My Buddy

 

My Buddy…a tribute:

This little dog entered my life in August of 2017.  I was walking down Pearl Street in Boulder with a friend and there was a pet shop that we entered.  In this shop, they also had a dog rescue.  We started talking to the owner and she asked if I wanted a dog.  I explained that since my precious border collie, Harley had died two years earlier…I hadn’t wanted another one and still wasn’t ready for one.  But, she asked IF I were ready…what would I want?  I said I would want a smaller dog and an older dog that is trained and well-behaved.  She immediately thought of this guy.  She only had a picture and his name was ‘Bo’…which happened to be the nickname of my long-time BF that I had lost around the same time as my other dog.  I saw that as a ‘sign’ for some reason!

I said I would think about it.  She said I could just foster it and see how it goes.  So, the next week I decided to do that…to foster him.  I had never seen him…just a picture.  So, I met the gal who had been fostering him at the store (the store had saved him from a kill shelter in Houston and this gal fostered him for a week)…and she hands me this little mangy looking guy with crooked teeth sticking out…and off she goes!  Well, I went into the store to fill out the paperwork…and it said I had ownership for $95 (with the amount $495 crossed out!).  I asked why I had to pay to foster a dog.  And the young gal who was there that day said…”oh, you’re not fostering him…you’re adopting him!”.  Then, I asked why it was $95 instead of $495…and she said he was a discount because he was so old and nobody wanted him!! 

Well, that was it.  I figured how bad could it be for $95!?!  He became ‘mine’ on a Sunday afternoon in Boulder, Colorado, August 13^th, 2017.  My friend and I walked around Pearl Street with him…and everyone who saw him said…”Hey, little Buddy”…so, that became his name.  Officially: Buddy Bo Olsen.

The pet shop had arranged a visit to a vet as part of the adoption…so, off we went in my Dad’s old Buick to Denver to the vet they recommended.  This vet determined he was around 8 to 10 years old…and that his teeth needed looked at.  He also walked funny so they took x-rays of his hind quarters.  After half a day of leaving him there…out comes my dog with a bloody nose and shaking…they pulled ALL his teeth!  My new dog was toothless!  Also, there was nothing wrong with his legs…he just walked ‘funny’. 

So, this was it…me and my dog go home to Greeley to live with my Kikki Kat…who I thought would love having another dog around…as she loved all the other dogs I’d had around her.  But, NOOOOO…the cat did NOT like this dog.  Constantly hissing at it and acting very unhappy to have it around!  I don’t know if it was due to the size of Buddy…or just the fact that this was the CAT’S house…and no one new was allowed (all the other dogs I’d had were there before her!)…or the fact that he was half blind and couldn’t see her and ran into her all the time??   So, I decided it wasn’t fair to do this to my long-time cat and was going to take him back and say it wasn’t working out.  But, my friend knew someone who also had a dog rescue and she wanted him.  So, I took him to this woman.  She lived in a trailer with a bunch of other dogs.  I knew right away that Buddy loved walking…well, this lady was old and didn’t walk the dogs.  She also said she wasn’t going to place him but wanted to keep him because he was so ‘special’.  Well, I left him there one night…and after that night…I thought…I can’t leave him with her!  Whether the cat likes it or not…he’s coming back!  Til the very end…my cat’s never seemed to like him…but, boy has she been looking for him now!! 

My dog…my little Buddy was with me for 3 years, 3 months and 15 days until he suddenly just couldn’t walk on one of our walks around the mall.  I didn’t think too much of it…hoping it was just a fluke.  I took him home and he got worse very quickly and couldn’t stand or even go to the bathroom that night.  He was still eating and drinking well…but since he couldn’t go to the bathroom,  that was not necessarily a good thing. 

