Paul's Corner

Dear Paul,

So, who's happy these days? The world's economy is falling apart, people are out of work, house, and out of luck, and we're all waiting for some miracle to happen with our new President; things may improve..with time.

We must all count our blessings, and pray for good health, for that is the key. My parents did it during the Great Depression, when I was born,
and look at me now...white hair, difficulty walking with arthritis, but the show is going on,
and what a grand one it will be in February.

May I try to inspire you all to keep busy, think good thoughts, and kiss the ones you love hard and often.

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Dear Paul,

Right now, I am watching you in Joseph. It is one of my favortie movies and watching it always makes me happy. You did a wonderful job in this film. Your talent is amazing.

I hope hearing this brightens up your day a little.

Blessing,

Kris from USA

I can relate to that feeling Paul. Not sure what to tell you, other than I am working on finding happiness and peace and joy in the midst of emotionally tough times that doesn't depend on external circumstances, but comes from within me. It's tough and takes practice, but I sense and experience these moments here and there and relish them. Hope you find these blessings as well in your non-happiness.

I am totally blanking on what to say on happiness. I have sought happiness in persons, things, achievements, work but these all come and go and then there is the drive to find happiness again. I did find calmness in knowing that all of the above may give happiness but are fleeting and the unhappiness returns. This is the hardest post ever.

I had a happier day today.

it is interesting if you listen to your thoughts
yesterday when I was out walking all my thoughts went into the negative - I was surrounded by a big dark cloud in fact I was a big dark cloud where no light could shine through.

Today my thoughts are much lighter, I havent delved down in to the negative much at all today.

Strange isnt it???

Hello Paul,
Hope you are feeling better and happier today. Im new to this site and im also a big fan of your work. My all time favourote film is strictly ballroom, It is a brilliant film and if im down or have a bad day, watching it always lightens my mood. All the best Debbie

no, Paul. I don't find that strange at all that one day something seems impossible and dark and after a short time it doesn't. I don't always (actually rarely) understand what shifts the perspective or perception, but I'm sure glad when it does and things seem lighter. Maybe that is called the human condition?

Yes you are...you just don't know it.

We all have expectations. Sometimes they just aren't realistic. That's when we become disillusioned and disappointed. We just need to keep in perspective what truly is important and be a little easier to please. I'm not being a smart ass, I just got tired of being unhappy. I still fight it.

That's a good point MaryS about unrealistic expectations and keeping the perspective on what is truly important. Thanks for that!

Today I found out that the breast cancer, for which a friend had surgery last week, has not spread beyond the initial tumor: it's not in her bones or lymph nodes. It's contained to the tumor, which the doctors removed. She will have a week of radiation, but probably no chemo.

I say this to put things into perspective. Even though her son has been out of a job for months, even though she has gone through this frightening diagnosis and surgery, today she is rejoicing because she has a chance at life again.

So, I agree with MaryS and Grandma Mil. We need to change our viewpoint and count our blessings, large and small. It's good to be able to breathe, and to see another sunrise, and to move. We should think about where those blessings come from, too.

"All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all."

Paul, hang in there.

It's in feeling sad that we can enjoy feeling good. Maybe it's nothing more than perspective.

Becky, good to hear that your friend is winning against cancer.

The year is still new--hoping 2009 shines for all!

Don't get me wrong. I feel let down or complacent allot too. Like I said, I fight it. I'm not one to give advice and I'm no "little Mary sunshine" everyday. But believe me, I'm pretty damn easy to please. :)

I wasn't always like this. When I was a kid I was the queen of pouters. I just wanted to be validated for whatever injustice I felt had been done to me. Nobody ever did acknowledge my unhappiness, which made me feel very unimportant.

I feel the source of many people's unhappiness, if that is how you want to label it, IS the fact that we aren't validated or we don't feel vital and important in our daily lives. Everyone needs this.

I just came to realize that what I need may not ever come from anyone but myself. I don't mean that in a sad way, but when it's all said and done, our happiness cannot come from things, money, importance. It comes from self love and being able to give more than we receive.

ok, that was my big fat two cents on this subject.

Paul, you need allot of hugs in whatever form you can accept them!!

(big hugs!)

Mary I agree with you 100% that true happiness does not come from outside, but from within. It can be very difficult for some people to love themselves, but that is when we do truly become happy.

As most regular PCers know, I lost my dad last year and that set me on my own journey to decide who I am and what makes me tick. The journey isn't over by any means, and it might be awhile before it is. There are days that I just want to stay in bed and ignore the world, but I force myself to get up and do something. Those are usually the days I make myself leave the house. Lately I have more good (read: happy) days than not, so something is working. :o)

Sarah, I am so glad to hear that your journey is leading to eventual ultimate peace with your loss. You will never stop hurting from it, but the pain will not stop you from growing. That's the way to go. That would make your dad happy. I still feel a pain in my heart when I think about my husband who passed away so long ago. He is the father of my two kids and possibly the love of my life. I haven't ever replaced him. I know this is not a good thing. I know that I closed a part of my heart, the part that can trust marital love again. Not because he died, but how the events lead to his death and where we were at in our relationship when he left us. And I say that because I do feel that he left us. I have loved and continue to love, it's just not in that forever after way. So see? I'm not there either. I don't think about this often, but my life took a course that lead me to where I am now. I am not unhappy. I am not lonely. I do love myself, but need to love my self allot more. I must, in some way, feel unworthy or I would not be single for so long. Hey, it's never too late though. I'm not 100% closed to it.

I guess the point I am making is that I know how challenging it can be to love, forgive, move on, and keep your heart open. That's why I do feel for Paul. But at some point it becomes about choices. Like I said, I chose not to be unhappy. But, as you can see, I have a ways to go. I am ok with the journey though. I am more than ok. I am so very grateful!

Becky, (and it's so strange that your name is Becky. This is my sister's name who is currently battling cancer) I am so glad to hear your perspective in sharing your friend's great news! She is so fortunate!

Good things DO happen!!

I asked my Uncle George yesterday who just turned 91, who almost died in WWII, lost an eye when he was 16 trying to open a wine barrel and lost two wives to cancer, what he thought was the secret to living. He said, "Just take one day at a time".

That and something about we're just ants in the universe, I think he's watching too much of the discovery channel.

I was walking the dog this morning and worrying about so many things in my life, but I think anticipation and assumptions control me way too much. Therefore I think I'll take it one day at a time and not go ahead of myself.

all the best,

Julie

Dear Paul,
I found this and I am sure it will make you happy guaranteed.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/maddies_abb/Kids/00172846.jpg

Julie, your uncle has the right idea. Well regarding the one day at at time, I'm not sure about the ants in the universe. LOL

I'm happy because today we had our first real snow of Winter. Little things make me smile. Especially when I'm not traveling in it. LOL

Sarah--

We already have had our share of snow for winter and there's two more months ahead!

Must admit, it always looks pretty, especially in the evening in the street light glow. Trees especially.

Now, Chicago rush hour during snow is another matter!

Julie, your uncle is very much like my Aunt Helen. She will be 90 this year, and definitely takes it a day at a time. (She'd get a kick out of the ant comment.)

Reposting this great pic of Paul and his girls:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u295/maddies_abb/Kids/00172846.jpg

Melody, right now my best friend in NY is cursing snow. She took a tumble in it this morning not 15 feet from the door to her work. She ended up soaked through from the slush, and she banged up her arm and knee a bit. So she ended up home for the day. I don't want to think about rush hour in Chicago or any major metropolitan area during snow! Eeek!

Liz--I can't get the link to work. It mentions "upgrading to Pro"--maybe it's subscriber only?

I'm having a similar issue with the link. :(

I had the picture as a link but it must have a limit and the link shuts off; sent to Cat as an attachment, hopefully it gets posted. It is a great picture!

Here ya go:

http://www.paulmercurio.net/graphics/mercuriofam2009.jpg

It is a gorgeous pic! Thanks Liz!

Wow, that really is a nice photo.

Liz, you may want to try using www.imageshack.us for hosting photos - especially ones that you are posting as links. I have an account with them, Photobucket and Flickr, but when I'm posting to forums and such most of the time now I use my Imageshack account.

wow, that is a GREAT picture and the girls have really grown up into lovely young ladies!!! But then the parents look fantastic too!!!

What a lovely family you have there Paul, wishing you all the best!

Yes one day at a time.

Read an article about Eckhart Tolle and some of his thought s and ideas and it certainly rang a bell for me. The whole idea of one day at a time is all about living in the moment and not in the past or the future. I have been quietly listening to my thoughts - I often do - but for the last few days I have listened to them and then let them go. Most if not all are just trash! They are about the past and unfortuneately the bits of the past that make me unhappy, angry, frustrated, down, make me feel distrustful, unworthy etc They are also about the future, about the lack of hope, the unclimbable mountains, the lack of support, the loneliness, the financial hardship etc Whilst I listened to my thoughts they ran off in all directions and quite frankly I was surprised and aghast at where they went , how fast they went there and about how overwhelmingly negative all of them where.

WOW What the hell am I doing, why am I indulging in the past and future in such a shocking and unproductive way? From where I sit at this very moment things are great. I am not unhappy, I am not lacking anything, I am fulfilled, happy and full of hope so why have I allowed these thoughts to run rampant??????????

HABIT

I have got in the habit of worrying about the past and the future, I have allowed myself the indulgence of what ifs and in doing so I have fed my frustrations and guilts of the past and fears of the future so much so that my thoughts themselves have become the problem. They have become the driving force and they have been shaping my 'now' or I should say distorting my 'now'.

NOT ANY MORE

Once I realised what I was doing, what I was allowing I simply stopped it. If a thought runs off on a what if yesterday or tomorrow I catch it thank it for its concern and throw it away. And it occurs to me if you truly live one day at a time, if you can truly root yourself in the now then you are in a place where those thoughts cannot exist.

And for those times that I slip back into the past or into the concerns of tomorrow I now chose to do so with positivity and affirmation and I also chose not to linger there for there is no oxyegen in either place that can support or sustain me nor help me to grow. Only in the now can I do that.

