01/01/2013, The Impossible

Took 2012 out yesterday with an outstanding move, a movie the audience cheered, Les Mis. Brought 2013 in with a superb movie, on so many different levels though. We know about the tsunami in Asia, it devasted the world and broke billions of hearts. We've all seen news reports, documentaries, interviews with survivors, read so many stories...quite frankly I didn't think I'd like this movie. I won't say enjoy because this isn't something you enjoy. This is based on a true story of a family that not only went through an unimaginable hell, but also became seperated. There are some scenes of the tsunami but the movie concentrates on what happened afterwards. What they saw. How they coped with seperation and not knowing. This is not a pretty movie, you will witness what people experienced. You will see the devastation. You will see the death of people on christmas holiday. So why see this? Courage, hope, desperation, undying love and caring for others when your own heart is being ripped to apart. Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts give the performances of their lives as the parents in this true story. You will conect with them. Their 3 sons and the youngsters who portrayed them WILL break your heart. How fast they grow during this catrastophe. You will become engaged with folks they enounter and their stories. There are scenes that will make you literally sob because of sadness and scenes that leave you relieved & happy for some of the characters. I do want to mention Tom Holland, who potrayed the familie's oldest, young teen who is just, I can't think of the word. You've never seen a performance like this from a young adult. Brave, scared and suddenly a man. This isn't a comedy, musical or action flick. This is a film about tragedy, hope, the spirit to go on, a familie's love and a world's tragedy.

12/31/2012, Le Mis

Fight. Dream. Hope. Love. Despair. Redemtion. Faith. This is Les Misérables. This is a movie that will captivate you from beginning to end with a story that's sung, magnificently. This is a musical like you never seen before. The songs were not pre-recorded, the songs were sung live. This movie moved me so deeply and I wasn't the only one. The theatre was packed and from the opening scene with an emaciated Hugh Jackman you are enthralled. Anne Hathaway I thought was stealing the show, you must see her performance, breathtaking and in my modest opinion an OSCAR winner for best supporting actress. The the other stars started stealing the show, the entire ensemble was captivating, completely. Russell Crow, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen (yes him), Helena Bonhma Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks and a little boy named Daniel Huttlestone that you will never forget. Also there's Isabelle Allen who plays young cosette, pictured in the movie poster. And her voice is a revelation. She sings her solo Castle On A Cloud in a voice that is full of yearning; she makes us believe that here is a little girl who has never known love or kindness.
Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway say hello to OSCAR.

 

Peace Out, Homies!

Angels, heroes and dogs...

December 14th, 2012. Again a town, a state, a county and the world is stunned and it's not the first time. I sincerely hope to one is getting used to this. I was listening too CNN when they announced how many innocent lives were taken and I gasped loudly and cried. We all know what happened so I won't go into it.

December 16th, 2012. A town, a state, a country and the world starts the mourning process will a prayer service from Newtown, Ct. for the victims the Sandy Hook shooting victims.

I mentioned last night on Facebook, as I was watching the prayer vigil from Newtown, that a CNN reporter outside the church was interviewing a gentleman from Chicago who had come down with his service/petting dogs http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-local-comfort-dogs-taken-to-connecticut-after-school-massacre-20121216,0,7533873.story and how the mourners outside the church flocked to them. He asked a little boy who was petting one how he felt and the little boy said "better", people were smiling and the dogs were throwing out love that even made me smile. How great dogs are, pure love, healing souls. The American Red Cross in addition to handing out food, water and blankets to those waiting to enter the church on this very cold and wet day, also handed out toys, stuffed dogs that looked just like the service dogs. It wasn't planned. The service dogs segment touched me deeply. Here was a mass of people stunned to the core by unfathomable horror and dogs appear, wearing vests that say 'pet me' and they did. This was not the first time the dogs had appeared at an event where tragedy reared it's ugly head.

But not to take away from the prayer vigil, which was a beautiful start to the grieving process. Like President Obama said "these were every one's children."

