Match Maker, Match Maker Make Me a Match

Yesterday went fine. There was only one major snub and that was focused on Girl. She shrugged it off and decided she didn't really want to be friends with that girl anyway.

I was a fish out of water though. There was a time when I was at the center of this community. People knew me because of my book business and publishing house, they attended my workshops, and read my newsletter. As I sat in the midst of the masses yesterday I realized how few faces were recognizable. It saddened my heart to think how much has changed in my life, but I am thankful for the past.

The performance was amazing. Ten grand pianos. Ten amazing pianists. The gasp of the crowd as the curtain parted; what beauty! And the music...astounding. They were a perfect match of rhythm and grace. Simply beautiful.

As we left I noted a young man trying to catch the eye of someone behind me. It soon became apparent that he was "eyeing" girl. He caught up with her and they chatted. Did I know this young man...had I seen him before...why is he chatting up girl?

My questions were answered and when I was reminded of his last name I looked at girl and said, "OH NO! Trust me, you do not want THAT for a mother-in-law!"

(I'm certain his mother would say the same thing about me...)

Today, I met a workout buddy at the gym. She's a nice lady but needs the motivation of someone else holding her accountable to workout. I like her, but I want her to connect with some of the other ladies at the gym. It may help to motivate her. I took the liberty of introducing her to another lady that I've befriended. I believe the two of them may just hit it off.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to match up some strawberries with some jell-o.

Mama Mia: Was this film Bad!

Last night Writer Girl and BFF Teri (click here to read what she thought) invited me to go see Mama Mia. The reviews of this flick told me it was horrible, but horrid in a kinda sweet way.

The story (which apparently is a WELL KNOWN Broadway play that first opened in London in 1999 and hasn’t stopped running since – who knew?) is about Sophia who longs to know who her father is. She’s been raised on a beautiful Greek island by her ex-singer and hippy mother. When Sophia finds Donna’s (Meryl Streep)diary she discovers that one of three men may be her father. Since she’s getting married, she sends each prospective father an invitation…from her mother. The men arrive, mayhem abounds with lots of singing and dancing.

One review said:

“Yet let's give "Mamma Mia!" credit: It's bad in so many ways, yet you can't say that these ladies lack spunk. Their what-the-hell moxie lights up the first girl-power musical to target girls over 50. (And just wait until Pierce Brosnan warbles "S.O.S." You'll laugh. And then you'll be charmed.)”

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/07/18/ew.review.mammamia/index.html

Frankly, I wasn’t charmed. I thought it was stupid. Stupid on so many fronts that I don’t think I have enough space on this blog to go into it. I admit, I laughed. There were a few scenes that made me laugh out loud, along with the other women sitting around us. The ABBA sound track reminded me that I use to like some of that music. I mean really, who didn’t dance around their bedroom to Dancing Queen?

However, I have been damaged beyond repair. Really.



Pierce Brosnan cannot in any way, shape, or form sing (and yes Teri I get it that he was soooo bad that they made that a part of his character).



Colin Firth (sweet, shy, wonderful Mr. Darcy!!!!) turns out to be gay.

I may never recover...



Watching Meryl Streep, Julie Waters and Christine Baranski act like complete idiots made me want to throw my popcorn at the screen., except I didn’t have any popcorn.

The best thing about last night was spending time with MY bff and laughing. That is always a good thing.

Dancing the Night Away

She could have danced all night, if her feet hadn’t worn out, that is. Saturday was the high school graduation of one of our dear friend’s eldest daughter. I didn’t attend since I was working diligently trying to cough up a lung while reclining on the sofa (IE. I have a cold). After the ceremony the seniors had a dance party that consisted of English Country dancing and square dancing. It was well chaperoned and Miss C knew nearly everyone who was there.

For me, the fun part was listening to her recount the evening later that night. Her eyes sparkled as she told me about dancing with one young man, whom we’ve known for at least ten years, who swept her off her feet…literally. This type of dancing has very little physical contact, other than hands, and apparently when the lead (girl or boy) swings their partner around you can literally catch some air.

Her partner, Mr. K, swung her off her toes more than once. She laughed and laughed and I said, “He doesn’t realize his own strength!” She heartily agreed and went on to describe dancing with another partner who was just barely taller than she is. It was challenging to get under his upraised arms, while her arms were raised as well.

