Paul's Corner

Congratulations Paul and Andrea... 20 years is an achievement indeed. We have our 18th wedding anniversary next year. Time flies for everyone. Well done on your new show! I can't wait to see it. It's ironic Paul how some people assume those in the 'spotlight' whether previous or past must be very wealthy. Not many understand that jobs are far and few between, as you have highlighted and money doesn't fall from the sky.. Taking this opportunity to wish you, Andrea, your family and all those who visit the corner a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful, happy and healthy 2008!...

Dear Paul,

What fabulous news! "This could be the start of something big" as the old song says!

Cooking shows are so popular in the U.S., and I am sure that you will also be a huge success in Australia, with your skill in the cullinary arts and your name recognition.

"Amazing how time flies when one is having a good time"... as seniors we use those words sometimes in jest, but you and your beautiful family have weathered the good and the bad, and now, for the holiday season and the new year a new exciting time is a'comin'! Love you, the best to you and Andrea and your beautiful daughters!

Ellie and I wish all our PC friends the very best, and for those facing challenges, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

By the way, I have been hinting about something extraordinary in our own lives here in Florida.

It is an announcement due soon, maybe early in the New Year. I have been sworn to secrecy, but I
have been bursting with anticipation for nearly a year!

Shalom and love,

Grandma

Congratulations Paul on the new show (wish I could watch it!)
And belated, but definitely most heartfelt congratulations to you and Andrea on 20 years of being married and still in love, fantastic!!!

Choosing happiness, yes, but not necessarily easy at times, esp. when surrounded by sadness, but it's usually the one thing that allows us to pull out of sadness and crisis.

Hello Everyone,

What a positive way to start out a new stream of communication here!

Paul, you are just so awesome. I too wish we in the U.S. could see your new show. Congrats! Is there anyway they will be available to us? CD's, Youtube?

I'm so happy for you and your family. To have stayed together through the thick and the thin. That's what it's truly all about, isn't it?

Grandma, I can't wait to hear the news you have to share with us! I'm hoping and praying that this too is something that all of us may be able to see? Can't wait!

Paul, choice is what it IS really all about. Choosing life, choosing love, choosing positive against negative, choosing joy instead of sadness. Choosing to stay in the present, rather, than the future or the past. Choosing to look towards the future, rather than the past. Choosing to be proud of achieving goals, rather than focusing on our failures. So very many choices are available to us in our lives, if we only choose to see them.

Love you all!

That's really great, Paul--20 years for you and Andrea, and a new food show, too! Your daughters are doing well and lots of love shared by all of you--great place to end the year!

Bravo!

Grandma Mil, looking forward to your announcement!

Wishing all of you a great week as we get closer to year end!

Hi Paul! What channel will pass the Mercurio `s Menu? I am in Brazil and I would watch here.Do you going to do some DVD on Mercurio's Menu? Happy Birthday, marriage and wish Merry Christmas, a new year full of celebration in his family, many health and money. Much success! I wish also to all involved that page a happy feast of Christmas and New Year! Kisses

Hi Paul

Hope you're okay!

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Love Clair. X

P.S. Click on my name to see a special greeting!

Congratulations on the new food show. That's very cool......I'm glad for you.

tracie

MaryS very well put indeed!! Thankyou for reminding me re "if we only choose to see them"

Choosing to see the alternatives, the opportunities, the possibilities, choosing to see the myriad of choices we in fact have at our fingertips at anyone time opens up my whole world in a very happy way.

Thanks Clair for the xmas card!

Hi everyone

Wishing you all a great and relaxing Christmas and a 2008 full of joy and challenges.

Paul, thanks again for your luminous and illuninating comments. Can't wait to watch the new show.

Best wishes
Michele

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Sorry I was absent for so long. Computer troubles are so common for me (they have minds of their own and they hate me... really).

Loved the discussion for the last topic, love it for this one also. Thanks, everyone, for making me ponder.

Tagging onto Marian's comments, have to admit that Paul certainly gets us thinking. I really enjoy everyone's comments as we "think" away.

Too bad Mercurio's Menu won't make the States, at least at this time.

Let's hope Paul gets into syndication with this one! I'm quite certain he'd be very successful on WTTW (our PBS) in Chicago.

Looking forward to your new show. Our local station will very likely broadcast your show if it goes into syndication (OPB) Oregon. Will the older series be available for distribution?

Best wishes to you and your family. May you and your family continue to be well and that you continue to find joy in your work. Twenty years becomes a blink in time if you are fully engaged in life and surrounded by loved ones. Happy 20th, Paul and Andrea!!!

