Time to do some summer reruns for those who might have missed the initial podcasts.
Short and Sweet includes 6 short stories and one non-fiction homage to my Irish mother. A special Christmas podcast features poetry and sentiment dedicated to my nephew, Tim, who was born on Christmas Eve. This segues to Trio a trilogy of three books: Ginny, Dinner with Sharon Flynn and Meggie, all primarily set in Ireland and lovingly telling the stories of Ginny and her life.
A Promise Kept is a ballad poem about a young woman writer finding her place.
Songs of my Father is that—sheet music for three of Dads songs performed by me (as best I could) and some special poems included in the book.
The Play honors the community theater buffs and that delightful culture.
Hearts of Shamrock is an homage to my Irish mother.
Finally, The Back 40 is new and leads into 98.6, a selection of which will be shared, prefaced by a new song, Swan Song, which may give a clue to the end of Short and Sweet. As we used to say when I was young—that’s all she wrote, Baby.— until Little Brother’s Quilt completes the Reilly story and hopefully leaves a Happy Dance in all the listeners’ reverie
Hello, everyone. I'm here with you today to share with you the play, which I referenced in our last recording. And I think that's the last one of the books that I have printed or are available on Amazon. It's called The Play. And then I'm going to do one called this will be ongoing. Just giving you a preview. I love to plan ahead. You might have noticed. And the next one after this, the play, uh, is called 98.6. And it isn't available on Amazon. I'm just going to share with you some of the poetry from 98.6. At that point, we'll talk about that later. Right now, I want to tell you that the music that you heard is a song I recorded and wrote um long time ago entitled Last Night. Kind of fits with the play, the last night performance, etc. Um, I was a uh an official aficionado, I'm sorry, of community theater, participated in it to a um lesser degree, not I wasn't, I had little children to to be with, but I enjoyed that aspect of um acting and performing. And so this play is dedicated to that period of time in my life and hopefully brings back some memories to you of community theater and the fun that that can bring into your lives. And here we go with the play. Just holding the blackberry down with my spoon is my job. Understanding why it pops up isn't, Don asserted. Time on my hands. Lexi always used to play that when rehearsals would slow to a halt. She was a tough, disciplined, talented music director. She was a hawk. She saw everything, knew who was cheating on whom, or even thinking about it. But we knew precision was her passion, and when the curtain rose, each number would be at least precise, if not perfect. Spotlights cast spells and diamonds in your eyes, ruffles swishing over fishnet stockings, music too cast a spell over the entire cast. Lexi knew every word of the music and the lines as well. Carl always forgot lines. Don't know if he didn't study or just forgot, but Lexi always mouthed what he was missing to him. Carl had a beautiful baritone voice and had an Andrea Bocali presence. Big guy, big voice, leading man always. Community theater exists as a fundraiser for causes and is always supported by the surrounding towns. The core of the cast came from teachers in various schools in the area. It's a natural fit, as teachers are on stage all day for students, and the most effective teachers are the most dramatic. I remember Dana flying around the room doing Hamlet, her red hair burning brighter as she acted out some lines for her students. Greater understanding. My blackberries are calling me. I love the cream and sugar and the tart blackberry contrasts. Rinse it and throw it in the dishwasher. Time was no longer on my hands. Opening night at the school was in four hours, and we have to get there by six to do hair, makeup, and costumes, so I only have three hours to figure this out. Opening night followed by opening night party at David, our director's home. Lots of music, camaraderie, great food and drinks, and dancing, of course. David's wife Pearl does a great party, elegant yet not overwhelming. Her oriental style was simple yet sophisticated. Food was finger foods and scrumptious. Drinks were punch bowls, one spiked and one not. Most men brought their own blues bottles. This is the first year I won't be there with Sam. Now that we have separated, I doubt he'll even go to the play. I will miss him when the slow dances start. I know Carl is going to move in on me fast and I need to be prepared. I have to go. It's not an option to skip it. I know Lexi saw Carl cornering me at rehearsal and she knows her cast. I don't know if others have observed his amorous advances or not. I'm sure his wife