The moment has finally arrived for you to meet our Esteemed Panel of Judges - 04/30/12 08:43 AM
 
The moment has finally arrived for you to meet our Esteemed Panel of Judges for the contest 
"Be The Star Of Your Own Movie" 
 

Kathy Streib           Sharon Tara              Craig Rutman
 
 
and of course:
 

 
Roger Mucci
 
 
This was not an easy task for us.  There were so many excellent entries that we are still having a hard time narrowing it down to the top three winners.
We would like to thank all who participated in the contest and took the time to write an entry.  We found out something that we already knew.........there … (70 comments)

Day Two in Florida - 04/29/12 02:51 AM
Slight drizzle in the morning, but it didn't stop me from having coffee poolside.  Had breakfast with Tony and Tim on the screened in front porch since the rain got a little heavier.  The Air Show is in town, so we could hear the planes, or was that thunder?  Too early for the Air Show, it was thunder.
After breakfast, I took some interior photos of their home.  We shopped and ordered new furniture on my last visit and it's now all in place.  Beautiful.................pictures when I get back home.  Talked to Marco Giancola and made plans for him to pick … (35 comments)

My First Day in Florida - 04/28/12 06:41 AM
My flight arrived on time and Tony picked me up at the airport at our designated spot.  We drove right to a few of his clients homes, did a couple of "doggie walks" then moved on to pick up a "pooch" that's staying with us for the weekend.
Back to their places, unpacked and got busy with my chores.  I'm the "pool man" when I'm here, so I skimmed the pool then spent a few hours relaxing in it........... not a big price when you think about all I get for my money.  Showered at their new outdoor shower that was just … (32 comments)

Six, count them, just six days left............................. - 04/25/12 07:07 AM
Six, count them, just six days left to enter the Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!  Don't miss out on this opportunity of a lifetime.  Check the origianl post for the contest rules and get busy with your entry.   You're already too late for the 300 bonus points, but don't let that stop you from having a good time.  500 points for entering is nothing to sneeze at...................   Contest ends April 30, 2012 at Midnight.    
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First Place Winner - 2000 Points.   Second Place Winner - 1500 Points.   Third Place Winner - … (24 comments)

When you got it, you got it! Kudos to the professionals! - 04/25/12 03:29 AM


Yesterday I wrote a little rant because I was notified that the fabric we selected for a couch is discontinued.  My rant wasn't so much about it being discontinued, that happens, but why did it take a month for me to be notified?  
This morning I went into the store to find out.............and I must tell you about it.
When I arrived at the store, Sally, who had helped us before said they were wondering when I would be in to look at other fabrics.  They had pulled quite a few selections for me to look at based … (24 comments)

ActiveRain..........why did I choose you? - 04/21/12 09:03 AM



Why did I choose you?What did I see in you?  
I saw a place to meet new friends.I saw  camaraderie, where so much knowledge lurksA place where growing seems to never end.

Why did I want you?
 What could you offer me?  
A place that has so many views.And when I lost my heart, a couple of years ago,I lost it lovingly and willingly to you.........

If I had to choose again,I would still choose you.............
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I picked you some flowers, you can view them here:
What do you wake up to … (21 comments)

What do you wake up to every morning? - 04/21/12 04:41 AM
 
What do you wake up to every  morning?
On the side of my house right in front of my living room window and next to my porch is a lovely lilac tree.  
Just the other day I noticed a lovely fragrance wafting in the air when I woke up.
As I was making coffee, I peered out my kitchen window and discovered the lilac tree in full bloom.
Welcome to my world, I wanted to share it with you today!
 
  

 
  

 
 

Don’t forget to check out Contest - Be The "Star" … (38 comments)

One of these could be yours .........so what are you waiting for people? - 04/20/12 06:44 PM

One of these could be yours  .........so what are you waiting for people?   Check out the official rules for the Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie! and lets see how creative you can be.  You could  possibly take one of these babies home with you.
As of today, we have 92 entries, which is totally amazing, but my personal goal was 200.  If we had to choose winners today, believe me, we could, there are some fabulous writers out there. But what about you?  Where is your competitive spirit?  Your sense of drama and intrigue?  Your desire to be … (31 comments)

