Showing posts with label New York City. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Crossing Paths With Actress, Donna Pescow

Several weeks ago, while surfing through videos on YouTube, I stumbled upon an interview that featured a fellow acting student (Donna Pescow) from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City back in 1974-75. At that time, Donna was in her second year, I was in my first. But I had the opportunity to see her exam plays that each of us would perform at the end of the year. And it was through these plays that the teaching staff reviewed and graded us. Donna was (and still is) a very talented and successful actress.

Here is a brief bio of Donna:

Donna Pescow (born March 24, 1954) is an American film and television actress and director. She graduated from New York's prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). A year later, she was cast as Annette in the iconic film Saturday Night Fever (1977), which launched her career. For her performance, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle. She also portrayed Angie Falco Benson in the 1980s sitcom Angie, Donna Garland in the sitcom Out of This World, and Eileen Stevens in the Disney Channel sitcom, Even Stevens.

Here are a few photos from Saturday Night Fever (I was still living in NYC when they were filming this)...

Here is a scene from the movie where she dances with Tony (John Travolta). Please watch as much or as little as you wish. I just wanted to give you a glimpse into her dance scene with Travolta.

(The Bee Gees wrote and performed six songs for the movie's soundtrack)...

Shortly after, Donna starred in the popular Garry Marshall sitcom, Angie (1979) as Angie Falco Benson. Ironically, the sitcom was set in Philadelphia, where I was born and currently live...

Here is a clip from the show's opening theme song by Maureen McGovern. Some of you might remember this...

She also appeared on soap operas One Life to Live, General Hospital, and All My Children, where she portrayed Dr. Lynn Carson, the first lesbian character on a daytime serial until 1983...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I feel very blessed to have not only crossed paths with Donna Pescow, but many other actresses/actors I either went to school with, worked with, met, and continue to admire. I also feel very blessed for my 30-some years in the theater. I learned so much about myself through the roles I played.

Throughout my life, people have asked me what my process is for acting. And the only thing I can say is that I memorize my lines, show up, step aside, and allow the character to move through me. That's how I do it.

In Case You're Interested Links -

*Notable American Academy of Dramatic Arts Alumni

*Donna Pescow's Careerbiography

*Donna Pescow interview - Talks About Her Experience In Saturday Night Fever

*Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

9/11 First Responder, Captain Billy Burke

Can you believe it's been 23 years since 9/11?

To me, it seems like only yesterday.

I was in New York City on July 26th of 2001, six weeks before 9/11, and visited the South Tower observation deck with my boss from Florida, who had come to New York to see her family.

Here are two photographs from that day...

Like all of you, I clearly remember where I was on September 11th and how I felt watching it unfold.

9/11 is something I will never forget. Nor do I ever want to.

I moved to Manhattan less than a year after the Twin Towers were complete, so I hold a sentimental connection to them.

Even now, 23 years later, I still get very emotional whenever I watch a documentary on 9/11.

I have visited the 9/11 Memorial many times, and every time, moved to tears. With each visit, it felt as though I was peeling away another layer of grief.

Throughout the years, I've discovered new findings about 9/11 that focus on different aspects, such as the survivors, those who witnessed that day first-hand, the family members of those who perished in the towers, in the planes, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.

However, what has had the most impact on me are the documentaries focusing on the first responders of 9/11. They are the true heroes, many of whom died while saving others.

Today, I would like to focus on the first responders...

My inspiration for this post came from watching a YouTube video featuring Christine Ebersole, an extremely talented actress/singer with whom I attended acting school in 1974-75.

In the video clip, Christine shares a touching story of how her life was deeply affected by First Responder Captain Billy Burke after being asked to sing at his memorial service at St Patrick's Cathedral. She never actually met him, yet Christine was profoundly touched by his spirit.

She was transformed from fearful to fearless.

Captain Billy Burke-

A native New Yorker, he was born on March 9, 1955, and grew up in Plainview. He was the second of six children. From his perspective, he was born to be a firefighter. He was the son of a deputy chief in the NYFD. Yet his father did not want his children to follow him into his profession. Retired at age 64, he was worn down by smoke and stress. Yet Billy dreamed of fighting fires since childhood and he would always remember what his dad taught him about what to do in a burning building: get the civilians out and then take care of your men. He saw this as the family code even as two of the world’s tallest buildings collapsed.

