by a car or something. Very carefully, I approached it and gently picked it up. It did not resist in any way. I checked it over but it appeared not to be physically hurt. I placed it in the long grass and continued my run. About half an hour later I passed the spot again. The bird was still there, so again I carefully picked it up. I let it remain on my palms for some time until it seemingly stared straight at me, then flew off. It appeared to fly away from me in a dead straight line before turning back and flying off in the opposite direction. That was all.

Several months later I was again out running on the same stretch of road, not far from where I had seen the bird. I hadn't thought about that bird at all. Suddenly, the episode with the bird jumped into my head. I immediately turned, and there beside the road was another bird. This time it was a parrot. The story unfolded in exactly the same way as the first experience, with the bird once again eventually flying away from me in a dead straight line, until it was completely out of site.
About three months passed. Again I was running on the same stretch of road, and yep, you guessed it, I chanced to think of those two birds, turned my head and there on the side of the road was a young magpie. This time I picked it up and continued to hold it until it too flew away. The only difference was that it didn't fly in a staight line as the others had. That was the last experience of that kind that I ever had.

What does it mean? Possibly nothing, possibly something, I just don't have a clew. All I know is that somehow, I knew to look at where the birds were at just the right moment.
Why were none of them scared of me? Why did the three birds all fly away in as they did? I haven't a bloody clew.

Incidentally, that all occurred on the same stretch of road where I had the vision of my sister.

Another time, I had been walking on yet again the same stretch of road. I was getting over a back injury and could not run. I had set my stopwatch when I left home, just for the heck of it. I had most definitely NOT looked at my watch since leaving home. Suddenly, I said to myself: "Yeh, that's an hour" as I hit the stop function on the watch. I have no idea why I did that. I glanced at it to see that it read 60.00.03 minutes, ie one hour and three one hundredths of a second. This happened in pretty much the same spot as where the vision of my sister started.
I swear this is true. Coincidence?

Incidentally, this all happened only a few short kilometres from where Paul used to live. Now, that IS purely coincidental! LOL

(aren't you glad I condensed it!!!)

Love to all,
Peter (the birdman of Mittagong)

Hey all

Michelle- I have not seen strictly ballroom yet but I want to! Grandma mill told me to see it too! I'm looking forward to seeing it

Grandma Mill- Thank you so much for showing me this stuff and welcoming me here! That was very nice of you! I have a four-day weekend this weekend so i'll try to get strictly ballroom or my grandma will, she goes to the library all the time and she comes over almost everyday so I'll ask her

Talk to you all soon!!

~Cara :):)

Peter, I think that stretch of road is some sort of cosmic wormhole into another dimension! More likely, you are an extremely receptive person who is lucky enough to have these amazing things happen to you. I'm not sure what the meaning of the three birds is, unless they were just there to help you focus on something other than your work.;) In all seriousness, do you think that because this kept happening in the place you first experienced your sister that she was trying to communicate something to you? Very interesting.

Cara, I would love to be there when you watch SB for the first time. Have a wonderful time!

Mary, I hope we hear from you soon.

Hello to Paul, lost somewhere in the footlights.

Love and Light,
Michelle

Peter, that's an amazing story. Too amazing to be coincidence. From this and other things that you have written about, I keep thinking that you must be incredibly open to receiving these 'signs' and visions - as Michelle put it, you must be 'an extremely receptive person'. Everything you have described so far seems to have a reassuring quality about it. I like to think that we are all being 'watched over' and that we just don't have the capacity to 'fine-tune in' to this fact in our normal everyday existence. For some reason, you do. Would I be right in saying that all of this has enhanced your life?

Hi Michelle! The tapes I was referring to are a double cassette called 'The Divine Imagination' by John O'Donohue. I have mentioned him before in my posts. He has written three books on Celtic spirituality also, which I really identify with. I haven't read the book you were talking about. It sounds interesting. Is it about the idea of reincarnation?

I agree that we do seem to be on the same wavelength in some ways. There's a harmony in finding that with someone else that is really nice. When I read your earlier posts, I sensed a familiar searching with the struggle it entails. I used to get really bogged down in that struggle. Now, I tend to see it as being worthwhile in itself and a sign that I am still growing and living. By the way, I live about twenty miles from Dublin.

Evelyn, hope things are working out for you on the job front.

Grand Dame Mil - sending you my very best wishes.

Cara, you're very welcome. I hope Paul inspires you to be the best you can be, as he has done for me.

Paul, you're in our thoughts. Wishing you lots of energy and stamina for continued success!

Lots of love to all at PC,
Mary

It means...to be aware of WOONDER! Of possibilities! To never close the door on something as "defined" or "certain".