Eckhart Tolle's writings are really powerful--very simple; once you grasp it it is really profoundly amazing and the problems of the mind being stuck in the past or looking into the future just vanish. I agree with you it rings true.

Paul you just described what it is like to arrive at that state where you are one with life as Tolle has pointed too. The part where you catch your mind lost in the past or seeking the future is the key moment. His writings reach those who are prepared for it.

I have been reading his works and it is so far a seamless work on living in the moment--which is the only moment there is--also it sounds crazy and true at the same time; More joy for you.

First, thanks Cat, for reposting the link to that lovely photo. What a great family shot! Paul, your daughters are lovely. And I agree, great parents to start with.

I'm giving this a shot, and I'm sure I'm misquoting it--

The yesterday is in the past, tomorrow is in the future--now is truly "the present".

Paul said it well about not having any oxygen to breathe in the past and future. It's like we drain energy from the present to give those perspectives life, when we really need it now.

Being in the moment, really is the best present--a tribute to our past and the road to the future.

Great weekend, guys!

Hi Paul and others,

I'm a "sometimes" reader in this corner and today when I read your last entry Paul I was delighted to see that you have found Eckhart Tolle, or visa versa!

Was just wondering if you have come across the writings of Jon Kabat-Zinn. I find his books thought provoking, practical, enlightening and challenging. He writes, among other things, of "Mindfulness" and meditation, awareness and living in the moment.

I believe similar philosophies are explored by both authors, but I find Kabat-Zinn's teachings resonate more comfortably with me although having said that I must add that I have started but not completed Tolle's "The Power of Now" so perhaps I shall keep an open mind.

Some of Kabat-Zinn's works include "Wherever You Go There You Are"; "Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body" and "Coming To Our Senses".
Don't know if his books are available in "all good" book stores but they are stocked at The Theosophical Bookshop Level 2, 126 Russell St Melbourne. I love this shop and have spent many an hour just "mooching".

A tiny excerpt from "Wherever You Go There You Are":
"The next time you feel a sense of dissatisfaction, of something being missing or not quite right, turn inward just as an experiment. See if you can capture the energy of that very moment. Instead of picking up a magazine, or going to the movies, calling a friend or looking for something to eat or acting up in one way or another, make a place for yourself. Sit down and enter into your breathing, if only for a few minutes. Don't look for anything - neither flowers nor light nor a beautiful view. Don't extol the virtues of anything or condemn the inadequacy of anything. Don't even think to myself, "I am going inward now." Just sit. Reside at the center of the world. Let things be as they are."

Just wanted to share!

PS Thank you Cat for posting the picture; thanks you for solving the link problem; realy beautiful family.

Just to add, I took me a long time to grasp the not knowing part of was Tolle was saying. It was quite a paradox--that now is all there is and everything is contained in it. Not that I have now become wise, I get carried away by my mind from time to time (still often) but am working on the practice of noticing it when it starts to do that

Jules I have read on Zinn; thank you for sharing--although both authors talk of the same thing, I found Tolle's approach simpler in how he explained it by not explaining it more. I am starting to sound lost as I am not a writer. Thanks.

Rereading what you said Paul about the now and I notice that you catch your thoughts that bring you to the worries of the future or rerun stories of the past and you catch it AND THANK IT for its concern and let it go. That must be a powerful way to dissolve the past and future and stay in the now. As you had said WOW of the NOW.

Thank you Paul for sharing your thoughts, perfect timing! Yesterday, I again hit that point when I was just so frustrated with being frustrated, sad, upset, angry and being consumed by negative thoughts and worries. I've always acknowledged them, but haven't been finding a way to send them on their merry way. Yesterday, while meditating, I came across a bible passage (no not going religious on you) where Jesus sleeps in the boat while he and his desciples cross the sea. They are afraid of drowning, he sleeps peacefully in the boat. When they wake him in their fear, he speaks to the storm with great authority "Peace, be still" Found that quite interesting a) that it is possible to be that calm and restful in the middle of life's storms and not to worry and b) the authority to silence the storms around us to be peaceful, that we do have that authority in us as well to apply to our lives. c) This word "peace" really struck me, because I didn't remember that from sunday school classes back in Germany, so I consulted the german translation of the bible and the words there were different, more or less along the lines "Shut up!, be still" (wonder what that says about cultural difference :)) although I think the shut up command can come in handy when the negative voices are filling my being, but I find the command "Peace" goes much further to not only silence them but to give peace to these thoughts as well, not just my present situation.

Evelyn, I completely understand the seriousness of your post but I must admit the thought of Jesus saying "shut up" has me in giggles. :o) I'm so glad that you finding a way to cope with your situation to help silence your thoughts.

Several of my friends meditate, and I used to do a simple form of "meditation" every once in awhile some years back. Perhaps it's time I try that again... especially right now when I waiting eagerly to find out if I'll be making a whirlwind trip to Montreal this week.

Sarah, I've always believed that Jesus had a much greater sense of humor than Church practices/beliefs have given him credit for. Giggle away!!!

Sarah/Evelyn--

Considering all the apostle whining in the New Testament, it wouldn't surprise me Christ saying "Shut up!"

That certainly gave me a grin this morning.

We missed the snow in Chicago--I'm afraid Indiana (bordering state) will get it instead. The snow from four weeks ago is still lingering. We should have a thaw this weekend.

We'll be celebrating my brother's 50th this weekend, though he doesn't know it yet. :)

What a lovely family picture. I could not figure out who's who. (the girls)

I recently went to a 50th wedding celebration where there were about 80 guests. Looking back on this party I was a little envious. Almost everyone there had known everyone since the 1950's. They went to school together, they rode horses together in games competitions. Their children grew up and married each other. Now there are grandchildren and great grand children. It was wonderful party of family and friends.. Their oldest son started shoeing my horses at the age of 18 is now a grandfather himself. Some of the tales they had to tell were great.

Take care and Love to all
Marge

Congratulations on the new season of Mercurio's Menu showing on the 14th of Feb but in Australia. Thanks to Cat for filling us in on the latest beach barbque and the candy facatory.

Just curious, do you have a dessert section in your upcoming book? I had a chocolate cake with porter--that is a good cake and can you make one with beer for real? Thanks.

Cat, Paul, Liz--some great posts on the homepage! Paul, did you get those 50 people fed? I bet it was great!

On a sad note, our local newscast included news from Australia--some bad fires out there, possibly set off by an arsonist. Thoughts and prayers to our Australian friends, especially PCs close by. Wishing all are safe and sound as can be.

Paul, I hope you and yours are safe from the terrible brush fires. The news and photos are just horrific.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-as-australia-wildfires,0,7618814.story

Australian fire story on the Chicago Tribune website.

Hope Paul and our Australian friends are all right.

I hope these fires haven't wrecked any havock for Paul or anyone he knows.

Tommorrow I'll be attending Millies 2009 Follies. I'll be taking pictures for all to see. I'm sure it's going to be a kockout this year!

I left my job a little over a month ago as a result of severe physical fatigue. I had no energy most of the time and the past six months it had gotten worse. So its been interesting times for me lately. I do feel more like a normal person again being able to get up in the morning ready for the day with more energy than I have felt in the past few years. My husband and I agree that I wasn't built to be a massage therapist and right now I'm just looking for part time work as an esthetician which I'm licensed for as well. In the meantime I'm trying to complete my South Florida Backyard Photography project that I'll hopefully put on display through South Florida's Artserve and a few other writing projects that I have put on the back burner. I also applied for free lance photography work with a small town paper near Fort Lauderdale. I'm still waiting for their call.

I also entered my first photography contest with the Newseum up in Washington, DC you can go to their website and put in a vote for my photos I would really appreciate it, here is the link to the page...

http://fotoweekdccontest.org/bin/Rate?PAGER_offset=360&%23=&search=

I woke up this morning I decided to live for today not for the past nor the future but for today. I'm going to aim for those small achievments that hopefully will build into larger ones but at the same time I'm not going to look to far ahead of myself nor worry about whats behind me. And I'm not going to forget to enjoy my life either in the process regardless of what's going on.

Best to all,

Julie

Paul & Co.

Hope you're okay!

Love Clair. X

Horrific fires in your neck of the woods. Hope you and all you love are safe.

You go, Julie! Will check out your pictures. :)

Thanks Melody.

I was just informed that I got my dates mixed up and I missed the first showing of Millie's Follies.

I'm going to see if I can catch tomorrows if I can still get a ticket or make it backstage for some photo ops if Millie can give me the go ahead.

Julie

Dear Julie,

Ellie and I will be glad to see you backstage before the curtain rises this evening. There will be plenty of time to take pictures then.

The first performance was Monday morning, with invited out of town guests only. The word is, this
"Follies" is a big hit..tonight and tomorrow night
we do it again for ticketed audiences. The Theatre
holds 950 seats, and we expect a full house each night.

Will keep you all informed..wish you all were here.

In 2005 10 PCers attended, and we had a "Stricly
Ballroom" convention...what a wonderful weekend,
and lasting friendships were forged.

By the way, Tara informed me that there is another
expression for "good luck" in the entertainment
world.

Her friend and actor, Richard E. Grant, uses the
words, toi, toi, toi, which orignated in the opera world instead of "break a leg" which I absolutely HATED all these years!

It means, "good luck". I am going to use it during the speech I give to the audiences at the end of the show..

Much love, and toi, toi, toi...

Shalom,

Grandma Mil

Paul, hoping you and your family and neighbors are safe. Condolences to those who have lost loved one and their homes.

Good Luck on Follies Night Grandma Mil! Same to Julie who is doing the photojournal! Glad you have found your true calling Julie. Thank you Melody for the news on Australia's wildfires.

Toi, toi, toi Follians 2009!!!!
4 years ago was a blast and I'm sure you are having just as much and even more fun this time around! I'll be there in spirit re-claiming the seat I had back then, first row, first seat off the center aisle to the left! :)

Looking forward to seeing the pictures Julie!!!

Toi, toi, toi, Grandma Mil and Follies!

