Sunday, June 10, 2012

Tony Time!

Fact...I love me some Broadway.

And tonight just happens to be the Great White Way's biggest night...

It's the TONY AWARDS!

And guess what, my bestie, Judith won! So happy for her, I misted a little as they called her name. Yeah, shut up and don't judge. It was so exciting to see her stand up and not know what end was up after her name was called. She couldn't believe she had won. And then she gets up there and thanks everyone including the people in the box office! Yeah, she's that humble and amazing of a person. It's why we be besties! Way to go Aunt Hilda!




And then there is Steve Kazee. It was the most tender acceptance speech I think I've ever heard. He lost his mom to cancer on Easter Sunday. He dedicated the award to her. He said that before he would perform, she would always say to him "Stand up there and show them who's little boy you are!" So he went on to say that he was proudly the son of  Kathy Withrow Kazee and that the award was for her. It was so touching and moving and I will admit that it wasn't just misting I was experiencing, the waterworks were a little more substantial than that. What a neat guy. So happy for him!


Oh it makes me want to go back to the Big Apple! Hey, I can get a bag packed in no time flat...how bout you? What do you say we hit the next red eye outta here, and hit up the ole Broadway?! Game on!


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Live Like That...


I headed to the Temple with some friends yesterday and it got me thinking...I am so thankful for the people who help me stand, and the ones who stand with me...


I do a lot of crazy things on a regular basis. I throw wakes, and have birthday parties for celebrities, and hell, I even rent U-Hauls and make my friends join me in the Harmons parking lot as we fill it up with food for the food bank. I've never professed to be normal. And no one who knows me would dare make that claim of me either. But I have to say that my friends are the best ever. We have started making plans for my 30th birthday party already (yes, I know it's a bit early, but we can't have anyone getting an early non-10 or 12 inch haircut!), which includes lopping off our hair and donating blood and other fun things (don't worry, there will be more details to follow and a sign up sheet for y'all!). But the thing that struck me is that they are all on board for the craziness. Ready to jump in and help out. And many of them have causes of their own that they bring to the table for us to help out with and bring awareness to.

Good people. I am surrounded by a lot of good people...

And I feel so blessed that God has sent so many incredible people into my life. People that inspire me to be better. To go out and make a difference. To be more like Him...

I listen to KLOVE quite often and I heard this song and it really struck me. It is by the Sidewalk Prophets and is called "Live Like That." I heard one of the band members being interviewed one day on a 'behind the music' thing one day and he explained the inspiration for him were a few people in his life that made him want to live more like Jesus. Their lives exemplified good qualities that lead him to want to be better.

I have some people in my life like that. I look at them in awe of their goodness, of their Christlike attributes, of the good qualities they have refined almost to perfection. These people vary in age and gender, social status and mental capacity. Some might surprise you that I look at them with such reverence and awe. But sit back for a minute with me, and I will show you...and you will see...and will soon join with me and say, "I want to live like that!"...



Who causes you to say, "I want to live like that!"?...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Life Changing


There are some moments in time that as they are occurring, you know you are being changed forever. This has happened many times for me. But recently and as it applies to this post, it took places as I was talking to two survivors of the Holocaust.

The first was Ina Polak. The post I originally wrote about my conversation with her can be read here. The minute I heard her voice on the phone, I knew history was being written in my heart, and I would not be the same after talking with her.

The second was Eva Kor. The post about meeting her can be found here. That was a moment in time that seemed surreal. I couldn't believe I was standing before this woman whom I had read so much about. And then for two hours I had the chance to talk with and listen to her share her story and incredible insight. Changed forever? Total understatement.


She comes to mind almost every day. Seriously. I think about her perspective. Her level of forgiveness and her appreciation of life. I am in humble awe of it and her. And I truly do strive to be more like her, in so many ways.

And so today when I got the email from Eva, in honor of D-Day, I felt that I should state my appreciation of a woman who changed what will be written in the 'history books' of my life. Because I met her, because of her influence, I am changed for the good. Thank you Eva for continuing to share your story and your indomitable spirit with the world. You are an inspiration to all you come in contact with...

Friday, June 1, 2012

969

Today was the last day of school, and I got the ride of a lifetime...



Yep, that is right, I got a ride on the ole 69er!

