From: Quote of the Day
"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference." – Virginia Satir


Okay, so we've made a mess of it...

The bottom line, when all is said and done, is this: the material goods we'll have won or lost won't matter. How we handled it all is what will be remembered. Did we pull together and roll up our sleeves with the pro-active, go-get-'em determination that has always made America great, or did we merely survive? Did we crumble and whine our way through the hard times, or did we stand tall, take ownership of our misdeeds, flex our shoulders, crack our collective knuckles, and straighten it out?

This is the example, the legacy, the history! The make-it-or-break-it we are preparing to leave our children.

Rather than stumble around in the dark while we wait for someone else to shine the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, I suggest we become the light shinning from within the tunnel! I mean, why wait until the end for illumination; that's hindsight! It's also bullshit! We know where we are, and we know how we got here!. Who better, then, to know (and show) the way out! Let's pick up the lemons we've dropped and make thirst-quenching lemonade worth savoring.

Let's embrace this adventure with utter disregard for its inconvenience! Let's rub our hands together and ride it like the roller coaster it is! We'll come out of it stronger and closer as a nation than we'd ever imagined we could! More importantly, we'll present our children and their children's children with a sense of pride that will empower them to soar at levels we cannot now fathom!

CM
Remembering childhood friends, twins, Guy & Bruce Kennedy...

Tags: adventure, america, empower, end of tunnel, example, hard times, history, legacy, light, mess, nation, pride, strong, work

Okay, I admit it. I've been watching TV. I have become completely hooked on HBO's new half hour drama, In Treatment.

I'll be writing my thoughts on the show as it progresses, but, today, I'm just making note of how delighted I am to see Gabriel Byrne again!

I first saw him a few years ago in NYC. He was appearing in Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten, and I was utterly mesmerized by his performance. Since then, I miss no opportunity to see him. A fan? Me? Well, glory be, I guess I am. ... and I dare suggest you will be, too, once you experience his work.

It was the spring of two-thousand. I obtained tickets to the (sold out) play which was onstage at the Walter Kerr Theater, one of the medium sized houses. Eugene O'Neill happens to be one of my favorite playwrights, and the idea of seeing the exquisite Ray Dotrice in the role of Phil Hogan made it an irresistible must-see. (Now that I think of it, I'm fairly certain Mr. Dotrice won the Tony for this portrayal in the Best Actor in a Featured Role category).

It was the first time I ever saw Gabriel Byrne. He was the brave soul who took on the challenging role of James Tyrone, Jr. and I had no idea what to expect where he was concerned. Not terribly ambitious about learning, I checked briefly online, and read that he was an Irish Actor. Saints preserve us! Being the Anglophile that I am, this pleased me immensely, and enough said. (As it happens, I am also fairly certain that Mr. Byrne was nominated for a Tony for this part, but I do not believe he took the statue home...)

Cherry Jones, another under appreciated, superbly brilliant actress rounded out the cast as Josie Hogan. This put me over the moon. I was desperate for the days to pass until I would see it!
~
Sitting in the theater, in my center section aisle seat in the tenth row, I checked my watch repeatedly as the auditorium filled to capacity. Finally, the lights lowered and the audience hushed as the curtain began to move. I held my breath...

There is no way for this writer to separate one performance, that Sunday afternoon, from the other. Each acted and reacted to the other in perfect harmony, if you'll forgive me the cliche: like an impeccably rehearsed symphony.

Gabriel Byrne stood out for me because I had never seen him before and, forgive me again, I can be an awful snob when it comes to live theater. He took hold of that character and transported me and, I think, everyone else to the 1940s. It was not just O'Neill's words that took us away; Byrne's body language, his very demeanor, was of a time gone by. What a lovely, magical partnership!