As of this morning, they reported on our ABC News (Good Morning America) that 200 were reported dead from the fires.

Paul, I'm sure you have lots on your mind and I join all PCs in hoping you, your family and friends are safe. Hope to hear from you soon!

God's blessings!

Greetings from the worlds worst PCer!

I actually went back and read like 5 months worth of posts tonight and I should have taken notes because there were so many things; birthdays, anniversaries, events, tragedies, comedies, New Years, new friends, old friends, worries, challenges, all the "stuff" of life and I wish I could comment on them individually, but if I did, I'd probably:

1. break the internet (cuz it would be REALLY long)

2. Screw up someone's name with the event I was commenting on and end up congratulating someone for some horrible event in their life.

3. Fall asleep at the keyboard cuz it's way past my bedtime.

Instead, I'll just say that I think of you all often, read when I can and wish you all love and peace.

Also like everyone else watching the news of the horrific fires, I'm sending positive vibes to everyone in Oz, a national tragedy to be sure.

Hello All!

Made it to Follies last night and what a performance. I posted some pictures on my flickr account just click on the link....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/florida_plants/

best,

Julie

Thank you Julie, for sharing the pictures!!!

Grandma Millie, the costumes are fantastic, (not to say they weren't in the past, but ...) and you and Ellie look wonderful, as always! Congratulations on a job well done and more toi, toi, toi for this evening! (by the way, toi, toi, toi is what we always say in German, too)

Hugs,
Evelyn

Julie--those pictures look great--looks like Millie did it again--Brava, Millie!

More thoughts and prayers to our Aussie friends. Is there any kind of relief fund being organized for survivors and aid?

May we hear from Paul soonest!

Happy Valentines Day!

Good Luck on the MM premiere--Chookas chookas chookas according to the Australians!!!
Toi toi toi and break a leg!!!

What is MM liz?

Mercurio's Menu, I think Julie, but don't quote me on it!

MM is Mercurio's Menu

We can also make it "Melo-Mel" (as I was called by my ex-boyfriend's supervisor long ago). :D

Yes, of course, I will go back into my corner now.

On a more serious note, may Paul, Andrea and the girls be safe. Cat, any news?

And Happy Valentine's Day to all on PC!

Where I have been of course Murcurio's Menu!

Julie

Hi Everyone. Been away for a bit.

Paul, I am so glad that you are discovering what and where your true happiness is/was. Hold on to that for dear life and don't let the negative forces of nature taunt you into going back in to the dark side of yourself. It will always try and it doesn't give up. EVER. It's up to you to be on your guard and not let it get you. Good job! I myself have been battling the negative forces. Mine are from sheer poison and negative energy in the work environment. Not that anyone in particular is spewing the vileness. It is just the nature of the business and what this crappy economy is doing to our country. We outsource and downsize allowing others who would not be able to survive if not for their new jobs, turn our jobs here into sheer hell. It's been taking a toll on me for some time, but I have not figured out how to not let it make me ill, so it finally did just that. I got the shingles which is a stress related illness that wakes up your own dormant chicken pox virus from your childhood and gets you pretty damn sick. Last Wednesday, I was overcome by severe abdominal pain which kept me awake all night. By Thursday night, I ended up in the ER. After blood, urine and Cat Scan, nothing could be determined. Thankfully nothing major was discovered, which was a blessing. So we just had to wait and see what else might develop. Saturday, the ER doc called me to see how I was doing. That was really cool that she found the time to followup with me. So, she asked me how my skin was feeling around the areas where the pain was, which was around my waistline, lower back, and around to the front. This included very deep pain that I had never felt before in my life. Well, I told her, by coincidence that my skin was very sensitive to the touch in those areas. I had actually caused a black and blue bruise on my back from pushing on it so hard, trying to relieve the pain. At this point, she introduced the idea that I may be getting shingles and that if I was, I should start breaking out into a rash type hive with possible blisters in that area. Well, low and behold, that is exactly what happened. Since then, I have been out of work, using all of my valuable saved vacation time, and suffering like I have never before in my lifetime. This has been so horrible and depressing, but I"m riding it out. I've never taken so many pills! I am NOT a pill person. I was not able to take the pain medication because it made me sick. So I've been really having a time of it. It sucks! The nerves are what is causing the actual pain. The nerve pain could go on for up to a year after a bad bout like this of shingles. I am praying that doesn't happen. The funny thing is that this illness was brought on by stress, yet, the illness itself has caused me immense stress! What a test this has been! So that's what's been going on with me. I'm fighting off the devil himself! lol

Millie, congrats on another successful show. I hope you aren't too exhausted and rather, elated with the joy of pulling off another great event! Julie, thanks for the pictures. :)

Take care everyone. I hope you are all well. I must say, appreciate your bodies and what good they do you each and everyday. Respect it, take care of it, repay it with good care. Inside and out.

Love you all!

Mary my thoughts are with you. I'm sorry that you are going through such a difficult and painful time. I wish you my best for a quick recover and that good things will come around the corner in all aspects of your life and work.

my best to you always,

Julie

Thank you Julie. I appreciate your kind thoughts so much. A friend of mine from work called me just as she was walking back to her car after leaving a "surprise" for me on my door step. She brought me hyacinths, banana bread, a valentine heart with 5 yummy pieces of chocolate, two biscotti, and a bag of shingles from their roof, stating: "look, our shingles are already falling off!" How sweet was that! See, I work with a bunch of great people, who have all been expressing similar stress as mine in the work place. I just pulled the short straw and got sick. I'm glad it was nobody else though! My friends and family have really pulled me through this. My sister who lives in Oregon, traveled to visit a friend and will be returning home on Wed, yet she has called me every day since she left home, just to check up on me! People in the world are just so great. I just need to find a way to accept what is and cannot be changed and then I'll be taking a big step in the right direction!

Mary S, best wishes to you and I hope you find a way to manage that stress better. I've been struggling with all sorts of health issues for the last year and a half due to stress, nothing as major as yours, but my immune system is pretty low. Accepting that which you cannot change has been a big part in my recovery of slowly getting better. Take care of yourself and don't play around with that stress, take it serious and do whatever it takes for you to reduce it or better manage it! HUgs!!!

Gee Mary flowers, chocolate and biscotti I'm jealous!

I was fortunate that I could leave my job but its been a little interesting the past few months wondering about the unknown, where my life will lead now. But I keep trying every day taking one moment at a time testing new directions. Its been trying at times, very trying, a lot of brick walls, but I keep hoping for the best to come which I would rather do than let defeat win at the moment. And of course I wouldn't know what to do without my Waxy O' Conners on Friday night listening to stories from old boat captians and such to get my mind off of things. Who'd think they would be my salvation at the end of the week lol.

I think we all need a hug of encouragement from the "Big Guy".

Julie

Dear Mary,

Do not despair, the shingles have come and they will eventually go...a lot of seniors get this dreaded condition, and although it is painful, there are meds that eventually will ease the condition, as you probably know. Hang in there, you have friends near and far that love you and pray for your quick recovery.

We have twin girls, and when they were 14 months
old one of them developed little blisters on her
little shoulders. I took her to the dermatolgist, and he took one look, grabbed a camera and took a picture of the blisters.

He said she had shingles and she was the youngest
patient he had seen that got them. She would never get chickenpox, he said, and it was true;
her twin sister got chickenpox, and she, Leah, never got it.

"Follies 2009" was a smashing success both nights. Julie took some gorgeous pictures backstage, and she posted it on PC already. The town is buzzing with accolades, and I already set a date for the next one...February, 2011; one has to be optomistic!

We had a fabulous cast party last night to celebrate our success!

Again, Mary, our best wishes for your speedy recovery.

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Dear Mary,

Do not despair, the shingles have come and they will eventually go...a lot of seniors get this dreaded condition, and although it is painful, there are meds that eventually will ease the condition, as you probably know. Hang in there, you have friends near and far that love you and pray for your quick recovery.

We have twin girls, and when they were 14 months
old one of them developed little blisters on her
little shoulders. I took her to the dermatolgist, and he took one look, grabbed a camera and took a picture of the blisters.

He said she had shingles and she was the youngest
patient he had seen that got them. She would never get chickenpox, he said, and it was true;
her twin sister got chickenpox, and she, Leah, never got it.

"Follies 2009" was a smashing success both nights. Julie took some gorgeous pictures backstage, and she posted it on PC already. The town is buzzing with accolades, and I already set a date for the next one...February, 2011; one has to be optomistic!

We had a fabulous cast party last night to celebrate our success!

Again, Mary, our best wishes for your speedy recovery.

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Thank you so much Evelyn, Julie and Millie for the encouragement! :) I knew I could get replenished with positive energy here on the corner. I feel hugged, although, I wouldn't let anyone get that close right now. ;)

I saw the Dr today and we discussed the work situation. I'm to go back to work day after tomorrow and I am quite apprehensive about it, I must say. I can "self talk" myself all I want, but after a couple of hours there, it always gets the best of us. I'm not alone, mind you. My entire team pretty much feels the same way I do. I'm one of a couple of people in my team who are over 50 though, and it seems to be hitting me with the health stuff more than the youngins. Just today I saw another email stating that one of my co-workers called out ill and the email said she was very ill. She's in her 30's. Shingles usually hits the over 60 group. It's less common for those in their 50's but the Dr again said it was most likely brought on by stress. God only knows I've had a ton of drama in the past year or so. I actually asked the pharmacist if they've been seeing more of it lately and his response was "I would have to say yes to that". Just this week I've heard of 3 people who have it right now, including my Dr's receptionist's mother, who is also in her early 50's. It's a sign of the stressful times we are living in currently. I'm sitting here watching an anti depressant medication commercial on tv right now! Plus, the baby boom generation is now aging and I'm sure we're going to wreak havoc on the medical profession if we don't pull it together and get proactive with our health!

So, here is the list of what I will be addressing to the best of my ability in the near future:

Sleep
Exercise
Diet
Meditation

If I can do this even in small doses, I'm sure it can only help!