Part Seven of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/19/12 03:45 AM
 May he rest in peace..............
Not long after Abe was gone, Donna and David were divorced and she moved back to NYC into the apartment on 71st Street where Abe spent his last days.  Together we got the apartment in order for her.  We painted, did some window treatments, bought new appliances, tiled the kitchen floor, all on a very low budget.  While we were working on Donna's apartment, we got a call that"Get it On Dorothy's" husband had passed away..............Donna left town and I finished painting the bathroom and kitchen on my own.  It was great fun........when her furniture arrived from … (34 comments)

Part Six of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/18/12 03:48 AM
Abe was on a "high" over the next few months..........the presentation he did for the group of students and looking forward to an "encore performance" in Florida in the spring, seemed to bring new life into his soul...........unfortunately, not into his body.
Several times on our visits, he would go through his material, editing some things, adding something new that he thought the next group of students might enjoy and learn from........  It brought me so much joy watching the "master of lighting" so enthused about wanting to share his knowledge.
Our late night phone calls became more frequent and lasted much longer............Abe wasn't … (28 comments)

Part Five of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/17/12 03:57 AM
You probably thought I forgot all about LaVerne and George and Donna and David............oh no.  Donna and I talk all the time, things aren't going too well with her and David.............it's a shame, good people, just not the best match.  LaVerne and George frequent the Park Avenue Café or Maloney and Porcelli, I forget where I'm working by this time...........some dates escape me, events very seldom do.  George is also my dentist now in Manhattan.
My phone rings at 1:30 am................."Hi Abe"..............."How did you know it was me?"............I laugh.........."No one else calls me at this time of the night, what's up?".........."I'm pissed at you"............."Why's that?"................"LaVerne tells … (27 comments)

Not quite there, but working on it............. - 04/16/12 09:23 AM

Yesterday was the deadline for the 300 bonus points you could receive if you entered:   
Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!
It pleases me to announce that so far, we have 85 entries.  That is astounding to me!  So many members were excited about this contest and got their entries in early.  Not only were they excited, but some really wonderful, creative posts were written and I'd like to thank everyone and commend you on a job well done!
It's still not to late to enter, the deadline for the contest is Midnight on  April 30, … (21 comments)

Part Four of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/16/12 03:30 AM
Abe has trouble sleeping............his appetite is gone, and he's having more difficulty swallowing, so he's lost quite a bit of weight.  He spends most of his time either in bed or in his wheelchair, he's weak and has a tough time walking.............his aids get on his nerves because they try to do their job and "help" him, but he's too stubborn and independent so he's becoming a "grumpy old man"..............but never with me.................probably because I'm STOP and he's GO.
Our visits continue............now Abe calls me late at night when he knows I'm home from work.......somewhere between one and two in the morning.......  "How … (32 comments)

Part Three of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/15/12 03:53 AM
Several more visits with Abe at the hospital.........He speaks, I listen, and he tells many interesting stories about his early days up until the present...........he still went to work every day until he wound up in the hospital.
"They're doing the surgery on Monday, I'll have LaVerne call you when I'd like you to come back and see me"..............."Fine Abe, I hope..........." he interrupts, "Go home, you look tired, I'll have her call you".  I was dismissed from his room, he wouldn't let me speak.  I understood...................
The surgery went fine and at the end of the week I was back at the … (35 comments)

Part Two of My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/14/12 12:48 PM
Part Two
The Place:  Park Avenue Cafe, NYC
The Time:  1993 or 1994 (slips my mind, but not important)
The Characters:  Donna and David, LaVerne and George, Abe, Roger D. Mucci 
Donna and David were in NYC to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.  They made dinner reservations at the Park Avenue Cafe where I worked at the time..............they were celebrating with Donna's sister LaVerne, brother-in-law George and a good friend Abe, none of which I had met until that night.
The maitre d' escorts them to their table where a chilled bottle of champagne awaits.  Introductions are made to me, hugs, kisses, handshakes are exchanged … (25 comments)

My Story: Cleveland-NYC-Cleveland - 04/14/12 12:18 AM

Last year I wrote a Seven Part Series titled:  Grand Piano, violins and the right combination of people.......a memory was created. I  decided to resurrect the entire series for this contest...with a twist.  I am not only starring in my own movie, but I wrote it and directed it.
Part One
Back in the late 80's I was working as a waiter in a restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio called "Classics".  It was a posh, 5 star restaurant, beautifully appointed, the finest crystal, china and silver available. The entertainment every evening was a pianist at the grand piano and two strolling violinists...............not for everyone, but … (37 comments)

