Arturo and I went to see "The Wrestler". I was totally prepared to hate it--not a big fan of Mickey Rourke, hate wrestling, don't like sports movies in general, etc. I also thought that nobody could be a better contender for Best Actor than Sean Penn in "Milk". Well, I was completely sucked in, just bowled over by Rourke's performance. I don't know where he pulled this one from but it is an extraordinary piece of work. I was in tears during one scene, he was so brutally, brilliantly honest and exposed as an actor. If he doesn't win the Oscar it will be a major robbery. According to imdb.com, Marisa Tomei is 45. While that's not exactly over the hill, it ain't young either. She looks completely fantastic--don't know how much time she spends at the gym to get that body but it must be substantial. It's embarrassing, really.
Wrote the Oscar quiz over the weekend. Arturo says it's a tad easier than previous years, which is good, because people often tell me it's very hard. I think this one is full of giveaway questions but then again.....I'm the one writing the quiz! We'll see what the reaction is this year. I think things are pretty much under control for the big night; all I have to do is the usual furniture rearranging and of course borrow the projector again. Last year I offered to buy the projector from Bill but he wants way too much money for it--$1000!--which is crazy, since it's hardly new. But he's funny about stuff like that, so I won't ask again this year. Personally, if I were in his situation, I'd rather have $200 in my hand than a projector which might be worth somewhat more to a different person, but which I never used. Oh well.
I've been doing a lot of cleaning out and rearranging over the past months. I think the house looks better (at least to me), and I have the satisfaction of knowing I've done a lot of good work. My next job, after the Oscar party, is to work on the TV room. I'd really love to radically re-think everything about it. I think it would be fun to paint it a wonderful, warm, tomato-soup red, and make it feel like a little jewel box theater. We'll see what happens. I have a lot of ideas percolating.
My picks for the Oscars: Picture--Slumdog; Actor--Rourke; Actress--Winslet; Supporting Actress--Davis; Supporting Actor--Shannon (this is actually an "anyone but Heath Ledger" vote); Director--Boyle. I think Winslet will win but in my opinion she's nominated for the wrong role; she was much better in "Revolutionary Road". Oh well--less than a week to wait!
One singing job in March and two in April, which makes me very happy. I am much better when I have something to prepare for. Arturo's Schubert concert was last night, and he played so very well! I was so proud of him. He looked calm and collected, all the little things I've heard him practicing came off without a hitch, his intonation was perfect, and he was so musical. Plus he looked very handsome in his tails! A lovely evening.
TTFN. Comment away! I love to know what everyone thinks....or even if they're reading at all. xoxo
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Catching up
Almost two weeks since my last post. Sure wish the time didn't slip by so fast!
I've seen a lot of movies in the run-up to Oscar night. So far I've been most impressed by "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon". Incredible performances in both movies. This past Saturday night, Arturo and I went to see a show called "Souvenir", which was put on by a local acting company. It's about Florence Foster Jenkins, the infamous no-talent society opera singer from the 30's, and her hapless accompanist, the very oddly named Cosmie McMoon. The acting was really good and the story actually turned out to be quite touching and even thought-provoking. What is more lofty, anyway? Telling someone they are not only not talented but positively painful to listen to? Or letting them live out their fantasies and dreams? The actor/musician who played the pianist was quite touching when he tenderly reassured Florence that she wasn't hearing laughter after her performance of the Schubert "Ave Maria", but rather people were giggling because they were so nervous in the face of such beauty. It was sweet, and moving.
Work has been very busy, I guess it's the "new year/new deductible" rush, or something. Overall I'm still happy at UNC, and convinced that the change of jobs was a good thing. I'm certainly better paid! Got my W-2 form for the year and I even impressed myself.
My singing job on Sunday (fundraiser for the Healing Tree Foundation) went well. Arturo was very complimentary, which is always nice. But there were a few folks there like George Christie, who made a point of saying that he had heard me sing perhaps 4 times, and I keep getting better. Now, THAT was praise I can take to heart! Glenn seemed a little "off" on Sunday, especially at the beginning, but then he focused and we had some nice moments. I even managed to get through my encore number, which was "Over The Rainbow", a suicidal choice if there ever was one. I just thought it would fit with the aims of the foundation, plus I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it. Overall I think I acquitted myself admirably. The lady who runs the foundation wants to hire us again, for another fundraiser in April, so there's a vote of confidence.
