WE LOVE BRITTANY MURPHY

BRITTANY MURPHY is gone and nothing can bring her back to us.
I had the privilege of meeting Brittany she was about 19 or 20.  I believe she had just booked the gig with KING OF THE HILL and began her amazing voiceover career as Hank Hill's ditzy niece Luanne.
She did a total of 231 episodes of King Of The Hill, not to mention the film career starting with Clueless, Girl, Interupted, 8 Mile.  For those who speculate about her death and only write to sensationalize her passing, I say this....God help you if you ever lose a sister or daughter.

My heartfelt condolences to her father and brother. 

Just a bright funny comedian who shall not be forgotten. 

At least in my heart.  Rest in peace sweet girl.

 

I LOVE CHANTICLEER "AN ORCHESTRA OF VOICES"

There is a healing quality to great music.  Tonight opened my heart to the spirit of Christmas.

It's been quite a week since I last posted to this blog.
My job ended last Friday, I was part of a fundraiser on Sunday and tonight I was given a gift of finally seeing the 12 men choral group known as Chanticleer.  Based out of San Francisco, this amazingly talented group of men performed tonight at the Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
This is an annual concert for them now.  I was given a front row, center seat behind them in the balcony area.  Being less than 50 feet from them with perfect accoustics it didn't matter if I was seeing the back of their heads.  In a number of performances they were in a circle.  The sound created when 12 men from counter tenor to bass sing in pitch perfect harmony is mesmorizing.  I've been trying to see these guys perform for about 2 years now.  Tonight's concert was perfection.  If you didn't get the spirit after hearing them perform the "Medley of Chirstmas Spirituals" then you must have a lump of coal as a heart!  Amazing!

They had two encores.  In the first encore they performed the Ave Maria.  That'll make you tear up.  Then in the second encore they left us with a perfect 12 part harmony version of Silent Night.
That made me cry.  Perfection. 

For you Choral music nuts that I know from High School and College, check out the website on the "Chanticleer" link above and click on NEWS, then Online Press Kit.  It will contain a doc you can download that will give you English translations of the Gregorian Chant, Latin, German and Spanish.

After the show I bought the new Best Of Chanticleer album and some of the guys sign it for me.

Okay, you know I'm a SyFy, BBC America geek and now I'm a Chanticleer groupie!

I LOVE PREP & LANDING

Well the folks at Disney have done it again.
They have created an instant classic!  I LOVED this show last night.

I am sure they are going to rerun it this weekend.
Catch it if you can.  Or go right now to HULU and watch it with "limited commercial interuptions."  Either way I am sure you are going to love this and laugh as much as I did. 
Dave Foley of "Kids In The Hall" fame does the voice of Wayne.  Enjoy!

 

SARAH CHALKE from SCRUBS is the voice of MAGEE the flight controler for Santa.

TUESDAY is SONG DAY: GET HERE by Oleta Adams

TUESDAY IS SONG DAY
GET HERE by Oleta Adams 
Songwriter:  Brenda Russell

For very personal reasons this is one of my favorite love songs. 

I guess today I am feeling very nostalgic and a bit overwhelmed by life. 
Oleta's album "Circle Of Life" marks a huge turning point in my life. 
It was the album I listened to the most when I left behind my life in Florida and moved to California.

Music has that effect on me.  It is a benchmark to the significant events in my life. 
So when I listen to this song, I remember what I had to walk away from in Florida. 
Then I remember the yet formed life I was creating in California back in the fall of 1993. 

I am both sad and yet resolved to know that my life has been what it is through the daily choices that I have made.  And as I move into this holiday season I find myself observing more and more the daily choices I make in the present moment that will eventually shape the fabric of my life.  Today I choose LOVE and resolve to do so each and everyday through this holiday season.  For me there is no other choice but to love all those around me, even when they don't love themselves.  I have to be the example of love and I am grateful that I'm still here to carry that message. 

Oleta Adams has one of those amazing voices that is instantly recognizable. 
Rich, warm and it washes over you like a warm bath.  This is one of her best songs. 

This was our song.

