Christmas Weekend #2

Happy to report all went well.
Saturday night at Melly’s was great fun, excellent egg-nog so hard to resist, sangria, champagne cocktails, Dusty’s gingerbread. The inner man well looked after.
Entertainment provided rated a high mark of appreciation as well, much bowling and tennis on the UII. Tennis I was fine just playing with one hand, but for some reason I couldn’t do the bowling without going down in full bowling stance. Result, sore thigh muscles. At least I can remember why.
And of course there was the company, friendly, warm, comfortable.

Sunday to relax, sleep in, make sure everything is ready for the Big Day. Watched Carols By Candlelight as always. Not quite the same without wrapping lots of presents for the now-grown-up kids, but hey, the dog likes it when I sing along to anything. There’s something reassuring about how predictable it is, yet occasionally it manages to surprise us. The Newton Family all up there singing together kinda got to me, bit of a lump in the throat. So, I’m an old softy? I don’t mind that so much.

Monday and dinner once again at the oldest and dearest’s – oldest friend that is. Again, comfortable, relaxed, happy. Catching up after another year with Claire and her son Nicholas – who's taller (funny how teenagers do that over the course of a year), both of them definitely Good Value. (small in-joke). Time in there too to remember those who aren’t with us any more, there were a few losses this year unfortunately. Best of all with old friends is how much doesn’t need to be said – the shorthand of familiarity I guess. Just alluding to something (like “Good Value”) can trigger off so much, and a look or a quick smile confirms you’re thinking the same thing. Catch-phrases, and funnily enough talked about them with Mel out on the balcony Saturday night. There is nothing like old friends. Nothing. And no better way to spend Christmas.

Tuesday Boxing Day was a wash-out. No point dwelling on it. But friendship meant sticking it out and I fulfilled my obligations.

And that’s the Festive Season over till next year. Don’t even bother to ask me about New Years, doesn’t count for much as far as I’m concerned, just another number. Seen enough of them, won’t see another turn of century and its damned hard to top that, so it’s really just time to buy a new calendar and diary. Oh, and it’s three days off work.

Standing at the bus stop this morning. Middle-aged lady comes up, puts her shopping bag down on the seat, looks around, and asks;
“Is this the bus-stop?”
“Yes.”
Fifteen second pause.
“It’s not the station?”
No, it’s the bus stop.”
Thirty second pause.
“You’re SURE it’s not the station?”
“Yes – the station is up the road where the train goes, this is the bus-stop.”
Lady turns away, muttering, shaking her head. Eats a banana (I’m not kidding) occasionally loking at me and shaking her head. Obviously doesn’t believe me. I feel like reminding her you need train tracks for a train . . . .
The bus comes. She looks relieved, but I get one more scowl from her as she boards the bus.

Christmas Weekend #1

Well, Christmas started this weekend.
Friday was the work Xmas Party. A bit glamourous really, 17th floor of a swish new building in the middle of the city, fancy ballroom, with a pretty amazing terrace with great views. A few hundred of the people from work, some rather more successful than others at trying to look suave and sophisticated, most of them just there to have a good time. Despite my best announced intentions that it was time I misbehaved at the office party, I didn't. Dammit.

Xmas function #2 was today. The family lunch. Not thank goodness the usual full turkey, ham, and plum pudding. BBQ and salads, good wines (can always rely on that at my brother's house) and all the family, with two new additions this year, my nephew from Sydney has moved down with his gorgeous French-Canadian wife. She works in a cheese store, and brought the cheese platter. French cheeses (funny that) - two goats cheese, a a semi-soft and a soft (delicious), a hard goats/sheeps cheese (very subtle, very yum) and a runny cows milk cheese that looked like a brie that had been wrapped in brown cardboard, but tasted like nothing I've ever had, incredibly smooth and creamy, with a slightly sharp edge and a taste that lingered and changed like a good wine. I declared it to be the new love of my life.
Traditionally it has been my task
to make the plum pudding. I got brave this year, and made plum pudding ice-cream instead. Far more sensible in a Melbourne summer. First try, and not entirely successful. It didn't exactly freeze properly, but tasted just like it was meant to, and went like a dream with the selection of berries my sister-in-law provided and the dessert wine my brother chose.
It was a wonderfully relaxed day, my brother unusually in a very chatty mood, the "kids" stealing my cigarettes. Memories of me not smoking in front of my mother when my nephew dragged me out to the back of the garden because he doesn't smoke in front of his father. My great nephew almost in tears because he thought we thought he'd been watching South Park, when we trying to tell him he should be watching it. Nice that my nephews asked me if I was seeing anyone - nice that they don't think I 'm too old for that, and nice that they want me to be seeing someone. Nice that we can all relax, because no-one is torn between seperated parents and getting kids off to their absent parent - that's why we do it the weekend before. No stress. It's OUR day. Nice that we can all talk about all the family that aren't around for Christmas any more, and talk without sadness, just remembering all those other Christmases when the family was bigger, and the kids really were kids, not the grown-ups and parents they are now. Nicest of all that for at least one day a year we can really be a family.

