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

I LOVE PROJECT RUNWAY

There are just somethings that I consider a guilty pleasure.
PROJECT RUNWAY is one of those things.
I don't usually watch reality TV but this show cracks me up!
Two things:  advisor TIM GUNN telling the designers to "make it work"
and HEIDI KLUM kissing the designers off the runway with her signature "Aufedersein."

We are coming up to the finale where three designers make it to Bryant Park and Fashion Week in NY.

The pins and fabric are flying toward an all ladies finale.  Thursday nights at 10PM on LIFETIME.

Enjoy,
Gerry

I LOVE ME SOME WORLD SERIES GAME ONE

Okay so some of you are probably scratching your heads saying what?  Gerry a Phillies fan? 

The dude that loves THEATRE and LIZA is a fan of Major League Baseball?  Yes and no. 

I love the WORLD SERIES.  It's the pomp and circumstance surrounding the best of seven that really turns me on.  In the words of Ed Sullivan...."its a really big shew!"  From the singing of the National Anthem to the throwing out of the first pitch, I enjoy the show.  And when a player hits a homerun, well the excitement leaps out of the television set or nowadays the computer screen! 
But for me personally, I like seeing really big men hit a ball that's traveling close to 100 mph. 
Now that's an athlete!

I'm not a fan of basketball or football unless it's football from a foreign country. 
Now those are some "real men."  There will be more sports coverage from me later this year starting with Australian Football season which should be right around the corner and in the spring soccer season and the World Cup.

Non American athletes have no problem showing their affection for each other.
(American's on the other hand are so insecure about sexuality, God forbid you show affection or emotion.  I'll take soccer over American football any day.  And these guys are real men.
No pads or protection!  I'm just sayin'....)

Is it any wonder I want to go down under?  A visit to Australia, what were you just thinking...?

TUESDAY is song day

Tuesday is song day.

I've been a little busy over the past few weeks and I have forgotten one of my favorite features in this blog, Tuesday is Song day.
 
In doing my search through the Love Songs website I came across this song.
Elton John has been all of my life one of my favorite artists.  He just keeps writing and growing as an artist and more importantly, Elton took his money and created a charity foundation for AIDS. 
The first album I bought at 12 was the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album.
Even at that age I identified with Elton.  Hummmm
 
Here is a song from Lion King.  Enjoy.

CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT ? (Elton John)

There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of the rolling world
Can be turned away
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you

(Chorus:)
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

There's a time for ev'ryone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours

(Repeat chorus)

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

I LOVE THE P-TOWN ROUNDUP: POST WEEKEND

Talked today with several of the guys I met back east at the Provincetown Roundup.
We talked about the "let down" that comes from being in such a positive supportive environment for a long weekend.  And the transition back into the reality of our daily lives. 

One of the guys put it very succinctly, "the roundup is reality, what we live in day to day is and can be an illusion."

If we choose, we can live in the reality of having love and support, kindness and happiness in our everyday lives. 

First, it starts with a mental choice. 
(Today I choose to live my life this way with love and support, kindness and happiness.)
Second, I make a choice to act this way toward others.
Third, I give thanks for being in a loving environment.

It is amazing what we create on a day to day basis.

When I went to the ocean and yelled into the wind I asked my higher power to open my heart.
And my prayer has been answered.

Have a wonderful week.

Peace and blessings,
GM

PEACE AND SERENITY

  

This morning I experienced my “Serenity By The Sea.”
A seagull came to visit the girls next door to me and then he wandered over to my deck.
After I snapped about 25 shots of him, I got the perfect shot of my new friend.

We’ll call him Floyd.  Floyd was probably looking for a snack.  But I had none and he wandered off.  I look at the bay and the early morning sun and I cried.  “It is so beautiful here.”  The morning would be filled with packing and arranging final travel plans back to Boston, along with our large closing “Gratitude” meeting. 

This roundup has changed my life.  I finally grieved the loss of so many people.
I opened my eyes to the possibilities of life in ways that surprised me.  I flirted and was flirted with.  And I met some people who changed my life. 

My neighbor Dave for instance.   I get Dave’s humor.  He was in the room at the Inn right next door.  He along with a “posse” of guys on the second floor, became my dinner buddies for two nights.  We would walk into town up Commercial street for an early dinner before our big evening meeting each night.  The first night we ate at Backbay Betsy’s.  The second night at George’s Pizza further up in town.  I cherish the warmth and inclusive nature of these men from the east coast.  They welcomed me into their fold, sharing with me their experience, strength and hope.  I’ve seen  people in LA for years who have never walked across a room to say hello much less invite me to join them in fellowship.  What I learned from these men was how to include everyone and more importantly they taught me to open up my heart!

