No we're not going to LA affair/But we will dress like this as we do everywhere
Blogger’s Cramp
by Ann Leary
I’ve heard it from more than one or two,
This blog’s becoming a bore for you.
“The blog’s too doggy!” “Not another poem!”
“We’ve seen enough trees! PLEASE, enough loam!”
(Okay, nobody’s complained about loam)
Well, next week for a change of pace,
I’ll take some photos of a tropical place.
Yes, we’re taking a trip, there’s a break in the show,
So prepare yourselves for a blog without snow.
A beach, a hammock, a thatch-roofed hut
Should get us out of our winter blog rut
Perhaps you’re worried that I shouldn’t declare
Our travel plans to everyone, everywhere.
Don’t worry, our caretaker’s a pretty tough nut
(and he carries a registered you-know-what)
And Lulu bites, I haven’t shared that before
Well, now you know, she bites like a whore.
No I didn’t steal that from Whitman or Shelley
“She bites like a whore,” came right outta me belly!
And onto the blog where it will enchant or enrage you.
I give, and I give and I give, just to engage you!
Love, love, love the poem! Don’t forget your sunscreen!
What a wonderful post and my very favourite poem ever! the best!!!!!
You are so Clever Miss Ann…..
Who could ever complain this Blog is boring?
Have a wonderful trip!!! I cannot wait to see the pics, Now I am off to nurse my head, I had a wonderful night meeting up with Colleen and Joe for dinner last night….”ouch”.
Have fun!
Too funny! No, your blog’s not boring! I can’t wait to see pics of your trip and hopefully you’ll bring spring back with you! Have fun! Oh- and there’s never too much “doggy!”
Would love to hear details of the pre-hangover fun!
Honest Ann it was a comedy of Errors!!! We could have been in a sitcom…! It was hysterical! I have just emailed Colleen to see if she wants to write a re-cap she is such a better writer than I am.
OK, now this is a poem I understand.
My kind of poem…got it on the first reading!! Thank you so much. Have a safe, warm, wonderful trip !!!
There once was a lady named Ann,
who lived on a farm and grew yams.
Each day she would lay out the fruit of her labor,
“Please take some, its free”, she said to the neighbor.
And sometimes she added other goodies as well,
fresh bread, and jam ,you never could tell.
And then one day a stranger did said “Oh no, not the same”,
Kind Ann looked away, no mean words,for she was too tame.
So her friends rallied round, and spoke on her behalf,
“Suck it!” they said.
Okay, so it’s not the perfect Irish ditty, but I ain’t Irish neither!
Have a great trip!
Cyn
Ann,
You and family have a nice trip
this is from your blogger “the dip”
My lovely computer, has “shit the bed”
I know you love this saying, it popped into your head.
I stayed away the the imbibing on Thursday night,
On friday morning I woke up to a fright,
The sytem had crashed , don’t know what I did
Have a feeling it twasn’t me, me thinks it’s the kid.
So have a nice trip Denis, Jack and Devin
Ann will send pictures, of your little piece of heaven.
While your away we we will miss you so much.
But, we all know deep down you will keep in touch.
Well that’s my literary contibution to the blog..I’m at the freakin Library…so I will be diligently job huntting while you are gone. Have to check in when I got a chance, but don’t panic fellow bloggers if I’m MIA, sometimes there aren’t any computers available when I come here. There are 3.
Have a wonderful trip Leary family. Blog to you when you return. and yes REMEMBER THE SUNSCREEN.
Ann, never enough dog vids. Many retires use the term “I’m living a ‘dog’s life’ since retiring.” But when I watch your vids I think of living the ‘ultimate dog’s life’ (good book title hey) You are so caring and smart with them and teach us so much, boring would be the last word one would use to describe your blog. I’m a beach guy, mom taught me how to swim when I was 2 1/2, and I was into scuba at age 12; used to dive off Key West, the coral life with its colorful fish inhabit my dreams to this day. Southern hemisphere island people are the most laid back humans on this planet, if they haven’t become tourist hustlers. Most of their kids were taught to build thatched huts, a boat and to fish; no boss but nature, no cash-flow stress, everyone truly knew their relatives, unlike our society where too many know more about Seinfeld than their next door neighbor. Jimmy Buffet was a good friend of a best friend of mine. I got Jimmy Buffet’s collection of Lord Buckley’s comedy tapes in the 60s. If Denis hasn’t heard them, he’ll crack up when he does, Buckley talks like jazz musicians play. Go get tropical and fight the urge to bring back a tropical dog…
Ann,
A little fun in the sun. Sounds wonderful. Have a great trip!
I’d recommend packing Bev and Mark. They can make anything brighter and more fun, which certainly came in handy last night. I’m not promising the rest of this response will be coherent because my head is still fuzzy from the chocolate-tinis and espresso-tinis Bev made me drink, but I’ll give it the ‘ol college try to let you know the kind of entertainment they can provide.