Peace and blessings,
GM

New Album Info


GET HERE LYRICS

You can reach me by railway
You can reach me by trailway
You can reach me on an airplane
You can reach me with your mind
You can reach me by caravan
Cross the desert like an Arab man
I don`t care how you get here
Just get here if you can

You can reach me by sailboat
Climb a tree and swing rope to rope
Take a sled and slide down slope
Into these arms of mine
You can jump on a speedy colt
Cross the border in a blaze of hope
I don`t care how you get here
Just get here if you can

There are hills and mountains between us
Always something to get over
If I had the way
Surely you`d be closer
I need you closer

You can windsurf into my life
Take me up on a carpet ride
You can make it in a big balloon
But you`d better make it soon
You can reach me by caravan
Cross the desert like an Arab man
I don`t care how you get here
Just get here if you can

I don`t care, I don`t care
I need you right here right now
I need you right here right now right by my side yeah
I don`t care how you get here
Just get here if you can

I LOVE THE RAIN IN LA

There is something about this city when it rains.  We find out really quick who is from the mid-west and knows how to drive in any kind of weather other than the usual bright southern California sunshine.  I am always amazed at the local TV stations that broadcast 24/7 news about "THE STORM OF THE CENTURY!" or "STORM WATCH 09!" with such dramatic flair, like they are just waiting for a hillside to collapse so they can get ratings and have some story to cover for the next week. 
For me personally I like to just sit and listen to the rain.  I did so this morning for a brief moment as I opened up  my sliding glass door to my balcony with the view of the hills to the south. 
(Singing to the theme of Green Acres:  "I just adore a valley view!) 

I miss the rain.  Growing up in Kentucky I miss hearing the rain on the trees.
It's a comfort to me when it rains in Southern California. 

I like it later in the evenings when all the freeways have cleared out and you can drive through the city with hardly any other traffic on our otherwise very congested freeways and blvds.

And not to mention what it does to the air.  The air is crisp and cold after a hard rain in LA.  Each winter when it does rain the air is so clean and at night the temperatures drop very low.  Snuggle weather.  (I just need to find someone to snuggle with!  Hummmm) 

And to tell the truth, we need the snow in the Sierras and upper elevations to replenish the water supply.  So bring on the rain.  I'll just drive a little more defensively to avoid all those kids out there who have never driven in the rain. 

Holiday Viewing THE FAMILY STONE

THIS CAST IS AWESOME!

Love this movie!  THE FAMILY STONE is one of those ensemble comedies that turns around and gets you!  So watch this movie and "let your freak flag fly!"

Sarah Jessica Parker is hysterical as Meredith.
Sarah was nominated for a Golden Globe but didn't win and I don't know why.
Pay close attention to Diane Keaton when she first appears on screen.
And the end of the movie upon reflection, you will realize why she is probably one of best actresses of our time.  She is amazing.

Enjoy this holiday film and get ready to laugh and cry.

Peace and Blessings,
Gerry

CHRISTMAS WILL BE CANCELED...

...UNLESS I FIND MY RUDOLPH!  Just watching RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER on CBS tonight.  Santa decides to cancel Christmas because of the weather.  Then he comes out to tell all the elves and sees Rudolph's red nose and decides to go ahead.

I have fond memories of this show from childhood and from getting to play "CHARLIE" in the box in our fundraiser show last year.  ("But nobody wants a Charlie in the box!)  There are days where I feel like I am on the "island of misfit toys."  The season doesn't really start unless I watch Rudolph and finish with IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.  I can't get through this movie without crying.  Jimmy Stewart really does give one of the best performances of his long career.

CANCELING CHRISTMAS
I've canceled Christmas this year.
Next to no presents will be bought and only a few little cards will be sent.
(Okay I pulled out the Happy Holiday doormat that I bought last year at Home Depot on a discount.
And I will drag out my Red Chili lights because well I love them.)

But the biggest gift I am going to give is to bring myself out of debt.  So no travel for now, no concerts unless they're free, no eating out or charging anything.


I've cut up the credit cards and I'll use them as confetti on New Years Eve.
And next year.....well we will see.

SSHHHH! IT'S A SECRET!

Why any straight man didn't watch THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW tonight on CBS is beyond me.   My goodness gracious new mama HEIDI KLUM struttin' it down the runway!

And congrats to new Victoria's Secret Angel Kylie!
I only watched for 15 minutes and now I'm feeling very confused inside!  LOL

Oh wait.  I just realized what I will be wearing for Halloween next year!  Better start waxing now!

Would you pay $1 MILLION for this bra?  My oh my missy!

WORLD AIDS DAY

DECEMBER 1st is WORLD AIDS DAY

Tonight on the eve of World AIDS Day I remember my friend Edward who died of AIDS related complications back in early 1997.  He died in the same month as my Grandmother Mary Alice.  At that time protease inhibitors had been around but people were still dying from AIDS.  For many years I've ignored this date but tonight I just couldn't let it pass without writing something. 