And for that I am truly grateful.

It stormed on Saturday evening during our big meeting.  The tent held up and the wind whipped the side flaps and the rain pelted the tent and flowed down.  Sitting next to my new friend Dave I gave him a look and he told me a story about the time they held the roundup and had to evacuate the tent because of a storm.  30 minutes after they all got everyone out, half of the tent collapsed!  This did not inspire confidence in me as I watched the big top shaking from storm.  But I sat there with 900+ other people, who are also working on improving their lives one day at a time and realized we were all safe and dry from the storm.  Together we could do this.  The rain continued throughout the hour and a half meeting and then subsided.  Finally it  diminished to a gentle rain.  We are after all halfway out into the Atlantic at the end of the land that the Pilgrims first landed on.

Earlier on Saturday I had hiked up and over the moors to the beach and walked along it’s shore, collecting stones like my Grandmother Mary Alice use to do.  She would bring them back home and put them in her rock garden.  I put mine in a ceramic bowl that I have at home along with sacred stones that I work with during meditation.  These stones carry with them the Atlantic ocean and the healing that I found there on the dunes, overlooking the land pretty much the same as it was found almost 400 years earlier by people that could have been my ancestors.
(There are several Mullins’ in those first pilgrim’s who made that voyage from Europe to the new world and “New England.”)

What I take from this Roundup is a sense of belonging.  As it says in AA’s promises…”we shall know a new freedom and a new happiness.”  When I got up Sunday after the stormy Saturday night and saw the sunshine on the back bay, how could I not embrace the light!  For this place and I are one now.  Forever burned in my mind is a moment in time when I knew that all is right with the world and I am one with it.

Peace and blessings,
GM

Gerry at peace with the world.  Remember we're only borrowing it for the moment we are there, so enjoy your life right where you are.  Someday I will probably buy a place like this but for now I am grateful they let me borrow it, if only for a few days!

FRIDAY: DAY TWO P-TOWN

Woke up later this morning and enjoyed a lovely continental breakfast.
All I could think about as I sat in the little tired dining area was..."what would Ruth Watson of THE HOTEL INSPECTOR make of this place!"  It's a very worn out little hotel/convention place in P-town but the only place that can accomodate the 1,000 or so attendees of our little roundup.

I finished breakfast, checked in online with Spiritual Bootcamp class and then hit Commercial street for my morning of the Tower and shopping and then lunch at the Lobster Pot!  Awesome day.
Back by 2PM to pickup registration and attend the first of many workshops. 
I lead a workshop tomorrow afternoon and looking forward to it.

One of the many unique guesthouses here in P-Town.

View from the tower of CITY HALL and Commercial Street with the warf beyond.

Feel like you're in Hitchcock's VERTIGO yet?

Freezing up there but a lovely view of all of P-town and the Atlantic ocean.

Behind me is downtown P-town and the bay.  This hike up to the top is a butt workout!

Having fun in the Tower Museum with the bear!

My reward is a bowl of Lobster Bisque from the LOBSTER POT

after a quick power shop for the must have P-town zip up hoodie and

my hike to the top of the tower.  Yummy and the staff is most excellent!

I MADE IT TO P-TOWN

BOSTON TO P-TOWN 

I flew in overnight on a "redeye" flight from LAX into Boston Logan Airport.  Unlike LAX, at Boston Logan you can take a Silver Line bus and ride into downtown Boston.  I got off at the South Street Station.  While I was waiting to catch a ride to P-town with the very gracious Brian C from Palm Springs, I took some pictures of the rush hour in downtown Boston.  After Brian picked me up we caught up with his friend Paul and went to breakfast at Mike's Cafe.  I had a very big breakfast and then the guys took me on a tour of one of the neighborhoods near the St Charles river.  Right across from where we were is Harvard and MIT.  (See picture below.) 

On the ride down, Brian informed me that they had a very wet summer, so fall is very late this year. 
I was worried that I had already missed all the fall color here in New England.  As you can see from the photos, I have been treated to the leaves just starting to really turn.  It has been my dream for years to be in New England in the fall and mother nature did not disappoint. 

We arrived in P-town about 2:30PM. When I finally got to my room I am stunned by the beautiful view.  Today the temp was in the low 60's and this might be the last day on this trip that it isn't raining and or very overcast.  I'm glad I got to see a little of Boston on such a stunning fall day.  So grateful to be here and thankful for bosses that let me have two days off to enjoy my time here to the fullest.

