history lesson, with pictures

At first glace, the swirling color mix is quite pretty, på eto?

In fact, when I saw the porcelain plate, it reminded me of this photo, "The Blue Marble", which was taken by either Harrison Schmitt or Ron Evans of the NASA/Apollo 17 crew.
However, the scene depicted on the fine dining piece was not nearly as benevolent. The artist had captured the Bolsheviks storming the Winter Palace in Russia in 1917. That signaled the end of the Tsars' rule, as well as the end of this evening's lecture.
Wow.
So, where was I? At the Jepson Center, for the opening lecture and reception for the latest exhibit. I had been attracted by the promise of Russian foods at the reception... plus that one last viewing of the Elvis Presley portraits.
(smile)
The talk was titled "The Tsars' Cabinet: Decorative Arts As Political And Historic Messages" and was given by Kathleen Durdin. Who is she? An accountant with a passion for Russian porcelain.
I'm not kidding.
The entire exhibit of plates, dishes, pitchers, glasses, cups, saucers, Easter eggs, and more, belongs to this one woman. Born of an early fascination with Russian history, and a particular love of the Romanov family, the many pieces chosen for display are only a part of her Kathleen Durdin Collection.
Amazing.
With tonight's lecture, she gave us the background for several of the pieces, relating their creation and the Tsar in power. She added many family anecdotes, as well as placing some historical events in context with world happenings. It really was a fascinating talk - and I'm not even a fan of history!
Afterward, we were treated to little potato latke and little fluffy doughnut balls, black caviar on endive sleeves, salmon-capped cucumber slices, and more pickled veggies than you could shake a stick at! Cucumbers, red peppers, carrots, onions, beets, turnips! All had been sliced in creative ways and pickled for our pleasure!
I even had second heapin' helpings of those!
Not so for Ruth and 'Tis and their friend Anthony. They preferred the caviar.
Not so for Brenda Mattingly, either, or her friends Carol and Steve. They fancied the wine instead.
More pickled veggies for me!
(smile)
And I'll have to plan a later trip to view those fancy dining dishes.
(smile)

one last time with young Elvis

I even had a Post-It on my kitchen cabinet to remind me to visit the "Elvis At 21" exhibit this week. Its final day at the Jepson will be this Sunday, October 2nd.
As you may recall, I had looked forward to seeing these photos ever since the start of this year. I had even organized my schedule to make sure I would be present for the Opening Lecture and Sock Hop during the busy spring. But I had not actually visited the exhibit for the first time until June.
I had wanted to have plenty of time to absorb every word and every image.
After all, I had saved every photograph that graced the pages of the museum's quarterly newsmagazine. Every single one.

This was the cover,
both front and back,
of the late spring volume,
Issue 25.

Titled by Alfred Wertheimer
as "Two Guitars",
the photo included Elvis
with his guitarist.

Notice the knot tied in the rope Elvis used as his guitar strap.

I really like this part of the above photo.
It graced the front cover and was the first thing I saw.

Alfred took the photo at the CBS Studio recording session in New York City.
The date was March 17, 1956.
It was Saint Patrick's Day in the home of the largest celebration in the USA of that event.
I wonder what the newly-turned 21-year-old thought of all that?

Here, Elvis tries to entice the girl
to kiss him.
Taken in late June, 1956, he was with an unnamed lass that he had met at a lunch counter.

Oh, are you wondering if he was successful in his attempt?
(smile)
Yes, he was.

This is another of the photos from late June.
Here Elvis is, literally singing "Hound Dog" to an actual hound dog!
How did that come to pass?
Well, the song, which would soon be Number 1 on the US pop, country, and R&B charts, was being performed on a television show. Concern about Elvis' swiveling pelvis led to the dog on an elevated surface, to keep the gyrations on a leash.
Funny, and true, story!

This is one of my absolute favorites.
Alfred snapped this one on the train, as they traveled back toward Elvis' home in Memphis for the 4th of July.
The trip took a couple of days and Elvis was undoubtedly ready to be back among those who knew and loved him.
I can absolutely relate to that.
There's nothing that compares to home and family...
and being able to shuck Sunday clothes for jeans and a T-shirt.

Here he is, stretched out on the seat, trying to catch a few winks as the train meanders through the southeastern countryside on the long journey.
Do you know who took this photo of the photo in the exhibit?
I did!
I had asked if I was allowed to take pictures and, to my delight, was told I could!
Wonder of wonders!
(I used the privilege sparingly, though.)

At long last, Elvis had arrived home and had a dip in the pool.
Shirtless, he and his high school sweetie listened to his album.
He was then able to convince her to dance with him...
but no, no kiss this time!
(I wonder if she ever regretted that? Surely she did!)

Later that day (still the 4th of July), he was onstage at Russwood Park in Memphis for a benefit concert.
(Such a busy day!)
Alfred titled this one, appropriately, "Starburst".
Serendipity led to its creation, as he acknowledged.
Had not a fan's flashbulb gone off at the same moment that Alfred's shutter was open, the photo would have been much more subdued.
What a wonderful coincidence and what amazing timing!

Still, I do believe this may be my favorite of them all.
Taken during a snack break at the recording studio in NYC, back in late June of 1956, the young man is having a tasty beverage and relaxing with his session mates.
I think Alfred had titled it "Taking a Break", or some such.
My title for it?
"A Coke And A Smile."

Maybe I'll go see it one more time this weekend.

dancing with the Beatles at Shea!