AIDS is still a real threat to the health of so many people around the world.  Recently Annie Lennox wore and HIV POSITIVE black t-shirt while singing "Chain of Fools" with Aretha Franklin.  Annie Lennox is my favorite female singer and has been leading the fight to help women and children in Africa to get access to proper medication.  "Her SING charitable campaign provides treatment to South Africans, and has raised funds amounting to 2 million pounds since 2003." 
(Click on to read full article from living.oneindia.in)

When Annie sings people listen. 
When she wears a t-shirt it brings awareness to millions. 
Now that's the power of a true DIVA!

I LOVE A LONG HOLIDAY WEEKEND

It has been so nice having this 4 day weekend.  I don't know about you but I felt like I needed a few days just to decompress and get into the holiday.  I had no time before I was off in the car on Thursday morning to spend a few days with my friend Tim and his two wonderful dogs Miss Anna and Mr Kirby the wonder dog.  I got through sinus congestion and a slightly sore throat and have come out the other side feeling better tonight.  Just for insurance sake I am making a chicken and rice and veggie soup tonight.  Funny for the past 12 years or so, in the winter I always cook on Sunday nights and watch TV.  Usually it is PBS but tonight I'm slumming and watching of all things Desperate Housewives.  I stopped watching several years ago but tonight I have it on as background noise while I am cooking.  And all of this in time to watch Brothers and Sisters.

Add a grilled cheese to the mix tonight and it's comfort food Sunday night.  Yum

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING...

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING...and all through my flat, not a creature was stirring as I meditated on my yoga mat.  I could try to make up more rhyme but really I don't think so.
Prepping for my trip to the desert for a few days.  Dinner with friends and looking forward to this holiday.  So much change is occuring and I am grateful for all of it.  It's been quite a year.

And what are you thankful for?

Have a great Turkey day.

Be well.

GM

DANCING WITH THE STARS

DONNY OSMOND and partner KYM JOHNSON

I remember the first season of DANCING WITH THE STARS I called home and my parents were watching it.  They exclaimed that they were really rooting for that "John O'Hurley."  This summer when I saw Mr. O'Hurley play Arthur in SPAMALOT I realized what they were talking about.  He is the consumate performer. 

Tonight I am watching the finale of Dancing with the Stars.  I think the whole show is a hoot. 
What amazes me is what people in America really like to watch. 
This show is non-threatening, a fun and family friendly competition and if I might say so very, very sexy!  And after watching a couple dance just a few minutes ago, there is something for everyone on that stage.  (Hubba hubba!) 

Most of you might not know that one of my favorite movies is Strictly Ballroom. 
I'm not a ballroom dancing geek but I do appreciate a good paso doble. 

I'm going to go and practice my quickstep!

GM

I LOVE THE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

MISS WHITNEY IS BACK!  AND INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR

AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE HER!

Most of you might not know this about me.

I worked on the American Music Awards for several years about a decade ago during my days at the dick clark production company.  It was an amazing experience each time I got to be there for a live show.  There is NOTHING like working on a big live awards show.

There was the time I sat in the Shrine Auditorium and watched AEROSMITH sing "Jaded."  We had a full on circus-like staging complete with contortionist and aerialist and two twins with snakes!  I was working with the clearance department that year going around backstage after each act to have all the AFTRA talent sign off on their time sheets.

Then there were the times I was privy to conversations between Mr. Clark and talent.
One day I was within ear shot of Mr. Clark and Rascal Flatts.  After they had finished their rehearsal I over heard him say, "I just love all you country music stars.  You're all professionals, always on time and so very talented.  I never have any trouble with any of you.  Thanks for keeping us on schedule."

And later that day I heard Martina McBride live in the Shine and trust me there is a reason why they call her "THE VOICE."  Amazing performance even in rehearsal!

The AMAs have moved to the NOKIA downtown next to the Staples Center.  It's just a few miles up the street from the old Shine Auditorium.  The show is bigger and better and opened this year with Miss Janet Jackson.  (Her first name ain't baby, it janet, Miss Jackson if you're nasty!)  LOL

It was told to me that Mr. Clark created the American Music Awards to bring artists together from all different musical genres.  And this he did.  By having the awards decided by the fans, he has created a historical record of the musical trends of the past 37 years. 

MY FAVORITE NEW ARTIST.....THE LADY GAGA

NO ONE IS LIKE MISS MARY J. BLIGE...DIVA!

THEN THERE WAS MR. LAMBERT'S PERFORMANCE!