Peace and blessings,
GM

Downtown Boston, the view from South Station 8:30AM.

Where did we "paak the cah!"  And thank God we didn't get a ticket!

Home Sweet Home for 3 1/2 days.
Lovely view!  Behind me is P-town to the east.  Looking toward the camera is the sunset below.

So glad I caught this before our meeting this evening at 6PM. 
So ends Day One in P-town.

I LOVE TO TRAVEL

But I hate to pack.

Tonight I am "pre-packing" my carry-ons and setting aside a few choices for Provincetown. 
I've consulted friends who are already at the convention and talked to others that have gone in the past to this annual event.  They assure me that I am going to have a blast.  I keep focusing on not having too many "expectations."  I really want this wonderful sleepy seaside small resort town to unfold for me as I walk through it.  I know that if I am present and in the moment then I will be surprised by a few things. 
I made sure to buy the camera batteries yesterday and now I am making sure that the camera makes it into my backpack. 

The best advice so far...dress in layers.

For years I've dreamed of seeing New England in the fall.  Hopefully there will be a few beautiful leaves still on the trees.  I've got a redeye flight tomorrow night and daddy is ready to fly!

More from the Cape on Thursday!

GM

LOVING AND GIVING

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.  
~Author Unknown

Just a little quote from the love quote website.


LOVE requires us to give of ourselves.  One can give from a place that is not love.
But the best thing to do I believe is to love unconditionally.  

And the most important person to love unconditionally.....myself.

Peace and blessings,
GM

AID FOR AIDS FUNDRAISER

Just got in from the fundraiser Best In Drag Show that raises money for AID FOR AIDS.
(Click on the link and then look for download doc "Best In Drag Show History.") 

Amazing story.

It was an amazing night with my friend Doug.  The show is held now annually at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.  Tonight we raised $305,000.  This amazing, baudy, show has celebrity judges that show up each year.  People like Joanna Worley,  Molly Shannon from Sat Night Live, actor John C. Reily, Holland Taylor from 2 1/2 Men, actress from all the Scary Movies Anna Ferris, Camryn Manheim from too many shows to list, Tony and Golden Globe winner Mary Louise Parker (she gave $10K) and Jennifer Coolidge from Best In Show and American Pie.

The seven "beauties" and I use that term loosely, competed for this year's crown.
Politically incorrect on so many levels this show not only pushes the envelope, it simply shreds it, turns it into confetti and then shoots it out of a cannon!  Think Kathy Griffen and then times ten.

Kathy was not able to attend but sent a hysterical video clip showing us how upset she was when she learned that her tour conflicted with the fundraiser.  It showed her running through her house completely naked and thank heavens for us they blurred the footage!!!  LOL

Longtime host Patrick Rush was given a tribute tonight for his 18 years of service to the show.
Patrick Rush and two other men are the only guys left from the original group of men who started this fundraiser in their living rooms. What started as a party to make fun of a beauty pageant has turned into an annual fundraiser that raises a nice amount of money for this great organization.
And given the times we are living in with huge state budget cuts, organizations like AID FOR AIDS need all the dollars we can spare.

It is one fundraiser where 90% of what you give, gets to the people who need it.

I love that!

GM

AID FOR AIDS is an amazing organization.  Check it out and donate.  There is also an AID FOR AIDS international organization that can use your help.

This journey in love.....so far

My Spiritual Bootcamp has been an amazing journey so far.  This second time through it has forced me to uncover the deeper truths and lies of my life.  It has brought me to my knees to look at my addictions and I have so graciously been blessed with a daily reprieve one day at a time.  And that daily reprieve is contingent upon the maintenance of my spiritual condition.
 
This journey in love is just that, a journey IN love.  Love is not something that is separate from us.  Either love is a part of your being or it isn't.  I am learning to be love in all situations and to all people.  Most importantly to myself.  Kindness to oneself can heal a number of things.  So I let myself down in the past 24 hours for being too self obsessed that I missed a "daily" entry in this blog.  I forgive myself.

This week in Bootcamp we were asked to take an hour a day to do something for ourselves.
Today I got to spend 3 1/2 hours doing something that I absolutely love.  I sat in the theatre and watched actors act.  I watched Estelle Parsons give a performance that knocked my socks off.
As Violet Weston in AUGUST:  OSAGE COUNTY, Estelle inspires me to be a better actor, a better performer, whether it's on stage, in front of a camera or doing VO behind a mic.  There is nothing more amazing that watching someone bring their whole selves to a performance.

