I think my trouble started immediately upon moving back 'home' in January of 1998. I thought this was where I should be...near my parents and my sister and her two boys who I was so very fond of and wanted to be around while they played sports and grew up. But little did I know that I wasn't really 'wanted' back here. Turns out my sister really never wanted to 'share' her life at all...and certainly not with me...the pain in the butt little sister!! I don't think she ever really liked me...and was all too happy to get rid of me back in the day - when she got married and when I subsequently moved far away! I had never really been close to her in her life that much at all. We were too different and just that far enough apart in years. Plus she just did tend to always want to be alone. So the husband I left in Florida did tell me that he thought I'd be disappointed when I moved back...that I was building up a relationship with my family in my mind...and that it wasn't really 'there'. Boy, was he right! I didn't listen. Our marriage was just not going well...and yes, I thought I wanted...'needed' to be close to family! Besides he never gave me a reason to stay...(ironically one of the big songs from that year was 'Give Me One Reason' by Tracy Chapman..."give me one reason to stay here...",) - well, he never did!
So, I returned to Colorado. I stayed with my mom in Greeley. We never got along and this time was no different. Add to the fact that she was very disappointed that I didn't stay with my husband (I never told her the whole story till the day before she died...but that's another story for another chapter!)... So, I looked for work. I got a temp job at a law firm in Fort Collins. I started hanging around an old friend from a play I had done here who always liked me and wanted to have an affair. All the while professing his admiration with the old 'mixed tape' he made for me! But he was married. So although it was flattering...he told me constantly that he will never leave his wife. C'est la vie...I never had an affair! This was also the man who told me (after I inquired about a certain community job that I thought I'd be perfect for...and that he was associated with) ...that I was not 'bubbly' enough to do the job! That was a blow. I always thought I was very personable and upbeat. But now I look back and think...these were all signs that maybe this wasn't the right place for me...because it didn't start out well...and hasn't really gone well ever since...
Monday, June 19, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
The Grammys of 17...what jojo knows...
Just some thoughts on the 2017 Grammy Awards from an old 80s gal who can sing...
It opened with the 'it Brit' girl...Adele and her awful, insipid, uninspired dirge..."Hello". Did I ever wish I would yearn for the old "Hello" from 1984? Lionel Ritchie's song was insufferable...but, compared to this new one it seems like a happy anthem! At least Lionel's has the hope of love in his song...Adele's is so morbid I want to slit my wrists before it's over!
So...that was the start. The opening 'skit' by the new 'it' late night boy...fellow Brit James Corden was not that funny. Not sure how this guy got famous...but, he's ridden the car karaoke thing all the way to America's hearts (literally ridden!). Even had to endure a taste of it in the middle of the ceremony featuring a 'car aoke' with the most over-sung song ever..."Sweet Caroline" with none other than Neil Diamond himself. And as far as I could tell...that was the only reason poor Neil was in the audience! And of course the ever present J-Lo was there in the front seat. And she was the opening presenter. She spouted some blather about how much the artists need to speak out in today's awful world. As I told a friend...today's world is so awful isn't it? Blacks dominate the music world...gays are as out as they've ever been allowed...and women (like J-Lo) are gazillionaires...but, it's such an AWFUL time and especially in the three weeks since Trump has been in office...it's just a millions times worse! They must speak up!!!!!!
But, I digress...what do I remember next?? I guess it would be the spectacle of the Goddess Beyoncé. Yes, she's a Goddess. There's no way around it. She dresses like a Goddess. Acts like a Goddess. Performs like a Goddess. Talks about the essence of motherhood...like a Goddess. She's a Goddmamm Goddess (sorry...couldn't resist the alliteration there!).
Katy Perry...in blonde...performed a blonde song. Sorry. She's bubble gum and cutesy (or I would say ditzy) to the max. The song was fine. Dancing around in Keds...around a fence. I think the song was supposed to have some deep meaning...but, it passed me.
Oh...best new artist was Chance the Wrapper...I mean Chance the Rapper. Why didn't he thank Mars' Kit Kat bar? I mean I certainly never would have heard of him if not for that weird Kit Kat commercial where he's Chance the Wrapper in an oh-so-clever play on words. Cough, cough. I had NO clue who he was when I saw the commercial and it went completely over my head...until I googled him. Where would I be without Google?? Anyway...he's the next big thing? Break me off a piece of THAT Kit Kat bar! All I can say is he praised God a lot...so, I gotta like the dude.
Other notables...I didn't hate Carrie Underwood and Keitha Urban. Is he a man? Sorry...that 'guy' is very, very effeminate! Where was Nic? Her wife? I joke. I think he's a he. But, in today's world one never knows. I still don't like the way Carrie prances like a chicken when she dances. Anyone else notice that?
Bruno Mars. Man...I never paid much attention to him...but, he is the next big thing. And I'm not kidding. His performance was awesome. Then, when he did his tribute to the late, great Prince...it almost sadly made me think Prince was not so great! Seriously...this dude has it. But, I think he should have not done SO well emulating Prince...I mean come on. The man was a legend...don't show him up during the tribute to him???
Paris Jackson...Michael's supposed daughter was very composed and beautiful. She intro'ed someone who she made sound like the greatest thing. Then she introduces...'The Weekend'. I'm sorry. There's no way I will EVER respect an artist whose name is a time period. Really? Shall I call myself, 'Tuesday Night'???
Lady Gag Gag still fails to impress me. I've always said just because you can sing doesn't mean you should. She has a voice. A voice. Like many other voices. Not special. And she knows it. That's why she has to go to such extremes in her costumes and theatrics. It's just antics. Unimpressive. And when she teamed up with Metallica (a heavy metal iconic band to many)...there was a microphone malfunction for the Metallica lead singer. And Gag Me didn't have the wherewithal to go hand him her mic? Seemed she didn't 'want to share' the limelight? She sucks. Sorry. Just hideous.
There was a tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Saturday Night Fever...or was it a tribute to the BeeGees? If it was for the Saturday Night Fever album...then why have the song "Tragedy" included? SNF was released in November, 1977. "Tragedy" was released in 1979...didn't the Grammys producers know this? And the choice of people to do this tribute were not the greatest. Demi Lovato and Little Big Town did a decent job...but whoever that was who butchered my favorite song of all...."Night Fever" made me cringe and cry! Ruined my song! And why didn't they let Barry Gibb up on stage...at least to speak about the phenomenal album??
Now the worst of the night. Adele starts singing a tribute to the late, great George Michael...complete with full orchestra back up. She starts to sing a new rendition of one of his all time hits..."Fast Love". Say what? I was a pretty big GM fan and "Fast Love' was not even in my realm of comprehension. Maybe it was her new 'rendition'...but, the worst part was that she somehow 'f*#!ed it up! And lo and behold...told the whole world she f*#!ed it up and stopped the orchestra and pulled a Tonya Harding..."Can I please start over? I can't go on like this...Please, please let me start over...". Oh my...anyone but me remember Tonya pleading the same thing? But, back in 1994...Tonya was castigated for such a move and is now one of the world's most hated people! But, not Miss Adele...she was applauded for such 'bravery!"... What the, what the? The song was yet another dirge. Nice tribute to a man who had high spirited songs. Even his ballads were meaningful and full of life...not like the dredge she delivers.
She stole the show (in more ways than one) ... by f*#(ing it up...and by winning every major award. I started to find myself rooting for Queen B! And even Adele apologized profusely for winning the awards instead of Queen B. It could have been her adoration of her, her knowledge that she ain't that great (she aint'!)...or just good ole white guilt coming through. Anyway...it was uncomfortable...and must have been very uncomfortable for Beyoncé. Who does that? "I'm so sorry I beat you!"...then, "I'm so sorry I beat you again...but hey look at my Grammy, I ain't givin it back!!". Wow.
So...I gained respect for Be, Bruno...even a little for some new artists I'd never heard of...including Maren Morris and Lukas Graham.
That's my take on the 2017 Grammys. I still wish I'd been there.
That's all JoJo knows...
It opened with the 'it Brit' girl...Adele and her awful, insipid, uninspired dirge..."Hello". Did I ever wish I would yearn for the old "Hello" from 1984? Lionel Ritchie's song was insufferable...but, compared to this new one it seems like a happy anthem! At least Lionel's has the hope of love in his song...Adele's is so morbid I want to slit my wrists before it's over!
So...that was the start. The opening 'skit' by the new 'it' late night boy...fellow Brit James Corden was not that funny. Not sure how this guy got famous...but, he's ridden the car karaoke thing all the way to America's hearts (literally ridden!). Even had to endure a taste of it in the middle of the ceremony featuring a 'car aoke' with the most over-sung song ever..."Sweet Caroline" with none other than Neil Diamond himself. And as far as I could tell...that was the only reason poor Neil was in the audience! And of course the ever present J-Lo was there in the front seat. And she was the opening presenter. She spouted some blather about how much the artists need to speak out in today's awful world. As I told a friend...today's world is so awful isn't it? Blacks dominate the music world...gays are as out as they've ever been allowed...and women (like J-Lo) are gazillionaires...but, it's such an AWFUL time and especially in the three weeks since Trump has been in office...it's just a millions times worse! They must speak up!!!!!!