Julie, your Friday nights seem invaluable. I need something like that too! I'm too isolated outside of work. That's something else I would like to change. Oh well, a lot to shoot for. Wish me luck!

Thanks again sweet friends!

Dearest MaryS. I hope you get your needed rest and that being sick has made you stop to put yourself again as No. 1. That is a good plan--sleep exercise diet meditation--I was looking for a soup recipe for you at the Mercurio's Menu Website but the closest fit is Jungle Curry (see site) I am sure that will energize you with the curry and if Paul can cook it for you.

Thank you Liz! This is my last day off of work. I'm really nervous about it. The Dr suggested I work half day shifts for the next week and using vacation for the other half of my shifts. I think it's a good idea. I'll be contacting my boss today to see if this will work.

I want to get back into the "real world" but in small doses. :)

I have not heard anything regarding the fires, but I will let you all know if I do.

Aww MaryS hope all is well for you soon! And I chuckle at your friend's Shingles comment!

Thank you Clair!! :)

I agree that sometimes in life it takes baby steps to get back in the game.

my best,

Julie

Heard from Paul. They are not near the fires, and everyone is safe. He's on the road right now for MM.

Thanks Cat for the update! Great to hear Paul and family are safe.

Thank you Cat! Very good to know, but still really sad for everyone affected by these fires.

Thank goodness Paul and family are safe! :)
And aww Mary you made me feel all fuzzy! :)

Love Clair. XXX

I am so lucky to have met Cat in person!!! We live in the same town but have not met until Sunday--she is busy moving and had roomfuls of books to part with. Cat gave me a signed!!!TasDance Poster featuring Paul's work Bah Blue. I am the luckiest PC there is.

I also got a pottery piece handmade by Cat--see Etsy site as she is quite an artist. She had a moving giveaway and I came over. Thanks Cat!!! For more of Cat's works see Frytopia and the Etsy site of things wrought by hand.

So many good things happening:

Here is preview of Mercurio's Menu--it is a unique show in that it emphasizes eating what you raise and grow and sharing it with your neigbors; see the surprise at the end after the weed pie/salad (Cat I am placing this link here until a better place for it is found on the blog)

Here is Paul in the article; it made me think of how profoundly ignorant I am of where the food I eat comes from...

http://www.stoplaughing.com.au/wordpress/?p=926

Thanks, Cat--so good to hear that Paul and family are fine. But extending more thoughts and prayers for those who have lost family, friends and homes.

MaryS, I have a friend who has shingles last year--not the most pleasant experience. He thought he was coming down with a bad case of flu and then these blisters appeared. He went to the doctor and was told what happened. The medication the doctor prescribed helped to heal the sores and also helped to curb the pain. Imagine that anyone who had chicken pox can have this occur! (All PCs that had chicken pox raise your hand! LOL)

Liz, thanks for the article. Paul's certainly a wonder!! And how true that we forget how hard it can be to grow something to eat--we have such abundance in our groceries.

Hi PCs--I just head sad news last night. Our spunky Aunt Helen had a stroke yesterday morning. She was found by my cousin Jerry and his wife and they rushed her as quickly as possible to the hospital. We're waiting to hear how serious this is.

She will be 90 this June and has been fortunate to be pretty much independent and remain in her home of many years (though my cousins do come in during the week and help with groceries and other things as needed). Please keep your fingers crossed for her. :)

Will most definitely do, Melody, she and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Let us know what happens. HUG!

My thoughts are with you Melody.

Thank you--

Unfortunately I was just told by my cousin Bonnie that Auntie didn't make it. She had another stroke late in the evening, and quite possibly one last one (or maybe a heart attack) that took her. I'll know more this weekend.

It's a closing chapter for my father's side as she was the last sibling and she also was still living at my grandfather's property on Walton Street here in Chicago. It closes an era for us.

I always admired her spunk. Nothing got this woman down--her life was a true victory and testament to being hardy.

Helen Potempa Rymut 1919-2009 Bóg Błogosławiczcić (God Bless)

I am very sorry for your loss & you will get through this difficult time!!! Hug!

Aww, I am very sorry to hear this, Melody; you are in my thoughts.

Love Clair. X

I am very sorry for your loss Melody--God Bless.

To MaryS I hope you continue to get better.

Melody, so sorry to hear about your Auntie. If it's any condolence, I pray that I am right in saying that, hopefully she did not suffer, but wishfully, passed from this life without strife. I sincerely believe that birth and death are tough passages but entirely necessary. It's a mystery we will possibly learn about on the other side. Have faith that she is still on a journey and at peace with it. I hope that you are surrounded by people who care for you during this time. If not, know that we are all here for you on the corner.

Thank you for the encouraging words about the (almost said "my") shingles. I don't want to claim them for my own. ;)
I only ended up getting about 4 little clusters of the breakout. They never turned into blisters, but the Dr looked at the area with a light and said that in fact the areas were fluid filled. They dried up before they broke the surface. Too much information..sorry. But the skin around my back and front still feel like a very very bad sunburn, being rubbed with sandpaper. I've been on the anti viral meds for two weeks tomorrow. I'm glad to finish the stuff. I'm really really not a medication person and it's been rough remembering to take it. I've taken enough extra strength tylenol to last me for a year also. The pain was unbearable but the pain medication prescription made me ill and I wasn't able to take it. So as of tomorrow, no more medication. I was able to make it through this week without the tylenol also.

Millie, I had a VERY vivid dream last night that I visited you at your home and it was a gorgeous elaborate and comfortable home. You had a group of guests, and I was just one of them. It was a short dream, but I remember vividly walking up a path to your home and being welcomed in. Isn't that strange? Did you have a dream about me? Just thought I'd ask. :)

Take care everyone!!

Dear Mary,

Thanks for dreaming about me..our house is a condo, far from a mansion (remember "Tara" the plantation, not the person.)

You would always be welcome, just ask Julie or Evelyn. You would see all my stuff hanging on the walls in my den and computer room, but instead of
"Gone With The Wind" memoriabilia of the past, its
"Strictly Ballroom".

So glad you're feeling better.

I myself am feeling the effects (they call it post
traumatic syndrome) of a fall I had in the lobby of our Theatre the first night of "Follies."

I was greeting the people in the lobby before curtain time, including relatives, when a lady lunged towards me to hug me...she lost her balance and fell against me, knocking me down on my back. My head hit the wall and I thought I would be disabled for the rest of my life...fortunately, I missed the rim of a big concrete planter, or it would have been bye, bye.

A nurse was summoned, and some guys picked me up off the floor and put me in a chair. The nurse found my blood pressure was normal. I was able later to walk to the back of the auditorium to watch the complete show; Julie was there to watch me, for Ellie was on stage. I was able to do my
lip synch at the end, but could not read the acknowledgements to the audience; a friend took that over.

The next night was fine, and the show ended in a blaze of glory, and people are still talking about it.

I already have a date for the next "Follies" in 2011; one must be optimistic!!

The lesson of this story? Never, never, hug people in the lobby before curtain time, and definitely stay away from planters made of concrete, and say to yourself, toi, toi, toi..(good luck) every day of your life!

(By the way, the lady that fell against me got herself up and rushed into the auditorium to see the opening of the show.)

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Oh my goodness Millie!! Maybe I dreamed of you because you were injured! That is just horrible. I'm positive you would feel some after affects from a fall like that. That is no small thing! Do you have a pool/sauna/steam room at the facility?? It might do you good to sit in a jacuzzi or something if your muscles are still hurting. Were you sure there were no small fractures?? I can't believe the lady just took off! Maybe she was in shock or mortified of embarrassment. I know I would be. But I would not leave you until I was positive you were o.k. Did you see a Dr at all? I sure hope you get to feeling your spunk again soon. Take it easy.

I'm having a cousin from Utah spend the night the first weekend of March, while he and my niece attend an open house at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She is interested in attending college there. So this has presented a great necessity to clean the spare bedroom. The room has become a flea market catch all for the little shop I was selling out of for a while. That endeavor never got too far off the ground due to money and time constraints. I still have the shop but rarely visit it or add new stuff to it. I'm owing the business some rent at this point. I just don't want to give it up. I keep hoping I can dedicate the time it needs, but I never seem to find the time to give to it. At any rate, I have been up there trying to get it ready for company and I can tell I am not strong enough yet after being sick. I got light headed and out of breath just doing what I did. I'll try to attack it in increments today and tomorrow. It looks better already and I have posted my pilates machine on a for sale website at work. I hope to sell it to add more room up there.

Take care Millie!!

Dearest Grandma Millie! I'm glad you are OK, considering what could have happened. Your guardian Angle was definitely there with you ... I wish the other woman's had been there too! Relax and take it easy for a while.

MaryS. glad you too are feeling better. Maybe you could use your visitors to help you move things around? After all they are family :)

Grandma Mil when we wished you to break a leg before the performance, I am glad you did not break a leg when you fell; so the good luck wish worked in a reverse psych sort of way. I tried to order your DVD from the distributor before Christmas but they said they were closed for the holiday and then when they contacted me 3 weeks later they were charging much more than the DVD's cost for the shipping, around $100 total so I decided to wait a little; maybe you can have a west coast premiere so I and Cat can see your movie.

MaryS seems like you are starting to get better but please do not take on to much--Evelyn has a good idea--the guest/family would like to know you have just been very sick and would likely be helping with moving things. Sometimes it is hard to tell people esp family how you are doing esp if you are sick

Here is Paul's News: I like the part where he shows his cooking as it is--nothing contrived:

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/24/35201_ntnews.html

Just rearrangeing the links:

Humpty Doo is a town in the tropical part of Australia

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/24/35201_ntnews.html

This is a repost of the Mountain MM episode but you have to scroll down to see Paul:

http://www.stoplaughing.com.au/wordpress/?p=926

Thanks everyone for all your notes and wishes. While it is deeply sad to lose Aunt Helen, she passed away within 24 hours of the first stroke. My cousins told me that she was coherent in the ER, though her left side was paralyzed. Once she was moved to her room, decline was imminent.