My friend Mary, who just happens to be my bus driver surprised me and traded in our bus for this gem, for our last day of school. There aren't words to say how this thrilled me!

It doesn't get any better than this. And it they don't get better than Mary. She seriously is the sweetest woman in the world. I am so lucky to call her my friend. I mean how many would go well out of their way and to a lot of work, to fulfill this kind of warped dream of their demented friend?! But I will just say that good times like this were had all school year long...it rarely felt like work. It was kicks and giggles every day...literally.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Dancing Be Done


So Dancing With The Stars had its finale tonight and who guessed it?...Yeppers, that would be me. I guessed the final three at about week three. As much as I wanted my godmother Gladys to be crowned the winner, I sadly knew it wasn't in the cards for her. And still, even more sadly, or even shall we say pathetically, it didn't stop me from hoping for a shocking turn of events tonight that there had been a write-in campaign and Gladys was the winner...

Nopers. Didn't happen. Damn!

But there is always hope that she will be nominated to be one of the 'All-Stars' that gets to come back for next seasons top notch show. One can hope...

But as a fan of the Green Bay Packers and hot black men, I must say, well done Donald, well done! Congratulations on the win.

And Gladys, here is to hope for the All-Star write in spot for next season!...


Monday, May 21, 2012

Happy Birthday Girls...


Some of my most favorite people in the world were born today...So let us celebrate! Happy birthday Ellen, Elaine and Lori!

After a day full of festivities we had to end the night at The Chocolate to top it off right with a 'Cazookie' (CAZOOKIE: a freshly baked cookie that is roughly the size of your head that is pulled straight from the oven and then topped with 69 gallons of ice cream)...

This dessert was so delightful, it caused noises to be made which belonged in an adult film...Just sayin'...It comes highly recommended!


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Wynonna In Wendover




So last night we went to see Wynonna in Wendover. It was some good times. Wynonna is always good. I wont say it was her best. But she is never disappointing. Does that make sense? With a gift like hers, you could never let anyone down. Anyway...

The highlight of the evening came thanks to a broad Wynonna personally named, "Hoochie Mama." Yep you read that right. This lady came to the show pre-trashed. And early on in the show Hoochie Mama felt the need to start yelling things out. Wynonna acknowledged her once and felt that was adequate, but she just kept going. Wynonna said, "Well, I thought tonight was about me, but I guess I was wrong! I guess it's about you!" And then proceeded to name her...

The show continued on. It was awesome. All was well. About an hour and a half into it there was a slight incident where Hoochie Mama tried to steal someones seat and security had to escort her drunk staggering bleached-blonde butt, backed to her own seat.

The show was drawing to a close. Wynonna came out for her encore. And then came the best part of the whole show...

Hoochie Mama jumped over two rows of chairs and did an impressive barrel roll onto the stage and was then standing right next to Wynonna. Nope, I'm not kidding. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. H.M. was a big girl. A big, drunk, girl. And for her to be able to leap and jump and roll like that...It was like watching a white Sherri Shepherd! Best moment of the night. Wynonna's assistant rushed off the side of the stage like the Secret Service to try and get her off the stage, but ain't no way that was going to happen. Then the two security ladies jumped up on stage and tried to assist. And nope, Hoochie wasn't budging. So three big security men hopped up and joined in the Hoochie removal effort. Between the six of them they were successful. Wy finished her song, and concluded it with "Wow, that was awesome!" Yes, please it was...





Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Gettin my hair did...


Today I went to see my good friend Melinda for a cut and color. We laughed and chatted and it took 69 years to do my hair like it normally does because we spend so much time doing the before mentioned laughing and chatting. Oopsy poospy. Good thing she didn't have any other clients after me.

She is such a gem, she even did the splits for me while my hair was processing under the dryer. Yeah, my friends/hairdressers are that bloody cool. You ought to hit her up to do your hair too...Melinda at Moore Hair Design: (801) 277-6362. Tell her I sent you and she may just do the splits for you too!



Monday, April 9, 2012

New York Called Me...

The big city called, and I answered...

I saw the Lombardi Trophy... (aka what they give you when you win the SuperBowl. And may I just say, look out Tennessee, it's coming your way next!)