Billy, the Captain of 21 Engine, was in the North Tower with his crew as the South Tower fell. His crew kept calling, “We got to get out, Cap.” His answer?

“You guys go ahead; we’ll meet at the rig.”

Billy disappeared to search another floor, making a final sweep for those in need, the helpless who might have been trapped; a citizen in need of a fireman, while his crew made it out before the North Tower also collapsed.

His body has never been found.

I dedicate this post to Captain Billy Burke, and all the other brave men and women first responders, who fearlessly put their lives in harm's way to save others. They exemplified unity.

Please know that you are greatly appreciated, loved, and forever remembered.

💕

*In case you're interested, here is the link to the video with Christine Ebersole. It will touch your heart deeply.

*More about Billy Burke from his sister.

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Halloween Decor And Pumpkin Everything

As most of my longtime readers know, I am a FREAKAZOID when it comes to Autumn, Halloween, and Pumpkin.

In fact, last month when Trader Joe's started getting their seasonal food and decorations in stock, I went berserk. I acted like a 6-year old, jumping up and down while clapping my hands and screaming, "Oh my God...Oh my God...Oh my God...it's HERE!!!!!" And then when I spotted the little baby pumpkins I screamed, "Oh my God...Oh my God...Oh my God...they're HERE!!!!" And I immediately picked one up and kissed it through my COVID mask and then placed four of them in my grocery cart. That's when I noticed everyone who was standing around me suddenly run in the opposite direction as if to say, "Who the HELL is this masked man kissing pumpkins!?!"

All throughout the autumn season, I enjoy giving friends and people I work with a little baby pumpkin. I even gave my dentist and his two receptionist's a pumpkin this year.

And as far as pumpkin-flavored food goes, I buy everything in the store that tastes like pumpkin. I eat so much pumpkin, I'm surprised I don't turn ORANGE and grow a STEM from my head. This year I tried something new at Trader Joe's, Pumpkin Spice Hummus and it was to DIE for! I not only dipped tortilla chips in it (the ones you see in the photo above), but I also spread some of the hummus on the veggie wraps I enjoy making for lunch.

Halloween Decor

There is a fantabulous DIY blog I read, who, over the years, hasn't posted much. Like many DIY bloggers, Instagram has been an easier and less time-consuming way for them to share. Some DIY bloggers do use both blogging and Instagram to post projects, but it seems that Instagram is winning out.

The DIY blog I would like to highlight today is Brooklyn Limestone (by Stephanie Limestone), and specifically her Halloween projects because they are astounding. As you'll soon see for yourself, the creativity that goes into each and every Halloween theme that Stephanie and her husband, Luke, display on the exterior and interior of their Brooklyn, NY home is like nothing I've ever seen, outside of perhaps something created at Disneyworld.

Here are some examples of various Halloween themes and what I mean by astounding. Notice the attention to detail. I can't even imagine how much time it takes to decorate their home every year...

Exteriors-

Interiors-

Halloween food and drink-

Aren't the fingers with almond nails so clever? And so are the mozzarella cheese and pimento stuffed olives made into eyes!

Halloween red wine labeled as "Whole Blood." LOL!...

Halloween costumes-

Stephanie and Luke's costumes from various years. Amazing, hu?

BOO!

And have a great rest of your week! 💗

+ To discover more Halloween themed projects from Brooklyn Limestone, go here, and enjoy!

+ My all-time favorite scary Halloween movie is, (the original) Halloween, that I watch every year at this time. And I love watching it with just a few candles lit and all the lights turned out in my apartment. After seeing this film at least a dozen times over the years, to this very day it still scares the living hell out of me. And I LOVE being scared!

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

What Are You Looking Forward To?

I saw this question asked on a blog that I follow and thought it was interesting, so I decided to respond with my answer on my own blog.

The question, of course, is referring to what are you looking forward to after COVID?

Now before I answer, allow me to repeat something I've shared in past posts about COVID, which is that I definitely feel there were positive things I learned from this virus. However challenging and inconvenient COVID made things for all of us this past year, I sincerely see it as a time of enlightenment.