Paula will be there, and I'm sure she's witnessed his playboy behavior before. I really like Carl, but I'm not interested in starting a relationship with a married playboy. Poor Paula. Sam and I separated over money and general apathy and family issues. I hate his mother. I love the out the plays have given me. A chance to socialize and have fun. Some flirtatious, but safe. Sam and I didn't have children and never sought counseling for anything, just meandering through our marriage. I did get custody of Murray, our cat, and Murray is great, easy to understand, and mildly affectionate. Well, it's five, and I'm certain that after the play I will go to fill my soul with music and my body delights to dancing. I will go to David and Pearl's house for the party. I know too that Carl's attention has flattered me, and I know that I don't want any relationship with him other than friendship. We serve on several boards and committees, and I don't want to alienate him completely, so barring any unforeseen freakouts, I have figured it out. My heart pounds happily as I dash into the side door of the auditorium. I can hear Lexi belting out a song with the chorus to iron out a rough section in the three-part harmony. Lexi shoots a warm smile my way as I pass by the backstage steps. I respond with what I hope is, don't worry, Lexi, I got this. I can push Big Carl away, smile. I'm quite sure Lexi understood. Hi guys, you look terrific. They did. I need to hustle. Makeup first, then costume. I have a good part. Smart, sexy showgirl with just enough depth to be interesting. The music is honky tonk, which Lexi loves to play, and the setting is Wild West in the saloon. A school teacher wrote the play Ride into the Sunset. Perfect for local theater. Splashy, colorful, romantic, catchy tunes. The audience will love it. My character is named Lily, and I get to kiss the hero goodbye at the end scene. Beautiful song and pale blue lighting add to the allure. I've seen Carl watching me with avid interest during that scene. At first I was pleased, but I think it's lecture's now. My costume is aqua blue, and Marlene added a halo of red curls to my red hair. Fishnets and tap shoes. I'm excited. Lexi is playing the intro with the high school band. Great music, I got. Cast members are gleefully reporting that the auditorium is filling up. Muffled murmurs and laughter as people settle into their seats. Breathe deep, exhale, and are on. The curtain opens. Can dancers in saloon lively dance to a song similar to the can can. Have to be careful of patent infringements. Audience loves it. And so do we. My god, Carl looks dashing in that white jacket and cowboy hat. He's the gambler who plans to cheat his way into ownership of the town. His black hair and mustache are a perfect typecast for the gambler. I caught myself admiring him. I have to be more careful. I felt my cheeks flush, but with makeup no one will notice. Song after song, the audience eating it up, laughing and tapping their feet. The curtain closes for intermission. I grab a water. The buzz is good. We are doing well. Carl sought out my eyes and I turned quickly away. My leading man is only twenty three, first time in local theater, but very animated and super clear singing voice. He saves the town from the gamblers' plan by winning hand after hand, honestly. Before he rides off into the sunset, he kisses Lily, me, and vows to return on the next cattle drive. Pretty corny, but perfect for audience approval. The second act is as good as the first, and the audience is on their feet for a standing ovation and roses for me. The red roses have a heady fragrance that was very pleasant. Before I went back to change for the party, I gave Lexi the roses, which pleased her very much. Lexi, you deserve these for all you do. She hugged me and smiled from ear to ear. See you at the party, I said. Egg rolls and Chinese dumplings and pearls on dipping sauces. I opt for the unspiked punch. I'm driving. Lights are low, music is playing, and I know the dancing will begin. January performances are chilly, and I know I'm not going to stay long. I turn to put on my extra cardigan and I hear a familiar deep voice say, May I have this dance? Sam, I'm shocked you came. I thought you hated these shows. I came to find out. Well, I really enjoy them after all. This one was great. Lexi, let me know where the party was. So may I have this dance? My heart was singing. We danced every dance. Right into the sunset. How prophetic. Ain't life grand. Lexi knew all along how this one would end. And that's the story. And I hope you enjoyed it. And I will be back in touch with you with some other pieces of writing, maybe. But in the meantime, just know how much I love you and hope that you're enjoying these words and how much I'm enjoying sharing them with you.