;-)

Recovering from pneumonia (no, I'm not really 38yrs old, I'm a HUNDRED! Fooled ya! ahahahahaaa...) so will get my work done and drag my butt BACK home through the snow. (Oh, incidentally, it's "that" time of year again...when the little red square of light shines forth from the coop window out into the snow, advertising for MILES before you get to the house that I've got some ladies bedded down in straw out there who are just clucky for a good, warm time!)

My god the drugs have gone to my head. Surprise!
Dhi

Hello PC land

Couldn't sleep so I thouht I'd check things out. Great to hear from you Peter. Always someonethat makes me think. LOVE it.

My pastures are getting greener. I sure am eating too much of them, they look like I'm about 2 months past due. I mayhave foundaninvestorformy Salon Gallery idea. In the meantime, I'm going to work for the bank or Starbucks.It's not incredible pay but Iwill beworking towardsometihing else at the same time. December pay and great benefits. Benefits start day one with the bank.I'm finall getting mycarback it's been almost six months getting aroundw with justone car.Can you beleive it everyone it's 2004.

Hey Paul...Hope your gift arrived safely and in one piece.Youand your wife can enjoy that on manycelebrations to come.

Tim

Dhiana, glad to hear you are recovering from pneumonia...take things easy, get plenty of rest, etc., etc., that's grandma giving advice!

I'm sure the bitter cold around the country doesn't help. Many seniors in Florida that travel up north these days invariably come back ill.

Tim, good luck on your Salon Gallery idea! You certainly are a go-getter. We can't wait to hear about your gift to Paul. I'm sure he will love it! He's got a grueling schedule in TFM, but we know he's shining in every performance, just like the star that he is!

Stud Muffin and I are happily waiting for one of our daughters and her two teenagers from New Jersey to visit us this coming week, for 4 days. We can't wait, and neither can they! We enjoy them so much, for lots of laughter and love abound, and they get a bonus of sun and sand!

We just saw "Calendar Girls"...how sweet, how humerous, how from ENGLAND! It's based on a true story, and although these older gals (50 plus) are willing to pose nude ("not naked", one character explains) for a calendar for charity, it's all done in good taste.

The leading lady is that wonderful actress, Helen Mirren, who is known in England as Dame Helen Mirren, who earned her title, not for removing her clothes for charity, but because she is one of England's foremost actresses!

Love and Peace,

Grand Dame Mil, self appointed, fully clothed!

Dear Grandma Mil

You beat me to it! I too am planning on going to see Calendar Girls. I've seen the ads and trailers on the website and am looking forward to this movie. I have also checked out the locations and times for it.

Hope your family has arrived safely and that you are having a wonderful time. The weather here has been very balmy. But I haven't put away the winter stuff just yet. We do get some "winter" weather from now until mid March.

Paul, We Miss You!!
I amsure your are very busy with TFM, but hoping you can check in and give us a tiny blurb of what is happening in your life.

Love to all
Marge 1/17/10:08a

Hey all,

Finally got the results of my MRI. All is well, no tears or rips in my shoulder. Just tendinitis.
I am having cortisone shots and if that doesn't work then I will have to have surgury. I hope we know by February as I have to change my insurance policy from my hussbands policy to my own. I will be going from 100% coverage to 90% coverage which when you are talking about surgery, makes a huge difference! I may just quit my job so my husbands insurance HAS to keep me on. (if my employer offers insurance, my husband's insurance will no longer cover me.) After 15 years on the same insurance policy and now I am out. Nice, huh. I had a reaction to the cortisone the first day but now I am fine. I don't feel any different, though, no less pain. I did lose some mobility, but they said that will probobly come back. We will see.

Hope all is fine with everyone.

Marge, don't worry. Paul will check in as soon as he can and just think of all the stories he will have to tell!
Love to all

Kelly

Kelly, I hope the cortisone shots will help, and you can avoid surgery. I had a cortisone shot about 3 months ago in my arthritic right knee, and I have been pain free since, and able to ride the recumbant bike at the gym almost 6 mornings a week for 30 minutes. Good luck!

Marge, our children will be arriving this coming Thursday (Jan. 22nd) and we can't wait! Yes, dear
PCers, my birthday is Jan. 20th, and this visit was timed accordingly by our children! Yup, another year older, 71, but like the Energizer Rabbit, I just keep going and going...(Come to think of it, I don't see that rabbit on TV anymore!)

I remember how last year, on my 70th, Paul offered to dance with me and he lifted a Coors as a toast, but I told him I don't dance, and if I did, I would step on his feet and put him out of action..good thing too, for he needed his feet in good condition for TFM!

Marge, let me know what you thought of "Calendar Girls".

Love and Peace,

Grand Dame Mil