(43-321) "Gimme Five" - Broadway Musicals

I couldn't have been more than nine (the age Lyndzi is now), when I saw the movie "Funny Girl" with Barbra Streisand for the first time.  I remember watching it on TV with my mom, who was a big Barbra fan, and thinking that it was the best thing that I'd ever seen.  Shortly thereafter, "Grease" was released at the movies, which just affirmed my affinity for musicals.  It wasn't until a few years later that I saw my first, live Broadway show - "Barnum" with Jim Dale and Glenn Close, and I was hooked.  I fell in love live theater, and raved about the show so much, that Richie Howell actually took me back to see it again a few months later.

My fondness for musicals drove me to volunteer for the make-up crew in High School.  By my sophomore year I actually became the make-up director and I thoroughly enjoyed watching all of the rehearsals and contributing to our productions, which is why #15 of my "100 Random Things About Me" post was "I love Broadway Musicals."  # 37 happened to be  "I've always loved award shows. (But now, I keep it down to the Oscars, the Tony's, The Emmy's and The Golden Globes; oops, And SAG and Critics Choice.)"  Now if you know me, or you've taken "The Ride" before, then you know that the Oscar's are a big (yes) HUGE thing for me, but my very, next favorite awards show is in fact "The Tony's," and they were just on this past Sunday night, which is one of the reasons that Broadway is so much on my mind tonight.  The other reason is because Lyndzi and I will be going to see "Mamma Mia" when we're in New York and she herself is becoming more and more enamored with the the theater.  We were talking about our upcoming trip today , and she actually said, "I bet when you walk through the theater door it's just magic."  That's my girl!

So in honor of "The Tony's", I thought I'd play "Gimme Five" -  Broadway Musicals.  Which really should be, "Gimme Five" - Favorite Broadway Musicals, but I didn't like how that title ran into a second line. (Go figure... )  Anyway, as an added bonus, I'm including one number from each show / movie. 

1.  "Funny Girl" 

2.  "Hairspray"

3.  "RENT"

4.  "Wicked"

5. "Hello Dolly"

I could go on and on; but since it's "Gimme Five," I'm gonna stop now and let you have a turn.  I'd love for you to play along, so if ya wanna join in, just leave your comments here or on Facebook.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-200) We Are Family

"Milestone, milestone, who's reached a milestone?"   "It's me, it's me; Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, 200 posts!  As if my lil introduction  wasn't already given it away; today marks another milestone for me and the labor of love that is the 43 series of "The Bumpy Ride;" as I have now been 43 for 200 days; and this is my 200th consecutive post. 

When I first began the 43 series, I told you that I was going to write every day, so that I could document what I did with the year that possibly could have been my last.  Reflecting on the past 200 days  I would have to say that of all of the lessons that I've learned thus far; and all of the experiences that I've had - my most rewarding accomplishment has been building a relationship with my cousin Jackie and her family.  With this being said; I'm sure that you can imagine how full my heart is to be able to write this 200th post from Jackie's home; after spending a wonderful weekend together.

Although Jackie and I have been in daily contact with each other over the past three months; we certainly didn't learn everything and anything there was to know about each other; and I have to say that I am blown away by all of the similarities that we share.  Not only personality traits, (and there are MANY;) but our likes and dislikes too.  From our preference for whipped cream cheese, to disliking sand; or having our feet feel dry from the sand; to our love of ribs and barbecue pork lo mein the commonalities were endless.  I could go on and on but for brevity's sake (YES, brevity) the last mutual pleasure that I'll mention is our passion for Broadway shows.  Big deal one might say.  Lots of people enjoy Broadway shows; and this is true.  But the amount of knowledge that we both have about past Broadway shows; is uncanny.  I think that we could sit and talk for hours on end, JUST about Broadway shows; and I am delighted about that.

This weekend has been AMAZING in so many ways; and I have to say that Jackie feels more like a sister to me than a cousin; and I feel so blessed to  be able to say, we are family.     
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING