Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering experience…

I will dispense this advice now. 

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh never mind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.  But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now, how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you imagine. 

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. 

Do one thing everyday that scares you. 

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. 

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself. 

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. 

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. 

Stretch. 

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t. 

Get plenty of calcium. 

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. 

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. 

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.

Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. 

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. 

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. 

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. 

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. 

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. 

Travel. 

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders. 

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out. 

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. 

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. 

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

“Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same while …..

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. 
Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. 
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”


A dear friend said his final goodbyes last week.  A death event for him, and a life shattering event for many who knew him.  He was one of those guys who you always believed was too strong to die.  

He will be buried on the farm he loved and where he died.  

RIP

Thursday, September 26, 2013

TMI from Sean the Jeep Guy

I'M FALLING FOR YOU
Sean...Just a Jeep Guy...TMI Thursday
1. How does Fall rank on your list of favorite seasons?
I love the seasons, and like there to be distinct differences.  So, depending on where I live, things change a lot.  For a long time, I was in the midwest...near Lake Michigan...but now in Virginia, the answer remains the same, but the reasons change.  
In the Midwest, Fall and Spring fought for second place as a favorite season, because summer beat them both out.  Now, in Virginia, they are in a tight race for first place.  The summers here are too hot, too humid, and too buggy for me.2. What are your favorite fall fashions?
I am not a fashion guy, typically, but I do like putting on a few extra layers for the evening football games...love the crisper air.3. What are your favorite fall foods?
Apple anything....fresh pies, turnovers, and any other bakery product you can put them in.  If you include Thanksgiving and Christmas....well that is a whole different story.  I love to cook and love to eat.  Everything.4. Have you ever FALLEN and couldn't get up?
Not for a long time...but it depends on your perspective.  Emotionally I was in serious shape for several years.  I made it through what I hope is the worst of it, but ... who knows.  
Physically, I came very close....it was a winter morning, not real cold but below freezing...walking to the newspaper box, I slipped on black ice and ended up with what was diagnosed as a broken rib in the back.  Wow...it only hurt when I breathed, lifted anything, or sat the wrong way [which was easy to do].5. Fall is the start of the new TV season, which show are you most anticipating?
I don't keep up on much of that, but ... looking forward to taking a look at a show a friend works on ... SLEEPY HOLLOW.6. What fall activities like apple picking, hiking, foliage trips, do you enjoy or plan on doing?
No fan of apple picking, but I do like to visit the orchards and get good apples cheap.  
Hiking, foliage trips...absolutely.  Nice to get up early with great friends and trek through the woods, or through some really cool neighborhoods...love the crisp air.7. Halloween is __________.
...a great holiday for kids, mostly.  In a neighborhood I used to live in, we took the kids around the neighborhood, stopped at every other house for a drink or two, and circled around the bonfires that most everyone had going for a great evening.  But...alas...not here.8. Do you dress up for Halloween?
Not really.  I would if friends and partying were involved!!!9. Do you have daylight savings time where you live? 
Yes.  I have seen the studies, but still not a fan of it.10. Thanksgiving is __________.
...family time.  I love getting the extended family together for a great meal, a lot of good conversation, and everything that goes with it.11. What's your favorite Thanksgiving food?
Love them all.  
BONUS  
Do you FALL asleep after sex? 
Eventually.
Have you FALLEN out of bed while having sex?
Not really, but some of the guys I was with have.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Too Good Not To Repeat

"Forgive others. Not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve Peace."
- Unknown

Reprinted without permission.  Forgive me for repeating this, V.  

Friday, August 2, 2013

Scandal Night in Richmond


Just when I am convinced that Richmonders take themselves too seriously, this happens!!!

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, the capital's AA baseball team, plan to "honor" disgraced New York politician Anthony Weiner, among others. All hot dogs will be $1, and the Squirrels are encouraging fans to take pictures of their...wieners and tweet them to the team's official account. Because you see, Weiner has been in trouble for sending pictures of his...nevermind.


The whole story here.


The official version of the story from the team website here.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Taken from a lot of people...most recently from the CAJUN.

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man
90%
Iron Man
90%
Hulk
85%
Green Lantern
75%
The Flash
65%
Superman
50%
Supergirl
50%
Wonder Woman
45%
Batman
40%
Catwoman
40%
Robin
35%

You are intelligent, witty,
a bit geeky and have great
power and responsibility.