This week is also BEING PRESENT week in Bootcamp.  One can sit in a room with a hundred people and not be there.  This play today forces you to pay attention and to be present.  This was my third visit to the Ahmanson Theatre and I went to the backstage door and delivered a card to the guard for Miss Estelle.  When she gives a Master class in acting I will be there.  So much to learn from this amazing actress.

I do love the words of Violet..."I'm just truth tellin' some people get antagonized by the truth."
Sometimes the truth can hurt but what I've learned is that when the truth is told with love, well it doesn't seem as harsh.

GM

Who doesn't love Dr. Seuss?

You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.  ~Dr. Seuss

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!”

    


Long day.  More tomorrow.  Love to you all.
GM

Just when I thought TV wasn't good anymore....

BBC AMERICA is bringing out a new made for TV movie on Sunday night that is going to knock your socks off.

I just watched the preview for OCCUPATION.  It stars James Nesbitt, an English actor destined to become one of the best of his generation.  He starred several year ago in a mini-series called Jekyll and he's brilliant.
 

BBC America says this about Occupation:

"Occupation traces the lives of three British soldiers, following them from the first moments of the invasion of Basra in April 2003 to the present. Each man finds himself deeply transformed by his experiences."

Just watch the trailer and then set your DVR or watch this Sunday night.
This is as riveting as TV can get.  Desperate House what?  Brothers and Sisters who?

On a ligher note....
Along the same premise as The Hotel Inspector, BBC America will premiere tonight

MARY, QUEEN OF SHOPS


 Retail guru Mary Portas goes into struggling shops and helps coach them to become successful.
Just like Ruth Watson of Hotel Inspector, she pays surprise visits to the stores when the owners are not there and then sits down with them for a frank heart to heart talk.  I know some of you don't really like "reality programs" but I find these BBC shows a hoot!  And if Mary is anything like Ruth well there is plenty of comedy in the reaction of how the men take her blunt critique of their boutique!
(That was not planned but cute huh?)

Tune in tonight on BBC AMERICA at 9PM.
Let the fashion fly!

Later,
GMan

I LOVE INSPECTOR LEWIS

I'm a PBS Masterpiece Theatre geek.   I love my Sunday night ritual.  I come home from a meeting and fix dinner while watching Masterpiece Theatre.  This year I watched all the Jane Austen stories in Masterpiece Classics and most recently I've been watching Inspector Lewis on Masterpiece Mystery.

I finally got around to watching this past Sunday night's broadcast  of
Inspector Lewis, Series II:  Quality of Mercy. 
Alan Cumming hosts each week and the series stars Kevin Whately as Det. Inspector Lewis and Laurence Fox as Det. Sergeant Hathaway.  They solve a number of murders in and around Oxford.

If you know me, then you know I love all things British.  These two really bring great talent to a wonderful series.  It reminds me of the great mystery mini-series and made for TV movies that we had here in the states during the late 70s.  Shows like Columbo and McCloud and Rockford Files.
I loved watching these guys figure it out.  And it was always some great story telling.  This episode of Inspector Lewis is no exception.  Inspector Lewis has to face the past and finally come to terms with the death of his wife.

Take some time to put it on and sit back and enjoy.
So much better than most of the crap they shove at us on American television.

Enjoy. 
GM

I HEART MARIO NGUYEN

MARIO NGUYENis a member of the WKU National Championship Forenic team and is from Dallas, TX.  This kid is a the first runner up of the "Equality Idol" contest and gave an amazing speech this Sunday in front of thousands of marchers in front of our Nation's Capitol during the National Equality March.  He appeared right before Cynthia Nixon (Miranda from Sex In The City for those who don't know.)  She introduced Matthew Shepard's mother/activist Judy Shepard. 

I found a link to Mario's facebook page and wrote to him that I was so proud of him.
I graduated from WKU even before Mario was born.  As a fellow "Hilltopper," I had to write to him and encourage him to continue his work.  It is his generation that carries forth the work in national equality rights for the LGBT community.


Today when I watched President O'Bama's speech at the Human Rights Campaign dinner on Saturday night I was deeply moved that we have a Comander In Chief who will actually address the needs of the LGBT community.  And one who is committed to repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." 
At this point in history, when we are engaged in two wars, we need every devoted American who is willing to serve their country to be allowed to do so!  Period.  We hope that the President signs an emergency stop gap measure to end Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
  

NATIONAL EQUALITY MARCH

Okay so most of you know that I am a gay man on the edge of turning 50.  If you didn't, well surprise! 

