Paul's Corner

Paul...Please know that you are inspiring! Trust is tough. Trust is giving up control. Trust is difficult. How great that you stepped out in faith and measured up to yourself. Maybe I'm just having a mid-life crisis but I am having trouble with trust. I don't find much satisfaction in the things I used to. Maybe this too will pass.

In any case, super job with your life and family. Go ice yourself down and relax.

Thinking of you,
Linda

I am so glad you are thriving in your new experience with THM and trusting in yourself. Every performer has a glitch once in a while. Just forget it and move on. It is also wonderful to know that you are enjoying your girls. Every day with them is a new adventure. I hope you received the two letters I mailed to the Theater, one for you and one for Andrea.

All of us here at PC know you are busy and we very much appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Keep us posted about "Paul's Place." It is really exciting to hear about. If you get down, please let us know; we are here to pick you up and support you. Positive thoughts to you Paul

Love to all, and take care.
Marge

Nice to hear from you, Paul. Glad the show is still going well.
Re. trust, Linda, I agree that it can be and often is trough and difficult, but at the same time, I find it absolutely empowering when I find that space in which I trust myself. The thing you said about your daughters embracing each day, Paul, reminded me of something else re. trusting. I find that true for myself that when I was younger, I did trust myself much more naturally and then I gave that up--who knows why-- but now I'm reconnecting with my instincts and taking my own instinctive reactions into account and am listening to what I want from life, instead of what others tell me I should want. Trusting myself that I know what's best for me is not coming easy to me, but I find that it is also an enormous source of strength that I'm tapping into more and more. Definitely learning and re-connecting, but when all the evidence is to the contrary, dealing with the tension or simply hanging on is exhausting, but in an interesting way, things do work out, perhaps not exactly how I plan them, but that’s another area where I think trust comes in. Do I trust myself, others and/or the universe enough that things will turn out in a positive way when I feel directionless and tapping along blindly? Challenging, but mostly in a positive way. Thus endeth my sleepy thoughts for the evening and I’m crawling into bed :)

Be well, and by the way, I think it’s fantastic !!!, that you challenge(d) yourself with the singing and stretching your wings some more. It seems that you are learning all sorts of things in general and about yourself from that experience.

Ps. I really like the thought you put up there a while ago.

Hay Paul

So good to hear from ya mate. I'm just remembering where we were last year and where we are this year. That is TRUST in yourself. You knew you were capable of so much more.And look, you're doing it.Hopefully you're wife is a stau at home mum. Thatwill help a lot and when you are home spendsome immediate time with them.

They have got to know you love them

Peace and love to everyone

tim

I have play rehearsals that start tonight and at this moment most of my being is whispering "what the hell are you thinking!" This idea of trust is coming at the right time: I envisage being on stage as leaning out over a ledge and being held up by some unseen law of physics that says the more you lean the more you are supported. That's trust, I think. It's part of the process of creating a play, a life, which is so often scary.

Evelyn, after reading your post I asked myself do I trust the universe, my true answer is no. Mmmmmm... need to think on that, certainly need to work on that. As I said once burnt, twice burnt but it is only now that I realise the ful extent of my untrusting and now I understand my frustration at not creating what it is I want. I create well but often it is in the face of the universe(whatever that is/means) I have been trying to bend it's will to my idea of positivity - I have mentioned this before and must admit some dismay at discovering I am still doing it, still trying to do it. I dont trust the universe and thereby I feel I need to work harder at making the changes I want and yet am constantly frustrated by not getting any where because I dont actually trust the getting there or where the there is. Mmmm....

Just got home from the show, need to eat, need to wind down and then need some sleep. Will think on these things tomorrow.

Ps fell over tonight - wasnt supposed to - ah the magic of live theatre!

Paul, I totally understand your frustration, because I've been there,am there and most likely will be there at future times as well. I don't always trust the universe either, it's just something I'm trying to include in my thinking and living, and in more positive ways, because there are at least moments when I get a glimpse that if I choose to allow the positive support of the universe into my life, there is another energy in my endavours and things can happen that I never dreamed about happening for myself. But there is also a fine line between doing what I want and need to do, making it happen on my own and letting go and allowing the support of others, both human and "out-there", and putting my trust into all of these different aspects and levels. Somehow I think I'm chasing myself around a circle right now -- ??? -- But for me the main point right now is to put my focus on the positive side of things rather than focus on the feeling stressed out and exhausted side, which is there and I'm very good at only focusing on that side of things, and learning to ask for help and support and to feel comfortable with it.