But, I digress...what do I remember next?? I guess it would be the spectacle of the Goddess Beyoncé. Yes, she's a Goddess. There's no way around it. She dresses like a Goddess. Acts like a Goddess. Performs like a Goddess. Talks about the essence of motherhood...like a Goddess. She's a Goddmamm Goddess (sorry...couldn't resist the alliteration there!).
Katy Perry...in blonde...performed a blonde song. Sorry. She's bubble gum and cutesy (or I would say ditzy) to the max. The song was fine. Dancing around in Keds...around a fence. I think the song was supposed to have some deep meaning...but, it passed me.
Oh...best new artist was Chance the Wrapper...I mean Chance the Rapper. Why didn't he thank Mars' Kit Kat bar? I mean I certainly never would have heard of him if not for that weird Kit Kat commercial where he's Chance the Wrapper in an oh-so-clever play on words. Cough, cough. I had NO clue who he was when I saw the commercial and it went completely over my head...until I googled him. Where would I be without Google?? Anyway...he's the next big thing? Break me off a piece of THAT Kit Kat bar! All I can say is he praised God a lot...so, I gotta like the dude.
Other notables...I didn't hate Carrie Underwood and Keitha Urban. Is he a man? Sorry...that 'guy' is very, very effeminate! Where was Nic? Her wife? I joke. I think he's a he. But, in today's world one never knows. I still don't like the way Carrie prances like a chicken when she dances. Anyone else notice that?
Bruno Mars. Man...I never paid much attention to him...but, he is the next big thing. And I'm not kidding. His performance was awesome. Then, when he did his tribute to the late, great Prince...it almost sadly made me think Prince was not so great! Seriously...this dude has it. But, I think he should have not done SO well emulating Prince...I mean come on. The man was a legend...don't show him up during the tribute to him???
Paris Jackson...Michael's supposed daughter was very composed and beautiful. She intro'ed someone who she made sound like the greatest thing. Then she introduces...'The Weekend'. I'm sorry. There's no way I will EVER respect an artist whose name is a time period. Really? Shall I call myself, 'Tuesday Night'???
Lady Gag Gag still fails to impress me. I've always said just because you can sing doesn't mean you should. She has a voice. A voice. Like many other voices. Not special. And she knows it. That's why she has to go to such extremes in her costumes and theatrics. It's just antics. Unimpressive. And when she teamed up with Metallica (a heavy metal iconic band to many)...there was a microphone malfunction for the Metallica lead singer. And Gag Me didn't have the wherewithal to go hand him her mic? Seemed she didn't 'want to share' the limelight? She sucks. Sorry. Just hideous.
There was a tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Saturday Night Fever...or was it a tribute to the BeeGees? If it was for the Saturday Night Fever album...then why have the song "Tragedy" included? SNF was released in November, 1977. "Tragedy" was released in 1979...didn't the Grammys producers know this? And the choice of people to do this tribute were not the greatest. Demi Lovato and Little Big Town did a decent job...but whoever that was who butchered my favorite song of all...."Night Fever" made me cringe and cry! Ruined my song! And why didn't they let Barry Gibb up on stage...at least to speak about the phenomenal album??
Now the worst of the night. Adele starts singing a tribute to the late, great George Michael...complete with full orchestra back up. She starts to sing a new rendition of one of his all time hits..."Fast Love". Say what? I was a pretty big GM fan and "Fast Love' was not even in my realm of comprehension. Maybe it was her new 'rendition'...but, the worst part was that she somehow 'f*#!ed it up! And lo and behold...told the whole world she f*#!ed it up and stopped the orchestra and pulled a Tonya Harding..."Can I please start over? I can't go on like this...Please, please let me start over...". Oh my...anyone but me remember Tonya pleading the same thing? But, back in 1994...Tonya was castigated for such a move and is now one of the world's most hated people! But, not Miss Adele...she was applauded for such 'bravery!"... What the, what the? The song was yet another dirge. Nice tribute to a man who had high spirited songs. Even his ballads were meaningful and full of life...not like the dredge she delivers.
She stole the show (in more ways than one) ... by f*#(ing it up...and by winning every major award. I started to find myself rooting for Queen B! And even Adele apologized profusely for winning the awards instead of Queen B. It could have been her adoration of her, her knowledge that she ain't that great (she aint'!)...or just good ole white guilt coming through. Anyway...it was uncomfortable...and must have been very uncomfortable for Beyoncé. Who does that? "I'm so sorry I beat you!"...then, "I'm so sorry I beat you again...but hey look at my Grammy, I ain't givin it back!!". Wow.
So...I gained respect for Be, Bruno...even a little for some new artists I'd never heard of...including Maren Morris and Lukas Graham.
That's my take on the 2017 Grammys. I still wish I'd been there.
That's all JoJo knows...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
This is my life...1990 and beyond...
Life in 1990 was weird for me...
I was with a man that was not good. He was abusive, used drugs…not good. So, most of my life that year was not good. I actually blocked much of it out. In fact, the only thing I can really remember from 1990…was the song , “Nothing compares 2 u”…strange since it was such a hauntingly beautiful love song written by Prince. Why did I love it since my life was in such turmoil with absolutely no love…why would this be my fond memory? But it was. So, as I blocked out most of my life at this time...I do remember having good friends.
I had lived in LA since 1982 and worked at a law firm in downtown LA. I had moved back to Colorado in 1987…but, in 1988 I returned to LA. I started working temp jobs. One of those was at a geologist firm in Van Nuys.
I made a great friend there, Holly Deming. We worked together as secretaries. We just became close…we had the same sense of humor and had such fun…and, she was very sweet. I dated a guy from the geologist firm. It didn’t last. But, Holly and I remained close. Then, I moved to Ventura County to try to get this guy back…and instead of getting him...sadly I met the bad guy mentioned earlier there! But Holly and I remained close. And when she found the guy for her…I was thrilled that she asked me to be in her wedding! Aside from my family…I had never been in a wedding!
So, it was 1990…specifically August 1st, 1990…and I was a bridesmaid in her beautiful wedding! It was all a bit of a blur because I was with the bad man…but, I do remember it was beautiful!! I was beautiful! And of course, Holly was beautiful!!
After that…I tried to make things work with that man…but, it was too awful. I moved back to Colorado in May of 1991. So, after that I sadly lost touch with Holly. Since we had not talked since that time…I thought I’d give her an update on my life (and for anyone else who is interested or cares!)...
I returned to my hometown of Greeley and got a job right away at the Chamber of Commerce and met a guy there. He was better than my last one….MUCH! He was a Chamber Vice President, had a MS degree and came from a wonderful family in Kansas. So, I lived and worked in Greeley, Colorado from 1991 to 1993…and ended up marrying the new guy on December 31, 1993. We had a beautiful wedding in Greeley and a fabulous reception/New Year’s Eve party on the stage at the local performing arts stage. Quite unique and special!
Since he was from Kansas, when he got a job offer in Junction City, Kansas, he took it and we moved there. I finished my Bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University in nearby Manhattan. I loved it there. I wanted to stay in Kansas and start our lives. But, he ended up taking a job in Orlando, Florida. I did not want to move but said I would go for a couple of years.
We did move to a beautiful suburb of Orlando...Winter Park, Florida in January, 1996. It really was quite nice and very high class. Many famous golfers and sports figures lived in this area. I met Nick Faldo and Orel Hershiser! I worked at Disney in the Reservations Department. I decided I just was not happy being in Florida…too far from family and didn’t like Florida (at that time...now, I love it!). We were not getting along that great…partly because we remodeled an old house (spent lots of money…very strenuous on a relationship…) and partly because I could never get pregnant. So, I left…back to Colorado. I truly thought he would follow me back to Colorado...but, he did not. I moved back in January 1998…exactly two years after moving to Florida…exactly four years of marriage.
I was back in Colorado just in time to see the Broncos win their first Super Bowl…which, at the time….was a great thrill for me! (Now, I don’t really care about them…!). I worked at various jobs in Northern Colorado.
In 1998, I dated a man who I rode to Aspen with on a Harley motorcycle. It was my first time in Aspen (and my first time on a motorcycle for a three hour drive!)…and I was smitten (with him and with Aspen!). The guy and I didn’t work out…so, I decided to try to move up to Aspen! I moved there in August of 1999…only was able to afford staying there a little while…but, it was fun and I got to meet some interesting people. I celebrated the new millennium at Aspen Mountain with fireworks overhead!! But, since I didn’t ever ski…and really didn’t like snow…I moved back to Greeley right after that. I moved into my grandparents’ now sitting-empty house in Greeley.