Bang it out! Get it in! The deadline is midnight April 15th for bonus points... - 04/13/12 08:50 AM

Bang it out!  Get It In!  The deadline is Midnight April 15, 2012 EST for bonus points for the   Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!
Of course you still have two more weeks before the contest is over and the winners are announced, April 30, 2012 is the deadline at Midnight EST. If you want those 300 extra bonus points, get moving.  We already have 50 entries. 
This has been a fun and exciting contest.  The entries have been phenomenal and so well written.  Judging this contest is not easy because of all of the marvelous talent … (26 comments)

Supporting Local Artists - 04/12/12 08:42 AM


Supporting Local Artists

Last week when I had my Thursday with Mickey, she gave me an Easter basket to bring to my three year old neighbor.  
Just a few minutes ago there was a knock on my door.  It was my neighbor, Arianna.   She brought me a picture she had drawn as a "thank you"  to take to Mickey.
IMHO, this is one local artist well worth supporting.
I'm sure it will hang in Mickey's gallery with all of the other original works she possesses, which are many since she has 10 grandchildren and 19 great … (20 comments)

Triple Header.......Birthday Party that is..................... - 04/11/12 01:12 PM
 
There are days I would forget my own head if it wasn't attached.  The other day I wrote on John McCormack's Facebook wall and wished him a Happy Birthday.  I knew I was days early, but I told him I was old and if I waited, I'd forget.  Truth be known, I forgot,  it is today.............my bad!  
Well I'm not going to forget the other two friends that have birthday's this week.  Sheila Anderson celebrates tomorrow and Mimi Foster on Saturday.  
I'm throwing a party today and you're all invited!
Happy Birthday John, Sheila and Mimi!
Many happy … (38 comments)

Monkeying around with iPiccy before I try picMonkey - 04/10/12 10:45 AM

 
Can you tell I'm bored?  I'm taking pictures of my kitchen.
Actually, I wanted to try iPiccy, since Picnik won't be around much longer.  I kind of like it and I kind of don't......I'm not sure why I wound up with the shaded border on this photo, I couldn't get rid of it.
Of course we all know I'm no techie, so this shouldn't surprise any of you.
I'll keep playing around or maybe I'll try that other free site.............
Monkey something or other!
… (24 comments)

"Take It Off" with the Q Man..........John McCormack - 04/10/12 04:17 AM
This week I'd like to announce that we're going to    Take It Off In The Rain   with the Q Man.... John McCormack.  Sorry Debbie, he volunteered, there was no arm twisting, he's baring it all today!  

Q Man AKA:  John McCormack

As our Featured Guest this week and has told us "Two Lies And A Truth".........it is up to all of you to guess which is the TRUTH.
Here we go:
#1 I quit smoking and the scales stayed the same #2 I quit smoking and actually lost 10 pounds #3 I quit smoking and gained 55 pounds  
… (37 comments)

The 1940 census records were released by the US National Archives April 2, 2012 - 04/09/12 03:46 AM

The 1940 census records were released by the US National Archives April 2, 2012.  My brother Tony spent countless hours searching for our Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  It was one of the  topics of discussion at Easter Dinner yesterdayj, and so much fun. 
I thought I would share the website with you just in case you were interested in doing a little research.  I found it very fascinating.  This website allows you full access to the 1940 census images, in addition to 1940 census maps and descriptions.  
  http://1940census.archives.gov/
  
 
 
 You may be in for a … (31 comments)

Let me tell you what I love about ActiveRain - 04/08/12 09:22 AM
Let me tell you what I love about ActiveRain! 

Most of you know I'm sponsoring the  Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!  
One week in, and we already have 25 entries.  But that's not what I'm talking about.  What I'm talking about is a sense of community, a family, bringing people together.
I read every entry as it is posted and leave a comment on the post so you know I've seen it.  This morning I went back and looked at every one of the entries again and was so pleased to see how many other members are … (66 comments)

If you haven't already seen it, you may want to check out the official rules.......... - 04/07/12 03:23 AM
If you haven't already seen it, you may want to check out the official rules for the Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!  It was posted on April 1, 2012 and we already have  20 entries,  each very different and unique ............phenomenal!  Early entries by April 15, 2012 receive 300 bonus points.   To clear up any confusion, a video or photos are NOT required.  You may add them if you'd like, but it's optional.    If you are curious about the judges for this contest, you may want to read Secrets are not my thing, I have to tell … (28 comments)

