Fiorella had high expectations of the Georgetown Theater's production of the musical 1776 because it was a much-lauded Broadway show, and also because, in her second book, she had given her hero a role in Bosque Bend's civic theater production of it. But the Palace show dragged into boredom, and, when, despite the beautiful voice of Buddy Novak singing a heart-wrenching ballad, the last scene of the first act fell flat, she and Husband decided enough was enough and walked out at intermission.
There were other problems too. For some unisex reason, a good number of the male roles, including that of John Adams, were played by women who dressed as men but sang in decidedly female voices, and although Danielle Ruth played Adams manfully, it didn't help that "his" wife was a good foot taller than he was. Also, the portrayal of Benjamin Franklin as a buffoon affronted Fio, who always enjoyed reading--and teaching--his clever essays. And she got tired of characters making sniggering sexual references like dirty-minded schoolboys.
On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson (Justin Dam) was a heartthrob with an electrifying voice, and most of the women also had excellent singing voices. But their speaking voices got loud and painfully shrill during the political arguments, which made Fio realize why Hillary keeps her vocal tone under tight control.
The company was a motley crew. The representative from Georgia, played by a chirpy little blonde, didn't even try for a southern accent while the representative from South Carolina (Rutledge, played to perfection by Emily Perzan) had it down pat. In fact, Fio's eyes kept following Perzan, who stayed in character the entire time.
The setting (of the first act at least) was interesting, a reproduction of Independence Hall, tally board and all, but the costumes looked like leftovers from earlier productions, and the "men's" wigs looked like restyled women's wigs, Franklin's being the worst.
Two final notes.
1) Listening to the right/left song. Fio couldn't help but wonder if scheduling 1776 for the month before elections was deliberate, a subtle attempt to influence the electorate to, as the Continental Congress did, go left.
2) Studying the skeleton of this slow-motion bomb, Fio realized she too could write a boffo Broadway show. How about she flesh out the "Gift of the Magi" musical she outlined in her second book? Producers, angels, are you listening?
Monday, October 31, 2016
1776 GeorgetownTheater Review--B-O-R-I-N-G
Fiorella had high expectations of the Georgetown Theater's production of the musical 1776 because it was a much-lauded Broadway show, and also because, in her second book, she had given her hero a role in Bosque Bend's civic theater production of it. But the Palace show dragged into boredom, and, when, despite the beautiful voice of Buddy Novak singing a heart-wrenching ballad, the last scene of the first act fell flat, she and Husband decided enough was enough and walked out at intermission.
There were other problems too. For some unisex reason, a good number of the male roles, including that of John Adams, were played by women who dressed as men but sang in decidedly female voices, and although Danielle Ruth played Adams manfully, it didn't help that "his" wife was a good foot taller than he was. Also, the portrayal of Benjamin Franklin as a buffoon offended Fio, who always enjoyed reading--and teaching--his clever essays. And she got tired of characters making sniggering sexual references like dirty-minded schoolboys.
On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson (Justin Dam) was a heartthrob with an electrifying voice, and most of the women also had excellent singing voices. But their speaking voices got loud and painfully shrill during the political arguments, which made Fio realize why Hillary keeps her vocal tone under tight control.
The company was a motley crew. The representative from Georgia, played by a chirpy little blonde, didn't even try for a southern accent while the representative from South Carolina (Rutledge, played to perfection by Emily Perzan) had it down pat. In fact, Fio's eyes kept following Perzan, who stayed in character the entire time.
The setting (of the first act at least) was interesting, a reproduction of Independence Hall, tally board and all, but the costumes looked like leftovers from earlier productions, and the "men's" wigs looked like restyled women's wigs, Franklin's being the worst.
Two final notes.
1) Listening to the right/left song. Fio couldn't help but wonder if scheduling 1776 for the month before elections was deliberate, a subtle attempt to influence the electorate to, as the Continental Congress did, go left.
2) Studying the skeleton of this slow-motion bomb, Fio realized she too could write a boffo Broadway show. How about she flesh out the "Gift of the Magi" musical she outlined in her second book? Producers, angels, are you listening?
