Birdcage to Bedlam on Cinema Sunday

Posted on March 4, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I tear my eyes away from the television screen to make a Sunday Cinema post.  It is my dear husband Steven’s birthday, and we have spent the day enjoying each other and a few movies.  However, blog posts must be made (that is, my blog posts, by me, and daily; others may follow their own rules of course).  We started with Bird Cage (1996), at Steven’s request.  I love that movie, too, although any Robin Williams movie will be forever bittersweet since his untimely death by suicide.  I apologize for the serious note in a blog that bills itself at “totally fun,” although I confess I am not really sorry.

I think this is a merry moment off camera.

I looked for a good picture of Williams with Nathan Lane in drag, but the best I could find was one of them laughing together.  I like that, though.  Laughing together is one of the joys of life.  After Bird Cage, I suggested another favorite of ours, Being Julia (2004) with the divine Annette Bening.  It is based on one of my favorite novels, Theatre by Somerset Maugham.  It is really an excellent adaptation.  I can see where each change is necessitated by the difference in medium from page to screen. Alas, I think my copy of Theatre was lost in the flood of 2013 (my stupid fault for leaving books in the basement, which I KNEW I should not have done) (but I digress).

She is marvelous, yes, and I would LOVE a cape like that!

Next I suggested Bedlam (1946) with Boris Karloff.  While looking for the DVD (it is not with our main collection for some inexplicable reason) (I think Steven is responsible) (but I digress), I came across The Bowery at Midnight (1942)  with Bela Lugosi. Lugosi or Karloff, I thought, let’s go with an old time monster movie guy.

Quite frankly, the poster is more exciting than the movie.

Bowery was not the thrill we were hoping for.  It had its moments, but it moved kind of slowly.  We were happy that I found Bedlam to put in next.

Even without the Frankenstein monster make-up, he is a creepy guy.

I wrote about that movie in a post some time ago.  Steven did not remember watching it, but when we watched it again, he remarked that it is a very good movie.  It has a good plot, with a good lesson.  I do like a story that teaches a lesson.

I might like to write a blog post one day that teaches a lesson.  Do I know enough or even act well enough myself to presume to teach anybody a lesson?  That sounds like a subject suitable for some half-baked philosophy on Lame Post Friday.  Why, that’s days away!  I’d better not think about that, or this will become Wrist to Forehead Sunday instead of Cinema Sunday.  I’d better get back to my movies. Happy Sunday, folks.

 

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Back on the Running Wagon

Posted on March 3, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I fell off the running wagon this week.  Judge me if you must, but I had my reasons.  OK, there were no reasons and if there was they were probably a stupid reasons.  Never mind that.  I ran this morning, and it felt pretty darn good.

Yesterday I counted shoveling the driveway as my exercise.  I thought a half hour of walking back and forth carrying shovelfuls of snow was exertful enough (what do you mean, “exertful” is not a word, computer? Damn!).  In fact, I tried to take a walk later but only made it for 15 minutes, because my body was tired.  But that was then, this is now, and this morning, I decided to try a run.

It was almost 8:30 when I set out, because I had eaten around 7:20 (I checked my watch, knowing I wanted to wait an hour after eating).  It was only a banana with peanut butter and raisins, but I like to give myself every advantage.  It was below 30 degrees, so I wore leggings and long sleeves.  I added my road guard vest, because it made another layer and because I knew I would be running in the road.  Also, it gives me a pocket for my tissues.

There is more traffic than I like on a Saturday morning, but not as bad as weekday mornings or any afternoons.  I got to German Street and took my chances.  I had an idea to run up the hill by Valley Health.  As I ran, I rethought that plan.  I hadn’t run since last Sunday, I reminded myself.  Running at all was good.  I didn’t need to do hills yet.  I had spent a little time earlier in the week looking at a calendar and over-thinking my training plans vis-a-vis the Boilermaker 15K in July.  I should be fine, as long as I keep at it.  Then again, it is a good idea to be better than fine, because, as we all know, shit happens.