We got through the night and to the vet first thing in the morning.  She was already concerned about him and thought it might be time to go.  Of course, I couldn’t bear that thought and wanted a second opinion.  The 2^nd vet agreed.   I could have spent lots of time and money with him in the hospital…but, I did not want him to suffer through all that.  So, we made it through one more night…but, by Friday morning, December 4^th  I could tell it was time to consider my options.  I had a nice vet here who kindly took him and made all the arrangements for a peaceful transition for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge. 

He left me on Friday, December 4^th at approximately 3:00 pm.  And just like that my angel was gone. 

I wanted to write this out and also write a little about this guy.  First of all…he WAS an angel…and I believe sent to me by my parents in Heaven.  In fact, I could just hear my mom saying to my Dad…”Dale we’ve got to give her something to love”!  The serendipitous way that I just walked into that shop…how that woman was cognizant that he’d be a good one for me…even that his name was ‘Bo’ and how that seemed like a ‘sign’…and then when they messed up and said…’Oh…you’re adopting him”…well, it all just seemed like it was ‘meant to be’.

This dog was so perfect in so many ways.  He was so well-behaved…so loving…he loved everyone and everyone loved him.  If you were lucky enough to have ever met him…you know what I mean.  After his teeth were pulled…his little tongue hung out of his mouth.  It was so cute!  Having no teeth never stopped him from eating!  What a little piggy he was.  Mom was a spoiler too (would have been with real kids too!).  I’m sure I fed him too much…and he got ‘stout’ (just like his mom??).  But, I always thought he was ‘ok’.  I sure hope that didn’t lead to his legs going bad…maybe it did.  But, I just always wanted him to be happy!!

Some of his quirks…included…his gait.  As I said, they always thought his legs were ‘bad’ and that something was wrong…but, one day at the dog park…he was walking next to a French Bull Dog…and they had the exact same hind quarters and the same gait!  So, I always thought he was part ‘Bull Dog’.  In fact, after all this time and never really knowing what breed or mix he was…it was just the other day at the dog park (his favorite dog park was the one at the old Fort Collins High School…off of Peterson and Lake) that a gal told me that she thought he was a ‘Schnoodle’…part Schnauzer, part Poodle.  So, I looked it up and I think that’s what he was!  Finally, I learned…a Schnoodle!!!  And if you look it up…it says they look like a living Teddy Bear.  That’s what he was…my little stuffed bear come to life!!  Oh how I adored that dog…

He rubbed his face in blankets…always loved rubbing his face…especially after eating for some reason…like he was rubbing his whiskers clean!?!  He also loved ‘digging’ at the floor or a rug for some reason.  It was like he needed to ‘dig at it’ to get it ready for him to lie down somewhere. 

He loved peas!  He’d eat canned peas (of course the ones without salt!).  It was one of his favorite things…along with carrots, green beans and the occasional jicama!  He was a picky, quirky eater.  Rotisserie chicken from Sprouts was a favorite too... and it was his last meal. 

Along with the dog park…we loved walking around the CSU trial gardens there at Remington and Lake. And one thing I will always remember was not only how much he loved the dog park and visiting the other dogs there…but, how he had to visit EVERY person at the dog park and make sure they saw him and petted him.  He loved the people as much as the other dogs there.  On our last visit there the Monday before he died…he ran…yes, ran with the other dogs.  I’ll never forget it. 

 He lived with me in three places…starting in Greeley.  He went through some traumatic things there with me there that some of you know about! L But, also including a move to Fort Collins and into our favorite house…an old charmer,  near Old Town just north of the CSU campus.  That was his longest residence.  Oh…how he loved that house…the big yard that he could dig in…and the fenced in front yard where he could bark at and run up to the dogs walking by!  Then a move to a not-so-great condo…but, still got used to it and had a little fenced in area that was ‘his’.  He was always ready for a walk.  Always ready for bed…just when I said it…he’d follow me in to the room.  I always had to lift him…whether into the bed or into the car.  Oh…the car.  What a buddy he was for me in my car.  He rode with me EVERYWHERE…well, that is whenever I ‘had’ a car…Dad’s Buick, my Lyft rental cars, my friend’s car that he let me use…or my wonderful ‘new’ car that I finally was able to get!  Thankfully, I got our favorite car…a Lexus SUV…for his last few months on earth and it was perfect for him to ride in the back.  He rode with me on Lyft rides, delivery jobs, trips to Denver and Palmer Lake to see my cousins.  He was my riding buddy.  I can barely get into my car now without him…wondering where he was.  It’s just not the same anymore.  One of our last outings was a regular trip to Sonic…where we’d sit together and eat…I’d get him a Jr. cheeseburger.  He loved our rides.