Can't hardly wait



After all, it's only taken 25 years for someone to get around to filming it.
25 years of anticipation . . . . thank god it looks like it just might be worth the wait.

More clips here

Unfair
It’s a nice face to look at.
Great smile, starts as a crinkle around the eyes, and blossoms from there.
Infectious laugh, just bursts out, like the snatches of song when he’s concentrating.
Sad songs, he loves them, but sings along with unbridled joy, as if the sadness could never touch him. And you hope it never will.
Plays the piano too.
And cooks like a dream.
He’s funny, makes me laugh.
Seems to understand my jokes too. If he doesn’t he at least knows when he’s meant to laugh.
Intelligent enough to be able to discuss more than Britney’s marital exploits.
Perfect match? Yeah.
Except he’s only 20, dammit.

Strange ad from Denmark - can't figure what it's selling!

http://www.oliveroggeden.dk/

TAGGED:Three Meme

1. Three things that scare me:
Goverments
Spiders
Accidents

2. Three people that make me laugh:
Melly
the lady in Hong Kong cafe
my nephew

3. Three things I hate the most:
Arrogance
Prejudice
Violence

4. Three things I don't understand:
Quantum theory
Myself
Fundamentalism

5. Three things I'm doing right now:
Thinking about getting dressed and going out into the sunshine
Drinking the fourth cup of coffee today
Listening to “Grey Gardens” Broadway cast album

6. Three things I want to do before I die:
the Grand Tour of Europe
Live in Thailand for at least a year
Retire

7. Three things I can do:
Smile
Survive
Enjoy

8. Three ways to describe my personality:
Reticent
Kind
Loyal

9. Three things I can't do:
Stop smoking
Get motivated
Sing (but I love to do it)

10. Three things I think you should listen to:
Other people
music
the birds in the morning

11. Three things you should never listen to:
Other people
prejudice
politicians

12. Three things I'd like to learn:
Thai
How to stop smoking
To be brave

13. Three favourite foods:
potatoes
Pad Thai
Pasta carbonara

14. Three beverages I drink regularly:
Coffee
Coffee
Beer

15. Three shows I watched as a kid:
Adventures in Paradise
Disneyland
The Lawman

16. Three people I'm tagging (to do this):
Mel’s beaten me to them

I think I want to see this

You're A Passed Out Drunk

Drinking gives you that warm fuzzy feeling, until you're thrown in the back of a police car...

What Kind of Drunk Are You?

WHAT NEXT ?

"Evil Dead: The Musical unearths the old familiar story," reveals a press release, "boy and friends take a weekend getaway at abandoned cabin, boy expects to get lucky, boy unleashes ancient evil spirit, friends turn into Candarian Demons, boy fights until dawn to survive."

Songs like "All the Men in my Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons," "Look Who's Evil Now" and "Do the Necronomicon"

three strikes and . . .

; two months in a position and I don't get confirmed.
; apply for another position, interviewed, not successful.
; apply for a third position, don't even get an interview.

Am I getting an increasingly unsubtle message somewhere here?

50 Questions I Had To Answer

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7am – and that was a sleep-in on my RDO.
2. Diamonds or Pearls? I'm looking after my mother's pearls cos no-one else in the family wants to, my niece has her diamonds. I wear a sapphire, black, yellow star.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? King Kong
4. What are your favourite TV shows? Great Food Live - obligatory viewing. I suspect I am Jeni Barnett's greatest fan.
5. What did you have for breakfast? Been a Weet-Bix kid all my life.
6. What is your middle name? Geoffrey
7. What is your favourite cuisine? Thai - Lanna Thai (northern) if I had to be specific
8. What foods do you dislike? those curries where everything is brown
9. Your favourite Potato chip? Plain.
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Katie Melua "Call Off The Search"
11. What kind of car do you drive? Daihatsu
12. Favourite sandwich? Tomato, cheese and vegemite - the cheese has to go between the tomato and vegemite or it all stains brown
13. What characteristics do you despise? lack of consideration
14. What are your favourite clothes? Sweatshirt, jeans and sneakers.
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I always answer Thailand, but Portugal would probably win at the moment if I had the money and the time.
16. What colour is your bathroom? A particularly nasty dull blue.
17. Favourite brand of clothing? Probably Armani, but I can't afford it.
18. Where would you want to retire to? Jomtien, Thailand.
19. Where you born? St Andrew's East Melbourne (now the Peter McCallum Cancer Clinic)
20. Favourite sport to watch? Tennis, diving, gymnastics
21. Who do you least expect to do this / send it back? JP
22. Person you expect to send it back first? She already did it.
23. Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi
24. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night Owl forced to live as a day person.
25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? We've passed the Winter Solstice.
26. What did you want to be when you were little? An Archeologist.
27. What is your best childhood memory? My grandma's scones.
28. What are the different jobs you have had or do in your life? Film Crew, Quarry Labourer, Usher, Barman, Retail Manager, Stage Manager, Travel Agent
29. Nicknames? Denny - only one I've ever answered to.
30. How many Piercing? None
31. Eye Colour? Dark Brown
32. Ever been to Africa? Not yet
33. Ever been toilet papering? Not sure just what that involves, so I guess its a NO.
34. Been in a car accident? Three
35. Favourite day of the week? Sunday
36. Favourite restaurant? The Lanna Thai restaurant opposite my hotel in Bangkok, doesn't have an tranlateable name
37. Favourite flower? Rose
38. Favourite fast food restaurant? Sorry - KFC
39. How many times did you fail your driver's test? Sat it once at 18, hung on to it ever since (touch wood)
40. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail? Not counting all the ads for porn sites and Viagra ? Would have been best friend John, letting me know Jane Powell had died.
41. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? No contest - JB Hi Fi.
42. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire. Whoever bothers to do it.
43. Last person you went to dinner with? The family, Topolino's in St Kilda, Sunday.
44. What are you listening to right now? The magpies in the park across the road.
45. What is your favourite colour? Blue.
46. How many tattoos do you have? None, so far.
50. How many people are you sending this to? Not sending it, it's just here for anyone who wants it.

