Paul's Corner

Hey all,

I just told my Grandma to get Strictly ballroom so I should soon get it. Anyways,my friend says hi to you all even though she doesn't know everyone...I'm going to have her watch some of Joseph tonight, hehehe, bye!

~Cara (and sarah) :):)

p.s- Is the full monty playing in the U.S like on t.v or something?

Paul
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know what is happening in your life. We all care!

Cara is a new friend here. She is 12 years old and is taking dance.

It's great that you are on a roll.
I recently heard Jim Croce's song "Time in a Bottle" and thought of you and your family.

I read Michael Veutch's journal that was in one of your newspapers. If you have a chance,you should read it. It is really funny about his day by day rehearsals, and how all of you went frollicking back out on the stage after one of them without anything on. Sounds like something your would instigate.

I watched SB the other night. Your are NOT Scott Hastings anymore.

Take care and Love to all
Marge 1/17 6:34pm

Paul, I think it is safe to say that you being happy and busy is what everyone here would wish for you. It was so wonderful to read your post and to feel your excitement and joy in what you are doing. I think there is a unique fulfillment in doing what you were 'born to do' and entertaining people and lifting them up with your creative talents is certainly one of the (many) things you seem to be here for. Not only are you feeling good doing it but the audience is going home feeling happy and uplifted. Everyone wins! I am also happy for your girls. I think it is so good for them to know, at such a young age, how good it feels to be happy for someone else, even better someone they love as much as you!

I wish you continued joy and success in the days/weeks/months ahead. Long may these feelings continue!

Hello to everyone in the Corner! Hope you all enjoy what's left of the weekend.

Love to you all,
Mary

Dearest Paul,

There's not much I can add after Mary's eloquent words.

You obviously have a song in your heart these days!

We're all with you in spirit at the opening of each curtain, enjoying vicariously the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd!

Love and Peace,

Grandma

P.S. to Cara,

You can rent "The Full Monty" at Blockbuster, I am sure! I saw the DVD for sale at Borders also.

By the way, if anyone gets BRAVO, "Strictly Ballroom" will be on at 2:00 a.m. Friday, January 23rd, (Florida time) (Thanks, Cat!) Turn on the timers on the VCRs!

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Paul,
I will admit to missing your more frequent posts, but when they are as happy and positive as this,
I'm just smiling along with you!
And thanks for answering a question for me, silly northern hemishere person that I am,lol; I wondered if school is out for you guys now, which being summer makes sense, but the idea of the December holidays taking place during summer vacation seems odd to me. And, I'm sure, if they didn't, it would seem odd to you. ;)
Hope everyone is getting a good start to the year.
hugs and smiles,
Sally aka deltalady

Hey guys,
Thanks Grandma M., I'll have to rent Full Monty...I have SB!!! I haven't had the time to watch it yet because we have a dance competition coming up and we have to practice a ton but I'm going to try to watch it tonight.

Is Full Monty like a musical or a dance? I've seen some commercials of it but they show it real quick

~Cara :):)

Paul...2004 will be an outstanding year for you! The positive energy you are radiating is positively phenomenal. I join with the Corner in celebrating your triumph.

Thinking of you,

Linda

This sounds absolutely wonderful to hear you so happy, Paul and you do deserve that happiness and more of it. I can only imagine how infectious it must be face to face (your daughters’ reaction is but one example), it’s also very infectious through your post. Use that momentum to go to a higher level in your journey. It sounds that there is a lot of very positive and very creative energy in and around you. Good for you for a) getting there and hanging in there through the difficult times and b) continuing on with it. Congrats!!!! Oh and may the audience number increase beyond the theatre’s capacity. Looking forward to your thoughts on trust, it’s something I’ve been contemplating lately (along with a few other topics).

Mary, can’t tell you anything about the job situation yet, other than that I’m still waiting. Academic terms are just about to start up again (or have started last week, mine does on Tuesday) and that’s when they will have their meetings first with the search committee members and then with all the faculty as they hash out whom to invite to the next round, and if they are of many minds (which academic departments usually are) this could take a while.

Peter and Michelle, your discussion on spirit guides etc. was immensely interesting and gave me a lot to think about. The birds have to mean something, Peter, and you will understand it when the time is right for you to understand. There’s quite a bit of that in medieval literature where birds send a message about something that otherwise couldn’t have been known as quickly, not that I know how to interpret any such messages, unless of course they are for me and even then I don’t. Have any of you ever had that experience when you simply knew something was going to happen or be for which you had absolutely no evidence from within what we call the physical realm of our existence and there really was no way for you to know about this? I’ve had that experience a few times and it has occasionally puzzled me as to what the source was which felt that it was coming from somewhere very deep inside me and/or outside of me and both levels felt/feel unfamiliar or perhaps stated more positively, unexplored by me.

Hugs and much love to everyone.

Paul, Your cup is certainly overflowing! Looks like a mighty good year for you, alright.
Good to hear about your plans for the brewery sparking up again.
Extra good to see your career taking such an upwards turn, and how much you are enjoying it. I would be envious, were I not so happy for you.
"Joyfull response" - that sounds brilliant!
FEEL GOOD. FEEL GOOD. FEEL GOOD.
I hope I get the chance to go and cack myself when the show gets to Sydney. Look for me in the audience - I'll be the one wearing red sox. That should make me easy to spot.

Evelyn, I'm certain that all these things will mean something, eventually. I must admit that it's often more than a little puzzling at the time. I've had a few more inexplicable experiences, but again, even though there's an undeniable phsychic element there, they seem random and without meaning. Maybe I'm blind!

Peter

Peter if it is okay with you when you come to the show I dont think I will be able to see your red sox, would you mind terribly if I asked that you wear your purle suit? I am sure I will be able to notice you more easily amongst the thousand or so people in the audience?!

PETER

I happen to have some friends that may be able to shed some light on your expeience with the birds. My daughter belongs to a world wide group called the SCA, (Society for Creative Anacrism/sp/) which means they study a lot of renisianse/sp/ medevil periods. Alana was also in a theater group called The Seattle Knights. They are a medievil group that does choreographed jousting with live steel. They have a website, and I will have to check with my daughter for it. She was in the group for a while until she got married and moved to Maryland. She was one of the equestrians, and ground fighters,jousting with live steel. I will get back to you on this when I find out more.

CARA
You sound like a wonderful young lady. What kind of dance do you do and what are you rehearsing for? I sure we here at PC would love to know.

Take care and love to all.

Marge

Hey all,

Marge- I take jazz, tap, ballet, clogging, and pointe soon. I'm rehearsing for a competition that I have in two weekends. At my Studio we have four regional competitions and a national which is in the summer. We just have to practice our numbers a lot more when the competitions are soon. I really want to see Paul dance but he normally dances in Sydney, right? If so, I'd never be able to come!! I'm trying to rent SB and the full monty so at least I can see him dance on a movie!

~Cara :):)

Paul, OK, (sigh), ...the purle suit it is, then. I'll have to get into shape fast. Hmmm, I'd better book a seat up front, just in case. There could be more than one person in the audience wearing a purle suit. I don't want you to be confused.

Marge, Thanks for that. It truly sounds interesting. Who knows what former lives I might uncover! I kinda like the idea of chain mail.

Peter

Glad you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years, even it has been busy!

Enjoy! I hope you get packed houses soon.

Suzanne

Peter
If you want to check out the Seattle Knights website, it's seattleknights.com. Alana's Imy daughter)picture is a head shot of her in a green costume. Her horse Red stayed home that day.

CARA
Wow! Yes Paul does dance wonderfully in SB. I expecially like Fran's grandma. I also love the scene where Scott and Fran dance the Rumba behind the curtain. It's beautiful. Every time I see that scene I get a lump in my throat. The original Full Monty is a regular film from England and is regualar story, and from this, they made the musical. The first musical originated in New York and now Australia. You might want to check out The Full Monty website in PC as there is a two minute trailer there that you can view. It took awhile for me to load it, but it's worth it.

Love to all, Marge

Glad to hear things are going so well Paul.

Happy Birthday Granddame Mil...71 and going strong huh?

gotta run

peace and love
tim

Tim, thank you for the birthday wishes...yup, made it to 71, and a bit lighter this time..25 lbs. lighter, and fighting to get more off!

One of our daughters and her two teenagers are coming from New Jersey to visit for the occasion, and I wonder if they will recognize the thinner Grannie...

Cara, I don't know if you get BRAVO on cable, but
on this Friday, Jan. 23, at 2:00 a.m.(EST) "Strictly Ballroom" will be on BRAVO, and it is rare indeed that SB comes on a major popular cable station! If you can manage to tape it at that hour, do it, and you will have it forever, (unless you wear it out.)

You have already discovered the joys of dancing, and I am impressed! Wait until you see Paul in his role, and also in the marvelous scenes with Tara Morice!

Love and Peace,

Granddame Mil

Happy birthday Grandma Mil! Hello to our new friend Cara. I'm glad to hear the positive feelings going round the Corner these days. It's great to see you so happy Paul, it's great when you get to do the things that you know you were meant to do.
Today is my first day back to work after being on the injured list for almost one month. I'm kind of glad to be going back but then, it means going back to spending less time with the kids and taking care of my home. As much as I'd like to I can't do both. It's a money driven world.
Have a great day Peter, Tim, Marge,Evelyn,Suzanne, Cara and everyone.
Hello Katalina, where ya been?
Peace

Dear Inn, I'm glad to learn you are back at work after recuperating for a month.

I'm sorry that I, for one, did not realize the seriousness of your condition, but anyway, from now on we will be more attuned to how you are feeling. Thank you for your birthday wishes!

Stud Muffin also sends his best to you!

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Peter, why not wear the purle suit with the red socks and perhaps some glow in the dark necklaces around the ankles to draw attention to the socks and make your identity absolutely clear?

Cara, Hi to you and good luck at your upcoming competition. I hope you get to enjoy the experience rather than be stressed out about it. I know easier said then done.

Inn, I’m glad to hear you are doing better and hope you are fully recovered from whatever kept you at home for a month. Ouch, that’s a long time.

Linda, how’s your back recovery going? Hope you are doing much better than yesterday.

Grandma, your kids will recognize you, your bright smile and welcoming, hugging arms are a dead give away. Happy 71st Birthday (I think it’s Tuesday though, isn’t it?)

Hello Marge, Mary, Sally aka deltalady, Suzanne, Tim, Grandma, Michelle, and everyone else

Happy Birthday Grandma Millie!!!!!!

all my best to you and may this be the best year of your life!

Julie

Julie, Evelyn, thank you for your sweet birthday wishes..my birthday date is easy to remember:

After every national election, the new President takes his oath of office on my birthdate: January 20th!

A history lesson: In 1933, (my birth year) when FDR took the oath of office for the first time,
it was done in March, but the second time, it was changed to January 20th. As you all know, FDR was the only President to be elected 4 times!

Depending on the outcome of this year's election, my next birthday will again be a joyous one or a dud!

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Happy Birthday Granddame Mil!! Wishing you the very best for a wonderful day today and a year full of good things!

Paul/Peter, I hate to be the first one to ask the obvious question, but ...what's the deal with, you know... the audience 'cacking themselves'?? In this part of the world,'cacks' are.... well, in more refined terms, that which is worn underneath! Am I in the right region????

Michelle, how are things with you? I hope they are good.

Evelyn, hang in there. I hope all of this waiting will be worth it in the end, when you get the job that's right for you.

Sending good wishes to everyone ,
Mary

Innussiq, I meant to send you good wishes for a continued recovery in my post, but just realized that I forgot to. It's hard to get back into the routine of work when you've had the chance to be at home for a while. I hope things go well for you.

Mary

Wish I could be there. Peter in purle and red and Paul in nothing. Wow!

Inn, sorry you have to go back to work, but I'm glad you're better!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Grandma Mil! Here's wishing you a wonderful year filled with music and love!

Evelyn, I wish you'd join in our spiritual discussions! I'd love to hear your opinions and ideas. Best wishes for the job that will make it all worth it!

Hello, Mary! In the last thread you asked if the book I'm reading deals with reincarnation. It does, but rather than dwell on past lives he focuses on interviewing people about their time between lives. Right now he's talking to someone about how souls decide when/where to incarnate again. The next chapter has to do with choosing a body. It's fascinating reading.

Love to everyone,
Michelle

Happy Birthday Grandma Mill! Hope you have a great birthday and a great year of being 71!!
I do not have the Bravo channel or cable. My dad has Bravo but he is in FL. for the winter. My grandma got SB but dance has gotten in the way, they're just cramming us to practice right before competitions but I must take time for Paul! hehe

Marge- I saw the little clip of the full monty! Wow! paul looks different than in Joseph, not in a bad way,lol,but different. He must be a good singer as well as a dancer to be in a musical

Evelyn- Thankyou for the Good luck wish, I'll need it! It will be very stressful, especially with organizing everything and needing something different for each number, such as my hair a different way and costumes, but it's also fun at the same time! :)

Inn- Thankyou for saying hi! I'm sorry to hear about your injury but glad that you're doing better!

Take care to all....Cara :):)

Happy birthday Grandma Mil. I hope Stud Muffin treats you to a well deserved good time.
'Tis the season for birthdays. I turned 45 on the 18th Jan.

Evelyn, dear Eveyln: now you KNOW that I don't like to stand out in the crowd. Glow-in-the-dark is OUT!! Besides, that would be silly. I'm surprised that you of all people would suggest something like that, Evelyn.

Mary, Cack is generally seen as being derived from "cackling like a chook". What's a chook? It's a chicken. Cackle, cackle, cackle.
Cacking yourself means that you start laughing and just can't stop.

Inn, I hope you're feeling loads better. Going back to work is a bit of a blow! That injury has been a long time healing. I trust you're feeling some relief now.

G'day Tim. I really hope that all is going well for you. Good luck for this coming year. Wishing you much happiness in your life.

Marge, I sneaked a quick peek at the Seattle Knights! What a serious bunch of people! Looks like loads of fun. Question: do they wear the costumes on a daily basis or only for special occassions? The suit of armour looks like it would be a real bastard for aerobics classes.

Hi to everyone,

Peter

Dear Petah, Petah...(don't I sound like Bette Davis?)

You deserve special, slightly belated birthday wishes, so here they are: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Peter, Happy Birthday to you"...with my voice I think I am cacking myself.

Peace and Love,

Grandma

Peter
No they don't wear their costumes to work. They are just plain orginary people who started playing dungons & dragons, either in video games or on game boaards. at an early age and never lost their addiction. They all have "real" jobs. There is a place here in Washington State that is called Camlon. It is open every week during the summer. When you get there you have to go through the "gates" of the Castle compound. Thee are guards there you must pass. When you do, it's like walking back into the 15th century. Everyone is dressed in period costume and you can rent costumes to get into the mood. Everything is period, the sale booths, the food and everything elso that goes with that. All people talk with the period.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PETER AND GRANDMA MIL!!!!!!
May your year ahead be full of love,joy, health, harmony and prosperity. I'll be raising my Coopers to you both this evening after the show!

Cara, I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming competitions! I know things get a bit stressful but if you can, when things are getting a bit much take a quiet breath and remember how much you love dancing and how good it makes you feel. Take that with you in the competition and I know you will dance great!

Inn glad to hear you are well on the mend, but take care of yourself all the same for a while wont you?!

Peter as Michelle put it so well - you'll be in the purle suit sitting down the front and I will be on stage in the birthday suit!!! Sounds like a great night of entertainment?

Paul,

What is the tatoo of that is on your right ankle?

Kelly

Happy Birthday Peter!! Wishing you the very best!

Mary

Happy Birthday Peter!! Wishing you the very best!

Mary

Double birthday wishes - unintended but sincere!

Mary

Happy Birthday to Grand Dame Millie! You are such a treasure to the Corner!

Best wishes to Peter as well.

All the best,
Linda

PS to Evelyn...I am doing pretty well, thank you very much!

Hi Paul,

I just finished watching SB on my computer and was wondering what you were up to lately, so I did a Google search and found this site. I am so glad I did because I have come to see you in a whole new light. I admired you as an actor and dancer before, but after reading about the courageous way in which you have faced the not-so-good times, I really admire you as a human being now!

It was wonderful to read about the great relationship you have with your wife and daughters and how you have set your priorities right. Your post about finding yourself reminds me so much of the talks I have had with my oldest son (he's 21) and his journey which, although it is just starting, already has led him to know more about himself than I ever knew at that age.

I was thrilled to hear about your role in TFM. I loved the movie. Although I live in NYC have not seen the Broadway production, but I am aware of the rave reviews the critics have given the show. It is my sincere wish that you and the cast of TFM's Australian production will receive the same type of accolates. :-)

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Enjoy the moment to the fullest and keep smiling! Oh, and break a leg!!! ;-)

Hugs,
Nertha

P.S. Happy birthday to and Petah Millie ... great to read your posts ... there is a vibrancy in them, and humor, that goes so well with your 71 years! :-)

Hi PC,
Gran Mil & Peter: Hum Hum Hum Hum to you, Hum Hum Hum Hum to you, Hum Hum Hum Hum dear Gran Mil and Peter, Hum Hum Hum Hum to you!! Do something special for yourselves, you deserve it.

Paul: Your heart is smiling. Feels great, no?? What a hoot it would be to see Petah in his purle suit, and you in your b'day suit. And vice versey I say, and why not?? Purle would be a great color for PMJ, and necked would look great on Petah. Nude but not lewd is my motto. I can dream, can't I????