In front of the Presidential podium on stage were 26 glasses, each with a lit votive candle. Very simple. Very powerful. The audience filled with families, with children (and some adults) waving when they saw themselves on camera. There were blocks of seats empty as the pianist started softly playing music. The audience rose to their feet as the first responders entered and it was very emotional. Lots of heartfelt tears from the audience and the first responders. CNN was telling us over and over again the service would start in 2 minutes, but it didn't because President Obama was still with the families. Some very touching photos all over the Internet of that meeting. The families, state politicians and clergy take their seats. The President enters to a standing ovation and he immediately sits down.

Quite a few religious leaders took the podium to speak. Many denominations. I don't remember any of the names of these very eloquent speakers, but some of them are stuck in my head, like the Rabbi who sang his Memorial prayer. I didn't understand the words, but is quivering, beautiful voice brought tears to my eyes as he prayed. There was the Methodist Minister with butterfllies on his vestments. The tall gentleman who prayed with his eyes closed as he spoke from his heart. The little Muslim boy who sang/chanted his prayer.

Then  Governor of Connecticut, Dan Malloy spoke. The thanked the world for the support and said the community will carry on. He then introduced President Obama, who's touching and direct speech is all over the Internet also. I will only touch on the two lighter moments of his remarks and I'm paraphrasing here. He mentioned how the children did exactly what they were told as the sometimes do. Then he spoke of the bravery of a little boy who told his teacher that he knew karate and he would lead them out to safety. These remarks brought smiles and laughter to the mourners.

It was at this time my night time meds. started kicking in so I went to bed.

This particular blog is not political. I am not making a statement on gun control, and I may not. I've seen so much divisiveness on this subject already. With both sides making excellent points. I know what I support and what I don't and all the nasty arguing will not sway my feelings. Luckily the posts on MY Facebook page were civil.

Right now I can't stop thinking of those 20 precious little angels. I can't stop thinking out the courage of the 6 adults who died trying to save those angels. I can't stop thinking about the survivors, all ages, and I pray they can find some peace. How can we not help but think of the first responders. We will NEVER fully understand or fathom what horror they saw. How they still did their job. Peace be yours brothers and sisters. Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the mother of the killer. Her tragic death wasn't included in the services last night.

Peace Out, Homies!

Walking on egg shells in Social Media...my first rant

You know what I mean about walking on egg shells in places like facebook, well, at least most of us do. We don't want to offend anyone, we selective about what we say and post. Politics has been the prominent problem starter and though I don't have a problem getting into a political debate, I decided that the hate I was seeing posted was just too much, I didn't want to become 'one of them.' I did this because I care about my friends. Friends that share different political beliefs I do, and that's cool!

Some of what I was reading wasn't lively political debate, it was hate. Horrible things that were obviously untrue, uncalled for and racist. Truth be known, I deleted the haters from my friends list. These haters were from both parties. I believe in the freedom of speech, I don't care for the freedom to hate, it's repugnant and shows one's ignorant side.

I thought that after the election it would end, boy was I wrong! Out of the woodwork they came again. Because they were my friends, their posts were showing up on my timeline. Delete.

The puppies and their haters. Yes, haters. Seems there are 'professional' breeders who were not happy at all that we allowed Miss Otis and Bear have 2 litters. We were told we didn't know what we were doing, even though, we were under the supervision of our breeder and 2 vets. Granted we don't know everything that a breeder who's had over 26 litters (or more) might know. If someone expressed interest in a pup they might receive a private message from one of the 'professional' breeders and they would be told of our inexperience. They would be told there 'may' be problems lineage. One woman was even told she shouldn't have a corgi because she didn't know anything about corgis.

If anyone asks me to refer them to a good and reputable breeder I will suggest mine only, especially after what I've experienced.

Yet I have found the perfect homes for all the pups, both litters. All of my facebook friends have watched Bentley and Dawn grow into beautiful dogs and now they are watching Barney, Benny Boots, Butkus, Dee Dee and Simon grow. How thrilling!