P.S. Our public radio station is good at honing in on good shows that the other networks miss. That is why I think it will be a hit here in OR, just as Melody has said it would be in Chicago. The Food Network is also a good way to broadcast it--the older series has not been shown in the US. From the clips I saw looks like a great show with you travelling the areas to know the place and the food and the people who grow, gather, prepare and then eat the food.

Thanks Paul,

Let us not forget the topic of your last post though. Talk is cheap. It's one of the most difficult things to chose the high road. We just have to keep trying!

I think we'll all get there. This group is just a dynamic bunch of people.

It's all because of you that we've all found each other. :)

Hi Paul

Just thought I would let you know I have just watched "The Finder" and really enjoyed it. I love Australian films - there should be heaps more.

Also watched "Razzle Dazzle" a few weeks ago and thought it was wonderful. My kids and I laughed because even in the same Qld town we live in, we know quite a few mothers who closely resemble the character played by Kerry Armstrong.

I think you're a great dramatic actor - and pretty good at playing yourself too.

Hope you're enjoying a stress free lead up to Xmas

Regards Michele L

Hey PCs (especially those in the States)--

any news on "Razzle Dazzle" hitting our US movie horizon?

Congrats on the show Paul, I wish you many years of continued success. Hopefully there will be a few links posted so us US fans can get a glimpse of the new show. I still have yet to figure out how to get Aussie TV in the states. No cable or Dish operator’s anywhere offer Aussie TV as an option. You think they would with so many Aussie stars hitting it big in the states. I know how you feel about your oldest graduating, my oldest, Clay is a senior and is mulling over which college to go to as he has gotten accepted to every one he applied at. He will be 18 in August and it just doesn’t seem possible. Seems like yesterday Clay saw the photo of your girls in the swimming pool that you posted and he asked me to ask you for her number! Haha. Seems like yesterday.

Well, Mom moved out to my Aunt & Uncles house. My aunt thought it would be better for her since my aunt is home alone all day bored and she really wants to care for mom and take her to her chemo appointments and if she lives with her I don’t have to miss any time off of my new job. Also, it is very quiet and she won’t have to endure 4 dogs, 1 cat and 6 puppies not to mention 2 teenagers and all of their friends. I never realized how crazy my life was till I tried to keep it quiet for my mom so she could rest.

I can’t believe Christmas is here already. Thankfully my husband did all the shopping this year, I get to just sit back and watch the kids open them.

Mil, could a new grandchild be in the future? Is that the big announcement?

Paul, just remember, there is a greater reward for kindness and giving onto others than any amount of money could ever match. I truly believe in karma and I truly believe that you will be rewarded on the day you go home to your heavenly father, or the universe, as you say. Either way, you will have led one heck of a journey. One I doubt you will have regretted.

Love to all
Kelly

Paul Sorry to use your website, but I've been trying to contact you to let you guys know we're in Melbourne! It seems your numbers are no longer valid and I don't have the new home no.....
please call ( My number is the same) so we can organise a long overdue catch up...
Dan has her first show back on Priscilla tonight...
love to the fam
Scott

Dear Kelly,

No, my "big announcement" is not a new grandchild!

Actually, our 3 daughters are out of the baby business a long time, and the one in Israel is a grandmother of 10, and still counting.

Ellie and I are the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

My announcement, however, will be soon...maybe early in the New Year which will soon be here.

Kelly, hard to believe that Clay is 18! Tell your mother we think of her, and we send our best wishes.

Ellie and I wish all of our PC friends a Merry Christmas and a happy and HEALTHY New Year!

Shalom (peace) and love,

Grandma Mil

Hi Melody

Palace Films who distribute "Razzle Dazzle"on DVD have released it in a Region 0 Pal format. Does this mean you can watch it on DVD in the States (excuse my ignorance)?

Regards Michele L

Thanks, Michele. I could watch it on my computer. It's so ridiculous that in this day and age we can't have global video! Between the DVD regions and NTSC/PAL formats, it certainly makes it difficult for us to share!

Granda Mil, recalling part of a psalm we read at church during marriage ceremonies "may you see your children's children . . . " You and Ellie are certainly very blessed! Congratulations.

Kelly, you're certainly right about how our lives can get very active and we're not aware of it until something happens and we "try" to keep on going with the same pace and realize we can't. All the best to your mom and aunt.