I'm watching the CSPAN coverage of the National Equality March in DC today.  I'm listening to Dustin Lance Black the Oscar winning screenwriter of MILK.  Dustin is speaking now about eliminating "shame" and becoming proud of who we are.  As Harvey Milk said, "just come out."  Oh "the times they aren't a changing" as Dylan sang, the times have CHANGED. 

Here's my point. 


For years I've hated myself.  I put on a happy face and make you laugh and with my silence I made it okay to be put down for being gay.  I just took it and was the brunt of many jokes at my last job.  (And that was with two gay executives above my abusive boss!)  NO more.

See I can't be that clown anymore.  And I'm tired of being ashamed of who I am.  This week in Spiritual Bootcamp we are focusing on our BELIEFS.  It came up for me loud and clear that I have a deep level of shame around being a homosexual. 

So I asked God to remove this shame. 

I know for a fact that I am a creation of God.  So today I stand proud along with thousands of my LGBT fellow American's and demand and know that WE THE PEOPLE already have our equal rights in this country.

You see I will say it bluntly....you don't get my damn support and money and then shove me to the back of the bus and treat me like a second class citizen.  You can't treat me and others like degenerates and then turn around and ask for political money and support!  The days of comparing me to a "pedophile" just because I am gay is over!  (Please...I've never dated a man under the age of 40!  And I would fight to the death anyone who would even think of hurting the children in my life.)

ACCEPTANCE STARTS WITH ME. 
When I don't accept myself,  how can I expect YOU to accept me. 

SO no more shame, or guilt for being who I am.
Fifty is fast approaching and there are no more excuses.
I deserve a healthy relationship built on mutual trust and openess.
I deserve the right to be married if and when I choose to do so.
(And you know the wedding will be just fabulous!)

I deserve equal rights under the laws in this country.  Protection in the work place.
I see a day when America actually matures like it's European counterparts and repeals
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and thanks those men and women who have devoted their lives to the service of this country with pension and healthcare for life.  Along with the thanks of a grateful nation.

Seriously, I worked all last year to repeal YES on Prop 8.  When the vote came down against us I realized that once again, I am not an equal citizen under the law in the state of California or in this nation that I love so very much!  We live with such freedoms in this country.  I just want to see everyone treated equally and with love.

Peace and blessings,
GM

Huffington Post article.

Cleve Jones founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Human Rights Activist.
He worked under Harvey Milk and is one of my heroes.

I LOVE PASADENA

Today I had one of my "Pasadena" saturdays.

Last fall and into this spring of 2009, I use to go to "pottery class" at the XIEM CLAY CENTER on Lake Ave up in Pasadena.  There is an old Altadena Milk drive through store right across the street.  For those of you not from LA, Pasadena is best known for the "Tournament Of Roses Parade" each New Years Day.  (It's also famous for the "Rose Bowl" stadium.)  When you watch it on TV, the brick building in the background with the parade logo on it is actually the wall of the NORTON SIMON MUSEUM.  It is one of my favorite places to visit.  The museum houses the most amazing collection of Dega sculptures as well as paintings.  And there are two Vincent van Gogh paintings that leap off the wall at you.

Today's journey was not as fancy as a visit to the world class museum and it's amazing private collection now donated for us the public to enjoy.  I got to go to my favorite block on Colorado Blvd (Cue Beach Boys music...."she's the terror of Colorado Blvd, it's the little old lady from Pasadena!")
My favorite block on Colorado is near Lake Avenue.  Two blocks up from that intersection is a cultural mecca.  The Pasadena Playhouse, Vroman's family owned bookstore, the Laemmle art house movie theatre and or course all located next to the TARGET!  What more could I ask for.  And today there was an art fair in front of the Pasadena Playhouse so I bought a small piece from the very handsome Hector Santizo.  And his lovely girlfriend was there too. 

Pasadena is one of those big small towns in Los Angeles.  Old money honey.  Proctor and Gamble etc.  Right next door in San Marino (fans of Brothers & Sisters will know the "Walker" residence is located there) is the Huntington Gardens.  It is truly one of my favorite places in all of LA.  And a must see for anyone coming from out of town.  All that turn of the century wealth created this masterpiece that still lives on a hundred years later.  The art and literature collection is amazing.

I'm planning another outing to Pasadena soon.  Care to join me?

BYE BYE BS

In "Spiritual Bootcamp this week I've had to take a long and hard look at my beliefs.
I've uncovered some deep beliefs that I turned over to my higher power and just surrendered them.
Realizing that they were based on old thoughts and feelings that no longer serve me.