Cara: Welcome. Expect your breath to be taken away when you see SB. Amazing dancing!! How PMJ did all that without hurting something vital is way beyond me!!

Miss Ev: I'm still thinking good thoughts of you and your sister.

Inn: Healing thoughts are sent your way.

Love to all here at PC. Till next time.
J.

Good morning everyone,

Peter, a VERY happy (belated) birthday to you as well. I hope you are dragging out the celebrations for a few days, it's more fun that way! :) and sets a good happy tone for the year ahead of you. Be well, happy and as adorable as you are/seem to be. And what's up with being "shy" all of a sudden??? did you not wear bright red pants not so long ago? :) so you got the point about why I suggested the glow-in-the dark-thingies. Hey, life is too short to always do the "proper" thing. But what's up with "I'm surprised that you of all people would suggest something like that, Evelyn." Why?!? BTW, thanks for making me laugh early on in the day.

Michelle, I don't know if I can put my thoughts on this particular aspect of spiritual discussion into words quite yet, I'm more taking in ideas and looking at what beliefs I grew up with, which ones I've tossed out and where my faith/beliefs and trust lie in general at this point and how it all fits in with where I want to go in this life and what to accomplish with and during it.

Nertha, welcome! It's nice to meet you!

Linda, I'm glad your back is doing better, may that trend continue.

Hi Janice and thanks for continuing to think about me and my sister. It's really nice to still hear the relief and the renewed happiness in her voice. How are you?

and again a very Happy Birthday to you TODAY, dearest Grandma!!!

Love and a very happy day to you all! and another week of great performances to Paul and the rest of TFM gang.

Happy Birthday Peter! I hope you get another purle suit!
Thanks to everyone sending me good wishes. I feel good and yesterday was less painful then I thought it would be.
Welcome to Nertha, in the words of Lil Orphan Annie, I think you're gonna like it here. This place is brimming with special people.
Evelyn, personally I love glow-in-the-dark stuff. I have tons of it. Every bedroom in the house has stars on the ceiling, my lightswitch plates, fan pulls, shoelaces, two pair of socks, one pair of undies (for those special evenings..tee hee)my keychain, my favorite necklace bought on my last Canadian adventure, oh gee the list goes on and on...and on my dear hubby would say. I really think Peter should try some. You've got a light in you boy, let it shine.
I'm all about quotes today, Grandma Mil. Say hi to Stud Muffin for me!
Paul, thanks for your well wishes. I think its so great to hear you as happy as you are. It lifts us all up.
Hello Janice,Linda,Tim and everyone.
Peace.

Dear Innussiq,

Stud Muffin wants to know where he can buy me a pair of those glow-in-the-dark undies for a birthday present...our eyes aren't so good these days!

Thanks to everyone for your lovely birthday wishes, and to Paul, for toasting Peter and me with the Coopers...I've noticed you've haven't asked me to dance with you, Paul, but I guess you're plain tuckered out after each performance, so I forgive you!

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Thanks to Gran Mil, Paul, Mary, Linda, Janice, Evelyn & Inn for your wishes.

Hi Nertha and welcome. Can you tell us the origin of your name? I have not heard of it before.

Evelyn, glad I made you smile. Just the right prescription, huh?
Shy?...perhaps a little. I think I just like to keep a low profile. I'm probably cautious. I don't like to risk impacting adversely on anyone or anything. It's a promise I made to myself a long time ago, but sometimes it's a bit too wide and I allow it to restrict me a little too much. Oh well, everything has a price.

Inn, you're right. What was I thinking? Do you think glow-in-the-dark tyres would look good on my car?

Gran Millie, BTW, what's with "Petah"?
Is this a Doris Day thing? Have I missed something? Should I know this? Am I in trouble?

Peter

Peter, "Petah" was the way the great American film actress of the 1940's, Bette Davis, pronounced your name, with a great flair, which was part of her persona.

She's been gone a long time, but these traits still are remembered by those of us that loved her.

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Michelle, the one thing that has always perplexed me about the idea of reincarnation was the lack of awareness of previous lives (for most people) during the current lifetime. The lack of a 'carry-over' of knowing the lessons that have to be learnt this time, seems to be a bit too much of a handicap against succeeding on this attempt. (Does that make sense? I'm just writing as I think.) If it was a case of each lifetime having its unique value and separate worth - that would appeal to me more than the idea of successive attempts to reach perfection. Having said that, I know that the fact that it doesn't appeal to me could just mean that I am avoiding a truth because it's more challenging. I haven't read enough about the whole idea. I'll have to try and get my hands on something. Hope you are well.

Cara, you have GOT to watch SB. You don't know what you're missing!!

Peter, thanks for sorting me out re: the audience having a ball! 'Cracking up' is the nearest we have to it. I was teaching a class on Australia yesterday and I thought of you and Paul. It is a country that has always appealed to me. In my mind, I associate it with spaciousness, sunshine and a sense of freedom but maybe this is just a romantic image I have built up. It's a very popular place for Irish people to visit - my sister lived in Sydney for five years and my cousin has settled there after meeting the love of her life (an Aussie) while on holiday.

Nertha, welcome! I'd also like to know where your name comes from.

Janice, it's good to hear from you. Hope things are going well for you.

Millie, hello there! Sending you my best wishes.

Diane, I hope you're busy in a good way, but finding time to relax and unwind as well.

Hello to Evelyn, Tim, Suzanne, Dhiana, Inn, Linda, Natalie, Marge, Julie, Sally and everyone else in PC.

A special hello to Paul whose light is shining each night for all the lucky people in Melbourne!

Love to everyone,
Mary

Happy Birthday to Peter and Mil! Hope I'm not the last one on the bandwagon - again - to wish you both many happy returns. We don't get Cooper's here so can't join Paul in his toast to you tonight (or is it already tomorrow?). Closest I can get is Foster's. Is that ok?

Peter, so glad you're posting again. You always have something thought provoking to say, and sometimes you are just so funny. Red socks and the the purle suit pulling up to the theater in a car with neon tires... Now THAT would be a sight to see! (That and seeing Paul nekkie, as the Rugrats would say.) ;o)

Welcome to all the newbies and hello to all the oldies. Hope all are well and where they're supposed to be at this time in the Grand Scheme of the Universe.

Take care.
Sally C.

Hi Miss Ev, et al,
I'm doing OK other than freezing my royal arse off in these frigid, icy, temperatures lately. The other day it was 0 degrees with wind/chill factor of -15 degrees. Didn't matter all the icy rain I shoveled, the ground was an ice skating rink yesterday and today!!

I can't afford to break anything important, or my patients will have to make a home visit to my house for me to see them!! I'm so glad that your sister's voice is smiling these days. Remember, I'm always available to you if you need me. That goes for all here on PC as well.

They're making us crazy at work because we expect Joint Commission, which are Federal, State, and Local agencies to come into hospice in March and scrutinize us with a microscope. I can't worry about it though, it is what it is. I'd say Se La Vie, but it is more like Se La Guerre right now.

Elbows up, head high, and feet moving forward.

J.

>
=====================
Hi guys,

Thanks for the welcome, I really appreciate it!

I must say that finding Paul's Corner has been quite a surprise because it is not quite what I expected in a fan message board. I am fascinated by the fact that the discussions range from what Peter will wear to the performance of TFM, to Paul's trying to come to grips with the meaning of life and death, and keeping faith and courage in one piece while struggling one's way through it. Not your average fan message board ... rather a very special one! :-)

To answer your question about my name, there is a good reason why you have not heard it before ... my grandmother made it up! According to the calendar, my mom's birthday is the day of St. Nestor. But there is really no female equivalent for the name ... either that or my grandma didn't like it ... so she made up a name for her newborn baby girl! Nertha Mary ... an unusual name and spelling ... especially for a Spanish speaking country. LOL Sometimes I think my grandma may have had a premonition that we would end up emigrating to the USA and gave my mom a name that would fit very well in our new country. As a matter of fact, I look at my life and there's a series of events that seem to me as links in a predestined chain leading to where I am today. ;-)

Suzanne, and Paul's Dad: I really empathize with your pain. I was born with a congenital dislocation of the hip and have been acquainted with pain so early in my life that my first memory is of the day they took off the cast that had been covering my leg and torso for a year (I was not yet three). By age 10 pain had reared its ugly head again, and have been my companion ever since, despite 3 hip surgeries along the way. I must say, though, that it has gotten much worse during the pregnancy (and after the birth) of my youngest boy (17). I even managed to pick up some new ones along the way (nerve pain ... in my case sciatic ... can be so excrutiating, can't it?).

I wrote a poem sometime back about how I try to cope with pain. If I find it I may share it ... if I don't chicken out, that is! LOL

Nertha

Grandma Mil
I just got back from seeing "Calendar Girls" What a Hoot!! It's good to see a nice clean story where there is no killing, violence, and so called love scenes which leaves nothing to the imagination.

At to Petah, Bette Davis was given credit for saying this, but I think I either saw or read somewhere that she never did say it. I think there is also a myth that Peter Lorie co-starred with her. He was credited with saying something, too, but I can't remember what it was.

Peter
What the heck is Perle? Does this mean pearl (a gem) or Purple (a color)?

Cara
We here at PC all are wishing you the best in your dance program. What kind of dance will you be doing? Are you dancing with others, or doing a single? I hope you get to see SB soon. It is one of Paul's best rolls next to Joseph. I watch both occasionally.

Nertha
I totaly sympathize with you and your sciatic pain. I have had it once and hope never to have it again.

Take care and love to all;
Marge

Mary, I think Australia really has all those things. It's a BIG place, often with not much in between destinations, except for nature, thank God!
Freedom? ....Absolutely!

Sally, thanks for the birthday wishes.
Perhaps you mean "funny peculiar"! LOL

Nertha, how fortunate you are to be unique!
I look forward to hearing your story about the "predestined chain".
I'm genuinely sorry to hear about your chronic pain. I cop it badly once in a while, but it then mostly disappears. I'm lucky. I don't know how I'd get on with having it all the time.
It would be terrific to read the poem, when you are ready.

Hi Janice, I'm glad it's not me freezing my arse off! We're experiencing some lovely summer weather here in Oz. (thanks Wizard).
As for medical advice, what do you know about "stiff person syndrome"? No, I'm not kidding.

Marge, "Purle" originated from my own mispelling of purple. Paul seized the opportunity and it just stuck. Just call me a dill.
(I've always fancied the Phantom's purple suit, but don't tell anyone.)

A question for all: if names have meanings and they are supposed to describe your personality etc, what happens if you, say, aren't given a name until you are older? Food for thought.

Hi everyone:
Things are going wild here in the land of Timmerville.
I had to have another spinal shot for my nerve pain. $1500. At least he let me have it for $750 since I had to pay cash.
Still working hard, tapping, not writing much though too much going on. The kids are becoming much more disruptive and argumentative. Almost 11 and almost 13...OMG
I like Petah.. It has a certain flair to it. Not too light though.

Hey Paul how's it going mate? Did you get your present? Now you and your lovely wife can celebrate your success. : )

Take care everyone. Love to all

peace and love

Tim

Peter
The people who live in the New England don't pronounce r's, and I think thats where Petah came from. As you are becoming a Dad with teenagers, (like Paul) you are in for a wild ride. Love them, listen to them, play with them, set limits. Time goes so fast that every moment you share with them will be a treasure.

I have a teenager type sign. I'll have to find it and send it to you and Paul to give to your kids.

Every once in a while you Aussies come up with a word that we have no idea of what you mean. Are we going to have to get an Aussie dictionary?

Love to all
Marge

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your empathy with my pain ... actually I've come to the point where I say I'm in pain only when the treshold level is way above the usual. It would be nice to live without it, but I wonder if I could empathize with people in pain if I did not experience it myself. I remember watching a program about the ballet dances of London's Royal Theatre and I could really relate to their injuries during practice, orthopedic surgeries, etc. ;-)

It brings to mind my best friend's experience during the delivery of her firstborn ... she had a wonderfully easy pregnancy and hardly any labor pains, which were more than manageable by using her Lamaze training. The screams of women in other labor rooms reached her and she wondered what on earth they were screaming about! She admitted that she had little empathy for their wails and thought they were just overreacting to the contractions. Her experience the second time around was totally different ... the doctors decided to induce the labor and she then found out why those women had been screaming. Since then she has been careful not to judge someone until she has walked in her/his mocassins at least a mile. :-)

PETER: Having a unique name has its drawbacks, too, believe it or not. Because my mom had first claim to it I ended up being called by my middle name at home, and by my first name in school ... it was like being two people, known to some, but not to all. LOL

MARGE: Thankfully, my sciatic pain is not constant, but when it does come it grabs my attention, so the other pain seems less. So I guess it has its purpose, as everything else in life ... it reminds me that things could be worse! LOL

I heard a story that illustrates this point. A man complained to the Rabbi that he and his family lived in a house too small to accomodate them. The Rabbi instructed him to bring in their cow and have it live inside the house with them. He did. And soon came back to complain that it had not helped at all. The Rabbi then instructed him to bring in their horse. He did. And, again, soon came back to complain that it had not helped ... in fact, things were tighter! So the Rabbi instructs him to bring in their goat. Well, you get the gist of it. He keeps being instructed to add animals until there are no more animals left. The man is at his wit's wend and clamors to the Rabbi to tell him what to do because they are not only bursting at the seams, but cannot stand the smell! The Rabbi instructs him to take out all the animals. Soon the man comes, with a broad smile on his face, and tells the Rabbi he and his family can't believe how much space they have now, and how pleasant their home is now that all the animals are gone! LOL

I thought of asking how to make an apartment seem larger, but keeping in mind that family's experience, I decided to skip the lesson and be quite content with the space we have! LOL

Nertha (in frigid NYC)

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your empathy with my pain ... actually I've come to the point where I say I'm in pain only when the treshold level is way above the usual. It would be nice to live without it, but I wonder if I could empathize with people in pain if I did not experience it myself. I remember watching a program about the ballet dances of London's Royal Theatre and I could really relate to their injuries during practice, orthopedic surgeries, etc. ;-)

It brings to mind my best friend's experience during the delivery of her firstborn ... she had a wonderfully easy pregnancy and hardly any labor pains, which were more than manageable by using her Lamaze training. The screams of women in other labor rooms reached her and she wondered what on earth they were screaming about! She admitted that she had little empathy for their wails and thought they were just overreacting to the contractions. Her experience the second time around was totally different ... the doctors decided to induce the labor and she then found out why those women had been screaming. Since then she has been careful not to judge someone until she has walked in her/his mocassins at least a mile. :-)

PETER: Having a unique name has its drawbacks, too, believe it or not. Because my mom had first claim to it I ended up being called by my middle name at home, and by my first name in school ... it was like being two people, known to some, but not to all. LOL

MARGE: Thankfully, my sciatic pain is not constant, but when it does come it grabs my attention, so the other pain seems less. So I guess it has its purpose, as everything else in life ... it reminds me that things could be worse! LOL

I heard a story that illustrates this point. A man complained to the Rabbi that he and his family lived in a house too small to accomodate them. The Rabbi instructed him to bring in their cow and have it live inside the house with them. He did. And soon came back to complain that it had not helped at all. The Rabbi then instructed him to bring in their horse. He did. And, again, soon came back to complain that it had not helped ... in fact, things were tighter! So the Rabbi instructs him to bring in their goat. Well, you get the gist of it. He keeps being instructed to add animals until there are no more animals left. The man is at his wit's wend and clamors to the Rabbi to tell him what to do because they are not only bursting at the seams, but cannot stand the smell! The Rabbi instructs him to take out all the animals. Soon the man comes, with a broad smile on his face, and tells the Rabbi he and his family can't believe how much space they have now, and how pleasant their home is now that all the animals are gone! LOL

I thought of asking how to make an apartment seem larger, but keeping in mind that family's experience, I decided to skip the lesson and be quite content with the space we have! LOL

Nertha (in frigid NYC)

Hi guys,

Thanks so much for your empathy with my pain ... actually I've come to the point where I say I'm in pain only when the treshold level is way above the usual. It would be nice to live without it, but I wonder if I could empathize with people in pain if I did not experience it myself. I remember watching a program about the ballet dances of London's Royal Theatre and I could really relate to their injuries during practice, orthopedic surgeries, etc. ;-)

It brings to mind my best friend's experience during the delivery of her firstborn ... she had a wonderfully easy pregnancy and hardly any labor pains, which were more than manageable by using her Lamaze training. The screams of women in other labor rooms reached her and she wondered what on earth they were screaming about! She admitted that she had little empathy for their wails and thought they were just overreacting to the contractions. Her experience the second time around was totally different ... the doctors decided to induce the labor and she then found out why those women had been screaming. Since then she has been careful not to judge someone until she has walked in her/his mocassins at least a mile. :-)

PETER: Having a unique name has its drawbacks, too, believe it or not. Because my mom had first claim to it I ended up being called by my middle name at home, and by my first name in school ... it was like being two people, known to some, but not to all. LOL

MARGE: Thankfully, my sciatic pain is not constant, but when it does come it grabs my attention, so the other pain seems less. So I guess it has its purpose, as everything else in life ... it reminds me that things could be worse! LOL

I heard a story that illustrates this point. A man complained to the Rabbi that he and his family lived in a house too small to accomodate them. The Rabbi instructed him to bring in their cow and have it live inside the house with them. He did. And soon came back to complain that it had not helped at all. The Rabbi then instructed him to bring in their horse. He did. And, again, soon came back to complain that it had not helped ... in fact, things were tighter! So the Rabbi instructs him to bring in their goat. Well, you get the gist of it. He keeps being instructed to add animals until there are no more animals left. The man is at his wit's wend and clamors to the Rabbi to tell him what to do because they are not only bursting at the seams, but cannot stand the smell! The Rabbi instructs him to take out all the animals. Soon the man comes, with a broad smile on his face, and tells the Rabbi he and his family can't believe how much space they have now, and how pleasant their home is now that all the animals are gone! LOL

I thought of asking how to make an apartment seem larger, but keeping in mind that family's experience, I decided to skip the lesson and be quite content with the space we have! LOL

Nertha (in frigid NYC)

Oooooopssss!!!!!

