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imagine-avengers · 4 years ago

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Biker Part Three-Clint Barton Series

This is Part Three of my Biker Clint Series, part one and two are listed on my masterlist as will all other parts once they come out. As I stated in part one, this series hasn’t been finished as of July 25, 2020 but I am working on finishing it.

Rebecca and Olivia stared at each other for a few minutes before either one speaking again. Rebecca shared the same dark hair and blue eyes as all the Barnes children, only she had a slimmer nose which she inherited from their mother, whilst most of the others got their fathers nose. Olivia cleared her throat before speaking.

“What are you doing here?”

“Olivia. Didn’t know you were back around. Trying to fix your failed marriage? Or did they kick you out of school and you had to come running home like a dog with their tail between their legs?” Rebecca’s voice was like ice as she spoke the words.

“Cheerful as ever Becca.” Olivia rolled her eyes. “No, I came home for other reasons. Heard you got married, guess my invite got lost in the mail.”

“No, we didn’t send you one. Why would I want a backstabbing bitch at my wedding?”

“Ladies.” Luke spoke, not knowing Rebecca and Olivia were siblings. “Something wrong?”

“Yeah.” Bucky spoke coming in with Steve, the two having parked their bikes in the back lot. “My sisters don’t know how to get along. Hey Bec.” Bucky kissed Rebecca’s cheek before moving and doing the same to Olivia, Steve following his actions. “Hey Livvy.”

“Clint’s in the office.” Olivia spoke. “You guys hear back from Tony?”

“He got a hit from the security camera’s at your apartment.” Steve spoke as he took her coffee cup and took a drink. “Brock Rumlow. Got Sam looking into him.” Steve spoke. “They find him and he’ll be brought to us.” Olivia gave Steve a small smile.

“Barton get your ass out here!” Bucky called before turning back to Rebecca. “What are you doing here Bec?”

“Van broke down on my way home from my scan.” She spoke. “You always said to call Clint if my car broke down, said he’s the best mechanic.”

“That’s nice of you Pres.” Clint grinned coming out of his office. “Hey Bec, van breakdown again?” Clint asked as he hugged Rebecca and kissed her cheek like they were old friends, this action caused Olivia to huff.

“Yeah, I think it’s the radiator you said needed to be fixed last time.”

“We’ll get it fixed, you’re family.” Clint spoke.

“Whose family is she? Cause she isn’t mine meaning she’s not yours.” Olivia spoke as Clint looked to his wife.

“She’s your sister Liv.” Clint reminded her as Olivia scoffed.

“My sister? Really, because I remember my sister talking to me, my sister was my best friend, my sister who wanted me to maid of honor at her wedding, my sister who I begged to come to my wedding, begged to be my maid of honor, my sister didn’t stop talking to me because I fell in love. This,” Olivia motioned to Rebecca. “Isn’t my sister, my sister loved me. My sister shared everything with me. My sister wouldn’t get married and get pregnant and not tell me. My sisters are Mary and Frances. I don’t know who she is.” Olivia shrugged as she grabbed Lucky’s leash. “Come on Lucky.” Connecting the leash to his collar she walked out of the shop.

“She acts like we were ever close.” Rebecca spoke.

“You were Bec.” Bucky reminded her. “When you were ten and Olivia was eight, you each had a binder of wedding ideas, you both agreed to be each other’s maid of honor. You didn’t see the look on Olivia’s face when I told her you weren’t there at her wedding. You weren’t there to watch our sister fall apart. You weren’t there to see her almost call of the wedding. You didn’t see the heartbroken girl that became our sister after you cut her off. You were there when Nat told her you had gotten married. As much as you hate her for falling in love with Clint, she still loves you and I guarantee it’s killing her to know that while you ignore her, the two of you are friends, that you talk to Clint when he fell in love with Liv and not you. Double standards Becca.” Bucky spoke with a shake of his head. “Fill Clint in on the situation, I’ve got to go find Liv.” Bucky went to search for Olivia, finding her in a small park not far from the shop.

“Hey.” Olivia spoke as Bucky sat next to her, he two watching as Lucky rolled around in the leaves. “She’s still in love with Clint, isn’t she? She waited until I was gone and tried to make a move.”

“Liv, it isn’t like that.”

“James.” Olivia turned to her brother. “She hates me still, she hates me for falling in love with the boy she loved, she hates me because he didn’t love her back. I lost my sister because I fell in love.” Olivia looked back at Lucky. “I thought, that once Rebecca found someone she loved, she’d stop hating me, but she settled for whoever she married,”

“Frank, his name is Frank.”

“She settled for Frank, Bucky, the way she looked at Clint, it’s the same way I look at him, the same way Nat looks at you, the same look Rebecca had all those years ago with Clint, she’s still in love with him, she forgave him after I left because I was out of the picture and you can’t be mad at the person you’re in love with for not loving you, but you can be mad at the person they love and I bet it makes it worse when it’s your sister.” Olivia voice dropped.