There was one last stroke before she died Friday morning. We all felt that was God's will (probably Aunt Helen's, too--too spunky and feisty to be bed ridden!).

Millie--you have to watch out for those foyer people! The least that woman could have done was make sure you were all right before going into the auditorium! Glad you were fine to get through the show--trooper always!

Again, thanks PCs! Special corner--special people! :)

I know how you feel. I get like that often. I start thinking about death. It's pretty scary. I'm not sucidial but some times I am ok with the idea of having it all just stop. I think life is hard. It's wonderful and exhilerating and yet some times so boring I want to do something totally crazy but I don't because I have an 18 year old son (who is doing well by the way) depending on me.
But I do understand how you feel Paul. I honestly think it has a lot to do with mortality. It's hard to plan the future and think of good things when there is so much sadness and trauma and unpredictable things going on around you. But I *hug* you and everyone here and kiss you.
We are all in this together and thank goodness you here are all so tride and true.
I'll be back. I finally bought a computer. I was laid off last year, and was computerless for awhile the new job I have does not allow me the luxury to surf .. I could get in trouble. But I forked our $300 for my own computer so I can rejoin the net and here I am!
xxxoo
Tea

Well, welcome back to the corner Tea! You can always find hope and encouragement here on Paul's corner. I have a funny feeling that each and every one of us "regulars" here have needed a boost at one time or another and have gotten it here. I know I have. And when I say "regulars" I don't mean we are normal...just kidding. I think we ARE all normal, and after all, what the heck is normal?? This is a tough ride and we have choices to ride it or not. I think it's safe to say that all of are still here for a reason and have made the choice so far, to stick around to see what that reason might be.

Welcome back, Tea!

MaryS--how true! :)

Hi, PCers,

Tara informed me that the Salute to the Musicals
performed at the Oscars, starring Beyonce and Hugh
Jackman, was written by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce..sound familiar?

Go to YouTube and type in: Oscars, Beyonce and Hugh Jackman.

Hanging in there; making notes for my next "Follies" in 2011..must be positive!

Toi, Toi, Toi: Love and Shalom,

Grandma Mil

...also, no matter what your political views,
to to YouTube and watch Beyonce seranade the First
Couple as they take the first dance at the Inauguration Ball..YouTube Beyonce, Inauguration
Ball "At Last"...one of my all time favorites..
I even had it in my "Follies 2009", but couldn't
persuade Beyonce to sing it..she was too busy..

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Thanks for the welcome back :)
Melody I don't think anyone is really normal. I think we're all a little bit crazy some people just hide it better than others. ;)
Grandma Mil Obama and his wife are very romantic. They seem to be like the new JFK and Jackie O.
Thank goodness though, I don't think Obama is going to be trying to get starlets to meet him at other people's houses. I think their romanance is the real deal which is insprining, even for a spinsiter like moi teehee :D

Hi again Tea :)

I think what I meant was:

crazy is the new normal.
OR
crazy=normal.
OR
who defines what normal is?

YAY! I'm crazy!
YAY! I'm normal!

ok. Can you detect that I'm in a "crazy" mood??

Grandma,
I loved seeing the close up of Baz at the Oscars. He's so shy yet so confident. I saw his recent interview on television. He's kind of a complex guy. I like him allot even though he seems a bit full of himself. I'm probably reading him wrong. I tend to read too much into most things. He hasn't made a movie I didn't like...especially ONE. ;)
(wonder how our long lost boy is doing)

As far as the Obama's dance to At Last. The first time they danced and Beyonce sang, I cried. They do love each other I think. When the President was introduce in this week to address the congress, he made a point of thanking his wife, and when they showed her, she was mouthing, "I love you" to her husband. That brought tears to my eyes also. Since I was TOTALLY in to this election and voted for Obama, although Hillary was my first choice, (please refrain from stoning me Repubs) I watched every minute of the election on that night, and by the end of the night I thought if I had to see them dance one more time, I was going to have to stick my head in the oven! I'm joking.....

Again, I'm in a nutty mood. Sorry.

Love to you all and hope you are having a great weekend. Mine is just beginning, thus the crazy/normal mood I am in.

p.s. I have a new found energy now that the shingles ordeal is passing and I'm feeling so much better. Thanks for all your encouragement. It was such a huge help!

Am glad to hear you're improving MaryS!

I'm getting over a cold virus mysef at the moment, being a pain to leave mind you!

For the PCs following Paul's latest work:

Latest video on Paul--last 3 min of approx 13 min video:

http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-tuesday-march-3-2510481/video?vid=2511106

PCs you all have to keep up with Paul--he is just soo busy having fun:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/features/1992531/Dancing-shows-Mister-Versatility

Great interview, loved reading it!

Thanks Liz!

Julie :p

Liz--I'll check Paul's video later after class tonight. (No sound on this computer.)

Quick comment on Barack and Michelle Obama--That man truly adores his wife.

Thanks Liz!!!

That is just a great interview-- Required reading for the PCs--do not take my word for it, see for yourself.

Mary, glad you are feeling better!

At my monthly video "concert" some people told me about the anti-shingles shots that doctors give today..we seniors are very vulnerable! Ellie and I will definitely get them!

About Baz: He was very helpful to Tara when she was organizing "My Biggest Fan" for she talks about SB and Paul in the opening. I agree that he sometimes comes off looking aloof and full of himself, but heck, we can thank him and Craig Pearce for going for it and making an outstanding film which made wonderful things happen!

Tara's daughter, almost 14, is also Craig's child,
and she is so loving, bright, and beautiful, like her mother, and quite talented with media stuff.

We met her and Tara for the first time here in Florida for the filming of MBF in 2007 and then the premiere, a year later. I told her that I wanted to "adopt" her in spite of the fact that we have loads of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for she is very special, because she is the only one to have that Aussie accent!

MBF is going to be featured in the Sydney Seniors Film Festival, called "Young At Heart" the end of
March. The festival will be held in a theatre right next to the Sydney Opera House.

I told Tara that Ellie and I would fly in for the the day...yeah, yeah, Grannie, IN YOUR DREAMS!

Stay warm and feel good, everyone!

Toi, toi, toi in whatever you do!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Millie that's wonderful news about MBF and the Sydney Senior's film festival. I'm sure your film will keep on inspiring there.

My best to all PC'rs,

Julie

Hi All, so sorry to be absent for so long. My mind just isn't what it used to be. LOL

Tea, welcome back.

Mary, I'm happy to hear you are feeling better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a complete recovery soon.

I'm doing well, just feeling a bit "all over" right now. I've been spending a lot of time shuttling my *very* pregnant friend around, and wishing she'd just have the twins already. LOL Of course she feels the same way.

I'm also starting to get to know someone a bit... and see where it goes from there. It's a big step for me to take after so many years out of the mix, so to speak, so please keep me in your thoughts.

I'm glad that Paul and his family are well. Liz, thanks for all the links. :)

Thanks so much for the continued encouragement with my recovery. I will call it recovery because the illness is gone at this point. I don't feel quite 100% yet but I'm getting there fast. I'm doing everything I normally do, but just feel it a little more afterwards.

Yes Millie, get that shot. They will only give it to over 60 year old people from what I've heard. I sure have been hearing about allot more people that aren't seniors getting it. The stress is just too much these days. I'm doing well though. They want the over 60 group to get the vaccine because there are more chances of complications from shingles the older we get. I noticed that the Dr really listened to my lungs allot at my checkups. It kind of freaked me out. I'm feeling so much better though. I don't even remember how the pain felt. It's like after having a baby, you block out that pain. I remember that well. I had both of my children natural...but can't remember how the pain felt. I just remember that two weeks ago, I thought I was going to scream that pain was so bad. I did some moaning, that's for sure! ICK! I don't want to think about it anymore. :)

It's so great that MBF is going to be shown to more and more people. In my opinion, the more the merrier!

Thank you Sarah for the kinds words. Have fun with those babies when they get here!
Glad you liked the "peeps" on my facebook. lol

Dear paul, I also like you have a passion for food and fine wine.I really do enjoy your receipt. I have tried several and loved them. Keep up the good work,maybe you can take this year to a new level.Have a great year. Beverly USA

Marys, I'm glad you're doing better. My friend will be turning 61 and was at the doctor last week and received the shot as well.

Grandma Mil, it's good to hear that MBF is going to be shown in Sydney. I'm wish Tara continued success. SB is a gem of a movie and may MBF follow its path in warming many hearts.

Sarah, wishing you all the best with your new friend, and here's hoping the twins and mom do great with that time arrives!

Beautiful day in Chicago--a taste of spring. While they are predicting some heavy rains, the warmer temps are very welcome!

Happy weekend Paul and PCs!

**just reread my entry--that should be w-h-e-n that time arrives!**

I don't know if it's my brain, my fingers or this keyboard--let's opt for the keyboard! LOL

Thank you Melody!

Sarah, I admire you for putting your heart out there, even if it is with caution and in little bits at a time. You go girl!

I've been single for longer than I care to admit and have withdrawn from male intimacy. What a telling comment, eh? I'm looking in to myself now and wonder if it's too late. I would discourage anyone from taking that same path. Maybe someday it will change for me. Good luck!

We've had a gorgeous week here in Denver. We've just not had enough snow this winter, and that worries me for the summer. March is historically a heavy snow month, but the last time it snowed here, was in December I think!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

http://ext.cdu.edu.au/newsroom/a/2009/Pages/090306-Dancing-with-WalkaboutChef.aspx

http://ext.cdu.edu.au/newsroom/a/2009/Pages/090306-Dancing-with-WalkaboutChef.aspx

Season series started with sparks flying...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2071596/Studio-cleared-in-premiere-scare

Trying to piece together Paul’s Travels:
First it seems he is in the tropics then the mountains:
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/24/35201_ntnews.html
http://www.stoplaughing.com.au/wordpress/?p=926
Or maybe bathing in a hot spring:
http://www.mercuriosmenu.com/
Then he flies to NZ and he is here on video: scroll to the final 3 minutes
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-tuesday-march-3-2510481/video?vid=2511106
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2071596/Studio-cleared-in-premiere-scare
The finds time to give a great interview: this is a good interview:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/features/1992531/Dancing-shows-Mister-Versatility

Trying to piece together Paul�s Travels:
First it seems he is in the tropics then the mountains:
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/02/24/35201_ntnews.html
http://www.stoplaughing.com.au/wordpress/?p=926
Or maybe bathing in a hot spring:
http://www.mercuriosmenu.com/
Then he flies to NZ and he is here on video: scroll to the final 3 minutes
http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/breakfast-tuesday-march-3-2510481/video?vid=2511106
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv/2071596/Studio-cleared-in-premiere-scare
The finds time to give a great interview: this is a good interview:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/features/1992531/Dancing-shows-Mister-Versatility

test; hello Cat!