My nephew will be graduating high school next June. My brother and sis-in-law have been going with him to check out colleges. Still not sure where he'll attend. Harder still to accept it's been 18 years already. I recall standing as Godmother at church for his baptism and he was only a few months old.

Lastly, we finished staging our Caracoles dance for next year's concert. I was really happy for my students, but also that the dance will be a nice tribute to one of my masters who's been gone for 15 years, Maria Alba. She was the first US born (non-Hispanic) dancer to make it big in the Spanish Dance world. She did well as a Broadway gypsy (was a dance captain under Jerome Robbins for the King and I), and then saw Carmen Amaya on tour. Maria then studied under well known flamenca Maraquita Flores (she's in many films of the 1940s dancing on tables in Spanish scenes). Anyway, I couldn't help but feel really happy for my students being a part of Maria's legacy last night.

Take care all!

Dearest Paul and PCers:

I just got clearance from Australia to finally tell you my big "announcement".

I was sworn to secrecy, for months, by none other than Tara Morice.

It seems she and I had been corresponding since 2001, all the time by regular mail through her
talent agency, Shanahan. I gave her my email and home address.

On the night of 9/11, I showed "Strictly Ballroom" as part of my monthly movie night. I picked that date by random, for SB had to be advertised in advance in our village magazine.

Ellie and I were sure no one would show up, but
the audience came into the auditorium very upset
and very quiet. I started the film with no comment. Every seat was taken.

At the finale, with the paso doble and "Love Is In
the Air" the audience was smiling and applauding with glee when the red curtain fell, and then practically danced out of the auditorium.

The next day I wrote my first ever fan letter to Tara Morice, describing that evening, and she answered in her own handwriting. She wrote that she was very touched.

For 6 years I corresponded with her, explaining all the activities that Ellie and I are involved in here in our retirement village of 9,000 people
in Florida.

I also sent her video tapes of my monthly video
concerts, which I edit, taking scenes from the
old movies, ballet opera, documentary, etc., and also tapes of my "Follies".

On May 2nd, 2006, I got an email from her, and almost fainted from the shock! She had a proposal for me, but only if I would accept it.

She wanted to come to our village, with a production crew of cameraman, soundman, producer and director, and do a documentary on my life with Ellie and all of our activities that we do
in retirement. She said that she was inspired by
my descriptions of our life here, and she thought
it would inspire others, old and young.

Of course, I gave a resounding "YES" and in a matter of months, she had the funding and on February 6th, 2007, she arrived at Miami
International Airport and we met her and her 11 year old daughter, Ondine, for the first time; I didn't want to let go of her during our bear hugs! The film crew filmed that scene, and it appears in the documentary.

The Aussies spent 2 weeks interviewing and filming our family, our peers, people in the Follies and the Follies audiences, and in our home, with interviews about our life. Even our two daughters came from N.Y. for the event and were also interviewed.

Michael the cameraman shot 28 hours of film but
the finished documentary has been edited to 52 minutes. Tara worked as the final producer and director all these months, and just told me this
a.m. that it was okay to talk about it.

The SBS Television Network of Australia will show it, for they loved it!

The name of the documentary is "My Biggest Fan", the "My" being Tara, and the "Biggest Fan" me.

Tara hopes to have the world premiere right here in our village, perhaps in April, as she will return with the finished product! We will roll out the red carpet!

Tara also hopes that various film festivals will show it, including the Sydney Film Festival, and others, including one in Cannes and in New York.

Meeting Tara and being with her day by day in
interviews was such a thrill, it ranks with our wedding, the birth of our children, etc., as highights of our life! Scenes from our wedding, back in 1953, will be included, for I sent her the scenes, and also scenes of my many lipsyncing acts over the years!

Tara is so beautiful, a loving young woman (43) a
wonderful mother, and now, a documentary maker. I speak to her at least once a month, but mainly we email, for I supplied her with pictures, etc., and she kept me informed about her progress over these long months. (I offered to adopt her and Ondine..always room for more, especially from Australia, with a SB past!)

There were many up and downs, and delays and uncertainties, but she persevered with great determination, just like "Fran."

I am hoping that Cat will be putting up some
pictures of Tara's visit here on PC. I think "My Biggest Fan" will be on Youtube also in the near future.

Who wants to come to Coconut Creek FL, perhaps in
April, for the premiere? Not impossible, for 9 PCers came here to have the first SB Convention in 2005!

