Paul's Corner

Paul, I think you are right on about the attitude and the signal that it sends out and that there is a difference between "I don't want to do ..." & "I don't do" The latter is also much more in tune with taking ownership and authority and responsibility for our actions, whereas the other one leaves that back door open for not really taking responsibility.

Although I also believe in expressing my desires,wants,wishes to the universe. I think it should know so that it can support me on the way alongside me to make them reality! :-)

Now I have to go to say good bye to a friend who is moving back to Spain this afternoon :-( I'm going to miss her, big time!!!!

Happy Sunday,
Evelyn

Paul/Evelyn--

Based on Paul's comments "I want" as a desire and it's not until "I do" that anything happens. I think as soon as we take the first step or initial action, it's on its way to become reality and the universe opens up its support. Unless we "do", we can back ourselves out of what we "want".

Fantastic post, Paul.

And Paul, thanks for sharing your last meeting with Pat Thomson with us.

Melody

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

I don't want to work-I work!!

I don't want to lose my house-I won't if I work!!

I don't want to take my finger out-I take it out!!

I see how it goes!!!

hugs,
abeth

Hi PCers!

My mind boggles at how many type o's Paul must have had before he completed his thought!!! hahahha!!
Happy be-lated Mother's Day to all whom it applies. Have a great week everyone!!!

Margie

Hi everyone,

Well, my understanding of how the Universe hears things is similar, but slightly different.

I believe and I've heard/read about it from various sources that the Universe in fact doesn't see the 'don't' part of the sentence. In fact it sees all the sentence as an affirmation in the positive.

So if you say 'I don't want to drink' all the Universe hears is 'I want to drink' and gives you exactly that.

The other things is that what we focus our attention/energy on is in fact more energised to stay with us.
So if you feel like changing what you are getting you need to stop focusing on it, and instead, concentrate on whatever you want achive. And a good tip is, you have a better effect if you say it already in the present tense like it's already part of your reality. This way you already acknowledging to your subconscious mind what you actually wish to manifest.

I've seen the film called 'the Secret' that covers that subject i.e. the Law of Attraction. Fascinating. I've been practising it ever since and I see it working.

Beata

Hello again,

I forgot to say something quite important.

It's the feeling that makes the affirmation work, and it's the underlying thought that make even the best affirmation not to work.

What I mean is, if you say 'I am happy', but your underlying/subconscious thought is that you are always dissatisfied and not happy, then the thought pattern most effective is the one that you've been sending out most often. And imagine the subconsious and deepest feelings are constantly sending it out it's messages and we are not always consciously aware of it. So know thyself!

Bye
Beata

Hi Beata--

Thanks for your comments. It would make sense that if you're after something else, but still planted firm in what you're hoping to get free of, you're actually holding yourself back in the end.

I saw from your previous posts that you're Polish. While I was born and raised in Chicago, my grandparents were all from Poland, Krakow and Tarnow regions. Witamy! (welcome!)

"Melodyja"

On that same theme--this was my "quote of the day" on Excite.com--

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live a life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.
- Henry David Thoreau

So, Paul, you are in good company! ;)

Keep it simple – that’s my mantra.

If you want something – ask - people aren’t mind readers - well, some are I guess, but I don’t know any ;)

Count to ten! – Words said in anger WILL come back to bite you in the ass.

Let it go! – It ALWAYS feels better than hanging on to it (whatever “it” is).

Be Kind! – Really hard, but sooooo worth it.

Lighten up! - Ask yourself, “Did someone die?” if the answer is “NO”, then it’s not really THAT bad, is it?

Go for it! – Tick, tick – what are you waiting for, an invitation???

I tend to believe in the Rule of 3's. Basically things happen in threes - could be three good things or three bad things. Also, what comes around goes around. But the fact that we all have our own beliefs is what makes us all so varied and wonderful!

I got good news today (despite a migraine). My weight is at the lowest its been in at least a year if not longer. Its taken quite a dive in the past 6 months, and I'm not complaining. Part of it is due to the medicine I take for my migraines (it actually can act as an appetite suppresant). If my weight loss continues at even half the rate its been at these past months I may actually be able to get to a "healthy" weight! I'm very happy about that!

I hope everyone in P.C. is well! :o)

I think we are all winning if the intent is there. Its just deciding but how we miss that in life is so true.

I just want to let all the PCr's know that I have a photo gallery online at Saatchi and Saatchi.

http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/yourgallery/artist_profile//35696.html

all my best to everyone,

Julie

Julie, great job! Call me, come over, we'll visit
and catch up with you-know-what!

To all the newbies on PC: Julie lives in Florida
about a half hour from our retirement community.

We speak, and see each other too; she is just as beautiful as her picture on the website and in person, one is struck by those eyes and complexion, and her warmth!