6 Rms Riv Vu - 04/06/12 09:27 AM

6 Rms Riv Vu
This movie was made for TV based on the 1972 Broadway comedy 6 Rms Riv Vu.  I'm sure most of you know this is shorthand for an available 6-room apartment with a river view.  The two main characters in the movie are Anne Miller, a bored housewife, and Paul Friedman, an unhappily married advertising copywriter.
I'm going to put myself in the role of Paul Friedman.  Yes, we all know that I'm not unhappily  married or an advertising copywriter.........but we're acting, playing a role, performing, something we all do every day in our business lives.
Back … (30 comments)

Fifty two degrees is cold! - 04/06/12 03:00 AM

Fifty two degrees is cold!   

Last night I woke up feeling a bit chilly.  No big deal, I just grabbed another blanket and went back to sleep.  At 4 a.m. I woke up again shivering.......  I have no heat!  
What's up with that?  It's 38 degrees outside and 52 degrees in my house.
Normally I would just call the landlord........but that's ME!
Maybe I'll just go sit in my car and turn the heat on until someone can get here to fix it.......good thing I got the car back!
If it isn't one   thing, it's another!
 Don’t forget … (38 comments)

So this is what all the hoopla was about............. - 04/05/12 02:02 AM
 
 So this is what all the hoopla was about....the damn car that was stolen.
It ain't much baby, but it's all I got!
It's paid for too, which makes it even better!
Yeah, it's got some scratches, a few dings and a couple of  imperfections, but so do I, and I've earned every one of them.
 

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNINGHEAD OUT ON THE HIGHWAY
 
Don’t forget to check out Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie! and submit your entry.  
… (38 comments)

Secrets are not my thing, I have to tell you who the judges are for my contest....... - 04/04/12 09:10 AM

Secrets are not my thing, I have to tell you who the judges are for my contest.......
You didn't fall for that did you?
Please tell me you didn't click on this post expecting to find out who my  anonymous judges are..................
You didn't, did you?
Did I hear you say "What contest?"
Maybe you better read this:
Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie! 






Let me see if I can help you out a bit........maybe a few clues!
Well, so far you know there are at least two others in addition … (43 comments)

Some people never get tired of being in the "spotlight"..... - 04/04/12 03:13 AM
Some people never get tired of being in the "spotlight", some even crave it...........I know for a fact that this weeks  "Star Of The Week" certainly doesn't tire of it, she loves having that gold star over her head, and I don't blame her.  She has worked hard to Take It Off In The Rain  and has had her "ups and downs" when it's come to this challenge.  She has also been "Star Of The Week" quite a few times and at one time I referred to her as the "Damsel In Distress"..............She rocks!  
She is "down" 5 pounds this week................5 pounds, … (21 comments)

Looking for members to be my Featured Guests............. - 04/03/12 03:36 PM

Looking for members to be my Featured Guests..........
Most of you know that I write a post every Tuesday morning where folks can weigh in, with the chance of becoming the "Star Of The Week" for my group Take It Off In The Rain. 
We also do a little fun thing called "Two Lies And A Truth".   For the past few months I have had a Featured Guest every Tuesday. Well I ran out of guests to feature..............
So I'm asking anyone who is interested to write "Two Lies And A Truth" and e-mail them to me by clicking on … (14 comments)

Just in case you missed it yesterday! - 04/02/12 02:25 AM
Just in case you missed it yesterday!
 Extra, Extra !  Read all about it!  
There is a new contest on ActiveRain.  You can read all about it here:
 
Put on your thinking caps, get those creative juices flowing and have a good time writing your entry.  

How often do you get to be the "Star" of your own movie?
 
… (31 comments)

Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie! - 04/01/12 03:00 AM
 Here it is folks, the April Fools Day Joke that's NO JOKE!
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Being the movie buff that I am, I thought it would be a great idea to have a little contest.  This could give you the opportunity of a lifetime..........to "star" in your own movie.  Maybe you'd like to have a few ActiveRain members "co-star" in your movie.
Here's how it works............
Pick your favorite movie title and write a post about how the plot or title of the movie could relate to you or your business.  This works whether you are a real estate agent, inspector, home stager...........just … (242 comments)