Again, dear people, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. It seems Ellie and I already received our very special gift to last a lifetime!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil (Mildred Levine)

Finally, the big moment has arrived, Grandma (and it's nice not to be sworn to secrecy any more!!! :-)))))))))) and I'm VERY happy for you and that the project came/is coming to fruition.
If I can, I will make it in April, but I'm tied to the academic schedule (can you make it a weekend? PLEASE!!!!)
Very excited for everyone who was involved in the project and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Ps.: I was very amused by the suggestion that your big news was a new grandchild knowing what this was all about. Must confess, I had a pretty good chuckle about that.

Dearest Grandma Mil and Ellie,

What a fabulous thrill! I can't wait to see the film. If there is anyway that I can attend the event in the spring, I would love to do that! Mostly to meet you two awesome dolls!

Paul, I'd like to ask you....how does it really feel to have such a devoted fan?

I think it's so amazing.

Grandma, what an accomplishment. I can't imagine how if feels for you to have such joy in knowing that this really happened.

Thanks to Tara also!

Can't wait to see pics and hopefully something on youtube.

Grandma Mil-

This is so incredible--WHAT a wonderful story and WHAT a dream come true!

Please keep us posted and once the date is confirmed, I'll check flights. I would love to see this unfold for you!! :)

(Maybe Paul can come--have Tara and Paul/Fran and Scott together for this--too fantastic!)

Wow--what a happy ending! Grandma Mil, Ole!!!!

Hi Grandma Mil

Congratulations from North Qld, Australia!

It sounds really exciting and really lovely.

Will be waiting until it appears here on SBS with bated breath

Have a wonderful Christmas

Best wishes
Michele L

PS Your documentary is listed on the Film Finance Corporation Australia website for 2008 so you are now officially official.

How great is that!

Michele L

Thanks Michele L for the news update! here is the website URL http://www.ffc.gov.au/news/archive/ffc_int_fund_0712.asp you have to scroll down to the "Documentaries - Domestic Door" category.
am still super happy for you all. Doing the happy dance on my couch with kittie Freyja who is giving me the 'what the heck ...? LET ME GO!! oh you want to snuggle, fine!' look :)

Dearest Michele, thank you for alerting me to the
Film Finance Corporation web site, and to dear Evelyn for providing the path!

I am so thrilled to see Tara mentioned as producer/director/writer and Michael Cordell as executive producer. Tara was the narrator of his
documentary on the Australian Olympic swimming star, Annette Kellerman, called "The Original Mermaid". MGM made a colossal film about Kellerman, starring Esther Williams in the 1950s.

"Break out the Bollanger, sweet chops" (Barry Fife)for Tara! She had a long and difficult road to get to this place. That story could be another documentary, "The Making of "My Biggest Fan"!

Melody, start saving up for a trip to the premiere
in south Florida, Ole!

The SB Convention that we had here in 2005 started that way with one person, than another, wishing to attend. 9 fans of Paul from PC attended, one from Ireland, 2 from the Netherlands, and the rest from all over the U.S.

Marvelous friendships were forged that continue today.

MaryS, yes, it is all amazing, and almost surreal
that something like this could happen to Ellie and me at this stage of our lives...that only proves that as long as we keep breathing anything is possible!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Grandma Mil--

I'll be saving--I thought about it yesterday evening as I was doing laundry and just smiled. This is so wonderful for you and what a nice surprise for us on PC!

When I first saw SB, I almost didn't thinking it was "just" a ballroom picture until a fellow dancer told me about the flamenco. As I've shared before, I enjoyed it so much I snuck back into the theatre to watch it again. Then I hooked other flamencos on to the film, and I still tell my beginners to watch for grandma's lesson on "'where do you feel the rhythm?"

But I mostly felt empathy for Fran/Tara--how many of us have been in this position and had to stand up to and for it? Scott and Fran win more than the Pan Pacifics!

So with Pat Thomson voice saying in my ear--it is your year, it is your year, it is your year, Grandma Mil!!! :)

Melody

Thank you for sharing the news Grandma Mil! I remember Fran in the movie when she presents the idea to Scott. "I have this idea..."

It is interesting how people from all over the world have turned to what is beautiful and human when something so horrendous and inhumane happens as 9/11. The first entry in this blog was made by Paul on 9/11... The first response came from a blogger who survived 9/11. It is interesting that the community in Florida found comfort and sanity in watching Scott and Fran in SB on the evening of 9/11. As in the movie, Scott says. "It is all pretend", but that artistic rendering of life and dance is what sustains people as they live through the real actual events of life.

I really enjoy watching the dance in SB--but note no one really dances as Scot and Fran did. In a ballroom class that I once joined, it was all dance steps and technique. Fran and Scott dancing brought it to the level of art vs just a sport.