My last run was 25 minutes.  After taking too many days off, I did not think I would increase my time by the recommended 10 percent.  In fact, if I only did 20 minutes, I could still be in fine shape by July.  Well, just keep going, I thought.  See what happens.

It was cold.  My butt was cold.  My legs were cold.  My hands were cold.  But I kept going.  After a while my head got hot.  Fancy that!  I am not usually a hot-head.  I rounded the V corner at the high school and turned down Marion Street. I was tired.  After a while, I noticed I was running at a faster rate than my usual middle-aged shuffle.  I could slow down!  Then I wouldn’t feel so bad.  My body didn’t want to slow down.  How weird was that?  Eventually  I managed it, and it helped.

Almost 20 minutes into the run, I started to feel good.  Damn!  I could go 25 minutes!  I could go 28!  This was awesome!  I ended up running 25, to equal my last time.  After all, I didn’t want to be racked up for the rest of the day.  I felt pretty wonderful during my cool-down walk (the irony is not lost on me of having a “cool down” at 28 degrees Fahrenheit).  As it happened, I did spend a good portion of this day feeling tired. However, that might be due to the Sudafed I took for my stuffy sinuses.  No matter.  I ran, and now I’ve blogged (silly verb, that).  Happy Saturday, everyone!

 

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Day One of the Birthday Weekend

Posted on March 2, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Here I am,  Tablet posting on Lame Post Friday.  I had a lovely day .  It is the first day of Steven’s four day birthday weekend.  We celebrate big for Steven’s birthday.

He is handsome, yes,

He is not toasting his birthday in this shot, but we are both toasting his birthday as I type (one letter at a time with the stylus,  grrr!).

There are LOTS of pictures of me hugging Steven.

I  guess I’ll just fill out this post with pictures of Steven.  He may not like it,  but I will.

Doesn’t he look distinguished?

Here he is in one of his many stage triumphs , as Dr. Suiter in Roxy at Illinois Little Theatre .

With our friends, Kim and Wayne.

Here he is in 1920’s garb for a fundraiser for Utica Landmarks Society .

It is taking a long time to get to 200 words sharing photos and only commenting one sentence each time.  Well, I will add one more picture,  and if the post is less than 200 words (my usual standard for myself), so be it.

We should have taken a trip for his birthday.

This was at the H.A.L.O. Luau fundraiser(Helping Animals Live Organization,  a car rescue group).  Fun times.  Happy Friday,  everyone!

 

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What Would Meryl Streep Do?

Posted on March 1, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Remember all the Pre-Rehearsal Posts I made during the various plays I have been in?  Well, this is a Pre-Read-Through Post.  One eye on the clock, both hands on the keyboard, trying to come up with something before I have to leave for the theatre.  Rushed and Flustered are my default states from now until closing night!  Every day is Wrist to Forehead Day!  Don’t worry, I’ll get a grip on myself before I try to drive anywhere.

Yes, I’m in another play.  All day long, I’ve been thinking, “Mamma Mia!  Here I go again!”  I got flattered into it.  I am so susceptible.  One could even say “easy,” but that has connotations I would rather not deal with (we’ll leave my past in the past, or some people will be shouting, “TMI!” which regular readers know I hate).

Where was I?  Ah yes, the play.  I’m so flustered right now, I can’t even remember what it’s called.  I’ll find out at the read-through (oh, I KNOW I can easily look it up, don’t interrupt me when I’m typing!).  The play is at Ilion Little Theatre, in Ilion, NY, one of my all-time favorite places.  A couple of my all-time favorite people are in it too, as well as some I would like to get to know better, which is a selling point.  For me, it is always all about the people (note to self: expound about that subject on a future Lame Post Friday).

The reason I am so flustered is that I am kind of an idiot.  I think I have mentioned in recent posts all that I have on my plate.  Of course it is my own fault.  I am a well-known theatre junkie; it is very difficult for me to say “no” to anything (see above statement about being easy).  On the other hand theatre is one of my great loves.  I am really very blessed to be involved in community theatre.  How many times in my younger years did I long for time on stage but the blankety-blank directors cast someone else?  A LOT!!!