Beautiful Bev and her adorably sweet husband Mark met Joe and me out for dinner at a restaurant in Hartford. Why Hartford? It’s a convenient half-way meeting place. Bev and I had been trying for a while to get together, but nothing ever came together, not until we all met in Cronton Falls. Then on that fateful night, we conspired in the ladies room to meet again. The only restaurant I knew in Hartford was The Hot Tomato. I had eaten there once five years ago.
We made reservations for 7:30 under Thatcher. Joe and I arrived around 7:20 and they seated us in the back, back room. We ordered a round of drinks and then promptly waited for Bev and Mark. As Joe and I chatted away, I noticed it was getting later and later and no sign of Bev or Mark. Worried they were lost or on the side of the road, I pulled out my phone, only to have it immediately ring. Bev was wondering where we were.
“I’m in the restaurant,” I said. “Where are you?”
“In the restaurant!”
“In the correct restaurant?” I said, walking back through the place.
“It bloody better be,” she said.
I spotted her and waved and then greeted her and Mark. They decided to join Joe and me in the back, back room. When we were all settled again, we asked the management what happened because Bev and Mark had been waiting since 7:25. They said they weren’t sure what happened, but they apologized for their error.
The 35 minutes Bev and Mark waited, they had studied the menu and knew what they wanted to order. So when our waitress came, we placed our orders. Bev and I ordered the same thing—cheese tortellini in a cream sauce. Only I ordered mine with sweet sausage in the sauce.
We talked, we laughed, I sang the song Joe and I danced to at our wedding. No one at the table recognized it, not even Joe. We laughed some more and then our food arrived. They placed a plate in front of Bev, and we noticed it had meat in it so she passed it over to me. They set the next one down in front of her and it looked just like mine. So Mark, ever the gentleman, took her plate and went to find our waitress. She brought her a new dish, which Bev began to eat, thinking the mistake had been fixed. For the first time in 20 years, Bev ate meat. That’s right, our vegetarian was an instant meatetarian.
Mark, once again, tracked down our server to exchange Bev’s dish. By the time Bev’s food arrived, the rest of us had chowed down and finished our meal. All was not lost; we just ordered another round of drinks and watched her eat.
That’s when things got a little louder and we cackled a little harder and just like the way the other people in the café ran for the hills, the people in our little room disappeared. So the four of us sat there and laughed some more. Our waitress came to take orders for dessert, which she said were on the house. Bev and I ordered chocolate-tinis. Mark ordered a rum and coke. And Joe ordered an espresso.
The waitress brought two chocolate-tinis, a rum and coke, and an espresso-tini.
“Excuse me,” Joe said. “I wanted a regular espresso.”
“Not the tini?” she asked.
“Not the tini. The regular,” Joe said, while Bev and I lost all sense of civility with talk of tinis and regulars and misordered sausages and bangers.
Just because we think it’s wasteful to throw drinks away, we drank the espresso-tini the waitress left on our table.
By the time the evening was wrapping up, only because the watistaff was vacuuming the restaurant, it seemed our waitress went AWOL. I went to see where she was so we could settle our tab, I learned from the manager she was a little intimidated to come back to our table because we were so loud and looked like we were having so much fun she didn’t want to interrupt us.
It truly was another great night. And we have Ann and the rest of the bloggers, whom we toasted, to thank for bringing us together.
I’ll keep this one short and sweet,
Ann, we all think you’re so neat!
Boring, heavens no! Love your get up and go
We’ll stay for a literary treat!
When there’s a chill in the air,
time to travel to isles so fair
vicariouly, we’ll enjoy your spree
We’ll follow you anywhere
Great Re-Cap Colleen!!!!! I cannot believe I was chatting so much and then said….”Guys i think I just ate a piece of sausage”!! I think I also said something rude after that but I cannot be sure.
Just to add Colleen and Joe are Just so wonderful and Kind I am so blessed to have met them through this Blog..How Lucky Mark and I feel!!
I also real quick before I reach for my water and advil want to add, Colleen presented me with a gorgeous gift when we fianlly got to each other’s table…. It cost nothing, not one penny…It was in a gorgeous bag with a bow, and inside she had put something she found that day while walking her dog that made her think of me….. It was very heartfelt and It made me melt…. I will treasure it for ever Colleen..It is true what they say..it is the thought that counts!
Thankyou!!!!
Ann, Who are these people complaining that the dogs, horses and great outdoors are boring? Why are they reading your blog if they are not interested in the things you love? The complainers need to find a different blog to read…We love it, including the poems. Have a great trip, you are lucky to get away from the cold. Yesterday in Aberdeen,Wa where I live it was 65 degrees. It seems like spring, but we know it isn’t. Our springs often have any icy wind until June. Have fun and relax on your trip.