Sorry for the multiple post guys ... the Internet seems to be very slow tonight and it took forever for the post to go ... and then I found three of them!

Hi Peter/PC,
Seems that Stiff Person's Syndrome (SPS) is a progressive neuro disease that may be autoimmune in origin. About 50% of SPSers also have diabetes, although the link has not been established as yet. Valium and physical therapy may be helpful.

I, too, have had sciatica and it truly is a pain in the arse. This nerve pain was worse than childbirth labor!!

J.

Hi Peter,

You may find the information you seek by going to:

http://www.stiff-man.org

I found a link at About.com to a message board hosted by the neurological department at Harvard University that deals with the subject, but they have a disclaimer that the board is not monitored by them and they don't guarantee that the information found there is accurate.

From the little I read sounds like this is a rare disease. :-(

Nertha

Peter, I would think that if the person doing the naming had a clearer picture of your personality, this might be an advantage in the name department. Of course personalites can change as we grow up. Being given one at birth before anyone even knows who we are seems more of a crap shoot. Are you asking this from personal experience? Do you think Peter suits you?

My name was picked for me before I was born. Michelle means "who is like God?". I like to think this has something to do with my spiritual quest, especially finding the part of myself that is connected to the divine source. My middle name is Renee, which I find very appropriate for me as I have gone through many internal changes in my life, always coming away feeling like a different person from who I was. Definitely "reborn". So I guess it worked out for me.

By the way, Peter, I so wish you would read the book I'm reading. I know how busy you are, but I'll send it to you if you like.

Mary, I understand your feelings about reincarnation. I'm feeling fairly sure about it at this point, but I'm forever questioning everything. I think there is a "carry-over" that resides deep within all of us. We just need to learn to recognize it and even access it. I think our gut feelings, our intuition, our dreams are all clues that are there for us. And of course the eternal parts of ourselves that we reach through prayer and meditation are aware of this knowledge. I would love for you to read this book as well.

Welcome, Nertha! Hello and Happy Day to everyone else!

Tim, sorry about your pain. That sucks. It sounds as if you are going with the flow and not letting it get you down. That's quite admirable in itself!

Love to you all,
Michelle

Janice, thanks for that. I've previously been over those sites that Nertha mentioned (a big thanks Nertha). The information describes the usual symptoms, but unfortunately does not address any acceptable cure.
I don't know that SPS is neccessarily autoimmune in origin. In my case I tend to think that any autoimmune problems (I have vitiligo) may stem from the same root cause as that which is causing the SPS.
Valium! LOL Forget it!! There's no way that crap will pass my lips. If my birth mother hadn't popped valium as if they were lollies, then I might not have the same challenges now. If only. Sorry if the tone of this is not sweet.
I believe my SPS has a strong psychological component. It can change in an instant, but it's usually always there, to one degree or another. I'm working on it.
Thanks again for the information.

Michelle, I really don't have a clue! The meaning of Peter seems to suit me, but I think that we all like to associate our own personality with some flattering description.
Sometimes I don't feel at all like a rock. Perhaps more like mud!
My middle name is John. The odd thing is that I have never thought to find out what the meaning is of "John". Maybe I will.
A few years back I was undergoing a kinesiology session. I did not respond to the name Peter, or any other that we could think of, except for my birth father's name. Odd.

I'd better go back to work now before I confuse myself any further.

Michelle, what is the name & ISBN of the book?

Cheers to all at PC

Today, out of the blue, I managed to get a recording of a song that I used to hear and loved on the radio a while back. It's called 'Butterfly Kisses'. In the song, a father talks about his love for his daughter and the different stages of their relationship as she grew up. It was sung originally by Bob Carlisle, who I think wrote it for his daughter.

Hearing it again today, I remembered going through all these stages with my own Dad and in a rush, remembered how lucky I was to have him as my father. So for all you daughters out there, a chance to think of your own Dad.And for you Paul,the father of three lovely daughters, for you Tim, the father of one and also for you Peter, if you have a daughter - when you feel like this about your girls, take it from me, your daughters feel the same way about you.

Butterfly Kisses

There's two things I know for sure,
She was sent here from heaven and she's Daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night,
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes.
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life.
Oh but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer,
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy,
It's my first ride."
I know the cake looks funny, Daddy,
But I sure tried."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right,
To deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Sweet sixteen today,
She's looking like her Momma a little more every day.
One part woman, the other part girl,
To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls.
Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"You know how much I love you, Daddy,
But if you don't mind,
I'm only going to kiss you on the cheek this
time."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right,
To deserve her love every morning,
And butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time,
Like the wind,the years go by.
Precious butterfly,
Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.
Standing in the brideroom just staring at her.
She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure.
I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."
Then she leaned over and gave me

Butterfly kisses with her Momma there
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.
"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy,
It's just about time."
"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy?
Daddy, don't cry."
Oh, with all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right,
To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses.
I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I've got to let her go,
But I'll always remember
Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses

Love to everyone,
Mary

Mary, that's a lovely song. I remember when it first came on the radio. My daughter is about to turn 9. She is as good a friend as any I could possibly hope to have.

These things serve as a reminder of what's of true value in life.

Love to you too.
Peter

Peter, yeah, the whole name thing isn't too precise, is it? I guess I decided mine fit and so they did! Of course my brothers called me anything but Michelle. Usually Belle, or Mel Belle. Loved that. I love the names Peter and John. I wanted to name my youngest Peter but ended up naming him after one of my brothers. By the way, John means "God/Yaweh is gracious".

The book is called Journey of Souls by Michael Newton, PH.D. ISBN 1-56718-485-5. The part I just finished about how we choose to take up a new life felt very true to me. There was one interview with a person who described how her soul came into a baby in utero, and I thought of you of course. Let me know if you find it, that would be cool!

Hi Mary! Love the song, very moving.

Diane, I'm getting worried about you. Hope you are well and the business isn't leaving you flat out.

Paul, keep on keepin on!

Love and Light,
Michelle

Hi guys,

Mary: That is such a beautiful song! Thanks so much for sharing it. :-)

Peter: I am so sorry to hear you are suffering from SMS! I was hoping that you didn't need the information for yourself or a family member. :-( I will definitely keep my eye out for a site that has more info and will be sure to share it with you.

About the names: That's one drawback of having a made-up name ... it doesn't mean anything! :-)

Nertha

Hey all

Paul- Thankyou so much for your wish! I feel so honored that you said that! I told my mom and she didn't believe me when I told her Joseph said hi!(that's the movie that you became popular to us on) That's very true, what you said. My teacher also says that I know the steps so I don't have to think about that but to smile, look at the judges, and follow my heart. Did you start off in a studio and competitions? Good luck in your upcoming shows and I'm sure you'll do awesome!

Mary- In my compeition I have a jazz number, Working Day and Night, and a ballet number, take me out to the ball game(haha) that's choereographed by a teacher from the cincinnati ballet. I wish i could go there but it's real expensive! The jazz is pretty hard but it's fun..jazz is my favorite. TMOTHB is fun also but I don't like ballet as much even though people say I'm good at it. We even have bats and a jersey that has my last name and CINCINNATI reds on it. It's real neat! The jazz is with 5 people and ballet is 4. I have a solo in ballet but it's not in competition.

To all- Most of you have said to watch SB...so I'm going to as soon as I can! I've watched Joseph plenty of times and will be glad to see another movie with Paul in it(not that I don't like Joseph, it's still great!:)

Love and take care....Cara :):)

Hi guys:

We started working on our tap recital tonight. The boys are working on theirs too. The adults me, two moms, and two teenagers are doing a couple of scenes from Chicago. I have to do that little solo piece that leads into Razzle Dazzle and then also I'll have one of the teenagers with me doing part like the puppet (Rene Zellweger)...it's going to be trip.
That's my exiting news for the day. Pain? oh well I just live with it.
Saw a little bit of Serendipity tonight. Loved that movie.
Cara you've got to get SB..you can order it on line. It's not expensive at all...AMAZON.
Love everyone

peace and love

Tim

Nertha, I think we certainly have a connection. I also suffer from chronic pain from something like rhuematoid arthritis. Like Tim said, I live with it. I also have a strange name. Mine is not made up it means "way of life". You can say your name means "loved by Grandma" it certainly is true. My middle name, Leslye, which most of my family calls me, is celtic and it means "of the gray fort" whatever the hell that means. My mother never liked Innussiq, she thought it was a boy's name. Which is hilarious because Leslye, which she thinks is so much better, IS a boy's name. She got it from Lesley Webber on General Hospital the soap opera. Whew, I can go on about nothing can't I?
Peter, as for being named later in life...I thought of changing both my names at one point and could never come up with anything else I thought I could get used to so I stayed with my totally unmatched names. I find most of the people closest to me never address me at all, (with the exception of my husband who calls me Hun)so there you have it.
OK I'm done.
Peace.
Inn

Tim

I didn't know your were a theater performer. Can you give me a little history? When is your performance? Is it just one night or will it be a run like TFM? As for pain, I remember something about breathing techniques to ease pain. If I remember more about it, I will let you know.

Regarding names; My daughter's name is Alana Dwynanne. When she was growing up she hated her name and always threatened to change it. When she got into the medievil activities, her name fit right in. Alana is the feminine name for Alan. Alan Ladd (for those of you who remember him) named his daughter Alana which at that time was a combination of his first and last name, Her second name came from another wierd place an olf girl friend's husband's ex-wife's name... When she was born there weren't many Alans's around. Now its quite common.

I know that somewhere you can look up names and their definitions. I think there are books about them. I haven't checked out the web yet for this.

Love to all, take care.
Marge

Hi guys,

As a frequent insomniac it is not unusual for me to be up late at night, either working on my miniatures or answering my email, so I dropped in what you have all been up to.

Had a chance to check out Evelyn-in-spirit's web site on Grandma Mil and EC and my son (Jonathan) and I had a great time looking at the pictures of The Follies. Best of all was getting to "meet" Grandma Mil, EC, their lovely family ... and to make things even more fun I met Whitney and Evelyn-in-spirit!!! I must say that Grandma was EXACTLY as I pictured her, a bundle of energy, humor and joy. ;-)

Cara: I have been very lucky to have enjoyed some performances at Lincoln Center, mostly operas and operettas, but also ballet. I can no longer afford to go as often as I used to, but we are blessed to be able to have Live From Lincoln Center on the PBS channel, so I watch every chance I get. There was a jazz dance performance a year or two back and it left a deep impression on me. The coreographer/dancers experimented with new ways of moving on the stage, including a sort of merry-go-around that enabled the dancers to actually fly for a short time. It was awesome! Hope you got a chance to see it because I think you would love it, too. :-)

Tim: Your exciting news sounds exciting, indeed! Hope we get to see photos of your Chicago production. :-)

Inn: Wish we didn't have the pain connection but, as I said in another post, I think the fact that many of us, including Paul, has experienced pain makes this group much more sympathetic and kind.

About your name, I think it is beautiful! I don't know if I am pronnouncing it right, but I envision it rhyming with music. I actually prefer it to Leslye, which is more common. I guess I love unusual names. I love the meaning you came up with for mine, thanks so much! :-)

Michelle: Thanks so much for the kind welcome ... and I think you have such a cool name ... I love the song, and it's in great part because I love the sound of the French version of the name. I have a cousin named Michelle and I was so glad her mom decided not to use the Spanish version -- Miguelina -- it just does not sound as nice, does it? :-)

Well, I'm still not sleepy, so I think I will get my SB dvd out and remind myself that vivir con miedo es como vivir a medias. LOL

Nertha

Gah, you guys...the "carry over" of which you speak is REAL and it is PHYSICAL and your pain can be managed through regression hypnosis! I'm not shitting you here, truely. Sessions around here go from $100-$300 (some are covered under chronic pain programs with referrals--depends on your insurance) but I know that practioners are available all over the world.

TRY IT!

(ahem)

Hello Everyone! (Hi Cara, and Nertha...nice to meet you, and SALLY! Hey, girl!) You people have GOT to stop making me snort and gag first thing in the morning...Millie you were the first with the Bette Davis impression--very well done--and then Eve and Peter and their reparate'...I was gagging afterwards (due to the dregs from the pneumonia...disGUSTING!)You all bring a smile to my face...oh and Paul and Peter and the purle suit...*sigh*..."Memories..."

Allright, I'll stop singing. On to business:

Paul-rock on, love! You live your life. We'll still be here whenever you pop in (don't mind us taking over your board or anything...;-)

Peter - Dahling! You have totally enriched my life, just by your presence and KNOWING that you are having these experiences and thoughts. It makes me feel more normal. REALLY! As far as SHY...well, I bet there's the "rest" of you that a good bottle of merlot (or a few Cooper's) would bring to the forefront for quite a bit of fun and entertainment. Assuredly, we'd have to find a pub with no lampshades, but... (hugs)

Michelle - my middle name is "Michelle" and my fist name means "*God*/female" so that's pretty cool to know! No idea how my parents picked it (Diane). All I know is they wanted me to be a boy, named Kyle. Nice. "Woops! She's got girlie parts! Think fast!" As far as the finding the "part" of yourself that is linked to the divine...

NOW HERE THIS: YOU, your essence, your soul, your uniqueness and your collective YOU, are all divine. Your body is a miracle of Nature. No more than the trees, and surely no less. YOU, as part of the universe, in choosing your paths/life experiences, and designing your Love traits, ARE THE DIVINE CREATION, SISTER! (sorry, don't mean to shout)

Repeat after me, everyone: "I am a child of the Divine and thus I, too, am Divine." This crosses over into EVERY nook and cranny of this world's civilizations, no matter if you live as an Aborigine(al?) or a stock-broker in a sky scraper who never sets foot on actual grass except if it's been shipped in to some prestigous golf course (sorry, snide). You are no MORE, and no LESS (that's the killer part...for the last, oh, mostly 800yrs now, we've been told we ARE less. It's crap!

Oh dear...she's gone off on her soapbox again...apologies. I'm not telling you what to believe. Well...I don't mean to anyway. I just get carried away with what I know to be true for me, and to see it simmering in other people (these realizations) just brings out the zealot in me. No wonder my grannies were burned at the stake. ;-(

Another note on names: Marge, Alana is beautiful! And Inn, my father's middle name was Leslie (yes, spelled with the "e"--he hated it) BUT, he's Scottish and I'm sure it is supposed to be spelled as yours is. Grey fortress? Sounds formidable and stalwart to me...those are good things! My friend has a daughter named Aynesly. I always thought that was beautiful..Celtic and gorgeous. But, I had boys. *sigh*

Allright. I think I'm done. Evelyn, let us know how you're making out with the job thing. Noshing chocolate over it? Happy (damn!) belated birthdays!

Many hugs, and sorry for taking up so much room. But my coffee kicked in apparently. (SPEAKING of, where is Ms. Seatlle Late' herself?? )

GOING! **poof!**

***"Seattle". Oy.

Good to have you back, Goddess Dhi, it's been a long time since we heard from you! We've new, lovely (is there any other kind?) people on The Corner, like Nertha, Mary, and Cara, and the list goes on!

I'll bet we get more Aussies after people see Paul in "The Full Monty." Don't we just love our Aussies, like Paul, Petah, (oops, there is my Bette Davis mode again, darling Peter), Sara Lovett, and did I forget anyone? Bette is also remembered for saying, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a BUMPY ride!"

(BTW, it was claimed that Cary Grant always pronounced the name "Judy" as "Juudee, Juudee, Juuddee", but he denied that he every said that!)

I have my own "bully pulpit" from the stage when I have my presentations. My peers enjoy hearing about Paul, and how we all adore him...they also are waiting for me to show "Strictly Ballroom" in March, with the new state-of-the art equipment in our media auditorium. It will be the 5th time since 2001 that I am showing SB, and I know the place will be packed again.

Tim, your show sounds great, especially since some music from "Chicago" is included in your routines. I'm glad you are back rehearsing, even though it's difficult sometimes, but isn't it amazing how aches and pains seem to lessen when one is busy doing something enjoyable? (That covers a multitude of situations...)

I, too, am going to use the score from "Chicago"
(the movie version) for my next "Follies".

I already have people working on the choreography and songs. The date is February 8th and 9th, 2005. Everyone is invited! Florida is great in February!!

Love and Peace,

Queen Mum (aka) Grandma Mil (I am now giving notice that I may be using this name, more in touch with my age, a lofty position on PC.)

Evelyn already calls me "Queen Mum" for I once wrote her that my Hebrew name is "Malka" given to me at birth, 71 years ago, and that means "Queen" in English.