She came backstage at Follies 2007 to wish me luck, and brought me a bouquet.

Julie is one of the "Fabulous Nine" that came to
Florida for a "Strictly Ballroom Convention" in 2005 which also included my Follies 2005 show.

These young people (mostly working moms and some singles) met each other for the first time, and have retained lasting friendships with each other, and I am proud to say, with me and Ellie!

These fabulous people came from all over the U.S. and also Ireland and Holland!

We agreed that it was a fabulous time, because of
the bonds we forged on PC, thanks to Paul and Cat, and, of course, our love for "Strictly Ballroom", which never has ceased to bring new wonders into our lives....maybe a new reunion might be in the works, who knows...keep tuned!

(Sorry, Paul, got off the topic, or did I?....

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Sarah--that's really great. Sad you have the migraines, but a good benefit from the medication.

I can see what you mean about everything coming in threes, but may all receive the good not the bad.

Julie--I checked out your pictures. Beautifully done.

Grandma Mil--I think you put some thoughts out there that complement the subject, if not may be a good example of it!

Going back to Julie's pictures, I noticed the photos of the frangy panny--when Liz calls Fran that in SB, I thought it was some nickname derived for the script, but then I went to our local botanical gardens recently, I saw frangy panny and thought to myself, "maybe that's where the name came from"--didn't know that it was an actual plant! :)

Melody

Dear Melody,

Long ago I figured out what the insult was that Liz hurled at our poor Fran as Fran was running away from Scott after she learned that Tina Sparkle would be Scott's new partner.

It was "frangipani" which is a beautiful flower, akin in shape to an orchid, and grows in the lands
of the South Pacific. It is also known as "plumeria". Yes, like you, I looked it up, it intrigued me so!

Liz was being nasty in the way she used that word
to insult Fran, who later did blossom like a gorgeous flower during the paso doble.

Ah, those fabulous moments...

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

It is all about your INTENTION. I agree with leaving all the negative out of your intention, your thoughts and altimately, your words. If your intent is good and pure, the rest will follow. And sometimes it seems the universe has other plans for you....

That seems to follow the "everything happens for a reason" theory. So what do you do then??

Oye....

Julie, thanks for the link! Ah, those photos take me back home... sort of. I grew up in FL as well but VA has always been home to me.

There are far too many photos of me online, the hazard of learning how to initially use a scanner then getting a digital camera and the joys of ftp. (How many people have I just completely lost?) I'll put a link in my name to the most recent photo of myself, taken back in February if anyone is curious.

Grandma Mil, I did not know that frangipani and plumeria are the same plant! Thank you for teaching me something new today. :o)

The impossible has happened—I have gotten sick of cheesecake. This tangy confectionary concoction is nirvana for the soul but try eating it for 3 desserts over 2 days. I have discovered that one piece is sufficient in the long run.

I have discovered something else: “One Night with the King”. Theatrics notwithstanding, I was somewhat disappointed with this film. It tried to straddle biblical accuracy with some nonsensical modern day twists, leaving the film unbalanced in its morals. (There were no swastikas or stars of David in 426 B.C. either) Several years ago I contemplated the “what if” notion if Paul was cast in a film adaptation of “Esther” but this wasn’t the right one. I’m somewhat relieved.

Grandma Mil—I checked out that website and was fascinated by the enriching variety of films that can teach children so much from history, cultural differences, and moral decisions. I’m glad there’s more out there than the standard cut-and-dry documentaries out there but I recommend adding the “Ghostwriter” series. The smash PBS show from the early 90’s had drama/adventure with bright fun kids who used reading and writing skills and a friendly but elusive ghost to solve Brooklyn cases.

Duty calls and a friend’s wedding is scheduled to take place in Texas, but I'm terrified of flying. Please pray for my safe departure and return over the weekend, dear friends.

Dear Esther,

I, too, hate flying with a passion, but sometimes it is necessary, so try to relax, read, etc., etc., and don't check your watch too often!

We have given up long trips, either by car or plane, because of some medical problems, but we have enough to do here in our retirement community
to keep us busy.

The year we retired to Florida, "Strictly Ballroom" was being touted around the world, especially after its opening at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a 7 minute standing ovation at midnight!

Then, Paul and Tara were in the states on a tour promoting the film. Tara was in Ft. Lauderdale signing autographs, and we missed that event altogether. I didn't discover SB until 2001,
when I first scheduled it during my monthly movie night. (That's a story for later!)

I would have used "Strictly Ballroom" as a teaching tool, but by the time it was available, we had retired in Florida. It has surpassed "Gone
With The Wind" as my all time favorite.