With all the restrictions the virus placed on what we could and could not do, it forced me to stop, look, and listen to what is really important. I feel as though my priorities and my hopes for my future are different than how they were last year.

Several days ago, I found myself listening to an oldie but goodie 90's song on my smartphone and was suddenly transported back to that time. A time in my life when I couldn't even image anything like COVID in the future. In retrospect, I see how often I took everyday living for granted; incomprehensible to me that it could ever be taken away.

COVID has taught me to live right now. And live it consciously.

Another thing I've learned is to set an intention before stepping out of bed in the morning by asking myself, "What am I going to contribute (give) to the world today?"

With all the drama that's been going on not only here in America but all over the world, it's so easy to focus on the drama and get drawn deeper into it, and then add to it.

But I choose to focus on what I can do in my everyday life to make the world a better place.

Therefore, I am extremely grateful for what COVID revealed to me.

But at the same time, like so many of you, I am looking forward to when certain things return to, dare I say, normal.

1) Hugging (and shaking hands):

I am so looking forward to hugging people. And I'm not talking about going up to a complete stranger and hugging them, I'm talking about hugging people that I know, like friends and people who I work with, and no longer feeling apprehensive about, "Oh..wait, should I hug them? Are they okay with that?"

I miss giving someone I care about a big ol' teddy bear hug. I used to work with a woman who loved to give hugs. And the first time she hugged me she said, " Wow...now THAT'S a hug." Because I hugged her back like I really meant it.

I also miss being introduced to someone for the first time and shaking their hand. You can tell so much about a person through a handshake, whether it be a man or a woman.

To be honest, I have never been frightened by COVID. Not even in the beginning. I don't know why, but I've never been paranoid about other people standing close to me or touching me. The only reason I wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of distance from others is for them, because I can see how petrified people are. But as far as my own safety? I have not a single drop of fear.

So yeah, I'm looking forward to hugging again.

2) No Masks

Which brings me to my second looking forward to: No Masks. I am beyond over wearing a mask. And the primary reason is because I can't stand anything interfering with my breathing. I'm one of those people who loves to have wind/air freely blowing on my face. In fact, I love it so much that I sleep (even in the winter) with my ceiling fan on because I like air hitting my face when I sleep.

I also long to see a person's complete face when I'm talking to them.

And another thing, I so look forward to seeing SMILES again. 😃

3) Dining Inside

I look forward to ordering something either in a restaurant or cafe, and sitting inside to eat and/or drink it. There is a delightful coffee spot in Old City, Philadelphia that I love to meet up with a friend of mine and enjoy a coffee and pastry or bagel, while sitting inside amongst the cool-looking atmosphere (local artwork and photographs on the walls), listening to the great music they play.

4) Theatre

I can't wait to be able to go to the theatre again. Having been a stage actor myself, there is nothing more thrilling than attending the theatre and seeing a live performance.

Going to the theatre (to me, anyway) is a spiritual experience because a theatre is like entering a church. It's a sacred space.

To be able to walk into an arena; sit there with other people; and enjoy something happening in real time right before your eyes, is like no other experience.

And that goes for both performing and watching.

5) New York City

This month marks one whole year since I've been to New York City. And anyone who has been reading my blog for several years, knows how much I love that city. So it's been very hard for me.

I am intensely homesick for the city I call "my home."

Hopefully sometime during this spring or summer, the city will be more open. The whole reason for me being in NYC is to do things. And to do things with crowds of people all around me. I mean, that's what gives New York its soul and its energy -- the people.

I also can't wait for the bus schedule to open with more available times, because right now the buses to New York are running on such limited schedules.

Yes, New York has been through a lot of turmoil these past 12 months. However, I know New York very well because I've witness its high times and low times. And what's so amazing about the Big Apple is that it always rises from the ashes and comes back stronger.

Always.

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So there you have it, folks. Five things that I'm looking forward to after COVID.

Oh, and I forgot one more thing.

This is how I feel about wearing a mask...

Have a grrrrrreat rest of your week, everyone! 💗

P.S. Please feel free to express what you are looking forward to after COVID

Friday, September 11, 2020

9/11: Let Us Never Forget The Light

It's hard for me to fathom that it's been 19 years since 9/11.

Like so many other people, it literally feels as though it was only last month.