She danced with her girlfriends and danced with a few young men and as I listened to her I realized, again, that she is growing up. I thought about the future and pictured her as a bride, dancing at her wedding and realized that I have no idea how to dance and I’d better lace up my boots and figure it out!

Seriously though, the kids had a wonderful time and everyone’s feet ached from too much dancing and isn’t that a wonderful memory for them to have? Most of these graduates will be heading off to college in a few months. Their lives will change in new and divers ways. Old friendships may give way to new ones but they’ll always have that night of dancing.

And in case you have no idea what I’m talking about, here is a video showing English Country dancing. Enjoy!

Spreading Her Wings

Tonight I sat and listened to the likes of J. Rodrigo’s Sonatas de Castilla and F. Liszt’s Consolation S. 172.3. These and eleven others were beautifully rendered on the black Baby Grand that sat in the middle of the room. The pianist in her black gown, hair artfully curled, smile perfectly placed, performed in a manner far, far too mature for her age.

I have known the very lovely and gifted Miss R for many years. Always a bright child, she has truly grown into an amazing, gifted young woman. This was her farewell, if you will, before heading back east to college next year. I was honored, we all were, to be included in this small circle of family and close friends.

I couldn’t help but remember her as a little girl, straight brown hair, glasses, running and playing with the other children. The elegant black gown showed me a woman, but I still see the little girl in her bright eyes. The thought of her leaving her family and beginning a new adventure was troubling to me. She’s so…well; she’s so pretty that I worry for her.

Then I recalled the words my son said to me when we learned that Miss R had been accepted at the college of her choice, “R can handle herself, Mom.”

“I know, but, you know. It’s R!” I stammered.

“She can handle it. She’s strong. She’ll be okay.” He responded

I know he’s right. Miss R is a girl of high standards, deep faith, and incredible intelligence. She comes from a good family and will be attending a conservative school. The lovely Miss R will spread her wings and fly. Perhaps that is what is bothering me.

She’s old enough to fly. When did that happen?

Walter's Been Exposed!

Saturday proved to be a real overhaul for poor, dear Walter. Honestly, when I made the appointment I hadn’t truly understood what it would entail. I suppose I’m a bit naïve when it comes to these type of examinations and procedures. It’s not that I am uninterested; I just had never given it much thought.

You can imagine my surprise when I walked into the room to find Walter, standing bare-naked, while Dr. Davis examined him.

Shocked does not begin to describe my emotions.

I stammered…I stuttered…

“Wow,” I blushed, “I…I had no idea…”

Dr. Davis, piano tuner extraordinaire, simply chuckled and continued to examine our dear Walter. He’d removed Walter’s top, side, and front panel, leaving him exposed and showing, ahem, all the dust, dirt, and cobwebs that had accumulated over the years. Poor baby.

For those of you who own pianos, I’m certain you will consider flinging your tuning fork at me when I admit that we’ve never (never, ever, never) had Walter tuned. He has been a member of our family for six maybe seven years and we’ve neglected him terribly.

Dr. Davis labored over Walter for four hours. FOUR HOURS that Saturday afternoon. Walter moaned, he groaned, and frankly, our heads pounded with each note. Holy metronome! The sounds that poor piano made left us all shaky and nervous.

At last Dr. Davis pronounced Walter healthy after tapping down his strings and giving him an A-440 tuning. He advised us to have him tuned again in six months. He also shared information about Walter’s linage, of which we had no idea. It seems that our dear Walter is an Aldrich, which meant next to nothing to me. He’s just Walter, the piano we never thought we’d own.

For those of you who don’t know, Aldrich is a step down from a better piano. In other words, Walter is a Geo versus a Honda; which is okay with us. Walter is an easy going, unassuming, guy. We love him despite his less than stellar appearance and even though he’s got a few scars, we find him to be a very handsome fellow.

Now our dear Walter dances with our dear Miss C, filling our home with delightful melodies such as Rondo Alla Turca, Fur Elise, and Blood Ritual/Moonlight Serenade (from Pirates of the Caribbean).

Even though we’ve abused and neglected you dear Walter, we love you and we are so happy you are feeling better.





Countdown: 24 days