Would be interested in more info re the FL PC Conference.

Hi everyone

Well, just an hour or so to the start of Xmas Eve here in North Qld and in the 40 degree heat (measured in C, not F), the turkey is not the only thing roasting!

Hope you all have a great Christmas and to reiterate what Grandma Mil said ..."as long as we keep breathing, anything is possible."

Paul, cheers and thanks for another fantastic year. I don't drink anymore, so enjoy something wonderfully alcoholic for me (I seem to remember that Malibu was fairly nice)

Merry Christmas everyone. Looking forward to a terrific 2008, full of continuing wisdom, insights and sharing.

Regards Michele L

With Michele telling us how warm it is, it reminds me of one Christmas here in Chicago where it reached 70+ (F) and by the end of the afternoon, our grass was showing some green! It was about 25 years ago and hasn't happened since.

Wishing Paul, Andrea and girls, and Cat and fellow PCs a wonderful Christmas and New Years.

And my thanks again to Paul and Cat for PC and the chance to meet and share with all of you!

Merry Christmas Paul, Andrea and your daughters. Stay cool. Merry Christmas to all the US PCs and Cat, thank you very much!

Pleasure to comment on your site Paul. I grew up watching you perform my Dad was a big fan of your work and my first experiance with your performance's was with my favorite show which inspired my own desire for dance. was "strictly ballroom" I was mesmerized at the age of eight watching you do the pasedoble. and to fallow which I am glad to have bought it on dvd is Joseph another one of my familys favorite shows. I just wanted to say, you may have hard times, but you are A delight and I am glad to say that your charity work means more to the person who needs it then they can ever express. You are a good person, and I know this new year will be brighter.

happy to comment on your site Paul. I grew up watching you perform my Dad was a big fan of your work and my first experiance with your performance's was with my favorite show which inspired my own desire for dance. was "strictly ballroom" I was mesmerized at the age of eight watching you do the pasedoble. and to fallow which I am glad to have bought it on dvd is Joseph another one of my familys favorite shows. I just wanted to say, you may have trials, but you are A delight and I am glad to say that your charity work means more to the person who needs it then they can ever express. You are a good person, and I know this new year will be brighter.

Hi Everyone.. just under a minute till it's Christmas now.. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful, healthy and Happy 2008! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope you all have a cozy place to be with loved ones!

Merry Christmas everyone,

Here in Colorado we've got about 7 and a half hours until Christmas. I'll be going to a "midnight" mass at around 10:30 tonight. So beautiful and somber, yet so joyous at the same time.

I'm spending another year completely alone here in Colorado, but all I can think of is how blessed I am.

Thanks to all of you for helping to make it so!

Merry Christmas to all of you and to you Paul, and your family.

Thank you Cat for a great year here on the corner, although we have another week until we actually say goodbye to this one!

Peace, Love and Joy to all of you wonderful people!

I haven't checked-in for a couple weeks, but I'm still alive. :o)

Grandma Mil, what amazing news. I cannot wait to see the documentary. As I read your news I had tears of joy spilling over my lashes. Just wonderful! If I could be there in April, I would. But alas I will be going back to college and I'm unsure of my schedule for April plus I tentatively have another trip to Montreal planned for April. However, if I can't be with you in body - I'll be with you in spirit!

It is officially Christmas in my part of the US - it has been for 10 minutes now. LOL I'd like to wish everyone here the best during this holiday season for whatever holiday you celebrate. Be safe.

(Mary S, you're not the only alone for Christmas.)

To Mary S and Sarah,

We are all with you in spirit - sending you lots of love and best wishes

Can't wait to talk to you throughout 2008

Regards Michele L

Dear MaryS and Sarah,

I agree with Michele L.

I hope you can feel the vibes of friendship and love, yes, love, that we send you from far
distances, Australia for Michele, and Florida for me!

We are all bound together and maybe some day we shall meet in person, due to Paul and Cat, and yes, Tara.

I just got a phone call from the Netherlands, from dear Monika, who attended the SB Convention in Florida in 2005 when 9 people from PC attended
during my Follies 2005.

I have heard from all nine this season, via mail, email, or phone, and what exceptional young people they are. Evelyn, of course, writes often
on PC, and her messages are always so warm and loving. Julie too, for we see her in person when she can find time from her work.

Yes, we owe it all to Paul and Cat for bringing us together "in the first place" (Fran) and who knows, this coming New Year may bring us together
again. Save your money!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Merry Christmas to you all -- while it is still Christmas in my time zone, though not by much.