So, no more Mr. Nice Guy. No more walking on egg shells. I will voice my opinion, even in regards to politics and I will be as respectful as the person I'm talking to. If they hate, better be prepared for backlash. Any more negative comments about the pups and I'll write about it on my timeline. People should know.

Will I lose friends because of my beliefs? Not my true friends :)

Thanks for letting me rant.

Peace Out, Homies!

Awww, you have puppies!

The joys of puppyhood...on screen it looks like heaven. They are so cute! I love puppy breath! Oh, look at that fluffy butt! I just want to kiss that little face! He looks like a little trouble maker! I just want to tickle their tummies! Makes me want a puppy! You are so lucky! Oh, the things I've heard!

I wasn't too nervous about Miss Otis having her second and LAST litter of puppies, afterall, the first litter of 3 precious little babies were a breeze. Two adorable & sweet little girls, Annabelle & Dusty. They had a brother, a real charmer named Bentley who was, and is, devilishly handsome. The three little darlings were so easy to take care of. Most of the time.

"What do you mean she had 5 this time." I asked John when he called me with the news of the second litter. I was surprised and so excited. "What, 4 boys and a girl? I can't wait until you bring them to Chicago!" Famous last words.

Seeing them for the first time, just takes your breath away. So small, so vulnerable, so beautiful. Miss Otis by their side and she almost seems excited that I'm seeing them and making a fuss. It's a wonderful moment and little do I know that this Awww Glow will only last a few short weeks, that is until, they start moving.

Miss Otis does most of the work for the first few weeks, my job is to check on them constantly and take pictures. Oh, I also give Miss Otis lots of attention. Much to my surprise, Missy allows Annabelle to be with the pups, but only her. Any of the other dogs come near and Missy goes nuts.

Then the little darlings start moving, crawling inside the pen. Screaming until you put them all back in a little group or with mom when she comes in with the milk wagon. I can hear them feeding, all 5 of them, in another room. Poor Miss Otis! I notice the 4 boys, are making it difficult for the smaller little girl to catch a snack. I work with Miss Otis and she's soon on her back, making the ENTIRE bar available. I always make sure she gets her own space.

Good Lord, their eyes are opened and they can see. They are all over the enclosure. Miss Otis is under constant attack, as are my feet when I step in to tidy up. They're not quite walking yet. They are vocal and LOUD. They are constantly demanding attention, Awww.

I get sick and John takes the little angels to the farm for a few weeks, I only see them on weekends and when he brings them back, full-time...gone are the little darlings. Hello, puppies from hell!

Remember being vocal, well, they still are only they're MUCH louder now. Even though I've enlarged their enclosure, it's still not big enough. They are given the two rooms I'm pretty much always in most of the time and they are CONSTANTLY monitored. I call it 'Free Time' and little by little, Free Time gets longer and longer. Newspapers have become my new throw rugs. Good bye trying to keep the house clean, or what I consider clean.

They all follow me. They are constantly under foot. My iPhone cord and CROCS (usually the ones I'm wearing) have become their primary targets, forget all the toys. If I forget to put my CROCS on, my feet are abused with razor sharp teeth. The cats are past tolerating them now, they smack the pups around when the little darlings get to aggressive. Mom is finding hiding places. Nick is afraid to come upstairs. Star and Bear (Daddy) are constantly letting out growls...the 5 little darlings are being taught manners. Taking them outside, though a major chore for me, gives them much needed fresh air and all the room they want to run around. Miss Otis and Annabelle are always watching them. OK, Annabelle is always instigating them to rough house. They are being Batbutt trained and will be ready for anything.

Even though these little darling have increased my Valium intake, I still am very picky, probably too picky, about where they're going. I've had to say no. A lot.

The first pup, Benny, goes to his new home. I bombarded with "it must be so hard?" His move becomes legendary. He already has over a thousand FB friends. He is going to live with Deb and Ron, I have followed them on FB for quite a while. A handful of people are involved in this big day, and many others follow it while attending one of the biggest corgi events of the year. Benjamin is now the Justin Beiber of Corgis. I hand him to Deb after our long trek (million miles) to an area about a block away from the North Pole. I know instantly this is a perfect match. "It must be so hard?" Yeah, it is, especially after help raising these pups, getting to watch their personalities blossom and getting an UNLIMITED amount of puppy kisses. However, knowing that the pup is going to the perfect home, is the best feeling in the world.