Click here to take the "Which Superhero am I?" quiz...

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Sean's TMI Thursday ... a day or two early

GOOD MORNING!
Sean over at Just a Jeep Guy does TMI Thursdays...questions that make one seem more human.  Here are my answers to this week's questions.

1. How many times do you hit the snooze button?
Snooze button?  I don't have one of those.  My alarm is buried deep inside my brain somewhere, and it just wakes me up whenever.  But even when I used an alarm, I could never use the snooze...just set the alarm to the last minute anyway.
2. What's the first 5 things you do after waking?
A.  Look at the iPhone to see what time it is.
B.  Look to see who has texted me, or hopefully 'woofed' me. 
C. Go Pee.
D. Slide on a pair of gym shorts for the trip to the kitchen.
E. Start the Keurig.
3. How do you like your coffee? Black...straight up... nothing in it... no adornments.  (until later in the morning, then I will have a latte ...skinny vanilla, please...- I used to hate those things until Loki got me started on them).
4. How do you like your eggs?   Raised to young chickenhood, then barbecued.  Or you can fry them overeasy with a side of bacon, wheat toast or English Muffin, and if you are real ambitious, a side of fried taters...southern style.  Alternative that Cubby and I like ... poach the eggs, serve on a slab of Canadian bacon on top of a toasted english muffin generously drizzled with fresh hollandaise sauce and a sprinkle of paprika. MMMM.  
5. Exercise: Morning, noon or night or not at all?  Morning or night...not good at that midday stuff in hot, humid Virginia summers.
6. Do you do brunch?   I love brunch, but I have some requirements...I like it best when served with a group of friends, pot luck style, with mimosas, bloody marys, and maybe even some champagne.  I have to invite specific friends who make the best brunch casseroles, sausage rolls, egg casseroles, baked goodies for the sweet tooth, fresh fruit, and the like.  I'm sure y'all would fit right in to that crowd.  
BONUS
How do you like morning sex?
Did someone say sex?  
I actually love morning sex...and it's morning from 1am to 3am to 4am to 5am and even up until 11am.  And when it gets to be after noon, well....it's always morning somewhere.  
Seriously, cuddling with my lover in the morning replaces everything in question 2 with something much more enjoyable.   

Sunday, June 9, 2013

More Thoughts

I found this on Miss Miriam's blog  and think it is worth repeating.

When there’s someone, one someone, who makes your days brighter, makes your joys greater, makes your heart lighter.  Someone, one someone, you want to share with, do everything with, go everywhere with.  Someone, one someone you want to live for.  You have something called love." ~ Kahlil Gibran

Friday, June 7, 2013

Thoughts

I found this on Miss Miriam's blog  and think it is worth repeating.

The fact that you’re struggling doesn’t make you a burden. It doesn’t make you unloveable or undesirable or undeserving of care. It doesn’t make you too much or too sensitive or too needy. It makes you human. Everyone struggles. Everyone has a difficult time coping, and at times, we all fall apart. During these times, we aren’t always easy to be around — and that’s okay. No one is easy to be around one hundred percent of the time. Yes, you may sometimes be unpleasant or difficult. And yes, you may sometimes do or say things that make the people around you feel helpless or sad. But those things aren’t all of who you are and they certainly don’t discount your worth as a human being. The truth is that you can be struggling and still be loved. You can be difficult and still be cared for. You can be less than perfect, and still be deserving of compassion and kindness.” ~ Daniell Koepke

Monday, May 13, 2013

An Eventful Saturday

WRITTEN BY CUBBY


Last Saturday afternoon Nate and I were making run into town to visit the local Richmond brewery when we happened upon a car (white Honda) vs. motorcycle accident about a minute after the crash. No Police or Fire Department vehicles were there yet. We were behind a line of about four cars and had an excellent view of the accident scene in front of us. The Honda was facing us and the motorcycle was on its side under the car's bumper. We couldn't see the driver of the motorcycle, but we didn't really have too much time to look because things got a whole lot more interesting real fast.