Of course, I wasn't able to be there when the concert actually occurred.
I was only seven years old and living in Savannah.
Whoopi Goldberg was able to be there, as her beloved mother managed to get two tickets for them to go.
Then again, the soon-to-be ten-year-old's family lived in New York City.
Shea Stadium, the erstwhile home of the New York Mets, was just a subway ride away.
The Beatles weren't hardly on my radar back in 1965.
The Beatles, as a group, have not existed since 1970. John Lennon was killed in 2008 and gentle George Harrison succumbed to lung cancer in 2001. No reunion tours will ever be possible for them.
Shea Stadium hasn't existed since it was torn down in 2009.
Things change, as we all know.

And this afternoon, things changed for me.
After my first-ever Office Hours at Savannah Tech, held in the chemistry lab as my shared cubicle does not lend itself to such things, I was in need of diversion.
Spotlight Cinema came to my rescue!
Ron Howard's documentary, "The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years", was due to begin in just fifteen minutes!
So, off I went!
(smile!)
The film covered four years of hard touring, from 1963 to 1966, with concerts back to back and no time to play tourist. It was a good thing they were so young or they would have been exhausted all the time! The four young men, all "brothers from other mothers", were in their early twenties for those hectic years when it seemed that every moment of every day was scheduled. Interviews, concerts, television shows, photo shoots - all blurring together. And then they started making movies, too!
What a beautifully made remembrance!
I thank you, Mr. Howard.
But, wait, there's more!
After the final credits, the entire thirty-minute concert by The Beatles, was shown!!! This was from that August 15, 1965, event at Shea Stadium!!!
Oh, my GOD!!!
I sat in my seat for the first song, "Twist and Shout". Sure, I was bouncing around, but I stayed seated.
Then I had a realization.
This would be the only time I could dance at their concert.
So, with the opening bars of "She's A Woman", I was on my feet and in the aisle, making sure I didn't block the view of the other four audience members. And I danced!!!
And I kept right on dancing, too! "I Feel Fine", sure enough, with "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" and my "Ticket To Ride"! "Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby", but I know money "Can't Buy Me Love"! "Baby's In Black", but all I have to do is "Act Naturally" after "A Hard Day's Night"!
Whew!
By "Help!", I was needing a little. It's been a while since I danced that many songs without a break!
That turned out to be the penultimate song in their set, though, so I was able to keep on dancing while Paul sang "I'm Down".
Wow!
Right place, right time, I was.
i thank You, God!
Now, off I go for a previously scheduled art event at the Jepson.
Ciao, bella!

hangin' out with old fogeys and young whippersnappers at the lucas and beyond!

The adventure began on Thursday!
There I was, ushering for "Johnny Mercer & Me", a musical I had been longing to see ever since I caught wind of it.
Written by a Savannahian, about a Savannahian, and playing in an old-timey venue that's pure Savannahian - you bet this Savannahian wanted to be there!

And so I was!
How truly wonderful!
It wasn't until later that I realized I had seen a preliminary form about three years ago, at Muse Arts Warehouse. No worries! 'Twas marvelous to sing along again!

On Friday afternoon,
back to the Lucas
I went!
This time,
food trucks were
in attendance, too!
It was time for
an old-fashioned
block party
in honor of
the theatre's 95th
birthday!!!
Raffles!
Live art creation!
There was even a band
playing out front
in the street!

I had one of
the best jobs
in the house, too!
Crafts with kids!!!
You know how I enjoy doing crafts!
Susie Ingram manned one table upstairs
and I was in charge of the other.
Such fun!
Necklaces and bracelets at hers,
with us testing the materials first,
of course!
(smile)

At my table, all kids -
no matter the age! -
could make matinee cards
using the many bright
markers and crayons.
They could make bowties -
or hairbows! - too!
The matinee cards were hung in
the lobby for all to admire!

To finish out the
95th birthday celebration,
"Gone With The Wind"
was shown -
for free!
Local artist Panhandle Slim
honored the occasion
with one of his
characteristic paintings,
based on a quote
from the film.
What a fabulous day!

This afternoon, I ventured into the company of children once more!
This time, I went to the Savannah Children's Theatre for "How I Became A Pirate".
What a special treat for me!
It was a musical!!! With songs about green teeth and pirate lore!
Absolutely fun, FUN, FUN, me hearties!
(smile!)

I finished my Saturday off with a free-for-me event: a choral concert at Armstrong!
It was the closing concert of the 17th annual Southeastern Choral Arts Festival
Such marvelous young singers!!!
Whether the music was operatic or folk, classical or contemporary, it was pure joy to the ears!

i thank You, God, for this abundance of music!