There were other problems too. For some unisex reason, a good number of the male roles, including that of John Adams, were played by women who dressed as men but sang in decidedly female voices, and although Danielle Ruth played Adams manfully, it didn't help that "his" wife was a good foot taller than he was. Also, the portrayal of Benjamin Franklin as a buffoon offended Fio, who always enjoyed reading--and teaching--his clever essays. And she got tired of characters making sniggering sexual references like dirty-minded schoolboys.
On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson (Justin Dam) was a heartthrob with an electrifying voice, and most of the women also had excellent singing voices. But their speaking voices got loud and painfully shrill during the political arguments, which made Fio realize why Hillary keeps her vocal tone under tight control.
The company was a motley crew. The representative from Georgia, played by a chirpy little blonde, didn't even try for a southern accent while the representative from South Carolina (Rutledge, played to perfection by Emily Perzan) had it down pat. In fact, Fio's eyes kept following Perzan, who stayed in character the entire time.
The setting (of the first act at least) was interesting, a reproduction of Independence Hall, tally board and all, but the costumes looked like leftovers from earlier productions, and the "men's" wigs looked like restyled women's wigs, Franklin's being the worst.
Two final notes.
1) Listening to the right/left song. Fio couldn't help but wonder if scheduling 1776 for the month before elections was deliberate, a subtle attempt to influence the electorate to, as the Continental Congress did, go left.
2) Studying the skeleton of this slow-motion bomb, Fio realized she too could write a boffo Broadway show. How about she flesh out the "Gift of the Magi" musical she outlined in her second book? Producers, angels, are you listening?
Sunday, October 30, 2016
A Good Evening Out
People invigorate Fiorella, even at a ladies' wine-tasting party at which Fiorella doesn't partake of the main course because she's never developed a taste for alcohol.
As Fio started out for vecina (neighbor) Kathy's casa (house) at about four, her vecina up the street, Micky, joined her and they walked and talked the rest of the way together. At the party, Fio became acquainted or better acquainted with other vecinas. We talked about the vecindad (neighborhood)--the casa that is up for sale, current gentrification efforts, rattlesnake and coyote sightings--and we talked about our perros (dogs) and familias (families). Fio managed to get in a plug for Fernando's yardwork, and Kathy told everyone about the romances Fio writes, but the real thrill for Fio was when one of the vecinas, a native speaker of el espanol (Spanish), offered to help Fio with the language. Pobrecita (poor little one), she doesn't know how soon she's going to be called on.
As Fio started out for vecina (neighbor) Kathy's casa (house) at about four, her vecina up the street, Micky, joined her and they walked and talked the rest of the way together. At the party, Fio became acquainted or better acquainted with other vecinas. We talked about the vecindad (neighborhood)--the casa that is up for sale, current gentrification efforts, rattlesnake and coyote sightings--and we talked about our perros (dogs) and familias (families). Fio managed to get in a plug for Fernando's yardwork, and Kathy told everyone about the romances Fio writes, but the real thrill for Fio was when one of the vecinas, a native speaker of el espanol (Spanish), offered to help Fio with the language. Pobrecita (poor little one), she doesn't know how soon she's going to be called on.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Spanish vs. English
Fio picked up a Spanish-language newspaper (periodico) the other day and is working her way through the ads. Her vocabulary has increased and she's added some prepositions and a verb or two, but hasn't gone in for the kill yet--conjugations and declensions. In the meantime, she's still watching Spanish-language TV, which is a story in itself. Apparently being able to cry on cue is a prerequisite for the female stars. Last night was the crowner--five women weeping in a hospital room all at once.
Fio is fascinated by the contrast between English and Spanish. For instance, Spanish uses more syllables than English in pronouncing such morphemes as -ion and to to express a possessive construction (banquetta del piano vs. piano bench). Spanish also avoids certain consonant combinations by adding in "extra" vowels (escuela vs. school).
All in all, because they are both Indo-European languages, English comes out sounding like a shorthand of Spanish. The difference is that English took the Germanic route and Spanish took the Romance route, which all goes to show you that you can take the girl out of linguistics but can't take the linguistics out of the girl.
Fio is fascinated by the contrast between English and Spanish. For instance, Spanish uses more syllables than English in pronouncing such morphemes as -ion and to to express a possessive construction (banquetta del piano vs. piano bench). Spanish also avoids certain consonant combinations by adding in "extra" vowels (escuela vs. school).