It has been just over a year since I joined you all here at PC. Thank you for being who you are, a warm, thought provoking, caring group of people.

Grandma Mil, congratulations on you documentary and the plans for April. I will be with you in spirit.

Now, just in case my computer has another hate-fest on me before next week, Happy New Year to you all!! :)

HI. Grandma Millie you hav done a wonderful thing with your fandom! I hope the film does wild and wonderful things. Tara Morice is a real star in my eyes for answering your enthusiasm with her own.
Merry Christmas everyone!
We had our Annual Yuletide Dinner here in our little town - free and serving to so many people who just need it - about 200 meals were served. So much hard work from all the people of our town make it all possible. That is what is wonderful about small communities. They really rally to meet people's needs.

Now I begin to prepare for school - again! I hope to earn an elusive Master's degree in Art.I LIVE for ceramic sculpture. I have danced, sang, acted, written, been a nurse, taught, and I have found a real passion FINALLY for ceramic sculpture.

Hope everyone enjoys 2008 and that hard work and dedication to becoming the best of ourselves, helps the world become a healthy, happy place for life to thrive...
Happy New Year!
Love, Leslie Van de Ven

Dear Lesley,

Thank you for your lovely remarks!

"My Biggest Fan" is now revealed, and the fun begins in the New Year with film festival entries, etc. and the premiere planned in April here in our retirement village in Florida, where it all began.

I love your attitude toward your interests. Go for it! My motto again...as long as we are breathing, anything is possible!

Happy New Year!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Helo paul, this is an honor that I have finally found your own corner, hope you'd be able to enjoy your days this December. I just wish to know what makes you that person, as I think, you are that humble and quite contented in your life right now. Although I have been an agnostic, I seem to have become inspired also from what I've watched yesterday from Joseph, which you had acted. I really do appreciate the story and your talent as well. Hope you could reply at least. Happy New Year!

How wonderful for you, Millie. Now you are truly immortal and will live on in film forever.

What a legacy to leave behind. We should all be so lucky.

Hi Paul and PCs--

A little off subject, but well known choreographer Michael Kidd (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Guys and Dolls, The Bandwagon) passed away.

Part of the reason I enjoy the above movies is his choreography.

Some reports say he was 88, but his nephew indicates 92.

God rest in dancer heaven. :)

Melody, I have repeated the dance scenes choreographed by Michael Kidd in my monthly video concerts, "The Sights and Sounds of Music".

I am celebrating my 13th year of this program in January, and many times over the years I have repeated those classic dance scenes that you mentioned.

"Dancing In the Dark" (from "Bandwagon") danced by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse is perhaps one of my all time favorites.

When I tell my senior audiences that I may repeat
my favorite movie scenes, a woman called out, "Don't worry, we won't remember anyway!" That brings the house down every time!

Ellie and I wish our friends on PC a very Happy
(and Healthy) New Year!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Grandma Mil, Dancing in the Dark with Cyd Charisse is my most favorite Fred Astaire duets, not to take away from his well-known dance partnership with Ginger Rogers, which I have my favorites, or his other duets with Vera-Ellen (another of my "gotta dance" inspirations while growing up).

(We also have Paul and Tara (Scott and Fran) and they have their impact on me as well. All in good company!)

It's great that you share all this with everyone at your community. You certainly do this with your heart, Grandma Mil. Ole!

On a sad note, I was told one of my cousins passes away on Christmas. He was 70 and lost his battle with cancer. When he married his first wife (who died from leukemia), I was about 5, maybe 6. Hearing the news brought that day back to me.

Then I heard from my brother who had a bad car accident in the morning on his way to work. A guy was driving too fast and couldn't stop and tagged my brother pretty hard from the passenger side. My brother's bruised, but overall all right.

What a day!

Have a great New Years everyone! :)

Dear Melody,

So sorry to learn that your brother was injured, but thankful that he is on the mend!

If I knew his name, Ellie would be glad to include him in the Sabbath prayers at the synagogue; a special prayer is said for people who are ailing. So far, all the prayers that Ellie
has recited turned out to have positive results!

In spite of all the dance partners that Fred Astaire had in his marvelous career, he said his favorite partner was...Rita Hayworth!

They appeared in "You Were Never Lovelier" in the 1940s, and their routine, "I'm Old Fashioned" is a gem...but it still doesn't hold a candle to "Perhaps,Perhaps, Perhaps," or the Pase Doble,
but then I am very biased!