Sarah, Liz was so angry with Fran, she used the
word "frangipani" in a derogatory manner, with emphasis on the "fran" to make her angry point! How clever were the screenwriters!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Esther--I saw "One Night with the King" about a month ago. I wasn't as familiar with the Bible story (being raised Catholic, most of our childhood studies were based on our catechism and the New Testament), but I found the story itself intriguing. I think they did cross over alittle with some contemporary things considering the timeframe of the story itself. It was a lovely film, though, and Esther's costumes were beautifully done.

On flying, I'm all right with short trips, but when I fly abroad, it's really difficult for me. I can't be "contained" that long and once they let us move about the plane, I get up and walk from time to time, and I cannot sleep comfortably in those little chairs.

On another note, my aunt who will be 88 in two weeks suffered a fall and broke her hip. She's in surgery as I type this. She's really spunky and sharp as a tack, but it looks like she had a TIA (tiny stroke) and lost her balance. Considering she's fairly active for her age (still maintains her home, cooks, takes daily walks), we're hoping she's strong enough to come through this well.

Good weekend all!

Melody

Esther, best wishes on your flight. I'm sure it will be fine. My friend Adrienne watched "One Night With the King" because she was looking forward to it, but she was quite disappointed. (She was raised in a Jewish household.) I haven't seen it yet, but now I think I may add it to my Netflix queue.

Melody, your aunt is my thoughts. The spunky ones are the ones who usually do the best. My nanny was like that and broken hips never kept her down for long. :o)

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. We have a 3-day holiday weekend in the US. I'm looking forward to it!

PAUL, you never cease to amaze me with your wit and wisdom. I really enjoy reading your thoughts on so many different subjects.

I hope all is going well with your family and the new house.

DWTS just finished here in the States. I was a really competetive group this time, with Heather Mills, who has an artificial leg from a motorcycle accident. She was remarkable. She lasted 6 weeks. Her dancing partner was very remarkable in their choreoghpy.(sp) She was able to do a walkover as well as a flip.

The winner was Apolo Anton Uno. Many of you may know him as the Olympic speed skater who won several gold medals and some others. Apolo is from Seattle, WA.

They also showed all the countries that have this program too. I didn;t see OZ on the list. Bummer. They also gave the history of how DWTS started, which was very interesting. I am looking forward to the next season.

I have rambled on long enought. My yard is calling for some major weeding. Gardens are always a work in progress.

Take care & love to all
Marge

Hi Paul,
hi to everyone on Paul`s Corner !
Greetings from Germany. I am Bärbel and new here on this side .I´ve got one question to you Paul. Last December 2006 I sent a parcel to the address, wich is shown on your side. Have you received the parcel in the meantime or not ? Or perhaps I made a mistake and the parcel went to the wrong person ? OK-That were two questions. But I would like to know , where the parcel went to , because it`s a great pity , if you don`t receive it. Inside the parcel there are two "roadsigns to let one know where one is or where one is going", (in my view).

Hi Paul and everybody here at PC,
Paul,I have done your Soul Contract Reading as promised, now all I need to know is where you would like to have it sent. I can send it to you by email. It's in word format about 6 pages.
Let me know and all the best
Beata

Beata six pages!! Looking forard to reading it. I was going to say to post it on the site but 6 pages is a bit much so best to email it to Cat and she will get it to me. Thank You.

Barbel, I dont think I recieved your package. Cat and I will lok into it.

Melody I hope your Aunts surgey went really well and she has a quick and full recovery.

It is strange I have been out of work for the last month - back to being between gigs!! - but I have been quite busy! Been doing a bit of charity work which is good for the soul so I am happy. Looking forward to getting some work though!

Paul, busy is good. I'm sure something good will come up soon!

Paul/Sarah and PC friends--many thanks for your thoughts. Auntie came through very well and I visited her over the weekend. She was a bit sedated as they're having her rest as much as possible, but overall, she is one amazing lady. She is my father's youngest sister and the remaining sibling of my father's extensive family (there were 10 sisters and brothers).

Paul, it's good to lay low as well as giving back to the community--you'll be ready for what comes your way. (I don't know about you, but after things are quiet, new things sure come up fast and hard on the horizon and you don't know what hit you!!)

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Melody

Melody, I'm pleased to hear your Aunt came through the surgery well. Continued good thoughts are coming your way!

I'm gearing up for a busy week (today was insanely busy). I'm working Saturday to make up shift-time so I can take off 2 days and drive up to NYC. I haven't been to visit since I moved over two years ago and I'm quite excited! I won't get to see any shows (read: musicals or plays) but I will get to see my friend Michael do a gig for his birthday so that will be fun.

I hope every is well!

Melody - good news about your Aunt. It's hard to keep those good old broads down. ; )

Sarah - happy for you - I was in NYC in April and she's in "fine feather" - ENJOY!!!