Paul, be well and don't be so hard on yourself and instead love the part in yourself that feels frustrated and stressed out and remember, rarely do we get anywhere by taking a giant leap, it's usually one step at a time that gets us there, even when we are unsure of where we are going or even why.

Ps. I'm pretty sure you made the unintended faul fit into the performance anyway and it turned out to be magical :-) Hope you didn't hurt yourself.

Upps, this was supposed to be the "unintended fall" not faul--wonder where that came from

Paul glad to hear you are having such a good time. Trust in yourself is all you can do but trust in the universe is so much harder because you have to give up the illusion of control we all possess. I always try to remember that even though I've been through some pretty bad times things always seem to turn out ok. Makes me think the universe diserves a little trust, just like Evelyn said.
As for how my life is going today I have just two words.... It's snowing.
Peace

There is no "i" in deserve. I think my brain is frozen solid.

Ahhhh, I never really trust myself.

Some decisions that I thought were "good" turned out to be lousy.

Some decisions that I thought were "bad" turned out to be some of the best decisions that I ever made.

It's hit or miss in life sometimes.

As long as your children have the opportunities and freedom to pursue their interests and become successful in life I think thats all that counts.I have no children of my own so I can't really say that I'm an expert, but that's probably what I would want from any parent if I were in their shoes.

Take Care All,

Paul, I think trust is one of the key elements of this life experience. Trusting yourself, in a way, is the only authentic way you can tap into the essence of who you are and where you have come from/are journeying to, because in doing this you are letting go and believing in who/what you are. It is the only 'first-hand' experience you can have of doing this. The closest you can come to this is trusting those you love/who love you. But even then, you are one step away from the immediacy of the experience. Even those closest to us are ultimately only companions on this life journey who we are lucky enough to have with us, living their own experience. When you move out into the bigger arena and all the many others who touch/can affect your life, the 'essence' contact can be so distant that you just cannot catch hold of it in any real way. Speaking from my own experience,it can be really scary when I have found myself wanting to try and make something happen/hoping something will happen 'out there' for me.

Learning to trust yourself, I think, has its own fears. For a long time, I found it much easier to trust outwards than inwards. I had to learn to accept that 'standing on thin air' is actually as secure a place as any I can be in this life. More secure, in reality, than any illusion of security that anyone/anything else could offer me. It is only since I have started learning the skill of believing in myself (I am still learning), that I have experienced that 'empowering' feeling that Evelyn talked about. After all, what else can I be but myself? The ingredients are just not there for anything else.

I know this is a bit mixed-up,but I suppose what I am trying to say is that maybe trusting the Universe and trusting yourself are, in actuality one and the same thing, for you carry within yourself your only first-hand experience and knowledge of the Universe and believing in who you are and then doing your best is really all you can do. You have been a great inspiration to me when it comes to this.

I hope everything continues to go really well for you in TFM and also that your girls will always embrace life as they do now. I agree with Julie, I think for a parent, seeing your children do this has got to be one of the greatest feelings ever.

By the way, I love the way you talked about being 'alive on stage'. It makes me wish even more that I could experience seeing you perform.

Hello to all in PC. Hope you are well and in good form.

Love to everyone,
Mary

Hey Everyone!

Here is a brain teaser. It will drive you crazy! I failed miserably! Even after I read it a couple of times, I still didn't get it. Don't look at the answer until you think you have counted it right.

Subject: Alzheimer's Test - Very Quick and Simple
Count the "F's" in the following text:
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...

How many ? 3?
Wrong, there are 6 !!--no joke.
Read it again.
The reasoning behind this is below.

The brain cannot process "OF".
Incredible or what? Go back and look again!!
Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is
a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.
Send this to your friends-it drives them crazy

How many ? 3?
Wrong, there are 6 !!--no joke.
Read it again.
The reasoning behind is further down.

The brain cannot process "OF".
Incredible or what ? Go back and look again!!
Anyone who counts all 6 "F's" on the first go is
a genius. Three is normal, four is quite rare.
Send this to your friends-it drives them crazy

Take Care, Marge

Boy! did I mess that last one up! Sorry.

Thanks, Evelyn, for your perspective. I do wish there was something clearer on the horizon for me. Maybe it is just the weather. All the snow and the bitter temps to deal with - brrr! The days are getting noticeably longer though. That's encouraging. But, sad to say, I did flunk Marge's Alzheimer's Test - only found 5 F's!

