Odd obsessions. . .

On Saturday, I watched a documentary of Broadway through the years. It was live streaming on Netflix (which I can do via my TiVo), and hosted by Julie Andrews. I was fascinated. I truly grew up in the wrong age. The Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Rogers & Hammerstein, Rogers & Hart, Jerome Kern, Bernstein--all gorgeous. Sigh. . .

After it, on Sunday, I ended up watching the 2006 revival of Sondheim's Company on Netflix (with a near-perfect Raul Esparza). The music is so lush, and he is so good as Robert. It is an odd musical written in an odd time, but I kind of love it. I've had this song in my head all day.



A lot of the songs I've heard before, but I didn't realize where they came from. This one is something I sometimes sing in my head when dealing with various family members. Or sometimes when I have to deal with "special" people in my job. Whole conversations with silly people have been tolerated with a smile because I had this song playing in my head (minus the teensy bit of salty language in this production).



The longing in some of the songs is completely heartbreaking but gorgeous. I watched an interview with Esparza where he talked about it being his favorite--or at least the best he thought he had ever done. He is incredible in it.

Many years ago, I watched a filmed version of a Bernadette Peters concert with an old roommate where Bernadette gorgeously sang the big finale song Being Alive. My roommate complained that the song wasn't good--that it just was a list and didn't go anywhere--that it was stupid. She was wrong.

The power of the song really comes from where it is staged--at the end of all the quibbles of a man's life, of the vignettes he's remembered during the course of a surprise birthday party. It is an amazing moment of realization--what it means to be in a real relationship with any person--not just having surface relationships with people. This is a little melodramatic if you haven't had to expend the emotion to get through the entire play, but I really loved it.



Yep, I've had the entire show in my head for three days now. I need to get more musical theater in my life. The last show I went to was Spamalot in New York over two years ago. That is just wrong.

I leave you with my favorite song from Company--possibly because the joy you must have to take in performing it. I really would love an excuse to perform it, but I have no idea how I could find that excuse. Heather Laws does a great version (and her diction!), but my favorite is Carol Burnett's. She is just so funny!

The end in the beginning

Sometimes I think my life came to an end, and also began again on this date in 2002. My heart shattered. My relationships with my family deepened. I learned who my real friends were. I regretted a lot, and gave thanks for so much. Life inevitably went on, but I was never the same. Isaiah, speaking as Christ, says, "Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah, 48:10). I believe I am better for it, but the cost was very great.

This year I get to miss three brothers instead of two. Sean is mightily serving his mission in Montana (well, Riverton, WY at the moment). So, I thought I would post a picture of my boys. And say, "I miss you, Nate." I wish you were here. I really could use a hug--your hug.

Just for B

Still not doing great. But I have to say, "Thanks!" to the little bit for putting up with me. So, here's to you, Miss Ruby. Love you.

Extra Props to anyone who caught the Buffy reference.

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!

Pillow Fights amongst the clouds. . .

Around 12:30 it was like someone burst a big feather pillow in the sky. It doesn't happen often here in NC, but I do love it. I love it almost as much as I love this:

It's back. . .

The most irreverent, but amusing Christmas Special of recent memory. I love it!

P.S. I keep getting Alicia Keys New York song in my head, and this addition of Stephen rapping just makes me like it more. Enjoy!