Ha! I have witnessed the awe of space from a trip to the NASA museum in Texas and survived! The whole place was fascinating; jam packed with helmets, videos, and stories from each venture beyond the stars. (I'm not planning to get into a rocket any time soon, though.) Thank goodness, my gal pals and I had a fun time there and safe trip home.

The airport sold Scharffen Berger chocolate. T’was a bit pricey but out of curiosity I bought one to taste. That mere 1 oz bar held such a fine strong smoky taste that it will satisfy any chocoholic. I have found my charity calling: baking and cooking for fundraisers using this stuff.

Last note: It is very amusing to find the words “Pumpkin Foundation” when you’re busy researching in a typical office—you may end up giggling too.

Esther--I searched "pumpkin foundation" and found a website that shows pumpkins being shot into the air by a cannon nicknamed "gourdzilla". It's also called "Gourds in Space"--is that what you were giggling about? (Of course I'm chuckling as I type this imagining pumpkins flying through the air and bombing some old car in the hay fields.)

That chocolate sounds like some heady stuff. Sounds like you'll make some great cookies with it!

I haven't smelled anything coming from our Blommer factory of late, but the wind has to come a certain way through the area to smell the chocolate beans roasting.

Sounds like a great trip at the NASA museum. Was there a centrifuge onsite? Might be fun to spin in that.

Melody

Esther
I have been to the Smithdonian NASA. Museum in Wash. D.C. It also was awesome. It takes an hour or two to go through. They have a website which is; www.nasm.si.edu. There are The Spirit of St. Louis, The Wright brothers first flight plane. What was interesting was the space module that you could actually get into. It is kind of clausrophobic. (sp)

Paul
I am sending positive waves of thought something will come for you soon. Your always seem to bounce back. Keep thinking positively and be greateful that you have some quality time with the girls.

PAUL I have two questions?
1. Why didn't we see a Mothers Day picture of Andrea, and the girls on Mother's day?
2. There was a news article on TV about the drought that is scorching OZ. Are you and your family affected by this?

Hope all is well with everyone.
Take care and love to all, Marge

Marge, I've been wondering about the drought as well. I have a friend who lives in Australia with her 3 teen daughters and in her area they are being restricted to 4 minute showers. That raised the question of how one even washes ones hair in that time frame, let alone one's entire body. ::shocked expression:: I shower fast, but even I take close to 10 minutes with my fastest shower.

I grew up in FL and remember water restrictions as a child where we couldn't water our lawns or fill our pools... but never restrictions on bathing. If I understand properly there is some problem with lack of proper water reservoirs for back-up water supplies which makes the drought situation even worse. My thoughts go out to those affected and if I knew a rain dance I'd do it! ;o)

Hello,
Hi Paul, this time I need more help, how do I find email to Cat, and who is Cat?

Sorry this is a down to point message this time, I am very busy myself this week so will catch up with everybody next week.

Also just in case you wish to post your reading, my recommendation is to read it first before as it is your soul contract we are talking about, but of course it's your Soul Contract and you can do with it whatever you feel is right.

By the way I've never received confirmation that Paul Joseph Mercurio is your full name as given at birth so I asumed there is no more middle names etc. In case there is ..., well the reading would need to be done again.
Bye
Beata

Hi again,
Sorry, I searched the website again for the sign of the Cat Paul has mentioned, and... well I found her. Sorry Cat, now I know you have created this website.

So I'll send the files to your email and please forward it to Paul.

Happy Reading Paul, and do let me know if you feel like giving me any feedback.

All the best,
Beata

Paul and PC friends--keeping with Paul's current theme, here's a website I read daily, "The Daily Motivator". Ralph Marston is the writer and his thoughts today coincide quite well with Paul's notes.

http://greatday.com

You want the reading for June 2, 2007.

Wishing all a great weekend. As for me, off to teach!

Melody

Hello Everyone,

Message to Paul - I have sent the files to Cat. Apologies for the slight delay but finally done it. Lots of things were urgently requiring my attention - one of them was the show I was dancing at last Saturday. I had great fun and felt like dancing all night. It great for me as learning new dancing choreographies keeps me grounded. And I won a pair of Isis Wings on my raffle ticket 111. So now I have two pairs of wings, yippee. Just in case no one knows, you do not fly with them :) just a belly dance prop, really fleshy and stunning effect.

Melody (Melodyja) - great site, I've put it into my favourites. By the way thanks for the Polish welcome, I come from Warsaw and have been living in the UK for almost 11 years.

Paul, I wish the wave of change brings you lots of success in whatever way is right for you and that you still find time for your PC friends.