Lastly, he got to spend many days with my dear friend Carol at her house…who at 90 years old…was gracious enough to allow me to bring him there.  He was a joy to her and she was good to him.  I’m so grateful that he brought her joy…doing all of those quirky things…rubbing his face on her bed runner…digging on the carpet (bad dog!)…and giving her unconditional love.  He would eat his peas for dinner…sit by the table and have a few scraps (mostly carrots and healthy things!).  He was never a pest or problem...oh occasionally he’d always be laying right where she needed to walk!  And the walks there …oh…he loved walking in her neighborhood so much.  I’m so grateful for this time we had there.  One more cute thing I’ll never forget…is how it was late at night when I’d leave her house…and I’d have to wake him up to get him home.  When we arrived home…my kitty kikki was always there to come up to my car to greet us.  She’d try to love on Buddy…he just really didn’t know what to make of her!?! 

My angel is in heaven now. I am not able to understand why he had to go…especially now at Christmas.  That dog was my everything…my best friend and constant companion.  I almost took a Thanksgiving trip and was trying to find someone to take care of him.  But, honestly, I didn’t want to leave him…not even for a few days.  I’m so glad now that I didn’t.  He and I had a nice turkey dinner together.  And I’m so glad that due to this virus…I was able to spend so much time with him here at home.  Even though he slept most of the time…we were together… a lot.  It meant the world to me to have that time with him. 

My mother recorded some of her piano playing a few years ago before she passed.  One song she included was ‘My Buddy’…an old standard written in 1922.  I never heard mom play it very much…so, when I realized she had recorded it…I was surprised…and thought…oh, you did this for my dog!  Now, it takes on a whole new meaning and bittersweet feeling.  I lost ‘My Buddy’.  Oh, please be there in heaven with my parents, grandparents and my other dogs for me…PLEASE…

 

 

MY BUDDY:

Nights are long since you went away

I think about you all through the day

My Buddy, My Buddy

Nobody quite so true.

 

I miss your voice, the touch of your hand

I long to know that you understand

My Buddy, My Buddy.

Your buddy misses you.

I miss you…

 

 

Rick Springfield concerts (and events) - 11/1/81 to 1987.

Since I'm going to his concert tomorrow night...I thought I would chronicle my many times I've seen Rick Springfield.  Here goes...

1. November 1, 1981 - Rainbow Music Hall, Denver,  Colorado.  I was 19 years old.  I had fallen in love with him after seeing him on 'Solid Gold' on October 24th of that year.  I bought his album and Rocky Mountain Records (the classic 'Working Class Dog') and after playing it over and over and over...I told my best friend and roommate, Jill Kindsfater that we had to go to this.  It was a Sunday night.  I remember we ate somewhere in Denver...(we didn't drink because we were too young...19!!)then, got to the venue and stood outside.  While standing in line...his van drove right by us...and I saw him inside!  I was thrilled!!  It was a small venue.  Our seats were not very close.  But, I thought it was the greatest! 

2. August 15, 1982 - Red Rocks, Morrison, Colorado.  Well, this was a VERY eventful day (and the night before!  See my blog 'Rick Rocks Red Rocks!'). Jill and I went again...and it was quite an ordeal...but, the bottom line is we made it and sat front and center!  The Greg Kihn Band opened for him.  Awesome concert!!!  Jill said we snuck in little liquor bottles.  But, I don't remember drinking too much. 