“Liv,” Olivia held her hand up.

“Please, James.” Olivia spoke. “Don’t lie to me.”

“She’s still in love with him. She asks about him every time we talk,”

“She ever ask about me?” Olivia watched her brothers face, the frown that was etched on it confirmed she didn’t. “Why would she? I’m just the bitch who stole the love of her life.”

“You didn’t steal him from her.” Olivia stared at Bucky.

“But I did Buck, did you know that before I told Clint I loved him when I was sixteen that he and Rebecca were sleeping together? He said he didn’t love her, but he slept with her Buck, she thought they were dating, when he told her that he was done sleeping with her and that we were together, she swore to me that she hated me, that I was dead to her. If I never would have admitted to loving him, they’d be together, happy, with a family and I’d have my sister.”

“But Clint wouldn’t be happy and neither would you Liv.” Bucky spoke as Lucky came and laid at Olivia’s feet. “It wouldn’t have been fair to Becca if Clint stayed with her when he was in love with you, just like it wouldn’t have been fair to you. You both loved each other, Rebecca knew that from a young age, you cannot blame yourself for this.” Bucky spoke resting a hand on her leg. Olivia was silent for a few minutes, patting Lucky’s head.

“Clint said mom and dad were coming for the renewal, tell them it’s canceled.” Olivia spoke standing up.

“Liv,” Bucky stood to follow her.

“No James.” Olivia shook her head. “I came back because I missed everyone, I wanted my old life back, but if that includes my sister hating me and me having to watch her be in love with my husband, then I don’t want it. It was a mistake coming back, things were better before I came back, I bet everyone was happier.”

“Livvy.” Bucky called as Olivia pulled Lucky back towards the shop where she found Clint looking over Rebecca’s car, her talking and laughing with him. Olivia leaned down and rubbed Lucky’s head.

“You be a good boy for daddy, okay? Mommy loves you so much, so much baby, but daddy needs you, he needs you more than mommy.” Olivia started tearing up as she kissed Lucky’s head. “I love you Luck, take this to daddy.” Olivia slipped her ring off and buckled it to Lucky’s collar before she backed out of the shop. Olivia didn’t grab any of her things before leaving, she just grabbed her keys and purse before driving her car away from her home, away from the only place she felt whole.

“Lucky.” Clint spoke as the dog came trotting towards him. “Where’s mom, bud?” Clint looked around as Rebecca shrugged, not having seen her sister come in.

“What’s on his collar?” Rebecca asked. Clint looked at the collar and slipped the ring off.

“Olivia’s wedding ring.” He spoke softly.

“Clint.” Bucky’s voice came from the front.

“She’s gone, isn’t she? She left again.” Clint spoke standing from under the car. Bucky nodded as Clint patted Lucky’s head. “Luke.” Clint motioned to the car before heading towards his office.

“Clint,” Bucky started.

“Don’t, please.” Clint spoke, looking towards his brother-in-law, one of his best friends, tears were streaming down his face. “Just don’t Buck, I’m not what she wants, she’s left twice.” Clint stated going into his office and beginning to search through his papers.

“What are you looking for?” Bucky asked as he and Rebecca stood in the door. Clint didn’t speak as he searched, seemingly finding the papers, he grabbed a pen and began scribbling on it. “Clint.” Bucky spoke again as Clint sent the pen down.

“She’s left twice now Bucky, I’ll give her what she wants, she can have her divorce.” Clint spoke as he slid the papers into the envelope. “I’m done, I’m not going to keep playing her games, one minute she’s happy being married, the next she’s gone? I’m just done.” Clint pushed passed the two and walked out of the shop, Lucky in tow.

#Biker Clint Barton Series #clint barton imagine #clint barton x oc #clint barton series #clint barton au

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queenofangrymoths · 5 years ago

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Book Log of 2019

I kept a record of how many books I read in 2019. I liked most of them so I would recommend you give any of them or read.

So on with the list! If it has an X next to it then it means I didn’t finish reading it.

#1: Warcross by Marie Lu.

#2: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.

#3: Kingdom of the Blazing Phoenix by Julie C. Dao.

#4: Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova.

#5: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings by Roshani Chokshi, Alyssa Wong, Lori M. Lee, Sona Charaipotra, Aliette De Bodard, E. C. Myres, Aisha Saeed, Preeti Chhibber, Renée Ahdieh, Rahul Kanakia, Melissa De La Cruz, Elsie Chapman, Shveta Thakrar, Cindy Pon, and Julie Kagawa.

#6: The 57 Bus by Daska Slater

#7: The Dark Descent Of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kristen White.