We decide, finally, that the girl, Delta Dawn (Dee Dee,) will be staying with us. Actually, staying more with John on the farm. She will be learning all about farm life from Star, doesn't get much better.

Barney is going to Cheyenne, WY and he's going to live with Neal and Jen. Deb had nothing but glowing things about them. People are messaging me telling me how great they are. This was a no brainer.

Butkus and Crosby are still with me. Both big boys who are ALWAYS getting in trouble and always loving me to death, the feeling is mutual. There are folks deciding on whether or not they will become furever Moms and Dads. I'm glad they take their time to think it over. Personally, I hope they become a part of the Corgi Nation too.

Having pups around give you a hodge podge of feelings. Frustration, anger, humor, amazement, etc... The best way to deal with any negative feelings is simple. No matter what they've done. Pick one up and hold it. The kisses are endless, the love is unquestionable and the warmth in your heart is just incredible.

One very important thing that I've learned in the last year is that introducing a pup into your already canine infested home, is amazing. The older dogs become young again. Annabelle made my precious, precious Rosie act like a puppy again for the last year or so of her life. I've rambled too long.

Peace Out, Homies.  

  

My night with Barbra Streisand...

...and about 30,000 other people and it was all because of my Louisiana Corgi Momma.

When I receieved tickets as a gift to see Barbra Streisand I was completely floored. I couldn't believe it! I've wanted to see her so bad all these years. So there I was, 2-3 months before the concert and I had tickets...the wait had begun. I started watching her pevious concerts all over again, hed cd's filled the player. Nick, put the full page newspaper ad on his back door so whenever I went downstairs I would see it.

Philadelphia, 10/08/12, Barbra starts her tour in Philadelphia. I read the reviews (all glowing) and I watch all the videos on YOUTUBE from the show. I'm curious, the critics are saying her voice has gotten deeper and she saves the high notes. She's 70, sounds pretty amazing to me! Then there's her 2 Brooklyn shows, the Montreal show, the Ottowa show and the Toronto show, I do my research :)

Chicago, 10/26/12. OY! John gets here early and asks "is that what you're wearing tonight?" It's 9:30AM, of course not. I still haven't even begun to play Let's Pull Out Every Shirt And See What I'll Wear game? I settle on the gray polo. Why? Because the cap I'm cearing has gray lettering. What can I say, some of us got it some of us ain't! Time to nap, that's fruitless. An hour before we leave I start my magic transformation into something less hideous, it's a chore. John throws on a shirt and pants and he's done and looks great. As I'm dressing a thought suddenly hits me as I grab a new pair of underpants. Is Babs wearing a new pair to see me? I'm dressed and I walk into the dining room to present my glorious self to John and I ask him how I look? "Why we leaving so early? The show starts at 8 and it's only 4:30?" He replies, I know that's code for Hubba Hubba, you look so good!

We didn't plan on where to eat. We'd be driving down through an area called Wicker Park which is crowded, hip and parking is at a premium. We'll just pick a place that looks good and stop! Well, that didn't work out because we couldn't find parking! Our new plan became let's find a parking spot and find a restaurant around it! We find one, right by the Blue Line Damen Ave. Train Stop. SO MANY PEOPLE getting home from work. We decide on 'that place' across the street because whatever they're cooking smells good AND I'm freezing and it's close. Oh, and because I've read good stuff about it. The place is jammed, but we get a table, one of the few tables because it's mostly a bar. The menu has 10 latin inspired items. While waiting for our food I notice that John and I were the only two not carded when we came in. Big Star may have a very small menu but what they have is excellent. Excellent, but spicy!!!