All the best to everyone,
Beata

Hi all, I had a safe trip to NYC and I am now safe at home again. I am exhausted (as is to be expected), but I'm glad I went. I'm running on about 4 hours sleep right now, so early to bed it will be for me! I hope everone here at the Corner is well and had a lovely weekend.

Hi all,
Sarah, your comment about not sleeping enough and having a great time made me chuckle. Glad you enjoyed NYC. My last weekend was "interesting" in the not so great way, you know how all good things come in threes? Well, this one was the opposite, three 'bad' things in less than 12 hours. Now being on the other side of it (I think), I'm more amused about it.

But today was great!!!! My Mum just arrived for a visit from Germany. I haven't seen Mum in 2 years, [no, not by choice, but because of a pending green card application.] feeling very joyous right now.

Oh and Bärbel, whereabout in Germany are you? I'm from near Karlsruhe, but living in the US right now, actually scratch the "right now" part, I am living here and it seems to be permanent.

Have a pleasant day/week etc.
Evelyn

Hi Everyone,

I just looked at Julie's black and white photo gallery and I love it. Julie, those pictures make me feel like I am there whatever the picture shows - they are magical!

Do you know - the picutre of a palm tree leaf immediately reminded me of Isis Wings as they look like that (pleated) when spread wide.
I can see you all grinning, oh no! she's again on about those Isis Wings! Sorry, it's my favourite topic at the moment, dancing with them make me so etheral, soul and wings nothing more...

Love to you all,

Beata

Beata, Paul and PC friends--

Since I teach Flamenco, I have a few students that are also belly/middle eastern dancers. There are also dancers that drop in to pick up arm movements, fan movements, skirt usage to incorporate in their routines. One of my students just performed in a show and they showcased various styles of belly dance, Egyptian, Tribal, combinations of technique. I can see what Beata means about the Isis wings--very cool to watch. Another is veil work. Their instructor studied alot in Cairo and she has beautiful veil choreography.

One dance in Flamenco that is directly descended from the Arabic is Zambra. It is from the Moors being in Spain for nearly 800 years, although many Flamenco forms encompass Moorish roots.

OK--Flamenco "lesson" over! :)

Melody

Hi,
Melody thanks for backing me up:). I was going to ask you what you teach and now I know. It's great when you can teach something from your heart.

Do you know once I visited ALhambra in Granada, Spain and I realised it would be lovely to see this old Moorish palace at night, when no one is there, and dance in the moonlight a belly dance just for myself and let the imagination loose. The scenery itself is so inspiring it would be a great dream come true. One of many of course, as I have loads of dreams to come true...

Thanks Melody,
Speak to you and everybody at PC soon,

PS I wonder how Paul is, must be really busy, which is great for him as someone has already mentioned.

Beata

While I'm responding more directly to Beata's post, this may be of interest to anyone hoping to travel through Spain, especially Granada and the Alhambra Palace.

Once place to see the Alhambra from is the neighboring hill, the Albaicin. There is a church plaza, Plaza San Nicolas which is directly eye level to the Alhambra Hill and the palace and you get this magnificent view. You will need a map of the neighborhood as the streets are like a little maze going up the hill. The climb is worth it.

At night, seeing the Alhambra lit up (they use blue/green lighting) from this plaza is AWESOME!! Many times you can reserve a flamenco show in Sacromonte (the famous gypsy quarter) and the little tour buses drive over to this plaza after the show.

Here is a website with lovely photos from the area.

http://www.albaicin-granada.com/html/vistas/vistas.php

(Beata, it's really a fantastic thought--I hope it works out for you some day!!)

Melody

Laughter is good for what ails ya. Lookie what I found:

"The Weiner Schnitzel Waltz" by Tom Lehrer

Do you remember the night I held you so tight,
As we danced to the Wiener Schnitzel Waltz?
The music was gay, and the setting was Viennese,
Your hair wore some roses (or perhaps they were peonies),
I was blind to your obvious faults,
As we danced 'cross the scene
To the strains of the Wiener Schnitzel Waltz.

Oh, I drank some champagne from your shoe, la-la-la.
I was drunk by the time I got through, la-la-la.
For I didn't know as I raised that cup,
It had taken two bottles to fill the thing up.

It was I who stepped on your dress, la-la-la.
The skirts all came off, I confess, la-la-la.
Revealing for all of the others to see
Just what it was that endeared you to me...

I remember the night I held you so tight,
As we danced to the Wiener Schnitzel Waltz.
Your lips were like wine (if you'll pardon the simile),
The music was lovely and quite Rudolf Friml'y.
I drank wine, you drank chocolate malts,
And we both turned quite green
To the strains of the Wiener Schnitzel Waltz.