I worked at WaterPik in Fort Collins briefly that year…but, after a fling with a much younger man (he was 20…I was 37)…of which I’m not proud (oh yes, I am!! Move over Demi Moore!). Anyway…shockingly that didn’t work out (ha!)…I decided to move back to LA that summer and go to a summer acting program at the LA division of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was a fantastic summer… I met great people who were highly motivated. But, I never could find a good place to live and I had this house back in Greeley…and I was still pining for the man on the motorbike (before I left he said I should come back and we would go out again). Dang…I believed him and returned...
So…back at my little house and I got a job at the hospital in Greeley in the purchasing department. I never got back with the motorbike man…but found a new one! I met the infamous Jimmy (on again/off again boyfriend that lasted 12 years!)…who worked there as an X-ray engineer. He lived in Denver and in February of 2003 we got engaged. In the summer of 2003 he bought a place up in the mountains above Loveland…down a two mile lane…beautiful place with beautiful scenery…but, a horrendous drive – especially in the snow!!!! He did not ask or care for my opinion of not wanting to make that drive (and I didn’t like the place really…the house was not my ‘class’!)…but, we stayed together…on again/off again for the next 11 years!
After my job was eliminated in 2005…I decided to just work contract jobs. I tried to move back to LA in 2007 (one of my off again times with Jimmy). But, I ended up in a bad car wreck…car was totaled…so, flew back to Colorado and Dad and I drove back to LA (via Arizona and the Grand Canyon…and the Hoover Dam and Vegas) to get some things. It was the last trip I got to take with my Dad…so, it was actually a blessing! We had a wonderful time together. He is the greatest!!!
Upon returning to Colorado…I proceeded to get back with Jimmy who then dumped me…not broke up with me…but dumped me on his motorbike…breaking my left leg tibia! I was on crutches for 3 months. It was the year the Rockies went to the World Series…so, I had to go…and went to one of the games…on crutches!! It took me a year to really rehab from my broken leg.
In 2008, I returned to work in the Human Resources field (I had segued into that at the law firm in 1990)...and worked part-time at Penton Media in Loveland. A highlight of this year was going on a Rick Springfield fan cruise! Jimmy went with me. It was such fun. I got to get a picture with my idol, Rick…finally! And believe it or not…it happened exactly 26 years to the DAY after the first time I met him in LA on the set of General Hospital! Another highlight of this year was getting to go to a Macdonald, Halsted and Laybourne law firm reunion in LA for my wonderful first boss’ 90th birthday…Mary G. Young. God bless that woman! She was tough…but taught me so much! (She has since passed…).
I tried to move back to LA again in the summer of 2009…but, right after that I learned that my Dad was not doing that well back in Colorado. Plus, I missed my 2 dogs and cat that were staying on his farm! So, I moved back to Colorado. I stayed between his farm, my house and my friends’ apartment in Boulder. I worked various contract jobs. I still dated the man Jimmy…but, it was really going downhill at this point. He always had ‘other women’ in his life (yes, I saw many phone numbers, receipts, notes, etc…). I tried dating other men but nothing ever ‘took’.
We did go on another Rick Springfield cruise in 2009. The cruises depart from the Port of Miami…so, my visits out there always included stopping in Fort Myers (made good friends there through Jimmy) and my beloved Orlando and Winter Park, Florida. And of course, visits to my beloved DisneyWorld!! 2011 was the last visit Rick Springfield cruise…another great time with a concert on a Jamaican beach and a stop in Grand Cayman! That was the best trip. Jimmy and I had fun, but it was our last trip together.
I started a Master’s degree online through Colorado State University that fall. I worked from home as a recruiter, took care of dad and did my studies. When I turned 50 in August of 2012…I celebrated for two months with visits to Vail (for a nephew’s wedding), Aspen (my old stomping grounds), Manhattan, Kansas (again, my old stomping grounds!)…all alone. My family did take me to dinner.
I had lost one of my precious doggies in 2010…so, I was down to one dog, Harley and one kitty, Kikki who all had been out at my dad’s farm since 2009. He loved them so much and they loved him and loved living on the farm. So, I drove to his farm (25 miles one way) at least every other day to check on all of them! Again, working odd jobs, contract jobs and working on my degree.
Dad’s health had deteriorated enough that my aunt (who owned the farm) had convinced my brother to ‘take over’ and sell the farm and move Dad to my brother’s house in Casper, Wyoming in February, 2014. This was a very trying time for me as I had ‘lived’ out there part time too for almost 10 years. We had so much to sell and move…and I had a tenant in my Greeley house…who fortunately moved quickly as Dad’s farm sold very quickly. So me, my dog Harley and cat Kikki…headed back to Greeley full time. Jimmy came back in my life then…briefly…just long enough to help with the move…but, we promptly broke up after that (never to get back together again!).
At this time…it so happened that my mother’s health was going downhill. So, I went from caregiver to my Dad to caregiver to my mom. Notoriously, my mother and I had always butted heads…but, we learned to enjoy each other’s company and really became close. She had a beautiful home in Greeley…exactly 30 blocks from my house. So, I was able to see her and spend time with her every day. I would take my dog Harley to her house and she would ‘baby sit’ her ‘granddoggie’! Oh how she loved Harley!!! He was such a blessing to all of us (thank you Jimmy for getting him for your daughter who didn’t like him... so I took him in 2003!!!!). Anyway…Mom had several issues due to lung problems and ended up on oxygen full time. After several stints in the hospital…I ended up being a full time caregiver.
I finished my degree in the fall of 2014…so, it was not until the summer of 2015 that I walked in the ceremony (I didn’t get to do that for my BS degree…) at the Bellco Theatre in Denver. My oldest cousin, Lynn and wife, Jo attended the ceremony and celebrated with me. So did my brother and wife. I had a nice reception later in Greeley at my favorite cinema lounge in downtown with cousins, sister and family and close friends attending. And of course…my mom was there…played the beautiful grand piano in the lobby…and more than that...she got to see me achieve something!!! It was one of our last family events all together as Mom passed away seven months later…January 10, 2016…at age 88.
I’ve struggled since that date. Because I hadn’t been working…except to take care of her…I really don’t know what to do anymore. My MS degree has not been a boon for me in me getting a good job (yes, I’ve been looking…). I now feel I’m at a crossroads. Almost needing to completely start over. Yet, I still have my house, many of mom’s things from her house…which sold immediately! And my kitty cat to care for!! I lost my precious doggie, Harley…6 months and 29 days before my mom died. Both took their last breaths in my arms.
So, time is precious. Time flies. And life is life…with struggles, heartbreak, loss…happiness…good and bad. But, honestly…since I was not able to have kids…I feel very alone. I take trips to Casper, Wyoming to visit my 92-year-old dad at least once a month. I stay in hotels since my brother and his family have become estranged (differences in personality, lifestyle, decisions on how to take care of our parents, etc.). It’s been hard on me.
In the last two years, I’ve lost three very close friends, my dog, and my mom through passing…and my boyfriend through another woman! I know the latter was for the best. But, it’s still hard to be alone. I haven’t been working or dating. Because I’ve almost given up. But, I know that I can’t give up.
My goal is to move when I turn 55…to a 55 and over community where I don’t have yard work or upkeep on an old house!!! And hopefully to a place in a warm climate! As for career…I still dream of singing and acting…even at this old age! But, I’ve lost my motivation…so, hoping something triggers me to begin to work on things again. I need inspiration…a muse…some help!
Well…that’s been the last 26 years of my life.
“I look to the sea…reflections in the waves…spark my memory….Some happy…some sad…I think of all my friends…and the dreams we had…” (Thank you Dennis DeYoung!).
The time went so fast. And, the next 26 will go just as fast...if not faster! And believe it or not…I will be almost 80 by then…if I make it that long!?
Only time will tell…
*PS – I have done a lot of acting and singing since 1990…Mom and I used to perform together at several venues and local events. And I wrote many songs…recorded a few. Plus, I did several shows…plays, musical theater productions locally.
Website:
http://jodyandevere.wix.com/hookyjo#!about/c10fk
I was with a man that was not good. He was abusive, used drugs…not good. So, most of my life that year was not good. I actually blocked much of it out. In fact, the only thing I can really remember from 1990…was the song , “Nothing compares 2 u”…strange since it was such a hauntingly beautiful love song written by Prince. Why did I love it since my life was in such turmoil with absolutely no love…why would this be my fond memory? But it was. So, as I blocked out most of my life at this time...I do remember having good friends.
I had lived in LA since 1982 and worked at a law firm in downtown LA. I had moved back to Colorado in 1987…but, in 1988 I returned to LA. I started working temp jobs. One of those was at a geologist firm in Van Nuys.
I made a great friend there, Holly Deming. We worked together as secretaries. We just became close…we had the same sense of humor and had such fun…and, she was very sweet. I dated a guy from the geologist firm. It didn’t last. But, Holly and I remained close. Then, I moved to Ventura County to try to get this guy back…and instead of getting him...sadly I met the bad guy mentioned earlier there! But Holly and I remained close. And when she found the guy for her…I was thrilled that she asked me to be in her wedding! Aside from my family…I had never been in a wedding!