Byrne's obvious love of the material shone through. So many actors simply say lines and move about the stage, gesturing as instructed, and they get rave reviews for doing it. I have been guilty, too, of this kind of acceptance - and as long as I am entertained, this is all right with me... uh, most of the time. It's a given, our Mr. Byrne could have gotten away with offering much less than he did. Fortunately for his audience, however, it would not have been enough for him! He didn't perform Tyrone; he channeled him. There was no definitive line between the here and now and the once upon a time. The assemblage around me disappeared, and I was taken into the story, the proverbial fly on the wall of a real happening.

I want to share about the one jarring moment, that afternoon, that sealed my bond as a fan of this man's work and talent. It was near the play's conclusion. Gabriel Byrne was in the midst of the emotional third act monologue where James Tyrone speaks loving words of confession and apology, revealing the depth of his personhood to Josie Hagen. It is a heart wrenchingly serious time in the play which has, up to this point, been peppered with O'Neill's perfectly placed moments of comedic hilarity.

One of the male audience members, up front and to the actors' right, (my left), made it abundantly clear that he had no knowledge of the story and no realization of the depth of what was happening. He misunderstood the character's intent and let loose a startling guffaw at the precise moment when the actor was escorting the audience to the story's emotional crescendo. The outburst seemed extremely loud, but that may have been because the theater was silent, except for Byrne's voice. My heart sank for the actor as the explosive disturbance caused every head in the audience to turn. I wondered how he would be able to maintain his momentum and, indeed, the integrity of the scene. Feeling generous, I decided no matter how he chose to handle it, my admiration for his performance would remain intact.

To my astonishment, Mr. Byrne did not need my forgiveness. His hold on the character, the time and space, and the audience never faltered. Without any sign on his face or in his cadence that he heard the young man's misguided outburst, he skillfully ushered us along on our journey to the story's conclusion and kept us unscathed.

To this day, I remember that moment, and I don't know how he did it. I have seen things like this happen to other performers and felt just as heartsick for them as I did for Mr. Byrne. Some chose to step out of character and acknowledge the evil-doer, with humor or admonishment; others hesitate, regroup, and start the scene from a previous point. One actor actually forgot the next few lines and took a moment to re-compose himself, but he had lost his focus and the character - and the scene fell flat. All these reactions were understandable. Things happen in live theater, and I feel it would be unjust to hold the actors accountable. (It's a certainty I could not do it.)

I simply do not believe the talent and presence of mind Gabriel Byrne exhibited that afternoon comes along every day. The point I mean to make is: even though I was affected emotionally in that I was so relieved and happy for Byrne because he was not yanked out of character, he continued with such impeccable timing and grace that my exuberance was shelved. It did not come through until after I had thoroughly experienced the emotion and sensitivity O'Neill intended.


Cherry Jones as Josie Hagen comforts Jim Tyrone played by Gabriel Byrne
Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten

It was very personal. I shudder just thinking about it, and I know my words fail miserably to express how amazing it was! An unforgettable gift to experience first hand! Someday, I hope to thank him for his love of the material, his selfless generosity to his audience, and his desire - or was it determination - to share both with us that day.

~
Recently, I saw the play again... with Kevin Spacey in the role of James Tyrone, Jr. Normally, I cannot be objective where Spacey is concerned, because he is one of my favorite actors. In this case, however, I have to confess, he could not inhabit the person of Tyrone for me. It belongs forever to someone else.

I'm thinking In Treatment may turn out to be treatment for me!

There. Now that I have that out of my system, I'll move on to discussing the show:
Uh, I like it. *chortle* It satisfies some seedy sense of voyeurism I never knew I had in me...

More later.

CM
PHOTO CREDITS:
Cherry Jones and Gabriel Byrne in Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten

Walter Kerr Theater; Spring, 2,000
Photo courtesy: NY Times

Tags: a moon for the misbegotten, cherry jones, eugene o'neill, gabriel byrne, hbo, in treatment, new york, nyc, ray dotrice, theater, theatre, walter kerr

Well, I am delighted to have won the photo of Sir Ian McKellen that he so graciously autographed for the ebay auction for Breast Cancer Research. The only trouble is that the auction ended on the 8th and as of today (the 16th), I still do not have the photograph. Given that I am in New Jersey and the photo is in Manhattan, less than 45 minutes away, this doesn't sit well with me.