Pleasant dreams to the Corner,

Linda

Hi Linda,

I have a tiny little thought--have you ever considered seasonal affective disorder? It can make lots of people feel down if they don't get enough sunlight, and if you've been having lots of snow and gray days, it could affect how you feel. It does for me. Whatever the cause (if there is one--so often there isn't), I wish you comfort.

Juliaxox

Thanks, Julia, for your thoughts. You might well be right. The sun is shining today (after many bleak Michigan days) and I do feel a lightest of heart.

Think spring!
Linda

I found 6, I found 6!! Now, I guess I don't have
Alzheimers..at my age, one has to worry!

Linda, the sun'll come out tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow...Julia is right, the lack of sunlight plays havoc with one's emotional state...trust me!

Julie is coming to see my show Thursday...can't wait, Julie! I had a capacity show last night (my video concert) and people were leaning against the walls because there were no seats left. It was my longest show, almost 2 hours, and
no one left...in fact, I could not discern any
movement at all, for I cannot see the audience while I am sitting near the equipment running the show...they were utterly enthralled, I was told later when the lights came on...I really trusted my intuition that an audience would sit for almost 2 hours, and I will see on Thursday if that still will be true...Julie will let me know!

Peace and Love,

Queen Mum

Gran Mil
Way to go! Your in the Genious catagory! Dummy me, I only found 3 at first. I found this very interesting about how the brain does not recognize the word "of".

Julia & Linda
I have never heard the term "season affective disorder" before. You might want to look into light tharapy. I have a "Happy Light" I use it when the weather is really depressing outside and sit by it for an hour or two.

I checked out one that simulates the sunrise into daylight. It was kind of pricy so I opted for the light I have. A councilor I was going to gave me two different versions of them. One was a blueprint of how to make one. It is just a wooden box that holds two 4ft flouresent tubes, and would be attached to the wall. I like mine, as I can move it around the house. In the Seattle area we can have days on end of rain, rain, rain. I think we come to cherish the good weather more.

They did a study in our area that I found very interesting. After summer is over and school starts people have the holidays to look forward to. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. After that there is nothing to look forward to for about two and a half months. Then we will get about 3 to 4 weeks of beautiful spring weather and then it goes back into the "gray days" They found that in this down period, there tends to be more suicides or attempted suicides than any other time of the year in the Pacific Northwest. Many people go to Hawaiii for a couple of weeks in Jan. or Feb. where everyone is smiling. When they come back to Seattle, they say it's like hitting a gray wall, not a smile anywhere.

Love to all at PC, take care.
Marge

My 2 year old was complaining about the weather yesterday - that's how much rain we have been getting. I can't stand it. I grew up in Northern Canada and I know so many people here (California) who complain about not having seasons. Not me!! If I lived in summer 365 days a year for the rest of my life I'd be happy.

Trust is a tricky thing. I think you are either born with it or not. Sort of like people whose glass is either half full or half empty. I don't think that doesn't mean one can't change but I do think it is an inherent trait we have.

Paul, I think about you everyday as my 2 year old watches Finding Nemo every day. I like listening to all of those Aussie accents. I don't understand why all of the fish don't have the accent since the movie starts on the Great Barrier Reef and ends in Sydney Harbor. Seems to me everyone would speak Aussie but what do I know.

Okay, I was just struck by how much I need to get out. It seems that I have spent way too much time thinking about an animated movie and that just doesn't seem right for a reasonably intelligent woman.

I saw the most enjoyable musical the other day. It is called Memphis and is set in, you guessed it, Memphis in the late 40's to early 60's. It is about the start of rock and roll. It was all original music and was just a ton of fun to watch. I highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance.

My cousin suffers from "SAD" (seasonal affect disorder) and sits under a full spectrum light in the winter. It's cheaper than flying to Florida for the season and I think it works for her.

Oh, I found all 6 F's but I have seen the test before so I knew I needed to look for the OF's. The first time I took the test I only found 3 so I guess Alzheimer's is reversable. If only that were so.

Hope the clouds clear soon for those of you under them.

Natalie

Someone I know did research about the best place to live, weather wise. It was Perth Australia believe it or not. I was told that the temp. year round is about 71 degrees. They have no floods, no fire, and no earthquakes. Interesting.... Maybe Paul knows.

Guess I will have to check out "Finding Nemo" I love to hear the accents. Back in the black & white era of movies, most of the dialog was a cultured or english type accent.