So, it was 1990…specifically August 1st, 1990…and I was a bridesmaid in her beautiful wedding! It was all a bit of a blur because I was with the bad man…but, I do remember it was beautiful!! I was beautiful! And of course, Holly was beautiful!!
After that…I tried to make things work with that man…but, it was too awful. I moved back to Colorado in May of 1991. So, after that I sadly lost touch with Holly. Since we had not talked since that time…I thought I’d give her an update on my life (and for anyone else who is interested or cares!)...
I returned to my hometown of Greeley and got a job right away at the Chamber of Commerce and met a guy there. He was better than my last one….MUCH! He was a Chamber Vice President, had a MS degree and came from a wonderful family in Kansas. So, I lived and worked in Greeley, Colorado from 1991 to 1993…and ended up marrying the new guy on December 31, 1993. We had a beautiful wedding in Greeley and a fabulous reception/New Year’s Eve party on the stage at the local performing arts stage. Quite unique and special!
Since he was from Kansas, when he got a job offer in Junction City, Kansas, he took it and we moved there. I finished my Bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University in nearby Manhattan. I loved it there. I wanted to stay in Kansas and start our lives. But, he ended up taking a job in Orlando, Florida. I did not want to move but said I would go for a couple of years.
We did move to a beautiful suburb of Orlando...Winter Park, Florida in January, 1996. It really was quite nice and very high class. Many famous golfers and sports figures lived in this area. I met Nick Faldo and Orel Hershiser! I worked at Disney in the Reservations Department. I decided I just was not happy being in Florida…too far from family and didn’t like Florida (at that time...now, I love it!). We were not getting along that great…partly because we remodeled an old house (spent lots of money…very strenuous on a relationship…) and partly because I could never get pregnant. So, I left…back to Colorado. I truly thought he would follow me back to Colorado...but, he did not. I moved back in January 1998…exactly two years after moving to Florida…exactly four years of marriage.
I was back in Colorado just in time to see the Broncos win their first Super Bowl…which, at the time….was a great thrill for me! (Now, I don’t really care about them…!). I worked at various jobs in Northern Colorado.
In 1998, I dated a man who I rode to Aspen with on a Harley motorcycle. It was my first time in Aspen (and my first time on a motorcycle for a three hour drive!)…and I was smitten (with him and with Aspen!). The guy and I didn’t work out…so, I decided to try to move up to Aspen! I moved there in August of 1999…only was able to afford staying there a little while…but, it was fun and I got to meet some interesting people. I celebrated the new millennium at Aspen Mountain with fireworks overhead!! But, since I didn’t ever ski…and really didn’t like snow…I moved back to Greeley right after that. I moved into my grandparents’ now sitting-empty house in Greeley.
I worked at WaterPik in Fort Collins briefly that year…but, after a fling with a much younger man (he was 20…I was 37)…of which I’m not proud (oh yes, I am!! Move over Demi Moore!). Anyway…shockingly that didn’t work out (ha!)…I decided to move back to LA that summer and go to a summer acting program at the LA division of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was a fantastic summer… I met great people who were highly motivated. But, I never could find a good place to live and I had this house back in Greeley…and I was still pining for the man on the motorbike (before I left he said I should come back and we would go out again). Dang…I believed him and returned...
So…back at my little house and I got a job at the hospital in Greeley in the purchasing department. I never got back with the motorbike man…but found a new one! I met the infamous Jimmy (on again/off again boyfriend that lasted 12 years!)…who worked there as an X-ray engineer. He lived in Denver and in February of 2003 we got engaged. In the summer of 2003 he bought a place up in the mountains above Loveland…down a two mile lane…beautiful place with beautiful scenery…but, a horrendous drive – especially in the snow!!!! He did not ask or care for my opinion of not wanting to make that drive (and I didn’t like the place really…the house was not my ‘class’!)…but, we stayed together…on again/off again for the next 11 years!
After my job was eliminated in 2005…I decided to just work contract jobs. I tried to move back to LA in 2007 (one of my off again times with Jimmy). But, I ended up in a bad car wreck…car was totaled…so, flew back to Colorado and Dad and I drove back to LA (via Arizona and the Grand Canyon…and the Hoover Dam and Vegas) to get some things. It was the last trip I got to take with my Dad…so, it was actually a blessing! We had a wonderful time together. He is the greatest!!!
Upon returning to Colorado…I proceeded to get back with Jimmy who then dumped me…not broke up with me…but dumped me on his motorbike…breaking my left leg tibia! I was on crutches for 3 months. It was the year the Rockies went to the World Series…so, I had to go…and went to one of the games…on crutches!! It took me a year to really rehab from my broken leg.
In 2008, I returned to work in the Human Resources field (I had segued into that at the law firm in 1990)...and worked part-time at Penton Media in Loveland. A highlight of this year was going on a Rick Springfield fan cruise! Jimmy went with me. It was such fun. I got to get a picture with my idol, Rick…finally! And believe it or not…it happened exactly 26 years to the DAY after the first time I met him in LA on the set of General Hospital! Another highlight of this year was getting to go to a Macdonald, Halsted and Laybourne law firm reunion in LA for my wonderful first boss’ 90th birthday…Mary G. Young. God bless that woman! She was tough…but taught me so much! (She has since passed…).
I tried to move back to LA again in the summer of 2009…but, right after that I learned that my Dad was not doing that well back in Colorado. Plus, I missed my 2 dogs and cat that were staying on his farm! So, I moved back to Colorado. I stayed between his farm, my house and my friends’ apartment in Boulder. I worked various contract jobs. I still dated the man Jimmy…but, it was really going downhill at this point. He always had ‘other women’ in his life (yes, I saw many phone numbers, receipts, notes, etc…). I tried dating other men but nothing ever ‘took’.
We did go on another Rick Springfield cruise in 2009. The cruises depart from the Port of Miami…so, my visits out there always included stopping in Fort Myers (made good friends there through Jimmy) and my beloved Orlando and Winter Park, Florida. And of course, visits to my beloved DisneyWorld!! 2011 was the last visit Rick Springfield cruise…another great time with a concert on a Jamaican beach and a stop in Grand Cayman! That was the best trip. Jimmy and I had fun, but it was our last trip together.
I started a Master’s degree online through Colorado State University that fall. I worked from home as a recruiter, took care of dad and did my studies. When I turned 50 in August of 2012…I celebrated for two months with visits to Vail (for a nephew’s wedding), Aspen (my old stomping grounds), Manhattan, Kansas (again, my old stomping grounds!)…all alone. My family did take me to dinner.
I had lost one of my precious doggies in 2010…so, I was down to one dog, Harley and one kitty, Kikki who all had been out at my dad’s farm since 2009. He loved them so much and they loved him and loved living on the farm. So, I drove to his farm (25 miles one way) at least every other day to check on all of them! Again, working odd jobs, contract jobs and working on my degree.
Dad’s health had deteriorated enough that my aunt (who owned the farm) had convinced my brother to ‘take over’ and sell the farm and move Dad to my brother’s house in Casper, Wyoming in February, 2014. This was a very trying time for me as I had ‘lived’ out there part time too for almost 10 years. We had so much to sell and move…and I had a tenant in my Greeley house…who fortunately moved quickly as Dad’s farm sold very quickly. So me, my dog Harley and cat Kikki…headed back to Greeley full time. Jimmy came back in my life then…briefly…just long enough to help with the move…but, we promptly broke up after that (never to get back together again!).
At this time…it so happened that my mother’s health was going downhill. So, I went from caregiver to my Dad to caregiver to my mom. Notoriously, my mother and I had always butted heads…but, we learned to enjoy each other’s company and really became close. She had a beautiful home in Greeley…exactly 30 blocks from my house. So, I was able to see her and spend time with her every day. I would take my dog Harley to her house and she would ‘baby sit’ her ‘granddoggie’! Oh how she loved Harley!!! He was such a blessing to all of us (thank you Jimmy for getting him for your daughter who didn’t like him... so I took him in 2003!!!!). Anyway…Mom had several issues due to lung problems and ended up on oxygen full time. After several stints in the hospital…I ended up being a full time caregiver.
I finished my degree in the fall of 2014…so, it was not until the summer of 2015 that I walked in the ceremony (I didn’t get to do that for my BS degree…) at the Bellco Theatre in Denver. My oldest cousin, Lynn and wife, Jo attended the ceremony and celebrated with me. So did my brother and wife. I had a nice reception later in Greeley at my favorite cinema lounge in downtown with cousins, sister and family and close friends attending. And of course…my mom was there…played the beautiful grand piano in the lobby…and more than that...she got to see me achieve something!!! It was one of our last family events all together as Mom passed away seven months later…January 10, 2016…at age 88.
I’ve struggled since that date. Because I hadn’t been working…except to take care of her…I really don’t know what to do anymore. My MS degree has not been a boon for me in me getting a good job (yes, I’ve been looking…). I now feel I’m at a crossroads. Almost needing to completely start over. Yet, I still have my house, many of mom’s things from her house…which sold immediately! And my kitty cat to care for!! I lost my precious doggie, Harley…6 months and 29 days before my mom died. Both took their last breaths in my arms.