I mean vicariously . . . and I’m so glad I changed “sucking at your literary teat, to stay for a literary treat.”
I do have some sense of decorum!
So just because I’m going to go light on designers and the celebrities who don their frocks, does not mean I won’t put my two cents in about this —
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/fashion/07boal.html?ref=fashion
“Oscar Casts His Glow on a Regular Guy” about Mark Boal, the screenwriter for “the Hurt Locker”.
I was appalled when I found out he based his story on a real life person — Master Sgt. Jeffrey S. Sarver — and Sarver got no credit or money out of the deal.
Sarver’s attorney wisely chose to wait until Academy voting was over to file suit — because the more money the movie makes (more awards, more money), the better the potential settlement for Sarver.
This is my pet peeve. If you base a story on someone’s life you always ask permission (of them and/or their heirs), and cut them in on the deal. It is plain common courtesy.
I understand the strict legalities, and that journalists follow a code of ethics about interacting with their subject, but when someone’s story becomes a money making venture, it is only fair to share the wealth.
If you win an award for interpreting someone else’s story, the FIRST person you thank is your SUBJECT! Without them, you wouldn’t be fondling a statuette and cashing big checks.
I’d love to know what people who saw “the Hurt Locker” thought of it.
Colleen and Bev you were in my neck of the woods. I live about 15 miles from Hartford. Glad you had such a great time.
Ann, love the photo and the color of your dress…stunning.
Is this going to be Holly’s first time without mommy and daddy for a few night-nights? I thinks she is really going to miss you.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15889&id=100000066872255&l=6d625b3e1a
These are some photos of the Fallas in Valencia, Spain.
You can read up on it (Vicki) if you want. They burn them all at the end…. and do this every year. Super creative folks.
Have a nice time in the tropics Ann and senor D.
Mary Lynn,
The Hurt Locker is an amazing movie. I was transfixed! I am involved in the adopt-a-soldier program and that is what my soldier does each and every day.
This is a lovely balad someone posted on Facebook… and since it is raining some outside, it fits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbmPYYsaixQ
I guess there would be an exception to thanking the person your performance or work was based on. I’m thinking if Charlize Theron had blurted out “Thanks Aileen, this is for you — you’re the bomb!” that wouldn’t have gone over too well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v70pNFdsBSg
Lupe, that was lovely . . . though I have no idea what the song is about. I should learn to do YouTube videos, but I’m trying to avoid that — as well as Facebook. Otherwise, I would never get any work done.
Are you in LA? It is partly cloudy here in Vegas, rain in LA usually travels here next, and a chance is in our forecast. The cherry trees are all in bloom here. Springtime in the desert comes early.
D – I hope Sgt. Sarver, and the other guys the writer was embedded with get some credit, money, and fun out of it. I’m guessing none of them were on any Oscar party guest lists. At least Pee Wee got some screen time in his Big Adventure!
“Paging Mr. Herman”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaBgd_nOXKM&feature=related
Bev, do tell, what was in the gift bag???
Oh Colleen and Bev….sounds like you had a terrific evening!! From this blog, there have been such good friendships formed; both among the “met” and “not yet met”.
I probably walked some four hours today… while looking at units in Long Beach, California
And took some photos.
And I just posted some on Facebook, that include a few from Las Fallas de Valencia, Spain.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=15898&id=100000066872255&l=c826d401a8
Ann,
Love the poem, have a safe and great trip!!!!! Just relax and enjoy!!!!!
You all are such a hoot, as always! I love this group. Collleen and Bev, how neat that you (and your hubbies) had such a fab evening.
Ann, best wishes to you and your family for a great trip! Hete’s another offering for the Ann Leary Poetry Jam, nspired by the witty verse of Cynthia, Rose, and Mary Lou:
There is a fine lady named Leary
of whose musings we never grow weary,
though she speaks well of bats
and is fond of fur hats
and some find these both rather eerie.
And of course I meant Mary Lynn! I’m typing this entry on my iPhone and it’s making me batty.
(My sincere apologies, Mary Lynn!)
I’m surprised there weren’t more typos than that. I can barely see. And then the phone ever-so-helpfully makes and inserts the wrong guesses as to what I’m clumsily trying to type with one finger, so that the result is a Dadaesque jumble of nonsense. Sigh.
Ann and fam, have a wonderful time.
I hope your gun-toting caretaker plays with Holly!
Did ya bring the Flip?
Here’s another one, offered very humbly in honor of Ann’s esteemed friend Mr. Pendleton:
The master of Momix is Moses
And a man of sheer genius with roses;
Like his dancers they bloom
With such beauty, the room
Sighs in wonder of all he composes.
A Sunday morning haiku:
Arliss the rhymer
With great aplumb makes words sing
Poetry with smiles
Have a wonderful trip Ann. Enjoy!