My dear, longtime blogging friend, Rob at The Luna Park Gazette, was actually there on that day. His office was in the Financial District; therefore, he saw much of 9/11 unfold before his very eyes. He writes about what he recalls in a very touching blog post, Retracing My Steps, if you would like to read it.

In fact, on one of my visits to Manhattan many years ago, I met Rob down in the Financial District and he showed me exactly where he was standing as he watched smoke pour out the North Tower and the South Tower exploded into flames as the second plane hit the building. It was both chilling and sad to look up to where he was pointing and no longer see the Twin Towers.

One of the many things that moved me about what Rob shared in his blog post, was what he wrote at the end of the story in regards to the 9/11 memorial services that occur every year in New York City at the site...

"That’s why these memorial services are so important—because we do forget the things we should always remember. We need to be reminded of life’s fragility, how tomorrow is promised to no one, and how everything we hold dear can be taken away in a second."

He's right, we do need to remember what we learned from 9/11.

Which reminds me of what I've heard so many times before, "Why does it take a tragedy or a disaster to unify?"

But today, rather than focus on the tragedy of that day, I would like to focus on the good that came from it.

And yes, I do believe there was good because it so clearly revealed the dichotomy of what human beings are capable of.

Both darkness and light.

And that is why 9/11 is so bittersweet.

It was one of the most darkest days in America. Yet, it was also a day filled with tremendous light because it exemplified the natural instinct within humans to reach out and help others who are suffering.

In fact, whenever I watch documentaries on 9/11, what always moves me to tears are the acts of kindness that not only came from the people who were directly affected that day, but from people all over the U.S. and other parts of the world who offered their support and assistance. It was as if we were all experiencing the pain and suffering as one, desperate to help in any way we could.

Yes, 9/11 was horrendous. And it's something that still shakes me to the core.

However, I'm just as guilty as anyone else in forgetting what it taught me.

I often slip back to my unconscious-self, oblivious to how fragile life is. I lose sight of what's most important and what is not. I get wrapped up in how things only pertain to me, forgetting that this worldly experience is about "us."

I think the reason why this year seems to be affecting me more than previous years is because of what's been going on within the media and political landscape of America.

A lot of chaos and darkness.

But as I shared before, I have great faith in the spirit of the people in this country to rise above it all and come together in power.

And I truly believe that.

9/11 is a very potent reminder of how fragile life is; of what's really important; and just how much we have in common, regardless of our differences.

It is also a reminder of what will always prevail.

And that is...

...light.

If you have time this weekend and feel like doing so, please watch this short, uplifting documentary, narrated by Tom Hanks: BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience. I had no idea that this occurred on that day. It's such a perfect example of the light within us all.

And as one of the boatlifters so touchingly said in the documentary, "Everyone has a hero within them."

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone!

💗 + 💡

Monday, July 20, 2020

On Meeting Al Pacino And Shaking His Hand

I honestly don’t know how I discovered this, but back in 1976 while I was living in New York City, it came to my attention that actor, Al Pacino, enjoyed having dinner quite frequently at the restaurant, Right Bank, which was on Madison Ave and 68th Street. And it just so happened that I lived on 65th Street and Madison Avenue, which was only three blocks away. So I got this psychotic idea in my head that if I went there, I would miraculously meet him.

I should probably tell you that I have a tendency to get overly starstruck with certain actors/actresses that I admire. And Al Pacino is one of them.

Now keep in mind, this incident occurred not too long after the movie Dog Day Afternoon was released, which was based upon a real-life story that happened in the early seventies in which the Chase Manhattan Bank in Gravesend, Brooklyn, was held siege by a bank robber, who was portrayed by Al Pacino. I love any movie with Pacino. However, if I were forced to choose just one it would be this film, hands down. Not only is the story absolutely fascinating, but Pacino is riveting.

So one evening, my partner and I and three of our theater friends, walked over to the Right Bank and were determined to sit there and eat until Mr. Pacino walked into the restaurant.

After we got our table, I positioned myself so that I'd have a perfect view of the front door. And each time the door would open, my entire body would jerk with anticipation of him possibly making an entrance.

Finally. FINALLY, after almost an hour of eating as slowly as we possibly could, guess what?

Yessiree, Al Pacino walked in with two other men and sat at a table across the room. The Right Bank was an intimate restaurant, so we could clearly see him from our table.