So, time is precious. Time flies. And life is life…with struggles, heartbreak, loss…happiness…good and bad. But, honestly…since I was not able to have kids…I feel very alone. I take trips to Casper, Wyoming to visit my 92-year-old dad at least once a month. I stay in hotels since my brother and his family have become estranged (differences in personality, lifestyle, decisions on how to take care of our parents, etc.). It’s been hard on me.
In the last two years, I’ve lost three very close friends, my dog, and my mom through passing…and my boyfriend through another woman! I know the latter was for the best. But, it’s still hard to be alone. I haven’t been working or dating. Because I’ve almost given up. But, I know that I can’t give up.
My goal is to move when I turn 55…to a 55 and over community where I don’t have yard work or upkeep on an old house!!! And hopefully to a place in a warm climate! As for career…I still dream of singing and acting…even at this old age! But, I’ve lost my motivation…so, hoping something triggers me to begin to work on things again. I need inspiration…a muse…some help!
Well…that’s been the last 26 years of my life.
“I look to the sea…reflections in the waves…spark my memory….Some happy…some sad…I think of all my friends…and the dreams we had…” (Thank you Dennis DeYoung!).
The time went so fast. And, the next 26 will go just as fast...if not faster! And believe it or not…I will be almost 80 by then…if I make it that long!?
Only time will tell…
*PS – I have done a lot of acting and singing since 1990…Mom and I used to perform together at several venues and local events. And I wrote many songs…recorded a few. Plus, I did several shows…plays, musical theater productions locally.
Website:
http://jodyandevere.wix.com/hookyjo#!about/c10fk
Friday, December 18, 2015
Oh I'll always love Staaaar Wars!
I know many of you remember how crazy I was about Star Wars. That would be the very first Star Wars. That would be the only one I really loved. I also liked Return of the Jedi. But, never liked Empire Strikes Back (too dark and unresolved...since obviously it was the tie-in between the two others). And I wasn't real crazy about Phantom Menace (although I liked it more than most people...and that pod race was pretty cool!). But, absolutely DEPLORED the other prequels. Horrible! A pox on whoever made those movies!
Many of you teased me, wondered about me, scoffed at me and worried about me...because of my love of Star Wars. I did see it at least 20 times in the first year (lost track after 20). Yes, a tad strange...but, I was obviously not the only one who felt this kind of affinity towards this movie! I thought...with the 40th anniversary...that I would try to explain the feelings around that time of my life...which began in 1977.
I was wearing bib overalls. All the rage. Dark blue jean bib overalls, a yellow and white striped shirt underneath...and my wooden healed wedge sandals. I thought I looked cool. I'm sure I didn't. Besides being all of 14 years old, nerdy and with braces...how cool could I be? I was with my friend Jill Wanstreet (and I have no idea what she was wearing)! But, we always managed to have fun together...and this time was no different.
But, let me back up as to how and why my friend Jill and I arrived at this day. My older SISTER Jill had seen Star Wars right after it came out (May of 77) with her husband in Denver (they lived down there while he was attending seminary). She told me that I just HAD to see this movie and that I HAD to see it in Denver at the Cooper Theater. The Cooper was the biggest theater in Denver back then. It was on Colorado Boulevard...it was a Cinerama Theater...the theater was round and the screen was huge and curved.
I hope some of you got to go to this glorious theater...it was razed in 1994 to put in a Barnes and Noble. What a travesty! A pox on them too!! What a treasure it would be to still be able to see movies in that venue. I feel forever blessed for this experience.
Now...back to my Star Wars experience! My sister said I must come down to Denver...so, my friend Jill and I planned a weekend night at my sister's place and to see this new movie that had just come out. We knew very little about it. There was buzz for sure...but, at that age...and with no social media...no immediate reviews...just the newspaper and TV...we didn't know much. But, we were game. So, my sister and her husband dropped these two geeky, gawky 14 and 16 year old girls off at this big city theater. My sister had instructed us on what to do. The first line we had to get into was the ticket line. After standing in that (for about 2 hours), we then moved to the seating line (another hour). I thought we'd NEVER get in! My friend and I somehow managed to entertain each other. Then, once we were inside...my sister said we must RUN to the stairs and get seats in the balcony. They had seen the movie this way and said it was a better experience to be up high in those balcony seats. So, of course when the rope was lifted to let everyone into the theater...it was a mad rush! My friend Jill was pushing me...into several people! But, we made our way up there...I was so nervous about finding two seats together in a 'good spot'. I remember even sitting ON the woman next to the seat in such a rush to sit down!
That was it. We made it...in to see this movie that we really had NO idea about what to expect. And then the curtains parted (yes, the Cooper had actual velvet curtains)...and there it was...the 20th Century Fox logo and theme song...(you know it!). And then...the STAR WARS THEME (you know that too! And I bet are humming it now!). And that opening crawl...well, if you haven't seen it (there is something wrong with you)...but, if you haven't...I can't explain it. It was just awesome. And even though we had no clue what that crawl was talking about the first time...it was AWESOME! And then to see that first Empire battle ship fly on the screen...wow! That moment...that impeccable, unique moment was a SCENE I had never SEEN before! Again...if you've seen it...you know what I mean! Ya just know what I'm talkin' about!!! If you didn't get to see this on the big screen the first time...I'm sad for you...
I knew this was something special. Then...the movie. The story - a phenomenal good vs. evil tale. The characters - interesting, funny and good looking! Even the wookie (Chewbacca...my all-time favorite)was adorable! (I still have my stuffed Chewbacca from Xmas '77!) And those droids - so loveable! And of course the three main stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford...greatest casting ever! As usual...I loved the blonde - Luke, and my friend liked the brunette - Han. Thank goodness! That always worked out well for us...so we didn't 'fight' over which guy was 'ours'! Luke was alllll mine! And of course, the bad guys were really bad...Darth Vader! What about the cantina? It was all great!
So, when the movie ended...on a very high, inspirational note...I turned to my friend Jill..and we both just had tears in our eyes (yes Jill...you did! I wasn't the only nerd who loved it!!). It was just the most incredible experience. A wonderful, feel-good movie. And soooo unique. Just so very, very special.
I guess that's all I can do to help people understand the phenomenon. And why it was such a special movie to me. And it was such a special time for me. I loved the movie. I loved that I saw it in Denver in that wonderful theater. I loved that I saw it with my best friend. I loved Luke and all the characters! I loved 1977...that was actually my favorite summer ever. I loved the music that summer...it was a true coming of age time for me. I was about to turn 15...so for my birthday I wanted to take some friends to Denver to see STAR WARS! I wanted them to experience what I experienced! So, my mom drove me and 4 unsuspecting friends to the Cooper Theater (my mom was unsuspecting too!). Of course I instructed them that we must RUN to the stairs and head to the balcony for the best seats. So , the minute the rope lifted we all ran! And this is a memory that my mother would still talknabout and woukd quote, "You said run for the stairs...we have to beat everyone"...And then she said she turned around...and there was no one behind us! Ok...this was August 27th and by then the allure had worn off just a little. But, still...we HAD to get those great seats! And we did. And my friends liked it (I think). Maybe my mom kind of liked it too. But, probably none of them as much as me!! No, probably not.
So, my rep as a true Star Wars geek was cemented. I was teased, laughed at...but, it was nothing new for me. I've been teased and laughed at all my life for things I love, wear, do or believe in! It was a fitting thing for me to love this movie. And I saw it numerous times that year. Several dates took me to see it...or I took them! (If you wanted to date Jody Olsen...you had to take her to see Star Wars!). Actually, only one boyfriend refused that offer (you know who you are!). His loss...?? I made everyone who hadn't seen it...go with me to see it!
I took my mom and dad (dad said he stuffed pieces of napkin in his ears cuz it was too loud!). My brother took me and a friend to it on New Year's Eve 1977. By this time it had moved to the Continental Theater off of Hampden (I'm not sure when it moved there...but, maybe it played at the Cooper about six months and then moved to Continental for another six?). That was not as great of a theater...but, still pretty big and nice. I do know Star Wars was playing in the theater for over a year. Remember this was pre any sort of rentals or streaming obviously...so, it had to be shown in the theater. And people (like me) wanted to see it over and over! In the Denver Post there was an ad with a birthday cake saying, "Happy one-year birthday to Star Wars! (And I have the clipping of that somewhere in one of my Star Wars scrapbooks!)
The phenomenon of the first Star Wars was almost inexplicable. But, as I said...I was not the only one who felt the allure. And to see the millions of faithful fans that continue to love it as the 38 1/2 years have passed...the children of people my age who also love it...and even their children now!?! (My sister's boys were in love with the movie...I guess the geekiness got passed on to them!) Who can explain it? Was it like a religious experiece? (Jedi is a religion to some!) Or was it just the sheer joy it brought? Or just the fact that it was so different and so well-made? Who knows?! I just do know that it has endured!
Remember...the Force will be with you ALWAYS!!