I saw some woman engaging the driver of the Honda through the passenger window. She was highly animated, flailing her arms about. We couldn't hear what she was yelling (windows were up, air conditioning on, and were too far away). We witnessed the driver of the Honda suddenly back up and drive away, allegedly fleeing the scene of the accident and allegedly committing a hit and run. The woman was clamped onto the car trying to keep it from leaving, but had to let go.

Nate was driving, and as the vehicle sped past us, Nate did a U-turn in the middle of the street and started chasing him. There was another vehicle in front of him (red truck) who must have seen what all had happened, and as the Honda was swerving all over the road trying to get past him, the red truck matched his moves and prevent him from getting away. Nate and I were a few car-lengths behind watching it all. A couple of blocks up the street, and by some gigantic coincidence, a cop had another driver pulled over for an apparent moving violation.

The truck stopped next to the cop car and alerted the policeman. Nate and I pulled up behind the Honda and boxed him in, preventing his escape, until the policeman could arrest him with his gun drawn! It was so cool!
As the alleged hit and run driver was trying to get away, I remembered I could shoot video with my handy iPhone, so I turned on the phone and put it into video mode as fast as I could. I shot this short video (shown at the end of this post).

I thought for sure the guy in the Honda was going to back up and crash us, or worse. We didn't know what was going to happen next. I didn't even notice there was a cop there until he seemingly appeared out of nowhere with his gun drawn. It was like one of those scripted reality TV shows! In my head I kept hearing "Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do?"

The video's not much -- just a few seconds as the arrest was about to be made. I was afraid the cop would spot me with the iPhone then confiscate it as evidence, leaving me without a phone for months. I didn't want to risk that so I stopped recording. What you don't see is the cop pulling the young man out of the car, handcuffing him behind the back, then calling in for backup. We left at that point. We had a brewery to get to!
Nate uploaded the video and a brief summary to the local Richmond TV news tip line, and we watched the news that night expecting to see at a minimum a two-second clip of the cop coming around the Honda with his gun drawn (I figured the TV station would use that bit as a teaser during the broadcast), but the story didn't even make the news. It turns out there was a second hit and run in Richmond on Saturday, one involving a death, and that one got all the air play. Our little hit and run was just too boring to even report.
This is a link to Cubby's blog: Here

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

50 THINGS


             



1: What would you name your future daughter?
                Christina
2: Do you miss anyone?
                Yes...lots of people...mostly my Dad and Mom.
3: What if I told you that you were pretty?
                I would smile and wonder what is wrong with you.
4: Ever been told “it’s not you, it’s me”?
No, but I've said it a lot...and it was true.
5: What are you looking forward to in the next week?
               Time with my lover.
6: Did you go out or stay in last night?
                Out to a fantastic Italian restaurant with a friend.
7: How late did you stay up last night?
                10:15
8: Honestly, has anyone seen you in your underwear in the past 3 months?
                Yes, and no more will be said.
9: What were you doing at 12:30 this afternoon?
                Watching a recorded show, The Chew.
10: Have you ever told somebody you loved them and not actually meant it?
No
11: Could you go for the rest of your life without drinking alcohol?
                Yes, but I wouldn't like it.  I think when we have to, we all can do things that we didn't know we could do.

12: Have you pretended to like someone?
                Probably, but no one comes to mind.  [My ex boss, maybe...does that count?]
13: Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette?
                Yes
14: Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?
                Yes.  And thinking of him is making me smile right now.
15: Is it hard for you to get over someone?
                No, it is not hard, it is nearly impossible.  I probably never actually get over anyone.
16: Think back five months ago, were you single?
                Yes, and I didn't like it.
17: Have you ever cried from being so mad?
                No, I don't cry from being mad, I cry when I am happy, and, of course, when I am very sad. 
18: Hold hands with anyone this week?
Yes
19: Did your last kiss take place in/on a bed?
                No...it was just before leaving the apartment.
20: Who did you last see in person?
                My son, just before he went to bed.
21: What is the last thing you said out loud?
                I'll fix your lunch in the morning.
22: Have you kissed three or more people in one night?
                Yes

23: Have you ever been to Paris?
                No.  I would love to go, but I want to go all over Europe.
24: Are you good at hiding your feelings?
                Not even close.  Anyone who really knows me can read me like a book.
25: Do you use chap stick?
                Yes
26: Who did you last share a bed with?
                My man.