Now, this is a worthy cause and the idea of obtaining such an autograph, even though it will be indirect, is a bit of a thrill for me. No denial there. I chose this way to contribute because the autograph was the draw. Even though it will be a treasure to me, I will not display it because the photograph is not flattering to him. I think too much of him to do that.

The thing is, I would have contributed or donated anyway. So the issue is not the money. The issue is that this type of thing, this failure to follow through gives all potential contributors pause. Unfortunately, that is as it should be.

Well, perhaps I am jumping the proverbial gun. One can only hope.

In the meanwhile, I have contacted the young woman involved. She has not responded. Today, sadly, I will contact ebay...

I'll keep you posted.

Carol (Desperately hoping a re-write or a retraction will be necessary.)

Tags: auction, autograph, breast cancer, ebay, ian mckellen, research, sir
Current Location: Down in the dumps
Current Mood: disappointed
Current Music: George Winston - Autumn

Normally, I would not do this sort of thing, and certainly not here on my LJ. However, in this case, I'm taking the chance you'll all understand because it is for a worthy cause...

A self confessed, lovingly dedicated fan of Sir Ian McKellen, I am understandably excited to be the high bidder for this autographed photo of him holding the Breast Cancer Bear. Yes, it is an ebay auction. I know, I know... but please hear me out. The proceeds are going to B/C Research. Unfortunately, the price is stagnating at a disappointing 86 dollars (American).

Anyone interested in this auction click on the link. We all know somebody who has been affected by this dreadful disease. Contribute more than lip service to Breast Cancer Research and you could end up with a whimsical autographed pic of Ian McKellen for your trouble.

If bidding isn't for you, maybe you could help to spread the word?

Thanks for reading me,
CM

Tags: auction, autograph, autographed, bear, breast cancer, ebay, ian mckellen, photograph, research

I'd love it if my whole flist would answer these -- even folks who don't usually do memes. Guys too! It's fun stuff to know about people you're friends with.

Nicked from: seansdestiny
YOU'RE ON MY FRIENDS LIST, I WANNA KNOW YOU...I want to know 36 things about you. I don't care if we never talk, never liked each other, or if we already know everything about each other. Short and sweet is fine...You're on my list, so I want to know you better! Come on, let's have some fun with this. BE HONEST! 

Tags: 36 things, meme, memes, questions

I saw this challenge on a blog:
Write between 75 and 100 things that make you who you are. The idea is not mine, but the list is.