The main one?  That I am unloveable.
Now for those of you who know me, you might find that shocking.
However, on a deep level I have felt this way for years.  It's influenced my choices (call them bad or call them good) in relationships etc.  So I've surrendered to creating a new belief system that lifts me up and let's me embrace my authentic self.  When I get out of the way of my own "insanity" I realize of course that I KNOW on a deep level that I am loveable because it is reflect back to me through you!  Each and everyone of you who reads this I consider a friend or a family member.  And I know that most of you love me unconditionally, you're rootin' for me, you are in my corner so to speak.

So it is with a happy heart that I let go of my old "BS" and get on with living my life to the fullest.
Starting right now.

Peace and blessings,
GM

I LOVE HEART

I tend to get messages through songs.
I got my teeth cleaned this morning at 7:30AM and as I was driving to work and heard
"Bright Sun Shiny Day."  And then Miss Patty LaBelle sang about "A New Attitude."
Not to mention the fact that it was a PERFECT fall day here in LA. 
Something shifted and for the better.

The past few weeks have been quite frankly an emotional roller coaster.
My friend Scott's death had left me looking deeply at my life on so many levels.
I've celebrated 12 years sober and honored the anniversary of my mother's death.
My spiritual bootcamp class is asking me to examine my belief system or as they say my "BS!"

So I had to ask myself this question...What About Love? What do I believe about Love?
What are my old beliefs?  What do I need to change in my thoughts toward love? 
I've had a few dates lately but I am back at square one, surrendering.

One of the kids at work had HEART in their iTunes library and was sharing it through the server.



WHAT ABOUT LOVE

Miss Ann and Miss Nancy sing:

CHORUS
What about love
Dont you want someone to care about you
What about love
Dont let it slip away
What about love
I only want to share it with you
You might need it someday

(Some of you like me will be having a mid 80s flashback.  I think I remember those years working in Nashville's Cooker Restaurant on West End Ave.  Heart is and always will be an amazing duo.)

THE LOVE BOAT

The Love Boat entertained us on Saturday night's in the mid 70's with it's campy 3 stories that were a  mix of drama and comedy.  (This was way back in the early days of cable when there was no FOX network, no internet and our phone was a black one on the kitchen wall!) 

Everyone and their brother guest starred on this show.  If you click on the title of this story you see one of the original opening credits with headshots of all the guest stars that week.  And of all people to show up on Love Boat, Halston with Bob Mackie and Gloria Vanderbilt!  Elke Sommers and Mike Connors, "Mannix" himself!

The theme song sung by Jack Jones reminded us that the "Love Boat promises something for everyone!"  Hummm Gloria, Haltson and Bob Mackie.  Could it be a fashion show on the Love Boat episode?  LOL  Jack continues to remind us that "love won't hurt anymore."  Really Jack?

We all watched and the show made Aaron Spelling rich, rich, rich!
Love Boat probably paid for that mansion in Bel-Air that Candy is withholding from Tori!

There was a crossover show with CHARLIE'S ANGELS.  The angels try to recover a stolen statue on the "Pacific Priness" and each of the Love Boat cast had a cameo in the show.

This must have been my friend Oscar and his writing partner Kurt Koehler's inspiration for their show called LOVE BOAT CHICAS.  The three "angels" of CHICO'S ANGELS go and help to protect Charo from a murderer onboard the Love Boat. 
Hysterical.

THE LOVE BOAT THEME

Love, exciting and new
Come aboard, we're expecting you
Love, life's sweetest reward
Let it flow, it floats back to you

Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure
Your mind on a new romance

And love won't hurt anymore
It's an open smile on a friendly shore
It's love
Welcome aboard
It's love!

TUESDAY IS SONG DAY: A DAY TO REMEMBER with 2 songs.

Today is the anniversary of my mother Evelyn's passing.
She was 34 when she died.  It was Oct 6th, 1976, I was 14.
My brother Shannon was 8 and my sister Missy was 6.
It is the single most significant event in my younger years.
It changed the course of my life profoundly.

In honor of my mom I would like to share with you 2 songs from one of her favorite artists.
My mom liked Anne Murray.  And in the 70's Anne Murray was everywhere on the radio.