One thing more, Melody. As a dancer, you would love Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell tap to "Begin
the Beguine" from "Broadway Melody of 1940" shown on TCM at times. Frank Sinatra once commented that "we will never see the likes of that again"...and he was right! The music seems like
Artie Shaw's version...Ole, Ole!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Golly gosh what great news Mil!!! See what happens when I dont check in for a while - my mate who I have been waiting to call me cant get in touch and leaves a message, Millie breaks the fantastic news of her and Tara's sojourn into film making and lots of lovely Xmas messages from old and new posters!

Melody sorry to hear about your cousin, I am glad your brother is okay though!

Xmas has been good. Spending time with my wife and children just enjoying being a family. I kind of figure that this could be the last of these types of Xmas's as Elise is 18 now and possibly next Xmas and New Year will have boyfriends around and the girls having their own things to do so I have been a little selfish and just indulged in being with them all.

Grandma Mil I cant believe you kept quiet all this time you must have been bursting at the seams to talk about this magnificant journey - cant wait to see it and yes I am a little jealous Tara has been over to see you. Evelyn kept the secret well too so I guess you guys could talk about it together.

Peace and love to you all.

Hello Everyone!

Thanks so much for all the warm regards! And yes, I do feel so much warmness and yes, love, here on the corner. I have never felt so close with a group of strangers in my life. I surely do not feel like you are strangers any longer. I have felt that you all are some of my dearest friends for some tme now. I can't believe after accidentally catching SB one day, I was lead to this place. What a miracle, really.

Granda, you are just a force to be reckoned with! I wish I could bottle your knowledge and energy.

I made it through Christmas but yesterday I had a minor car accident. The road was icy and I couldn't stop before slamming into the car in front of me. Oh my goodness. It damaged their car more than mine, but the very odd thing is that the person decided to flee the scene and would not let me provide insurance papers, etc. I followed her for over a mile and she would not pull over nor, whould she acknowledge me at all as I tried to wave her over. My family said that only I would be the quilty party and the person run from me! I spoke with my Insurance agent and he said it's now documented and that unless I was injured or needed to have my car repaired, then I do not need to make a claim. So I won't be making a claim. I'm ok so I hope the other person is also. I assumed that the person was illegal in some way and did not want to get caught. Man oh man.

Anyway, I am looking forward to a new year. This one has been a long hall and a challenge, but with the friendship I continue to find here, it's allot easier.

Love to all of you and I truly appreciate all the kind words and to all who were also alone as I was, we made it through, didn't we!

Dear Paul, if you only knew how hard it was not to tell you my "something"!

Tara had sworn me to secrecy, especially with the friends I have in Australia, and this goes back to May 2, 2006, when I got the first ever email from her with her proposal!

I did blab it to my precious Fabulous Nine that attended the SB Convention here in Florida in 2005, and they promised to keep it quiet, too,
Thanks, Evelyn, thanks, Julie!

Cat said she would post some pictures, and that would be fine; so many were taken in the 2 weeks that Tara & Company were here.

Tara told me the other day that the SBS TV Network that will be showing "My Biggest Fan" is also the sales agent, and may enter it in the
Film Festivals around the world.

It's all so surreal sometimes. The administrator
of our community has been touting MBF at meetings.

Everyone loved the Aussies, especially Tara, and what wonderful ambassadors they were of your great country!

The administrator is quite proud that such an event took place here! When Tara returns, the local press will be informed, and maybe the news
will go nationally, and maybe even Oprah will find the story compelling!

There are so many stories of mayhem in the news every day, this would be a refreshing respite!

Tara will get the red carpet treatment when she returns here, maybe in April, for the world premiere. Wish you and Andrea could attend...we could have another SB Convention!

May the New Year bring everyone the blessings of good health, peace, and prosperity!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Hi everyone

MaryS, so so glad you are OK! Please look after yourself and stay well. You are too precious

Grandma Mil, always love reading what you post. It is interesting and inspirational. What a wonderful 2008 you have ahead of you. Full of excitement and adventures. Always love to hear all about it

Paul, it sounds as if you had a lovely Xmas enjoying time with your family. Here's to a wonderful New Year as well!

Love to all
Michele L

Paul, thanks for your good thoughts. He's feeling things a bit more today and is seeing his regular physician for followup this afternoon.

Grandma Mil, my brother's name is Frank (as my father and grandfather)--thank you for your prayers, Ellie's too.