Many of you teased me, wondered about me, scoffed at me and worried about me...because of my love of Star Wars. I did see it at least 20 times in the first year (lost track after 20). Yes, a tad strange...but, I was obviously not the only one who felt this kind of affinity towards this movie! I thought...with the 40th anniversary...that I would try to explain the feelings around that time of my life...which began in 1977.
I was wearing bib overalls. All the rage. Dark blue jean bib overalls, a yellow and white striped shirt underneath...and my wooden healed wedge sandals. I thought I looked cool. I'm sure I didn't. Besides being all of 14 years old, nerdy and with braces...how cool could I be? I was with my friend Jill Wanstreet (and I have no idea what she was wearing)! But, we always managed to have fun together...and this time was no different.
But, let me back up as to how and why my friend Jill and I arrived at this day. My older SISTER Jill had seen Star Wars right after it came out (May of 77) with her husband in Denver (they lived down there while he was attending seminary). She told me that I just HAD to see this movie and that I HAD to see it in Denver at the Cooper Theater. The Cooper was the biggest theater in Denver back then. It was on Colorado Boulevard...it was a Cinerama Theater...the theater was round and the screen was huge and curved.
I hope some of you got to go to this glorious theater...it was razed in 1994 to put in a Barnes and Noble. What a travesty! A pox on them too!! What a treasure it would be to still be able to see movies in that venue. I feel forever blessed for this experience.
Now...back to my Star Wars experience! My sister said I must come down to Denver...so, my friend Jill and I planned a weekend night at my sister's place and to see this new movie that had just come out. We knew very little about it. There was buzz for sure...but, at that age...and with no social media...no immediate reviews...just the newspaper and TV...we didn't know much. But, we were game. So, my sister and her husband dropped these two geeky, gawky 14 and 16 year old girls off at this big city theater. My sister had instructed us on what to do. The first line we had to get into was the ticket line. After standing in that (for about 2 hours), we then moved to the seating line (another hour). I thought we'd NEVER get in! My friend and I somehow managed to entertain each other. Then, once we were inside...my sister said we must RUN to the stairs and get seats in the balcony. They had seen the movie this way and said it was a better experience to be up high in those balcony seats. So, of course when the rope was lifted to let everyone into the theater...it was a mad rush! My friend Jill was pushing me...into several people! But, we made our way up there...I was so nervous about finding two seats together in a 'good spot'. I remember even sitting ON the woman next to the seat in such a rush to sit down!
That was it. We made it...in to see this movie that we really had NO idea about what to expect. And then the curtains parted (yes, the Cooper had actual velvet curtains)...and there it was...the 20th Century Fox logo and theme song...(you know it!). And then...the STAR WARS THEME (you know that too! And I bet are humming it now!). And that opening crawl...well, if you haven't seen it (there is something wrong with you)...but, if you haven't...I can't explain it. It was just awesome. And even though we had no clue what that crawl was talking about the first time...it was AWESOME! And then to see that first Empire battle ship fly on the screen...wow! That moment...that impeccable, unique moment was a SCENE I had never SEEN before! Again...if you've seen it...you know what I mean! Ya just know what I'm talkin' about!!! If you didn't get to see this on the big screen the first time...I'm sad for you...
I knew this was something special. Then...the movie. The story - a phenomenal good vs. evil tale. The characters - interesting, funny and good looking! Even the wookie (Chewbacca...my all-time favorite)was adorable! (I still have my stuffed Chewbacca from Xmas '77!) And those droids - so loveable! And of course the three main stars Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford...greatest casting ever! As usual...I loved the blonde - Luke, and my friend liked the brunette - Han. Thank goodness! That always worked out well for us...so we didn't 'fight' over which guy was 'ours'! Luke was alllll mine! And of course, the bad guys were really bad...Darth Vader! What about the cantina? It was all great!
So, when the movie ended...on a very high, inspirational note...I turned to my friend Jill..and we both just had tears in our eyes (yes Jill...you did! I wasn't the only nerd who loved it!!). It was just the most incredible experience. A wonderful, feel-good movie. And soooo unique. Just so very, very special.
I guess that's all I can do to help people understand the phenomenon. And why it was such a special movie to me. And it was such a special time for me. I loved the movie. I loved that I saw it in Denver in that wonderful theater. I loved that I saw it with my best friend. I loved Luke and all the characters! I loved 1977...that was actually my favorite summer ever. I loved the music that summer...it was a true coming of age time for me. I was about to turn 15...so for my birthday I wanted to take some friends to Denver to see STAR WARS! I wanted them to experience what I experienced! So, my mom drove me and 4 unsuspecting friends to the Cooper Theater (my mom was unsuspecting too!). Of course I instructed them that we must RUN to the stairs and head to the balcony for the best seats. So , the minute the rope lifted we all ran! And this is a memory that my mother would still talknabout and woukd quote, "You said run for the stairs...we have to beat everyone"...And then she said she turned around...and there was no one behind us! Ok...this was August 27th and by then the allure had worn off just a little. But, still...we HAD to get those great seats! And we did. And my friends liked it (I think). Maybe my mom kind of liked it too. But, probably none of them as much as me!! No, probably not.
So, my rep as a true Star Wars geek was cemented. I was teased, laughed at...but, it was nothing new for me. I've been teased and laughed at all my life for things I love, wear, do or believe in! It was a fitting thing for me to love this movie. And I saw it numerous times that year. Several dates took me to see it...or I took them! (If you wanted to date Jody Olsen...you had to take her to see Star Wars!). Actually, only one boyfriend refused that offer (you know who you are!). His loss...?? I made everyone who hadn't seen it...go with me to see it!
I took my mom and dad (dad said he stuffed pieces of napkin in his ears cuz it was too loud!). My brother took me and a friend to it on New Year's Eve 1977. By this time it had moved to the Continental Theater off of Hampden (I'm not sure when it moved there...but, maybe it played at the Cooper about six months and then moved to Continental for another six?). That was not as great of a theater...but, still pretty big and nice. I do know Star Wars was playing in the theater for over a year. Remember this was pre any sort of rentals or streaming obviously...so, it had to be shown in the theater. And people (like me) wanted to see it over and over! In the Denver Post there was an ad with a birthday cake saying, "Happy one-year birthday to Star Wars! (And I have the clipping of that somewhere in one of my Star Wars scrapbooks!)
The phenomenon of the first Star Wars was almost inexplicable. But, as I said...I was not the only one who felt the allure. And to see the millions of faithful fans that continue to love it as the 38 1/2 years have passed...the children of people my age who also love it...and even their children now!?! (My sister's boys were in love with the movie...I guess the geekiness got passed on to them!) Who can explain it? Was it like a religious experiece? (Jedi is a religion to some!) Or was it just the sheer joy it brought? Or just the fact that it was so different and so well-made? Who knows?! I just do know that it has endured!
Remember...the Force will be with you ALWAYS!!
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Rick Rocks Red Rocks - August 15, 1982
I fell in love with Rick Springfield on October 24, 1981. I know, I know...he was a singer and actor who was every girls' dream (well...not every girl...but quite a few!)...but, on that night as I saw him on 'Solid Gold' singing "I've done everything for you..."...he stole my heart! I told my best friend and roommate at the time that we were going to go see him at his upcoming concert at the Rainbow Music Hall in Denver (concert venue...long since defunct). So, I got tickets and his album 'Working Class Dog' (vinyl..which I played til it wore out!)...and we went to this concert in Denver, November 1, 1981! Wonderful. His van drove right past us. Swoon. So, throughout the remainder of that year and into 1982...my love for him grew. I studied the man, bought all of his prior albums, watched him get a Grammy...and awaited the day when his new album was to be released, 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'! The first song was played on KBPI (Rock station)..."Calling All Girls". Great song which I still love. My bf at the time said he was signing that to me! ;)
I soon learned that Rick would be at Red Rocks...August 15th of 1982. I was going to be there! But, would my best friend Jilly want to go too? Yes (God bless her!!!). I then learned the tickets were all general admission...first come, first row! I convinced her to go with me and spend the night there to be first in line for the show! What a good friend, huh? She didn't even like him that much (I don't think?)...but, she knew how much I did!! In fact, look at this schedule of shows from that month and year...no wonder I loved the 80s so much...I would give ANYTHING to get back in time...but, that's a Huey Lewis song :) !
HTTP://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/calendar/1982/08
So, off we went to Red Rocks in Morrison, CO on a Saturday night in Jill's inherited white Chrysler Cordoba (once her grandma's). We parked and headed up the hill with numerous paraphernalia...sleeping bags, food, clothes to change into. And we schlepped up the steep hill that gets to the stadium. Well...along the way we got tired...so, we stopped numerous times to rest...setting our stuff down along the way. Of course, I had no idea if this was even allowed to spend the night there! But, we got to the top finally and a guy tells us we can camp out...but, on the other side entry way...and that there were others already there. So, we were about 10th in line of getting in...not too bad?! We all got settled in on our hard spots for the long night...when cops come up and say it's illegal to stay there and that we all had to head out! Mass confusion erupted with those of us there...since the Red Rocks guys said we could stay. But, no...we had to all leave and come back in the morning! I guess Jill and I thought we would just stay in the car? We really didn't have a back up plan. So, we grabbed all our stuff and schlepped back down on the other side where we had parked. Most of the other people parked on the side where we thought we were allowed to stay. Here Jill and I were the only ones on this other side and it was very dark (no lighting there at that time) and we were completely alone! I was a little scared...