All in all, because they are both Indo-European languages, English comes out sounding like a shorthand of Spanish. The difference is that English took the Germanic route and Spanish took the Romance route, which all goes to show you that you can take the girl out of linguistics but can't take the linguistics out of the girl.
Spanish vs. English
Fio picked up a Spanish-language newspaper (periodico) the other day and is working her way through the ads. Her vocabulary has increased and she's added some prepositions and a verb or two, but hasn't gone for the kill yet--conjugations and declensions. In the meantime, she's still watching Spanish-language TV, which is a story in itself. Apparently being able to cry on cue is a prerequisite for the female stars. Last night was the crowner--five women weeping in a hospital room all at once.
Fio is fascinated by the contrast between English and Spanish. For instance, Spanish uses more syllables in such pronunciations as -ion and to to express a possessive construction than English (banquetta del piano vs. piano bench). Spanish also avoids certain consonant combinations by adding in "extra" vowels (escuela vs. school).
All in all, because they are both Indo-European languages, English comes out sounding like a shorthand of Spanish. The difference is that English took the Germanic route and Spanish took the Romance route, which all goes to show you that you can take the girl out of linguistics but can't take the linguistics out of the girl.
Fio is fascinated by the contrast between English and Spanish. For instance, Spanish uses more syllables in such pronunciations as -ion and to to express a possessive construction than English (banquetta del piano vs. piano bench). Spanish also avoids certain consonant combinations by adding in "extra" vowels (escuela vs. school).
All in all, because they are both Indo-European languages, English comes out sounding like a shorthand of Spanish. The difference is that English took the Germanic route and Spanish took the Romance route, which all goes to show you that you can take the girl out of linguistics but can't take the linguistics out of the girl.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Manic Phase
Watch out, world! Fiorella feels GOOD today! Two doctor visits yesterday, and both went well. Also, her cockamamie idea of buying a twelve foot long 4x5, having it cut into four-foot lengths so she could handle them and they would fit into the back seat of Husband's car, then driving then home to use instead of rocks at strategic places along the driveway so the riding mower will have easy access (got all that?) looks like it will work. Also, when she and Husband accidentally locked themselves outside the house, she realized the only way they could get in was by removing the temporary guest-room air conditioner and climbing in the window--and since Husband's arm is still in a sling, she did the job, which was sort of thrilling. Her first break and enter!
Also, she accomplished everything on her lista yesterday (ayer), celebrated with two slices of Starbucks marble pound cake and a pint of Blue Bell without even have a twinge of GERD, slept like a baby all night, woke up today with the beginnings of a marketing plan for Phillipa's story, and feels Tony-the-Tiger G-R-R-R-E-A-T!
Also, she accomplished everything on her lista yesterday (ayer), celebrated with two slices of Starbucks marble pound cake and a pint of Blue Bell without even have a twinge of GERD, slept like a baby all night, woke up today with the beginnings of a marketing plan for Phillipa's story, and feels Tony-the-Tiger G-R-R-R-E-A-T!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Progress
Husband is home from the hospital to stay, and we picked up his car from the body shop this afternoon, which are two giant steps forward. Now if we can just find his wallet and two pairs of my glasses, which have been missing for about a week. Wish us well.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Two-car Family
It's nerve-wracking when you're down to one hoss. Husband rode the Miata to the local drivers' license bureau, and Fio is sitting at home trying not to think of all the dastardly things that might happen along the way. Like that he'd get picked up for driving without a license and Fio's baby car would be impounded, leaving them completely without transportation. Like that he'd lose the ONE AND ONLY KEY. Like that he'd get into an accident. Like that he'll run late, forgetting that Fiorella needs the car by 1:00.
But if all goes well, Husband will come home with a replacement driver's license in hand, and we will pick up his repaired boat of a car tomorrow, which will put two hosses in our corral again. Then Fio can let her well-developed worrying powers dwell on whatever other possible crisis rears its ugly head.