Just did a few more of those quizzes.

Apparently I am
;A Fierce Femme
;A Romantic Date
;A Tiny Tease
;29% Bitchy
;A Passionate Kisser

I should live in Rome.

Men see me as desirable.

I Don't Have a Boyfriend Because I'm Too Shy

I Should Be Dating A Swede.

I am no Drama Queen.

And I don't need a man - but I want one.

OK . . .

You Are Bad Girl Sexy

Girl, you are nothing but trouble. And that's hot. You've got the classic bad girl sexiness mojo going on. And your badass attitude makes men fear you - and crave you. Don't give into people who say to tone it down. You're perfect as is.

What Kind of Sexy Are You?

I answered this truthfully, honest I did.

So I have to wonder where this bad-girl stuff coes from, I mean - ME ??

Of course, if I really was a girl . . . . :-)

Skating Cowboys

loved this.
thought of Melly for some reason . . .

Second Love

random memories;

First meeting Scott at tap-class, trying to master a basic time-step. Laughing a lot, falling all over each other, something curiously comfortable from the start, his then girlfriend suspicious from the beginning. But me not suspecting - or expecting - anything. I can be so easily blinded by a girlfriend.
Scott sharing my bed for weeks during rehearsal, the physical comfort we shared not transferring there, enjoying the closeness, but wanting more, not believing it could happen.
Making love the first time, his face covered in an oat-meal face mask.
Making love the last time, in Sydney, knowing it was the last time. Bitter sweet but cherished memory.
Talking, all the time.
The notes left on the table in the morning. I still have them.
The pride watching him on-stage opening night.
The overwhelming, overpowering ache of loving someone so much.
Holding hands.
Seeing each other after a few weeks apart, feeling everything is right with the world again.
Cooking for two.
Holding him when his world was not going right.
Being told I was loved.
Most of all, knowing I was loved.

MY ONE AND ONLY SOCCER POST

So we didn’t win.
But we got further than we ever have before.
Hell, we got further than anyone expected we would.
It’s not as if we played badly.
So shouldn’t we just be celebrating what they did achieve, and thinking “maybe next time . . . “

So, today is the Southern Winter Solstice. I much prefer to call it the Shortest Day of the Year. That sorta makes me feel the day will go quicker, and implies that now the days start getting longer it will get warmer. Both those assumptions are crap of course. It seems slightly ironic that work is really dragging, and it sure isn’t gonna feel like a short day. And while it was all of 5C when I headed off to work this morning, an improvement of 1.5 on the last couple of days, I know that is just a teaser. August is our coldest month. Its downhill till then.
I guess Mother Nature just likes to remind us she is anything but logical.

So here's what you do - go to Wikipedia and pop in the date you were born, leave out the year for a broader selection of interesting facts.
Then you post - Three Facts. Two Births. One Death.
FACTS:
1879 - Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric incandescent light bulb (it lasted 13 1/2 hours before burning out). And where would be if he hadn't done that? Even more in the dark than we are now.
1945 - Argentine military officer and politician Juan Perón married actress Evita. And if they hadn't, then Andrew Lloyd Webber wouldn't have written all those musicals. I leave it to you if this a good thing or a bad thing.
1983 - The metre is defined at the seventeenth General Conference on Weights and Measures in terms of the speed of light as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. I never knew that! LOVE useless useful information.
BIRTHS
1833 - Alfred Nobel, Swedish inventor and founder of the Nobel Prize (d. 1896) Yeah, don't mind this one.
1956 - Carrie Fisher, American actress and writer Great. I share my birthday with Princess Leia.
DEATH
1805 - Horatio Nelson, British admiral (mortally wounded in battle) (b. 1758) Battle of Trafalgar of course. Britain ruled the waves for a century or so as a result, and of course London got Trafalgar Square, and the world got "Kiss me Hardy."

You Are 44% Evil

You are evil, but you haven't yet mastered the dark side. Fear not though - you are on your way to world domination.

How Evil Are You?

Song of Perfect Propriety
(A little Dorothy Parker to start the day.)

Oh, I should like to ride the seas,
A roaring buccaneer;
A cutlass banging at my knees,
A dirk behind my ear.
And when my captives' chains would clank
I'd howl with glee and drink,
And then fling out the quivering plank
And watch the beggars sink.