*November 16, 1982, General Hospital Set, Hollywood.  Have to include this...one week...ONE WEEK after I moved to LA...I met a star of General Hospital.  She invited me to the set.  I got to see the rehearsal of GH...got autographs of all the stars...and did eventually meet my idol...RICK! And I got his autograph!   I was so thrilled.  Just amazed!!!!  I'll write a blog about this soon...it's quite an amazing story!!!  I got his autograph but not a picture...I didn't bring a camera because I was trying to not look like a 'fan'...so no pic...:(

*May 16, 1983, Los Angeles Sports Arena, filming of 'Hard to Hold'.   Another great experience with him.  A great story that I will blog about soon as well.  Just unbelievable that I was able to be an extra in his movie.  Also unbelievable that I was placed in the front row right by the stage!!!! 12 hours with Rick singing 'Stand Up' and 'Love Somebody'...about 100 takes.  Exhausting...but an absolute dream come true.  I got his autograph here too.

* 1983...my friend Jayne tells me her handyman is also Rick's!  So, she knows his address.  I find his house in Toluca Lake, California!  I see his Ford Fiesta out front.  I drive by all the time... 

3.  Numerous nights in September, 1983 at Universal Amphitheater, Los Angeles.  I had moved to LA in October of 82.  Rick's album, 'Living in Oz' was released in the spring of 83 and was great!  He played several nights at the Universal Amphitheater.  I know I went to at least 3 nights.  One night...a friend of mine was able to get front row seats! (The friend was Lynn 'Tequila' Johnson...a gal I met as an extra on the set of 'Hard to Hold').;   I was in HEAVEN!!!!  I was completely sober!  That might have been the best.  The seats were closer to the stage than Red Rocks.  When he jumped down into the audience for 'Human Touch'...he was right next to me.  I helped get the girls off of him when it was time for him to get back on stage!  I had been there the night before so I knew he would jump down.  Also, one night I went with my friend Jayne and we got VERY drunk.  We tried to sneak up front as we didn't have good seats...and we got moved back.  So, I got mad...went to my car...and passed out with the windows rolled down!  Woke up and the parking lot was empty.  God knows what time it was...but, there I was with the windows down asleep in my car!  And my friend had hitch-hiked home!  We were both VERY lucky to be alive.  A crazy night and my first time drinking inhibited me enjoying the concert.  I had just turned 21.

* 1983...my friend Jayne tells me her handyman is also Rick's!  So, she knows his address.  I find his house in Toluca Lake, California!  I see his Ford Fiesta out front!  I drive by all the time. 

* April ?, 1984.   'Hard to Hold'  is released to very poor reviews. I took the day off to see the first showing at a theater in Hollywood.  I didn't like it very much.  You could not see me in the audience.

* July 7, 1984, Valley Spring Lane, Toluca Lake, California. I moved closer to him in Toluca Lake.  I always jogged past his house.  This morning...he jogged right past me a block from his house!  I'll blog about this too.  I moved after a month because I found something even closer to his house!!!

4. October ?, 1984, LA Forum.  This was after the release of his movie 'Hard to Hold'.  He was able to play the Forum and fill it!  Corey Hart (Sunglasses at Night) opened.  I went with my friend that I met on 'Hard to Hold'...Eric Johnson (Lynn's brother).  I remember I flew back from Denver that day after a visit to get to this concert.  I prayed the plane would not be late (or crash!).  I don't remember this concert very much...but, not because I was drinking.  This friend and I did not drink.  We were on the floor in the middle...quite a ways back...probably 20 rows back. 

Feb 14th, 1985, Toluca Lake...jogged by his house that morning...there was a for sale sign on the house!  NOOOOO..... it was a horrible day.  He was moving.  My friend and I went to the open house...acted like we were big wigs!  I got to see where he lived and ate and rehearsed!  His rehearsal room was above the garage.  There was an old drum box in there...I took it!  I still have it somewhere. There were murals on the walls of him and his dog...Ron...the working class dog.  I didn't take pics because in those days our cameras were big and I was afraid the realtor would notice!  Toluca Lake is beautiful!!!