Rats! I cannot watch the Oscars tonight. ABC pulled the entire network for all those customers who have Cablevision in NY. Of course – its always about money.
There is a sweet gal named Arliss
Who fills other bloggers with such bliss.
She makes limericks
Throws them into the mix
And for that I blow her a kiss!
Kim, we’re in NY until we leave tomorrow. Guess we’ll be missing it too.
Mary Lynn, Cynthia and Rose,
Such beautiful verse you compose.
You’re rhyming’s so neat,
Your themes so complete,
That they tickle me right to my toes!
LMAO. Have fun, so glad to see this post was not too doggy or too poem-y ;o)
Ann and Alan, those are excellent! I am humbled and honored! Thank you. Amazing Sunday-morning versifying!
ANN CROWDED WITH GIFTS
Her current life is a major rioting ball
Bigger than one imagined even by Holly
Happily she’ll clean out the worst stall
She’s also not afraid of ego-self-folly
Roses beckon her way into the night
Neruda started this pedaling thought
Dogs and horses keep her more than bright
With Denis her true soulmate or naught
London found her growing plump to sight
1/2 year later her preemie she sought
To take home, proud parents in flight
Twas the best of time’s lived, not bought
Tropical places will soon end all fright
Lulu will protect home, hearth; caught
In atavistic forces to do what is right
And she wasn’t a whore, just overwrought
Ann will be pleased, rested, heart alight
Denis, younger, once teacher, now taught
This writer now sees four lines must fall
Shakespeare, too, at times, lost his jolly
Chat folks will enter their welcome back call
Ann will post her typical wit and grace, by golly!
Alan, beautiful Haiku!
One more haiku:
Videos of dogs
Poems I can’t figure out
Endless merriment.
BRAVO, Brent and Alan!
(Brent, I especially love the passage about Lulu!)
This is so much fun … You know what? I was just joking about the Ann Leary Poetry Jam, but I wonder if a poetry free-for-all would make for a fun live chat? It could be sort of a live poetry workshop — only positive comments allowed — for both would-be poets and those who are curious. No elitism, all perspectives allowed, and healthy skepticism about the whole thing welcome. It could be free-association, on topics that come up during the chat. People could comment on what made them think of phrasing something a certain way, or what brought a certain association to mind, or why they like a certain image … it might be both entertaining and an interesting look at the creative process. Just a thought, as we have so many creative, witty, funny, and street-wise people in this group, from such a range of backgrounds, some more interested in things literary, and some less so, but all with good-humored openness and interest in the stuff of life …
It’s a haiku showdown!
Oscars on tonight
cable blackout in New York
we need Mary Lynn!
Arliss was the limerick queen
they were witty, but never obscene
she inspired us all
keyboards beck and call
pentameters to prick and preen
And then I wrote:
There once was a chief named Obama,
his presidency so full of drama,
he stayed cool as a cuke,
his poise knowed no rebuke,
bet he wears polar bear’s pajamas!
This is fun . . . a poetry jam sounds like a plan, but I’ll warn you ahead of time, I might spew some bad, bad metaphors like that one yesterday.
I know someone who twitters in “redneck haiku”, but I’ve never really tried (hmmm . . . no rhyming, right?) — I’ll start with a traditional –
Cherry blossom pink
Finches beaks cut through the stems
blooms fall to concrete
Do commas go here?,
the apostrophes and such,
my grammar is bleak.
So what’s the deal with the Oscar blackouts? I can’t imagine any provider would cut the most important broadcast of the year!
I’ll give you a blow by blow,
of the pre and the main Oscar show,
if my snark you’ll excuse, I might blow a fuse,
If Giuliana talks dieting woes!
This talking in rhymes is contagious,
in fact it is outright outragious,
so glad I’m all alone, or they’d be on the phone,
calling the white coats and their cages!
On that thought, I need to shut up and get some work done around here.
I’m so not good at versey,
So please show me your mercy.
I have cablevision in Jersey,
No Oscars here–I’m about to cursey!!
What is wrong with these cable providers?
wrangling with network insiders!
Did they not pay their bills? a battle of wills?
Viewers suffer and rifts only grow wider!
Okay, I need a little Pee Wee Herman to make me laugh and clear my brain, ‘cuz I’m sure some of you feel like this -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrE17OVVW_E
Would love to see the Oscars, but I am unable
It’s something to do with that God damn cable
Please send me your thoughts
Please send me your views
I cannot believe this, I am in such a stew
Mary Lynn – there is absolutely nothing like a little Pee Wee Herman to take the edge off
LOL! Awesome, Mary Lynn! I give you a standing ovation! Amanda and Barbara too! (I love “versey” and “cursey,” LOL!) And I would be so upset by an Oscar blackout … that’s just irritating. Wow, what a bad business decision on someone’s part.