Q.M.

Queen Mum, I like that name! Besides, every kingdom/PC needs a queen mum. :-)

Oh, I hope I can make it to your Follies next year. I have relatives who moved to Florida last year so it is by no way outside the realms of possibilities! That would be neat! ;-)

Nertha

Nertha, I'm excited already about the possibilities of your coming to "Follies 2005"!

Whitney made it to "Follies 2003" last March, and it was wonderful meeting her! She stayed with us, and took backstage pixs that were later posted on my Follies website set up by Evelyn and her.

Ellie (my Stud Muffin) and I hope to be in the New Jersey-Connecticut area in May, for a week, visiting with our children. So far, the N.Y. area has Janice and you, so maybe...??? It could turn out to be the first Paul Mercurio convention
ever!

Love and Peace,

Queen Mum

Queen Mum, I watched a Cary Grant movie last night. Katherine Hepburn was in it as well. The name of it was Holiday, I believe. Very good flick! It must have been a play that was adapted for the screen from the way it looked. I don't know who the woman was that played K.H.'s sister, but in the story she was considered to be the more beautiful one, and she wasn't at all! Oh well, maybe it was just me. That Cary Grant was sure easy on the eyes. Of course he's no Stud Muffin!:)

Nertha, wouldn't that be great if you could get to Florida for the Follies? Anywhere warm sounds so wonderful right now when it's 5 degrees and windy. Winter does pass, but in January it seems like it will be forever until Spring.

Dhiana!:) Thanks, I needed that! I KNOW everything you say is true. Feeling it and living it are what I'm striving for now. I'm getting there! Have you been regressed? If so, what was it like? Oh and how are your "ladies of the red light" doing?

Peter, in all our conversations the last few days I neglected to wish you Happy Birthday! I'm so sorry for forgetting. One thing for sure, the Universe is better for having you here!

Love to you all,
Michelle

Dhiana, You flatter me, but I'm sure it's your natural kindness at work.
I'm not exactly shy. "Controlled" would be a better description. I guess that I rarely do anything that's terribly impulsive. Most things are planned. That probably makes me boring.
When it comes to business or speaking in front of a crowd, then I'm not in the least bit shy.
So I guess I'm not shy. Why did I say that I was?
I must be stupid (rather than shy)!

NOW, down to business, woman!
I've used regression therapy via kinesiology. The real odd part about it was that we did not set out to regress me, it just bloody happened!
Yep, it came as something of a surprise to all of us!
This ocurred on quite a number of occassions.
I would be able to visualise an event very clearly, as if I were there in real life, only I could see, hear, smell, taste and even feel every bit of anxiety, pain, fear, calm or happiness, as it were at the time. Strong stuff. Real stuff.
I'm glad there's more than one of us.
(Maybe I'm really a closet warlock. Let's keep it secret. Tee Hee.)

Michelle, Thankyou for your thoughts.

Queen Mum, When I was younger and had more time, I would sometimes watch the old black & whites late at night. It gave me a lot of joy, amusement and sometimes comfort. Ah, days gone by.

Peter

Peter, there was a psychologist that does regression therapy at the meditation seminar I went to recently. I'm toying with the idea of making an appointment. I'm envious of your experience as I would love to find out more about myself in that way. Dhiana, come and go with me!

I was reading today about pre-life training with our soul group and how that works. One man realized that he had been told before his most recent life what his wife's laugh would sound like and the scent of her perfume, so that when they met he "recognized" her on a deeper level. Have you made contact with anyone you thought you'd known before? I'm sure my oldest son is a very old soul who is probably here to keep me in line! Looking into his eyes makes me long for something, but I can't remember what it is I'm missing. It's the oddest feeling. Sometimes it feels as if he can look right through me. And yet, he's the one I see myself in. Hmmmmm.

Be well,
Michelle

Gidday Nertha and thanks for coming and hanging out.

Got nothing much to say. I am tired and sore. I'm off to the osteopath to straighten out the crooked bits I currently have residing in various parts of my body and then I am off to the theatre to sing and dance and act. Looking forward to it.

I thought of you all the other night as I stood on stage during a scene where I had a moment to think of you all. I like the idea that you were all standing there with me. So yes you have all now performed on stage at the State Theatre in Melbourne Australia and can safely tell people!!

Tim, Thankyou so much for my wine cooler!!!!! You should not have done that but I thank you all the same and cant wait to test it out. It is at the theatre at the moment - probably not the best place as people who see it in passing will be thinking that I am having a tipple during the show!! Apparently not uncommon for some thesbians but not me - I like to wait till the end of the show for a quiet and relaxing Coopers. In fact we have started our own beer club for after the show imbibing!

Thanks again Tim, tonight I will bring you on for an encore during a particularly hard dance number!!

Michelle, I've had a number of experiences where I strongly recognise places where I've never been before.
It's a really strong sense of deja vu.
Ocassionally I will experience what seems like familiarity when I meet a person, but I often wonder if I'm just fooling myself. I find it very hard to tell.

It's really weird when I visit my two (half) brothers.
I only met them three years ago, but in a sense I feel as though I have always known them. There's a very strong acceptance and sense of trust in both directions. It's also freaky to listen to someone who has similar vocal tones to yourself, who previously was a complete stranger.
At least one of them had featured very strongly in some "dreams", before I met them.

Peter

Paul, I hope your sore bits get sorted out.
It must be quite exhausting performing day after day. I checked out the performance schedule. It's pretty hectic.
I'll pick a day for the Sydney performance. Sonia is very keen. I'm also really looking forward to it.

All the very best for continued happiness.
Sink a Coopers for me.

Peter

Hey all

Nertha- That sounds neat! I'm not sure if we have that channel but I will check! Anything that has to do with dance i'll watch!

Paul- That sounds painful! I don't know how you can dance, sing act, and so on so much...I'm tired after just doing a couple dances!

I have a performance tomorrow to "get ready" for competition so I won't be able to write for a couple days! Take care all!

Love...Cara :):)

Paul, thanks for letting us all share in that moment. Hope you get straightened out okay and that things continue to go well for you.

Michelle, I've been reading over your last few posts and I have to say, you seem to be a good way down the road to finding yourself and your purpose here. Can you tell me why the idea of reincarnation makes sense to you? Did it draw you in some irresistible way or did you come to it by not being happy with other ideas? Did you ever find the idea scarey? (Sorry for the interrogation! You've just got me interested.) You really put your finger on something for me when you talked about the 'eternal part of ourselves that we reach through prayer and meditation'. That's lovely.

What you were saying about 'pre-life training' and how the man was able to recognise his wife was really interesting. Did you ever meet someone and feel an instant connection with them? It's as if they become familiar to you in that very moment. I'll have to try and get that book. If it's not available, I'll see if I can order it.

Dhiana, I'm with Michelle on this. I also know that what you are saying is true. I love the idea of the realisations 'simmering' in people.

Peter, what a lovely thing to be able to say about your daughter! She is blessed to have a father who thinks of her in this way. That is going to be such an affirming influence in her life.

Whenever you talk about your experiences, I always get a sense of an openness to something and in some way, a heightened awareness of this life experience. It's really fascinating to read and very thought-provoking. Do you feel like your awareness is above 'normal' levels?

You and Dhiana mentioned 'kinesiology'. I'm not really sure what that is exactly. Is it some kind of regression therapy using hypnosis?

Queen Mum - you have earned the rank! - I hope you and Ellie are having a wonderful time with your daughter and grandchildren! 'Malka' is a beautiful name, just like all your other ones!

Cara, you are so lucky to have dance in your life. I know it's keeping you very busy at the moment but it will be worth it when you get up and shine on the dancefloor!

Diane, hope you are keeping well.

Tim, very cool gift!

Hello to Marge, Evelyn, Kelly, Linda, Nertha, Suzanne, Julie,Janice, Sally, Inn and all the PCers.

Love to you all,
Mary

Marge... it's a dance school production. My two middle sons and I take tap together. But it's load of fun. It's an audience of about 400.

Paul, it was my distinct pleasure to send that to you. It was the least I could do. It was a tribute to your success and return to the stage. I'm just sorry I couldn't send something beer related. But I do hope you enjoy it. It's hard to know what something over the internet is going to be like.

Auntie Mil, I would love to come to the follies 2005. Have you or anyone heard from Whit lately? I haven't. I hope she's well.

Having an ok day today so...beam me up scotty

love and peace
Tim

Mary, I really don't know if my awareness is above normal levels. Honestly. I have met a number of self-professed psychics who, without exception, have asked me: "do you realise you're strongly clairvoyant?", to which I answer honestly "NO!"
If I am, then it's mostly at a sub-conscious level.

Kinesiology: We're talking about Applied Kinesiology here. It's a form of therapy with a basis in Chinese medicine (originally), though it has been developed by chiropractors and osteopaths since the 60's.
"Kinesiology" simply means "muscle testing".
They use an indicator muscle, usually an arm, to check for either a positive or negative response to some external stimuli, including verbal questions.
It is reliable and effective because the nervous system controlling this response completely by-passes the conscious part of the brain, so you can't cheat it, no matter what.
It's used to remove stress on emotional issues to allow the mind to better heal them.
It helped me because it removed certain mental blocks, allowing memory to form and healing to commence. It's different for everybody.
The experiences that I had were previously unseen by the Kinesiology practitioners.
It was a first time for them, and apparently, not the norm.
OK, since when have I ever been normal!

I'd love to visit Ireland one day. There's something very earthy and apealing to me.

Peter

Cara, I'm envious of anyone who can dance well.
ENJOY !

Tim, I'll set the transporters for maximum enjoyment!

Paul
It completely slipped my mind, but sometime before Christmas I sent you a Motorcycle Calendar to the address 53-55 Brisbane St. Surreyhills,
Sydney, Australia, SNW 2020. At the time it was the only address I could find on the Web. Did you ever receive it? I'm a Harley Chick myself. No I don't ride anymore. That was when I was young, wild and crazy.

Tim
I think it's wonderful that your are sharing activities with your kids. It is so important for you and them. My husband and I had a 4-H horse club for 14 years. We dealt with lots of young people from 9 to 19 in 4-H. The kids in the 11 to 16 age bracket was the worst to deal with, as they thought they knew everything
My daughter showed horses from age 9 to age 35 or so. She also did three day eventing, as well as the Medevil stuff. I am still looking for that funny sign about kids knowing everything.

Nertha
Welcome to PC. It's always a pleasure to include new people here.

Cara
I looked up your name and it means either "beloved in Italian or "friend in Gaelic. Good Luck in your dances on Saturday. I will thinking of you.

Take care & Love to all
Marge

Hi guys,

First of all, thanks to Paul, Marge, Mary, Cara, and everyone for the warm welcome to the group! It is a pleasure to hang out with this great bunch of PCs.

By the way, Paul, it's great to hear that you are having such a great time with TFM and performing with all these PCers that were beamed on the stage, right next to you! ;-)

Couldn't sleep so I watched my Strictly Ballroom dvd (also have it on video) ... again ... this time with the director's commentator turned on. It occured to me that, thanks to this group, I can just ask Paul about some questions sparked by the director's comments.

I'm a newbie to the group so, please, bear with me. This question has probably been asked before ... but ... I wondered if in the scene where Scott is trying to find Fran and he goes "backstage" (but you are really going into a restroom) ... was it the ladies' room, Paul? well, I noticed a lady exiting as Scott goes in. LOL

On a more serious note, My family and I were really impressed to learn that you performed the pasodoble with an injured foot. You did a wonderful job of disguising it because I don't think anyone can guess (except for Andrea and the film's crew, of course) that you were hurting. I wonder how many dance performances I have enjoyed where the dancer(s) may have been in pain while they entertained me! Real professionalism ... I'm not sure I could do it, even if I could dance like Cara! :-)

I was wondering if any of you have seen the ads for the "Dirty Dancing Havana Nights" movie? I read a couple of articles and saw a promo, and they show a scene, which I feel they "borrowed" from SB ... the couple is dancing on a rooftop. I kept looking for the "Kendall Dance Studio" sign! ;-)

To borow an Ozzie expression, Gidday to all of you!

Nertha

Mary, I'm not sure if I'm as far along as you think. Maybe you just caught me on a good day!:) I became interested in all things spiritual about 23 years ago (I'm 43). I met someone who was following the teachings of an Indian yogi, so I started asking questions. I'd never considered anything but what I'd been told was true. I began thinking seriously about reincarnation a few years later. I've read more books than I can count on every subject from world religions to quantum mechanics. I never liked science when I was in school, but I'm fascinated by the concept of String Theory and it's ability to tie physics and spirituality together. But that's another story!

I guess reincarnation was exciting at first, but at one point it did get scary. I've sort of evolved out of that feeling and now am more at peace with the idea. My view of it is not tied to any religion by the way, just spiritual. I grew up Catholic.

I would say reincarnation just feels like truth to me now. It didn't happen quickly, but rather evolved over many years of reading and wondering about life, the universe, and my place in it. I've come to feel more connected to the Divine Source and to every other living thing. A true feeling of connection, where before I always felt a bit powerless and lost. I guess you could say I've taken the reins, and it feels right for me. Life makes more sense when I look at it this way.

If you have any trouble finding the book, let me know. I'd be happy to send it to you! I hope I didn't confuse you more with my explanation!

Love to you,
Michelle

Peter, there's definitely something there. Some kind of added vibrancy to the way you are experiencing certain things in your life. I can't put my finger on it but I know it's a good thing. I get a sense of it when you talk about your experiences and I'm fascinated. Thanks for sharing them. It wouldn't surprise me if you could be described as 'psychic' or clairvoyant. Would this frighten you in any way? Because you seem to be so open to the whole thing and I wonder is that why you are able to embrace that part of you so well. I feel it would frighten me a bit, but maybe not if I was experiencing it myself.

That's really, really interesting about kinesiology. I'd never heard of it before. It sounds like it was a positive thing for you. And the idea of stress from emotional issues lying embedded in your body and causing physical problems makes total sense to me. BTW if being 'normal' means you have to change, it's not worth it. I like you the way you are.

Yes,I think Ireland is earthy and very appealing (I know I'm probably biased!), particularly the west and north-west coastline. There are certain places there that for me, act as a spiritual fountain of youth! They're so beautiful. When I go there,I feel like I am enveloped by nature and always leave with my spirit feeling calmed and revived. One of my sons feels the same way about it as I do. The other goes reluctantly enough, when we go there on holiday. He's a city boy through and through!

Cara, Marge is right about your name. It is the word for 'friend' in Gaeilge (our own native language). There is a lovely expression 'mo chara dhilis' (pronounced 'yeelish') which means 'my dear friend' which I love. Gaeilge is a beautiful language, very different from English. It is generally accepted that when Irish people speak the English language, it is softened by the ghost of our own language.There are certain expressions and ways of saying things that we use that English people just would not use!

Love to everyone,
Mary

Hi Michelle, you posted just as I did! I had to just tell you that when I read 'I've come to feel more connected to the Divine Source......Life makes more sense when I look at it this way.', I got such a strong feeling of deja vu. I could have been reading my own words!! I'll get back to you on this.

Love,
Mary

PS We are roughly at the same stage in this journey. I am 45.

Mary, I'm completely open and at ease with the spiritual/psychic/clairvoyant thing because I'm simply relating my own experiences. Certainly, none of them were frightening or in the least bit distressing. It just felt normal, and to a certain extent, it made "sense" to me (no pun intended).
There was certainly nothing that seemed bizarre or even unnacceptably unusual in its make up.

I guess that I simply see it as consciously connecting with an aspect of my being (spiritual, I suppose) that is already there.
I see only thruth in this. With truth comes understanding, value and comfort.
For me, I just feel that whatever is revealled will be enough. I have a good deal of confidence that if I really need it, then I will have it.
Having said this, I must emphasise that it's different for each of us. We can probably find lots of good information in books and develop great understanding as Michelle has. On the other hand, I might change my mind tommorrow!

By "normal" I really mean that I would like to have optimal health and physical function, without carrying the burden of someone else's actions.

I've long had a picture in my mind of travelling to the north-west coast of Ireland. I have absolutely no idea why. Maybe time will tell.

Peter

Nertha
Check out the web sites for "Dirty Dancing Havana Nights". You can find pictures and trailers and the story. I'm putting it on my "go see" list.

Love to all, take care
Marge

Peter, I really like what you said about truth. I think that more than reading, talking, or thinking about spirituality, EXPERIENCING things which ring true somewhere deep inside myself is what has brought me a hint of real inner peace.

Someone once told me that it's a good idea to write a personal "statement of faith" to get a sense of what you believe to be true. I told him then that it would be a short list, because there wasn't much that I was sure about. The only thing I knew for sure was that I might change my mind before the ink was dry.

That was several years ago. Since then, little by little, I feel more comfortable placing my faith where I feel those truths. That is not to say in ANY way that I have figured it all out or that I won't evolve in some other way. And I do struggle, sometimes feeling very lost. But it always passes, and I'm left with what I've learned in the process. At least I'm a little farther along on my journey, closer to knowing Who I Am.

But then again...;)

Be Well,
Michelle

drive by "hi" and wishing all at PC a super weekend.

Glad you're having such fun with TFM Paul!
I know I would love to see that one!!! Bet all of your PC gang would.