OH MY GOD...Al FREAKING PACINO! In the flesh!

My friends and I just about died looking at him without appearing as if we were a bunch of crazed-stalking fans.

Which we were.

Immediately I began to make a plan on how I was going to get myself over by his table because I didn’t want to just look at him, I was also hoping to speak to him.

And possibly touch him.

I decided that the easiest way to do this would be to get up and use the restroom because I'd have to walk by his table to get there. Now, to get to the actual restroom you had to go through a door and then walk up a long flight of stairs. So that's what I did. I walked by his table (looked at him); proceeded to go to the restroom; then on the way back I walked passed his table (and looked at him) again.

As soon as I got back to my seat, my friends asked me in unison, “Ooooooo Ron...what did he look like up-close?

And no sooner did I open my mouth to tell them, I noticed Mr. Pacino getting up from his table and heading for the restroom door.

Shit…what rotten timing!

But then I thought, “No, this is perfect…I’ll just go back to the restroom because then it’ll be just he and I alone, the perfect opportunity to talk.”

So I leaped up from my seat and made a beeline for the door. But as I pushed it open, I felt the back of the door slam into something behind it. And as I looked to see what it was, I stared directly into the face of Al Pacino who was talking on a payphone. I couldn’t say one single word because I was totally embarrassed, so I just dashed up the stairs to the restroom.

I was beginning to think that this was turning into a zany I Love Lucy episode, in which Lucy gets herself into trouble trying to meet movie stars.

Anyway, to kill some time, I dilly-dallied in the restroom by washing my hands and checking my hair. I then took a few deep breaths and headed back down the stairs because I figured I’d be able to get another close look at him while he was talking on the phone.

WRONG! He was no longer on the phone.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

When I got back to the table I told my friends, “Let’s just go because it's useless, I’m just not meant to meet him tonight. I'll have to come back some other time.” So we paid the check and got up to leave. We all decided to walk by his table on the way to the front door and just be satisfied with looking at him and calling it a night.

I was the last one in line. And as I got near his table I thought to myself, “No, damn it…I will not allow this opportunity to pass.” So I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at him straight in the eyes and said, “Hi Mr. Pacino, I’m sorry for interrupting your dinner, but I just have to tell you how much I respect your work. In fact, I just saw "Dog Day Afternoon” and loved it.

He was incredibly sweet and gracious, and politely said, "Thank you very much."

And then I held out my right hand to shake his, and he responded by shaking mine. I smiled and said, “Enjoy your dinner," and then walked out of the restaurant.

When I got out onto the street, I started jumping and shouting, “I DID IT….I DID IT...I actually talked to Al Pacino and touched him with THIS hand (holding up my right hand), which I will NEVER wash it again!”

And as we walked back to my apartment, I remained in a starstruck coma. I kept staring at my hand, bedazzled; realizing it contained Al Pacino's DNA.

And it's funny because right after that experience, whenever I would see him in a movie my attention would first go to his right hand, and I'd think, "Damn...I shook that paw!"

Have a 🌟-studded week, y'all!

X

P.S. Oh, and I eventually did have to wash my hand.

Friday, May 15, 2020

A Video Tribute: There's A New World Coming, New York!

One of the primary things I love about New York is what many others find daunting.

And that is the volume of people who encompass the city; including native New Yorkers, transplants, and travelers.

New York is all about submerging yourself within the mass of diverse humanity.

Now, can it become overwhelming at times? Yes, of course it can. I adore city life, but I sometimes need to take a break.

What I find hysterical though is that I am a series of contradictions. I'm a card-carrying introvert who cherishes my time alone, but who also craves being around people. I hate crowded places like bars, restaurants, and theme parks because I feel claustrophobic. Yet, a crowded city like New York not only doesn't bother me, I find it exhilarating and calming at the same time. And I don't necessarily have to talk to people to enjoy them, I can just sit in a park and simply observe them and find enjoyment. One other contradiction of mine is that I find people fascinating and a fun to be around, yet people can get on my last nerve and irritate the crap out of me to the point where I just want to go back to being an introvert again. LOL!

But still, even though people can sometimes get on my nerves, I openly choose to be surrounded by them. Which is why I enjoy city life, and careers that involve interacting with lots of people.