finally saying farewell to a hopeful romantic

It's been almost three weeks since his death in late August.
Sure, I was a bit preoccupied at the time... but I really didn't know where to start for a discussion of him and what he meant to me.
But now I do.
Gene Wilder was a hopeful romantic, much like the Roman emperor, Antoninus Pius. That man of the 2nd century AD built a temple in the Forum to deify his beloved wife, Faustina the Elder, after her death. He wanted to ensure she would live on in people's memory.
And so she did. Not only for the twenty years left of his life, but even now. Her name is inextricably linked to his throughout eternity, keeping them forever together.
Gene did much the same thing when his beloved third wife, Gilda Radner, died. No, he didn't build a temple, but he did the next best thing. He built the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center within two years of her death. That was to help other women find an early diagnosis to their disease, so other men did not suffer the same loss he had.
How very noble, right?
But that speaks to the goodness, and the depth, of the heart of this man.
The folks at the worldwide Gilda's Clubs, including the one in Quebec, Canada, Gilda's Clubs would concur, I know.
Why did I mention that Canadian one in particular?
Well, they held a film festival to honor Gene Wilder. But they had also wanted to honor the love story between him and Gilda. So the very first film they screened was "Hanky Panky", the 1982 one that led to their "love at first glance", as Gilda said.
I hope to see that one some day.
I would also like to see "Haunted Honeymoon", written by Gene and starring Gilda, as the romantic couple. Made in 1986, I'm sure it wouldn't have anything too scary in it.
(smile)
So, how is it that I am finally writing about Gene Wilder?
You can thank Jim Reed, and his Psychotronic Film Society, for that.
In a special Sunday screening at the Sentient Bean, he graced us with "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother". This was a pre-Gilda film, as it came out in 1975. No worries, though. This musical romp, written by, directed by, and starring the man of the hour (not just 15 minutes), showcased his very nature.
Delightful... and a little sad, too, that Alzheimer's was the villain that stole him from this world.
Thank you, Jim, for sharing this gem with us. How wonderful to have been reminded of the talented and bug-eyed Marty Feldman, the over-the-top Dom DeLuise, and the original "Sheer-Luck Holmes", Douglas Wilmer and Dr. Watson, Thorley Walters. Most of all, I so enjoyed seeing the incredible Madeline Kahn, singing and dancing with Gene to "The Kangaroo Hop". (She was taken by ovarian cancer in 1999.)
Thanks, Jim, for screening this one.
And i thank You, God, for putting me in the right place, at the right time.

take your girlie to the movies!

As the 1919 song advises, "Take Your Girlie To The Movies (If You Can't Make Love At Home)"! You know, because of tattling little brothers or cranky dads... what did you think it meant???
Try to remember that song hearkens back to a simpler time. "Make love" was synonymous with kissing and holding hands and speaking low for only your beloved's ear.
(smile)
Tonight's venture into the world was a trip back in time, courtesy of the Tybee Post Theatre and an aficionado who is single-handedly returning the silent movie experience to this area of the world.
That isn't to say that Dennis Hall didn't have some assistance in that endeavor this evening. Yessirreebob! You see, the "experience" entails more than simply a silver screen and a piano. Yes, indeed, quite a bit more!
To entice the working populace into spending their cash (no credit cards back then!), a true show was needed. Vaudeville was the name of the game, so the folks with the reels had to incorporate some live action into the mix.
Tonight, I was able to sample that amply!
While waiting for the show to begin, I enjoyed the still frames up on the screen. One advised me to "cheer for the hero and hiss at the villain" - so I did! Several times!
Then Dennis, in garb of the time, complete with hat, came on to share his dream with the audience. We were treated to the song above, sung as a charming duet by Jane Ogle (who once sang with my friends in Hear And Now) and Jared Hall. Not only were they dressed in period clothing from the early 1900's, they were also singing into one of those old-timey stage microphones!
We were then treated to a short film which served as an advisory to an audience new to the movie-going experience. (That was much of the same tone as appears in modern cinemas to admonish folks about cell phone usage.) The piece, from 1909, was "Those Awful Hats!" It was a hoot! Be sure to click the link!
A second duet from Jane Ogle and Jared Hall followed the film. That one was quite silly, about a tired couple who went to movies, but had to keep standing up to allow others to pass. Hahahha!
That was followed by more history from Dennis, this time about the film-maker Mack Sennett, the fellow who brought us the Keystone Kops. One of the films also featured a popular race car driver, Barney Oldfield, who was the first man to drive sixty miles per hour. Incredible, but true!
(smile)
The 1913 Barney Oldfield's "Race For A Life" short film can be viewed by the clicking the title link. It was the fourth film featuring the Keystone Kops, but the story was about the actual race car driver coming to the rescue of a damsel tied to the train tracks! By a mustachioed villain! No kidding!
A piano solo then ensued from Dennis Hall. That featured some of the popular jazz music which was typically used as accompaniment.
Then Jane and Jared had their final number. "Crossroads" was the song of two people who had to choose between a budding romance or the lucky break of their career. That was very much the theme song for tonight's feature, 1928's "Show People", starring Marion Davies and William Haines. She was a Georgia girl, popular in Savannah (!!!), brought to Hollywood by her daddy, in search of fame and fortune in serious film. He was a comedic actor, in the same vein as the Three Stooges, who saw her in the lunch room and knew he'd found a foil.
What a lovely little romantic comedy! With a running time of 83 minutes, it rivaled the lengths of many of the spoken films that were being made, too.
We had a little intermission, as they would have done back in the day, partway through the movie. Considering the entertainment that preceded the film, a break to stand up before sitting back down was a good idea!
(Get it? Just a little inside joke!)
All in all, a most delightful romp back in time!
And I'm sure you're wondering...
How did Dennis Hall decide which pieces to play during the three movies? By research and experimentation, my dear! He has been collecting period music from the first quarter century of the 1900's for a very long time. Truly, the man has made this his life's work. Bravo!
I look forward to a future foray right here into the world of silent film on February 16th. What a nice Valentine to receive!
How lovely that this event coincided with another in silent film!
And what another lovely coincidence to have featured a link to Savannah!
The right place at the right time, for me.
i thank You, God!

perpetual groove on moon river

Here we all were on Tuesday, cutting up in front of the Lucas Theatre!
What was the occasion?
It was the annual Usher Appreciation Night! For that evening, we were served by Haley Naugle and Erin Muller, in thanks for all we do throughout the year.
What were we served? Pizza and salad and sodas... and even beer and wine! I definitely partook of the pizza, especially as they had gotten a deluxe veggie, especially for me, with artichokes included and cheese excluded. So very good!
We also were treated to a movie just for us! This year, the 1961 "Breakfast At Tiffany's" was the favorite of the majority of us. How very appropriate that turned out to be! In multiple ways, it featured the song "Moon River", co-written by Savannah's own Johnny Mercer with Henry Mancini, the fellow in charge of music for the film.
The movie was such an excellent choice in another way, too... especially as we were treated on several occasions to a scantily-clad, young, blond, muscular, hottie - the 33-year-old George Peppard! Ooh la la!