Hi back Inn, Dhi. *poof*

Luv n smiles,
Kat

Michelle, you are definitely a searcher and a questioner. As I said before,I identify so much with a lot of what you wrote in your first post. We seem to have arrived at a similar place at this point in time and that is comforting to me. I feel like I'm sharing part of my journey with you in some way and that's really nice.

Do you know anything about the Enneagram? It's a model of human development showing nine basic personality types. It's not as simplistic as it sounds. In fact, the more you get into it, the more complex it becomes. It can help a great deal in challenging those parts of yourself that a lot of the time you'd prefer to leave undisturbed. It was one of the things that I found quite insightful and useful on the way to where I am now. Of all the nine, I identified the most closely with the sixth personality type - the questioner/doubter. It would be interesting to know if you were familiar with the whole idea.

AND I ordered the book you've been reading this afternoon! They say I probably won't have it for about ten working days, but it's on the way. As soon as I get hold of it, I'll read it! I look forward to discussing it with you.

Peter, I see where you're coming from. Your grasp of what's going on has a clarity that rings of the truth.

For me, it is an extraordinary thing, that in your mind, you have visited one of the focal places in my life....

Nertha, I'm so glad that you feel so welcome. It's been really good getting to know you.

Katalina, it's good to hear from you.

Hello Queen Mum/Millie - hope the visit is going really well!

Best wishes and love to Paul and everyone here,
Mary

Hey all

Yes, my name does mean friend in gaelic...my family is mostly from Ireland so I know a lot of irish words and my mom picked cara half because it means friend.

I did Okay at the charity benefit. It really wasn't a competition but for people in nursing homes and each person had to bring canned goods and we gave them to charity. A lot of the music messed up. One girl, Becca, made up her whole dance because the music was wrong and she just made it up instead of standing there and waiting for the right music! That was really brave i thought. And one group's music cut off right in the middle of the dance and they had to stand there for about 3-4 minutes! Luckily nothing bad happened to ours but even though we didn't do really really great it felt good that we were helping people out.And Paul, I thought of what you told me and it did help, just dancing and forgetting about the steps and people watching,i think it really did help

Guess what!!?? I watched SB!!! It's so awesome! Paul, it's so amazing! especially the last dance!
I wacthed it over and over again like I did with joseph.

Thanks all for the good lucks and stuff...take care!

Love...Cara :):)

Hi guys,

Cara: So glad to hear that you took Paul's advise and it worked for you! I think it's wonderful that you and your friends are using your talents to help others. :-)

I used to sing solos in church and I am not ashamed to tell you that if it wasn't for God's help I would have been a total basket case. I would get nervous right before I went on, but then I would let go and let God, and a calm would come over me and I just thought of the song, the words, and conveying it to those listening ... like you and Paul do when you dance. :-)

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Here in NYC we have a bright sunny day (yeeeesssss!), although it is still frigid and lower temperatures expected. But we learn to be thankful for cold sunny days, especially when snow is forecasted. May the sun be shining for you all, wherever you are!

Nertha

Queen Mum here to tell you that Whit wants you all to know she is fine, just very busy, and will write to everyone when she is through moving into larger quarters...a small house, I think.

Whit's landlady is a friend of hers, and she is so happy, for she will have lots of room to do her art projects, etc.

She's okay, Tim!

Love and Peace,

Queen Mum

G'day cobbers at PC.
Today is January 26th - Australia Day.
There's lots of festivities going on around the place to celebrate our national identity (except for those of us who are working, blow it).
For a good bit of music to accompany any Australia Day celebrations, try checking out "Great Southern Land" by Icehouse.

Cheers

Happy Australia Day to Peter and Paul!! Hope it's a good one!

Mary

PS I presume 'cobbers' is a term of endearment!?

Mary, too bloody right!

happy australia day to everybody! Hope you have a good one!

Nertha, I'm very glad i took paul's advice also! He's such a wonderful dancer as i've heard and seen from SB, so any advice a great dancer like him will give me, i'll take!

take care...love, cara :):)

Well, enjoy celebrating your national identity then, aka Happy Australia day to you all down under. What exactly do you do to celebrate it, that is if you are not working like Peter?

I'm glad first week of term is behind me, have never liked it and seemingly am not going to any time soon. Good thing we are on week 2 now :-) Happy week to all of you and much love.

Hi Ozzies,

Happy Australia Day!

I feel like singing, mates, but you'll have to supply the proper accent, hey!

"I've been to cities that never close down
From New York to Rio, to Old London town
But no matter how far or how wide I roam
I still call Australia home!"

Hope your day was sunshiny. :-)

Nertha

Paul & Peter
Happy Australia Day.

A happy hello to everyone else on PC.

Take Care,
Marge

Paul & Peter
Happy Australia Day.
Cobber means friend. I now have an Azzie slang dictionary on my "favorites" list. Look up; http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html#

A happy hello to everyone else on PC.

Take Care,
Marge

Thanks Mary, Cara, Evelyn, Nertha & Marge.

Evelyn, Barbeques are fairly popular, but there are loads of community fairs & similar events. I'm glad that first week of term is over for you.

Michelle & Mary,
I mentioned in a previous post how, during a kinesiology session, that "my body" did not respond to the name Peter, but always responded to the name "Frank" (Francis), which is the English version of my birth father's name.
Last week, for some reason I dwelled on the thought that I would like to ask my birth mother what she had chosen to name me. Of course we are not on speaking terms, so that's not possible.
In any case, she won't admit to be pregnant with me.

On Sunday, we took our two children to an athletics track in Sydney for a competition. I had never been to this particular place and did not know where it was, save for the street directory. As we were approaching our destination, I realised that I had been in that locality about two years ago for my half-brother's daughter's baptism (I am the Godfather). The place we had to go to was dead opposite the church where the baptism took place.
Now here's the catch. The name of the athletics track is "Francis Park" (my BF's name)!
I did a warm-up run with the kids and there was no sign of the stiffness that I usually always have. My body fely strangely supple and flexible, and without pain. Please don't ask me to explain. Dhiana?

Peter

That should have read: "having been pregnant". Sorry.

happy aussie day mates!

goodonya

timmer

Well, Peter, that sort of hits you over the head, doesn't it? I think all these things are lovely affirmations from somewhere/someone. Definitely proves true your feelings about mind/body connection as well. I know at one time you mentioned going to visit Dalmatia, is that still a possibility? All signs seem to be pointing you in that direction! Oh and by the way, was your birth mother at the baptism? If so, how did you deal with that? As for your name, would she tell you the truth?

Mary, I'm glad you're getting the book and that we'll be able to talk about it! I did a bit of reading about the Enneagram. Basically I googled it and looked at a few sites to see what they had to say. Did you take an internet test or get a book?

Hello to everyone else here on the Corner!

Peace,
Michelle

Putting another shrimp on the barbie and lifting a glass of Foster's to the boys from Oz.

Cheers!

Sally C.

Peter, once again you have me thinking. . .

My first thought is ,I'm so sorry that your birth mother, as things stand, chooses to deny herself of your presence in her life. I am sorry for any pain this has caused you. She is missing out on so much.

Re: your name. I just nipped back to your previous post about names and thought about your question again. I don't know.. I have always felt that names take on the person, rather than the other way around. It wouldn't really matter what name you were given. A name grafts itself on to a person in some way, so that in time, it is impossible to distinguish one from the other. When I hear a name, I tend to immediately think of either someone I know or very often one of the children I have taught over the years. And in thinking of the name, the personality of the person appears. It is also interesting that one name can simultaneously conjure up different people who share the same name and yet never become predictable or mundane. Each new person brings a new dimension to the name.

But if you were given a different name at a later stage in your life, I'm not sure. I suppose it would depend on how old you were when this happened. If you were old enough to associate your birth name with your identity, I could see how maybe you would never have the space to bond fully with the new name. Part of the space would always hold the name you were given at birth.

I wonder if the obvious attraction/drawing towards the name 'Francis' could be to do with the fact that it is a definite link with your birth father and conjures up an image of him and it is this that makes you respond to it, and even feel comforted by it in some way, even to the point where your body relaxes in a place associated with it (the athletics track). Could it be a reaching out to him? Maybe I'm speaking out of turn here. I don't know how you feel about your birth father. Please forgive me if I am. Having said that, it would seem like a likely choice of name for your birth mother to give you....Peter, I am really sorry that you do not have these two important links - your birth parents - in your life.

You say you feel like you have always known your (half) brothers. Their coming into your life must have been a healing thing.

Cara, well done! I'm glad everything went well for you. Didn't that girl Becca do so well! The fact that you can feel proud of her for being so brave says a lot about you and how mature you are.

Nertha, we have snow forecast here tomorrow. It is a rare thing - rare enough for schools to give children time to play in it that bit longer at breaks. Needless to say, my class are praying for a heavy fall tonight!

Michelle - good wishes to you. I can't wait to see what you make of Peter's last post!

Queen Mum, as always, sending love to you!

Sending love to all of you, my dear cobbers! (it feels SO weird to write that!),
Mary

Michelle,
My birth mother was not invited to the Baptism.
My (half)brother refuses to acknowledge her since they had a falling out some time ago.
I doubt that she would ever knowingly be in the same place as me, since she is strongly intimidated by my ability to see through her farcical behaviour and lies. Sad but true.
Mind you, I decided long ago to simply leave her alone and that's what I'll do, no matter what.
She would never tell me the truth if it meant having to admit that her ludicrous story was in some way untrue. Unfortunately she is only driven by selfishness.
I'm unsure about travelling to Dalmatia. I think I'd still like to go there, but I'll have to sit on that decision for a while, until I'm more at ease with it.

One further part to the story. Oh God I swear this is true. When we were at the little ahletics event, we picked up a flyer for the next competition, which will be held in another suburb of Sydney.
The venue name is "Makepeace Oval".
I looked in the street directory, to find that it is just near "Dalmatia Street". There are only two streets by this name in the whole of Sydney, which is geographically very large.

I'm just stating the facts.

Peter

Michelle, we seem to be making a habit of posting at the same time! Good to hear from you.

I have never checked up about the Enneagram on the internet. I must look. I got to know it through doing courses on it - a basic introduction to it twice and then a more in-depth one as a follow-up. The initial one was the best, mainly because it involved about forty people and two people running it who really knew their stuff. Like many of these ideas, you very often find that 'chancers' jump on the bandwagon in order to make a fast buck! There are some books on it. It's a good while since I've delved into it but I'll try and root out the names of some for you.

Love to you,
Mary

Peter, I think we must have posted at almost the same second!!

Mary

Mary, You're not in any way "speaking out of turn".
I tend to think that you may be right re. me reaching out for my birth father in this way.
It is completely sub-concious, but nonetheless potentially strong.
I do however strongly feel that this is what my BM named me prior to my birth.
My "picture" of my birth father is a well-liked, popular man who loved life and the people in it.
This comes from speaking and corresponding with my uncle in Australia (who knew him very well), and with his ex-wife of 17 years from Berlin.

Don't worry about the "cobbers" bit, it sounds a bit weird when I say it too!

Have a lovely day Mary and all at PC.

Hi PC,
We're bracing for a major noreaster that may snowbomb us with 6-12" or more. I wouldn't care if I didn't have to shovel it!!

Peter: Glad you're back!! You need to give yourself all that love your BM is not able to provide to you. We shower you with our love from PC.

Ev: Hope the move is smooth for you. I think of you sister and hope she is well.

Inn, Nertha, Cara, Mary, Michelle, Timster, Gran Mil: I'm loving you too, and keeping you warm in my heart.

PJM: Keep dancing your little feet off and singing your overflowing heart out. Be in the moment and enjoy.

Till next time PC: Elbows up, head high, and feet moving forward!!

J.

Peter, that is MUCH more than a coincidence! I would have been freaking out had it been me. Whoever these little messages are coming from (and I do believe that's what they are), they have decided to throw subtlety out the window.

Let's see, Makepeace, Dalmatia, Francis...signs leading you to a better understanding regarding your birth father? Or just more confirmation that your birth mother doesn't deserve your energy.

Thanks for sharing that with us. It reinforces what I believe to be true, even though there haven't been any signs for me, at least that I've recognized;)

Michelle

good morning.
Janice, thanks for the warming thoughts. I too am in the "eye of the storm" as it were. We've had snow the last two nights and are expecting another fall this afternoon. I so hate it. It's not the shoveling it's the driving.
Michelle, sometimes those messages can be so subtle. Like just looking at something a lost love one used to like and remembering. I think our attention was drawn to the object. Just consider how many items you pass in a day and never see them. Still it would be nice to get a message as strong as Peter got.
Hello Peter,Grand Dame Mil and Stud Muffin, Mary, Tim, Paul and the lovely ladies and my dear Katalina wherever you are. Off to work.
Peace.

Dear Inn and Janice,

I'm really thinking of you as those horrible snows get closer to the New York area. Please, take it easy shoveling snow, and take care while driving! We used to live with the winters before we retired, and having snow days as a teacher were welcome, some days. However, I think your winters are more severe than I can remember!

Our children, visiting from New Jersey since last Thursday, flew back to Newark Airport yesterday morning,(Monday) thankfully ahead of the snows. I tried to keep calm while they were airborne, and our daughter called immediately on landing and assured S.M. and me that that they were fine, got in on schedule, and had a blast in Florida with us and the warm temps!

While they were here, we ate out every evening, and now I have to get back on that !#%*&! diet and work off the 3 lbs. I put on!

Peter, your Australia Day sounds like our 4th of July here in the states. I just love anything Australian, and when I hear an Aussie accent,I quiver with excitement... I never really paid attention until "Strictly Ballroom", however!

Tim, your gift to Paul is wonderful, and I'm sure he is enjoying it immensely! I'm still up at
4:00 a.m. and can visualize that curtain opening in Melbourne. (It's 8:00 p.m. there.) THINKING OF YOU PAUL!!

Love and Peace,

Queen Mum AKA Grandma Mil, Grand Dame Mil, whatever...

Peter, I just wanted you to know that I DID have a lovely day today! This afternoon, as part of a creative writing class, I read the first chapter of Jonathan Livingston Seagull to my class and then played part of the soundtrack from the film for them. I then let them loose to write a poem and draw a picture about Jonathan/birds in flight/reaching for your dreams etc. The result was one of those afternoons that makes me so glad that children are a part of my life. What they came up with amazed me. I honestly don't think I had their wisdom and grasp of the important things in life when I was their age.The board outside the classroom is now filled with all their efforts!

When you spoke about your birth father, you seemed to imply that he has passed on. If this is the case, I think the whole thing becomes less mysterious. I believe that your sister is not the only one close by your side, reaching out to you and watching over you. I'm sure that he is alongside her. They would be close together. After all, he is her father too. And they would both have that birth link with you. Maybe you are sensing his presence subconsciously? If that is the case, it would be potentially strong and may in fact become more clear to you as time goes on. He sounds like a lovely person, by the way.

Janice and Inn, I feel cold just reading your posts! I hope you and your families stay safe and warm while this weather continues.

Grandma Mill, I'm glad your visit went so well!

Michelle, as far as I can remember ,this is the basic book that was recommended to me:

'The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in your life.' by Helen Palmer. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1988

Hope things are good for you.

Best wishes to you Paul. Hope things are good for you too.

Love to everyone this evening,
Mary

Hello everyone (deleted this the first time, so will try again),

This is my first post, and don't have much to say due to lack of shared history, but that is only temporary :)

Have been reading previous posts and trying to get to know you all somewhat, and am impressed by the range of personalities here.

I am a 2nd year university student at the univeristy of St Andrews, and we currently have a dusting of snow that is making people here crazy. Funny people, these Scots. Then again, they don't get much snow here; I'm from Chicago, where it gets a lot colder.

Hope you all enjoy your day!
Julia

Welcome, Julia, how exciting for you to be studying in Scotland! Hope the news media chasing after Prince William is not interfering with your college experience. :-)

I'm in NYC and we are bracing ourselves for more than a dusting of snow here. You probably have heard on the news how areas where they usually enjoy warmer weather (such as Georgia, South Carolina, etc) are struggling with the aftermath of a snow and ice storm. We escaped the first storm, but will not be so lucky this time. But at least we are more used to it and able to cope with the mess a bit better. Right now I would not mind being in Australia! LOL

Stay safe and warm (or, those down under, cool) everyone!

Nertha

Julia
A warm welcome to you. I don't know how many people post on PC, but I always look forward to getting news from other parts of the world.

Peter
Your experience with your BM is her loss not yours. Only time will let you move on. When my daughter was born, I was not married. I eventually married a man who adopted her. She was told about her real father. I told her once that if she was interested in meeting him, I could give her names and numbers if she was interested in persuing it. I also warned her to be prepared go have the door slammed in her face. Years later we talked about it and she said that if he wasn't interested in getting to know her that she wasn't interested either. Again I say it's his loss not hers. She has become a beautiful woman, wife and mother.

I have another BM story, but will save that for another post. This one turned out to be very positive.

Gran Mil
So glad your visit with you family was wonderful. My daughter and her family are coming out from Maryland in March. I haven't seen my grandson since last July on his 1st birthday. Although I get email pictures frequestly, it's not the same as seeing him grow. I am looking forward to their visit.

Cara
You might be interested in another movie. It's called "The Cutting Edge" It's about a temperamental pairs figure skater who can't find a compatable partner, and an X-hockey player who, from an eye injury, can't play Pro Hockey. The sparks fly from the start of their meeting. No Paul is not in it. I do enjoy this video as much as SB.