And as you've seen in the other posts, we saw our fair share of shows. These gems came from seeing "The Best Man" which stars every celebrity you can think of...Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts...I mean who really cares about Murder She Wrote?! Beauty and the Beast is a CLASSIC!), Candice Bergen (Murphy Brown...and who can forget her as Kathy Morningside in Miss Congeniality, that tricky little vixen trying to kill Miss Rhode Island!), James Earl Jones (Darth Vader), Eric McCormack (Will of Will&Grace), John Larroquette (Dan from Night Court), and Michael McKean (Lenny of Laverne&Shirley),

An awkward photo, yes..but it's all I've got. My sweet new friend from Texas took it for me when my crazy new iPhone friend failed me...


Dan from Night Court in real life...I couldn't believe it! He was absolutely fabulous in the play. Amazing!


Me and 'Lenny'...Yes I look like an idiot as I am jacking my jaws as usual. I ran into him on the street one night...He was asking why I didn't come see his play that night...I was smiling for the picture...He chuckled and said, "Answer me!" So I finally respond and told him I had seen his the night before and repeat what I'd said to him at the stage door that had made him laugh...It is in the middle of this exchange the picture was taken. But needless to say, he responded with, "Oh yeah, I remember you!" as he chuckled and went on his way...


We took in the Mets Home Opener against the Braves...

The Mets came away with the win (and actually took the whole series...miracles still happen!)

And there were plenty of good laughs and memory makers...like when my mom was drinking her Diet Coke like this after getting complimented by a man wanting donations for the homeless, and as she went on to try to keep looking sexy after telling him thank you, she almost got side swiped by a cab...it was special, real special, and real funny...



And before you knew it, this is what was in my rear view mirror...


I swear, being in New York is like being in a time warp...time speeds up and flies by faster than normal when you are there. When you are home and living real life, a week will feel like it takes two and a half to pass. But when in New York, a week goes by and you feel like you were only there for maybe two or three days!

So call me again Big Apple...I will pick up on the first ring, and be there on the first flight out!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

He Lives!

I woke up this morning overwhelmed with the knowledge that He lives...

It is Easter Sunday...

To many today is much about eggs, and bunnies, and candy...

But to me it is about the One who lived and died for me. Who suffered for my sorrows, sicknesses, and sins. It is about He who death could not conquer. He who gives me hope. Hope that tomorrow will be brighter. I can be better. And life is eternal.

He lives.

Of this I am certain.

And for it, I am overwhelmingly grateful.

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Other Desert Cities

We went to see Judith Light (The Boss) and Stockard Channing (Cynthia Swann Griffin) in action in their newest play on the Great White Way, "The Other Desert Cities."

We all know that I love anything Judith does. She was phenomenal in Lombardi, and I knew this would be no different. And Stockard holds a special place in my heart due to the way my brother and I love the movie The First Wives Club...

The play did not disappoint. It is held in a smaller theater and holds for a more intimate setting like you are sitting with the family as they celebrate Christmas. I won't bore you with all of the details of the story and plot, but will just share the message I walked away with...Family is family and it is all you've got at the end of the day. Each family has their struggles, their pasts and secrets. No family is perfect. And relationships are work. But we must be forgiving. We must be loving. When you can, give someone a 'pass', even if they may not fully deserve it. The most profound statement in the whole play came when the son unloads on his parents and says something to the effect of "Give your sister a pass. Give your daughter a pass. I don't care what you say, the day will come when you will want your family around you, because when you are about to take your last breaths, you will be scared..."

Food for thought, huh?!...


Here is me and my bestie Judith

Judith Light is seriously one of the kindest people I have ever met. She was so kind. So humble. And absolutely beautiful. She is an absolute gem!


We are just sharing secrets...LoL




Ma and Judith



This is for you Ted...or should I say Kim...

The real live Cynthia Swann Griffin is alive and well on Park Avenue ladies and gents! (Please ignore the fact that my head looks the size of a rhinoceros...Thank you.)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Once...

We went to see the play 'Once' tonight. It wasn't one that was at the absolute top of the list of priority, but I had been pushing to see it as I had heard good things about it. And my Ma not being a huge fan of the nontraditional or musicals, but being kind, conceded and gave in and agreed to go.

As we were seated, there was a band playing on the stage, and Ma looked at me and said "Oh hell, is this it?!"... Um, well...kinda...

The show began and she enjoyed. As did I. A lot.