So, here I am again with my fellow ushers. I'm on the right, front row, in the purple top. I'm flanked by Ann Meyer, in the hot pink with the white shirt, and Nell Nelson, wife of Jeff. He's standing behind Susie Ingram, the woman in the vertical green and white shirt, near the middle of the front. (You may recall that she went to the Bananas playoff games in my stead). Her friend, Susan, is on the far right end of the front row, in a top that looks like Susie's, but a bit bluer.
Susie won an award for Best New Usher! Jeff and Nell won for Best Ushers! I won a Lucas T-shirt in the raffle!
(smile)
Let's see, who else do I know? Lois and Joe Buttner, toasting the occasion, are in the back row, between me and Susan. Penny (in the front with her jacket over her arm) and Lonnie (man in the pink and orange plaid) are a fun couple, too.
The last person that I know that I know is Jean Purcell, on the far left front, in the black top and muted floral skirt. She knows my Aunt Barbara and John, too! Small world!
(smile)
That was such a lovely night at the Lucas!
Tonight was... not so much.
It was a concert event.
You know what that meant, right?
Good music, rowdy drunks.
Sigh.
The two bands were local boys gone national, not that I was familiar with either group. Passafire, who began in Savannah in 2003, opened the show, playing for the first hour. I never heard any of their tunes, just the bass notes pumping through the doors.
After a thirty-minute intermission, Perpetual Groove, which got its start in 1997, took control of the stage for two full sets. There was another intermission in-between, for folks to take a smoke break.
I missed their first set completely and most of the second.
How was it that I missed the show?
Joe Montesimo and I had been assigned the onerous task to "tag and release" those attendees who were going to imbibe beer and wine. For four solid hours, that's exactly what we did. Check the ID to make sure it said September 16, 1995, or earlier. Apply the plastic bracelet to the proffered arm, giving care to not catch arm hair in he sticky tab and to not affix it too tightly.
Over and over and over and over and over and over...
Susie came by at one point and brought me a soda. Someone else took a bottle of water to Joe. When he and I were finally released from our positions, we grabbed a seat to rest our feet and enjoy some of PG's light show and hypnotically soothing music.
After the long jam had ended and the next began, he left.
Two songs later, I followed suit.
I'm glad this one is done.
i thank God that the next time I cross the threshold, it will be for a brand-new musical, "Johnny Mercer & Me".
Hallelujah!

ack! a smartypants!

Yet again, a student who took AP chemistry last year in high school has wandered into my freshman-level "for those scared to death of chemistry who have to take it anyway" survey class.
Sigh.
You would think that might be helpful for the other students, but that is never how it plays out.
Never.
Perhaps partly that is my "fault". I encourage students to ask questions as I lecture, so any misunderstandings can be clarified right away.
However, the former-AP-chemistry student will always ask questions which are ahead of the lecture, to show off how much they already know. Sadly, those questions always tend to slow down the lecture and confuse many of the other students.
Always.
Tonight, after that student interrupted me for the fourth time to ask a "see how smart I am as I lead the direction of the lecture" question, I'd had enough.
Especially as that student's questions were obviously disruptive for others, who had been following along but were becoming confused about the topic at hand.
That would not do.
So I shut that student down, not naming names, being careful to be looking around the room and addressing everyone. In response to a different student's question, I replied with the following.
"I know I seem to be explaining things with a lot of small steps to be taken, but this is a survey class. That means we will be covering a lot of material, but not in as much depth as a science major needs. I take care to show all of the small steps so that when you are doing the problems in the homework assignment, you will be able to look back at your notes to see how to start solving the problem and not freak out. Not everyone in this class had AP chemistry in high school last year."
All was said with me addressing the class at large and no one student in particular.
But the braggart student who had been so disruptive shrunk behind the student in front.
And the class, as a whole, breathed a silent sigh of relief.
And we accomplished the desired goal of completing that night's lecture without any more unhelpful interruptions.
That's not to say there weren't more questions.
Of course there were.
But these queries were on-topic.
That makes all the difference in the world to the flow of lecture, especially to those students who are "scared to death of chemistry but have to take it anyway".
For Chem1151, that is the vast majority...
and those students are the reason I am here.