Arturo is worried about his fast-approaching Schubert performance. I know he'll be fine but he does have to work through things in his own way. I just wish he didn't suffer so.
Went to see Adriana yesterday--she looks tired and drawn, and of course sang her usual plaint about wanting to die, why was she still alive, etc. I didn't make any effort to talk her out of it, I just listened. (All my nursing school psych professors would have been proud--it was truly reflective listening! I kept saying things like, "It sounds like you're depressed.") God save me from being so selfish and miserable when I'm her age. I know my mom is younger, but she looks and acts so vibrant now, I just don't imagine her ever being essentially different (barring catastrophe, of course). Now SHE'S my role model!
Anyway, off to the salt mines--three days in a row this week, ugh.
I've seen a lot of movies in the run-up to Oscar night. So far I've been most impressed by "Doubt" and "Frost/Nixon". Incredible performances in both movies. This past Saturday night, Arturo and I went to see a show called "Souvenir", which was put on by a local acting company. It's about Florence Foster Jenkins, the infamous no-talent society opera singer from the 30's, and her hapless accompanist, the very oddly named Cosmie McMoon. The acting was really good and the story actually turned out to be quite touching and even thought-provoking. What is more lofty, anyway? Telling someone they are not only not talented but positively painful to listen to? Or letting them live out their fantasies and dreams? The actor/musician who played the pianist was quite touching when he tenderly reassured Florence that she wasn't hearing laughter after her performance of the Schubert "Ave Maria", but rather people were giggling because they were so nervous in the face of such beauty. It was sweet, and moving.
Work has been very busy, I guess it's the "new year/new deductible" rush, or something. Overall I'm still happy at UNC, and convinced that the change of jobs was a good thing. I'm certainly better paid! Got my W-2 form for the year and I even impressed myself.
My singing job on Sunday (fundraiser for the Healing Tree Foundation) went well. Arturo was very complimentary, which is always nice. But there were a few folks there like George Christie, who made a point of saying that he had heard me sing perhaps 4 times, and I keep getting better. Now, THAT was praise I can take to heart! Glenn seemed a little "off" on Sunday, especially at the beginning, but then he focused and we had some nice moments. I even managed to get through my encore number, which was "Over The Rainbow", a suicidal choice if there ever was one. I just thought it would fit with the aims of the foundation, plus I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could do it. Overall I think I acquitted myself admirably. The lady who runs the foundation wants to hire us again, for another fundraiser in April, so there's a vote of confidence.
Arturo is worried about his fast-approaching Schubert performance. I know he'll be fine but he does have to work through things in his own way. I just wish he didn't suffer so.
Went to see Adriana yesterday--she looks tired and drawn, and of course sang her usual plaint about wanting to die, why was she still alive, etc. I didn't make any effort to talk her out of it, I just listened. (All my nursing school psych professors would have been proud--it was truly reflective listening! I kept saying things like, "It sounds like you're depressed.") God save me from being so selfish and miserable when I'm her age. I know my mom is younger, but she looks and acts so vibrant now, I just don't imagine her ever being essentially different (barring catastrophe, of course). Now SHE'S my role model!
Anyway, off to the salt mines--three days in a row this week, ugh.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rehearsing today
Gee, it felt so good to sing again! Glenn and I are working on a short program for January 25th. Mostly things I've sung before, but a few new ones. I can't believe how a few hours of rehearsing can change my whole outlook on life. I know all about endorphins and mood, but the way I feel afterward......well, I think scientists should recruit me for studies. (Paid would be nice.)
I am in love with the song, "The Gentleman is a Dope". Just the cleverest, the most swinging, the best. So VERY unlike Rodgers & Hammerstein. I actually checked the Rodgers & Hart book first. I googled "Allegro", which is the musical for which the song was originally written, and I can see from the [non] plot why it didn't go over well with audiences. This song, though, is a gem.
Mom's birthday was yesterday, and I spoke with her for 40 minutes or so. She sounds lively and healthy, she looks terrific, and I consider her a role model in most every way. I hope I have her health and positive attitude when I'm her age. Congratulations, Mom, on another year, and here's to very many more.