* April ? , 1985.  He released the album 'Tao'.  I loved it.  I was joining the group 'Continental Singers' that May.  I drove from LA to Denver with my dad and had a tape recorder playing this over and over (poor Dad!).  It was and is one of my favorite albums.  I went on the tour with Continentals from May to August.  Rick toured for this album that summer.  Because I was on this singing tour...I didn't get to go. I was so upset that I couldn't go.  I almost wanted to leave the group to go!!  I regret missing that concert to this day!

*He disappeared from the scene for awhile.  I since learned he married his longtime girlfriend Barbara Jean Porter (he met her when she was a receptionist at his record company in 1980.  I was just a little late...I was a receptionist at a law firm out there...could've been me!?!!!) :).  They had two sons, Liam and Joshua.

*1987 he resurfaced and released his album 'Rock of Life' but didn't tour. 

* February ?, 1987, Hollywood.  My friend found out they were filming the show 'Top of the Pops' ...and Rick would be on!  She knew someone who could get us in.   We got there.  Rick was there...so was Ricks Astley and some metal group that sang 'Wait'...each would be on a different small stage on the sound set.  All the girls (me too) were camped around Rick Springfield's stage!  They kept trying to get us to move...to see Rick Astley (who was pretty big then!) and the other group...but, no one would move.  I certainly wouldn't as we were in the very front.  So, finally my Rick came on...he was performing the song, 'Rock of Life'....right in front of me...but, he kept forgetting the words.  I said, "I know the words!".  Anyway...he left the state...and his drummer, Jack White, started talking to me!  My goodness...if I had flirted and played my cards right...I could've maybe gotten him??  He ended up marrying Katey Sagal of 'Married with Children'.  Shoot.  Well, I am friends with him on Facebook now!!   Rick came back out and performed...another great time with Rick!

Well...that album didn't do much.  He didn't tour again that I know of in the 80s.  I ended up in a bad relationship...and eventually moved back to Colorado in the 90s.  So, that's my stories of Rick in the 80s.  But, wait there's more...

To be continued on next blog...

Rick now...and then

I am going to see Rick  Springfield for the ____th time on Saturday night here in Denver.  I leave that blank because I have no idea how many times I've seen him.  I could try to count.  And maybe soon I'll blog about each one.  At least the ones I can remember!  You see...little Hooky Jo was quite a drinker...and some of his concerts I don't even remember due to being inebriated.  I even got a DUI after one of them...driving home from Denver to Greeley (caught one block from my house in Greeley).  Doesn't matter.  Rick and drinking somehow combined.  Didn't matter that I was too young...or that I missed my idol...I always had to drink!  Why??

So, this will be the first concert...aside from the very first on November 1st, 1981...where I'll be stone sober...as I have quit drinking...COLD TURKEY!  I do not drink now AT ALL.  Shocking maybe...but, it started to affect my health, my finances, my life.   Besides...I missed seeing...really seeing Rick Springfield!

But, this blog is not about that per se.  I wanted to write about how we change.  How he's changed.  How everything changes.

I look in the mirror and often don't like what I see.  I see my mother sometimes.  I see my dad sometimes.  I even see my Grandma!  But, I do see the aging process.  Now, when I look at old Rick and current Rick...I almost can't believe it's the same person!  Seriously.  Just looking at his pictures from the 80s...brings back a flood of memories, admiration and love for this man!  I don't know why...but, he just absolutely took me over!  Not just me of course, thousands of women adored and adore this man...I thought it was only me...but, NOOOOOOOOOO....he has quite a fan-base.