So, we get to the Cordoba and Jill says..."I can't find my keys!". Again, there we are in a pitch black empty lot at who knows what time of night (i'm guessing around 10:00 but I don't remember...). We couldn't see a thing to even look for them. I said...we have to go back up and just tell them we can't leave...no keys!! So, we grabbed ALL our stuff AGAIN and schlepped back up that mountain...AGAIN (for those familiar with Red Rocks...not an easy climb really!!).
We get to the top and explain to the Red Rocks guys what happened...and they said...ok...just sleep here in the bleachers. I thought...SCORE...we are going to be the VERY FIRST ONES IN LINE NOW...since everyone else had to leave! What a strange twist of luck! I was actually so happy.
My memory fades at this point. Not due to drinking (I didn't drink much then...)...but, I guess just old age. But, we did get front row seats as hoped for! Yea...I got my wish! Front row for Rick Springfield...my idol!
Jill remembers that we changed and laid out in the sun and drank little bottles of booze we brought in! I don't remember that (ok...maybe it was because of the booze!)...or maybe it was because I was soooooo excited for this concert!!
But, as we sat there...I started to wonder how on earth we were going to get home. Remember...we had no keys to her car?? I said we better go re-trace our steps...and also make sure she didn't lock them in the car! So, we found some nice people to save our front row seats (and if they hadn't...they would have seen the wrath of JO!!!). So, we walked down to our car. No keys in the ignition. Good and bad. Where were they?! They could've been ANYWHERE considering all the hikes up and down we took and moving around from one side of the arena to the other...yikes! Still...I said, "Let's think about where we stopped on our walk up with all our things". We kept stopping to rest along the way...maybe she accidentally dropped them? So, we scanned the whole trail. And at one of the last places we remembered stopping was a large rock...and lo and behold...the keys were there! Kind of behind this rock so no one had seen them to pick them up or anything. OMG! Good luck just continued to shine on us! Along with the sun shine that was beating down. Yea...it was all going just great!!
So, we were just enjoying everything now at this point. But, it was a very long day as the concert was not going to start until that evening. Red Rocks policy is that the concert will go on rain or shine...unless it's life-threatening or threatening to the artists. There have been very few times that concerts have been cancelled altogether due to weather. Except of course one that I did attend in 2013...Barry Manilow...but, I digress (that wimp!). :)
So, at about 3:00 on the day of Rick's concerts...storm clouds rolled in. I prayed it would not rain. Well...that didn't work...it didn't just rain...the heavens opened up! There were waterfalls flowing off of the Red Rocks! I wouldn't leave my seats...so, I was drenched. But, we also risked our lives as it was lightning too (of course) and the obligatory Colorado hail soon followed! Wow...was Rick really worth all this? Schlepping, climbing, getting kicked out, getting locked out...getting freaked out by all the rain (not to mention sunburns from all the sun tanning earlier in the day!!). Was it really worth it???
I was so worried that all this would be for nought...so I thought! But, it was not! The clouds soon departed and the sun started to shine! It was one of the notorious Colorado afternoon storms. Once it passed...the skies were blue again and we were in the front row...although unable to get all dolled up (our bags of clothes were soaked)...we were still in the front row! Rick would just have to see his 'wet rat' fans who endured so much to see him! I was about to see him...front row center!!
Greg Kihn, of "Our Love's in Jeopardy" and "The Break-Up Song" fame...opened for Rick. He was great. It was great. Then, Mr. Rick Springfield...Ricky Springfield...in the flesh! 'Working Class Dog' (1981) and 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'(1982) were the albums he played from so...the song list (what I can remember...). 'new' songs: "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Calling All Girls", "Kristina", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "I Get Excited". Old songs were: "Love is Alrite Tonite", "I've Done Everything for You", "Inside Sylvia", "Everybody's Girl", "Carry Me Away". If anyone is not familiar...ALL of these songs are just great! But, of course...the best for last is ALWAYS, "Jessie's Girl!". The day was complete...and fantastic...and I'm sure Rick saw me in my hot pink top with black polka dots...soaked, no make-up, sunburned. But, I KNOW he saw me... Cuz, he's watching me with those eyes...and he's lovin me with that body...I just know it! Ha...I guess not. I think the real song for me on that day was "What Kind of Fool Am I?"...to sit out...sit in the rain like that!! :)
What a memory...glad I got it all written out before I lose it! ;)
I soon learned that Rick would be at Red Rocks...August 15th of 1982. I was going to be there! But, would my best friend Jilly want to go too? Yes (God bless her!!!). I then learned the tickets were all general admission...first come, first row! I convinced her to go with me and spend the night there to be first in line for the show! What a good friend, huh? She didn't even like him that much (I don't think?)...but, she knew how much I did!! In fact, look at this schedule of shows from that month and year...no wonder I loved the 80s so much...I would give ANYTHING to get back in time...but, that's a Huey Lewis song :) !
HTTP://redrocksonline.com/concerts-events/calendar/1982/08
So, off we went to Red Rocks in Morrison, CO on a Saturday night in Jill's inherited white Chrysler Cordoba (once her grandma's). We parked and headed up the hill with numerous paraphernalia...sleeping bags, food, clothes to change into. And we schlepped up the steep hill that gets to the stadium. Well...along the way we got tired...so, we stopped numerous times to rest...setting our stuff down along the way. Of course, I had no idea if this was even allowed to spend the night there! But, we got to the top finally and a guy tells us we can camp out...but, on the other side entry way...and that there were others already there. So, we were about 10th in line of getting in...not too bad?! We all got settled in on our hard spots for the long night...when cops come up and say it's illegal to stay there and that we all had to head out! Mass confusion erupted with those of us there...since the Red Rocks guys said we could stay. But, no...we had to all leave and come back in the morning! I guess Jill and I thought we would just stay in the car? We really didn't have a back up plan. So, we grabbed all our stuff and schlepped back down on the other side where we had parked. Most of the other people parked on the side where we thought we were allowed to stay. Here Jill and I were the only ones on this other side and it was very dark (no lighting there at that time) and we were completely alone! I was a little scared...
So, we get to the Cordoba and Jill says..."I can't find my keys!". Again, there we are in a pitch black empty lot at who knows what time of night (i'm guessing around 10:00 but I don't remember...). We couldn't see a thing to even look for them. I said...we have to go back up and just tell them we can't leave...no keys!! So, we grabbed ALL our stuff AGAIN and schlepped back up that mountain...AGAIN (for those familiar with Red Rocks...not an easy climb really!!).
We get to the top and explain to the Red Rocks guys what happened...and they said...ok...just sleep here in the bleachers. I thought...SCORE...we are going to be the VERY FIRST ONES IN LINE NOW...since everyone else had to leave! What a strange twist of luck! I was actually so happy.
My memory fades at this point. Not due to drinking (I didn't drink much then...)...but, I guess just old age. But, we did get front row seats as hoped for! Yea...I got my wish! Front row for Rick Springfield...my idol!
Jill remembers that we changed and laid out in the sun and drank little bottles of booze we brought in! I don't remember that (ok...maybe it was because of the booze!)...or maybe it was because I was soooooo excited for this concert!!
But, as we sat there...I started to wonder how on earth we were going to get home. Remember...we had no keys to her car?? I said we better go re-trace our steps...and also make sure she didn't lock them in the car! So, we found some nice people to save our front row seats (and if they hadn't...they would have seen the wrath of JO!!!). So, we walked down to our car. No keys in the ignition. Good and bad. Where were they?! They could've been ANYWHERE considering all the hikes up and down we took and moving around from one side of the arena to the other...yikes! Still...I said, "Let's think about where we stopped on our walk up with all our things". We kept stopping to rest along the way...maybe she accidentally dropped them? So, we scanned the whole trail. And at one of the last places we remembered stopping was a large rock...and lo and behold...the keys were there! Kind of behind this rock so no one had seen them to pick them up or anything. OMG! Good luck just continued to shine on us! Along with the sun shine that was beating down. Yea...it was all going just great!!
So, we were just enjoying everything now at this point. But, it was a very long day as the concert was not going to start until that evening. Red Rocks policy is that the concert will go on rain or shine...unless it's life-threatening or threatening to the artists. There have been very few times that concerts have been cancelled altogether due to weather. Except of course one that I did attend in 2013...Barry Manilow...but, I digress (that wimp!). :)
So, at about 3:00 on the day of Rick's concerts...storm clouds rolled in. I prayed it would not rain. Well...that didn't work...it didn't just rain...the heavens opened up! There were waterfalls flowing off of the Red Rocks! I wouldn't leave my seats...so, I was drenched. But, we also risked our lives as it was lightning too (of course) and the obligatory Colorado hail soon followed! Wow...was Rick really worth all this? Schlepping, climbing, getting kicked out, getting locked out...getting freaked out by all the rain (not to mention sunburns from all the sun tanning earlier in the day!!). Was it really worth it???