LOL Kim!!!!!
You guys are fabulous – what a bunch of limerick ologists!!!
the blog is never be too doggie for me
enjoy paradise
with a cocktail
in a hammock
under a palm tree
my prose stinks!!! have a great time Ann
Fret not, my dear Kim
Gone is Lillian Gish
Channel 7 will be dim
You shoulda bought a dish
ROFL Aislinn!!!!!!!! What a wit!
Here are some driving Haiku from the book “Honku-The Zen Antidote to Road Rage”
Cabbie’s sharp swift stench
fells a tiny forest of
pine-tree fresheners
I hear in New York
shortest distance in time is
from green light to honk
That NO PARKING sign
wasn’t there when I pulled in-
now a ticket is
Sunday evening haiku:
Ann on vacation.
Poet anarchy ensues.
Walt Whitman’s sampler.
Date Palms hang with golden fruit,
skies the color of slate and soot,
Oscar’s here – poetry kaput!
Three lucky souls are now performing my dream job –
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/07/fashion/07Rivers.html?hp
Joan Rivers’ writing team is hanging out with her and dishing on the fashion. I’ll be with them in spirit, whispering stuff in their ear, like . . . I have to censor myself here.
The E! Red Carpet Special is on now……I think James Cameron and his wife need to head to the beach along with Ann….can you get any paler? I must think of an appropriate Haiku…..
Amanda,
James Cameron likes blue people
He will not hold an Oscar
The Academy chose Hurt Locker
Amanda, Aislinn — Okay, you started it. I’m not taking responsibility for anything I write tonight — it is my evil twin!
James Cameron is married to his muse, a big blue alien.
I’m going to spend all night writing on a chalkboard “I will not snark, I will not snark, I will not snark . . . “
OMG Aislinn, I almost did a spit take with my vodka tonic!
Oops – Haiku form!
A director rich,
he is married to his muse,
big, blue alien
Ok, I’ll say it, James Cameron’s wife looked like his granny.
Mary Lynn, is your donation page still up and running?
Mary Lynn,
Chalkboards for Chile.
Bring it on.
Teen star vamps it up,
underwear as outerwear,
Miley forgot dress
Yep, my Doctors Without Borders page is still up.
Sara Jessica Parker
hair looks like coconuts
but we like the dress
Here comes SJP,
What is that on her finger,
there are no good words
Charlize Theron’s breasts,
Satin ruched orchid roses,
Jay Manuel said it.
Did you notice? James Cameron’s wife is the woman in his Titanic flick – it was the old woman’s grandaughter shown at the very beginning and at the end. Do you remember her?
I need to take a break from the Haiku –
Will the starlets ever learn?
ruffles and prints make stomachs churn,
Easter pastels make me cry, they’re not candy for the eye,
Some smoke, some spark, some frocks should burn!
Amanda, LOL!!!! Welcome back to the dark side.
Kim, I thought she looked familiar!
Kim, I do remember her.
James Cameron is a pasty old marshmallow. I would not kiss him if he paid me 800 trillion dollars. Well, maybe a quick peck, but that’s where I’d draw the line.
I don’t get it with George Clooney. He so doesn’t do it for me.
I hope the Camerons are not friends of the Leary’s.
I’m with you on Clooney, Kim. He looks too much like his aunt Rosemary, with a bad haircut.
You guys better give me the blow by blow. Hey – I wonder if its on the radio. LOL!
I love Demi’s dress. Gadbourey isn’t wearing green. She looks lovely. So does Queen Latifah.
Hang in, Kim. Disney may have a change of heart in the eleventh hour. They’re talking now.
Eeeeeek – Melanie Griffith looks like the Bride of Frankenstein. Too much wrinkle filler or Botox. Did anyone see Jeff Bridges – I do like him.
LOL Aislinn!!!!!
Aislinn, you gotta snark like nobody’s reading!
And yes, there are many lovely dresses . . .
J Lo looks a dream,
pale hues and swish done so right
Queen lavender nice
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH – I loved Inglorious Bastards!!!! Tarantino is nuts! All the way to the bank.
If one was to give birth to Quentin Tarantino’s child, a C-section would be in order.
How’m I doin’?
George went to the fans,
he knows who butters his bread,
loving the suck up.
I don’t have anything against Miley Cyrus but that voice – its like nails on a blackboard.
The red carpet is over so soon,
so it is now time to change my tune,
no more making a stink, but it’s 5, I can drink!
pardon me if I laugh like a loon!
Aislinn, you’re doin’ fine!
I give Miley a pass because she’s still a teenager (and we like her daddy).
Doggone it, I missed Bride of Frankenstein!!!
My haiku is getting sloppy…..maybe I should change to limericks.
Love George but he needs to break out the Grecian Formula. Just a bit.
Hey, there is 30 minutes more of carpet!