But if all goes well, Husband will come home with a replacement driver's license in hand, and we will pick up his repaired boat of a car tomorrow, which will put two hosses in our corral again. Then Fio can let her well-developed worrying powers dwell on whatever other possible crisis rears its ugly head.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Determination
When times get rough,
Rough and tough,
More than enough,
Fiorella will contrive,
Contrive and connive.
To survive
Rough and tough,
More than enough,
Fiorella will contrive,
Contrive and connive.
To survive
Monday, October 24, 2016
Running Late
Greetings, Fellow Mortals!
Yes, Fio is running late. A little problema with her computadora, claro que si. To be preciso, her internet wouldn't open up. Panic--was it another internet attack? Fio sped off to ever-reliable Click, where her internet opened up immediately, so she brought la computadora back home and her esposo labored in his oficina for half an hora and finally got la machina working right, although Fio has to go round-about ways to reach Google News, Facebook, and her G-mail.
Will Fiorella every have a nice, peaceful, productive day again or has she already entered the gates of electronic hell?
Yes, Fio is running late. A little problema with her computadora, claro que si. To be preciso, her internet wouldn't open up. Panic--was it another internet attack? Fio sped off to ever-reliable Click, where her internet opened up immediately, so she brought la computadora back home and her esposo labored in his oficina for half an hora and finally got la machina working right, although Fio has to go round-about ways to reach Google News, Facebook, and her G-mail.
Will Fiorella every have a nice, peaceful, productive day again or has she already entered the gates of electronic hell?
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Current Issues
Instead of devoting her day to writing yesterday, Fio devoted it to another hospital visit and her baby car, whose battery died at the hospital (irony), leaving Fio and Husband stranded. But all's well that ends well, and by the end of the day, everyone and everything was shipshape again.
It looks like the electronic underpinning of the country is shipshape again too--until the next time.
Such a frail system to live by. Fio has long warned that God may decide to turn off the electricity, but it never dawned on her that technology could be manipulated to turn upon itself. A deeper concern is why do people do things like this, deliberately destroy.
It looks like the electronic underpinning of the country is shipshape again too--until the next time.
Such a frail system to live by. Fio has long warned that God may decide to turn off the electricity, but it never dawned on her that technology could be manipulated to turn upon itself. A deeper concern is why do people do things like this, deliberately destroy.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Literary Ambition
Fiorella is planning to get going with Phillipa's story again today. That's the one she put in storage six weeks ago when Husband started his in-and-out-the-window with the hospitals. Wish her well.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Tidbits a la Mode
Happy birthday to Sonia dog! She is five wonderful years old today, and Fio loves her more than ever.
*
Fiorella's prediction of two more Trump biggies before the election has come half-true, but Fio's timing was off. Instead of it coming before the third debate, it came at the end of it, and el hombre malo provided it by calling Clinton a "nasty woman" like a second-grader saying all girls have cooties. Now let's see if there's another reveal between now and November 7.
*
When Fio opened her front door and picked up the newspaper this morning, she noticed there were a few dead leaves on it and the porch. Aaah--fall is here at last.
*
Fiorella's prediction of two more Trump biggies before the election has come half-true, but Fio's timing was off. Instead of it coming before the third debate, it came at the end of it, and el hombre malo provided it by calling Clinton a "nasty woman" like a second-grader saying all girls have cooties. Now let's see if there's another reveal between now and November 7.
*
When Fio opened her front door and picked up the newspaper this morning, she noticed there were a few dead leaves on it and the porch. Aaah--fall is here at last.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Hi, There!
Fiorella met a Dutch couple at Starbucks last week and, Fio being Fio, she asked them how to say to say "Hello" in that language, so now "Goede dag" has joined "Guten tag," "Hola," "Nee hau," "Bon jour," "Buongiorno," "Zdrahstweetza," "Keefik," and "Nuhmuhstay."
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Misplaced Priorities
Fiorella is outraged at the report that the Smithsonian is trying to raise $300,000 to repair "Dorothy's ruby slippers." In the first place, those were Judy Garland's shoes, not Dorothy's--in L. Frank Baum's book, Dorothy's slippers were silver. In the second place, "The Wizard of Oz" was an enjoyable movie, but those shoes are neither a religious not a historical relic. In the third place, and most important, $300,000 spent repairing costume shoes would be a massive misuse of resources that could otherwise be used to better peoples' lives through education, medical research, or help agencies. Let's get real here--people are more important than celluloid.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
What Is This Thing Called "Normal?"