27: Are you listening to music right now?
                No...it is the quiet of the morning for me.  Listening to the birds and the occasional school bus.
28: What is something you currently want right now?
                To be independently wealthy so that I can spend the rest of my life with those I love.
29: Were your last three kisses from the same person?
                Yes
30: How is your heart lately?
                My physical heart is healthy according to the Doc...my emotional heart is happy when he is close.
31: Do you wear the hood on your hoodie?
When it rains or when I am cold....windy.
32: When was the last time a member of the opposite sex hugged you?
                I honestly don't remember.
33: What do people call you?
                Dad, Mister, Sir, dumb-shit.  Many different things.
34: Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but didn’t?
                Oh yes...many times.
35: Are there any stressful situations in your life?
                Yes, more than we have space for here!
36: What are you listening to right now?
                The clicking of the keys, the cat's purring.
37: What is wrong with you right now?
                Oh, WOW.  Where do I start?  Sore leg muscles from extended hiking/walking with Cubby, a bit hungry as I haven't had breakfast yet.  But, all in all, I am a pretty 'right' guy.
38: Love really is a beautiful thing huh?
                It absolutely is!
39: Do you make wishes at 11:11?
                No, is that a S African thing?
40: What is on your wrists right now?
                Nothing
41: Are you single/taken/heartbroken/confused/waiting for the unexpected?
                Taken!
42: Where did you get the shirt/sweatshirt you’re wearing?
                I'm still in my bathrobe, and it's so old I am not sure, but I think it was a Christmas present from my kids.
43: Have you ever regretted kissing someone?
                I don't know that I regretted kissing anyone, although there were a few who I only kissed because it was the protocol...kind of expected.

44: Have you hugged someone within the last week?
                Yes, every day!

45: Have you kissed anyone in the last five days?
                Yes...same one several times.

46: What were you doing at midnight last night?
                Sleeping…

47: Do you miss the way things were six months ago?
                Not at all.  Nor a year ago.
48: Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?
                Someone else, hate sleeping alone!
49: Have you ever been to New York?
                Yes, a few times, but only on business.  I really want a few days in NYC with my man.
50: Think of the last person who said I love you, do you think they meant it?
                Yes...that was a few hours ago, and, Yes, I think he meant it.

Friday, May 3, 2013

It's Spring!!!

Yes, SPRING!!! 
The mention of Spring likely elicits different memories and emotions from each of us, but the one thing that I think we can agree on, is that it signals a new beginning.  An opportunity to shed the old skin and start anew.  New buds on the plants readying themselves to grow and mature.  Ducklings with new down that will soon turn into beautiful feathers, learning to swim, hunt, and fend for themselves.

For me, this Spring is significant as it starts a new life for me as well.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Audition


As many of you know, several months ago I was a victim of downsizing by my former company.  For a lot of good reasons, I look at nearly all opportunities that I see.  One of them was very much out of my realm of expertise, but I thought, "Why not?", and proceeded to take the preliminary steps to apply.  The job?  An extra in a movie being shot near my home near Richmond. 
Who doesn't want to be in a movie?  It looked so easy, just go to the website, fill out a short questionnaire, pick a few pictures, and in a few days, someone will call you and tell you to show up for your $100 (or whatever they are paying).



I got the call on Monday.  I am so glad Cubby was around so that I could share my good news with him.  For just $199 for the first year, these good people were going to make my picture and all of my information available to the good folks choosing extras for a Brad Pitt movie.  Doesn't that sound just fantastic? 

Needless to say, they have not parted me from my $199.  Maybe it's all great, but I am one of those 'show me first' guys. 


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A Great Article on Jason Collins by Jason Whitlock


Image: Jason Collins (© Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

I know that many of you will immediately dismiss any suggestion that Fox may have something worth reading, but I urge you to just try it.  This article is good, IMHO, because it supports Jason Collins but acknowledges that we still have work to do.  Try it.