For the record, I wish that former-AP chemistry student well.
Contrary to what one might expect, those over-prepared students do not always do well in this "introduction to inorganic chemistry" class. I have no knowledge of which students fall into this category, either, unless they inform me of their background.
One such student, from Fall of 2010, was an engineering major who had mistakenly enrolled in Chem1151 instead of Chem1211. I had informed her of her error on the first day of that semester and advised her to sign up for the correct class for her major.
Sadly, she did not believe me.
However, when time came to be advised about the Spring semester classes, she found out I had been correct and the Chem1151 would only be counted as an elective for her. She still had to take the Chem1211 and now she would be a semester behind in her program of studies. She lost interest in the class and finished the term with a mid-range "C" as her grade. With that hit to her GPA, she probably was not accepted into the engineering program.
After that, I became especially diligent about checking the majors of prospective students. Better to cut them off early on, before classes begin, was my policy. Most students disappeared from my roster without even a backward glance. Every now and then, though, one would take the time to respond to my preemptive email and thank me.
That rarity was nice and greatly appreciated!
No more poorly-advised students came to my classroom. That meant the number of over-prepared students dropped, too.
Even so, in the Spring of 2012, I had a nursing-major student tell me that she had taken AP chemistry just the year before, her senior year in high school. I cautioned her that the material might move a bit slowly to her, but to be persistent.
She dutifully came for all lectures the first two weeks. Doing well on the first test - which is the use of the metric system and the Periodic Table - she must have felt overconfident. She stopped attending regularly, only showing up for the tests.
Big mistake on her part.
When her grades started slipping, did she modify her attendance pattern?
Not one whit.
She just barely managed to pull her "D" into a "C" by semester's end.
It really broke my heart. I knew she had the potential to be an "A" student, but she did not apply herself to the material until the final exam.
She did not get accepted into the nursing program, either.
Nowadays, I'm especially alert for this type of student. They're so accustomed to pushing hard in school, and being with other students in that same category, that many of them cannot adapt to a normal classroom setting. They even fail to comprehend that their behavior is having an adverse effect on others who do not yet share that knowledge base. If they would only apply their advanced learned state to helping their fellow classmates, that experience would be so much more beneficial than making their classmates feel inadequate.
Let's hope this one learns how to better be part of a class effort, instead of being just another solo honor student.
Being part of a team is essential in the health professions.

smoothing the bumps for a boy and his dog, reprised

Wondering what that title is all about?
I refer you to my other blog, that one about giving back to the world and supporting the creative efforts of those more talented than myself.
Today, I supported a silent cartoon series - created by the inventors of cel animation - that is almost 100 years old.
Check out Bobby Bumps...I think you'll like him!

one eurydice, please, with a side of elvis!

This afternoon was a first for me.
I don't know how I have overlooked the Richmond Hill Community Theatre, but I certainly have.
For five years, too, as they have existed since 2011.
Well, they are on my radar now.
I ventured out to the J.F. Gregory Park's Wetland Center this afternoon for a one-act Greek tragedy.
I had read the article in the newspaper about this retelling of the story of Orpheus and his quest to the Underworld to retrieve his beloved, Eurydice. What had caught my attention was the twist: this time, it was from the woman's point of view.
Most excellent!
I had spoken of the play to my first niece and to my dos amigas, telling them "the 3:00 PM on Sunday is the only one I can attend, but I am definitely going". I hope they went to the Saturday matinee!
I very much enjoyed the entire experience!
You see, I was greeted before the action with The King's romantic songs. "The Wonder of You", "Falling In Love With You", "Stuck On You", "The Chapel", "Don't be Cruel".
I had caught the rationale by the third song! Sure enough, when the play began it was clear that the director had opted to have the demigod musician played as a young Elvis. How apropos in this year as we celebrate the beginnings of the superstar's career!
And what particular melody did Orpheus cite as having been created especially for his dear love? With what music did he propose to her?
"Love Me Tender", of course!
(smile)
As for Eurydice, she was more like Alice, lost in the worlds both above and under the ground she trod. She claimed to love Orpheus, but she was more attached to words in books than to the tunes he offered. She seemed to awaken in the underworld, where her dear father was able to restore some of her memories.
The Lord of the Underworld was played with verve and vigor and vitality...and for laughs! Whichever of the three characters inhabited by the ruler of Hades was on stage, G.T. Woods was phenomenal and stole every scene he entered. His theme music for the final scene with Eurydice? "A Little Less Conversation", of course!
(smile!)
One more note before I go.
I very much liked all of the letter-writing featured throughout the play. Letters to the girl from her father in Hades. Letters from a distraught husband to his dead wife, given "to a worm" for delivery. Letters from her back to him, via the worm delivery system (as opposed to "snail mail", perhaps?).
Letters to be held and read, again and again.
Unless you were one of Elvis' fans. Your missive was destined to be read once by the man, then destroyed by his hand.
Why?
He regarded the letters as personal and no business of anyone else.
So, if you ever wrote to him, know that your message was received and treasured for that moment in time ... and your heartfelt words remained safe from prying eyes.
That's rather sweet, wouldn't you agree?

jumble-aya car-tune-ists!

Who could ever deny that Elvis Presley was the Multi-Task-King?
Singing, dancing, acting, taking acre of his mama, reading fan mail, and eating those peanut butter sandwiches?
What better time to make note of this man of music than today?
Sometimes, we need to appreciate the incredible gift of being on this beautiful planet, this wondrous sphere of life-giving dihydrogen oxide.
Most definitely.
And, I believe, days of great sadness are in special need of a reminder that we are blessed in so many ways.
Blessed with puns, those silly word twists that engage the brain and tease out a grin.
Oh, yes!
(smile)
Let's see if I can get you groaning in a good way!
And be sure to check out the blog links - you'll definitely like those!


When the 'punny' puzzle makers went out to eat, they enjoyed the "jumble-aya".

When the comic strip creators sang on the way to their annual get-together, they were "car-tune-ists".

How much did the pirate pay for the corn?
A buck an ear.

The surgeon didn't like the photo, so he doctored it.

Elvis got so many things done simultaneously because he was the "multi-task-king".

The concert music was changed, but the musician hadn't been "note-i-fied".

Audiences loved 'Jurassic Park' and thought it was ''dino-might.