DANNY'S SONG by Kenny Loggins
People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one
And we've just begun, I think I'm gonna have a son
He will be like you and me, as free as a dove
Conceived in love, the sun is gonna shine above

CHORUS
And even though we ain't got money
I'm so in love with ya honey
Everything bring a chain of lo-o-o-o-ve
And in the mornin' when I rise
Bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything's gonna be all right

Love a guy who holds the world in a paper cup
Drink it up, love him and he'll bring you luck
And if ya find he helps your mind, better take him ho-ome
Yeah 'n' dontcha live alone, try to earn what lovers own

CHORUS




COULD I HAVE THIS DANCE by Wayland Hollyfield and Bob House
I'll always remember the song they were playin',
The first time we danced and I knew,
As we swayed to the music and held to each other,
I fell in love with you.

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Would you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right.
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

I'll always remember that magic moment,
When I held you close to me.
'Cause we moved together, I knew forever,
You're all I'll ever need

Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?
Would you be my partner every night?
When we're together, it feels so right.
Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?

Two quotes from Mother Teresa about LOVE

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.  ~Mother Teresa
 


"We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."
~Mother Teresa

In doing my research tonight I ran across a second quote about love from Mother Teresa.
When I think of her I think of a woman who so embodied love. that she devoted her life to working for the poor, to lifting up their lives.  So I take to heart tonight the idea of doing small things with great love.  Make a phone call to a friend and ask how they're doing and then listen.  Let someone you love know it.  These are the small quiet little daily things we call all do to just make the world and "our" world a better place.

Peace and blessings,
GM

I LOVE SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON

What do you get when you take a story adapted from a novel into a screenplay, then turn it into a brilliant opera?  SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON.  (Click here for LA TIMES review.)

Earlier this summer I attended an evening celebrating the music of composer STEPHEN SCHWARTZ.
It was at the Ford Amphitheater here in LA.  This is where he gave us a sneak peak at his new opera.  I was sold immediately and knew that if I didn't buy the discounted tickets that night I would regret it.  I am so grateful that I did.  Throughout my life I have been blessed to be a part of a number of many new projects and events.  Today was one of them.

Mr. Schwartz for those of you who don't know his work has written music and lyrics for a few little musicals: GODSPELL, PIPPIN and the blockbuster WICKED!

For films:  the songs for The Prince Of Egypt and lyrics for Disney's Pocahontas, The Huchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted (all with music from Alan Menken.)

Stephen Schwartz went to screenwriter/director Bryan Forbes and got the rights to the story.
The original film stars Kim Stanley and Sir Richard Attenborough.  Steven Sharpe from Opera Santa Barbara called Mr. Schwartz to write an opera for them.  Seance On A Wet Afternoon had been suggested to Mr. Schwartz as a possible idea for a new musical.  He saw the story as being better suited for opera.  And today we were treated to amazing performance by it's two leads, Lauren Flanigan as Myra Foster and Kim Jospehson as Billy Foster her husband. This week's three performances were the world premiere for this amazing opera.

THE PLOT
A medium Myra Foster hatches a plot with her husband Billy to kidnap a child and then give the parents info as where to find her.  In the process bringing her fame and fortune and notoriety.
Mr. Schwartz is rumored to have written this part for Lauren.  Watching this artist perform this great material is like watching a great runner win a race!  You know they're going to win and it's the thrill of watching them do it!  Kim Josephson plays Myra's devoted husband Billy who goes along with her plot.  In Act II he sings a song about his wife and why he loves her.  It is an amazing insight into both characters and Mr. Josephson's amazing strong baritone voice brought to life Billy's love for his wife as he struggles to do what his wife wants against his better nature.

Such a dark subject matter and made for a delicious opera.  Set in the early 60's in San Francisco, beautifully costumed and with a full two story house set that revolved on stage, it all made for a flawless show! (I love me some good stagecraft!!!)  Beautifully lit and the full house orchestra made for an amazing afternoon of theatre!

My friend Doug and I got to talk to Mr. Schwartz today at the final performance at the Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara.  Oh it was so worth the drive up!  Doug got a picture with him.  I got to talk to him after the show and thank him for composing such a great show.  I asked him, "so when are you going to New York with this."  His reply, "as soon as they as us!"

(A special thanks to Doug for driving us up and for a great lunch before the opera.)

I LOVE ANITA BAKER

Just getting home from a night out with friends at the local disco.
Oil Can Harry's is a club that has been in the valley for decades.
(On Thursdays you can learn country line dancin' and boot scoot your way around the floor.

On the way home I was surprised when I turned on the stereo and hear Anita Baker.
Miss Anita Baker takes me back to the fall of 1986 when I made a brief move to Atlanta.  Her songs have a way of popping up on the radio at just the right moment to remind me of a time and a place that has long past into memory.  Hearing her always puts me at ease and reminds me to slow down, relax and listen for awhile.