I need human contact because it gives me fuel.

And that is why I've always been drawn to New York.

It's all that "people-energy" which inspires and ignites me.

You see, although New York is architecturally an amazing-looking city, it's really the people who make New York what New York is.

A vortex of life-giving energy that is shared between all its people.

-----------------------------------

I haven't made a video in years. However, lately I've been feeling more creative and inspired to do so.

Several days ago I was listening to the song, "New World Coming" by Cass Elliot of "The Mamas and the Papas", and suddenly realized how perfect it would be for putting together a music video interjected with photographs I've taken of New York over the years. When I heard this song, not only did I feel they were the ideal words for giving New York City a sense of hope and recovery, but I have forever admired the vocal talent of Cass Elliot. She had such a crystal clear voice that exuded so much heart. And that's exactly what you experience when you hear this song.

Over the years, I've seen New York recover from so many challenges. Whether it was 9/11 or Hurricane Sandy, New York epitomizes the Phoenix, which is the ultimate symbol of strength and renewal. Whatever catastrophes fall upon New York, it never remains down. It goes from ashes, to rebirth, and then rises again.

So remember New York, there's a new world coming!

This is for you, with love...

Have a spectacular weekend, everyone!

And be well...💗

*Those who read my blog via email, here is the link to the video.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Interesting sidenote:

When putting this video together, I quickly went through my photographs and just randomly selected them. Then, when it came time to place them into the soundtrack, I also quickly selected the photos without even thinking about which ones would go where in the track. And when I hit the play button to see what I would need to do to make changes, I didn't have to make a single change because each photo was exactly where it needed to be to coincide with the words, the melody, and the emotion of the song.

In all the years I've made videos, that has never happened.

Friday, April 17, 2020

Glenn Close Expresses Exactly How I Feel About New York City, Especially During This Pandemic

I don't wish to distract or make light of how this pandemic has deeply affected other parts of the globe, because it has. In fact, there are some areas that have been affected to a much higher degree than America.

But we have definitely had our share of devastation as well.

Here in the US, the areas intensely affected by the pandemic seem to be primarily concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. And within those regions, the state of New York has been the most ferociously attacked by this virus, particularly New York City and its boroughs.

If you know me well, you know how much I love New York. And even though I don't currently reside there, it will always be my home. So to sit here and watch what's been going on in that city day after day, has been extremely difficult because it feels as though it's happening to me.

Do you know what it's like when you love someone and they are in pain, how you actually feel the pain yourself? Well, that's how I feel.

It's like watching someone I love, suffer.

You know, I think this virus has taught all of us something very valuable. It's taught us that when someone else, or someplace else is suffering, we all feel it.

I believe that this pandemic has humbled us by showing us just how much we have in common because this virus is not localized, it is universal. It's something that each and everyone of us can relate to.

And it has also shown us how when humankind comes together, not only can we begin to mend the damage done by this pandemic, but we can also become stronger, wiser, and softer, because of it.

That to me is the definition of "healing."

For all the tragedy this virus as manifested, it has also highlighted a multitude of the love, courage, and unity.

Lately, I've been spending an hour each day in meditation, allowing myself to fully feel everything that's been happening in this world. And I don't think I've ever cried as hard as I have these past weeks. But my tears have not all been of sorrow, they have also been the result of reflecting on just how kind and compassionate humans can be when they see others who are suffering and in pain, world-wide.

This is why my feelings have been a dichotomy. Part of me is so deeply heartbroken by this pandemic. Yet, another part of me feels so immensely grateful because it's as if my eyes and my heart have been opened for the first time. It literally feels as though I've been transformed in being reacquainted with humanity.

I think it's incredibly ironic that it's taken this pandemic to forcibly stop us in our tracks and fully notice one another. And when I say fully, I mean fully, without anything else to distract us.

Not for one minute do I believe that this pandemic has separated us through social distancing. No, this pandemic has done the complete opposite in bringing us closer together.

And in turn, closer to ourselves.

In conclusion, it gives me great joy to share with you an Instagram post by, Glenn Close, because she so eloquently and passionately expresses her feelings about New York, not only during this pandemic, but also how deeply connected she will forever be to that city.