The violinist went to the doctor because he wasn't fit as a fiddle.

The fancy new weather balloon was high-tech.

When the owl realized he was a ghost, he said boo-hoo.

She couldn't eat her prize tomato because it had been spoiled rotten.

The cowboy didn't want to participate in the rodeo, but he got roped into it.

Charging so many things on his credit card was "debt-trimental".

The transmission mechanic came through in the clutch.

After hunting all night, the wolves decided to pack it in.

When the scarecrows had an outing, they had a field day.

After spitting out his bubblegum on the sidewalk, the teen was chewed out.

At Santa's workshop, there was plenty of merrymaking.

The fireplace in their new home made for a nice housewarming.

After playing tennis all day, he was happy for a meal with big servings.

When they toasted at the New Year's Eve party, everyone was in good "cheers".

The doctor would eventually feel at home in the new town, if he had enough patience.

The antisocial octopus welcomed the unexpected visitor with open arms.

After realizing he was at the Pearly Gates, he said oh, thank heaven.

The unscrupulous magician attempted to thwart his competition with dirty tricks.

Two, three, five, and seven will always be in their prime.

The male college cheerleaders' favorite meal consisted of "rah-men" noodles.

The Rolling Stones have been together so long because, as a group, they are rock solid.

Doctors at veterans' hospitals dedicate their lives to treating the "harmed" forces.

When the group of friends took a photo together, they took a photo of "every-buddy".

The alligator was stressed out because he was swamped.

Traffic on the horse farm was caused by ""tail-gaiters.

Owning a dictionary without pages is meaningless.

The golf course was for sale. The owner wanted to sell the "hole" business.

When Roald Amundsen reached the bottom of the Earth in 1911, he put a flag on a Pole.

Mother Nature was often busy on clear, damp mornings, because she had lots to "dew".

He was sick in bed, so his mom wouldn't let him go to practice until he could play well.

The four-star general opened his own restaurant and loved taking orders.

With so many children trying out the equipment, their new playground had mood swings.

When he planted the three oaks side by side, he planted a ""tree-o.

When the kids complained at dinner, their parents were being "whined" and dined.

The shopper demanded 50% off everything in the store because she wanted to halve it all.

Installation of the new clock was completed in a timely manner.

He told Casper the Ghost his secret because he knew Casper wouldn't say boo.

He didn't want to go tubing, but he did to go with the flow.

After rolling 12 strikes in a row for a 300, he was bowled over.

The horse didn't like wearing a mouthpiece. He didn't like it one bit.

Her hole in one resulted in swing dancing.

The author hoped her latest diet book would appeal to a wider audience.

He thought that paying life insurance was a good policy.

After being so rude to the doctor, he was about to become an out-patient.

He planned to wash and wax his car early today and was ready to rise and shine.

When they printed the cartoon upside-down on April Fool's Day, some people flipped.

His high credit bill was a "due-zie".

Al Capone's favorite restaurant was usually mobbed.

The collector of classic films owned "reel" estate.

She needed new tires for her car and the tire salesman was ready to wheel and deal.

Their pancakes were becoming popular and selling like hotcakes.

When it came to answering questions about his new novel, the author was an open book.

He said the painting of the Mongolian leader was a Picasso, but it was made by a "Khan" artist.

When it came to places to build a home, the new subdivision had lots and lots.

The drinks at the undersea bar were watered down.

When he inherited the blimp from his grandfather, he inherited an ""heir-ship.

New at the bread company, he was often caught loafing.

The math teacher was being reprimanded because of his infractions.

She knew what two times two equaled and didn't have to think twice.

The guitarist's favorite pants were "chord-uroys".

The beavers home had been there for years, but now it was dam-aged.

The chef got a new apron and she liked her new "cook-wear".

To transport his cows, the farmer rented a "moo-ving" truck.

Sasquatch was easy to track because he had a big foot.

She wanted to see the new goose, so she took a gander.

The table had been reserved for a party of eight, and the waitress was waiting on them.

When they cranked up the music while doing laundry, they had loads of fun.

John Lennon wasn't certain he'd like the pizza, but he decided to give the "piece" a chance.

love those sippin' ladies of savannah!

And that included las tres amigas tonight!
No, we weren't in Paris - we were at Muse Arts Warehouse.
It was opening night for the latest offering from The Collective Face Ensemble! In celebration of their fifth season, they had brought a play from one of my favorite "playwrights", Jones Hope Wooten. You recall how much I enjoyed getting my Jones on with their plays at Tybee, right? Well, this play is brand new to this area and it's the first time it's being produced here. Very appropriate, too!
Oh, but wait... silly me, I haven't told you it's name yet, have I?
Well, it's "The Savannah Sipping Society" and it takes place primarily on a veranda downtown!
I do declare, you do understand that I meant figuratively, not literally, right?
Still, it's as if that front porch had been gently picked up and deposited on the stage floor at the Muse. (Wonderful creation, y'all!) It twas the site of the majority of the action between these three women who met at a disgusting hot yoga event and who all agreed that a nice drink might be in order...and next thing you know, there they are on Randa's veranda! Dot had even brought along a young friend, Jinx, who was new to the area. The wine had turned to vinegar, but not to worry! Marlafaye was a liquor rep and she had whisky in her tote!
And so it went! Every week, the ladies would join forces to sort out the rough spots in their lives via a cordial or two. Sometimes it was a pitcher of mojitos, others a bottle of madeira, or perhaps a new craft brew. What a delightful play it was!
And since it was an opening night, you know what that meant, right?
Champagne and treats from Joe's Homemade!
Ah, yes, THIS is how to spend a summertime Friday evening - in the cool, sipping bubbly, with friends old and new!
(smile!)

wishing them strength

I cried that night as I drove toward Muse Arts Warehouse.
You see, I was riding out to see the beautiful JinHi in what may well be her last play.
Trust me, I have taken pains to remain upbeat and positive in her presence.
It's important to treat the dying as the person they still are in their disease-riddled body.
I learned that lesson while my father was dying.