STEP ASIDE LADIES THERE IS A NEW DIVA IN TOWN SURE TO BE TALKED ABOUT  MONDAY MORNING!  QUITE THE PERFORMANCE AT 5 TO 11.  LOL

I LOVE SATURDAY MORNING

Just finished prepping a Crockpot full of pot roast, potatos, carrots, celery, green beans, with garlic AND the last of the basil that I grew on my balcony.  Winter is here and I am into hibernation mode here in LA.  Going to yoga at the gym this morning.  Taking a friend today to the Annenburg Space for Photography.  Just a little outing over the hill to Century City.  Grocery shopping and then a meeting tonight.  And after the meeting it's POT ROAST!  Yum.

And how is your Saturday?

 

I just a adore a Valley view!  Time to clear out the dead plants!

Have a great weekend!  GM

PERSISTENCE

The art of love... is largely the art of persistence.  ~Albert Ellis

Up to this point I've had a hodge podge of different things on this blog that "somewhat" relate to love.  They have been things that I "love" and events I've attended or TV & theatre shows I've seen but tonight I really want to go within.  I really need to talk about self love.

This is something that has really been lacking in my life.  I don't know how many of you ACTUALLY read my blogs but it's been a long time in coming.  I've dealt with addiction for years and finally this past month or so I've come to a SERIES of little surrenders.  Mostly about finance and romance.  

This next year is a radical one.  

Like this blog that I do daily, I am attempting to do something pretty radical to get myself out from under the yoke of debt and depression around it.  I am paying off all the debt I have and taking steps to begin a retirement portfolio.  Let's face it, I thought years ago that I would be dead by now!  LOL  Surprise!  I'm still here.  So where to begin?

First step:  Spend money on only the basics, housing, food, utilites, car etc.
  
Step two:  Create more income than last year.

My problem this year was I made a nice amount of money last year AND had a small inheritance.  This year I spent like I was making the money I did LAST year.  Not a good idea.

Step three:  Trust that a higher power is in charge and open myself up to ALL the possibilites.
 
We'll see how far we get with this and through this experience I'll be able to share with all of you some of the great things that one can do for free in this great city I live in.  So I'm not planning any trips until next fall.  And if I have to pickup a part time job so be it.  But mostly I will know that the Universe/God is all conspiring for my good.
 
The focus this year is to launch myself into performing on stage and in front of the camera again.  And to begin doing VO work.  

But most importantly the one thing that takes priority over career is I must continue to take excellent care of myself.  It's amazing when you have a focus just what you can achieve.  

Tonight I watched the finale of Project Runway.  The final 3 girls had a vision, they stuck to it and then presented themselves and their creations to the world.  I don't plan on walking down any catwalks soon but know that after I put myself into my "physical bootcamp," I plan on looking DAMN good enough to walk down one. 

(Calvin Klein boys step aside, daddy walkin' the catwalk....in leather.  LOL)  
If only in my "mind!" 


IN the words of Tim Gunn....Make It Work!


GM

TUESDAY is SONG DAY: #100 on the Pop LOVE Song Chart

When you connect to the website About.com and search for the top 100 LOVE songs, this song is the first one you see.  So for those of you who are a little bit younger than me and can still "remember" the mid-80s, here is one of my favorite love songs.

HEAD OVER HEELS from Tears for Fears. 

The British invasion was in full swing by the mid-80s and Tears for Fears was huge!
The video of this song cracks me up.  Set in a library with Roland swooning over the sexy librarian who tweeks his nose.  Bad acting in music videos, classic!
Click here for the LITERAL VIDEO VERSION which always cracks me up!

Enjoy. 

HEAD OVER HEELS
Songwriters: Smith;Orzabal

I wanted to be with you alone and talk about the weather
But traditions I can trace against the child in your face
Won't escape my attention
You keep your distance with a system of touch and gentle persuasion
I'm lost in admiration, could I need you this much
Oh, you're wasting my time, you're just, just, just wasting time

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out till I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels
Ah, don't take my heart, don't break my heart
Don't, don't, don't throw it away (Throw it away...Throw it away...)