Jake looks so handsome,
the anti Tarantino,
he could fill George’s shoes
Morgan Freeman’s hand,
inquiring minds must know,
what’s under the glove?
Just a (decidedly unpoetic note!) to thank you all for your Oscar poems!(Team Gaby in our house!)But you guys ALL win for your creative contributions!
Have a great night and a good week!
Kathy Ireland is trying too hard. She’s not a natural at interviewing the carpet runners. She should stick to selling furniture, clothing, make-up, and linens.
Just saw SJP. Channeling Dusty Springfield, circa 1965.
I agree about the Kathy Ireland interviews….why is she standing like that? It’s all so awkward.
OK Miley sweetheart, stand up straight!
Aislinn, you’re crackin’ me up,
what is it you have in your cup?
It’s not milk through my nose, it is beer that I chose
smooth going down, but burn’s coming up!
(can I use “up” twice?)
What, is the word “actress” politically incorrect now? Everyone is an actor?
Mary Lynn,
There are no rules writing poems
so keep your chin up
I can think of no other word than gnomes
Will Clooney’s gal sign a pre-nup?
And Amanda, oh yes, I agree,
Gorgeous George, he is younger than me,
I kept the touch up handy, when the blonde gets way too sandy,
when salt and pepper gets way too salty, so should he!
Amanda-THANK YOU!!!! That actor/actress thingy is one of my pet peeves!
The Motherlode! Okay, that’s just too funny!
Whoa, it looks like gorgeous George is NOT enjoying the show.
I guess I’ll read it in tomorrows paper
The Oscar escapade and caper
For now I watch Fatal Attraction
or perhaps that actor Samuel L. Jackson
Kim, the Oscars are now on 7 in NY. I guess somebody relented. You are in, my dear. Grab the remote and enjoy the show.
Yeah Amanda, Clooney’s reaction to the dig in the opening monologue (what is it called when there are two comedians?) was priceless!
I thoroughly enjoyed the opening extravaganza, production number, and Steve and Alec. The song was super schmaltzly, but that was the point. I didn’t catch all the lyrics but the Botox line stood out. Maybe this stuff will be on YouTube.
Kim and all my fellow NY area friends—-it’s on channel 7—they’ve reached an agreement in principle
Its On Its On. Geez – they must have cut a very sweet deal VERY QUICKLY!!!!!
So funny, you all!!! (Kim, love that Samuel L. Jackson line — LOL!)
Okay, I just shouted an expletive (and not in a good way) when Mark Boal won for Best Screenplay — he thanked “the troops”, but there are a few very specific soldiers, and one in particular who is probably swearing like a proverbial sailor right now.
The guy needs to give credit where credit is due.
Is it just me, or are the stage directors deliberately pairing up small people with big people? Miley Cyrus and Molly Ringwald looked like giants!
Was feeling as young as a rock star
’till I tuned in to watch me some Oscar
The aging of brat pack
Gave me a set-back
Next time I’ll …I’ll…I’ll (oh feck it, I can’t rhyme with Oscar)
Ann — “next time I’ll hang with Pee Wee on a boxcar!”
Okay, the sexiest couple award has to go to Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem!
Demi Moore and her dress !:):)
And Pe and her smile and her dress…
Oscars? No idea.
Is it gonna be Avatar or Hurt Locker??
Mary Lynn, I agree, in my mind they are two of the sexiest people on earth.
Ann, safe trip!
I missed the Oscars! Channel 7 is defunct. Boo. Or was, I don’t know if they fixed it.
I feel like I’ve been good and absent,
From this blog that has the Leary patent.
I was riding my horse,
Who was perfect of course,
Even when he whinnies with an accent.
(He *did* race in Boston…so yes, that makes sense.)
But I did exclaim, “What the *hell* is that?!”
And I think I discovered a sort of wombat.
He looks quite a bit like Frodo,
So of course I did take a photo,
I hope he doesn’t fall off our roof and go splat.
I named him Willard.
Ann — I’m imagining a movie with Cruz, Bardem, and Gilles Marini perhaps dancing for her affection . . . mmm, yummy . . . in my fantasy, of course Penelope plays — ME!
I’ll have to see if I can come up with a viable storyline, at least one that doesn’t get in the way of the plot!
Awww . . . Gaby is crying!
Mary Lynn, Gilles Marini in the Sex In The City movie. Yowza!
I still think (from last year’s sentiments), that the presenters are way taken by themselves, and they ‘think’ that we are ‘here’ to watch them, and we are not!. Somebody needs to tell them!. (Maybe they will read this here..).
The camera people follow suit and? the camera keeps to be focused on their faceys and their voices. It is a yihad out there!!! really competitive. Some of the folks with the vintage are the ones more sure of themselves and likeable and down to earth. Irritation!.