Mary, I'm glad the recovery is coming along. Beware of Peeps...

Melody, we're having lovely springlike weather here too... only a week after all our snow! LOL

As for putting my heart out there... it has been 12 years since I've dated - at all. For a woman who would still like to have a child/children, pulling herself out of the pool (so to speak) isn't the best idea. LOL So far I'm going slow. I'm not sure how well I'll handle rejection at this point in my life. ;o)

Sarah, go for it!!!Glad for you!!!Slow pace is good--what's the point in a whirwind romance that fizzes off in a day..It is not puppy love anymore. Just cause we're in this blog I will quote THAT movie's wise grandma. A life lived in fear is a life half lived--Vivir con miedo es vivir a la media, I think that is what G. Yaya said. Putting your heart out there is one fearless act. I just admire you for being brave and fearless and wanting to be happy. No half lived life for you!

I may not be able to post this as I may be in the scrutiny list as I have too many entries;

MaryS continue to get better...I hope you are resting and not overworking and finding the balance with your work and your projects. Have you tired the jungle curry recipe?

Hi All!

I was reading this in the Miami Herald yesterday and wanted to share it on the corner for Paul and everyone.

http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/tv/story/938566.html

Julie

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/430905/1575114

Can we set up an RSS feed so we can tell if there's a new post rather than having to go to the website to open it to check?

Can we have a format where we can quote others up high in the blog if I answer out of sequence; so we can have many threads at the same time?

Thanks Cat!

This is the paradox of blogging: Paul is very busy doing things that we can report on the blog so it is likely we won't hear from him in a while which is really good as that means he is busy doing wonderful work; so for those who have not read it here is the interview that lets you catch up with all that's new: I like the part where he wanted to bring home the pinot to his wife--so caring.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/features/1992531/Dancing-shows-Mister-Versatility

Wow, Liz, these were great posts, and I truly enjoyed "Mr. Versatility"--that was a nice interview with Paul and Paul gave us some real insight. I'm really impressed overall with all Paul is accomplishing, but also because he's a devoted family man and husband overall.

Must admit, I don't quite understand "me kit"--Paul?? Other PCs?? While I can get an idea, I don't know if it's on track . . . :)

Go, Sarah--I've been broken off from my ex a few years, test Match.com and many of those guys made my ex look good. Not that my ex was all that bad--we do remain in touch more as friends at the moment. I do think of reconciliation as does he, but we're both healing for different reasons from what broke us apart. It's given me time to find out more about myself nonetheless, so that in itself is very positive.

Enough about me--Friday tomorrow! Hip Hooray, TGIF, etc.

Melody, 'taking me kit off' = taking all clothes off, I think, until I'm told otherwise :)

and I totally get what you said about the healing for different reasons & working on reconciliation part, doing that for myself and apparently/surprisingly also with my ex. I followed my instincts at christmas, set my pride aside and took a gamble--(I was in a bookstore and saw a book that I read more than a year ago, that inner voice told me to go buy the book, had no idea who for, but did it. When I got home, that inner voice came on again: give it to your ex. - don't want to, way too angry to even consider giving him a gift, not even for christmas! - just do it - why? - trust me. - grr, really don't want to, but if you insist ... so I did, sent it to his parents where he was for Christmas. He didn't get it since he was visiting elsewhere. Before his parents could send it on, their basement got flooded and the book and card were ruined. Not too long after, I was in that bookstore again [can you tell, I love bookstores?!? :)] same voice, get another copy of that book and send it to him- you have to be kidding, did this once and it got flooded - just do it. - OK, you really are annoying, but hey, I'll buy it again. so I did and sent it to him again this time to Europe. This time it got held up by customs for over a week, they even unwrapped it ... what is it about this book and having difficulties reaching him, along with that voice insisting that I send it? --well that was the gamble to do it and wait and see what would become of it. I have no idea why he needs to read this or what he's supposed to get out of it, and I don't care, I just knew I needed to do it and then trust) One thing it has done, is it opened the channels of communication between us and at the moment it's quite peaceful, yet also very honest, and yet there's a part of me that's deeply scared, but I'm OK with that too.

Hi everyone!

Something quite extraordinary happened to me this week and I'm going to share.

My neighbor down the street who has been battling a lung condition for several years now, he's 76 years old, called me last week and told me that he wasn't feeling all that great and he needed to go to the hospital . This is the second time it happened in six months and being familiar with the ruitine I went over his house quickly and called emergency services. While waiting for the ambulance he made sure that I knew where the cat food is and how to lock the doors, etc. He looked around his house looking in every room like last time checking stuff, I assume he does this because he's afraid it would be the last time he will see his home.

He was in the hospital for a few days and his doctors told him that his condition is getting a little worse. This week he was moved into a rehabilitation clinic in the neighborhood (which is great for I can zip around the corner and check up on him every day) for a few weeks and his family is preparing to move him to assisted living facility, a place that my neighbor was already getting prepared to move to anyway. His cat who's only four years old will be moving in with us this week-end so my husband and I are getting ready to welcome our new member of the family. She's adorable and is getting used to me when I go over my neighbor's house to feed her, I can now pick her up and she greets me at the door as oppose to running away when she sees me.

When I went to visit my neighbor at the rehab center there was a woman in the hallway probably in her 50's (a little younger than most of the population) and she came up to me and introduced herself, "Hi my names Victoria", and she stuck out her hand for a hand shake. We talked a little bit and then she asked me, "Is it nice outside". I told her it was and she responded, "Not for anything but just be fortunate that you can go outside. Have a good day" and she wheeled away with a smile.

Her statement since then has had such an effect on me that I feel my purpose in life has been altered in a big way. I'm really not aware most of the time how fortunate I am and I never understood the great life I do have. So what if its not "all in order", perfect, it'll never be and I'm tired of waiting to do things and really enjoy me life every day. It sound silly but how many of us here have just focused so much on a problem in our lives and we miss everything else?

I did see Victoria again today and I asked her what she did for living before...well things changed in her life. She told me that she worked on a boat for ten years and...drank a little too much rum, she smiled and went on her way in her wheelchair to the rehabilitation cafeteria.

So I thank Victoria for putting things in perspective for me and Evelyn and Melody screw the ex's! Go out this week-end and be with people who care about making your life joyous. You two deserve better you really do.

Next week I'll be holding a fundraiser for a good friend of mine and former work collegue who was diagnosed with lung caner (the kind you get when don't smoke) about a months ago. Those that know her and some people in my neighborhood will be getting together to lend her some support.

Have a great week-end everyone, and yes that was a great interview with Paul I enjoyed reading it.

Julie

Julie, that was a great story. I know I've wondered about things I had nothing to do with and how they connect to my life. We always know about what we decide to do or where we go, but never sure about other tangibles and why we're there or they're there.

Evelyn--I don't think it's about the book so much as the communication. Even if it doesn't mean reconciliation.

Even the communication with my ex isn't about reconciling. It may sound silly, but I think it's something higher than that that only God knows for now.

More imperative for me is keeping my job in this economy and preparing our dance concert for August.

Good weekend all!

(So taking me kit off is taking off clothes--stripping?? Of course, does make sense in the Full Monty!)

Julie thanks for sharing your story, and point taken too. Currently after the brokenness and hurtful attacks (from both of us!), reconciliation for me means just a more peaceful way of interacting with each other (not necessarily or automatically getting back together), esp. since we work at the same place and we need to be able to function in the work place together, since there is some collaboration between our departments etc. so that's why this peacefulness means a lot to me. I really don't want to drag that ugliness into the workplace and part of that requires communicating again and learning more honest and respectful ways of interaction.

Melody, I do have that same feeling that there is something higher out there that's shaping the interaction and this relationship or something new through this relationship , it is hard to explain, isn't it?

But for now, I am going to enjoy the weekend with my friends whom I haven't seen in nearly 3 years. Just had a really great evening with them already. Sharing, laughing, good food and 2 (or was it 3) bottles of wine ... sleepy! They along with my cat are already sound asleep.

This is Paul related news: PCs use your power of critical thinking when you read this as this is just out of character for what Paul is reported to have done or not done, let me know what you think PCs: I think when you are famous people would like to write news to drum up conroversy

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/entertainment/2259312/Gossip-Strictly-no-touching-the-strippers-Paul

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/2263264/Strip-club-removes-judge

News on Paul; this is all second hand news; read it with a critical mind; most likely news that the writer made to create something out of nothing; it is hard when you are famous as people will stir up controversy

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/entertainment/2259312/Gossip-Strictly-no-touching-the-strippers-Paul

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/2263264/Strip-club-removes-judge

With all that Paul's doing, this is what the press comes up with?

Isn't that just the way, though--anyway, a good chuckle.

A nice warming trend in Chicago--was a pleasant, sunny day.

"Spring is in the air" (like "love is in the air" melody in SB). :)

Yes it would be more radical and earthshaking to talk about whta Paul is really doing, how he teaches people to eat good food and sit down with your family or get your food from the farmers and growers around you, or dance when you feel like it or take a stand on what is impt or beautiful in life; these are more scary things to do bec it brings people out from the rut of doing the same old way of doing things, of being a powerless consumer or eating food that is forced on you etc--I agree the NZ press is a disappointment bec Paul is more radical than what they make him out to be but in much more important ways-- the NZ writers have totally lost focus and just make up crap. I wish they would do more journalism and talk to Paul and write about all the controversial things he has done. I guess they just write about gossip as it is easy to write; The challenge for the writers would be to bring out news that has substance--when it comes to Paul, they will not run out good material to talk about if only they would do more work.