Tonight I heard RAPTURE OF LOVE which then reminds of her other big hit SWEET LOVE.
All these songs take me right back to a my brief time in Atlanta. 
She is an artist with a distinct voice and someone that I really need to see live in concert soon.

I have bittersweet memories of Atlanta.  I injured my back there working a catering job and had to move home to Louisville.  I had moved from Nashville to see if I could break into the growing commerical/theatrical/stage market.  So whenever I hear an Anita Baker song from the RAPTURE album I am instantly transported back to my running around Piedmont Park and Atlanta's Midtown before it became a mini metropolis!  I was there for but a brief snapshot in time.  The AIDS crisis had hit the gay community in full force and there was fear in everyone's eyes.  It was an odd time and an amazing time.  By January of 1987 I found myself back in Louisville living in my father's house again.  That would last for 9 months and then I moved back to Nashville, to begin another chapter there.  When I write the book about my life it's title is, was and always will be....
ROADS I'VE TRAVELED TWICE!

Peace and blessings,
Gerry M.

I LOVE FRIDAY NIGHT WITH JONATHAN ROSS

FRIDAY NIGHT WITH JONATHAN ROSS is a great talk show on BBC AMERICA.
If you like a great old fashioned talk show with a lot of guest interaction, tune into this show.
It reminds me of the old Mike Douglas show, when a host could really spend time doing an in-depth interview with a guest.  And it's also Jonathan's combination of 3 to 4 guests per show that makes it interesting.  I've noticed that Jay Leno is starting to try and do something like this.
Most of the great new show ideas are ripped off from successful British series by producers in Hollywood.

My guilty pleasure this spring was the new show THE HOTEL INSPECTOR.
Ruth Watson a successful hotelier and author comes into B&Bs or small seaside hotels and whips the owners into shape and shows them what they can do to improve their overall business.  Look for an American ripoff next spring.  Better yet, keep the same production company, bring Ruth here and let her whip some American B&B owners into shape! 

For those of you who know me, then you know that I love everything British.  I love the Queen and all the Royals, I love the English Countryside and Jane Austen novels, British Rock and of course British men!  LOL  But seriously folks I love all the British TV shows for their inventiveness and humor, Dr. Who, Little Britain, Absolutely Fabulous.  The dramas like Torchwood are better than anything we have on American television.  One of my life goals is to go and work on British TV and on the stage there.  Big goal.

Jonathan Ross is currently on Friday nights on BBC AMERICA.  Check your local listings.
Here is a racy interview with Lady Gaga.   (Can't say this on American late night TV!)
Or a funny interview with Huge Jackman.
GM

I LOVE KEN BURNS' FILMS

I'm sitting here tonight watching the brilliant film by Ken Burns;
The National Parks:  America's Best Idea.

Call me a geek but I love history.  I've been blessed to visit a few of our Nation's parks.
Remember we own them.  I just watched a section about the Great Smokey Mountains.
The U. S. Government wouldn't buy the land to save it and left it up to the people of the states it straddled, Tennessee and North Carolina.  Ken's film is broken up into the different stories of each of your National Parks.  It tells the stories of the people who had passion and drive to save these treasures for future generations. 

I've been blessed in my life to visit the Smokey's when I was a child.

In the 70's we visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.  Our Uncle Skip was a cowboy and he and his wife Karen lived on a ranch with a view of the Tetons.  They lived near the old cabin where they shot the classic movie Shane. 

When I moved west I visited The Grand Canyon.   I thought I would just "run up" and spend a 1/2 day or so at the south rim and then be on my way to Los Angeles.  Not!  I was amazed by it stunning beauty and was overwhelmed with emotion.  That night was the harvest moon rising over the Grand Canyon in the eastern sky.  I will never forget seeing this orange moon hanging large on the horizon, the autumn air crisp and chilly after the sun set behind us.  This is probably the place I will have my ashes scattered.  And it will be on the full moon that always comes the around the first week of October, very close to October 6th, the anniversary of my mother's death.

Yosemite, the Northern Redwoods, Sequoia National Park, Mt. Rainer in Washington State, The Badlands and Mt. Rushmore, Pike's Peak and the Rocky Mountains, Death Valley and just this past winter I saw Joshua Tree.  They have finally made it a National Park.  I've been blessed to see a great number of places.  And there are a ton of parks that I have yet to visit like Mt. St. Helens, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Glazier National Park, Denali.  Care to join me?

Peace and blessings,
GM

Saw this on my search for pictures of the Grand Canyon.
Guess the view was just too overwhelming for momma!