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...the light at the end of the tunnel. Husband has been home from the hospital for a week now and seems to be genuinely on the mend this time. Meanwhile Minnesota son has gotten the family electronics straightened out and helped with after-care and transportation, and Fiorella's monstrous list has been reduced to half a page. Still a few things to go--like finding Husband's wallet--but all in all, sanity is returning to Casa Fiorella. She's planning to wash her hair today and has made arrangements to attend a romance writers' meeting tonight. And, wonder of wonders, she's soon going to have time to write again.
Monday, October 17, 2016
One Down, One to Go
Things are looking up. Fiorella's yellow list, the one she called and visited seven places to try to locate, was found--in the cushions of a chair that had been already searched several times. Now if we can just find Husband's wallet.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Happiness Is a Happy Family
Minnesota son, who is visiting to help Fio and Husband in the aftermath of Husband's hospital stays, celebrated his belated birthday yesterday. In the afternoon, he drove into Austin for a get-together with Brother and Sister, and, in the evening, Brother came to the house and was joined by Cousin and Wife. There were a lot of stories and a lot of laughter, which warmed Fio's heart. She slept well last night.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Older
Fiorella is officially an old lady, but that's better than being a dead old lady. To prove her maturity, she wears the universal pendant of old age, a personal alarm button. (Truth to tell, the major reason is that she might take a fall or encounter a rattler or copperhead the hard way while she is exploring the wildwoods.)
*
There should probably be an upper age limit for drivers, but then how could older people get around to buy clothes and groceries, visit with friends, and attend doctor appointments?
*
This topic is depressing. Fio needs her hair done, some botox, a photofacial, and a pedicure to cheer her up.
*
There should probably be an upper age limit for drivers, but then how could older people get around to buy clothes and groceries, visit with friends, and attend doctor appointments?
*
This topic is depressing. Fio needs her hair done, some botox, a photofacial, and a pedicure to cheer her up.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Political Prediction
Fiorella is fascinated by the rhythm of the Democratic campaign. You can't tell her that Hillary's people haven't spent months amassing a treasure chest of goodies about Trump for release at set intervals--like just before a debate. And Fio suspects there will be two more reveals to come, at least one of them about Trump's purported drug habit. (Spoiler alert: look up "Trumps' drug dealer" on Google.)
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Fiorella Indominatable
With Husband in and out of the hospital, Fiorella has been burning the candle at both ends, taking care of everything at home, then running off to visit Husband with rolling suitcases and plastic bags of requested items. But today she took a vacation. Minnesota son has come down to Texas to help, and he gave Fio the day off. While he visited with his father, Fio took care of the dregs of the tax returns for 2015), cleaned up more of the den and bedroom, and arranged for appointments with all the medicos she had had to cancel for Husband and herself during this time of crisis. Lots more to do, but she's hoping to be able to start writing again at the end of the week. Wish her well.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Updating Sonia Dog
Sonia dog is wise to the odors of humankind. She huddles on the couch, dejected but accepting, when she smells Chanel #5 because that means Mommy is about to drive off somewhere without her. And she rushes to the door, her tail wagging, when she smells mosquito repellent because that means Mommy is about to go out into the yard and she is welcome to accompany her.
*
Sonia likes her morning ceremonies. She demands a new-day rub down, then expects to receive a rawhide bone, the leftover milk from Mommy's breakfast cereal bowl, and a Milkbone.. And if Mommy forgets anything, Sonia clues her in by whining piteously or delivering a sharp, reprimanding bark.
*
Sonia is a homebody. She is the on;y dog Fiorella has ever had that doesn't make a run for freedom the second the door is opened. Instead, when Mommy invites her out, she explores the area for new (and suspicious) developments, then waits patiently on the porch for Mommy to let her back inside so she can nap on the couch again..
*
Sonia likes her morning ceremonies. She demands a new-day rub down, then expects to receive a rawhide bone, the leftover milk from Mommy's breakfast cereal bowl, and a Milkbone.. And if Mommy forgets anything, Sonia clues her in by whining piteously or delivering a sharp, reprimanding bark.