On our way to the  United Center. Home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. This is where every big act plays. John and I already know that we will be avoiding The Barbra giftshop because she said in one of those videos I saw on YOUTUBE that the items were much cheaper on her website.

I've studied the maps of all the parking lots. I know which are cheap and which are expensive. We're lucky! We're almost 2 hours early (John has already bitched, I mean mentioned this) and the cheap parking lot closest to the Center is nearly empty and it's only $20. Then we're told for $5  more, we can get Easy Out, sounds like a bargain to me! As it turns out it was a wise investment after the show. It's cold out so I ask if we can sit in the car, it's 6:15PM. The man says yes but tells us the doors open at 6:30. I can see a crowd there already.

It's freezing in line and the doors don't open until 7. Being the social butterfly I am I start everyone around us in a conversation. She's here from Southern Il., these other two couples are from the suburbs, some from Michigan, Indiana, Argentina and we all are talking about Babs. Until I notice that the downtown skyline is all pink and mention it. We all admire it and go back to Babs. I mention to everyone what I heard from Babs herself, buy online, not here.

Doors open and we're all swiped with a wand, good thing I'm not packing! We are told over and over again that the artist is insisting no one records during the show. If we are caught, it's Adios, Partner.

Walk in and there's a gift shop just filled with everything Babs and I run over, giddy, like a two year old with John trying to catch me, but he's too late. For someone as big as me I run through that maze of people like a rat in a maze. By the time John get's there I'm looking at 2 tees. John buys both and says Happy Birthday.

Seats are amazing! We can see everything and there is nothing to obsrtruct our view, we can see over everyone in front of us. I ask the usher/kid if he knows who Barbra Streisand is? He says "Oh yeah, my Grandmother told me all about her and how she grew up listening to her music. He's lucky John was standing between us.

Good Lord these seats are so tiny. They were designed for supermodels, and I don't even have an ass!

The fashion parade begans. Furs, gowns, sweats, you name it. My attention goes to the sequins. The men seem to be wearing them better. Hello! Streisand! Some folks don't belong in sequins. I wonder if they own a mirror. I'm a big guy and I know what not to wear. This one lady is also, uh, full-figured to the point where Lane Bryant can't help her! But God love her, she found a black sequin, strapless mini dress. John tells me to shut up. She's wearing sky high heels and clip clops down the metal steps, yep she's getting all the attention she hoped for. I introduce myself to Geri, the lady behind me and apologize in advance for any screaming, carrying on, etc...she says she's the same way. Her husband, a firefighter, bought the tickets but couldn't come, so her 22 year old son, also a firefighter came with his Mom, because he grew up listening to Mom love Babs. Awww. Julie, he was single.

Three more announcements are made about not recording. The lights go down and the overture begins. The audince lights up, almost every cellphone in the place is recording. Well, I've watched YOUTUBE and I know her opening song is one I like, but not one of her famous ones. I won't record that one.

Almost 30,000 people are screaming, there's Babs. She says "Hello Chicago" and the place goes crazy, until she tells us to sit down and we do. She opens with 'On A Clear Day'...why wasn't I recording this. Streisand gets a standing ovation after every song. She sings some standards, some of her most populay, she performs with all of her special guests, which include her son, Jason Gould, who's not that bad and her sister, Roslyn Kind. Also, not so shabby. Il Volo abd Chris Botti. The show is 3 hours long with a 15 minute intermission. The only time Babs is not onstage is when she let's some of her guests do a solo.

"This is my favorite part of the show" Babs shares as she grabs a basket. "Questions from the audience, we always do it so thank you everyone who filled out a card in the lobby!" I didn't know this? I would have asked about Madonna showing off her crotch??? One question is about her movie, the Main Event and it's main song, Enough is Enough, the disco hit she did with Donna Summer. Babs says she hasn't done that in public in many years and tells her conducter to pull out the music..."but I'm only goig to do a snippet" she adds. She starts singing it and the audience is up, screaming, singing and dancing. I didn't record it because it was only a snippet! Guess what? Yep, she did the whole thing!