I made a fire and watching it burn (yeah) Thought of your future
With one foot in the past now just how long will it last
No, no, no, have you no ambitions, oh (What's the matter with...)
My mother and my brothers used to breathing clean air
(Nothing ever changes when you're acting your age)
And dreaming I'm a doctor
(Nothing gets done when you feel like a baby)
It's hard to be man when there's a gun in your hand.
(Nothing ever changes when you're acting your age) Oh, I feel so…

Something happens and I'm head over heels
I never find out till I'm head over heels
Something happens and I'm head over heels
Ah, don't take my heart, don't break my heart
Don't, don't, don't throw it away

And this is my four leaf clover
I'm on the line, one open mind, this is my four leaf clover

(La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la la)
(La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la la)
(La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la la)
(La la la la la, la la la la la, la la la la la la)
(La la la la la, la la la la la) In my mind's eye (la la la la la la)
One little boy, one little man (La la la la la, la la la la la)
Funny how...TIME FLIES!!!

I LOVE THE PRISONER

Just watching THE PRISONER on AMC.  I recorded this series starting last night.
Ian McKellan stars as Two and Jim Caviezel is Six.

The Prisoner mini-series is a reinterpretation of the British 1960's cult hit series that starred and was co-created by Patrick McGoohan.

So far the first episode has me intrigued. 

MOVIES I LOVE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY VIEWING PLEASURE

MY NEW FEATURE ON FRIDAYS:

With the holidays quickly approaching I've begun to look at a number of holiday films that I thought I would recommend to all my friends and family.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Directed by Jody Foster.

If you're dreading your Thanksgiving trip back home, just watch this film and realize that some people do have it worse at the holidays.  When you're sitting at the Thanksgiving table, think of this film.  Then with a chuckle pass the mashed potatoes or green bean casserole or the cranberry sauce still in the shape of the can to Aunt Ida and smile!  (Click above and watch Charles Durning at his comic best give the Thanksgiving prayer.)
 
Great performances by this cast that includes Charles Durning and Anne Bancroft. 
They are the parents to Holly Hunter, Cynthia Stevenson and Robert Downey Jr. 
Other cast members are Dylan McDermott, Geraldine Chaplin, Steve Guttenburg and Claire Danes. 

(Look for the boom in a shot that made it to the final theatrical print.  I don't know if it is still in the DVD versions but when they screened it in the theatre I nearly fell out of my chair.  LOL)

Have a great weekend.  Off to the desert for a quick get away tomorrow.

Peace and blessings,
GM

Thoughts, words and deeds

Buddha
The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.

How many times have my thoughts not come from a place of love.
In this quote from the Buddha we are re-minded to observe our thoughts which turn into words and then deeds.  They turn into habits of thought and become our character.  I'm halfway through my 16 weeks of "Spiritual Bootcamp" and once again it is kicking my "spiritual booty!" 
This week we are focusing on our LIFEFORCE. 
What nourishes our life force and what drains our life force.

For me, being around people who don't have anything good to say at all is something that just drains me.  When I am around a person who is upbeat, positive and encouraging I feel supported, inspired and hopeful .

These are the qualities that I search for within myself and work to bring to the table each and everyday.
I've had my share of dark, angry thoughts.  I've even gone to a batting cage this past week in Burbank  to clear the thoughts of anger away.  I'm not perfect.  Clarity comes with yoga, meditation and just sitting still sometimes. 

Basically the idea is as simple as changing my thoughts to include love each day.  The daily practice of these things is what makes the mental change a permanent part of my character.

Peace and blessings,
GM

Shakespeare!

“Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better.”
~ Shakespeare on Love

TUESDAY is SONG DAY: #1 & #2 POP LOVE SONGS OF ALL TIME

AND the number 2 Pop Love Song of all time (according to this website anyway) is
ELTON JOHN'SYOUR SONG.

I love this song.  I've loved Elton since I was 13 years old listening to the Yellow Brick Road album.
(See lyrics below.)









The number one pop love song is SOMETHING (1969)  from The Beatles.  One of the most covered songs from the group outside of "Yesterday."  At first I couldn't find a video link and then I did another search and came up with this one.  Here is a video find of "Something" vintage 1969.  Enjoy.

SOMETHING 

Something in the way she moves,
Attracts me like no other lover.
Something in the way she woos me.
I don't want to leave her now,
You know I believe and how.

Somewhere in her smile she knows,
That I don't need no other lover.
Something in her style that shows me.
I don't want to leave her now,
You know I believe and how.

You're asking me will my love grow,
I don't know, I don't know.
Stick around, and it may show,
But I don't know, I don't know.

Something in the way she knows,
And all I have to do is think of her.
Something in the things she shows me.
I don't want to leave her now.
You know I believe and how.