*
Sonia is a homebody. She is the on;y dog Fiorella has ever had that doesn't make a run for freedom the second the door is opened. Instead, when Mommy invites her out, she explores the area for new (and suspicious) developments, then waits patiently on the porch for Mommy to let her back inside so she can nap on the couch again..
Friday, October 7, 2016
Restored
Fiorella has been in a very stressful situation lately which has resulted in her boiling over with anger, not being able to sleep, running around like a chicken with her head cut off--the works--so today she took the afternoon off and put up her Halloween decorations. A big metal jack-o-lantern went on the wrought iron table in the yard, paper pumpkins were stuck to her front door and selected side windows, and a swirl of cardboard bats were arranged so they moved from one front window to the next one. In addition, a small plastic skeleton now hangs from the mailbox (buzon) out on the road (camino).
And Fiorella is happy.
And Fiorella is happy.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Five Fio Factoids
Fiorella planned to grow up tall, slender, graceful, dignified, and serene. Guess who didn't hit her mark, mark, mark, mark, mark.
*
Fiorella's operates by priorities, lists, and systems. And yeah, she's a three-things-at-once kind of gal.
*
Fiorella likes people. She's interested in them, especially the ones she doesn't understand.
*
Fiorella knows all those words but usually doesn't use them. Usually.
*
Fio has a deep need to communicate, to express herself. So far she's written books, short stories, poetry, essays, and reported for newspapers and magazines. She also maintains this blog and is active on Facebook. The girl just can't keep her mouth shut or her pen still.
*
Fiorella's operates by priorities, lists, and systems. And yeah, she's a three-things-at-once kind of gal.
*
Fiorella likes people. She's interested in them, especially the ones she doesn't understand.
*
Fiorella knows all those words but usually doesn't use them. Usually.
*
Fio has a deep need to communicate, to express herself. So far she's written books, short stories, poetry, essays, and reported for newspapers and magazines. She also maintains this blog and is active on Facebook. The girl just can't keep her mouth shut or her pen still.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Minnesota Son's Birthday
Today is the birthday of Fiorella's oldest child, and Fio can't help but reminisce a little. Minnesota Son was a big baby, just over ten pounds, with black hair and blue eyes, and, as the nurses had said, exceptionally pretty for a newborn.
The dark hair soon fell out, and medium brown hair came in at about the same time the blue eyes turned brown. Fio's brown-eyed mother was thrilled. She held Son in her arms and, with her blue-eyed daughter standing beside her, said, "I think dark eyes look more intelligent."
Son was a good baby and slept through the night so early that it scared Fio the first time. He was an early walker too, but the talking came late, probably because, as Husband and Fio finally discovered, he needed tubes in his ears.
He was a very active child, learning to ride a two-wheel bike when he was three, and he loved playgrounds--always trying to figure out how things worked, like when he hunched down and peered at the motor under the merry-go-round. Later on, he learned how to fix anything mechanical, and now he can take on anything electronic.
He's good with animals and was always musical, a talent that has blossomed through the years, as has his art. And he has a great speaking voice and vocabulary and uses good grammar.
But most important, Son has a good heart and loves his wife, his family, and his God.
Fiorella is blessed.
The dark hair soon fell out, and medium brown hair came in at about the same time the blue eyes turned brown. Fio's brown-eyed mother was thrilled. She held Son in her arms and, with her blue-eyed daughter standing beside her, said, "I think dark eyes look more intelligent."
Son was a good baby and slept through the night so early that it scared Fio the first time. He was an early walker too, but the talking came late, probably because, as Husband and Fio finally discovered, he needed tubes in his ears.
He was a very active child, learning to ride a two-wheel bike when he was three, and he loved playgrounds--always trying to figure out how things worked, like when he hunched down and peered at the motor under the merry-go-round. Later on, he learned how to fix anything mechanical, and now he can take on anything electronic.
He's good with animals and was always musical, a talent that has blossomed through the years, as has his art. And he has a great speaking voice and vocabulary and uses good grammar.
But most important, Son has a good heart and loves his wife, his family, and his God.