Back to Fred Astaire, I also enjoy his duets with Rita Hayworth. I'm sure you know her father was a well known Spanish dancer, Eduardo Cansino, who came over from Spain with his sister and performed in New York, also contributed many Spanish choreographies for stage and film. (Rita's mother was a Ziegfeld girl.)

My dance director had class notes from a workshop Mr. Cansino did years back and she revived his choreography to Lecuona's "Malaguena" for one of our concerts. Also, Fred and his sister Adele shared the stage in their early years with the Cansinos. It just all entertwines! ;)

Last year I worked with a local soprano for a Lyric production of Carmen. I suggested that she try to find a copy of Rita's "The Loves of Carmen" movie with Glenn Ford as Don Jose. Rita is *fabulous*!! as Carmen and does some genuine Flamenco dance in the film chor'd by her dad. A fun part is when she's talking to Don Jose, responding coyly with castanet rolls.

MaryS, as I read your story, I thought about the other driver possibly being an illegal or unlicensed. I tagged a car once and the guys came out to look at the bumper and when I was ready to exchange information they jumped back into their car and drove off quick! I'm glad it wasn't more serious and that you're all right.

Again, it's really wonderful that SB brought this together, but also that Paul is open to sharing in this way. We are fortunate to have this chance to share and be acquainted through PC.

Happy 2008 Paul, Cat and PCs!

Dearest Kahoona,

I just got back from an evening at Waxy's and dinner at the Sushi place next door and I thought I'd pop in to see if you read Millie's post.

I have always told Millie in the three years that I've known her that she and Ellie (stud muffin) are truly inspiration to me. They're projects with Follies and bringing entertainment and joy into their retirement community is a wonderful thing. They bring smiles to those people sitting in their audience and a new purpose to those performing in their on stage productions.

I believe that Tara also has the same impression of Millie and Ellie as I do. Tara has truly become one of Millie's biggest fans (I don't mind comming in second or third as long as I'm in the top ten somewhere) and bringing Millie onto the big screen was quite a genius idea. The documentary's message will inspire audiences around the world, that anything is possible, and just because you reach a certain age in life doesn't mean that the curtain closes. I sure do hope that I have Millie's and Ellie's adventureous spirit when I'm a great grandmother one day.

Highlighting SB in the documentary about Millie's life is a great Tribute to SB and all its actors. How she is ispired by the movie is a reflection of how many many people all over the globe, including myself, who are inspired by its storyline, artistic dance performance and those actors who made it happen. I think you'll truly be proud of this little lady, who is no doubt very proud and admiring of SB's two leading actors.

And if you do decide to come with Andrea to the premiere in Coconut Creek Florida I will host an after party at Waxy's O' Conner and I'll introduce you to the owner and of course Guy and his friend David (unless they decide to go to the Italian restaurant a few doors down and try to pick up chicks by the bar offering them deserts that they stole off the desert cart telling them its paid for already).

all the best and Happy New Year,

Julie

So much going on here!

Melody I'm sorry to hear of your cousin's passing, but it is good news your brother is ok.

Mary S, you were quite lucky not to be injured in your accident. My first thought was the other driver was uninsured and was worried you would find out (despite the fact that rear-end accidents are 99% of the time the fault of the person doing the bumping). S/he could have been unlicensed or illegal as well. The important thing is that you are ok and your car wasn't damaged. (But speaking as a professional insurance agent, you might want to make sure that your agent didn't put the incident in as a zero paid claim. They do that sometimes even when you decide not to file a claim and it can count against you in the future.)

Paul, its nice to hear you've been enjoying the holidays with your family. Just because the girls are getting older doesn't necessarily mean they won't still want to spend holidays with their family. Heck, I'm 35 and still wish I could be with mine at the holidays. :o)

If I don't make it back by before the 31st... Happy New Year everyone! :o)

Dearest Julie,

What can I say after reading your beautiful message? I guess a heartfelt "thank you" will have to do for now.

I am at a loss for words, which is quite uncommon for one that gets up in front of audiences and wings it most of the time! (We'll hug you when we see you next.)

The New Year starts in Australia with fantastic fireworks in Sydney Harbor at midnight Monday

That will be Monday, 8:00 a.m. EST our time. I have it on good authority that Tara, her beautiful 12 year old daughter, Ondine, and her mother will be watching at Sydney Harbor.

To everyone: May the New Year bring you and yours
good health, happiness. and prosperity so that you may attend the premiere in April of "My Biggest Fan" here in Florida!

Dear Melody, Ellie mentioned Frank's name at the synagogue serves on Saturday. Hope Frank is doing much better!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil