"Mama Who Bore Me" (SPRING AWAKENING)

Yesterday was the anniversary of when I saw the musical MISS SAIGON. Yet I would not have discovered it had it not been for the Santa Clara Vanguard. They are a competing drum and bugle corps from California. Their 1991 program was titled "Selections from MISS SAIGON." I saw it on the PBS taped broadcast of the Drum Corps International's World Championships held in Dallas that summer. I was captivated by the music in their program and I watched that videotape over and over again. I was in love with the music of that show.

What is a drum and bugle corps? Well, it's another one of those hobbies that I absolutely adore but I would mostly call it a viewing hobby of mine for years, just something that I never really actually participated it. Drum and bugle corps, according to Wikipedia, "is a musical marching unit consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, and color guard..typically operating as non-profit organizations they perform on-field competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions. The prime age for participation is 14-22." I went to see my first drum corps show in Houston in the summer 1990 at Rice University Stadium, and I was amazed at the pageantry and talent on a football, telling a story through music while displaying designs moving at a fast-pace at the same time. I was in high school at the time and I was also in the marching band but it was nothing like this or even close to it. Over the years it would become a summer activitiy to follow and there are a few favorite corps that I like to watch out for. But it was that one show in 1991 that lead me to Broadway (and I have that show on my video iPod to this day) and for that I've always believed that things do come into our lives for a reason--to bridge us to the next piece.

"I Still Believe" (MISS SAIGON)

Well today marked an anniversary for me. It's a silly marker but I do recognize it because it was a very emotional and momentous day. On Sunday, July 23, 1995, I saw MISS SAIGON for the first time. It was the 2nd national tour playing in Houston, starring people that I would come to know years later, Deedee Lynn Magno and Matt Bogart. For over two years I had listened to the audio tapes of the cast recording from London and tried to learn as much as I could about the show. So that day I went with my college best friends, Anne and Bing. From the moment the theatre went dark and the sounds of a helicopter started, I literally jumped out of my seat and they held my hands as they knew it was the start of dreams to come true for me. As I've said before, this is the show that changed my life, its direction and definition. Since there is no production for me to actually see of MISS SAIGON, I went for a pick-me-up because of the nasty rain outside and saw the HAIRSPRAY movie (yes, again!). It's something that just puts me in a happy mood, some people have alcohol and I have this.

"Written In The Stars" (AIDA)

What a beautiful weekend. I spent it doing a lot of time on subways, trains, shuttles, ferries, and a couple of cars. Saturday morning I met up with my co-worker Rose to travel to Fire Island Pines. We were going there for the first time to DRA's 13th Annual Fire Island Dance Festival. It took about three hours to get out there and the experience was wonderful and the weather could not have been better. The stage was set against the bay where different dance companies presented pieces, some commissioned especially for the festival, and hosted by Whoopi Goldberg. A lot of the co-workers call this event the closest thing to a staff retreat we have. I simply went out there for the afternoon to enjoy the performance and get back for a friend's birthday party in the city. Belinda is a dear friend from open play, obviously. She had her birthday on Friday and had prior commitments so she was not able to play with us at open play. So we had a gathering for her on Saturday evenin and it is times like these, surrounded by friends and laughter, that I feel blessed. Blessed that people in my life care about me when sometimes I feel like there is no one. Belinda has a beautiful soul and an infectious laugh. She has a quiet appearance when you first meet her but she can be a rambunctious voice if given the chance.

Then today was another day of relaxing on Long Beach. I have been extremely tired lately and just want to sleep and sleep some more. So I laid out my blanket and pillow and slept a great deal today. It was a special day because our friend Jordi was leaving us and it was his last day at the beach. Jordi is a gifted player and I called him a few times to sub for me when I was captain of a men's team. He really shines on the beach with his agility, good humor, and exemplary sportsmanship. He's going to be traveling and spending time in India so we hope to see him back on these shores.