The fastest 3 hours in my life. I only recorded 4 songs. I would have been this happy even if I didn't record.

Barbra Streisand is MAGIC in concert. She can't hit notes like 50 years ago, but she can still hit some notes. Her voice is deep and rich and she knows how to use her gift. It was a night I'll NEVER forget. And yes, even some tears as she suddenly appeared on stage. A moment I never thought I'd see. She has some dates left. Vancouver, Vegas, San Jose and LA.

Peace Out, Homies...now go talk amogst youselves, I'm all verklempt.

Barbra I can hear you...

If you know me from Facebook you know I am going to see Barbra Steisand this Friday, 10/26/12. My birthday is the next day. Oy!

I guess you can say I've liked Babs since 1964. She was on Broadway in Funny Girl and I remember hearing her song People on the radio being played over and over again. In 1968 the film Funny Girl opened and I was taken to see it. I liked musicals every since my first seeing the Wizard of Oz. I saw the movie over and over again, even if I went by myself. I was 12 and knew every word to every song. I still know most of the songs, but like the all wonderful Barbra Streisand, I can't sing them like I used to. This all led to me owning just about everything she ever put out on 45s, Albums, cassettes and Cds. Never bought an 8 track. Out of all that music that she put out, all of which was great, one song remains my favorite Barbra Sreisand song. It's from the Superman album and the song is called Superman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCkNgiPz_Ug It was realeased in 1977, I was 21.

Barbra Streisand didn't do concerts and was rarely on TV. Seems The Voice was afraid to perform in public and from what I remember her saying it was because she was a perfectionist and wouldn't be in complete control 'live.' She did a couple TV specials and even a televised concert, but those were taped, she was in control. Then in the 90's (I think?) she faced her fears and started performing in concert. To massive crowds and like today's concert tours that could last a year, her's were few. And Grand. I remember watching one on HBO and is was just fabulous. I bought the concert on tape, then DVD. I also bought the concerts that came out after that. I think her last tour was in 2006 and she sounded amazing. Go on Youtube and listen to her performing with Il Divo in concert, wow.

The Babs is back and at age 70. I've watched some videos of her current show and have loved everything I've seen and heard. Gone are some of the amazing high notes and some songs that were made for her to belt out. Her voice now has a rich gravelly tone on some of the big notes. The way she wraps her voice around a lyric is still magical. She's still very funny. Going to see her has led me to cross an item off my bucket list. I'm so excited.

So why am I so verklempt? I've been over thinking it ever since I got the tickets. Should we drive there. Should we take a cab there. Will there be a cab there when we want to come back? The United Center holds over 25 thousand people. A bus, maybe a bus? Who takes a bus to see Streisand? I wonder what our view is gonna be like? We have good seats. I want to use my iPhone to tape just one song. Which song? Will there be a jumbotron screen I can tape if she's to far for the recording? Dinner, I forgot dinner, what are we going to do for dinner. Will there be an intermission? I'm on water pills, should I wear Depends so I don't miss anything. I better have a cocktail when I get there to take the edge off, but what if there's no intermission/potty break. I think one of our tickets is on the aisle, I have to have the aisle seat. John is such a big guy, he should have the aisle seat. can you see hyow anal I can get about things? John gets annoyed by it. He says quit worrying and just enjoy the show. If you take a video or not, enjoy the show. If there's an intermission or not, enjoy  the show. Don't worry about the gift shop, enjoy the show. In one of the videos from this tour she asks a person in the audience who's wearing a Bab's Tour Tee if she bought it in the gift shop. The person says yes. Barbra says "you should have bought it on my website, it's cheaper."

I've got a whole 48 hours more to worry about just enjoying the show.

Lastly, I need to thanks a wonderful friend of mine who touched my heart when she gave me these tickets for my birthday. When I called her to say I couldn't accept, she started crying, then I started crying. I'm pretty sure she told just enjoy the show. I know I will. Let's just hope she doesn't hike up her dress like Madoona did last month and show off her crotch...maybe Madge was looking to see if it was still there? 

Peace Out, Homies