I'd like to straddle gory decks,
And dig in laden sands,
And know the feel of throbbing necks
Between my knotted hands.
Oh, I should like to strut and curse
Among my blackguard crew....
But I am writing little verse,
As little ladies do.

Oh, I should like to dance and laugh
And pose and preen and sway,
And rip the hearts of men in half,
And toss the bits away.
I'd like to view the reeling years
Through unastonished eyes,
And dip my finger-tips in tears,
And give my smiles for sighs.

I'd stroll beyond the ancient bounds,
And tap at fastened gates,
And hear the prettiest of sound-
The clink of shattered fates.
My slaves I'd like to bind with thongs
That cut and burn and chill....
But I am writing little songs,
As little ladies will.

(Not to be taken too literally of course, just a gentle (?) rant against propriety and the imposition of society's expectations.)

PATTI LuPONE

On receiving a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovett in the revival of Sweeney Todd at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York.

Q: What does being nominated mean to you?
LuPone: It's a relief ! [Laughs.] It's almost like it's a validation of your performance. You don't want it to be that, but it feels like you're accepted. It feels like your performance has been stamped with approval.



Love this lady, she's one of the biggest names on Broadway. I was lucky enough to have seen her in "Evita," she's been nominated (and won) before.

This just gets me as a refreshingly honest comment.

Had A Bad Day
by way of a vent, a moan and a bit of a downer

Daniel Powter's song sums it up neatly. I'm resisting the urge to play it non-stop. Limiting it to once every half hour. Tops.
Late yesterday they told me I didn't get the promotion I've been chasing for way too long. I guess it was some perverted sense of "keeping face" that made me face up to work today when they were announcing who got the gig. I really didn't want to be there. Didn't help it was the crappiest day I've known there either, far worse and far busier than the three big launches I've been through with them. Being suggested I show some team spirit and take calls after 5 hrs on the floor instead of taking a shortened lunch didn't help - pretty insulting actually. Lots of other little things didn't help, but that's the way things are. I guess I'm tired of keeping a smile on my face for everyone else when I feel my world has just crashed.
I really wanted to rage today - in the original sense of the world - rage at the unfairness of it all, rage at the futility, rage at the background that implanted that damned "Protestant Work Ethic" that makes me just get down and do the job without showing off or ringing my own bell. I feel angry and hurt and battered and I can't afford to show it. That's maybe the worst thing.
Time to hit the publish button before I delete this, and time to play that song again. Nothing like wallowing in your misery every now and then.

My Life In Song

Put your media player onto shuffle, and let it answer the following questions for you:
Stolen from Rob & his missus, and tagged by Melly.


How does the world see me?
”Smile” – Dianne Reeves “you could smile away the storm clouds” – it’s for sure the way I’d like the world to see me.

Will I have a happy life?
”Si tu supieras” – Alejandro Fernandez Translates as “if you knew.” If indeed !

What do my friends really think of me?
”Solitaire” – The Carpenters. They obviously know me too well.

Do people secretly lust after me?
”Ice Cream” – Sarah McLachlan “better than ice-cream, better than anything else I’ve ever tried.” Really ?

How can I make myself happy?
”Et j’attends” (and I wait) – Leslie. Now that’s seriously depressing.

What should I do with my life?
”Devil’s right hand” – Steve Earle (“Brokeback Mountain” soundtrack), Now the song is about a pistol – that last one wasn’t that depressing. Or maybe cos its from “Brokeback” it just means I should go out and find me a cowboy ( mmmm . . . . Jake !)

Will I ever have children?
”Goodbye My Lover” – James Blunt. I would take that as a resounding no.

What is some good advice for me?
”What About Me”- Moving Pictures. Oh Boy! Melly if they sent out the email at work today you’ll understand just how much this one freaks me out !

How will I be remembered?
”Somewhere My Love” – Andy Williams (theme from Dr Zhivago). Errrmmmm, I hate to say it but it kinda fits. Always hoping. And no, I’m NOT ashamed this is on my playlist.

What is my signature song?
”Canta corazon” (the heart sings) – Alejandro Fernandez.

What type of men/women do I like?
”Flying Purple People Eater” – Sheb Woolley. Ohh gimme a break! This thing is out to get me.

What is my day going to be like?
”Starting Here, Starting Now” – Barbra Streisand. “the greatest journey heaven can allow.” I swear I’m not fiddling this

What do I think my current theme song is?
”These Walls” – Teddy Geiger “everything seemed OK when I started out the other day, now the rain came pouring down and I’m drowning in my fears” Hits the nail right on the head today.

What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
”Blackbird” – Sarah Mclachlin. Yeah, figures. They would.

What song will play at my funeral?
”Ti Amo” (I Love You) – Umberto Tozzi It’d be OK so long as everyone sang along – even nicer if they meant it.