But, the now Rick...looks so different.  And I'm not sure he holds the same allure for me.  There's many reasons why.  Not only have his looks changed tremendously.  I always greatly suspected he's had work done.  I've never been able to tell exactly what.  I remember a friend and I looked at his old and new pics in 2009...and he decided he'd had a chin implant.  I think that could be.  I am now positive that he had his teeth capped...a la Hillary Duff...which totally changed her looks too!  That sweet mouth of his from the 80s...might have been what drew me to him?  Might have been the thing that really had me going!

Oh...don't get me wrong.  The sound of his voice still hasn't changed and it still sends me!  When I hear the beginning notes of Jessie's Girl...I still scream.  Literally.  Probably will til the day I die.  You know that I will always have these phenomenal memories of that song...Summer of 81...when it was the best song I'd heard (and brought me back to pop music from country!).  Anyway...his looks have indeed changed greatly.  Yes, yes, yes...age will do that.  But, I'm certain there's been work done.  And I am not one to judge.  I have had my eyes done.  It was due to my sight...but, it was definitely an eye job!  And it ruined me.  Not ruined maybe...well, I hate it.  My perfect eyes...the thing that made me so pretty...are now asymmetrical.  Different.  People say they don't see it...but, I do.   And now I can't afford...nor do I really want to keep messing with them to try to fix them back...because I fear turning into a Michael or Joan...trying for constant perfection!

Do I wish I'd never done it?  Yes.  Do I wish Rick had never done it?  YES!  How would we look now with our 'natural' aging process?  We'll now never know!  Isn't that kind of sad?  I appreciate technology and the ability to correct things that are wrong.  But, now...I will always miss my eyes.  And I will always miss Rick...then.  The true love of my life.

So, I'm excited for the concert.  But, there are some 'buts'.  Aside from his looks...I also no longer clamor for his new music.  The last album I really listened to and liked a lot was 'Shock Anger Denial Acceptance' ...2004. I also liked his cover album...'The Day After Yesterday' (which I always just called, 'Today' ha!).   Since then, he has released 3 or 4 albums?  See...I don't even know, as I didn't listen.  I did try to listen to 'Venus in Overdrive'...2008...which coincided with  his first fan cruise...that I had to go on!  I grew so tired of the incessant playing of ' What's Victoria's Secret' on the cruise which I guess was the go-to song on that album.  Well, it wasn't my favorite song...sorry to say.  VERY pop.  And the hook lyric..."Can we ever really know her name"...made no sense to me and I'd still love to ask him what the heck it's supposed to mean.  If it's about Victoria...and her secret...then, why don't we know her name?  I don't get it.  But, I digress.

I don't feel his music touches me like it used to.  There are a few good ones. But, don't get me started on his latest album...with songs like...'Little Demon' and 'Santa is an Anagram' (get it...Satan!).  Well...I'm kind of old school...a little prudish.  I am open minded...but, I don't care for all the demon, dark, dank songs...which his new album seems to have!  I saw the video for the song, 'The Voodoo House'.  Again, no thanks.  Songs about Voodoo?  Doodoo!!!! What happened to old Rick?  His albums contained songs about religion...specifically 'Beginnings' ('Speak to the Sky'),  'Comic Book Heroes' ('Father Do You Love your Children', 'Mother Can You Carry Me'),'Wait for Night' ('Celebrate Life'), 'Tao' ('The Power of Love', 'Surrender'), 'Karma' ('Send a Prayer to Heaven', 'An Act of Faith').  Well...those are just some of his past albums with songs that were truly spiritual.  What happened?   Why did he change to darker music and themes??