YOUR SONG

Music: Elton John
Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
piano and vocals: Elton John
drums: Barry Morgan
bass guitar: Dave Richmond
acoustic guitar: Frank Clark
guitar: Colin Green
12-string guitar: Clive Hicks

 

It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily hide
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no
Or a man who makes potions in a travelling show
I know it's not much but it's the best I can do
My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss
Well a few of the verses well they've got me quite cross
But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song
It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgetting but these things I do
You see I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue
Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

I LOVE ANNA AND KIRBY

Getting to stay at my friend Tim's house up in the high desert is always a treat for me.
This past weekend Tim hosted me and we had a chance to sit out on his deck and look at the stars.
When you stay at Tim's you get treated to lots of attention from Miss Anna and Kirby.
I think I'm the honorary "godfather" to these to dogs!  Kirby is about 50+ pounds of wiggling love that needs LOTS of attention.  Miss Anna is a rat terrier who runs the house and terrorizes Kirby whenever she can.  They bring me joy whenever I get to visit.

Kirby just licks you whether you like it or not.

Tim's front porch.  Southwest, high desert heaven!

I LOVE A PARADE

Today was the Palm Springs Pride Parade.
It's just like any small town parade anywhere in the USA.
Only this happens to be Palm Springs that is now about 50% retired gay and lesbians.
So we have a quick little parade complete with two marching bands, politicians on the backs of convertables and even beauty queens.  (Well with some of these girls, beauty is debatable!)
The whole thing took only an hour and then we all went to brunch!

At lunch I got a call from my parents as they were returning home from my great Aunt Grace's funeral.
Didn't know that what I wrote about her in this blog was going to be read at her memorial!  Honored and a little shocked.  I guess from now on I better make sure everything I write is REALLY GOOD!  LOL

Coming home from my friend Tim's house this evening I had a very good cry in the car.  I know, probably not the best place to do it but sometimes we really don't choose when to finally feel our feelings.  Wish I could have been in KY but grateful that my words were there instead.  And with that life goes on.  Looking forward to an upcoming trip to San Francisco in a few weeks.  Look for more pictures.

Here are a few highlights from today.

This one is for Uncle Charles who can tell me by glancing what make and model and year this is!

Mr. Cleve Jones helped to organize this year's March for Equality in DC.

Founder of the Names Project:  Aids Memorial Quilt.  Worked under Harvey Milk.

Matthew's mom, working tirelessly so that no other parent ever has to go through what she did.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

I gotta get to the rodeo this year!

I LOVE MY AUNT GRACE

Today my Aunt Grace made her transition from her earthly body.  As I looked to the west and the setting sun tonight here in Los Angeles, I thought to myself what is it that makes the soul choose to finally take that last breath?  How does the soul begin the journey into what is unknown to our human mind/experience?  Or is birth/death ALL part of the human experience? 

Aunt Grace has been sick for several months now.  I knew that it could be anytime but it's always a surprise when you get the news.  I took a long lunch and reflected upon my memories of her and Uncle Linville and our family visits to their house in Clay City, KY when I was young.

I remember fun times and plenty of food, especially when my grandmother Mary Alice would come in from Idaho.  When I was younger I remember riding over to a drive in car hop type restaurant just to get milkshakes.  In Clay City they had a soda pop that I don't know if it exists anywhere else in the country.  Its called Ale 8!  I LOVE ALE 8!  (It's like Mountain Dew!)  And my Aunt would always let me have one or two in a cold bottle.  Ah nothing like an 8 year old hopped up on SUGAR!

My Aunt Grace spoke her mind.  That's what I liked about her best.  I remember her and my great aunts along with my grandmother Mary Alice taking trips together and they would sing at the reunions.  We called them the "Sisterellas."
 
Grace is one of the younger sisters to my grandmother Mary Alice.  During the 70's we had some of our Chamber's Reunions up at Natural Bridge State Park, located in the Daniel Boone National Forest just 20 miles east of Clay City, KY.  Natural Bridge has wonderful camp grounds and we would gather together every odd calendar year in August to celebrate this family that had migrated from the coal fields of West Virginia. 

The patriarch of the family L. D. Chambers, my great grandfather, was still alive at the time of these reunions.  He and Lucinda had 10 children.  Maudie, Pearlie, Henry, Mary Alice, Franklin, Myrtle, Nellie, Esther, Grace and Thelma.  My Great Aunts Esther and Thelma are still with us.  

My Aunt Grace is someone that I will always remember as a strong Kentucky woman who would tell you the way it was.  Feisty and sometimes stubborn, she also loved to have a good time and told wonderful stories and jokes.  My impressions as a child and as a teenager is that she was an observer of life and would always have an opinion about things that she would share freely.  Some people like that, some people don't.  I applaud her for her individuality.  There is NOBODY like my Aunt Grace.