MERAPI


So, Mt.Merapi, after 11 ½ years of quiet, is flexing its muscles again, and looks like a major eruption is imminent.
Ten years ago I went to the magical island of Java for the first time. I started out intending to go to Bali for a few days, then on to Jogyakarta for the main purpose of the visit – the temples of Borabadur and Prambanan. Spent most of the flight thinking “I don’t want to go to Bali” so on arrival at Denpasar I walked over to the domestic terminal and caught the first flight to Jogya.
We circled over Jogya a few times before landing, and the soaring towers of Prambanan were easy to pick out from the air. Borabadur was impossible to pick out.
Two days later when I visited it at sunrise I could see why. While Hindu Prambanan soars and lifts the spirit, Buddhist Borabadur is of the earth, solidly and massively grounded. It is the climb up through walled in corridors lined with bas-reliefs, the symbolic effort of getting to the top, that uplifts the spirit. And at the top, finally, open space. It feels incredibly high up, the surrounding plain lush with ripening rice paddies and clumps of forest, rimmed by soft grey hills, and dominating it all Merapi, my first active volcano, a perfect cone with a peaceful seeming plume of smoke rising straight up in the still morning air, a quietly powerful and awesome presence.

Bayu. the young man on the front desk at the hotel had for some reason taken quite a fancy to me (but that’s another story) and the next day he took me up the mountain.
The 30k drive was glorious, through the rice paddies and into the forest at the foot of the mountain, climbing up through the lush green jungle to the beautiful, neat little hill resort of Kaliorang where we hired a guide to take us up the mountain.
It was cooler there than on the plains, no breeze, but a cloudy day, so only a gentle light filtering through the trees, unseen birds singing to a constant undertone of water dripping off the leaves. Our guide, a tiny, wiry man of middle-age set off with a crate of soft-drink on his head, a clutch of umbrellas under is arm. We climbed for about two hours, there was a gem of a tiny, moss-covered waterfall we stopped at about half-way, glad of that crate of soft-drink. Soon after it started to rain, gentle and warm, and we were glad of his umbrellas. How I wish I had a photo of that faintly ludicrous image I treasure of the three of us climbing a volcano, gentleman’s umbrellas resolutely held high.
After two hours we found ourselves with a group of a dozen or so other climbers on a ledge perched high above a mist filled valley. The end of the climb as it turned out. The clouds were so low you felt you could reach up and touch them, but that meant the rest of the trail was too dangerous. Where we had so far been climbing around the mountain, a comparatively easy hike, from this point on it was a narrow trail on the crest of a ridge, then on the steep side of the upper cone, the lack of visibility and the wet slippery path too dangerous for tourists.
Still, the view was stunning, and something about knowing we were perched on the side of a volcano meant everyone was speaking, if at all, in subdued tones. I found myself almost wishing Merapi would grumble or belch a reminder she was there underneath and above us. Suddenly our guide started talking, quietly but rapidly. I had to wait for Bayu to translate. The guide was telling us that a year ago that day he had been sitting at this very spot with a group of tourists when Merapi blew her top. The flow of superheated gas that killed 60 people went down the other side of the mountain, but they fled down through falls of ash. Somehow I was glad Merapi held her peace that day.

Gypsy and me.


Got to talking the other day, and happened to mention my one and only appearance on the professional stage. Got to thinking on the way home it might be worth blogging about. Got to thinking about when I got home, and came to realise it linked to a few other memories, and the common link was "Gypsy."
Now any of you died in the wool music-theatre buffs will of course realise that "Gypsy" is one of the all-time greats of America's only truly original contribution to the performing arts - the Musical. Written back in the 'fifties by Jule Styne for the ubiquitous Ethel Merman, it quickly reached such legendary status that it seemed no would ever dare perform it again. Filmed not entirely successfully with Rosalind Russell, I figured for years that was going to be my only chance to see it. I loved it from the first time I heard I heard the drum roll and blaring brass at the start and end of what is arguably the best overture written for a musical.
Skip a few years. I've finished college, and am determined to work in the theatre. Somehow, anyhow. More for fun that anything else I'm taking dance classes, a bit out of my depth in the "modern" but loving tap, and it's there I meet the second love of my life. The tap classes are held in the old J.C.Williamson's rehearsal studio, high above the set construction workshop behind Her Majesty's Theatre. We borrowed tap shoes from the wicker baskets full of shoes left over from old JCW productions. Mine came from "No No Nanette" and belonged to Paul Wallace. He was the original Tulsa in "Gypsy" with Merman, and recreated the role in the film.
J.C. Williamson's announce they are producing "Gypsy," following the huge success of the first, belated, London production. More from sheer bravado than anything we decide to audition for it. On stage at Her Majesty's Theatre - a thrill in itself - in front of the legendary Betty Pounder ("Sparkle Darlings!") Well, I did my best to sparkle, but Scott got in, I didn't.
Time passes. I get a job stage-managing a small dance company. Scott goes into rehearsal. Opening night comes, I'm drinking with friends wanting nothing more than to go to the opening. One drink too many and I decide I will go, and I will get in. I somehow convince them to sell me a standing room ticket, so finally, from the back of the dress circle, I hear that amazing overture blaring up live from the pit of a real theatre. Gloria Dawn, one of our greatest performers, is a knockout. Technically the show is a disaster, the wonderful moment when Louise becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, the proscenium trucking downstage marred by it nearly falling over, pieces of scenery falling off, effects not working. I spend half the performance with Robbo, the Producton Manager, leaning on me in despair, patting his arm, reassuring him it will work. The show is a hit, that is obvious. Two weeks later word is out that Gloria Dawn is not well. Scott tells me the understudy is going on for the matinee. I go. She's good, but not good enough to carry the show. They announce that Toni Lamond is going into the show. Toni Lamond - Australia's favourite musical star. She steps in after four day's rehearsal. I see her second performance, different to Gloria's but another knockout, like she's taken all those difficult years she went through and channeled them into the performance of a life-time. The reception is an unforgettable welcome back and recognition of something wonderful happening up there on stage.
The show is a hit, and I see it a few more times, Toni's performance gets better all the time. Then it's time for it to go on tour. The dance company I'm working with is also going on tour. Tough times for the relationship with Scott, but they're going to Adelaide first, and we'll be there at the same time. Then they're off to Sydney. We do a tour of Queensland, and I stop off in Sydney on the way home. "Gypsy" is about to close, so I go to the last matinee. Toni Lamond's last moments on stage are chilling, real shivers down the back stuff. Seeing Scott is wonderful, but he gently and caringl breaks the news he is staying in Sydney, that's where the work is. Its a bitter-sweet few days, we know the relationship couldn't last at 1000km distance. Best of all possible ways for it finish though.