But, behind the relative distance granted by ether and the screen of a monitor, in the benevolent social forum provided by facebook, I have come to tears many times.
She has used that forum to provide knowledge of her treatments, of her pain, of her struggle against the many forms that cancer has taken in its attack on her body.
Truly, that attack has been limited to her physical being.
The disease has held no sway over her brave spirit, over her indomitable nature, over the bright flame which is her essence.

How very unfair that she and her love will not be allowed to grow old in each others arms.
How very unfair.

Happy 16th anniversary to her and Mark.

shaking hands with greatness

When I had read of the artist who was to be featured at this first "Piano in the Arts" of he new season, I had been attracted by the diversity of the music genres. After all, it would be a nice sequel to the children's choir event a few months ago, right?
Well, I was correct on two counts. First, both featured music from the European masters, in a variety of styles. Second, both events were filled with passion from the performing artists.
But this young man at the Fine Arts Auditorium is no amateur, new to his craft.
Lovre Marušić is last year's winner of the Karlovac International Piano Competition and is the first native countryman to do so. He is a fifth-year student who is devoted to music in general and to the piano in particular. His belief when he plays is this: "‘Somebody in the audience is listening to you for the first time, but somebody also for the last time."

His passion flows from his fingertips to the very strings of the piano, adding his emotions to the very notes as they fly into the air.
It truly was a wondrous thing to witness.
Scarlatti's Baroque-Classical sonatas were lilting and light!
The trio from Beethoven's work, the "Moonlight Sonata", were beautifully ponderous, played with heavy hands that stroked the keys.
The first set was concluded with a wistful, haunted duo from Scriabin's Romantic-period Sonata No. 2, Op. 19.
Bach dominated Lovre's second set. In particular, the English Suite No. 3 BWV 808, with its seven pieces, were presented to us with a conscious pause between each, to allow its tones to fall completely silent before delighting the ears with the next tune. Incredible!
After the English were all done, Lovre took a brief rest off-stage, perhaps for a drink of water. Upon his return, he graced us with Nocturne Op. 32, from his countryman, Božidar Kunc, a man who had also once taught at his university. I guarantee that piece was new to all in the audience! Such a wonderful piece it was, too.
The last piece, as well as the encore, were works of Franz Liszt. The scheduled piece was "Funerailles", with a poetic harmony appropriate for the mourning of dear friends lost.
What an incredible experience this was!
Lovre believes so firmly that "real music should contain personal intimacy and soul" that I could feel the bright energy of his soul inhabiting every note he coaxed from the piano.
Fortunately, I was a little late leaving the building. I had come across my friends, Ruth and 'Tis, after the performance and we had talked for a few moments. Then, coming down the steps into the evening air, I met Lovre as he was coming back up those same steps. We paused as I shook his hand and thanked him... then I broke free from the enchantment and allowed him to proceed with his mission to deliver the bouquet he was carrying.
Right place, right time.
i thank You, God.

helping others, one pint at a time

In late June, I received a thank you from the American Red Cross.
No, they were not congratulating me for a financial donation.
I had given something much closer to my heart.
I gave blood.
How very nice to be reminded that money is not the only way to help others!

It was only one pint, just sixteen fluid ounces, about the same amount of liquid as is in a small soda at most restaurants and fast-food establishments.
But the components of those two cups of red matter can directly save the lives of three people.
Indirectly, who knows how many lives were affected by my choice to give of myself that month?
And, with the world being such a small place, there may be less than six degrees of separation between those recipients of my red cells, platelets, and plasma, and the folks that I know and love.

They told me the recipient was someone in Fayetteville, Georgia.
That brought the point a bit closer to home.
I may not know anyone there, but that doesn't mean that the best friend of one of my nieces or nephews doesn't live there.
I may not know anyone there, but the mother or father of that best friend may have been traveling and was in an accident.
I may not know anyone there, but I'm glad to know I helped save someone's life, simply by giving up thirty minutes of my time and 16 ounces of life-giving fluid.

I gave again a few weeks ago.
I wonder where it will travel?
I do hope they'll tell me.
I very much appreciated knowing.

emails to north georgia

Hey, Dood! Christina invited me to her Nana's house on Saturday for a family barbeque. That was a lot of fun! Venita and David are still doing well, though David has had quite a few health scares the past few months. Christina was there with her new boyfriend, Christian, as well as his 6-year-old son. Poor guy, everyone kept calling him "Jason" instead of Christian.
Michael was there with his twins, too. Hard to believe they're almost two years old now! Both girls are getting so tall and they NEVER stop moving! I mean it - they NEVER stop! Just like the Everready Bunny!
Today, I drove out to the cemetery for a while. Such a lovely day for that! The storm had kept me at home all day and night on Friday, but it's been beautiful weather, and a little cooler, ever since then. Hallelujah! I have certainly needed a break from the heat! I think I will put off any work on the A/C until next year. :-)
What else? I have not heard from Smitty for several weeks. He was to call me when he got a new computer so we could see about getting his files updated. I guess I will call him tomorrow and see what's shaking. It's been about four months since I've done any work with him on his company files.
Love you, Tony! Hope the weather up there has begun to cool a little, too!