I was so worried that all this would be for nought...so I thought! But, it was not! The clouds soon departed and the sun started to shine! It was one of the notorious Colorado afternoon storms. Once it passed...the skies were blue again and we were in the front row...although unable to get all dolled up (our bags of clothes were soaked)...we were still in the front row! Rick would just have to see his 'wet rat' fans who endured so much to see him! I was about to see him...front row center!!
Greg Kihn, of "Our Love's in Jeopardy" and "The Break-Up Song" fame...opened for Rick. He was great. It was great. Then, Mr. Rick Springfield...Ricky Springfield...in the flesh! 'Working Class Dog' (1981) and 'Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet'(1982) were the albums he played from so...the song list (what I can remember...). 'new' songs: "Don't Talk To Strangers", "Calling All Girls", "Kristina", "What Kind of Fool Am I?", "I Get Excited". Old songs were: "Love is Alrite Tonite", "I've Done Everything for You", "Inside Sylvia", "Everybody's Girl", "Carry Me Away". If anyone is not familiar...ALL of these songs are just great! But, of course...the best for last is ALWAYS, "Jessie's Girl!". The day was complete...and fantastic...and I'm sure Rick saw me in my hot pink top with black polka dots...soaked, no make-up, sunburned. But, I KNOW he saw me... Cuz, he's watching me with those eyes...and he's lovin me with that body...I just know it! Ha...I guess not. I think the real song for me on that day was "What Kind of Fool Am I?"...to sit out...sit in the rain like that!! :)
What a memory...glad I got it all written out before I lose it! ;)
Monday, April 6, 2015
Hard to Hold
I have had many wonderful memories with Rick Springfield...especially in the 80s. Today, a friend has mentioned that 'Hard to Hold' was released today...31 years ago. I had to write about one of my experiences.
I was always a dreamer. And I loved Rick more than anything in 1983. I moved to LA from Colorado to be an actress...but also to be near him! I did actually live a few blocks from him in Toluca Lake. But, that's another story for another time. I worked as an extra in some movies...but, soon had to take a job in a law firm as a receptionist. It was a job where I had to be there all the time...no absences. There was no voicemail...they had to have a live phone answerer! A friend called out of the blue telling me he had won tickets to a Jefferson Starship concert. The concert was in the daytime on a weekday...a Friday afternoon, May 15, 1983. I thought that was strange. So, of course I said no I can't go. But then he told me that Rick Springfield would be there too! OK...that's it. I'd find a way to go!
Shamefully, I did make up a pretty bad lie to get out of work (that a person I knew had died and I had to go to a funeral)...yes, awful...but, I knew that was the ONLY way my militant boss would let me leave work! So, I went to the concert. It was at a venue called the LA Sports Arena in Inglewood. I don't think it's there anymore...but, at one time it was a big arena - like the Forum (not quite as big). Starship did play. It was '83...so, I'm pretty sure it was still Grace Slick and Micky Thomas. It was great...but, still strange that it was a daytime concert. After talking to a few people in the arena...I learned that this was a gig to shoot footage for this upcoming Rick Springfield movie. The tickets were all given away on a radio station. They had it during the day due to the shooting schedule and chose Starship to get a more 'rocker' crowd! Isn't that funny?
So, after Starship played...Rick came on. Unfortunately, most of the people who came for Starship...didn't want to stay for Rick (they should have had him open first - in hindsight!). I guess the 'rocker' crowd didn't want to see Rick! Sad but probably true! Anyway...I started talking to a man with a clipboard. He said they were also going to be shooting the next day to get more scenes and asked if I wanted to be an extra! Of course I did! So, I was on the list on the clipboard. Of course, I went shopping that night. Had to get a new outfit for my role in Rick's movie! Stonewashed gray jeans, a gray and white striped cowl neck top and spikey gray high heel pumps! And big white earrings and necklace (plastic..all the 80s rage!).
I arrived at the LA sports arena on the morning of May 16, 1983 in my El Camino. I was put in a line of people...maybe 200. We were shuffled into the arena. At first, I was seated very far in the back...could hardly even see Rick on stage. I sat there awhile and made a few friends. Then, I noticed two people in charge talking about something and people started raising their hands...so, I just raised my hand too...and they said, "ok...you follow us!". I was escorted to the front row...right by the stage (the part that jets out in 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'). Well, I was ecstatic of course! There he was...right there!
I can't put into words how much this meant to me at the time. Rick was my everything. And for a little girl from Colorado...to be in a movie with her idol...was really a dream come true. We filmed those two songs...over and over and over...for 8 hours! I am not kidding. I actually did get sick of the songs! It was grueling (especially in high heels!). But, I lived through the pain. I ended up making very good friends...got Rick's autograph (remember...back then no smartphones...so no pics!). What a day it was. I thought this was a funny story that some of the Rickabee's might like!
I saw the movie on the first day of its release...the first showing at the theater in Hollywood...a noon show (how did I get out of work that day?) on April 6, 1984. I often think I was one of the first to yell out "Hard to Watch" whenever he talked about it at his concerts! Did I coin the phrase? Who knows. But, since I had a 'starring' role in it...I felt I had a right to critique it! No, I didn't care for the movie. But, still to know that I was an extra with my idol...was a great day. And a great memory.
I was always a dreamer. And I loved Rick more than anything in 1983. I moved to LA from Colorado to be an actress...but also to be near him! I did actually live a few blocks from him in Toluca Lake. But, that's another story for another time. I worked as an extra in some movies...but, soon had to take a job in a law firm as a receptionist. It was a job where I had to be there all the time...no absences. There was no voicemail...they had to have a live phone answerer! A friend called out of the blue telling me he had won tickets to a Jefferson Starship concert. The concert was in the daytime on a weekday...a Friday afternoon, May 15, 1983. I thought that was strange. So, of course I said no I can't go. But then he told me that Rick Springfield would be there too! OK...that's it. I'd find a way to go!
Shamefully, I did make up a pretty bad lie to get out of work (that a person I knew had died and I had to go to a funeral)...yes, awful...but, I knew that was the ONLY way my militant boss would let me leave work! So, I went to the concert. It was at a venue called the LA Sports Arena in Inglewood. I don't think it's there anymore...but, at one time it was a big arena - like the Forum (not quite as big). Starship did play. It was '83...so, I'm pretty sure it was still Grace Slick and Micky Thomas. It was great...but, still strange that it was a daytime concert. After talking to a few people in the arena...I learned that this was a gig to shoot footage for this upcoming Rick Springfield movie. The tickets were all given away on a radio station. They had it during the day due to the shooting schedule and chose Starship to get a more 'rocker' crowd! Isn't that funny?
So, after Starship played...Rick came on. Unfortunately, most of the people who came for Starship...didn't want to stay for Rick (they should have had him open first - in hindsight!). I guess the 'rocker' crowd didn't want to see Rick! Sad but probably true! Anyway...I started talking to a man with a clipboard. He said they were also going to be shooting the next day to get more scenes and asked if I wanted to be an extra! Of course I did! So, I was on the list on the clipboard. Of course, I went shopping that night. Had to get a new outfit for my role in Rick's movie! Stonewashed gray jeans, a gray and white striped cowl neck top and spikey gray high heel pumps! And big white earrings and necklace (plastic..all the 80s rage!).
I arrived at the LA sports arena on the morning of May 16, 1983 in my El Camino. I was put in a line of people...maybe 200. We were shuffled into the arena. At first, I was seated very far in the back...could hardly even see Rick on stage. I sat there awhile and made a few friends. Then, I noticed two people in charge talking about something and people started raising their hands...so, I just raised my hand too...and they said, "ok...you follow us!". I was escorted to the front row...right by the stage (the part that jets out in 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'). Well, I was ecstatic of course! There he was...right there!
I can't put into words how much this meant to me at the time. Rick was my everything. And for a little girl from Colorado...to be in a movie with her idol...was really a dream come true. We filmed those two songs...over and over and over...for 8 hours! I am not kidding. I actually did get sick of the songs! It was grueling (especially in high heels!). But, I lived through the pain. I ended up making very good friends...got Rick's autograph (remember...back then no smartphones...so no pics!). What a day it was. I thought this was a funny story that some of the Rickabee's might like!
I saw the movie on the first day of its release...the first showing at the theater in Hollywood...a noon show (how did I get out of work that day?) on April 6, 1984. I often think I was one of the first to yell out "Hard to Watch" whenever he talked about it at his concerts! Did I coin the phrase? Who knows. But, since I had a 'starring' role in it...I felt I had a right to critique it! No, I didn't care for the movie. But, still to know that I was an extra with my idol...was a great day. And a great memory.
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