The Ring of a Belle

Jean Simmons died this weekend. I know her best from Guys and Dolls. Specifically this:

And this:

And this:

Okay, part of me just loves it for Brando. But who can blame me (or her)? I've never longed to help a man turn the other cheek quite so much. Ah, chemistry. . .

I also remember her from Spartacus, and the Robe, Olivier's version of Hamlet, and the old version of Great Expectations. She played with well-respected actors like Lawrence Olivier, Marlon Brando, Rock Hudson, Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, but I didn't know, she and the-heart-of-my-heart* were in a movie together. Until they Sail (see picture below) played today on TCM, and I cannot wait to watch it sometime this week.

I was incredibly sad to hear of her passing, and yet, slightly excited for her to join all of those who have passed before her from that golden age of dazzling movie stars who captivated me so much

as a child. So, thank you Jean, for years of entertainment, and for ringing a bell--if only metaphorically.

*It just so happens to be Paul Newman's birthday today, and I couldn't let the day pass without telling him "Happy Birthday." You are missed--by me, at least.

Happy New Brain?

So, I haven't blogged in a while, and I am sorry about that. I miss randomly bringing you my odd life musings, my insane pop culture analysis, and other random trivia. Here is why. . .

On October 30, I was diagnosed with this. With my already busy work schedule and nearly weekly doctors visits, I just haven't had the energy. And I've been a little depressed about it--which is why I have been slightly hermit-y and a little anti-phone. Who wants to explain over and over the stupid stuff that is consuming my life of late? I certainly don't. What am I, an 80-year-old woman with nothing else to talk about. Sadly, yes about everything but the age. No, really, I'm doing fine, considering. My dearest cousin said, "Couldn't you just have relationship issues?" and I agree whole-heartily with her. That would be great. At least it would be different.

Obviously, that isn't the plan for me, and I get to try out new and exciting medical tests, meet new doctors, and figure out why I am a "special case" as the doctor put it on Wednesday. I'll try to be better at updating my blog in the new year, but you may have to wait until after my as yet unscheduled surgery. Or maybe Topher could set me up with a new host without problems--kidding!