I get out every day, rain or shine, as I have to go and take care of my horse Dartin. I also take in a movie once a week. I have lunch first, so I don't fill up on all that movie stuff. I check out the movies on the Web. I saw Mystic River last week. I was really disapointed. I love Tim Robbins, but the movie was very dark and intense.

Love to all at PC
Marge

Paul, I have always admired you for your talent and I now also admire you for your courage. You have persisted through the harder times and have prevailed. This speaks a great deal of who you are.
Getting up on stage and singing to a large audience would not be an easy thing, by any means. But, you've done it. Rejoice in your strength. All the rewards are yours.

Trust. Hmmmm...that's not easy to nail.
It's a bit like faith, but then there's an element of personal judgement, where we subconciously assess the likely outcome against the worst outcome and then try to come to terms with how we would likely come to terms with possible failure, whatever that happens to mean to us. (Phew). Then it all pops into our conciousness, becomes distorted by our fears or over-confidence or whatever else is dwelling there at that particular moment.
Hell, what's it matter? Let's have a go and trust that it probably won't be too bad, and if it does.....who bloody cares?
You've done it, man, and will continue to do so.

I truly hope you're enjoying it for all it's worth!

Marge, Alzheimer's.. that's some where in California, isn't it? Oh shit, I forgot what I was gunna say. Ov course.

Dhianna, thanks. Sometimes a litter pointer yields a lot of clarity.
*pittang* (poof would not be fitting).

Have a beaut one, folks.

My wife wants you all to know she found all six "F's". As for me I was looking for ef's not ovs so I only found 3 :(

I grew up in Perth WA and it is true the weather is great there although it can get fairly hot over the summer months. Great beaches, great lifestyle. My Mum lives there as does my younger brother. It doesnt rain much though so they are often on water restrictions.

OV course we know Mrs M's very smart, but we would have thought so even EF she only got 3 right.

Hi, everyone!

I found all the "F" s,lol, but then I saw something very similar decades ago, had to do with spring and France I think...so I was forewarned, you might say.

I'm with Tim on the look back a year ago, things are different and better for many here now, gives hope to the rest that their turn is coming.

Paul, I'm sure the audience thought the fall was part of the show,unless they'd seen it before. Call it improvisation. ;) Hope you didn't bruise anything though.

As far as trusting the universe . . .seems a strange thing to do. We say "It'll be all right," when clearly things are not going to be, and we know it. What do we actually mean by "all right?"
I suppose it is meant to comfort when that is all we can do.

I trust myself to do what I need to, but although I hope others are trustworthy, I don't count on it. Sort of a "hope for the best, plan for the worst" kind of deal, I guess.

We are finally out of the deep freeze and got above 0 degrees F! Had over a foot of snow and another 4-8 inches on the way. SOOO tired of snow!

Perth is sounding pretty good to me,lol!

hugs and smiles,
Sally aka deltalady

I think I'm in trouble..I spotted the OFs and not the Fs. My father always said I was different.
GrandMa Mil goodonya for the movie night! It's great that you work so hard to entertain all those folks.
mmm Perth, 71, heat, it all sounds so nice when your butt deep in snow. Today it's all ice because it's been above 32 during the day and below 10 at night. I love this place.
Peace.

It's a sunny day here too, Linda--it's amazing how much of a difference that makes. My mom said that they're getting 5-8 inches of snow in Chicago, where I live; somehow the grayness doesn't seem as bad to me if it's actually snowing, but I tend to glorify the things that I am removed from.

I agree with Marge: movies definately help. Saw This is Spinal Tap last night, and it is the perfect cure for taking myself too seriously.

Juliaxox

It's a cold day in hell here in Atlanta. Well I got 4, so I guess I'm rare. That'snot a surprise to anyon that knows me. The doctor has me on Kadian (morphene) for my pain. At any rate, today it was realy getting to me. The manager suggested I go in back and laydown..apparently I was falling asleep in my chair, then they told me to just go home. That mademefeel like a heel.

Trust? No such thing. I believe with all myheat that some things are meant to be and will happen, but trust? That's a double MMMMM MMMMMMM for me.

Hope that fall didn't hurt anything Paul..

TheTimmer

Trusting the universe feels right to me. It's a reminder that something greater is at work and I shouldn't concern myself with worry over what is out of my control. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". That's all I can do. On a more personal level, trusting the universe doesn't necessarily mean all is well, it just means that whatever happens happens, and I will be ok. I'm not saying everything is rosy, not at all. I guess it's just a matter of perspective. Something truly awful might happen, but something inside me reminds me that this too shall pass, and that I will be able to get on with life eventually. Or maybe not, I just can't control that. I can only control how I choose to react. But as I've said before, the one thing that gets in my way is fear. Fear that is almost always baseless and of my own creation. To realize that fear isn't REAL is the big lesson I continue to work on. Trust is the result of letting go of fear, I think.