Found this image on Google Earth from Madgeray.  It's title:  CLAY CITY POND SUNSET

Much Love,
Gerry

I LOVE MARY POPPINS!

One of the first films I ever saw was Mary Poppins.
My parents took me to the drive-in and I remember loving all the special effects in this film.
Starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, this film is a Disney classic.  And now the stage version is here at the Ahmanson Theater for a holiday run starting next Friday, November 13th through February 7th.  It has all the classic Sherman Brothers songs. New music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.  Produced by Cameron Mackintosh with choreography by Matthew Bourne.
This production is set to open in Melbourne, Australia in July of 2010.  This brings Mary Poppins back to the home of the author P. L. Travers.  A seventy-five year journey from the original publishing of this beloved story.  This stage production has been incredibly successful and many more productions are planned for Europe and Asia in the coming years.  Come see while you can.

I dare you to not sing "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."


So "Step In Time" and come support live theatre.  With a hot ticket it is cheaper than a movie at the Archlight!

See you in the lobby!

GM

 

 

Quotes about LOVE from Morrie Schwartz

“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.”
MORRIE SCHWARTZ

Also from Morrie:


“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

Doing treatment in the morning.
Just pray for me kids.
That's all I can say here.
It's an ongoing thing.
More later.
GM

WE LOVE MICHAEL BUBLE'S VOICE

Just watched Michael Buble' singing the Top Ten List on David Letterman tonight.
He is the next Frank Sinatra.  That voice is like velvet and gets better every time I hear him.

Check out his new album CRAZY LOVE and the first track will knock your socks off.
(Looks like Michael started working out, dropped 20lbs and is now smokin' hot!)

CRY ME A RIVER
This old standard has been revisioned by David Foster, big and dynamic like a Bond Theme song.
Michael IS the new standard and he reminds us that the old ways of recording an album and the old standards still hold up all these years later.

My TUESDAY song of the day is:
HAVEN'T MET YOU YET the first single to be released off the Crazy Love album.  Enjoy!

Here are the lyrics.

HAVEN'T MET YOU YET
I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times,
I Stop Keeping Track.
Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up
And Then I Let Myself Down.

I Tried So Very Hard Not To Loose It
I Came Up With A Million Excuses
I Thought I Thought Of Every Possibility

And I Know Someday That It'll All Turn Out
You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Mmmmm ....

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

Mmmmm ......

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

They Say All's Fair
And In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We'll Get It Right
And We'll Be United

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility

Mmmm .....

And Someday I Know It'll All Turn Out
And I'll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I'll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get Than I Get Than I Get

Oh You Know It'll All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get

I Said Love Love Love Love Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

LOVE YOUR LOYAL FRIENDS

I learned the real meaning of love.  Love is absolute loyalty.  People fade, looks fade, but loyalty never fades.  You can depend so much on certain people, you can set your watch by them.  And that's love, even if it doesn't seem very exciting.  ~Sylvester Stallone

Who knew Rocky could write!  I am joking of course.  Sylvester Stallone is actually a very accomplished painter and when you look at the sucess of all of his films, well there you are.
I have people in my life just like the ones Mr. Stallone is talking about.  And I do love them very much.  There are a handful of great friends that I have been friends with for years.  I know they have my back and if they needed anything I would be there for them.


Today I found myself on the ugly end of a "perceived resentment" to one of my friends.
Turns out to all be a misunderstanding.  His phone died on Saturday night in the middle of the Halloween Madness on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood.  So we never got to hangout together.  Oh I harbored a nice resentment today until I finally talked to him tonight and realized what an ass I had been all day.  It is amazing what we can create in our minds.  
I am so grateful I am able to listen and admit when I am wrong.  I would hate for a good friendship to be destroyed because I am an overly sensitive, self centered little ....well you know.  LOL


Be well and love your loyal friends.
Peace and blessings,
GM

I LOVE THE ANNENBERG SPACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Today I got to catch the last day of the exhibit
Pictures Of The Year International at the
Annenberg Space For Photography in Century City. 
The photographs represent images from the year 2008.

The Pictures of the Year International (POYi) is the oldest and most prestigious photojournalism competition in the world.  For 65 years it was held at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. 
They moved the competition to the Annenberg Space here in LA and the photographs have been on display since July 11th and the exhibit ended today.  I am grateful that I got the opportunity to see it.