A few years (and a few relationships) later, and I'm having the time of my life Stage-Managing at the Last Laugh Theatre Restaurant. New show coming up and my boss bounds in announcing he has bought the set for it from the sell-off of old JCW sets. It turns out to be that false proscenium from "Gyspy" that wobbled its way downstage a few years earlier. It looks great, and winds up staying through the next couple of shows.

I decide four years at the Last Laugh is enough, and head off to London (and a few more relationships, concurrent this time.) Work is hard to find when I get back, but I wind up with a Christmas Pantomime at the Myer Mural Hall - a full-on traditional panto. I'm stage-managing, but part of my job is to appear on stage. My first (and last) professional appearance. I am to be Daisy the Cow. The front end mind you ! We go to pick up our costumes, and here the "Gypsy" connection comes full circle. The cow costume is a rather tired looking Caroline from - you guessed it - that production of "Gypsy."

Another one of Bruno.
Just 'cos.

40 Tags & 40 Nags

1. Have you ever been searched by the cops? Does Airport Security count ?
2. Do you close your eyes on roller coasters? No way, not never - wide open in stark terror !
3. When's the last time you've been sledding? Umm, doesn't that involve snow? That's gonna be cold weather. Who goes outdoors in snow ?
4. Would you rather sleep with someone else, or alone? As long as they don't snore.
5. Do you believe in ghosts? I do believe in ghosts. I do belive in ghosts.
6. Do you consider yourself creative? Just gimme an outlet
7. Do you think O.J. killed his wife? Care factor ?
8. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? No contest. Angelina. I mean, who wants a loser.
9. Can you honestly say you know ANYTHING about politics? I pretend.
10. Do you know how to play poker? Started playing when I was four, its kind of a family tradition.
11. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? Not for a very long time, and I hope never again.
12. What's your favorite commercial? That would mean admitting to watching commercial television!
13. Who was your first love? Shhhh, its a secret, but Gardiner McKay in "Adventures in Paradise" - why is an even bigger secret
14. If you're driving in the middle of the night, and no one is around how fast do you go? I'm not up in the middle of the night
15. Do you have a secret that no one knows but you? Two that no-one knows, and a few that only one person knows. (see Question 13)
16. Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees? Anything with New York in it has got to beat Boston.
17. Have you ever been Ice Skating? Yep - last girlfriend dragged me along a few times. . . . . Hey, maybe that's why!
18. How often do you remember your dreams? I dream half the day
19. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Don't remember
20. Can you name 5 songs by The Beatle's? Yes, and more.
21. What's the one thing on your mind? What am I meant to be doing next ?
22. Do you believe in love at first sight? I believe in lust at first sight. (see pic)
23. Do you know who Ba-Ba-Booey is? Huh ?
24. How often do you brush your teeth a day? Morning and night
25. What talent do you wish you had? Singing
26. Do you like sushi? At least three or four times a week.
27. Have you ever narrowly avoided a fatal accident? Twice.
28. What do you wear to bed? Whatever keeps me warm and cosy
29. Have you ever been caught stealing? Not yet
30. Does size matter? Is this a trick question ?
31. How many drinks of alcohol a day? About 0.1
32. Rock or Rap? No contest - Rock
33. If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be? This week would be Brazilian Supermodel Bruno Santos - (see same pic.)
34. Do you know anyone in jail? I think he gets out in a month or so
35. Have you ever sung in front of the mirror? I cannot lie - Barney is my witness - yes.
36. How often do you like whoopie? As in Makin' Whoopie? As often as I can. (I live in terror of forgetting how)
37. What food do you find disgusting? That thing with the monkey under the table
38. Did you ever play, "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours? I knew there was something missing in my childhood
39. Have you ever made fun of your friends behind their back? Why bother? I'd just have to repeat it to their face later on
40. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? Yeah, and I'm still wondering why. Ungrateful bastard.