I am in love with the song, "The Gentleman is a Dope". Just the cleverest, the most swinging, the best. So VERY unlike Rodgers & Hammerstein. I actually checked the Rodgers & Hart book first. I googled "Allegro", which is the musical for which the song was originally written, and I can see from the [non] plot why it didn't go over well with audiences. This song, though, is a gem.
Mom's birthday was yesterday, and I spoke with her for 40 minutes or so. She sounds lively and healthy, she looks terrific, and I consider her a role model in most every way. I hope I have her health and positive attitude when I'm her age. Congratulations, Mom, on another year, and here's to very many more.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Done! Finished! Finito!
Well, it's done--there is a huge pile of junk at the curb, the house is de-Christmased, the attic is re-organized, everything is clean and tidy, and I spent last evening basking in the pleasant exhaustion that comes from very hard work. Many thanks to Max Gottleib, neighborhood college student who needed cash and had muscle and stamina to trade for it! Together we made about 40 trips up and down the stairs, but by God, it's all done.
The funny thing is, when I got home from work tonight, I noticed that much of the stuff we put out at the curb was gone. All the old drapery rods--which was mildly surprising, since they were so tangled I cut a lot of the cords to facilitate transport. The two absolutely ancient bed springs and bed frames, which, by the way, were left in the attic by the previous residents of ol' 2423. Maybe there's a big market for scrap metal? Who knows. Certainly NOBODY would be hard up enough to actually use them for mattress rests. Anyway, it works for me.
Now, if I could just get Diana to clean her room......
The funny thing is, when I got home from work tonight, I noticed that much of the stuff we put out at the curb was gone. All the old drapery rods--which was mildly surprising, since they were so tangled I cut a lot of the cords to facilitate transport. The two absolutely ancient bed springs and bed frames, which, by the way, were left in the attic by the previous residents of ol' 2423. Maybe there's a big market for scrap metal? Who knows. Certainly NOBODY would be hard up enough to actually use them for mattress rests. Anyway, it works for me.
Now, if I could just get Diana to clean her room......
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lazy day
I have had the laziest day today, at least the part after I went to the gym. I paid bills this morning--always a wonderful way to start the day--then did a few little errands and went to the gym. I came home with the idea that I would take down the Christmas tree, but instead went to lunch with Diana, then talked with Alan for a while, then joined Diana's friends while they all made hula-hoops, then bailed on taking in a movie with Karen, then got on the computer and have been assiduously wasting time for the past hour.
The Christmas tree is still up, my set list for the 1/25 concert is still in limbo, and I am STILL IN MY GYM CLOTHES!!
There are still 5 hours left in the day. Still time to reform!
The Christmas tree is still up, my set list for the 1/25 concert is still in limbo, and I am STILL IN MY GYM CLOTHES!!
There are still 5 hours left in the day. Still time to reform!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
New Year, New Post
Wow, it's been quite a while since I wrote here. A lot has happened, mostly all good.
The holidays have come and gone, and it's back to work tomorrow. We had a lovely trip to NY, where we saw beaucoups of friends and relatives, ate too much, and got to experience real snow and REAL cold too! (New Years Eve was marked by temperatures in the low teens, with a wind chill factor near zero degrees. Not that anything as common as the weather kept the crowds away from Times Square, mind you.)
Arturo and I had a lovely day in the city on Dec. 30th. First we had lunch with his old friend, Joe Smith. Joe lives on W. 82nd Street. We met him at his apartment and then ate at a lovely little brasserie. It was fun for me to just sit back and listen to them reminisce, and observe their mutual delight in being together for a while. Arturo & Joe have known each other since they were both 16--a pretty long time. Then we walked around Central Park for a while, and saw the new building/museum at Columbus Circle, and ended the afternoon at Christophe Landon Fine Violins. Arturo was trying to sell a violin which had belonged to his Dad. Monsieur Landon was the soul of gallic charm as well as an extremely learned luthier. He spent about an hour talking to us about the violin and, while [politely] declining to purchase it at the moment, gave us information on how to further research its pedigree. Even though we still had to carry around the case for the rest of the day, it was a very interesting visit.
Then we went to see the revival of "Pal Joey" at the Studio 54 Theater, courtesy of Mom. (Thanks, Mom! Great Christmas present!) I have to say I was underwhelmed for many reasons, but it was, as usual, a great experience to be in a NY theater, enjoying live performances. No wonder legions of young people are seduced into trying to make their living as actors.