Marge, I've taken the test before and got 4. Very tricky how our brains perceive things!

Mary, I hope you're enjoying the book! Sorry I haven't been around the past few days to talk about it. Let me know how it's going.

I finally got around to watching Whale Rider and Lost in Translation. Both are excellent! The final scene of LIT was just so perfect, I loved it.

Yes, Julia, we're supposed to get more lovely snow tonight here in Chicago. I guess it's better than just having gray skies, but at this point it all seems depressing. The cold temps are the worst part though. February is a very cruel month. By the way, I love Spinal Tap! Turn it up to 11!

Paul, good to hear from you. Glad the fall didn't hurt too much!

Hello to all my friends here at the Corner.
I wish you love.

Michelle

Paul..
Good for Andrea! We all knew she was smart. You get to be in with the rest of us average "blokes". Thank you for the update on Perth.

Anyone out there ever been in a "white out"? (no not correction fluid) Really scary. It is when the wind is blowing in a heavy snowfall. If your in your car, all you can do is stop until it passes.

Yes being from Washington, I have moss on my back and webs between my toes.lol I bet Katalina can relate to this. When I was actively trail riding, we would go rain or shine. As a Girl Scout leader in Juneau, we participated in a Jamboree in Ketchikan where it rained for 5 days. This was rain, not Oregon mist. (missed Oregon hit Washington)

To those of you in the rain, stay dry.
To those of you in the cold, stay warm.
To those of you in the sun, enjoy every minute.

Love to all at PC
Marge

YOUCH on the fall, Paul! I'm sure you just let it pass (as if it didn't happen at all! That's what I'd do when I tip over on stage...two Guinness, nice lulling waltz and woops! Stagger stagger...ahem! Tends to wake one up.)

Congrads on your show, Millie!

Peter, you crack me up. As per usual.

Inn, we're getting the ice and snow here, of course. Perth, Australia...of ALL places...if you stuck a knitting needle through where I live in NY state, it'd probably come out the other end of the globe there, spot-on! Of COURSE I'd live exactly the opposite ov the Best Place to live. (Yes, I got all 6 too! Blasted English majors!)

I think Mary and Peter got it right with the Trust thing having everything to do with fear. Absolutely. Only in the face of your fears are you able to meld and mold the universe to your desires. You have to confront them and deal with them before you can expect to accomplish anything. So says me.

Natalie, my kids loved Nemo (so did my hubby--he purchased it for himself I think)and it's amazing the discussions we all have regarding those animated movies. Kids are SO sharp. Grownups just have to shut up and let them speak sometimes (at least in our house that's true).

Tim, feel better! Hugz!

Flying Away...
Dhiana

Dhiana, As long as the cracks aren't showing, then there shouldn't be any concerns.

Hope it's a good day so far for everyone . Today, I got a lovely taste of Australia through the post. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to make a new friend who was visiting from Australia with her husband. They are old family friends. He grew up with my parents and emigrated as a young man. Today, with her letter, I received a copy of an essay that she wrote about her favourite artist Frederick McCubbin, an Australian, along with pictures of some of his paintings. I was completely taken with them. He studied and painted the bush and its environment along with the early settlers and pioneers who set out to make their homes there. Looking at his paintings you get a sense of the rawness and wildness of the place and also the people's determination to stick it out and make it their place of belonging. My favourite is a series of three paintings entitled 'The Pioneer'. It shows three stages of a family's story - husband and wife in the forest, with only the horse and cart in the background; the new baby in his mother's arms with the log cabin home in the background and finally, the son grown to adulthood, kneeling at the grave of his parents, with the growing town of Melbourne in the distance. They are really beautiful. I can't stop looking at them. I have always been fascinated with the way these first settlers, many Irish people among them, took such a brave leap into the unknown, placing their complete hope and trust in the future. I have always admired that. It is something I find difficult to do at times but try to aspire to as often as possible. It reminds me of what we have been talking about here over the last couple of days.

Peter, you made me laugh out loud 'a la Dhiana' with your question to Marge re: Alzheimers!

Inn, I really think you should be awarded some kind of diploma for endurance after this. Every time I read your posts, I feel cold in my bones!