Tagged by Melly yet again.

It's Not About Me...Really.
I AM: what I am, I am my own . . .
I WANT: it all
I WISH: often
I HATE: rarely
I MISS: being young and carefree
I FEAR: loneliness
I HEAR: music - and there's no-one there
I WONDER: Where the dimple will be
I REGRET: Rien de rien
I AM NOT: Lonely
I DANCE: only with Barney
I SING: appalling, but with gusto and great joy
I CRY: at the movies, quietly but regularly
I AM NOT ALWAYS: the patient and cheerful person I try to be
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: far less than Iwould like to
I WRITE: far less than I should
I CONFUSE: myself regularly
I NEED: more
I SHOULD: get off my ass and do something about it
I START: by trying to wake up
I FINISH: only sometimes

Another Melly tag that might just get me blogging again

7 UP
Tagged by Melly -
Seven songs I am listening to right now ... here goes.

1. Ozone - Dragostea Din Tei
2. Katie Melua- The Closest Thing To Crazy
3. Dean Martin- On An Evening In Roma
4. Jamie Cullum - 21st Century Kid.
5. Stacey Kent - OOH-SHOOBEE-DOO-BEE
6. Madeleine Peyroux - You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
7. Linda Eder - I'd Like To Hate Myself In The Morning

The Third Pick-Up

I guess we all have little rules we apply to ourselves in certain circumstances.
One of my favourites is one I share with my oldest and dearest friend. Goes like this.

You're browsing through a CD store, or Book-Store, any store you enjoy browsing in. You spot an item that looks interesting, unknown, but something about it takes your notice. You have a look, put it back, and keep browsing. After a bit you find yourself back at that first item. You pick it up again, check it out a bit more, put it back again - perhaps a little more reluctantly this time. You keep browsing. Nothing really seems to grab you, and you know what its like when you HAVE to spend some money ! . . . except . . . . where was that one I looked at before ? You find it, still undecided, you pick it up again.
Bingo. The Third pick-Up Rule now applies. You have to buy it, there is no escape.

It's simple, right? And I am pleased to be able to say that in most cases it has been successful.

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY

Imagine how reassuring it will be to know that next time you are abducted by aliens, they will have no problem returning you safely to Earth.
Of course, this will land you somewhere in Middle America . . .
Go to http://www.earthbounddog.com/

WHAT STAR SIGN SHOULD YOU BE ? You Should Be A Gemini

What's good about you: witty and energetic, you're simply the most fun to be around What's bad about you: you're flighty - losing interest in people and projects quickly In love: you enjoy the "honeymoon phase," but after that it's hard for you to stick around In friendship, you're: likely to have many groups of friends, with many different interests Your ideal job: mime, guru, or cartoonist Your sense of fashion: casual and simple You like to pig out on: fast food, especially burritos

What Sign Should You Be?

(I'm actually Libra.)

Another Melly challenge You scored as Deep Space Nine (Star Trek). You have entered the dark side of the Star Trek universe. The paradise of Earth is far from you and you must survive despite having enemies on all fronts. But you wouldn't have it any other way because you thrive in conflict and will know what needs to be done to take care of those around you. Now if only the Founders would quit trying to take over the galaxy. Deep Space Nine (Star Trek) 94% Millennium Falcon (Star Wars) 94% SG-1 (Stargate) 88% Babylon 5 (Babylon 5) 88% Serenity (Firefly) 81% Moya (Farscape) 81% FBI's X-Files Division (The X-Files) 81% Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda) 75% Galactica (Battlestar: Galactica) 75% Bebop (Cowboy Bebop) 69% Nebuchadnezzar (The Matrix) 56% Enterprise D (Star Trek) 50% Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics) created with QuizFarm.com

The Theory of Pearls
The art of embellishment

Composer Jerry Herman, hot on the heels of huge successes with "Mame" and "Hello Dolly", took a risk in 1969 with a musical based on Giradoux's "Mad Woman of Chaillot and failed spectacularly.
"Dear World" is probably not deservng of such a failure, but it is flawed. It's low point is undoubtedly the title song. Its high point "The Tea Party" is a tantalising glimpse of what Herman might have done if he had succeeded in writing a serious musical.
In the Tea Party the Madwoman of the title gathers together her two fellow mad-women (of the Flea Market and Montmartre) to save Paris and the planet from the madness of Big Business. And in the middle of the Tea Party we come to this short interchange.

M: Suppose I were to say your pearls were false ?
C: They were, they were.
M: I'm not asking you what they were, I'm asking what they are.
C: Surely you must know when you wear pearls, that little by little the pearls become real.
M: And isn't it the same with memories ?

Memories are pearls, and conciously or unconciously over the years our memories shift and change, we embellish and edit as it suits the moment, and little by little we lose track of the changes. Still, our memories are our realities, the only reality our past can have.

Melly copped two of my pearls at lunch today, and suggested I should be writing them up here. Parallel lines of thought - I'd been considering that was maybe where this blog should be heading. Well, we'll see what happens.