Evelyn, I have a bad habit of "running on fumes" when I visit the friends I was with in NYC. We tend to get little sleep and go non-stop when we're together. That's the problem when one lives in Brooklyln, one in VA and one in PA. So we make the most of every moment when we are together... and heck I can sleep anytime, right? ;o)

As for things in threes... I believe in them being both in sets of good and bad. I'm glad you're able to look back on it with humor now.

And wonderful news that your mom is in for a visit! :o)

I'm still exhausted, and its past my bedtime!

Hi Evelyn,
I live in Geldern. It`s a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia at the frontier to the Netherlands.

Dear PCers,

If you want to see something so wonderful, so spectacular, go to YouTube and find "Love Is In The Air" (Do Filme Vem Dancar Comigo)

It will blow your mind, and certainly is the best music video on YouTube about "Strictly
Ballroom" although "Different" is excellent also.

(There are also other SB music videos posted on YouTube..it is amazing how many young people are entranced with this film after all these years, and have the smarts about the technology to get their work posted on YouTube.)

This "Love Is In The Air" was prepared by unnamed sources close to the production of SB.

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Dear PCers,

If you want to see something so wonderful, so spectacular, go to YouTube and find "Love Is In The Air" (Do Filme Vem Dancar Comigo)

It will blow your mind, and certainly is the best music video on YouTube about "Strictly
Ballroom" although "Different" is excellent also.

(There are also other SB music videos posted on YouTube..it is amazing how many young people are entranced with this film after all these years, and have the smarts about the technology to get their work posted on YouTube.)

This "Love Is In The Air" was prepared by unnamed sources close to the production of SB.

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Grandma Mil--I've seen this before and it's really great how they superimposed "Scott and Fran" with the singer, and the young boys in white doing the choreography that Scott's father and pals do in the dream sequence. I also like when the singer "walks through" Paul and Tara dancing. Really creative and my hat off to the person that engineered it.

SB fans should take a peak at the other You Tube videos with Paul and Tara (Scott and Fran). It's worth it! :)

Esther, the Wiener Schnitzel lyrics are a hoot--thanks for posting.

We have some nice weather this weekend in Chicago. I hope it's this nice for next weekend. My brother and family will host an outdoor party for my niece's graduation from 8th grade.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Melody

Melody, I believe that the musical video "Love Is
In The Air" was originally filmed as the promotional for "Strictly Ballroom" when it first
was released.

It was the creation of director Baz Luhrmann and screenwriter, Craig Pearce, who did the fantastic
editing.

I especially loved those scenes where everyone is dressed in white, and all those little kids were jumping around with Scott and Fran!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Grandma Mil--I agree with you--it's really sweet the way the little kids jump around with Scott and Fran at the end. It's done very well.

Here's an update on my aunt--I saw her yesterday and she leaves the hospital today to continue her recovery and physical therapy at my cousin's home.

She was able to celebrate her 88th birthday last Wednesday and the hospital staff brought in two cakes to celebrate with her and the family.

Thank you Paul and everyone at PC for your thoughts and prayers.

Melody

Melody, I'm so glad about your aunt. I hope her recovery is smooth and swift!!

I went to You Tube and watched "Love is in the Air". Poor Paul... Not only did he have to hear that song leading into every promotional appearance, he had to hear that song over and over for those parts where singer and dancers were filmed together. I must say Paul was very smooth at 0:40 where he had to drop his arms quickly to let the singer through and them get them up to receive Fran without making the movement to obvious. I missed it the first several times I watched.

And yes, I said SEVERAL times. ;0 I'm on the slowest of slow dial-ups and loading four minutes of video took an hour and a half. I may as well watch it a bunch 'cause I can't load it to view on a whim ;)

Marian--I appreciate your thought! The whole family is wishing the best for her as she is our matriarch of my father's side.

I thought the video was superimposed--that they took footage and shot the singer separately and managed to merge him in--like he was shot against a blue screen and it was spliced together somehow with the original footage Paul and Tara shot.

When SB came out in Chicago, "Love is in the Air" played constantly on the radio and many times I would wake up to it, which I didn't mind as it reminded me of the movie.

I guess I like SB most of all because of the way Scott and Fran stand up for themselves and work hard together to achieve it and all gets their due in the end, including President Fife!!

Tying into Paul's initial post, I guess we could say "We won't dance new steps" (new steps, new steps, new steps, newspaper spinning, spinning, spinning . . . ) to "We dance new steps."

Glad they did! ;)

Melody, great news about your aunt!

Marian, YouTube is an evil addiction for those of us on dial-up. I know. BUT a friend sent me a URL where you can convert YouTube files to AVI files and save them on your computer. Its been quite helpful to me since I'm currently addicted to a French Candian singer who has tons of videos on YouTube. If anyone is curious the url is www.vixy.net and its free. :o)

My life is going pretty good, and I'm trying not to complain. :o) I hope all is well with everyone else.