So I will count my blessings, call this a Non-Sequitur Thursday post, and drive on.  Watch this space for more information on the play, as well as my other theatre projects.  It makes a fun life for a drama queen like me!

Mornings at Seven!  It’s called Mornings at Seven.  I just remembered; I didn’t have to look it up.

 

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Wordless Shout-Out?

Posted on February 28, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I’m Tablet posting today, and I think I’ll pep things up with a few pictures and try for a Wordless Wednesday.   I wonder if there’s anything on the Tablet that’s any good.

Kim in black dress number fifty-one.

When in doubt,  go with the beautiful blonde. This is the picture of my dear friend Kim at Renewed and Rescued, the consignment shop in Herkimer I wrote about for Mohawk Valley Living.  The dress may or may not be exactly the fifty-first in Kim`s wardrobe, but close enough. As I related in my article,  I saw the dress, knew Kim would like it , brought Kim to the shop, and found that I was right.

I love the lights.

Here is another picture of the shop.  I really must do a whole post about them. For now, a couple of pictures must suffice.  For one reason, I HATE typing one letter at a time with the stylus.

Another part of the shop.

The store offers upscale clothes as well as vintage and locally made jewelry.  I purchased earrings and a bracelet.  In addition to the dress, Kim found a pair of shoes .

Renewed and Rescued is located at 142 North Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 313-628-1506.

As I said earlier,  I hope to do a better post at a later date.   In the meantime,  Happy Wednesday,  everyone.

 

 

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Writing Drama and Drama about Not Writing

Posted on February 27, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had such high hopes of NOT having a Tired Tuesday post.  Additionally, it seems wrong to make a post about not writing on a day during which I actually wrote.  Do I not always say that writing begets writing?  And that all writing counts?  Well, I wrote a letter, I worked on a murder mystery, I wrote an introductory blurb for said murder mystery, I wrote three or four emails (I can’t count; it’s Tired Tuesday!).  Why do I feel that I am Done Writing for the day?  SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!  For one reason, I have another letter to write, I have not finished the above-mentioned murder mystery, and there is the matter of that new novel I am trying to start.

This is getting ridiculous.

My only solution is to become More Organized.  And stop working on puzzles during breaks at work.

One problem is a phenomenon I have often observed about myself and I’m sure mentioned in this space before:  I can’t write it, I can’t write it, I can’t write it, I sit down and I write it.  And I cannot seem to skip any of the “I can’t write its.”  I’ve tried, believe me, I HAVE TRIED!  But I shall not continue to insist on that.  For one reason, this is not Wrist to Forehead Tuesday, and I fear I am becoming a bit dramatic (Freudian typo:  I first put “big dramatic”)

On the other hand, why should I not be a bit dramatic?  I’m in another play, you know, as well as two murder mysteries.  There may be other theatrical opportunities on the horizon.  I will keep you posted.  When I become capable of writing a decent blog post.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Wind and Witches on Monstrous Monday

Posted on February 26, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am sitting here listening to the wind outside howl and thinking how long it has been since I’ve watched The Wizard of Oz.  When it gets as windy as it is today, I always make the same joke. I think it is a pretty good one, but I daresay I flatter myself.

“When it’s like this, I worry somebody’s going to come along and drop a house on me.  It happened to a sister of mine.  Then the bitch stole her red shoes.  I wanted those shoes.”

Really, I think it would have been kinder to have offered the Wicked Witch of the West some grief counseling rather than stealing what was apparently some kind of family heirloom.  But I digress.

“Now what will I wear with my glittery red ball gown?”

I think a witch counts as a monster for Monstrous Monday, which of course is today.  For good measure, here is something more creature-ish.

“Those red shoes would look pretty spiffy with this outfit, too!”

According to a Facebook meme, sometime you have to put on the pointy hat and call out the flying monkeys, just to remind people of who they’re dealing with.  It would be a more effective threat if the Witch had not ended the movie in a steaming black puddle.

