Processing...

I have an idea that won't work (yet), but I'm so interested in the process that I felt compelled to pull out my iPad (the closest and quickest device) and write about it while still in bed.

As my usual morning routine, I got up, dragged myself to the bathroom and opened up the February issue of O Magazine, which by the way, had a creativity theme. I read the interview Oprah did with Julie, creator of musical The Lion King. They were talking about Taymor's new musical, Spiderman. I was interested in several levels. I'm a fan Taymor's work and love the idea that she works out of a background of folklore and myth.

Bathroom reading time done, I decided to give myself 5 more minutes in bed and cuddle next to Caprice. Next thing I know, I'm thinking comics, then of using the comic application on my Mac, then I, for some reason, am thinking of my BCD (Bone Cancer Dogs) friends and the next reunion. That involves a gift to bring. For me, ideally that would be some sort of little book. A comic book? With dogs? "Bone Cancer isn't Funny.". OK, here's where the idea goes bad, but isn't it an interesting sequence of thought?

Dog Moms

There are, I believe, people like me, who think of themselves as "Dog Moms"-- not so different from Soccer Moms, or any other type of mom.  While some may roll their eyes when I talk about my furry "children,"  their behavior, needs, and lives, are as much a part of my life as the human children of others.  My life is entwined with theirs.  I prepare meals for them, take them on outings, visit the doctor, see that they are groomed, and spend quality time with them.  And yes, I talk to them, too.

So it's not surprising that I have the same hopes for them.  Not, perhaps, hopes of them becoming rocket scientists, but hopes for good health, happiness, and maybe even productivity.  My guess is that I project those hopes and fears, on my dogs, as others project parental expectations upon their children.  There's no threatening about making good grades, but I think my dogs know what I want of them.  In turn, I think they also know how to work me.

With my past history, I'm worried about my dogs' health.  Somehow, I think Caprice knows that.  I'm so concerned about her eating before she gets her Prednisone, that I'll hand feed her her breakfast, or bring her "breakfast in bed."  She knows she has me wrapped around her paw.

The more I worry about Canon's performance in obedience and agility, it seems he becomes more unpredictable.  When I stop worrying, things seem to go smoother.  I hold my breath when he goes on the dog walk or A-frame.  No wonder he'll sometimes bypass them.  

As a teacher, I often noticed that parents created the kids they got.  Dog mommas are no different...in lots of ways... That's probably why I especially like the bumper sticker that reads, "My dog is smarter than your honor student."

A Smile and Tears---for People Being Nice to Each Other

This video of people offering free hugs in a small town in Italy is amusing.  It made me smile, but with tears in my eyes.  How wonderful to share with strangers, to accept them!  I've watched the flash events, where members of a crowd break out in song or dance, and wouldn't dream about staging that, but how simple would it be to offer free hugs?

http://www.flixxy.com/free-hugs-sondrio-italy.htm

Do they still use "wicked" to say it's great?

It was a Wicked weekend for us.  On Saturday, we went out to lunch at the Frontier before walking over to Popejoy to see Wicked.  We arrived early, so we wandered around Popejoy for awhile, then sat in the lobby and talked.  It was then that I took out the tickets.  Something was wrong!  Wasn't this the 5th?  My Saturday tickets said the 6th.  Yes, I got my date wrong.  Poor Michael was kind and said he'd return with me on Sunday, even though he had been looking forward to watching the Super Bowl.  And so, Saturday and Sunday were both involved, in a way, in seeing Wicked.

I didn't have high expectations.  I had been unimpressed by the soundtrack a few years ago, but I was eager to see the show.  It would have exceeded by expectations, no matter what.

I'm familiar with Greg(ory) Maquire.  I met him when I attended Children's Literature New England way back when.  I loved his book The Dream Stealer and have fond memories of reading it aloud to children.  Greg has quite a history of reworking fairy/folk tale material.  The Dream Stealer featured one of my favorite literary characters, the Russian witch, Baba Yaga.  I remember my students making cars from the train featured in the book.  Yes, I digress....

The story of Wicked was one of these fairy tale twists.  The music that was unmemorable to me before, fit the show well.  The lyrics were meaningful.  (I have to look some of them up.)  The dialogue was witty.  The staging and costumes were great, especially the OZ, green costumes.

A long, Wicked weekend, but a good one!