Two pictures stood out in all of the photographs I saw today.

 Callie Shell
Aurora for TIME
"nap"

Michelle Obama naps on her husband's shoulder during a trip across New Hampshire.

The first was a candid shot of President and Mrs Obama traveling in New Hampshire on the campaign trail.  Mrs Obama is resting her head on the President's neck and shoulder and she is napping.  He is reading the paper while supporting her.  To see them them in this intimate setting shows me what I already know about these two, that they're relationship is loving and supportive. 
It touched me deeply. 

Gleb Garanich
Reuters
"georgia"

 

Georgian Zaza Rasmadze holds the body of his brother Zviadi, killed in a Russian bombardment in Gori, 80 km (50 miles) from the Georgian capital Tbilisi. 9 August 2008.

Such a powerful image.
The grief leaps off the picture and grabs you. 
It instantly affected me.  And it haunts me this evening.

To see all of this years winners click here to go to the POYi winners site.

This amazing space is free to the public and parking is $1 with validation.
Their next exhibit is about sports and opens on NOV 14th and runs through early spring.

I LOVE HALLOWEEN IN WEHO

After my Colfax meeting tonight I drove over Laurel Canyon and parked the truck up on Sunset Blvd near Fairfax Ave.  I walked down the hill into West Hollywood.  I stopped at my friend Donald's house and said hi before making my way into the heart of the maddness known as Halloween in West Hollywood.  Just imagine all the creative minds in Hollywood television and film, who might have access to some costume houses in LA, getting a chance to blow off some creative steam.  Its a moving organic street performance work of art at this annual free for all street festival.  Had a blast!

Enjoy!

When I told the "Red Hat Ladies" that my mother was one of them they asked, "what chapter!"

Too funny these boys!

These MY SPACE and FACEBOOK guys were so original and had about 20 signs they made up so when people took pictures no two "tweets" were the same.  Notice the bird doo doo on them.  LOL

And now for some "REAL GIRLS" enjoy boys (and some of you girls!)

TRON!

WILD THINGS!!!

(I think I saw these two at an AVATAR meeting near my house in the valley!  Hummm)

Even the babies are having a great time!  This event becomes more family friendly each year.

 This puppy looks pooped!  Lucky for him mommy will carry him!

And no Halloween is complete with out at least one appearance from the

"MISTRESS OF THE DARK"  MISS ELVIRA!  (Well almost Elivia.)

SCARY MOVIE FOR HALLOWEEN: HUSH, HUSH, SWEET CHARLOTTE

HUSH, HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE is one of those psychological thrillers that they did in the early 60's.  It has an amazing cast.  Bette Davis is Charlotte Hollis, wealthy southern spinster shunned by her community for a grizzly murder of her intended that took place some 40 years earlier. 
The state wants to take her house and her land for a highway.  Charlotte calls in her cousin Miriam played by Olivia de Havilland.  She's a coniving bitch, so unlike her Melanie character in Gone With The Wind.  Add to that cast Mary Astor, Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, Victor Buono, Bruce Dern and George Kennedy as the foreman who wants to tear down the Hollis plantation home that's been in the family since before the Civil War.

It was filmed on location at "The Sugar Palace" also known as The Houmas House just northwest of New Orleans right on the Mississippi.  When I was little, this black and white film would play on late night television.  I loved it because of Bette Davis.  It will scare the bejeezus out of you!

In 2005 I was working on the MISS TEEN USA show in Baton Rouge, LA.  The young ladies and Miss Universe Staff had been treated to a dinner at The Houmas House.  Most evenings they serve dinner in what is the original plantation home built in the late 1700s.  I decided that I wanted to drive my two favorite ladies from Miss Universe staff, Sandy and Gayle out to dinner one night.  It was raining like crazy and I missed the road I was familiar with.  Long story short I got us lost and we stopped to ask for directions from a gentlemen down by the levee.  He told us to go "way on down the road, and when you get down to the bar you turn left, then when you get to the highway you turn right and then you hit the levee again and you make another right until you come up on the Houmas House."  Then he cautioned us, now if you keep on going on down this road then you're going to end up in jeopardy."  Now I didn't know if he meant a "town called Jeopardy" or if we would be in serious trouble.  We finally found our way to the Houmas House around dusk that evening after the rainstorm had subsided and had a lovely dinner.

It is quite the plantation home and you just feel the history when you step on the property.  They have reconstructed the "cemetery" set and which is a hoot! 

If you're ever in Louisiana, treat yourself to dinner and a spooky tour!

GM