I agree with Melody that when I hear "Love is in the air" it brings me good thoughts of SB.

much love to everyone,

Julie

I agree. The song just brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it. Last season of DWTS one of the couples danced to it and it was so fun!

I seemed to recall Paul saying he hated that last scene in SB and how everyone crowded and bumped into them as they were trying to get that little sweet kiss into the close of the movie. hahahahahahaha

neeener neener neener Paul!

Yah, Mary, it's quite a feat to have lips locked
with eyes closed and feet moving while people are
bumping into you...I think I'll try it with Ellie
one day soon, but not too soon!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Go Grandma! I'm sure if anyone could pull it off it would be you and Ellie! I'm picturing it now. You guys seem so darn cute and I love the way you are living your lives to the fullest. You are always such an inspiration!

These days I find myself being closed in upon by sadness and bad news. It seems a black cloud has decided to park itself over mine and people close to mine's lives. What is that about?

Gosh, I love being surprised into a moment of innocent joy by people like you! I bet you didn't know your short entry would accomplish this, did you?

Love to you all.

Dear Mary,

Like the old saying goes, we have to try to keep our heads when those around us are losing theirs...

My husband's philosopy is the old cliche, "One day at a time" and here we are, retired for 14 years already, with our ups and downs in a retirement community where we have found our niche, where sadness and happiness occur daily, and then suddenly, something remarkable
and fantastic occurs,(but that is a story for later!)

My doctor told me the other day to STAY ACTIVE, and that's what we try to do, in spite of ailments
that plague us but not deter us.

I am still doing my monthly video concerts, hosting my monthly movie nights, and am already in the planning stage for "Follies 2009". In February we presented "Follies 2007" with a flourish... how's that for optimism?

The other night a member of my audience said he liked the Japanese movie that I recently showed,
("Shall We Dance") better than "Strictly Ballroom" which I have shown at least once a year since 2001.

I told him nicely, between clenched teeth, that he had the right to his opinion, but the next time he comes to see my movies he will have to pay..(all my shows are free...the audience roared with laughter.)

Mary, best wishes, shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Dear Sweet Millie,

I love your optimism, that's for sure!! I've said it before and I'll say it again...you are an inspiration to me and I'm sure I speak for all of us! The way you bring the joys of theater, music and dance to those around you....what a JOY!

Life is going to do what it's going to do, and we can't stop it. All we can do is what you have shown us. Stay active, bring happiness to those around you and stay positive.

Paul...it may be too late to say this but:

Happy Father's Day!!

I finally watched the youtube Love is in the Air clip. (twice)

I still have butterfies in my stomach!! I may have to watch the movie again today...it's been a while. :)

Melody, so glad to hear that your aunt is doing well. She's lucky to have a family who respects the matriarch! That's awesome and deserved. In our country, we need to pay better honor to our aged. They've paved the roads for us and we stand on their shoulders.

Love you all of you!

Dear Mary,

You are so kind, and yes, eloquent, and I thank you! If I can bring just a little bit of sunshine into the lives of others, I am content!

It helps to be in the right place at the right time. At my age, almost 75, and being in a place
that affords seniors a lifestyle to be enjoyed is indeed a blessing.

Like Melody's aunt, there are people that do all sorts of wonderful things, and still bounce back after some challenges.

In my "Follies 2007" of this past February, I had a singer who could still belt out her 2 numbers
even though she is 89! Ruth and Harry, companions for 20 years, sang a medley duet. She is 90 and he 95! I had dancers in their middle and late 70s,
and some in their 80s. The "babies" were in their
late 60s.

We rehearsed for almost 12 months, and no one complained, for it was a very special time when it finally came to fruition with its glitz and glitter.

I'm working on the next show for 2009, with meeting with cast members in July.

Father's Day in Australia is in September, I just found out, so we have time to send our greetings to Paul. Only in the U.S. and the UK does it fall in June.

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

September! Wow. Well he's a father today and it's our father's day...so he gets an extra. lol

Grandma Mil, thanks so much for offering a stranger some kind words. I have faith that life, with it's ups and downs, is still a beautiful experience. I do tend towards the dark side and I have to fight that. I try to surround myself with people and things that bring me comfort and peace. I love my home, my garden and my 2 cats. lol. That sounds kind of pitiful. I don't have a social life. I don't seem to gravitate to social groups. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I was pretty social, but after moving to Colorado, I ended up with no family here and life became more solitary. I am comfortable by myself, which is lucky, but I guess I am missing out on relationships. I do talk to the family and email almost daily and we are very close.