Fiorella is blessed.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Fio, Future, Barbara Lee
Fio has always avoided wearing her glasses in favor of--ahem--her natural beauty. But she's decided to keep them on all the time now because she needs to see and because--well--they're so stylish.
***
Husband's mother once told Fio that she and Husband's father would not be able to stay in their home if it weren't for their loyal long-time maid, and Fio is foreseeing a future in which she and Husband will be more and more dependent on their twice-a-month maid, once-a month yardman, and the handyman Fio wants to hire, which will add up to quite a chunk of cash. A retreat to the city is in the cards sooner rather than later.
***
God bless Barbara Lee. God bless us all.
***
Husband's mother once told Fio that she and Husband's father would not be able to stay in their home if it weren't for their loyal long-time maid, and Fio is foreseeing a future in which she and Husband will be more and more dependent on their twice-a-month maid, once-a month yardman, and the handyman Fio wants to hire, which will add up to quite a chunk of cash. A retreat to the city is in the cards sooner rather than later.
***
God bless Barbara Lee. God bless us all.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Maturity?
More and more, Fiorella is guided by the old adages--like a stitch in time saves nine, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, never put off till tomorrow what you can do today, and waste not, want not. Oh Lordy, maybe she's finally grown up.
Sunday, October 2, 2016
What a Show!
Fiorella LOVED Georgetown's Palace Theater production of 42nd Street! It hit all the right spots and left the audience begging for more. Georgetown's Palace Theater has come along way from when it had to paint mustaches on high school boys and so they could pass as adults on stage.
42nd Street is a period piece, and Fio doesn't remember ever seeing it as a movie,but she did know most of the songs--notably Dames, We're in the Money, Sunny Side, Lullaby of Broadway, About a Quarter to Nine, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Forty-second Street. The story, based on a movie based on a book, is cliche: a young, pretty hoofer comes to NY, is thrust into spotlight, and, despite setbacks, makes it big. It's a silly show biz parody in which even the villain turns sweet, but it's also somehow quite touching.
What can Fio say? The casting was great, the costumes were perfect, the settings were right-on, and the dance numbers (choreographed by Jessee Smart) were unbelievably good. Fio's favorite routines were the French farce-like scene on the sleeper car and the Agnes de Mille hooker scene at the end of the show.
Getting down to nit-picking minutia, the heroine's blonde wig turned a surprising white under "nighttime" lights, the young boy in the cast never missed a beat but seemed out of place in the sometimes bawdy musical, and Fio and her guests couldn't figure out why a happy-looking man was dressed--and danced--as a woman in the final scene.
Anyway, the show was great. Fio's been through a lot lately and 42nd Street allowed her to escape into another world for two glorious hours. Maybe that's what show business is all about.
42nd Street is a period piece, and Fio doesn't remember ever seeing it as a movie,but she did know most of the songs--notably Dames, We're in the Money, Sunny Side, Lullaby of Broadway, About a Quarter to Nine, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Forty-second Street. The story, based on a movie based on a book, is cliche: a young, pretty hoofer comes to NY, is thrust into spotlight, and, despite setbacks, makes it big. It's a silly show biz parody in which even the villain turns sweet, but it's also somehow quite touching.
What can Fio say? The casting was great, the costumes were perfect, the settings were right-on, and the dance numbers (choreographed by Jessee Smart) were unbelievably good. Fio's favorite routines were the French farce-like scene on the sleeper car and the Agnes de Mille hooker scene at the end of the show.
Getting down to nit-picking minutia, the heroine's blonde wig turned a surprising white under "nighttime" lights, the young boy in the cast never missed a beat but seemed out of place in the sometimes bawdy musical, and Fio and her guests couldn't figure out why a happy-looking man was dressed--and danced--as a woman in the final scene.
Anyway, the show was great. Fio's been through a lot lately and 42nd Street allowed her to escape into another world for two glorious hours. Maybe that's what show business is all about.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
A Dog's Life
Fio was thrilled when Sonia Dog began burying rawhide bones not only in the couch and the newspapers, but OUTSIDE because she is the first dog Fio has ever had who did so. But recently Sonia has taken to digging up bones from the yard and bringing them inside to chaw on. Fio is not as thrilled.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