1. I am ridiculously organized.
2. I love good books.
3. I love visiting and making memories of new places.
4. I love helping.
5. I love children.
6. I am still hopelessly in love with my high school sweetheart.
7. I'm convinced I have several very interesting, fun people living inside my head!
8. I love the way I feel after I have forced myself to exercise.
9. I love the ocean.
10. Rivers frighten me.
11. I love to travel.
12. From the first moment I saw him, I cry inexplicably at the sight of Ian McKellen.
13. I have been told that Ian McKellen was profoundly significant to me in another life.
14. I am a firm believer in "favorites" and "bests."
15. I am naturally ambidextrous.
16. I am an old hippie.
17. I am terrified of being homeless.
18. Having a clean house is very important to me.
19. I love my name.
20. I am not competitive when playing games but will do anything to prolong the fun.
21. "Steak and salad" is my favorite meal.
22. I love sincere people.
23. I am motivated by schedules and love planning.
24. I love crossing things off lists.
25. I love talking on the phone.
26. I love animals, but do not want a pet.
27. I hate concerts: they're too loud, too dark, and too people-filled.
28. I do not always wear sunscreen.
29. I really dig my family!
30. I like cooking more than I ever thought I would.
31. I have a crush on Sean Bean.
32. My favorite flowers are daisies.
33. I despise grocery shopping.
34. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
35. I want a haircut that I can fluff and go.
36. Autumn is my favorite season.
37. My two nephews inspire me to no end.
38. If I could have any job in the world, I would sing in a musical on Broadway.
39. I am 5 feet, 3.5 inches tall but always round it up to 5'4".
40. I love taking long walks alone.
41. I am extremely expressive with my face.
42. When I read books aloud, I voice and animate the characters.
43. My favorite cold treat is Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
44. My favorite hot treat, besides tea, is my homemade Ginger Carrot Soup.
45. I enjoy outside chores like washing my car, mowing the lawn, gardening, and re-staining the deck...
46. I love people who are on time and become frustrated with those who are late.
47. I have begun to embrace my personal history.
48. I went to Woodstock… and spent a lot of time at Studio 54.
49. Whenever I stop to notice a plane flying overhead, I always wish I were on it.
50. I love starting my day by watching the TODAY show.
51. I love to entertain.
52. I wish I had become an actress.
53. I am addicted to a few select Websites.
54. Blogging is much easier for me than keeping a journal.
55. I love the Internet and do not know how I functioned without it.
56. I can be very nostalgic and sentimental.
57. I am OK with life's occasional good-bye's. (Probably a throw back from my days as a foster child.)
58. I think I would make a fantastic interviewer because I am notoriously curious!
59. I will turn off a show or movie I am enjoying if I hate the commercials supporting it.
60. I suck at crossword puzzles and scrabble. It is a tremendous source of embarrassment to me.
61. I find a bad movie unforgivable.
62. I dream of owning and running a Bed and Breakfast to satisfy my love of entertaining.
63. I am currently writing a terrific story.
64. I like supporting locally-owned establishments.
65. I always try to use proper grammar, and I never feel that I have adequately succeeded.
66. I believe in stereotypes.
67. I favor organic foods.
68. I love teaching myself things that intimidate me (HTML) and feel proud when I master it.
69. I have a storage unit full of things that I have not seen in 10 years. (However, it is organized perfectly.)
70. I love email.
71. I love being at a stadium to watch sports (especially soccer and B-ball), but hate watching games on TV. Except for hockey. I detest hockey all the time!
72. I love being productive.
73. I love writing, even when I am writing lists about what to write!
74. I am desperately unhappy with where our country is headed.
75. I am so terrified of going to the dentist that I need to tranquilizers for 2 days before I go.
76. I love all things Celtic.
77. I dream of someday living in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands.
78. I will never have plastic surgery.
79. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I know I once lived in Scotland.
80. I have recently committed to write 500 words a day.
81. I love the OUTLANDER Series by Diana Gabaldon.
82. I always have music playing and it usually acts as a soundtrack.
83. I love little shops and quaint villages with little family owned shops and detest mall shopping.
84. I never pay full retail for anything!
85 I can squeeze a dollar until the eagle cries!
86. I volunteer my time and skills whenever I can.

Tags: bed & breakfast, broadway, cooking, dreams, entertaining, ian mckellen, lists, love, past lives, reincarnation, sean bean, writing

Tags: beloved pal, bridges of madison county, connie, covered bridges, lancaster, library, memories, national geographic, photographer, practical joke, robert james waller

 

( Check out this cool chart... )

Okay, this was a lot of fun. Steve will smile and shake his head when he reads the references to Sean Bean. My kids will shake their heads too, but they will not smile... which will make me smile. See how clever I am?

Speaking of Mr.Bean, I hear he is in the States just now. Fix your hair and keep your eyes open; ya never know who you might meet...

CM - feeling silly today

Tags: compuer foolery, q and a, sean bean

Okay, so it's not all that terrible. And I am not really all that cranky... but there are those days when nothing I do seems to come out quite the way I had envisioned it when I started...

The forgetfulness is a source of unrivaled embarrassment and that is terrible. I don't like being embarrassed, never have... 

Tags: bad day, cranky, embarrassment, facial hair, forgetfulness, good day, late, moody, on time, organizing, really shitty day, sections, terrible, totally zoned day, unacceptable, vocabulary