Tim, I'm so sorry that you are in pain at the moment. I hope that it eases for you very soon.

Michelle, how are you? I agree. Trust is the letting go of fear. I empathise with your difficulty in doing this. As for the book, I can't put it down! I am about to start the chapter on the Advanced Soul. The whole thing seems so credible. I keep reminding myself that it could just be the work of a very persuasive and competent writer but I have to say that it feels like it contains, certainly elements of the truth. To be honest, I'm fascinated. It's the very first time that I have considered the idea of reincarnation, without immediately reacting in fear and hope that it isn't true. That's a big step for me. One thing struck me. I don't know if you have read a book called 'Saved by the Light' written by a man called Dannion Brinkley. He claims to have died and to have been sent straight back to earth as his work was not done. One thing I remember from it is that he was told by the 'beings of light' that those souls who choose to take human form on earth are looked upon as being very courageous and are admired by all, as a life here can bring with it great struggle and pain. Michael Newton writes about a similar comment made to him by one of his clients under regression. I thought that was interesting and would certainly correlate with the immense challenges that some people are faced with in this lifetime....I'll keep you posted.

Millie, many congratulations to you! I hope tonight is just as successful and that Julie has a wonderful time with you.

Dhiana, you mentioned Mary Black in one of your last posts.. My favourite by her is 'No Frontiers'.

Paul, I wish you lots of happiness and stamina!

Hello to Diane, Cara, Janice, Evelyn, Linda, Marge, Natalie, Suzanne, Julia, Sally, Nertha, Kelly and all those who visit here.

Lots of love to you all,
Mary

Mary, I understand what you're saying about the possibility of the author just being persuasive. I thought about that all the way through. I also question whether a lot of the so-called "New Age" authors read each other's books, because some of them seem to repeat what they've read. Of course that COULD be because it's true to begin with. Hmmmmm.

I've been terribly impressionable when it comes to books. Having realized this in the past few years has been big for me, and I'm much more aware now. I guess I would have to say that I've learned to recognize MY truth, by listening to my inner voice when I read. I'm happy to pick and choose what feels right for me and leave the rest. Learning to trust myself enough to do this was a big step for me. It seems you are already there!

Oh, and I saw Dannion Brinkley in an interview that was very moving. He's totally devoted to hospice work as a result of his experiences. He described how much it meant to him to help people who are dying by reassuring them that this isn't all there is. The man radiated good energy. He seemed to glow. I hadn't heard the quote you're speaking of but it makes sense. That statement in the book rang true for me.

Tim, I hope the morphine doesn't make you nauseous. Sleepy is bad enough, but if the pain is better... I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this right now.

And Mary, you got your taste of Australia and so did I. Well, in a small way. I was at the library and decided to check out Bill Bryson's book In a Sunburned Country. Anything that describes warmth has to be good!

Peace,
Michelle

Thanks, PC-ers, for the thoughts on light deprivation. I really there is something to that and mood swings. I usually go to the fake-bake once a week in the winter but not this year. Also, I drive with the top down every sunny day when it's warm. So I guess I will have to sit tight until spring to feel loads better. And, Marge, yes I, and all those in the midwest U.S., know what a white out is!! Only driven in one this year and one is more than enough!

I want to throw a question out - has anyone used the Lidocaine patch for pain? My doctor just prescribed it and it is wonderful!! You stick on what hurts and it makes it better. Just wondered if anyone has used this before amd what the long-term results were.

Sleep tight all!
Linda

I thought it might be about time that I say HI :D

Yes, I'm one of those readers that've been reading for a bit now, (just a little scared to talk). I have to tell you that you are all an inspiration to me. Being a more introverted person, I've been more reluctant to share my feelings, but from what I gather, this board is about expressing oneself, in a loving, caring web-community; and it's ironic that the present topic is TRUST.

Paul, you've taught me something new. I'm a singer myself. I've been singing for a while now, and whether I'm performing or competing, I never thought that TRUST played such a significant role. Especially trust in myself. I also find that performers and musicians (including me) get so caught up in "doing it right" or "getting it perfect" that the true essence, life, and artistry of the music is lost, making it completely meaningless. I know that if it's a song that holds a lot of meaning to me, I find that I do much better. But I guess what's most important is to trust myself...

TRUST that I can hit that note. TRUST that I'll remember the words. TRUST that I can give this music life, and then put everything I have in it. Instead of WORRYING if I can hit that note, WORRY that I'll forget the words, or WORRY that I might make a fool of myself. But whatever happens, I know that I ultimately did my best by trusting myself. And I leave the room more fulfilled.