Watch this space.

BROKEBACK DAY


Australia Day public holiday last week, an expected temperature over 40C, and the long awaited (for me anyway) opeing of Brokeback Mountain.
Arranged to meet N for the second session, arrive there an hour or so before to find the seesion sold out, and people already queued to get in and get their preferred seating. Bought tickets for the next sessionwhen N arrived, then headed off to find a cool bar. Found a new one to me - a Bier Cafe. Like the idea and liked the bar. Kinda lucky we couldn't get in to that session of the movie, N and I had a bit if catching up to do. Talked our heads off, and didn't have too many beers.

So. The film. I'd been so looking forward to it. I was not disappointed. I have to say straight up this is not a gay film any more than it is a cowboy film. Its a film about two people who fall in love, unexpectedly and dangerously, a love they initially cannot understand or accept. So, is it just a love story, a sort of chick flick with a twist ? No, there is much more to it. I does deal with prejudice, and with what the pressure to conform can do to people's lives (pay attention to the wives) but it is basically about love. And it succeeds in being the most powerful film about that overworked topic I've seen in a long. long time.

It helps of course to have two of the hottest young actors on the scene playing the leads. Heath Ledger's performance is nothing short of amazing, supported by Jake Gyllenhal's beautifully tailored character. It is Ledger's film (as it should be, it is Ennis' story). Ang Lee's direction never falters, his vision of the film is breathtaking.

Ten days since I saw it and I can't shake it. Still thinking about it, still feeling for the characters. Wonderful extract in the weekend papers from Annie P. stating she has experienced something few writers get - to see a film of their work that goes beyond what they are able to achieve with words alone.

I have been on a 10 day campaign to encourge everyone I know to see this film. Consider yourself encouraged to do so.

And another one from Mel



create your own visited countries map

Mel, you've done it to me again

Simon = Green Lantern

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.











Green Lantern - 85%
Superman - 80%
Catwoman - 65%
Spider-Man - 60%
Hulk - 60%
The Flash - 55%
Iron Man - 55%
Robin - 53%
Supergirl - 48%
Batman - 35%
Wonder Woman - 33%


Stolen from Grant (c/- Melly)
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

TAKESHI
The lad has done a fashion shoot for GQ Mag.
February issue, with Heath on the cover.
Something new for me to anxiously await now that i've seen "Brokeback Mountain" . . . . (more on that to follow)

Life is never dull.

Mighty Kong

Way too hot today, and a last-minute change of plans left me with the not very attactive prospect of sweltering in my hot little house, so I took myslef off to hide from the heat at the movies.
King Kong was the choice. Who'd have thought that little old film could have been turned into such a wonderful three hours ! And thank God nobody gave too much away.
The CGI is awesome, Kong himself is so real. I wanted to cheer when he finally got one of those blasted airplanes, then wanted to shout at the reporters when they were clambering over his body at the end. Several nice nods to specific films snuck in along the way too.
Get the feeling I loved it? You bet. A must-have for the DVD collection, but so glad I saw it on the big screen.

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN















Opens here next week on the Australia Day Public Holiday.
Been a while since I've been waiting for a film to arrive with such anticipation.
Did well at the Golden Globe Awards. So glad.

Tagged by Melly once again . . .

Choose one of your favourite bands/artist: ABBA
Answer all the questions using SONG TITLES from the BAND or ARTIST

1. Are you male or female? Dancing Queen
2. Describe yourself: Super Trouper
3. How do some people feel about you? The Way Old Friends Do
4. How do you feel about yourself? Take A Chance On Me
5. Describe current relationship with BF/GF: Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)
6. Describe where you want to be: Summer Night City
7. Describe how you live: SOS
8. Describe how you love: I Do I Do I Do I Do I Do
9. What would you ask for if you had just one wish? Money Money Money
10. Share a few words of wisdom: The Winner Takes It All
11. Now say goodbye: Thank You For the Music

Today, with some trepidation, I had myself connnected to Cable Broadband. Some trepidation because I really wasn't 100% sure the problems I've been having with dial-up related to my phone line or to my aging computer.
I am relieved and pleased to discover the fault lay, as I guessed, with the phone line. Five hours online after connection, not a problem. I LOVE IT !!!!!

Four-Play

Tagged by Melly

Four Jobs you’ve had in your life:
Barman
Travel Consultant
Stage Manager
Record SHop Manager

Four movies you could watch over and over:
Love, Actually
Wizard of Oz
Princess Bride
Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Four places you’ve lived:
Melbourne
Sydney
London
- there is no number four

Four TV shows you love to watch:
Currently:
The Simpsons
any E Channel gossip
Entourage
Will & Grace

Forever:
Friends
Ally McBeal
Sopranos
Six Feet Under

Four places you’ve been on vacation:
Thailand
South Korea
Hawaii
Java

Four websites you visit daily:
While my home internet is out of action, none.

Four of your favorite foods:
potatoes in any form
pad Thai
roast chicken
sticky-date pudding

Four places you’d rather be:
Thailand - Jomtien Beach to be precise
New York
White Beach, Mindanoa, The Philippines
Paris