I’m afraid this has not been a very good post.  However, that makes my final picture appropriate.  I thought I would end on an inspirational note:

 

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Movies Before Monday

Posted on February 25, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

For me it’s wine, not the hard stuff.

Yes, it is Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  I am supposed to be watching The Bat (1959), a movie featuring Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price.  We previously watched  Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964), which also featured Moorehead, which is what made me think of The Bat.

I do not think this pose actually appeared in the movie.

 

“I could spit in your eye!”

The divine Bette Davis.  There could be no possible objection.  Yesterday I was going to do a Saturday Cinema, but my laptop would not cooperate.  Perhaps I could type a few words about that now, so the whole post won’t be me whining about the weekend being almost over.

This was the only picture I could find just now.

 

We watched Horror Hotel (1960), also known as City of the Dead, last evening.  It was really more of a village, truth be told, but I don’t decide on these titles.

This was just the first photo of this movie I found in my Media Library.

After Horror Hotel, we saw House on Haunted Hill (1959), mostly because it was on the same disc.  We love House on Haunted Hill, another delightful vehicle for Vincent Price.

And now I am looking at Snapped.  Steven will be watching the Oscars later, which he has been tuning in to for some 50 years.  I may go to bed early.  I see I am over 200 words, which I consider respectable for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  I hope your weekend was grand and your upcoming week not too gruesome.

HERE’S the picture from Horror Hotel I was looking for!

 

 

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Damn Laptop

Posted on February 24, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh, I am in a bad mood now!  I was all set to make a Saturday Cinema post with illustrations when my laptop blacked out AGAIN! I hate computers. So here I am , on my tablet, typing hunt and peck with a stylus.  Not conducive,  to say the least .

I was having such an enjoyable evening too.  But one must deal with the circumstances at hand, and blog posts must be made.

I haven’t had the greatest Saturday,  but it has had its moments.  I had a good run as well as a not bad walk.  I wrote seven post cards, got some grocery shopping done, and cooked a not bad dinner.

We are currently watching horror movies,  cheesy and otherwise.  We’re on the third one so far.  I hope to get to at least one more.

Oh dear, less than 150 words.  How slowly it goes one letter at a time . Quick, Cindy, think of something else to say. …  Nothing comes to mind.

What I really need to do is get some real writing done.  It hasn’t happened yet this weekend.  But I cling to my rule of All Writing Counts.  Seven post cards is, I feel, not bad.  Additionally,  I made a brief note in the TV Journal .  I could write more there as the evening progresses .

In the meantime, I am at last over 200 words.  I’m going to call this a Slacker Saturday and drive on.

 

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Off the Hook on Lame Post Friday

Posted on February 23, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I started to write a blog post while at work today. I had a good topic, about a theatre experience I am currently undergoing.  I guess that is now a Preview of Coming Attractions, because I never got beyond the first paragraph.  I wondered if it is because I am wired to have Lame Post Friday.  And here we are, back at my house, bra off, sweats on, glass of Chardonnay nearby, not my first glass, obviously (or perhaps not so obviously, but so it is), hoping to type in a few words to amuse or at least entertain.

The day at work passed with sometimes agonizing slowness.  I got some work done, but let us not dwell on that.  For one reason, this is not a work blog.  I sustained myself through the day with the knowledge that at some point I would get together with my friend, Kim.  She has been away, and I have missed her.

We did get together.  We tasted some wine at Valley Wine and Liquor (I must make a full post about that.  For one reason, I took a picture of the winemaker who was pouring the wines we tasted).  Then we went to Asteroga Ale House and Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restuarant.  We had a fun time at both places.  We made plans to meet again tomorrow.

Oh what a dull post this is!  Where are my random observations and half-baked philosophy that usually enliven my Friday Lame Posts?  I don’t know.  However, I am over 200 words, which I consider respectable.  Perhaps tomorrow I can tell you the story of the chocolate cake.  Or we’ll talk about wine.  In any case, it will be Scattered Saturday or some such by then.  I’m going to let myself off the hook for today.  Happy Friday, everyone!

 

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