Gosh, I’m exhausted. Winding down with Baba Walters now . . . I made it 2 1/2 hours before shedding a tear during the Oscars.
Eventually, the alcohol, and the acceptance speeches get to me. I got through Geoffrey Fletcher’s, the screenwriter of “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” emotional speech dry eyed. And I have to say Sapphire must have had a helluva deal to get “Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by SAPPHIRE” stuck on the end of the title each and every time the movie is mentioned.
Mo’Nique gave a great speech (but she’s had a lot of practice this year) and not only honored Hattie McDaniel in words, but even wore a flower in her hair as tribute — she gets the best accessorized award — and true to fashion, her leg hair remains intact.
The speech that got me was the guy who won best score for “Up”, talking about how he was supported in his creative endeavors. He acknowledged that many kids are not supported in their quests, and might even be told that what they are doing is “a waste of time.” I could relate to that.
Today I went to the library in my neighborhood and looked over all the empty gallery space that remains since the “Las Vegas Art Museum” closed.
It is incredible space, and the library itself is very active, full of all sorts of people using the resources. And then there is all the dead gallery space — state of the art, art gallery space.
The saga of the LVAM is frought with bloated ambitions, and budgets that went bust.
Still, I don’t see why the space shouldn’t be put to use with exhibits that would enrich the public. It might help kids to know that creativity is not a waste of time . . . but right now wasting the space is giving the opposite message.
Ann, I had to laugh at your twitter re: best costume design. I about died when she said “I already have two of these”, especially after watching her walk up to the stage looking like she was carrying one of them up her arse.
She wrapped up her speech by dedicating it to all the poor, unlucky costume designers out there in the dark (umm, like maybe me?) who work so hard at their little, overlooked projects. Yeah, thanks. I guess it is not what you say, but HOW you say it.
I loved Sandra Bullock’s dress and her speech and how she included her Oscar and Jesse James. There is just something about her that you just have to like. She was excellent in BlindSide.
What a sweep – I have not seen Hurt Locker yet but I was surprised – I think everyone thought Avatar would take it all.
I just love Sandra Bullock and she looked glamorous last night. So glad she won. At first Channel 7 was blocked and I was screaming as since I was a little girl, this was the night of all nights. We had neighbors who used to have giant Oscar statues and a red carpet on their front porch. Limo’s would arrive – I really thought the Oscars was at their home,, until I got a bit older and realized they were just fanatics as I was. What a great night for the Movies. Hurt Locker.. wow..
Kim, I was a bit surprised at Hurt Locker taking best picture as well. I have not seen it but my husband has and he said while it was a great movie he didn’t think it was “Oscar great”. Any thoughts?
It’s a beautiful day in Nashville…high about 70…time to plant some pansies!
Amanda:
Have not seen Hurt Locker yet. I do not doubt your husband’s opinion. I just really felt that Avatar was visually beautiful, technologically off the charts and I liked the story – it just had everything an epic film would have minus the lack of acknowledgements from the Academy.
Beautiful day here on Long Island – 60′s and sunny. It is about time. It is quite nice not having my car in 4 wheel drive.
I found this bit.
“So how do you get on the invite list? According to the Oscars website, you’ve got to be among the “most exceptionally qualified names” of those who have “achieved distinction in the arts and sciences of motion pictures.” The Academy extends membership to every aspect of the industry, not just the “talent:” Writers, directors, cinematographers, costume designers, composers and even studio executives and publicists receive membership in their own branch.
For an inside scoop on how the membership process works, Moviefone spoke to a former studio advertising executive (who asked to remain anonymous) who’s a 27-year member. While actors and other high-profile people are invited to join, he applied for admission and, after being approved by the public relations branch, was accepted.”
And I still do not understand. Peers rating peers? Do they hold a voting session?
Who pays for it all?
Why don’t I matter? (not feeling bad or anything, just wondering).
KC, loved your poem so much! (“whinnies with an accent,” ROFL! … and please, shed more light about the “wombat” when you can!)
To continue the post-Oscar comments, Mary Lynn and Ann, my jaw dropped too at the “I already have one of these” proclamation by the Oscar-winning costume designer.
And yes, isn’t Penelope Cruz absolutely lovely and sexy at the same time?
I thought Alec and Steve (oh, of course, I’m on a first-name basis with both) did a very likable job, especially as they warmed up more in the last half of the show. My favorite bits were the sleep-cam, and the clip of them both vegged-out in their Snugglies on the sofa. Totally cracked me up!
Seeing the tears running down Gabourey Sidibe’s face while Oprah spoke her tribute made me cry like a baby.
How great that “The Cove” won best documentary! Hopefully it will reach a wider audience now.
I also loved some of the more offbeat winners — I thought the pair accepting the film-editing award were wonderfully, slightly geeky, refreshing, and very likable. And I too was touched by the acceptance speech for best score. Really neat.