New Zealand Press give us a good story--Paul is far more interesting than what you have in your bar story. Pls do your work as journalists (but then I may be expecting too much).

I found the "strip club" columns humorous. Plus, IMHO if you can still get that sort of notoriety you are still "someone." ;) Obviously Paul didn't mind it much. LOL

Julie, thank you for sharing your story. It really does make you take a different perspective.

As for my taking dating slowly... I think molasses drips faster. :D

Now that you bring up the point the strip club is news bec it was Paul but would not be news if it were any other guy; I get the point.

Sorry for getting mad at the gossip columnists.

Thanks Julie for the story -- been thinking about what you said about no holding back--jump off the edge and feel thankful that you have that option of jumping off the cliff.

Sarah molasses is slow but fast is not necessarily better.

Signing off as I am geting mad even at the NZ press. Need a break and take a hike. Have a nice day.

Ah Liz I wasnt't thinking of having the option of jumping off a cliff but more in the lines of going out dancing to reward yourself and not judge yourself so harshly.

I have a feelings Paul's ratings on DWTS and FT will skyrocket after this. Regardless of our opinion of it people love gossip. I have a feeling DWTS is going to have him on for the next 20 seasons lol.

It was good that Paul talked to the press and cleared a few things. And I agree with Sarah if the press is paying that much attention to you than it may be a good sign.

Julie

My former dance director saw a review of us which was lukewarm at best and said something to the effect of even a bad review has your name out there.

That is true--Paul is definitely an item if they posted this. If he were in Chicago, it would have been noticed as well. ;)

(On the other side, his outreach in using local foods and healthy eating would also make the food columns here, or an article in "Chicago" magazine and, of course, an interview on WTTW/PBS.)

All in all, go Paul go!!

Liz, I wouldn't suggest jumping off a cliff unless you have a parachute. :D

Good idea to have parachute before jumping off cliff, Sarah; the only one I know off who jumped off the cliff was coyote in the myth where coyote saw autumn leaves gently falling from trees and he wanted to do the same; the birds told him he can't fly but he wanted to float like the leaves anyway and so coyote jumped off the cliff and of course he did not make it; the story goes on where coyote spends time gathering back his bones and he had to use pitch (coal) for an eye for the time being. So he jumped and died and then came back and dusted himself off and started again. I thought the part where he had to gather back his bones and use a coal eye was good.

For Paul's story it was disappointing as it was not shocking enough; haha!!! NZ press we already know that he had "taken his kit off" with regularity in the old dancing days. I wonder if the dancer saw he danced better than they did and that is why the lady "left in a huff". That would have been a more plausible version of the story.

Guess where Paul would appear next:

http://www.beerandbrewerexpo.com/presenters.html

Wish that was here in Chicago--I'd snatch those tickets really fast!

It's great that Paul's really happening!

Ah I am finaly surfacing after a rather busy, hectic and travel filled month and a half!

I will start another post but thought I would respond to the strip club stuff here as I know the press in Aus does look at my site for stuff they can use - but probably dont look through 143 posts just the titles.

Oh dear what was I thinking - I guess I should know better but I thought what the heck I had had a good night out and thought I would finish it off with being a bit risky. What a laugh the whole thing is - I mean a front page story telling people what I had for dinner??? The shorter article is pretty much completely made up the only truth being I did go to two strip clubs. The longer article is pretty much what happened as I told the journo and you have to say the first club certainly made a botch of the publicity that they saught by leaking the story. Fancy kicking a patron out for being boring?! I was only there for about 4 minutes tops so I reckon boring someone in 4 minutes is either a world record or a fib. A very strange club with a very strange attitude. Why did I go to the second club?? Well I guess 4 minutes at a strip club really felt like you hadnt been to one so we went to the other one that was a couple of minutes down the road.

No problems there. We had a couple of beers etc and they didnt feel the need to make up any stories - I know the journo talked to them as well.

As I was talkng to my friend I looked up at the stage and realised I needed my glasses as I couldnt see properly and at that point I realsied I am getting too old for this kind of caper. I left and although I will never say I will never do it again I dont have any plans to be doing it again.

Most people that have read the articles have given me the old nudge nudge wink wink - they find the articles rediculous and the fact that i did it endearing in a naughty boy kind of way.

My 13 year old wasnt happy with me though and my other two daughters just looked at me and said "oh Dad' in that loving but dad is getting doddery kinda way. I thought maybe the press could be the bad thing but it was my 13 year old's concern at it possibility being talked about here in Aus and the embaresment that would cause her that I realise where my responsibilities lie.

Paul,
Thanks for clearing this up.
I guess I'm glad it isn't only the USA press that does this, blows thing all out of proportion.
But maybe I shouldn't blame any one nation for this, but the "celebrity" nation.
The next question, I suppose, is, is the positive publicity worth the negative?
Getting your name where not previously known? maybe good
But the negative to your family, not so good ... unless they understand the whole dynamic of fame.
On the outside looking in, kudos to you and your family for dealing with this whole issue.
And good luck to you all!
smiles and hugs,
deltalady aka Sally

Welcome back, Paul! Thanks for your side of it, which confirmed what I thought happened.

Deltalady is right--"celebrity nation" is a good term for it!

(Glad to know I'm not the only one "getting those glasses" out these days. Thankfully I have contacts for dancing. LOL)

Welcome back, Paul! Thanks for your side of it, which confirmed what I thought happened.

Deltalady is right--"celebrity nation" is a good term for it!

(Glad to know I'm not the only one "getting those glasses" out these days. Thankfully I have contacts for dancing. LOL)

Sorry for that double post. As far as I know I only hit post once!

Hey Paul, nice to see you in our neck of the woods. I take it you are happier now :grin:.

Mary S, funny you should mention shingles.

There's an old-fashioned stinky substance that clears shingles up in about a week, with virtually no pain, but is very anti-social.

Neat cider vinegar soaked cloth pads, saturating the areas of the blisters in vinegar, for about 20 minutes at a time. However many times a day you decide to use it for, but no less than three times a day. If you start it fast enough, you can reduce the size of the welt very quickly...

Yes, it basically makes you into one stinking cider vinegar rotisserie spit for a few days. It works well, because pox viruses can't survive a ph or around 2 for more than 5 minutes. If you kill off all the viruses in the pustules, then the nerves don't get attacked and there is very little pain.

The vinegar assault on the nasal passages is different sort of pain.

It works well on reducing the itch and number of chickenpox as well...

No pharma company will pass that trick on, because then they won't sell antivirals...

So for any of you, if you get shingles, try the cider vinegar. It works way faster than anti-virals and you don't need the pain killers...

Paul you are very sensitive to how your family esp your teenager would be affected. For teens every event seems earth shattering so I am glad you are in tune to that. You are such a caring dad. Thanks for taking the time to clear things although no one in their right mind would take these stories seriously.

Also re the part where the dancer was bored, wasnt it their job to be entertaining, so why would they expect the people coming in to suddenly entertain them with conversation; the story just does not make sense.

Wow. What a bunch of news. Glad you're out there keeping busy Paul. Remember, idle hands are the devil's workshop. lol. You know what they say in show business...bad publicity is better than none....hmmm. I wonder. They say as long as they're talking about you, you're ok. We know you better than that though.

I've been the opposite of working this week. I've been out on vacation. Today is the second day off and I've had a nice long week because of it, since my normal work week is Wed-Sat. I really think I could be a lady of leisure without too much effort.

Sun Microsystems (my employer) is in discussion with IBM for a buy out. IBM would buy Sun. I'm sure hoping whatever they decide, it's an ok choice for us employees, although I know we come last in the mix. Wish us luck!

Julie, what a great story. Take care of that new house guest of yours. I think she's a very lucky kitty to have fallen into your caring hands. Your neighbor is also so fortunate to have you for a friend.

Take care everybody. I'm a bit distracted at the moment. I'll check back in later for more news.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2009/03/20/1237055068818.html

Hilary, thanks for the FYI on the cider vinegar. I pray I never need to use it, but it's good to know.

Paul, glad all is well and you are just busy.

I've been busy since yesterday (Friday) morning. It began as my past month or so of Fridays - taking my friend Heather to her doctors appointments. However something wonderful happened at the perinatologist appointment - he sent her over to labor & delivery! By 5:08p last night, both boys were part of our world and doing fine. Today I spent some time at home doing chores, and then headed to the hospital to spend time with mommy and babies. I'll probably spend more time there tomorrow as her immediate family can't be there all day, and she can only have both boys in the room with her as long as there is someone else there. Not that I'm complaining. :D

Sarah, I feel I should know who Heather is in your life, but I don't, but I'm very glad you are so overjoyed by the birth of her boys and I"m glad you were able to be there with her and share in the labor and love!

Mercurio's Menu excerpt

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=mercurio%20menu&hl=en&ned=tus&tab=nv#q=paul+mercurio&hl=en&emb=0&st=week

Wrong link above, sorry; pls try this one; Paul has such a hard job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-CVvtj3KRE

That was very funny, Paul! This is how I feel every time I'm in an Italian Ice cream shop in Europe, the hardship of what to get; but I always start with Lemon and Pistachio and then move on to all the other fruity ones. Yummm!!! Good thing, only 2 more months until I head to Europe :) and thanks Liz for posting it!

Dear Paul,

The latest YouTube video that Liz sent, was so
entertaining, and so YOU!

It is a pity that although you spent just minutes in 2 strips joints, you did not escape the harsh scrutiny of the press. Next time stick to ice cream!

This is not a lecture..okay, it is, sort of, from a Grandma who really cares...

If you all want to laugh, go to YouTube and search
for "Abigail's Party" with Tara Morice. It is a gem and is at the Ensemble Theatre in
Sydney, running for 7 weeks. The clip from YouTube
is just a hint of the fun, and Tara looks beautiful and does a marvelous comedy role!