To sum it up nice and short it is the tale of a chance meeting of two people, both musicians, who meet one another at a time when they both need to learn a lesson from each other...with a chance to fall in love if they so choose, though they both have been made to be a second choice by the one they loved yet they just can't seem to let go of them.

From the beginning of the show I was captivated by a line from the leading lady "We can be saviors to one another!" as she chastises the leading man trying to get him to understand that people cross paths for a reason.



The love story goes unfolds. The music plays. It was delightful. It ends. They don't pick one another, and return to the ones who allowed them to play 'second fiddle.' I couldn't believe it. I was furious. RaRaRa. Amen.

But it was the moral that stuck with me and continued to play through my mind like one of the show's catchy tender guitar ballads, as we walked to get dinner at a pizza place in the center of Times Square. I just kept thinking about the 'chance' meetings we have in life. The people we meet once, and the difference they can have in our lives, and we in theirs. Little did I know of the experience I was about to have...

My Ma and I were just finishing up eating our pizza when a kind woman was walking around the restaurant approached our table and asked if we were having a good night. I answered that yes we were. She asked if it was our first time visiting New York and I said, "No, we've actually been here quite a few times. We love it here." She smiled and said, "Well, I am inviting you to move here!" I chuckled. She then said, "But it is hard." "I'm actually homeless." I pulled out a chair and asked her if she wanted to sit down with us for a minute. She said sure, her feet were tired and she would like to rest for a bit. But before she could sit, I asked her if she had eaten. She replied, "No." I asked her if I could buy her dinner. Quite surprised by the offer she accepted.

We went upstairs and this sweet woman got herself something to eat. As we were standing in line we chatted back and forth. About random things. About how it was kind of chilly outside. About how sad the pasta salad was looking. And then she just looked at me and said "It's hard you know. And sometimes, you just want to die. It's hard out there." I looked at this dear woman in the eyes, and the only words that came were "I can't imagine. I can't even imagine." Any one who knows me, knows I am one that doesn't lack for words. But at that moment, they wouldn't come. Maybe they weren't meant to. Maybe in that moment, all that needed to be said was...in the exchange as I looked into her kind, but sad, brown eyes, offering deep and sincere love, concern, and compassion for her the difficulties she faces each day.

I look at it this way...God was aware of this dear woman and her needs. He  And He brought her to a place where He could buy her dinner, and He kindly allowed me to be a very small part of it. (I say it this way because I have been so well taken care of in my life, and my everything comes from Him, especially my plenitude...which I feel I need to share with those in need...) But how amazing that He was aware of her and her needs. There in the middle of Broadway, in the midst of tens of thousands of people, He knew her and her need and hunger. He also knew me, and that I needed this life changing lesson.

Once. Just one encounter is all I will ever have with this woman, as I will probably never see her again. Just a brief meeting in a pizza shop. A tender exchange. A gratitude filled thank you, hug, and a kiss on the cheek...and then she was off into night, lost once again amid the nameless mass of people. But that one encounter will last me a lifetime. She will probably never think of it again. But I certainly will. It will serve as a reminder that if we are willing we can be extensions of God's love to those around us anytime, anywhere, most times when we least expect it.

Think of the importance of 'once.' Most fairy tales begin with 'Once upon a time' but let us remember that when we take the time for one another, we can change each others day, each others lives. Fairy tales are full of heroes riding in saving the day...well we don't live in fairy tales, far from them...but we can be the means to help bring about the happy ending to a bad day, or a lonely time...

The meetings may be brief, and the encounter just but 'once', but the effects and echoes will be endless...

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Festival of Colors

Today we went to the Krishna Temple and participated in their Holi Festival or Festival of Colors. It is held once a year as they celebrate the coming of Spring, as well as life. It celebrated as every two hours there are 'throwings' of organic chalk into the air, as well as the throwing of the chalk onto one another in between that time.

When I arrived, this shirt was completely white...I had only been there 30 seconds, and this is how I was welcomed by my new chalk throwing friends...I knew it was going to be some good, good times!

I met some new fun people like this colorful little stallion...



This was quite an experience. We had a blast and a half. I met some delightful people.  It was crazy and insane and something everyone should do at least once in their life! So next March...let's go! I'll show ya the ropes. Bring your sunglasses, a bandanna (so you can breathe as 69 thousand people chuck chalk into the air at the same time), some bottled water, and you'll be good to go. You're gonna love it...I swear!