Gotta go===more later. Keep reading! And, Happy 2009 to all!
The holidays have come and gone, and it's back to work tomorrow. We had a lovely trip to NY, where we saw beaucoups of friends and relatives, ate too much, and got to experience real snow and REAL cold too! (New Years Eve was marked by temperatures in the low teens, with a wind chill factor near zero degrees. Not that anything as common as the weather kept the crowds away from Times Square, mind you.)
Arturo and I had a lovely day in the city on Dec. 30th. First we had lunch with his old friend, Joe Smith. Joe lives on W. 82nd Street. We met him at his apartment and then ate at a lovely little brasserie. It was fun for me to just sit back and listen to them reminisce, and observe their mutual delight in being together for a while. Arturo & Joe have known each other since they were both 16--a pretty long time. Then we walked around Central Park for a while, and saw the new building/museum at Columbus Circle, and ended the afternoon at Christophe Landon Fine Violins. Arturo was trying to sell a violin which had belonged to his Dad. Monsieur Landon was the soul of gallic charm as well as an extremely learned luthier. He spent about an hour talking to us about the violin and, while [politely] declining to purchase it at the moment, gave us information on how to further research its pedigree. Even though we still had to carry around the case for the rest of the day, it was a very interesting visit.
Then we went to see the revival of "Pal Joey" at the Studio 54 Theater, courtesy of Mom. (Thanks, Mom! Great Christmas present!) I have to say I was underwhelmed for many reasons, but it was, as usual, a great experience to be in a NY theater, enjoying live performances. No wonder legions of young people are seduced into trying to make their living as actors.
Gotta go===more later. Keep reading! And, Happy 2009 to all!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas at the OK Corral
Well, it's noon or so on Christmas Day. I'm at work and we had our family gift exchange last night. Lots of smiles all around--everyone was happy, everything fit, and big, huge laughs at Arturo's "Jack LaLanne Double Header". (Photo will follow when I can manage.) Adriana had a bad cough & went home relatively early. The Campas came for dessert, which was a key lime pie that Mike made, plus baklava, plus fruit & nuts, coffee & tea. Really a lovely evening.
Then,
I found out around 11AM that Arturo had gotten a phone call from the friendly folks at Croasdaile, saying that Adriana was having trouble breathing and they felt she should go over to Duke via EMS. (It's a mystery to me why they call us. They don't need our permission to get her emergency medical care. JUST TAKE HER, for Chrissakes.) Arturo of course went over and he is now saying things like, I don't know if I'll be able to go to NY with you tomorrow. So, I called Nick and told him that we were ALL leaving for NY tomorrow, and after today he would be the point person for Adriana. I'm sorry, I'm not having my vacation ruined while he sits and sips Chianti and looks at the ocean (which by the way he does 1/2 the year).
Talked with the Messina/Johnson clan this morning. They all sounded fine and were in high Christmas spirit. I can't wait to see everyone, although I must honestly say I am not looking forward to the drive. I'm sure it will be easier with Darwin along, sharing the driving. I hope Laura has adequately prepared him for the family juggernaut. My family is an awesomely wonderful group of people but, as a group, they can be daunting, to say the least.
Merry Christmas! Write me a message if you're reading!
Then,
I found out around 11AM that Arturo had gotten a phone call from the friendly folks at Croasdaile, saying that Adriana was having trouble breathing and they felt she should go over to Duke via EMS. (It's a mystery to me why they call us. They don't need our permission to get her emergency medical care. JUST TAKE HER, for Chrissakes.) Arturo of course went over and he is now saying things like, I don't know if I'll be able to go to NY with you tomorrow. So, I called Nick and told him that we were ALL leaving for NY tomorrow, and after today he would be the point person for Adriana. I'm sorry, I'm not having my vacation ruined while he sits and sips Chianti and looks at the ocean (which by the way he does 1/2 the year).
Talked with the Messina/Johnson clan this morning. They all sounded fine and were in high Christmas spirit. I can't wait to see everyone, although I must honestly say I am not looking forward to the drive. I'm sure it will be easier with Darwin along, sharing the driving. I hope Laura has adequately prepared him for the family juggernaut. My family is an awesomely wonderful group of people but, as a group, they can be daunting, to say the least.
Merry Christmas! Write me a message if you're reading!
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