MBF was shown Sunday at the prestigious film palace (Dendy Opera Quays near the Sydney Opera House) as part of the Senior Film Festival. 200
people attended. Apparently they were very touched
and were weeping and laughing in all the right
places. It was shown on the huge movie screen and filled the screen completely.

Tara had a question and answer session afterwards..one question was, "Why isn't Millie here?"

Well, Millie and Ellie almost did go, but after
checking out flights from Miami to Sydney, we decided we should not go...we would be traveling 23 hours one way..we chickened out, no guts!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil the gutless wonder...

23 hours is a very long flight! But didn't they notice that you attended in spirit?

Hi everyone!

That youtube video was perfect! Paul, you're such a brat. I'm so jealous of your current job! I chuckled at the comment about the lovable Italians. Yay! :)

I loved the video.

Millie, I agree that a 23 hour flight is just too long. I'm sure they felt your presence there!

Looking forward to DWTS tonight! Anyone watching it? I wasn't too sure about this season, as usual, when it began, but then, as usual, I got hooked once again!

Hope everyone is well. After taking a week off from work, and actually accomplishing a few things, I feel somewhat rejuvenated. It's a great feeling!

Grandma Mil, I still wish for a NW premiere of MBF so we can see it too; maybe they can do a video conference/link so you don't have to fly to the premiere but can still do a question and answer.

MaryS hello to you and your tribe of lovable Italians (including you and Paul)

To Evelyn: this line was on the video and Paul said the lady had a sexy German accent; do you NOT have same accent, Frau Evelyn :D and can you pls translate what was written:

"Paul Mercurio visits Frosty Mango Paul Mercurios Besuch bei Frosty Mango We had lots of fun that day. Paul is a very nice person! Hat viel Spass gemacht mit Paul. "

posting again as is high up in blog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-CVvtj3KRE

Millie,

I knew you would be a huge hit!

Keep on inspiring!

Julie

correction:

It should be Fraulein Evelyn not Frau Evelyn? and can you use the title as a Ms. equivalent? I hope you have a spring break vacation from teaching and research Frosty Fraulein Evelyn.

Liz, my accent, of course, naturally, is much cuter than hers!!! :D
Well, if you were my grandma and called me Fräulein Meyer, I'd be nice enough not to bite your head of for it. But as you are not .... OK, I will mind my manners! Rather than creating a new title to avoid the marital status distinction between Miss & Mrs, in Germany we decided to simply drop the Fräulein (= Miss) and use Frau for everyone. But in any case, we don't combine these forms of address with first names, only last names.

thus endeth your lesson on German for the day. Uhmmm, not quite yet, you wanted a translation as well.

Paul Mercurios Besuch bei Frosty Mango. = Paul Mercurio's visit at Frosty Mango.
Hat viel Spass gemacht mit Paul. = It was a lot of fun with Paul (implying, hanging out with him).

Our spring break was already over 1 1/2 weeks ago, but as I'm working at a Jesuit university, we do get a short Easter break! Yeah! Hope you are enjoying yourself as well, Liz, and for that matter everyone else as well.

Thanks Evelyn, German seems to have much more force to it (written) would like to hear you speak it some day with the sexy accent of course. Thank you for the expert translation, Frau Meyer.

Evelyn, Heather is a close friend. Her mom (Gena) and I worked together for over 3 years and I came to know the family quite well. Heather's daughter, Laila is my "adopted" goddaughter, and the boys will probably follow suit. (Their aunt Amanda is their godmother.)

Liz, having sung in German many times in the past I can tell you that to many it can sound much more harsh than some other languages. I'm sure when it's spoken by a native speaker it is much more lovely than when I mangle it. LOL

I hope all are well. Grandma Mil that is great news about the recent showing of MBF. :D

Hope you're happier now - I am SO happy to have DWTS on again and remained glued to the TV on Tuesdays with a big grin on my face, holding my breath and clapping along with the live audience!
This show is so entertaining on every level - will the athletes find their artistic side? - can they harness that competitive spirit in performance? - will the actors find their rhythm? - how fabulous & outrageous can those costumes get? - will everyone who gets lifted land safely? - loving the live band! (many of whom are tutors at Jazz Music School where my son studies) - how many double-entendres can Jason & Candy fit in to the commentary? - how sparky can you judges get with each other? - and when will Brendon (or Paul!) get to show how it's done at last!?!?!?! Can't wait already until next week! The video will have to do til then!

Liz, the funny thing is that I was thinking about my cute trace of a German accent in English, not in German itself :) I guess I better start working on a sexy accent in German now. How, oh how does one do that? Do I have any acting friends who could help me with that? The odds aren't good ...

Sarah, I knew I should have known that. Laila is very pretty by the way, based on the FB pics I've seen of her. And yes, so German isn't so melodic as French, Italian and Spanish, as we distinguish between word boundaries, and I do apply that to English as well. Am trying to make things flow more in my English speech and clip things less. Much easier said than done though!

Ha - the good ol frosty mango!

Yes I am happy at the moment but with only 4 weeks work left and nothing definate coming up I am beginning to get that old familiar feeling.....
keeping the faith something IS around the corner just how long will that corner be is the main question.

Heather glad you like the show. I am at Wellington airport waiting to fly home - another show done - looking forward to getting home and doing stuff and then back on a plane Monday and the 5th show Tuesday - getting closer to the business end - who will win???????? It is a good show.

I may even start a new post when I get home!!

Sorry, guys, doing a little catch-up here.

Paul (and Liz), loved the Mango video--great post! And now I have an idea about Paul's show (MM). I especially enjoy Paul's sense of humor--the walking into the bush and sneaking gelato in the closet. (I probably would myself at that!)

Grandma Mil, I happy for both you and Tara. I can't blame you and Ellie not to take the flight--23 hours! I barely make the 8 over the Atlantic when I go to Europe! Too many years of dancing--can't sit still all that long! LOL

Hilary, that's great information on the shingles, probably less side effects than the meds and shots--well, maybe smelling like cider. I know in Europe they still count on teas and other holistic ways to heal.

We have a great apothecary here in Chicago called "Merz" on Lincoln Avenue (the old German neighborhood in NW Chicago), and it's so busy on weekends there are lines to the front door. The original "health food" store before the concept! Anyway, they have herbs, teas, roots, etc., and books on natural healing. It still has the original wood paneling on the walls with the old shelving--very early 1900s. If you're in Chicago, a good place to check out. (Then go to Sel Marie across the street and load up on quiche and other fresh baked goodies.)

OK, I make up for lost time! Cheers all!

(Hang in there Paul--you know something's around the corner worth your talent!)

Evelyn, you have a lot going on I can understand how you wouldn't put all the people I talk about together. :D Laila is adorable, but she has a bit of a demon in her as well. LOL As for a "sexy" accent, in my opinion sexy is in the eye/ear of the beholder. In all my acting training I'm not sure I could explain how to exact a sexy accent. ;)

Mmm, gelato. I'm having a Homer moment. I could go for some real gelato, despite the cold weather. Maybe some of my old haunts in Brooklyn will have it ready when I am up there next month. :D

Paul, you must rack up the frequent flier miles with all those trips between home and NZ.

Welcome back Paul and Melody!

Evelyn I dont think you can work at it--with the sexy accent I mean--You just have it and thus others are charmed. :D Agree with Sarah; (Sarah do you sing Wagner as in the Bugs bunny rabbit German opera?)

Congrats Paul on your 2 shows; waiting for series 3 and 4 and more; would like to volunteer my city for your MM International or MM Beer Series; We grow our own hops and we have great local seafood and make wine and lots and lots of beer; I bet a lot of people here have your Cooper's beer kit; lots of fruit and farms--put me and Cat's city on your MM list. Portland! Have a nice resting week for a change.

Happy Earth Hour; we had ours last night when major lighted landmarks had lights off for 1 hour. Still more of a gesture than signficant saving of energy.

Like the kinetic energy of Paul's show; agree with Melody I like the stumbling into the trees; the dancer in you shows when you fall; and the acting, the agony of choosing which ice cream, that is great drama.

The US PCs have been watching the 2 minute frosty mango video as that is all we can see; any chance the DVDs will be out or at least shown online or can be downloaded once for a fee; just wondering how we can see your shows as not broadcast outside of Aus and NZ; even the DWTS NZ videos are for NZ residents only. :(

Why do people blog in fansites? I did ask myself that question; apart from being a pathetic fan I think Lynda Barry (the cartoonist) summed if up well:

"We create images of fantasy not to escape the world but to be able to stay..."

There is something about telling stories that is essential for humans to live--artists are able to capture an image be it in dance or a song or a poem or pottery or a drawing.

Now off to do my tax forms so hard to do

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/features/mercurio-brings-his-menu-to-nz/mercurio-brings-his-menu-to-nz_home.cfm

As it is always tomorrow in Australia, I will be the early one:

Happy Birthday Paul!!!

Best Wishes to you as you create what's about to come around the corner; you do not know for certain what is to come but you get to choose which corner you stand next to and you can always have a great ride or speed through or make a u turn. (that is my what's around the corner metaphor as I just got a speeding ticket with the polic radar)

No I am not for people speeding as that could be a danger to others. (It was a total oversight I was driving downhill over 35 mph and the limit was 35 mph) Would remind others to be careful as it is easy to forget.

No I am not for people speeding as that could be a danger to others. (It was a total oversight I was driving downhill over 35 mph and the limit was 35 mph) Would remind others to be careful as it is easy to forget.

Let's toast the anniversary of Paul together with his family! Much success and much health Congratulations.
Fans of hugs from Brazil (Maria Horos and Vanessa Horos)

Happy Birthday Paul!
Have a great day!
Lots of love.
Clair. XXXX

P.S. Click on my name for a birthday greeting!

Happy Birthday, Paul! May it be a fabulous day of celebration for you that sets the tone for wonderful things to come in the year ahead of you. Best wishes to you in every respect!

How old is Paul now?

Happy Birthday Big Kahoona!

Julie