Jason Whitlock on Jason Collins future



Thursday, April 25, 2013

Sean's TMI Thursdays

Mommy, I'm Sick...
Sean from Just a Jeep Guy poses questions weekly.  This is my response to this week's TMI questions.
1. When you were a kid, what would your mom (or who) do to make you feel better?
I really don't remember anything special, but I remember that she was always there for me.  Medicine, food, or just doting on me...being around fretting over me...and it was all good. 
2. Who takes care of you now?
Fortunately, I haven't been really sick for a while.  But, I think it will be a combination of my kids and that special guy.
3. How often do you tend to get sick?
Typically a cold a year, and every few years, a bout with the flu or something close to it.  Other than that, I have been fortunate.  Unless I collide with other cars or stick my appendages in heavy industrial equipment, I am otherwise healthy.
4. How are you at comforting and aiding the sick?
I think I am pretty good at that, especially if it is someone close to me. 
5. Are you a good patient or a bad one?
I am a pretty good patient...usually following orders...taking appropriate medicines...but I do love to be cuddled when I'm feeling bad [whether I am otherwise sick or not, actually].  I was addicted to pain killers once, and coming off probably made me a bad patient for a while though.  
6. Do you have a your own version of chicken soup?
Not really...if I am caring for someone else, I tend to do whatever that person really likes or wants.
7. What one thing do you hate most when you get sick?
I hate missing things I have been waiting to do...like visits or parties.  I also hate lying in bed all day...makes my back hurt.
8. What's your favorite comfort food?
Reeses cups.
9. When was the first and last time you played doctor?
Never played Dr. as a kid...first time was about a year ago, and last time was last month. 

BONUS
"Not now, I have a headache." Have you used this famous excuse to get out of sex? What line have you used?
The line I most often use is, "We should do it now cause I may not feel good later."  Why would anyone want to get out of sex?

Monday, April 22, 2013

Wal Mart

-SNL Weekend Update, Seth Myers
California police arrested a man who drove his car into a Wal Mart then began beating customers.
"If there is one thing that you don't expect to happen when you are shopping in a Wal Mart, it's for things to get WORSE."

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

About those Cherry Blossoms ...



Cubby wore bright yellow so I could easily find him should I get lost.  He is so thoughtful.



Monday, April 8, 2013

A BUST!!

Someone lied.  No, the cherry blossoms were not in bloom...at least nothing remotely close to the promise.  If you tried really, really hard, you could find a tree or two that was maybe 70 or 80% open blooms, but there were damn few of them.  And they were all surrounded by photographers who, like us, came to the tidal basin to see and take pictures of the trees.  I assume a 'colder than predicted' night and a 'slower than predicted' warmup was to blame.  But ...no matter.

No blooms to gawk over, therefore we had to find other things to do. 
-Since we were already downtown, might as well watch some of the 20,000 runners in the Cherry Blossom 10K run. 


These Magnolia trees looked great!
- a trip see a beautiful garden just off the mall in a Smithsonian property.  
- a visit to the Hirshhorn Museum featuring modern art.
- lunch in the American Indian Museum cafeteria...if you have never been, it is worth the trip...not cheap, but really good, unusual dishes.
- a side trip to Ikea.






This only gives me another excuse to get to DC to see them fully in bloom.  When should I go?  Or should I just skip this year for the pictures?


Saturday, April 6, 2013

Japanese Cherry Trees to Bloom

Cherry Blossoms Peak .... story

The cherry blossoms are expected to finally peak this weekend.

Sunday is supposed to be a beautiful, sunny 70 degree day in Washington, D.C. and the cherry blossoms are expected to be at peak bloom.  And... we're going to be there to see it .... might even take pictures for you.
The Jefferson Memorial in this picture holds a special memory for me, and is a perfect backdrop for the renowned blossoms from the more than 3000 Japanese Cherry Trees that line the tidal basin.  By Sunday, or early next week, more than 70% of the buds are expected to be blooming.

This link tells  the whole story of the original trees that had to be destroyed, and the replacement trees sent by the Japanese. 

Friday, April 5, 2013

OZ ... as in the Wizard, not the Prison

We're off to see the Wizard tomorrow.  Anyone want to suggest what to 'watch for'?  I can't wait...and in 3-D too.  

Official website of OZ - the movie

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Adam Levine

I have written about Adam before, and I stated "He is anything but my ideal guy...too thin, too many tattoos, and he's not even got a chance of being gay.  But there is something about him, a sinister innocence maybe, a look, that turns me on."