Love to all, Take care
Marge

Dear Nertha,

I must have had a senior moment, when I neglected to include your name along with Inn and Janice in my last post giving grannie advice on how to confront the horrible snowfall! I apologize!!

Right now, as I type, it's 6:30 a.m., Wednesday, and already CNN is talking about 8 or more inches of snow in your area! That is absolutely obscene!

Julie, you sound like a sweet lass...welcome! Friends of ours who have visited Scotland say it is a beautiful country.

I think the movie, "Brigadoon", supposedly set in Scotland, was one of the worst musicals of my era, for it was filmed on a sound stage in Hollywood, and the real heather on the hill was never shown!

Keep warm and safe, and stay home (as if you have a choice) dear Inn, Janice and Nertha!

Peace and Love,

Queen Mum aka you know who...

Hi Grandma Mill. I agree, Brigadoon is not good (mingin, as they would say here). A waste of Cyd Charisse's talent, and Gene Kelly's, if I remember correctly. It is beautiful here--one should be outside walking instead of sitting at a computer screen!

Julia :)

hey all

marge- I love "cutting edge"! Yes,i have seen it...it is an awesome movie!

mary- thankyou for thinking of me! I greatly appreciate that!

take care to all...love,cara :):)

p.s- welcome julia! :)

Hello to all the Snow Bunnies!

Inn, Janice, Nertha, and anyone else caught in this miserable mess in the Northeast. We have just finished plowing and shoveling out the driveways and cars, would you believe it? It's 2:30 in the afternoon and we started at 6:00 this morning! We did break for lunch, tho, and the coffee sort of turned to beer after lunch and we're feeling kinda good right now (tee hee). At least all the neighbors get together to help each other out and the women cook, put out coffee and coco while the guys are hard at work. By the end of the day, there's nothing like a bunch of drunks covered with snow after the work deteriorates to just plain fun in the snow. Mil, Peter and Paul, can we have some of that lovely sunshine? We don't know what it looks like here anymore!

Michelle, are you used to the snow, especially coming off the lakes in the Windy City? If you are, bet you're laughing your arse off at us whimps, eh?

Hi Julia, welcome. You're gonna like it here.

Hi to everyone in the Corner. Hope you're keeping well.

Take care all.
Sally C.

I came across this old Irish blessing today and in sharing it,would like to wish it to each one of you:

May the blessing of light be upon you - light without and light within.

Love to you all,
Mary

Love that Irish blessing Mary. That one resonates.
:-)

Warmth and safe wishes to all our snowbound NEasterners on PC. Brrrrrr.

Hello back to Inn! I'm here...I'm here..LOL. Just delurking today.
Busy with file load at office. Haven't been checking in for while.

Hello Grandma Mil! Thinking of you with a great big smile! wow you ARE an early bird...6:30am???
Was that correct time on the post or is there a time lag? sheesh! wishing you well.

Hi Evelyn, Peter, Janice, Dhi and everyone here today/tonight and Happy Belated Aussie Day to all the cobbers? i'm getting images of a "spoonerism" for a wordcross between cops and robbers...lolol oh dear....lolol tee hee

Big Hugs,
Katalina decaffeinated (for now...HA, let's see how long that lasts! hehehe)

Hi all!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted. I finished my work contract on monday finishing the end of the year accounting for a company down in hollywood. Now I'm home for a month working on trying to get back into school for the fall. I have to take the GRE in March and finish filling out my application (getting my transcript and writing a two page essay as to why I want to become a mental health councelor). I still have my doubts that this is the field I should pursue knowing my attitude I would give out percriptions for cruises to the Bahamas rather than Prozac and like Cher in the movie Moonstruck, tell my patients, "Snap out of it already!"

Why do some people continue to dwell on what makes them sad miserable in life (controlable cercumstances I mean). A few months ago When I was explaining to my grand uncle, who is 86 years old and has experienced a lot in his long life, the reason I wanted to finish pursuing my M.S in mental health counceling, "I want to help people feel better about their lives". His response was quick and didn't have a second thought to it as he was organizing his social calander on his refrigerator, "We're ants! We're just ants!"

So my ant self is sitting here wondering if I'm trying to hard to find meaning in my life. Are we stuck on utopian idea of finding that "meaning" that perfect feeling of existance? Should we rather bathe in imperfectiveness and just take what we can get out of life and not worry so much as to being perfect?

Maybe I should rediscover my "ant" self who kows.

I'm getting way to philisophical. Maybe I should have a beer.

take care to,
Grandma Queen Hot to trott Millie,
Cara young chickie,
Peter sweet pea,
Julia the newcommer,
Nertha gotta luv ya,
Mary queen of hearts,
Innusig ( sorry I can't think of anything to go with your name but hey anyway) ,
Marge lovely Marge ,
Sally sweet tammalee,
Tim the man,

and...

Paul

and his sensational wife and children!

Janice didn't mean to forget you!

No don't worry guys I haven't snapped.

Katalina, glad you're back, we've missed you, Julie too!

Kat, 6:30 a.m. is correct, but I'm usually at the ladies' gym after that, gabbing with 6 other ladies, and grabbing my favorite machine (the recumbant bike) before someone else grabs it first! Hot to trot, Julie? Only if my arthritis doesn't kick in!

Julie, glad you're free for awhile..maybe you'll come to my program next Tuesday or Thursday?

Love and Peace,

Queenie

Sally C., as a matter of fact we haven't had very much snow this winter. No really big storms, just enough to get messy and make driving interesting. My brother that lives in western Michigan on the other side of the lake gets LOTS of lake effect snow. The poor guy is always shoveling! That being said, it's colder than the proverbial well digger's ass here.

Mary, I'm going to try and find that book. I'll let you know if I'm successful. Thanks for the blessing! I needed it today. Frustrating computer problems!

Love to all,
Michelle

Julie, I reckon we should just suck up as much life as we can while we've got the chance. Too bad if there's any lumpy bits in amongst it!
We can sort it out as we go and spit whenever we feel like it.

Marge, thankyou for sharing that.
No two situations are the same, are they?

Mary, Yes, my birth father was killed in a car accident in 1996. I know for certain because I sourced a copy of the death certificate and I've double checked via independant contacts. I think you could be right re it being him trying to tell me something.

I suspect the story of the birds has concluded.
Last Sunday was the day we went to Francis Park and learnt of Makepeace Oval and Dalmatia Street.
When we returned home that afternoon we found a young bird lying at the base of a tree in our front yard. It must have fallen. It died a few minutes later.
I think I have worked out the relevance (or not!).
The first two birds are represent my half brothers, the third is me. The fourth bird is my mother.
The circumstances and characteristics of the birds seem to fit with each person.
I think that the last bird is significant of my BM's dying spirit and that she is essentially no longer with me in any way that matters.
Perhaps.

Best to all,

Peter

Hi to Inn, Gran Mill, Kat & Sally.
Nertha, snow! Keep your butt warm!

Hello Katalina! I would PM you back but since my life is dead boring I'll wait til I have something interesting to say.
Welcome Julia. Scotland how cool. I've been thinking lately of a visit to Glenfinnan. It looks like a beautiful country.
Just getting along in all this snow. It's a pain in the butt yet I still can't see myself living permantly anywhere else. Home is home. I've lived other places but here I am, cold and snowed in but still home.
Thanks to everyone thinking about me and the other snow bunnies.
Hello Peter,Michelle,Grandma Mil and S.M. say hi to Whit for me,Janice, Julie, Timmer, and our Paul. Be well and safe everone.
Peace

Hi Julia! You're very welcome.

Nertha, Inn and Janice - hope you're hanging in there with those weather conditions. You must feel like hibernating until the Spring! Hope it improves for you soon.

Marge, I absolutely love ice skating/dancing. It appeals to me in the same way ballet and all kinds of dance do - grace, elegance and athleticism all in one. It must be an amazing feeling for a dancer/skater to actually live and experience those things as they perform. I took ballet/dance classes for about seven years when I was young and got a small taste of what it was like. Recently,it's something I've been thinking I would love to go back to, but I think I may be a bit past it at this stage! BTW, I must look out for that film. I've never seen it.

Sally, that sounds like so much fun! Beer and snow - good combination!

Katalina, it's good to hear from you. It sounds like the new job is living up to your expectations. I'm glad for you.

Julie, 'bathing in imperfectiveness' certainly sounds like a lot more fun! That could cover a multitude!!

Michelle, I hope that computer stops giving you a hard time! I'm sending it (and you!) calming, de-stressing vibes across the Atlantic as I type! Take care.

Peter, I have a question for you. Do you get the feeling that things are heading towards some kind of point of completion for you? I don't mean a final completion, but maybe a stage of completion. I get the feeling that you're not out in 'wild open places' with this at this point in time. It feels to me like you're now focusing/beginning the process of focusing in on some landing stage, from where you will move on out to other new territory. Your interpretation of the birds is really interesting. The last sign could certainly be seen as the end of something or permission for you in some way to draw the line under something and move on to something new. I think the fact that you get a sense of conclusion about it is a very hopeful sign for the future. I feel sure your birth father is rooting for you in some way.

Diane, thinking of you and hoping that things are going really well for you.

Evelyn, I won't ask if there's any news yet, I'll just say I hope the future holds good things for you.

Hello to Cara, Suzanne, Natalie, Kelly, Linda, Tim and a special hello to Millie and Paul!

Take good care everyone in PC.

Lots of love,
Mary

Hi guys,

Hope you are all doing well. Queen Mum, Paul & family, Peter, Julie, Cara, Mary, Marge, Kat, Inn, Michelle, Janice, Tim, Julia ... sorry if I missed anybody. Have not memorized all the names yet.

About the storm, we were lucky and didn't get the brunt of it, so the snowfall was lower than expected. The Mayor announced the cancellation of classes for the public schools last night, so many working parents opted to stay home with their kids. My son was thrilled to have a free day. The kid does not love school, that's for sure! :-)

I am soooo sleepy, so I better go and get some rest. Painful day as a result of the weather, but I have had lots worse, so not complaining.

Good night everybody!

Take good care. ;-)

Nertha

Forgot to say that I hope you all have been updating your anti-virus software and that the new worm that is making the rounds does not bug your computers.

Nertha

I think Michelle, Linda and I (and everyone else living in the Upper Midwest in the US) win the coldest weather competition, since we are dealing with a little Siberian gift coming right over the North Pole. Let’s just say, it hurts to be outside, even though I was wearing at least 2 layers of warm clothes today and the only thing left exposed to the air was around the eyes. I was tempted to call in icy cold today. I wonder how that’d go over! ;-)

Welcome, Julia! I have fond and also very frigid memories of being at the U of St. Andrews for a conference in the late 1980s. Scotland is so beautiful and the accents, OMG! Is the stone pool still there, when you go down to the beach from the old part of campus that’s carved into the rocks there and is filled by the tide? Well, we went swimming there a few times at 6 am in August and boy was it icy (hence the frigid memories). Oh, and I also really fell in love for the first time in St. Andrews :-) he was from Yorkshire though and that accent … let’s not even go there. Enough of that memory lane.

Julie, good luck with the GRE, the essay and the application for Graduate School. I remember studying for the GRE and found it particularly maddening and pointless. Esp. in the math section, I had to study math vocab in English, since all my math instruction had been in German. At least you don’t have that challenge. I wish they’d get rid of the standardized tests. I find them mostly meaningless or too much emphasis is given to them rather than the real potential of the individual.

How are you doing, decaffeinated Kat? It’s nice to hear from you. I really miss your sense of humor, among many other things, mind you.

Mary, Michelle, and Peter, again, you have a very thought-provoking exchange. Your experiences, Peter, baffle me on some level, not in the sense that I question their reality, validity or truth, but more in the being stunned way. Someone is really trying to tell you something or trying to help you understand something, and if it was me experiencing this, I think I’d sort of panic at this point. I’m open to the subtle hints, but then again there are moments when I wish I’d get such a obvious sign to some of my questions, but usually when I want it, it tends to be for the so-called wrong reasons, although that too could be questioned, i.e. if it really is wrong. I’m kind of having problems with the reincarnation idea, or perhaps, re-stated, I’m not sure what to make of it. I have no problems with the idea of life in another form and on another dimension after this human existence. I know that there’s something eternal and divine in me that is touched by something divine outside of me but also from deep within in me. It’s both me and something “other” that I sense, just as much as I sense people I have known in this life, who have passed on, and perhaps also people that I have no (conscious???) knowledge of ever meeting. I do see my life as an exploration, as a learning process and hopefully it is one of improvement. I don’t know if I like the idea of an eternal striving for perfection though, as I associate too much disappointment with it of never quite measuring up—okay, that has something to do with my upbringing and the way I was raised and I’m trying to think of a more positive way of looking at “striving for perfection” Any thoughts on a more positive way for looking at this? Okay, my brain is tired, so I’ll leave it at that for now. I hope this is making some sense to someone, not sure if it does to me.

Mary, I’ve been trying to find the soundtrack and/or the movie of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. I have the book and love it, but I can’t seem to find the music or the film. Do you have any references for it so that I might be able to get my hands on it? When I saw the movie the first time, 20 years ago???, it left a deep impression on me, both visually and also the music. I can still hear it in my mind and that doesn’t happen very often.

Cara, when is your actual competition? good luck with it and good for you guys for doing the charity event and sticking to it despite all the technical problems.

Hello to everyone else and a special Hello to Paul. Hope you are doing well and all the kinks in your body are straightened out again and have left no tension or pain.

Mary, Yes, I believe you are right in your conclusion. I think that this is the beginning of the end of this phase of my life and I am looking forward with a great deal of positiveness.
Things seem to all be falling into place.

I still feel distant from my father, but I guess that it's to be expected.
A while ago, a clairvoyant told me that when my feet eventually land on the ground in Dalmatia, then all will be clear.

Incidentally, I was reading a Croatian website some time ago (in English) and an Irish lady was descibing how much she likes to visit there because the cultures seem to have a lot of character in common with each other.

Have a great day.

Evelyn, we posted concurrently.
Tell me, is there anywhere you HAVEN'T been?!!
(besides Australia).

I don't think too deeply on the subject of reincarnation/spirituality, meaning of life etc.
This IS NOT a cop out, just a way of accepting things as they are, or as they are meant to be.
I think the situation and "reality" may be different or even unique for each of us. I don't believe that there has to be some fixed set of rules or outcomes governing our existence on this physical plane or any other.
For example, if you consider the concept of existence without the boundaries of time and space, then most of the "order" that we try so very hard to force upon every aspect of our being, suddenly seems completely irrelevant. See what mean?
I think our lives can be as large or as small as we wish them to be.

Have a well earned sleep.

Peter

Okay, really bad form, but since I read the posts off-line and wrote mine off-line, there are a whole bunch of new posts, so I’m going to add something. :-) Peter, your interpretation is really fascinating and I kind of got the same feeling that Mary already posted that in some way some loose ends are coming together for you and some sort of closure that could be good for you in several ways. By the way, a barbecue would be absolutely lovely. The idea of having a barbecue in the snow somehow appeals to me, but right now it’s just too damn cold at –15- -20 C with windchills of –30 and even lower temps. It could be worse … I’ll have to wait for the warm up when we get back to – 5 C Perhaps then I’ll have that winter barbecue. Sally, a barbecue might just be a lovely way to end the digging out from all the snow combined with the beer you already had … Ah, I see you posted again. I see your point about this time /space boundaries and that one can always look at everything from so many different perspectives, and that is precisely where I get confused.
And there are many places I have not been to!!! Other than Australia, let’s just give you the continent list I’ve not been on (hmm, my loose definition of “continent” could get me into trouble): Africa, South America, Central/Latin America, Asia, Territory formerly known as Russia, Scandinavia, Dalmatia (from the looks of it is has great rugged country side and nice beaches) Ireland (though twice for an airplane fueling stop, but that doesn’t really count) etc. I do feel drawn towards your country and Ireland and I do want to go back to GB, it’s been a few years since I’ve been there.

Mary, nothing to tell re. the future jobs. I did get an email last week though from one of the places, with an update. The job search committee has had its meeting and “I’m still under active consideration” and they wanted to know if I’m still interested in this position. However, they have yet to have the meeting with the entire faculty in their department and the dean, who have to approve/consent to their choices of candidates to be invited into the next and final round of interviews. My advisor told me that that is a fantastic indication, since typically they only give their top candidates updates and let them know they are interested in you, or as my advisor tells me “They are courting you” that one made me laugh!
Other job related news, for this term, as I was dropped to an even lower part-time appointment at the University than last term, one that dropped me below getting any benefits, I sought out a private organization that has a German language program and they emailed me last Tuesday morning and I had to stop by for an interview that same afternoon (lots of prep time for that interview, hahahaha), but I nailed it and got that job. So as of next week, I’m also teaching two different language classes two nights each week and what I think is really cool about it is that a) most of “my students” there are professionals, mostly my age, some senior citizens and one high school student whose school doesn’t offer German, yep the son of one of my colleagues at the university, b) there are no tests, essays, quizzes, interviews, i.e. no grading, which should make that teaching experience an entirely different thing. Looking forward to this, since they are very motivated and for most of them it fits into their career plans. Different ball game than dealing with students who are mostly there because they need to fulfill requirements, but might not really want to be there. Granted there are students at the college level who want to be there, but not all of them. On that note, I need to get cracking on writing these syllabi, although, sleep first. They can wait until tomorrow :-) Good night all! I’m really heading off to bed now!!