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

That was the email I sent to my youngest brother tonight.
That's right: email.
He sent the first one to me almost a month ago. I didn't actually see it for about a week, as the email account I use for JPay is not one I frequent often anymore.
I responded, but balked when the service asked for payment.
After all, I'm on a rather fixed income and certainly was then. Plus, I had recently sent him some funds, so my purse was definitely light.
It wasn't until I received the second email from him that I decided to respond. The cost? Seven dollars for twenty "stamps".
Not bad, especially as there was no service charge tacked on.
Since then, I've written three times. Each time I do, I include and extra "stamp" for him to write me back.
If I do so every three or four days, it will run me that $7 per month, for ten messages to him and ten messages he can send to me.
That's almost a conversation, compared to the slower regular mail service.
I'll have to find out who else can send emails to him. Folks may need to be placed on his visitation list to do so, but that can be arranged.
I'll have to remember to ask him about that.
Times they are a-changing, that's for sure.
(smile)

i saw you dancing!

That's what the woman said, smiling, as we exited the Tybee Post Theater!
She and her husband had been talking with me before the show, so we had some familiarity established. Then, we were all part of the sold-out show, grooving to the music the man was laying down - oh,yeah!
"Elvis: Down At The End Of Lonely Street" may have not been geographically correct, but it certainly had the timing down pat!
(Speaking of Pat, I wore her golden-dolphins Kauian dress for today's outing. Perfect for swaying to the beat!)
The ETA of the evening was Russ Lanier, CPA by day, jumpsuited crooner by night. As I told Vaneeta at the family gathering, he's a man who could do your taxes for you, then sing away your stress afterward! She got a kick out of that!
He was supported by a seven-piece band and two back-up singers, collectively known as the Dream Team Band. Except for the two brass players, the others in the band are old-timers with decades of experience. I truly had to wonder if any of them might have played with The King... perhaps they did!
I really liked that Russ did a couple of songs I hadn't heard down in Brunswick. "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" was an oldie blues number Elvis sang in 1956. Loved it!
Russ also sang "If I Can Dream", prefacing it with a hope for a better world that is welcoming of diversity. Very nice, especially as the song is based on a speech from Martin Luther King, Jr. and is a song Elvis promoted in 1968, just two months after King was assassinated. (I just looked up all of that. Hooray for the internet!)
The third unique song that Russ and his band performed was "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". Loved it! Danced to it, even though I was the only one who did!
Hey, that's part of the reason why I chose seat I-18. As it was located at the end of the row, next to the right wall, I could step up and into the aisle any time I wanted to dance without concern of blocking anyone's line of sight of the stage.
The other reason I chose that seat?
Because "I" feel "18" when I hear this music!
(smile!)
Now, time for that peanut butter and (Canadian) bacon sandwich with a tall glass of cold milk. That's a snack that I know would be Elvis-approved!
Yum!

breakfast with The King!

Oh, what a beautiful morning!
Oh, what a beautiful day!

Considering how badly Hermine and her two ugly sisters treated the region, I did quite well yesterday.
i thank You, God!
As I told my friend Dawn, I was "snug as a bug in a rug" all day.
Sure there were frequent power blips to contend with... but they were during daylight hours. I simply busied myself with washing the dishes, grading the first lab papers and grading tests, and going through piles of papers. And all of that is now done!
Well, not quite.
I always have stacks of papers waiting for my attention.
(smile)
Last night, when the weather had calmed, I had thought to go to a movie...
but the streetlights were out...
so I stayed in and watched "The Librarian: Quest For The Spear" instead.
Good choice!
I even had cinema popcorn in my bucket from my doubleheader on Thursday afternoon!
And what a fabulous movie the bfe had given to me!
It was all about a well-educated thirty-something nerd, with 22 academic degrees and zero real experience, played quite charmingly by Noah Wylie. He lands a provisional job as the guy in charge of maintaining the safety of some items in a library. You know, stuff like rare books, Pandora's Box, the Ark of the Covenant... cool, right?
I love that Jane Curtin and Bob Newhart were in it, too!
Now, add in the fact that some bad guys were after one of the items and Newhart was an aged US Marine, and the action follows!
I very nearly watched the second one, too, but opted for bedtime, like a good girl.
(smile)
After all, I dance with Elvis at the beach tonight!
I'm about as giddy as a schoolgirl!
For now, I have a Labor Day family outing to attend... bye!

high school reunion - coming to a beach near me!

I had been concerned that the fortieth anniversary of my high school graduation would come and go with no fanfare.
No worries!
Several of my classmates, two of which I am still in contact with through the Book of Face, have rallied to the cause!
It began rather quietly, a couple of months ago, with a group formed for the 1976 H.V. Jenkins class.
Then the momentum began in earnest about a month ago.
The query went out:
"Was anyone interested in a reunion?"
That was met with a thunderous :"YES!"
Now, the date has been set for October 8th.
Dinner will be at an Italian restaurant on the beach at Tybee, with music by a local duo who have ties to someone on the planning committee. There's even a deal on room rates, for those who want to stay over rather than face a late-night return to Savannah.
That will include me! What a treat to be able to have wine with dinner with no worries about the drive home!
The card contains my check for the grilled salmon.
What an appropriate scene, n'est-ce pas?
Hmm, perhaps, instead of the fallback French, I should have used a different phrase.
Non è vero?
Yes, that is definitely better!
(smile)