#14 - Resuming with resumés

Boy, what a whirlwind it's been over the past few weeks, but now graduation has finally come and gone (and boy, how wonderful was that!).

So, after the big "night" on Friday (5/28, Grad Nite), and the preparation day Saturday, and the big "Jake's Grad Party" day (and sleepover) Sunday, it was time to move on to:

Audition Day.

Yes, in spite of the many preparations for the end of the final high school year, and graduation, and Project Grad, and the big party and the family being in town, I went ahead and did something I haven't done in a year (and before that, it'd been,oh, about 28+ years). I signed up to audition (and to sing no less - Mom would have been proud of me though I wished I hadn't listened to my son and had gone ahead and gotten the music transposed about 2 notes lower; I would have been much more comfortable singing).

But I did it. Yeah for me.

Now, I've helped my son with his resumé, and re-did my own pathetic one, but I know somewhere in the boxes lurk resumés for Janice, Muriel and even Danny. Those who've been union members have much more impressive resumés. As soon as I unearth them, this blog post will be updated.

Speaking of resumés, I'm looking forwarding to seeing the ones for those we'll be watching next week in L.A. at an event I'm looking very forward to: my dear friend and mentor Miss A.'s show at the Hayworth.

We can now resume our regular blogging...

Lucky #13 - What to DO?

There's just been no time lately for searching through the Vault, but as I did find this timely example of Mom's popular "To Do List" category:



Now, I've only included one page of what was a three-page note fully spelling out all the tasks that needed to be completed. See how nicely it's outlined; Mom sure had a knack for neatly organizing her list of "what do to" in a beautiful format. You'll notice that the only single word on this list that's underlined (aside from the categories) is the word "out," as in throwing something out, which clearly (as we KNOW) was an issue for Mom. She had the intention, but not always the follow-through.

A side note: the last line on this page seems to say it all: "Continue Cleaning..."

We've been working away furiously on preparing for the big Graduation Party in 2 weeks, and now that the backyard and garden is almost completed, it's time for us to move to the inside of the house, so how lucky for me to come upon a list from Mom reminding me of all the things we to do in our home. Now I don't need to make my own list (though, if I did, I'd promptly toss it when complete).

How nice to have a Jewish mother around when you need her (even after she's gone...).

#12 - Something to write home about

Today, being Mother's Day, is a bittersweet one again.

I lament my inability to call my mom and wish her a Happy one (though I did get a pedicure today with purple polish in her honor), or hear from her (she's been noticeably absent from visiting in my dreams; I thought for sure she'd make herself more obvious, and constantly be giving me advice -- something she did so well and so often in life). I don't think we ever get "over" the loss of our moms.

So, I opened the Vault on this day of celebration of Mother, and lo and behold, here's a little present she's left for me and my brothers (circa late 1980-early 1981):

A peek through the window into our family history.

And as for the World history, well, the more things change, the more they stay the same, or so it seems...

Ghosh, Dan & Lar - enjoy. And a Happy Mother's Day to all.

#11 - Programs here, get your programs! (or, let's get with the program already...)

Boy, who knew one could get so lost in daily life?

Between the ever growing "backyard project" and my son's upcoming high school graduation and college drama (every pun intended), it's been near impossible to spend any time dumpster diving, er, I mean Vault prospecting.

Well, back to a quick stop in the Vault.

Today's find? One of Muriel's treasures:

(When I have more time, I'll scan some of the interior ads in this full 9" x 12" program; they're classics!)

This one is her 1965 run in the "The Pajama Game" where she managed to get 5th billing:

Looks like this was when Barbara Eden was just about to explode onto the TV screen, and John Raitt was reeling them in with his dulcet-toned voice. Muriel got 5th billing - pretty darned good.

Gaining notoriety is a funny thing; I know my kid's been going through this with his college stuff. We're awaiting the "official" notification from one of the top theatre programs, but unless there's financial aid involved (or one of you has a rich uncle willing to help cover the exorbitant cost), it's going to be interesting. Of course, it's very helpful that his back-up is also one of the top theatre programs (gee, Boston or UCLA? - that's a great conundrum to have...).

On a wonderful exciting side note: my husband and I have created the programs for the high school drama production department for 2 years (and we've pledged to do 2 more years for free tickets - after all, some of my other kids will be there for 2 more years!).

It's a fantastic performing arts program at MHS (you can see what a great training ground it's been for my son in both music and theatre), and we just found out the drama department has been chosen as one of the U.S. high schools invited to participate in the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2011. Pretty darned exciting. Congratulations to Elke Matzen and Susane Byrne. I can't imagine two more dedicated or deserving educators!

Ok, I have to get with the program and get back to daily life. Here's hoping for top billing, and soon.