How about that acceptance speech by Sandra B.! Moving, touching, sincere, hilarious … perfect. ( ” … and my lover, Meryl Streep.” LOL!)
Kim,
Regarding The Hurt Locker, I guess I’m a bit biased. I thought the movie was exceptional. As I mentioned to Mary Lynn, I participate in the Adopt-a-Soldier program and the movie really portrays what goes on over there – plus because I “know” the soldier and correspond with him on a regular basis, it hits home far more than I think it would were I not involved.
There is a part of me that really thought that Avatar should be in the animated category.
Arliss, glad I made you giggle! Hope you had a fun anniversary weekend.
I have Willard the Wombat up on my own little blog, that I began about our farm antics and just being first time homeowners. I’ll email you the link.
I didn’t see any of the Oscar movies, but when they are on our Netflix list! Two movie tickets is a 50 lb. bag of grain for the horses…not a tough decision for us to make.
Ann -
This blog is anything but boring! And the videos of the dogs and horses – which I can’t get enough – are so much fun! Please keep them coming.
So glad to hear most of us let our dogs on the furniture.
I thought this year’s Oscars were one of the best. So thrilled that Catherine Bigelow won for best director and Hurt Locker for best movie. I think they were genuinely surprised to get the best picture nod.
Well – you’re all such poets,
and I didn’t know it -
that’s all I’ve got….
Ann – hope you and your family have a wonderful vacation!
Linda S.
From its opening scene to the very end, The Hurt Locker is one of the most nerve-wracking, edge-of-your-seat movies I’ve ever seen. Which, given its subject matter, is as it should be. Though not for the faint-hearted, The Hurt Locker is a gripping and powerful piece of filmmaking and, in my humble opinion, deserved the Academy Award for “Best Picture.”
Alan,
Totally agree with you! I probably didn’t articulate my point very well – my soldier does what Jeremy Renner does in the movie. I correspond with him on a regular basis. I have come to realize that when he tells me he’s going on the road that he’s been called to diffuse bombs they have found. I am always relieved when I get another email. So, it becomes very personal to me. But he did tell me that it is not as dramatic as they portray in the movie. I somehow doubt this!
Well, the opening monologue of the Oscars is on YouTube anyway –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtIJ2Cxd5b0
Enjoy it before it gets pulled. I really did enjoy the show, and would watch it again if I could.
Amanda, you can see George the sour puss’ reaction to the ribbing by Steve and Alec at the end.
Are the buttercups in bloom in Nashville?. I love that you call them “buttercups”, where I come from they are “daffodils”. I also love the pear blossoms and dogwoods, and double cherry blossoms (I’m not sure that is the right name, the ones that look like little pink tissue paper flowers) — Spring is so lovely in the South.
Lupe — The Academy is an insider kind of deal — an industry (or an elite group of an industry anyways) congratulating their own. Membership is by invitation only, so sort of like a country club — there are 6,000 members. I don’t know if they pay dues, maybe Ann could speak to that.
I guess the Oscars are such a big deal because they have been doing it for so long, and they do put on a great show — it is good ole fashion Hollywood glamour, and it really captures the public’s imagination. It is interesting to note how the Awards shows leading up to the Oscars seems to have so much influence over the results.
I’ve had a couple of conversations with past president Sid Ganis, and he seemed like a really nice guy. We talked briefly about his plans to open a Movie Museum in Hollywood.
If it is a country club, than it is one that definitely accepts Jews, Women, African-Americans, and assorted and sundry otherwise oppressed groups. Do I want in? Hell, yeah!
I’ll tell you, one reason I want to nominated for an Academy Award, is because when you die your obituary will read “Academy Award nominated actor/producer/director/costume designer/film editor, etc. (insert name here) has died.” It has a nice ring to it.
Also, I’ve heard the 6 weeks between nominations and the show are a whirlwind of the most amazing parties you could imagine.
To Holly the little Dog.
there was a little dog
who lived in a shoe
she had so many sisters
she did not know what to do
she learned to play with a ball
she rolled it
she turned it
she layed on it too
her mommie learned her a chore
to ride on a skate
little dog loved her mommie
and she learned that too
little dog had a dream
that woke her at night
her mommie had gone on a trip
and she was long to come back
little dog practiced her ball rolling
she practiced the turnings too
she practiced her skater chores
and looked at the window too
(this is a ‘take’ to the Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe)
Mary Lynn, no buttercups/daffodils in bloom yet but they are coming up and it won’t be long! No blooms on the trees but after this week of warm weather we’ll see them soon.
Mary Lynn:
Want to learn more.
You mean that if instead of walking about looking for apartments, I had decided to go in there, they would have arrested me for trespassing because I had a camera but no invitation? Does not seem right. Okay, the invitation only… and not to be able to go get an invitation just because.