Hello All!

Queen Millie, I've been thinking of comming over and having cake and coffee with you and stud muffin sometime next week. It will be wonderful to see you both. I can't wait!

I've been bad the past two days. I put my graduate school preparations to the side (even though I probably need to cut myself some slack b/c I've been so absorbed in my GRE preparation book the past four months). I cleaned the house yesterday and today I've been working on my film again. It's close to being finished and I'm excited about that. It's funny to read back on it how the characters are all a reflection of parts of my personality, especially how they percieve life. It's neat in a way. Even if it is never produced, I'm glad I wrote it anyway.

It's chilly in Fort Lauderdale. The high was 70 degrees with a little breeze. My greyhound is wearing her new sweater (black and white striped turtleneck that only my mother could manage to find at the bargain store).I guess she figures Ginger is as close to a grandchild as she's going to get. If anyone is looking to adopt a dog anytime in the near future the greyhound population is skyrocketing (due to breeders and racing) and there is a desperate need for homes for these lovable creatures in the U.S.

And if it can convince anyone, they look cute in sweaters.

Peter, I'm squash (I guess that's my term) when it comes to advice of any kind but when your trying to attain closure on something its also a good time to experience something new to.

take care all!

Julie

Julie, That sounds like sound advice.
I'm working on that too.

A greyhound in a sweater would be a sight to behold, I reckon!
Your film sounds very interesting. It must be fun to see elements of your own personality in there.

Evelyn, the private sector work could be a breathe of fresh air, and new opportunities in disguise. It's nice to be dealing with people who actually want to be doing what they're doing.
I hope it turns out well for you.

Take care all,

Peter

Dear Julie,

Bring it on! (The cake and coffee, that is, but make it sugar free!)

Please call me, and let's agree on a date...the second meeting for you, me, and S.M. Can't wait!
(I'd invite Ginger in her turtleneck sweater, but no dogs allowed in our village.)

I called Israel today when I heard about the latest suicide bombing of that bus. Our family is safe, thank God, but my heart goes out to the victims and their families.

Peace and Love,

Queen Mum

Evelyn,I LOVE the Scottish accent! It is so musical. There are actually very strong links between Ireland and Scotland and the accents found in the northern part of Ireland have a similar sing-song rhythm. There is also a language called Scots Gaelic which has enough in common with the Irish language to make it sound familiar. I think accents can be so attractive. Paul's Aussie accent in SB? Actually, now I come to think of it, it's just as well we can't hear him and Peter talking when they are posting. It would be far too distracting!!

Re: reincarnation - I have questioned Michelle about this because at this point in her life, it seems to sit comfortably with her. I have always held back in some way from the idea and I think you might have put into words for me why. The 'eternal striving for perfection',for me, has some inbuilt strain and feeling of disappointment (at still not getting there) at its heart. There's a weariness to it that doesn't sit right with what this life experience feels like to me. I'm constantly leaving myself open to new thoughts and explanations, but if I had to give my gut feeling, it would be that we are each here on some kind of a 'mission' and that we will go back 'home' to report on it and maybe then, set out on another life experience/mission. Not because we were not 'perfect' enough to remain there, but by choice. Apologies for simplifying what I'm trying to say! I like Peter's idea that each of us in a way has a unique experience. I'll have to think about that a bit...

You might get the Jonathan L S soundtrack via Neil Diamond albums. The CD is produced by Columbia, which, it says on the cover, is a trademark of Sony Music Entertainment.It was released in 1973. Your memory serves you right. The music is exquisite. If you have problems getting it,let me know. You never know, I might be able to get it here for you and send it on to you. BTW I've a good feeling about the right job finding you in its own time.

Peter, I didn't realise we were on Croatian territory with Dalmatia. I would have placed it in some kind of Germanic setting. My older son visited Croatia and Slovenia a couple of years ago. He absolutely loved it! I can tell you immediately that there are certainly similarities with Irish music. When he came back, he brought a number of albums of folk music from Croatia and Slovenia (one of his interests is world music) and would you believe, he actually made me up a compilation I liked it so much? The music reminds me of the show 'Riverdance' - have you heard of it? It has the same kind of energy that Irish traditional music tends to have. It feels familiar, as if there are echoes of an Irish influence. (Maybe the influence is the other way round.) There are apparently an abundance of Irish pubs in Croatia and it is rapidly becoming a very popular holiday destination for Irish tourists. And here's another link for you. Martin remembers talking to a young woman in a pub who told him her ambition was to emigrate to Australia. Apparently, for young people in Croatia, it is the ideal place to go. He says he remembers being very surprised, as other countries in Europe would have seemed like more obvious choices.

Do you know something Peter? You don't seem so far away now. Some part of you has moved closer with this link. I can see how the physical touch of the Dalmatian soil would ground you in some way to your father.

Millie, like you, I'm thankful for your family's safety but feel for those who were affected. What a crazy world this is sometimes.

Michelle, the book shop rang today to say that they had managed to get the book for me! I hope to pick it up tomorrow and begin reading it.

Hope everyone in PC stays safe, warm and well,

Love to everyone,
Mary

Mary, your comments re our purpose are generally as I see it too. I think "perfection" is an earthly, somewhat physical or emperical concept and may not have any real meaning in a spiritual existence. I think that "experiences" are ofgreater value, as is wisdom. We can never have enough or give enough.

Your perceptions re Dalmatia being Germanic are fairly spot on. It was previously an Austrian territory.
That might also explain the apparent physical differences. The folk on the eastern side can partially trace their roots to the Turkish invasions. That's why they're often so much darker.

Yes, I have the video of Riverdance and I love it.
The energy is phenomenal. I just seem to relate to it somehow.
The similarities with the Croat music might go part way to explain it (says he who was surrounded by Aussie rock music whilst growing up!). Ooops, did I suggest that I had grown up?
...an obvious mistake!!

Cheers,

Peter

Mary, I forgot to mention that I also quite like some of the music from the group "The Cranberries", (an Irish group), especially the song "Dreams": ......."totally amazing mind, so understanding and so kind,......."

The following is a bitch fest, feel free to skip it, but I need to vent.
aarrrgghh! I'm freezing. Isn't it April,May,or even June yet? What is taking so long? My name might be Inuit but my body sure isn't, I think it's Ecudorian. It's going to be a balmy 23F degrees today with the week high reaching the tropical 35F. There isn't enough hot chocolate in the world to warm me up. I'm wearing three layers of clothing and that's just while sitting at my computer. My skin is crispy and I could be electrocuted by the static in my hair. Waah, I'm being such a baby today and that's enough. Sorry to everyone who read this far.
Grandma Mil I'm so glad your family is safe, I wish everyone could be.
I love Celtic music and old Irish folk songs. I also enjoy tribal music and Japanese drumming. I like just about any music other than punk or heavy metal.
As far as reincarnation..well, I think we don't know what happens after death so we should think spiritually but worry most about life as we live it now. Besides, my brain is to cold to think that hard.
Hello Peter,Mary,Julie,Julia,Cara,Nertha,Michelle,Evelyn,Katalina,Paul and everyone else. Have a great day.
Peace.

Innussiq
Go ahead and vent! We all have our days.
I am fortunate tht I don't get cold very often. We lived in Alaska for 7 years and when moved back to Washington State I couldn't get warm the first year and kept threatening to move back to Alaska. When we had our power outage for 9 days here, I put flannel bed sheets on the bed. Now I have to make myself get up in the forming, because it is so warm and comfy. I keep the house at 71 during the day and 65 at night.

When my Daughter found that she could sing, she started sining in the reneansse group, doing Celtic and Irish tunes. She also learned how to play the hand drum.

Paul......
On Wednesday 1/28 our time, I mailed two envelopes to you at the Theater address. Both are addressed to you, but one is for Andrea. Would you please see that she gets it? I also included that poem "If you could see where I have gone" in yours. Would you please let me know when you receive them. Did you every get the 2004 Motorcycle calendar I sent last fall?
Keep well and happy hoofing and singing. Bet your singing has improved. We just started choir for Holy week and looked forward

Peter
I will have to check out the "Cranberries" I have Enya, Yanni, and just got a Josh Groban CD. He is quite HOT right now on the radio. I also enjoy Celtec and Irish music. I have a tape called Thunder Cord by Coyote Old Man. Its played with wood flutes, drums, wind and thunder. It's a very relaxing piece and I sometimes play when I go to bed at night, as it is a very relaxing tape. You don't want to play it in the car.

Hello to; Peter,Mary,Julie,Julia,Cara,Nertha,Michelle,EvelynKatalina,Paul and everyone I misse.
Love to all.
Marge

Dear Inuit,

Oy, I can feel your coldness (is that a real word?) Can you hop on a plane and spend a few days in Florida with Stud Muffin and me and thaw out? My invitation is sincere, as Whitney would testify to. How about some Florida oranges...grapefruits...a picture of Paul in The Full Monty??

No one deserves to be so cold, and I can feel your discomfort, having lived in Nebraska and New York state in my younger days. Hang in there, it can't last forever..it just seems that way!

If you want music while typing on the computer, go to live365.com an Internet radio station, and join free. Our son-in-law is the owner of one of the classical music sites (Compaxx) and there are all genres, including Irish music..it's just fun to find and listen to all the music available...that can help keep you warm, dear Inn!

Peace and Love,

Queen Mum

Inn, I feel your pain! It is -1F right now with a windchill of -21F. We're supposed to climb all the way up to 7F, whoopee! Yesterday at the grocery store I tried to lift the back gate on the station wagon to load my groceries and it was frozen shut. The dogs can't be out very long before they're lifting up their paws in pain, poor girls. I have to hustle them in again quickly. So, yes, winter is hell! But I keep telling myself that my beloved Cubs will be back in Spring Training very soon and before you know it the season will start. Of course we had snow on opening day in April last year, but it didn't last long.

Mary, I guess I always thought of reincarnation as self-led, not something imposed on us until we get it right. I think we're always striving to be more peaceful, empathetic and compassionate and that's all we can do. Hopefully we continue to learn and grow so that if and when we do return, the next time will be less of a struggle. I have a sneaking suspicion that life is not nearly as difficult as I make it out to be sometimes, and that is a big lesson for me. Being able to live life more simply, without the haze of fear, stress, and anxiety, is a real challenge for me at this point. I think I'm supposed to be working on overcoming that, and yet I've only just begun to realize it. I hope I come to a better understanding of it while I'm here, that's all I can do. I don't think perfection should worry you, we're just meant to learn and with better understanding be more aware of our divine nature. Like Dhiana said (LOUDLY!;) we were all spun off from that Divine Source when we were born, so we've always had it in us! Maybe we just have to remember?

Hi to Marge, Julie, Janice, Kat, Mil, Peter, Nertha, Julia, Tim, Diane, Dhiana, Evelyn, Cara, Sally C., Whit, Linda, Sally, Kelly, and all the other special people who wander onto the Corner.

And to Paul, who's busy making people happy, I wish YOU joy!

Love and Light,
Michelle

Inn, It's summer downunder and quite pleasant. I cannot imagine temps such as you're having. In winter, it regularly gets down to around -5F in overnight, but usually peaks out around 55 - 70F during the day.
Please Inn, warm up! I feel sorry for you.

Marge, I know what you mean about not wanting to play the softer stuff in the car!
I don't know, but you might want to try to avoid the Cranberries' later stuff. It was a bit "out there" in terms of slighty punkish. Mind you, I kind of like it! What's happening?

Gran Millie, It's a relief to hear that your family is safe. It must make you horribly anxious at times. I will send prayers their way.

Hi Michelle, Sounds good to me....let's just keep working on doing it better. The rest will take care of itself.
I'm wishing warmer weather for you and your dogs.

Cheers all at PC.

Peter, my dogs thank you, as do I. I meant to mention that I recently discovered The Pogues. I guess you would call them Irish punk. Not sure, but I like the little I've heard. Their song Fairytale of New York is the most depressing Christmas song I've ever heard, but great if you're feeling a bit maudlin to begin with. Ya know, sometimes it's good just to listen to a sad song. Anyway, they're no longer making music as far as I know. I'm a bit late jumping on that bandwagon.

My 15 year old son has recently developed a passion for the Beatles, which is cool. AND better for me than Led Zeppelin. Honest to God, if I had to hear Whole Lotta Love one more time...but I'm a patient mother, so I just go with the flow. We are now a three guitar house by the way, but still only one french horn!

Happy Weekend!
Michelle

Michelle, Three guitars?...Ohhhhhhhhhh.
You don't happen to value peace and quiet, do you?

Actually, our two sometimes have a bash on the keyboards. Fortunately it is located in the garage.

The Beatles, you say. Very cool.

My youngest (7 years) likes the Monkees , amongst a host of other things. We have some original records including singles. I guess we just forgot to throw them out.
He's recently taken to doing John Travolta impersonations from the scene from Saturday Night Fever where he dances on the illuminated floor with, wearing THAT white suite. Hand gestures, the works. It's a crack up. He does it and just laughs his head off. God bless him.

Happy weekend to you and everybody, including the missing Paul.

Peter, fortunately we only have two people playing the guitar. It's just that my son likes playing both acoustic and electric, and his dad has his own electric guitar, which Chris plays as well. Not at the same time!:) If he could, he would I suppose.

I'd love to see your son doing his John Travolta dance. That is so sweet! And the Monkees bring back fond memories. It's a wonderful thing when our kids enjoy something from our era. Mine likes things from when I was a teenager that I didn't ever get into. You just never know.

By the way, I listened to Crowded House today. Good Aussie band.

Temperature update: 3F and falling.

Peace,
Michelle

Michelle

I only experienced temps as lot as -10 when we lived in Alaska. Richt now we are having flood warnings in some of the rivers here. My sump pump is going like crazy What kind of dogs to you have? I am on my 4th and 5th Pekineze. Have you ever thought of getting them boots. They do have them. I have one set that I use when one of my dogs gets to scratching the occasional hot spot.

Peter
Make a video of your son doing his impressions. If you don't own one, go rent or borrow one, then you can show it him when he gets older and embarress the hell out of him. Guess I will pass on the Cranberries. I grew up in the 50's and was fortunate to see the evalution of Rock n' Roll If you ever have a chance, take a look at the movie "American Hot Wax. It's the story of Alan Freed who was said to be the one who termed the expression. Rock n" Roll. When my daughter saw it, she asked me if I did "all that stuff" When I rold her yes most of it, she stated "Gee Mom, I was born too late, you guys really had a lot of fun." I was never a Beatles fan, only in the later years.

Gran Mil
I'm sure you remember the 50's.

Love to all, take care
Marge

Marge, Good idea - I'll make that video!
Try the Cranberries' early stuff. It's soft and musically sweet, VERY different to what they did later on.

Michelle, Crowded House - too bloody right.

I was a young adult when a lot of the now famous Aussie bands were making their mark. Back then they were all great, but just not with the sort of media fame that some now seem to bathe in.
I remember sitting right beside Michael Hutchence from INXS, having my dinner at the restaurant in the local RSL Club. Nobody save a few knew who and his band members were. Years later, he would have been mobbed.
Things change.

Paul, was just checking out the paper from your area, sounds like you had some over-abundant rain...hope not TOO much,lol.
It hasn't got "up" to 0 degrees F this week here
and with the 10-12 inches of dry,light snow, well, if I was any happier,lol, my head would explode! Just love walking to work when the wind chill is minus double digit! NOT!!!
Hugs to all,
Sally aka deltalady

Do I remember the 50s Marge? In that decade alone
I graduated high school, went to college (hated it) met my Marine, Ellie, married in 1953, had our eldest daughter in 1955, and our twin daughters in 1959...in the meantime, while I was so busy, the world was introduced to the strange sounds of a kid named Elvis, rock and roll and those dumb dances like the twist.

The only music decent enough to dance to was the music of the previous decade, like Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, etc., the big bands, which resonate so much today in my video concerts, "The Sights and Sounds of Music". The seniors are deeply touched by the nostalgia.

Then, there was the music of the great Broadway hits and the MGM musicals. That part of our culture seems to be so diminished, but there are so many wonderful revivals on Broadway today, including "42 St." which is still running and which S.M. and I saw last summer on Broadway. (Greg, where are you?) "42nd St." is coming to Florida soon..it's worth seeing again!

Our "Strictly Ballroom" revived my faith in the brilliance of the film musical in the 1990s. With the success of "Chicago" film makers are taking a second look, and on the planning boards are a remake of "Guys and Dolls" and "The Producers".

The film biography of Cole Porter with Ashley Judd and Kevin Kline should be released in 2004, with Cole's gorgeous music of the '30s and '40s sung by Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, and other contemporary singers.

So, dear Marge, hope you aren't sorry you mentioned the 50s to me!

Peace and Love,

Queen Mum

Hope everyone at PC is having a good weekend.