It is sometimes challenging for people to understand what precisely draws someone to New York because it seems like such an insane city to choose to live. And I completely understand that because New York is not for everyone. To be perfectly honest, in certain ways, yes, it is insane.

But for those of us who do understand New York and what the attraction is, regardless of how much of a struggle it can be, I think Glenn Close says it best because it is exactly how I feel.

Exactly.

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*note: this video runs 5:10, but trust me, it is so worth the watch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Real Glenn Close (@glennclose) on Apr 8, 2020 at 10:49pm PDT

Have a great weekend, everyone!
Be well...💗

Monday, April 13, 2020

A True Childhood Confession: I Always Wanted To Be "That Guy"

One of the pluses about staying indoors right now is that I'm watching some of the television shows I used to watch when I was a kid, and having such a good time.

One of those shows was, "That Girl."

True Confession:

When I was growing up in the late 60's, I was insanely fascinated with "That Girl." And not only was I fascinated with it, I actually wanted to be "That Girl." Errrrrrrr... I mean, "That Guy."

In case you've never heard of the show (which I'm sure many of you have not), here is a brief synopsis:
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Aspiring actress Ann Marie moves to New York and works at a series of temp jobs while waiting for her big break in show business, while her overprotective father, Lew, looks on nervously. Although she is focused on her career, Ann also finds time to fall for magazine executive Donald Hollinger, to whom she eventually becomes engaged. Her friends include two married couples, the Bessemers and the Baumans. Harvey and George are her agents.
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"That Girl" was a sitcom that was ahead of its time because it was about an independent single girl, who lived alone in New York City pursuing her dream of being an actress. Up until that point, most 1950's television shows depicted women as passive; either living at home with their parents and waiting to get married, or married and dependent on their husbands for pretty much everything. However, the 60's was a decade when females were starting to break away from being stereotyped into a specific role.

And Marlo Thomas (who portrayed Ann Marie) had a lot to do with that because she actually thought of the idea for the show and presented it to the producers. They were hesitant at first, but eventually decided to give it a go, which was a very smart move because the show ended up being a hit for five years. And to make the deal even sweeter, the company Clariol, was eager to be their sponsor.

Oh, you should have seen me back then, GLUED to the television set every Friday night on ABC...

Here is a screenshot of a TV Guide (remember TV Guides???) showing the time slot of "That Girl" in its final season...

I think the big attraction for me was that the show took place in New York, which even back then as a little boy, I found myself drawn to that city. And another attraction was that Ann Marie's dream was to be a working actress, which is exactly what I wanted to do:

1) Live in New York City

And 2) be a working actor

Which ironically, I did.

As a kid, I used to get so excited seeing all the New York film locations during the opening theme song...

Ann had her eyes and goals set on BROADWAY...

Here are some photographs of the fashion in the 1960's.
Notice how BIG her hair was. That 60's flip and bang hairstyle became the iconic logo for the show...

I love this next photograph because it shows the traditional color scheme of most American kitchens at that time. Everything was either Hellmann's mustard yellow, harvest gold, or avocado green. Or a combination of all three...

And oh my god, look...a rotary PAYPHONE! Remember those? When I was a kid, payphones were 10 cents for a local call for the first three minutes. After three minutes, the operator would suddenly interrupt your call and asked that you deposit more money or you would be disconnected...

This is a photograph of Ann Marie's first apartment. She had two during the five-year run, however, I much preferred her second apartment. Here is a scene from the show in which she and her friends are playing Charades...

Ann's parents, Lew and Helen Marie (played by Lew Parker and Rosemarie DeCamp), brought so much comedy to the show...

This is Ann's boyfriend, Donald Hollinger (played by Ted Bessell), who I always thought was so damn cute! You see, only not did my true childhood confession include living in New York City and being a working actor, but it also included having Donald Hollinger as my boyfriend...

In the fifth season, Donald proposes to Ann and they get engaged, and that is how ABC concluded the final season. Marlo Thomas decided that she wanted the viewers to be left wondering if Ann and Donald ever got married. Personally, I think they did...

Here is the opening theme song to the TV show in 1970...

Yes, I admit it.
And laugh if you must.

I always wanted to be THAT GUY...

...and aren't I oh-so purrrrrty?

Have a super week y'all!

And stay well...💗

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