It seems that after a full week at work with all the politics and stress, I'm ready for ME time. I love my job and the people I work with but this past couple of years, the company I work for has joined the rest of the country in out sourcing and hiring contractors who don't feel the loyalty to the company or our customers and this causes my team to fix many mistakes all day, which is sure not how it was when I signed up almost 10 years ago. So work is not as fulfilling as it could be. I ramble...

Anyway, I guess I'm just going through a phase of life where things aren't progressing as I wish they were. That's why I relate to Paul's entries so well. We all go through these times I guess. I just wish it would pass and life would be carefree again. Do you really think it will?

Gah! I'll shut up now and get back to my idle time. It was over 90 degrees here today so when it began to cool off I went and mowed the front yard. Whew! Good workout.

Have a great evening!

Mary dear, I decided to join you on the Corner...it seems your last post has been exactly that..the last one for over a week!

I am here to loudly applaud and heartedly suggest the new French film "La Vie En Rose" the biography of the famous singer, Edith Piaf. It was just extraordinary, and the young actress (32) who played Piaf and lip synched her biggest songs, was just fantastic!

Her name is Marion Cotillard, and she should get the Oscar! In real life she is just gorgeous, but in the film all sorts of things were done to her to make her shorter and less glamorous, like Piaf was.

I was told that all the actors had to wear
lifts in their shoes, and the furniture had to be made larger to make Marion look waif-like, which was what Piaf was. (I was told this by someone in
Australia who saw it at the Sydney Film Festival.)

Piaf's career and life was a bit like Judy Garland's, but more pathetic, for Piaf was an abandoned child, and lived for awhile in a brothel
with her grandmother.

I have already ordered one of Piaf's many musical CDs, and there is so much, it was hard to choose! I also ordered the DVD of her life which I can show on my monthly movie night.

If you go to IMBD.com and type in "La Vie En Rose"
ala "Mome" you can read all about it, and even see
pictures of Marion Cotillard, or Google "Edith Piaf" and read all about her!

We saw the movie Sunday afternoon. At the end the
audience applauded loudly...I haven't witnessed that since "Strictly Ballroom" days!!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Oops, it should be typed: IMDB.com

I was having a senior moment...so, what else is new?

Grandma Mil

Hi Granda Mil!

You know? I just recently heard of this movie myself. I will definitely look into it. Thanks for letting me know about it. I think I share your taste! :)

Today is day 2 of my 3 day weekend. It's 98 degrees here in the Denver area today. So, kind of an indoor day for sure, although I need to do yard work. Tomorrow will be cooler so it's going to have to wait.

My poor vet had to have an appt with a human today. Me! I needed to discuss illness and treatment options for one of my 13 yr old cats. I have two beautiful boys that are brothers and I've had since they were weaned from their mother. Now they're both aging and are on thyroid meds. Aspen just recently in the last couple of weeks started getting really skinny. I didn't want to bring him in if he wasn't suffering and if it would mean a ton of tests and expensive treatments. I also didn't know how long I could wait and not do anything...so I had a dilema. The doc went over everything and I'll bring Aspen in for his annual physical asap and we'll go from there. Wish us luck with our aging processes! He's still beautiful and cleaning himself and I feed him something every couple of hours when I'm home. I think he has bad teeth and it could be that.. ah the joys of aging, eh?

Thanks for thinking about me Mil! I hope you are well, happy and healthy! I just love hearing all you've got to say.

Hi Granda Mil!

You know? I just recently heard of this movie myself. I will definitely look into it. Thanks for letting me know about it. I think I share your taste! :)

Today is day 2 of my 3 day weekend. It's 98 degrees here in the Denver area today. So, kind of an indoor day for sure, although I need to do yard work. Tomorrow will be cooler so it's going to have to wait.

My poor vet had to have an appt with a human today. Me! I needed to discuss illness and treatment options for one of my 13 yr old cats. I have two beautiful boys that are brothers and I've had since they were weaned from their mother. Now they're both aging and are on thyroid meds. Aspen just recently in the last couple of weeks started getting really skinny. I didn't want to bring him in if he wasn't suffering and if it would mean a ton of tests and expensive treatments. I also didn't know how long I could wait and not do anything...so I had a dilema. The doc went over everything and I'll bring Aspen in for his annual physical asap and we'll go from there. Wish us luck with our aging processes! He's still beautiful and cleaning himself and I feed him something every couple of hours when I'm home. I think he has bad teeth and it could be that.. ah the joys of aging, eh?

Thanks for thinking about me Mil! I hope you are well, happy and healthy! I just love hearing all you've got to say.

Hello to everyone in Paul's Corner and have a great week!

Sorry about that second post. I thought I "stopped" it before it went out. I forgot to say hello to the rest of the Corner! :)