Peter, how are things? Thanks for reminding me about the Cranberries. I think Dolores O'Riordan has an amazing voice and she seems like such an individual. I also love the song 'Dreams', along with 'Linger' (I love the way the tempo changes at the beginning of it) and 'Pretty'. One of their albums has never managed to progress beyond my mental list of 'Albums I must get round to buying'. Until today! When I was collecting Michelle's book this morning, I decided to check out the music shop and see if they had anything by them that I could get. I was lucky enough to find a copy of their first album - 'Everyone else is doing it...' with six bonus tracks, at a very reasonable price. So I have you to thank for the very enjoyable time I've just spent listening to it! Thank you Peter! BTW, your son has good taste. 'Daydream Believer' is one of my favourite 'feel-good' songs. I have a seventeen year-old Beach Boys disciple on my hands who is lucky enough to be fulfilling one of his life's ambitions at this early stage of his life. He is going to Glasgow in Scotland at the beginning of next month to see Brian Wilson perform the 'Smile' album. I'm getting nearly as much enjoyment from just being around him at the moment! His excitement is contagious!

Michelle, the Pogues! I love the energy of their music. My son went through a phase of buying their albums. Shane McGowan, the lead singer, is a real character and a bit of a legend 'in his own lifetime' here. He lives life hard and fast. People are constantly amazed that he is stil managing to survive! I have always felt a connection with his songs. He doesn't sing with the Pogues any more but he still performs. I think he was here in Dublin some time last year.

The book... Michelle, I know already that I am going to love it and that it is going to affect me, even though I have only read the first couple of chapters. I get the feeling I will understand better where you are coming from, when you talk about reincarnation, once I have read it. We'll talk again then. It is also a link to you and I like that. You will be somewhere in the back of my mind when I read it. Thanks for leading me to it.

You spoke of fear playing such a part in your life. For The Questioner in the Enneagram, fear is the ruling negative emotion. Transfiguring this fear comes from placing your complete trust in God/The Divine Source/The Universal Spirit and letting go. I know that's easier said than done, but I live in the hope and belief that it can be done, especially in degrees.

Inn, I hope the winter siege ends as soon as possible. Just think of the freedom of when it has lifted!

Millie, I love Cole Porter. Another favourite is George Gershwin. Sending love to you!

Diane, hope you are well.

Paul, you're always in the back of my thoughts somewhere. I send you good wishes for lots of energy and continued success.

Greetings to Marge, Evelyn, Sally, Cara, Tim, Linda, Dhiana, Suzanne, Kelly, Natalie,Nertha, Julie and all of the 'cobbers' here on PC!

Lots of love to everyone,
Mary

It's summerdownunder...where?

lolol

send some o dat up here to me and Inn!! Pleeeeez

Hi to Mary, Evelyn, Marge, Nertha, Whit, G. Mil, Peter, Paul, Innbaybay, deltalady, Michelle, Julie, n everybuddy....at PC..

I am finding this reincarnation discussion very interrrrresting...hmmmmm

Mary, I was intrigued by your point about the "mission."
Would this mission be self determined or a cooperative mission - a task set before us and accepted by us to complete and "report back?"
Is the mission necessary in the self-perfecting path?

A friend and I were stargazing last night and we started musing....he came up with the wish to journey to other places, solar systems, worlds, etc. to physically and with the senses experience this...and I started wondering if in some sense we are maybe already doing this - but on a spiritual level. Our spirits are "journeying" and experiencing this perhaps in one form or another....exploring, learning, traveling. Do we record these experiences on a hidden (subconcious) level? Do we take this with us from place to place/time after time? Is this why some of us are gifted with certain talents, abilities, etc. Is this why maybe we feel like we know certain people even 'though we have never met before...? Because maybe at one moment or experience, we may have? Hmmmmmmm..

Don't laff, but it's something I wonder about too...once in while.

I also agree that this moment (this life/this opportunity) is what we should be focusing on and doing our best in. For the moment, this is our reality and our chance to be at our best, to leave a mark, make a difference, learn as much as we want/can, whatever....if we choose. Just my opinion...

Hugz,
doo du doo doo (Twilight Zone playing)
SpaceKat *chuckledeedee, tee hee, wheeeee*

Inn: PM me sweetie. Don't worry about having tons to say. I miss ya. I check email more than the board sadly. Stay warm and don't let the static fry ya baby!

Wishing you a temperate day. We have rain and gray up here right now. Typical Seattle. yik blech. dang.
I want some of that golden orb hanging in the sky downunder (where?) oh ye there ...Peter and Paul land. *sigh*

Hugz to the PC!

Luv
Kat

hey all, i just had a competition...what a story i have to tell!

Everything went fine...i did my dances and all and there were five more dances until awards and the fire alarm went off right in the middle of a dance. So we all went outside and the sprinklers started coming out of the ceiling insdie(this was in a highschool) and it was sewer water and the pipes in the second floor had busted. So we got to go inside again but had to go to the gym to wait for them to clean up the stage. Then it went off again so we all ran to the dressing rooms since the water was going all over our costumes and bags! Then it went off a thrid time and we all went to the auditorium for the judges to tell us that the awards and the rest of the dances would be at four the next day after the 13 and over show.

So it was very eventfull! Hello to everybody, take care, and good luck to paul and your dances

love..cara:):)

Katalina, when I mentioned the idea of a 'mission', it was a spontaneous attempt to put into words in an instinctive way, what I thought our purpose here is. I say instinctive, but in reality, I mean with a reflective base. I don't know if that makes sense. What I mean is that, I am trying at this point of my life to combine both the head and the 'gut' when thinking about things like this. I have a tendency to favour the head. This way for me, is a better balance. The idea of a 'mission' makes sense to me - and also 'feels' right. In answer to your question, I think I would favour the idea of a cooperative network. The reason I would choose this is because, for me, that idea is mirrored in our experience in this life. However, the idea of options/a choice also appeals to me. I suppose what I'm suggesting is a common purpose, with a mission that is embraced willingly and with open heart.

The self-perfecting concept - I'm keeping an open mind on this. The idea of striving to reach perfection does not appeal to me as things stand now. I tend to agree with Peter with regards to the emphasis on 'experiences' and finding 'wisdom. But the wonderful thing about all of this is that, no matter how many levels of understanding I seem to reach, there is always a channel reaching deep inside me that is open to new ideas and possibilities. It's like a well of anticipation and excitement in the face of 'learning' and experiencing. This leads me to believe that whatever else this life is, it is an opportunity for discovering 'new things'. Today, I bought a book recommended by Michelle and although I have only started reading it, it has already caused minor shifts in my thinking. At other stages of my life, I may have found this unnerving. Now I embrace it wholeheartedly.

Your thoughts on journeying on a spiritual level were really interesting. Something else to think about. And when you mentioned hiding
our 'experiences' on some subconscious level, I thought of a question I would like to ask anyone who's interested:

'What significance do you think recurrent dreams/recurring themes in dreams have for us, if any?'

All the best,
Mary

Cara, that's quite a story. There's a part in me that just laughed as I tried to picture sewer water coming out of sprinkler systems, but then again there's the big sound of disgust as I imagine this happening. Glad you are taking it with such a sense of humor and congrats on a great competition for you. Proud of you!

I'm trying to keep my sense of humor about this winter business, but it's getting kind of tough after it not only makes me chilly constantly, --Inn I’m so with you in your complaints!!! Stay warm. I know how much feeling cold affects your spirits. Take care of yourself and do something that lifts your spirits up high! It also stalled my car. The battery died from cold. Kind of sad, but at least I’m in good company. Couldn’t add engine oil either, since the darn cap had frozen to the metal and wouldn’t move. Get the picture of how it affects things and us? This is what we call the joys of winter, although there are a few things that are quite nice about this bitter cold: the sky is so much bluer when the sun shines and the Mississippi looks as if it were on fire because of the evaporating water causing it to look like there’s smoke coming off the river. That’s pretty cool and makes some of it worthwhile, I think, although I might just change my mind about it when I’m outside again. =) And Michelle, do get those boots for your dogs. A. they look darling esp. in bright red and black, and B. they’ll be much happier.

Mary, I love both Scottish and Irish accents. They are wonderful ones and thanks for the tip, I did find the Jonathan Livingston Seagull soundtrack and the video and ordered both, should get them next week (I hope) and am looking forward to it. I kind of wonder if there is a point to me not finding it earlier and if there is a connection to me lately having thought about life beyond, since there is quite a bit about that in the book/music/story. Anyhow …

Thinking about what you, Katalina, Peter and Michelle said about reincarnation. I like your different views on this, different from each other, but also mostly different from what I was taught about reincarnation in my church (only negative and against it), in school and elsewhere, but will think about it some more or not as I choose. Mary, your question in your last post is interesting, but I don't have an answer, I hardly remember my dreams, so I don't really know which ones are recurring or not, I wish I did though.

How are things with you Paul? How are the performances and has attendance gone up? I hope you and your family and all the other TFM people are happy and enjoying yourselves in all the things you are doing. I also hope that things are progressing well for your Brew Café.

Love to all and stay warm, cool, happy and content!

Paul,

Please post again soon as this is getting to be really long!

I hope all is well with you and yours!

Suzanne

Gran Mil

No I don't regret mentioning the 50's. I also enjoyed most of what you mentioned. About all I did then was graduate go to work and get married. I never did want to go to college.

Love to all at PC.
Marge

Marge, I have two Golden Retrievers. Unfortunately, they take wearing any kind of clothing item rather badly. If they can't chew it off they get the other one to do it for them. They're great girls, even though they're a bit naughty.

Mary, I'm so pleased to hear you're enjoying the book! I got his latest and just started reading it. Yes, just from the little I've read about the Enneagram I thought The Questioner fit me best, but I guess I'll wait and take the test to know for sure. Lord knows, I'm forever pondering life and everything to do with it.

Katalina, I think we come with a mission in mind, but free will (on our part or that of someone we're on the journey with) can derail that at any moment. This then sets us up for our great moments in life, by putting decisions in front of us that we know will either keep us on the path we've chosen, or send us down that road less traveled. I believe our choices in those instances are our best opportunities for spiritual growth. It's just SO hard to see it that way when you're knee deep in the crap life throws at you from time to time. Also, I've read that our souls might just travel while we're sleeping, which is totally cool!

Peter, I was telling my older son about you and what you said about Aussie bands. He wanted me to tell you that he likes a band called Radio Birdman. He also wanted to know what you had to say about Chosen Few, The Saints, You-am-I, and finally Rose Tatoo. He said he thought Rose Tatoo was probably one of the wildest bands out there, along with their lead singer. He really isn't that fond of them, just sort of fascinated I think. Oh, and Nick Cave, he likes him. Another example of my boys knowing so much more about something than I do!

We're off to the vet, so I've gotta run. Love to the Corner!

Michelle

Cara, I often get that feeling of sewer water falling on me, too! LOL
I'm sorry it put a damper on the dancing.

Mary, Ahhhh..."Linger", that's the one that first caught me. Such sweet tunes. The vocals are quite unique, I think. I find it haunting and it never fails to raise emotion in me.

Michelle, All those bands you mentioned were all fairly well known, but, as I recall, never achieved any startling measure of success on the commercial charts (except for Rose Tattoo). That's not surprising though, given the genre of the music. Still, there's hardly an Aussie music documentary that doesn't mention them as having a strong significance.
Rose Tattoo, or "the tats" as they are affectionately known, were quite famous here, even on the commercial charts (if that's anything to go by). Mind you, that's a while ago.
I also seem to recall that the Saints spent more time in England than Australia, but couldn't quite cut it there.

Cheers

Peter, yes..haunting is a good word to describe 'Linger'. I found myself playing it a number of times today. Hope you're having a good day so far. (It is Monday in Australia, right?)

Cara, that sounds like something from a comedy film! Hope you've recovered alright!

Michelle, do you think that free will brings another possible dimension to the mission (with the element of choice) or do you think that these choices present us with the chance to either fulfill the mission or side-step it?

Evelyn, the reason I thought of the question on dreams is only because for as long as I can remember, almost any nightmare I have ever had has involved being under threat from water - either from drowning or being overwhelmed by a tidal wave. The strange thing is that the terror comes from the anticipation of it happening rather than it actually happening. Also, although I have tried many, many times, I have never been able to learn to swim. When Katalina mentioned experiences being buried in the subconscious, it came into my head. I don't normally think about it unless I've just experienced a bad dream.

It is still February 1st here and the first official day of Spring in this part of the world. I say 'official' because the weather obviously hasn't been informed!

I wish Paul and everyone at PC lots of new ideas, fresh starts, opportunities, hopes and dreams as we begin our new season.

Love to you all,
Mary

Thanks for the warm wishes everyone especially, you Grandma Mil. Your invitation was very kind and generous. I wish I could take you up on it. It was 34F and sunny today. Not very warm but just seeing the sun was nice. Michelle I'm glad I don't live in Chicago. I'm sure it's a beautiful place but ooh that cold lake air would just kill me. I hope everyone got a little bit of sunshine today. I wish I could share the warmth you Aussies are enjoying but our summer will come. It's been a rough day and I have to get up early for PT tomorrow. I hope to be done this week, it's a pain getting up two hours earlier in the morning.
Paul, I just can't wait to hear some stories from you about your experiences with the show.
Take care all.
Peace

Hello everybody!

Evelyn- Yes, most of the people were taking it in a humorous way...we would all sigh and groan when the fire alarm would go off again for the fifth time and we clapped when we finally knew we could get out and come back the next day for awards! That will definitely be a memorable competition.
Thankyou for being proud, it's nice to hear people say that they care:)

Mary- That would be funny in a comedy film...one of the dance teachers said that in all the years they've competed something like that has never happened before!

Peter- LOL

We did pretty good for the awards today, though. Our clogging got platinum so our studio got 250.00!! Our jazz and ballet didn't do as good but there weren't a lot of ballet to compete with since there aren't many groups that have ballet numbers since it very hard to dance ballet right...mostly just tap and jazz numbers.

Hope everyone is well and good luck to you paul in all your numbers and I hope nothing like a fire alarm with sewer water bursting out of the ceiling interupts one of your shows!
Love..Cara:):)

Can someone clue me in? What is LOL? (Lots Of Love?) I see it all the time. Dummy me.
Marge

LOL OR lol is laughing out loud

kelly : )

Marge, I wish LOL meant "lots of love"...so much easier to remember and use!

Cara, congratulations on your platinum win...that's terrific! Nothing wrong with platinum..my engagement ring that I've worn for 50 years is full of it! Keep dancin', keep clogging!

Inn, glad you're warming up. The invitation stands, however. Whitney came to see my "Follies 2003" almost a year ago, and now I'm reving up for "Follies 2005" for Febr. 8-9 2005.

Whitney left a phone message yesterday telling me to tell everyone that she's fine, just busy moving. She said her computer and phone would be down for awhile, but not to worry!

Have a great, warmer week, everyone!

Love and Peace,

Queen Mum

Marge, I will keep an eye out for your post. Sadly I did not get the motorcycle calendar! Bummer.

Marge- LOL can also be lots of laughs but kelly is right as well, it can be laugh out loud

Grandma Mil- Thanks!!hehe:)

take care everyone, love..cara

Allright. I'm here...and have about a thousand things to say (of course):

Evelyn, Sister-in-Lust, the Scottish accent KILLS me! Every. Single. Time. Good thing I don't live in GB. I'm sure I'd aquire QUITE the reputation...playing in a Celtic band makes me "have" to hang around other bands' members at festivals and oh-my-gosh...keeping my tongue in my head is difficult, to say the least. ;-) (The kilts have NOTHING to do with that, of course...no).

Peter - Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. To everything you say. ;-) Glad some resolution has come about the birds. ANd, you're what I would call "Aware"...able to tap into this knowledge of yourself when you need to.

Michelle - I've never been regressed, myself, but have read so much about it, I can see absolutely no reason to NOT do it once an opportunity presents itself. Slyvia Browne has several books about what she's learned from regressing people through regression hypnosis. VERY cool.

Inn - I dare say I am a close second on the static electricity scale...touched my cat's wet nose this morning and almost shot her into the other room! Poor little thing...she only weighs 5.5 pounds so I can imagine being on the recieving end of MY sized body-mass shock would not be pleasant. She was less than thrilled with me for the remainder of the morning, as you can imagine.

I have Newfs, so no need for sweaters! Big dumb dogs. Would rather lie in a snow drift while I stand there in my underwear with the kitchen door open "BRUTUS ANDREW GET YOUR BIG ASS IN HERE NOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!" Nothing. Pets. They can make you look SO foolish sometimes. Cold and foolish.

Marge - you need to check out Mary Black and Cherish the Ladies too...awesome harmonies on the later, and great arrangements on both. ALSO, Solas is VERY very good. They have a song called "Pastures of Plenty" which is phenomenal, very driving, and speaks to me for some reason. Her voice is KILLER.

Is the Linger song by the Cranberries the one that goes "All my life...changes every day, in every possible way...no more dreams...it's not as it would seem...you're a dream to me, dream to me..." Sorry, the lyrics in my head are spotty, but that song REALLY spoke to me, if it's the same one you're talking about.

Ok. I see there's a new post, so I'll go read that in a bit. Nothing new here...Nertha's weather is similar to ours...we're close to the area that had 54 inches in one day a few days ago, so things are sparkling WHITE and freezing.

Oh, the "Red Light" girls came out yesterday for some sunshine. Crapped all over our front porch (it's out of the wind) but we got 5 eggs which is a record since way before Christmas when the temps dropped below 10F and never really came back up. The roos comb and wattles are a bit frost-bit and may fall off eventually...but he's still doing his "job" and I can't WAIT to see what chicks we get this spring! Ah...Spring...what a thought.

Will be in Florida Feb 13-21st, but not near the Queen Mum, so will have to do another wave from the airplane. ;-)

Hugz all around.
Dhi