After watching 'The Voice' for the last week or so, I think I know what is so endearing about him.  On two separate occasions that were broadcast, he made the extra effort to comfort an artist who didn't make it to 'The Voice'.  He didn't need to do that.  

Les Misérables

 The teaser from the movie is above.

The Trailer for the musical show that we saw!!

Cubby cleans up pretty nice, eh?
I love live theater, so when I knew Cubby was coming to town and I was looking for an evening of entertainment, I saw that Les Miserables was coming to town.  Search completed...we were going!  It was easy to make that decision. 

Having not seen Les Miz on stage or the movie, I really had little idea of what to expect.  Fortunately, my companion for the evening was not nearly as green as I, but when I suggested he could help me during the show if I should get lost, he informed me he is much too civilized to talk during the show [I'm sure you can guess my one word response to that---rhymes with witch].  I found the 'cliff notes' version of the story so I would not be completely in the dark. 

After several beers, and a great dinner at a local establishment, we were off the the theatre.  A five block walk on a beautiful evening brought us to the Richmond Landmark Theater for a stunning production of the show.  We had decent seats...possibly not the best in the house, but the orchestra level, just to the right of the center and about halfway back the theatre.  If it wasn't sold out, it was very close to it.

Promptly at 8:00, the lights dimmed and the orchestra swelled with that familiar music.  The audience was hushed, respectful, and appreciative of the performers on stage and in the pit as the show proceeded at a very fast pace.  Before we realized it, an hour had passed.

The last part of the show is very touching, very emotional and will likely leave many in tears as it did in that auditorium on Saturday.  A beautiful love story and tragedy.  

I honestly would have gone simply for the live orchestra.  They sounded fantastic, and I love the music to the show.  I was also seriously impressed with the show, especially the staging.  Having worked in theatre a bit in high school and college, I know enough about sets and lighting to appreciate a good job, just not enough to actually do the work.  LOL.

All in all, it was a great finish to a beautiful day.  The nearly three hour production left us both thankful for a fine show, but tired and ready for the walk back to the car on a pleasant spring evening in Richmond. 

This production of Les Miserables will be touring the country for most of the year.  I hope you get a chance to see it if it comes near you.  But, don't ask Cubby to help if you don't know the story...at least not until the end of it.

This is Richmond Times Review of the show.


Friday, March 29, 2013

Love? Or something else...

Shamelessly stolen from anonymous somewhere in cyberspace.

Are your palms sweaty, is your heart racing and is your voice caught within your chest??
-It isn't love, it's LIKE.

You can't keep your eyes or hands off of them, am I right??
-It isn't love, it's LUST.

Are you proud, and eager to show them off??
-It isn't love, it's LUCK.

Do you want them because you know they're there??
-It isn't love, it's LONELINESS.

Are you there because it's what everyone wants??
-It isn't love, it's LOYALTY.

Are you there because they kissed you, or held your hand??
-It isn't love, it's LOW CONFIDENCE.

Do you stay for their confessions of love, because you don't want to hurt them??
-It isn't love, it's PITY.

Do you belong to them because their sight makes your heart skip a beat??
-It isn't love, it's INFATUATION.

Do you pardon their faults because you care about them??
-It isn't love, it's FRIENDSHIP.

Do you tell them every day they are the only one you think of??
-It isn't love, it's a LIE.

Are you willing to give all of your favorite things for their sake??
-It isn't love, it's CHARITY.

Does your heart ache and break when they're sad??
-Then it's LOVE.

Do you cry for their pain, even when they're strong??
-Then it's LOVE.

Do their eyes see your true heart, and touch your soul so deeply it hurts??
-Then it's LOVE.

Do you stay because a blinding, incomprehensible mix of pain and relation pulls you close and holds you there??
-Then it's LOVE.

Do you accept their faults because they're a part of who they are??
-Then it's LOVE.

Are you attracted to others, but stay with them faithfully without regret??
-Then it's LOVE.

Would you give them your heart, your life, your death??
-Then it's LOVE.

Now, if love is painful, and tortures us so, why do we love? Why is it all we search for in life? This pain, this agony? Why is it all we long for?  This torture, this powerful death of self? Why?

The answer is so simple cause it's...LOVE. It is such an addictive thing that even people who
are not having it wish to experience it and share it with others as well.