Well, another reason my feelings have changed a bit is because he wrote his tell-all bio in 2010...'Late, Late at Night'.  I thought I knew the man.  I always admired the fact that he married in 1984 and stayed with the wife!  They're still together...a rarity in entertainment.  BUT, this book really burst my bubble in that he was...probably still is...a serial philanderer!!!  Wow.  Why did he write this?  Some cathartic reason to be able to share all his personal foibles?  A cleansing of sorts?  He blames Mr. D...his depression.  Hmmmm...well, we all got problems.  But, to air it like this?  I was disappointed.  I always wondered how his wife would allow this to be written about...as although he goes out of his way in the book to say what a wonderful person she is...a saint.  Ya think?  Is it about the money?  OK...I hate to disparage women...because God knows I've had THE worst luck with men...talk about DUMB when it comes to men?  My picture is in the dictionary under the words DUMB WITH MEN!  But....why oh why let him write about it?  I like to think the scenario of him explaining writing this book to his wife like this..."Honey, they want me to write a bio.  I think I will write about all my affairs and sexual encounters.  Is that ok?".  Wife: "Absolutely not!  I don't want people to know how you've cheated on me all these years!".  Rick: "But, I'll get $3 million dollars for it".  Wife:  "OK...fine with me!".   Ha!  I'm not saying she stays with him only for the money.  Who wouldn't want to be Rick Springfield's wife.  Well, maybe I wouldn't if he was this philandering jerk!! 

Lastly, another book came out that he wrote...a fictional novel called "Magnificent Vibration".  OMG...sorry...I didn't get that either!  It was a tad weird.  Ok...I know it's a subjective art...but, it just wasn't my cup of tea! He got accolades for it from fans and even some critics.  But, not this fan and critic.

So, my love has waned a little.  Because he's changed...and I've changed too.  My feelings have changed.  Oh...not to mention that particularly in my drunken states at his concerts...that I've not been impressed with him.  One...he sometimes takes off his shirt.  OK...I don't like young men without shirts.  Old men without them...oy vey!  Keep your shirt on!  Second...his act is getting old.  Having kids sing 'Don't Talk to Strangers' gets very very old very very fast.  And coming into the audience for 'Human Touch'...ha!  He started that on his tour in 1983.  I even 'caught' him as I was in the front row and also helped get women off of him.  Yes, I was often his 'protector'...but, that's another story!  MY Rick.  Well, it's cute...and the audience loves it of course...but it's gotten old...when you've seen it dozens of times (see my blog about all the concerts I've been to).  And third....he does covers of other peoples' music!  Taylor Swift...'Shake It Off'?  Really?  I do not come to see him do other people's pop!  Also, 'Roar'...that Katy Perry song.  He has so many songs...hundreds...sing those!

Well, I'll look forward to a sober concert tomorrow and am hoping he changes it from the last time I 'saw' him in 2014.  (I tried to see him in 2016 but was too drunk...got cut off...so, I left!...Oy vey!).

These are my feelings.   Just my opinions.  I love him still...and always will.  Such a great, crazy influence in my life.  I don't understand the adoration myself.  Why? Well, the music.  The music and the way he looked when he performed.  I just melted.  October 24, 1981 was the day I fell in love when I saw him on 'Solid Gold'.  It will always be special.  But, like all of us...he's changed.  I've changed too.  Maybe I'm not the 19 year old that fell in love.  Maybe I'm jaded.  Or maybe my tastes have changed?   Or maybe it just is.  He is a deep thinker and terrific lyricist.   I know he has a lyric that addresses this feeling...just doesn't come to me right now.  Maybe it will.*

PS.  My favorite album of his is 'Karma'...1998...which was the year I left my husband and moved home.  It was also his 'comeback' album and he toured that summer.  I saw him then and he saw me with my shirt on from his 1981 concert...he motioned at me...20 years ago now.  Maybe it is 'Karma' that it comes to this.  My last concert of his...stone sober.  Maybe.


*Yes...the lyric came to me...from the 'Karma' album...the song 'Act of Faith'.  Great song.  And the lyrics:  "There is no purpose served in holding on.  Love is a healer.  There is no understanding why.   Love is a healer.  There is no sin in you that brought this to your door my love - it just is".  Man.  Could be my favorite lyric of all.   It just is...

Return to Colorado...Chapter one

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...

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...

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

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!!