But on a more lighter topic, since everyone is also talking about the cold, It's -31 Celsius (that's about -24 Fahrenheit) here. Can you guess where I live? Canada! :D

Take care everyone! (and thanks for letting me blab for a bit) :D
Paul, my best wishes to you. Good luck with TFM. I'm sure you're doing GREAT! :)

I thought it might be about time that I say HI :D

Yes, I'm one of those readers that've been reading for a bit now, (just a little scared to talk). I have to tell you that you are all an inspiration to me. Being a more introverted person, I've been more reluctant to share my feelings, but from what I gather, this board is about expressing oneself, in a loving, caring web-community; and it's ironic that the present topic is TRUST.

Paul, you've taught me something new. I'm a singer myself. I've been singing for a while now, and whether I'm performing or competing, I never thought that TRUST played such a significant role. Especially trust in myself. I also find that performers and musicians (including me) get so caught up in "doing it right" or "getting it perfect" that the true essence, life, and artistry of the music is lost, making it completely meaningless. I know that if it's a song that holds a lot of meaning to me, I find that I do much better. But I guess what's most important is to trust myself...

TRUST that I can hit that note. TRUST that I'll remember the words. TRUST that I can give this music life, and then put everything I have in it. Instead of WORRYING if I can hit that note, WORRY that I'll forget the words, or WORRY that I might make a fool of myself. But whatever happens, I know that I ultimately did my best by trusting myself. And I leave the room more fulfilled.

But on a more lighter topic, since everyone is also talking about the cold, It's -31 Celsius (that's about -24 Fahrenheit) here. Can you guess where I live? Canada! :D

Take care everyone! (and thanks for letting me blab for a bit) :D
Paul, my best wishes to you. Good luck with TFM. I'm sure you're doing GREAT! :)

Hi Jonathan :)

Welcome (I'm new myself)--you're right about the support one gets here...(thank you everyone!). It's palpable, and so comforting.

By the way, what kind of music do you sing?

Hi to all
Julia

Welcome Jonathan. Thanks for the encouragement Mary, I know I'm not the only one dealing with the cold so I hope everyone else who is can find spring soon. It snowed last night and now it's sleet and snow mix. All schools are canceled, but Blockbuster is open. "think warm thoughts"
Linda, about SAD, I sit under one of those gro-lamps. It's cheaper than the artificial sun lamps and works better than a regular light bulb.
Tim, I hope you feel better soon.
Hello to Grandma Mil, Peter, Paul, Julia, Evelyn, Katalina and everyone else.
Peace.

Good morning, gang! I haven't posted in a while, but I have been reading. We are full in rehearsal for "The Boyfriend" now. We can't use our books, and we're sort of stumbling around. I'm one of the lucky ones, I get two new costumes. Getting my hair in a knot may be the challenge.
Actually, it's quite good for me to do these things;however, this time has been rather stressful because we have just moved and we are still unpacking. We may be doing that forever, it seems. Right now, I am the one who is working full time, and I sometimes feel bad because I am not home to hang pictures, etc.
In the finale, I have to do the shimmy. The director wants me to do it because it will be a total change of character. Hint-any tips on it?
the other night when I was practicing it, the kids laughed at me, which is the appropriate response. I have many skills.
We have had about 10 days with overcast skies, snow, sleet, rain, and gloom. One thing I have found is that the more that I stay in, the more I crave carbohydrates. My doc said that that is also part of the S.A.D. thing. We have had a milder winter than some, so we will hopefully have some sunshine soon. At my old house, I have jonquils peeking up!

Hello to all.

Good morning, gang! I haven't posted in a while, but I have been reading. We are full in rehearsal for "The Boyfriend" now. We can't use our books, and we're sort of stumbling around. I'm one of the lucky ones, I get two new costumes. Getting my hair in a knot may be the challenge.
Actually, it's quite good for me to do these things;however, this time has been rather stressful because we have just moved and we are still unpacking. We may be doing that forever, it seems. Right now, I am the one who is working full time, and I sometimes feel bad because I am not home to hang pictures, etc.
In the finale, I have to do the shimmy. The director wants me to do it because it will be a total change of character. Hint-any tips on it?
the other night when I was practicing it, the kids laughed at me, which is the appropriate response. I have many skills.
We have had about 10 days with overcast skies, snow, sleet, rain, and gloom. One thing I have found is that the more that I stay in, the more I crave carbohydrates. My doc said that that is also part of the S.A.D. thing. We have had a milder winter than some, so we will hopefully have some sunshine soon. At my old house, I have jonquils peeking up!

Hello to all.

Oh, Mary Ellen...jonquils! Spring flowers~does this mean that Spring ACTUALLY is coming to some parts of the world? Oh, DO say it's so...

Ok, shimmy tip: keep your back straight, try not to move your butt...just your boobs. ( )( ) Taught to me by my bellydance instructor. 8-)And don't worry about the pictures getting hung--took me three years to get any up. Really.

Welcome, Jonathan! Glad you learned the trust thing about your singing. Paul's a pretty smart guy...if only he'd give himself credit where credit's due. ;-) But that's why he has us of course! "Oh, Paul...you're so diVINE! And strong and handsome and..." **kick** Ok, well, he still has us, for what it's worth!

Peter - Say "No" to crack.
;-)

**poof**
(AND, I appreciate the relevance of you, a male, NOT being able to use the word "Poof" in your disapparations. Pity.)

To Paul:

Please respond if possible? I have tickets to FM on Saturday, 21 Feb. at 2pm.

Is there any way I could get you to sign my programme after the show?

Looking forward to seeing you in person!

Robyn

Robyn go to stage door after the show and ask them to page me saying that "Robyn from Pauls Corner is here to see you" I will come up and say gidday and sing your program.

cool?!

Welcome Jonathon, well said!

hey paul how are you i got a couple of question to ask you do you like johnny deep and did you see pirate of the carabbens and do you like music like beyonce knowles jennifer lopez christina aguilara and gwen stafani

Hey Paul just wanted to say that myself and my friend Bret are truthfully sorry for all the abusive messages we wrote to you. I guess it was true what you said that we needed to grow up. I guess we just had to much time on our hands with not having a job and all. But Paul I would like to say that soon as me and Bret read your message we realised what we were doing was wrong. I know this apology must come as a suprise but believe me this is a sincere one. Sorry for everything Paul and thanks for the advice I guess me and Bret were just jealous of your great acting and dancing career.
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Thanks for everything
DINO
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paul i am a overweight dancer i can dance really well although people think i cant what should i do?

paul i am fat with moles all over my face do you think that talent is much more important then looks or do you believe that looks are everything like everyone else in the dance scene. i am 18 and have danced all my life i have all the qualifications i need or what i thought i needed for my dance career but the thing is that no seems to want to give me a try and take me on because they think im too ugly and not the right physique to be a dancer. i love to dance dancing is my life but when life is being so hard and making me feel down i feel like i should just give up and end my dream of being a dancer! what o you think i should do Paul?
xxxxxthanks i will be waiting for your reply!xxxxx

HEY FUCKFACE!!!!!WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT GUNS WITH CHILDREN FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MAY BE YOU SHOULD LEARN TO RESPECT YOUR CHILDREN YOU GAY TWAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I HAVE BEEN ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR ABOUT A DAY LOOKING THROUGH AND READING ARTICLES AND YOU KNOW WHAT I HONESTLY THINK IT IS UTTER SHITE. I JUST CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU STILL HAVE SUCH A WIDE FAN BASE WHEN YOU ONLY HAVE BEEN IN ABOUT 2 FILMS 1 OF THEM BEING PORN THAT I WATCHED WITH THE WIFE BUT MATE YOUR PUSHING FORTY. YOU HAVENT GOT TIME TO TALK ABOUT BALLET AND BEING SORE. THE ONLY SORE SPORTS YOU SHOULD BE GETTING ARE FROM YOUR ONE EYED TROUSER SNAKE!!!!!! BY THE WAY I THINK YOURE BIT OF A NANCY I MEAN YOU THINK YOUR GOOD LOOKING BUT YOU DRESS LIKE A POOF STUCK IN THE EIGHTIES LIKE GEORGE MICHAEL!!!!!! YOU KNOW THE GEEZAR DODGY EARINGS!!!! ANY WAY ONE LAST THING TO SAY YOU ARE A GENDER BENDER WITH EIGHTIES GLAD RAGS. WHY DONT YOU JUST TREAT YOURSELF TO A NEW HANDBAG DARLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

of course. First of all, I'm just not inclined purse to talk to strangers in the first place. Having massage chair something like this where it's a weird kind contact lens of talking to strangers makes it even more designer handbag difficult. There is a very real possibility replica handbag of coming off as deranged, after all. Also ionic breeze - this may sort of uncomfortably foreground handbag