#8: Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

9#: Broken Things by Lauren Oliver.

10# The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

11# A Study In Charlotte by Arthur Doyle

12# Simon Vs The Homo sapiens agenda by Becky Albertalli

13# The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

14# Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

15# The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

16# Carry On by Rainbow Rowel

17# Teen Trailblazers, 30 fearless girls who changed the world before they were 20 by Jennifer Calvert

18# Evermore by Sara Holland

19# The White Stag by Kara Barbieri

20# One Dark Throne by Kendra’s Blake

21# Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

22# A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney

23# King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo X

24# Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

25# The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson

26# Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

27# Mythology by Edith Hamilton

28# Percy Jackson Greek Gods by Rick Riordan

29# Two Can Keep A Secret by Karen M McManus

30# The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

31# Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

32# Superman: Dawnbreaker by Matt De La Peña

33# The Phantom of The Opera by Gaston Leroux

34# Roseblood by A.G Howard X

35# Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J Maas

36# Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

37# Velvet Undercover by Teri Brown

38# Through The Woods by Emily Caroll

39# The Wicked Deep by Shes Ernshaw

40# Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

41# Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

42# Where She Fell by Kaitlin Ward

43# Modern Herstory: Stories Of Women and non binary people rewriting history by Blair Imani

44# White Rabbits by Caleb Roehrig

45# To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Adapted by Fred Fordham

46# Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

47# Ever The Hunted by Erin Summeril

48# Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte

49# Lost Souls, Be At Peace by Maggie Thrash

50# Honor Girl by Maggie Thrash

51# The Giver by Lois Lowry adapted by P.Craig Russell

52# My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand. Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

53# What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera X

54# An Assassin’s Guide to Love & Treason by Virginia Boecker

55# The Count Of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas adapted by Nokman Poon and Crystal S. Chan

56# The Fellowship Of The Ring by J.R.R Tolkien

57# What is someone I know is gay? By Eric Marcus X

58# Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig

59# The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien

60# The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien X

61# The Return of The King by J.R.R Tolkien

62# Lafayette by Nathan Hale

63# Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

64# We should all be feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

65# The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson

66# Frankenstein by Mary Shelly

67# Norton Volume Of English Literature

68# Beowulf by Unknown

69# The General Prologue by Chaucer

70# 20/20 by Linda Brewer

71# Always in Spanish by Agosim

72# The First Day by Edward P. Jones

73# Bullet in the Brain by Tobias Wolff

74# Writing Fiction by Burroway

75# Murderers by Leonard Michaels

76# Greatness Strikes Where It Pleases by Lars Gustaffson

77# Cathedral by Raymond Carver

78# A Conversation with My Father by Grace Paley

79# Gooseberries by Anton Chekhov

80# The Lives of the Dead by Tim O’Brien

81# Head, Heart by Lydia Davis

82# Richard Cody by Edwin Arlington Robinson

83# “Out- Out-“ by Robert Frost

84# The Ruined Maid by Thomas Hardy

85# I wandered lonely as a cloud by William Wordsworth

86# Poem by Frank O’Hara

87# On being brought from Africa to America by Phillis Wheatley

88# On her loving two equally by Aphra Behn

89# Because you asked about the line between Prose and Poetry by Howard Nemerov

90# Ars Poetica by Archibald MacLeish

91# Ars Poetica? By Czeslaw Milosz

92# Ars Poetica #100: I believe by Elizabeth Alexander

93# Poetry by Marianne Moode

94# “Poetry makes nothing happen”? By Julia Alvarez

95# Introduction to Poetry by Billy Collins

96# In Memory Of W.B. Yates by W. H. Auden

97# The kind of man I am at the DMV by Stacey Waite

98# The Changeling by Judith Oritez Carer

99# Going to war by Richard Lovelace

100# To the Ladies by Mary, Lady Chudleigh

101# Exchanging Hats by Elizabeth Bishop

102# History Of Ireland Volume 1 by Lecky X

103# A Modern History of Ireland by E. Norman X

104# The Tempest by William Shakespeare

105# Gender by Lisa Wade & Myra Marx Ferree

106# Trifles by Susan Glaspell

107# The Shroud by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

108# King of the Bingo Game by Ralph Ellison

109# Sonny’s Blues by James Baldwin

110# Fences by August Wilson

111# Where are you going, where have you been? By Joyce Carol Oates

112# Daddy by Sylvia Plath

113# What is our life? By Walter Raleigh

114# May I compare thee to a midsummer day? By William Shakespeare

115# The love song of J. Alfred Prufruock by T. S. Eliot

116# À unr passante by Charles Baudelaire

117# In a station of the metro by Ezra Pound

118# The Fog by Carl Sandburg

119# The Yellow Fog by T.S. Eliot

120# On first looking into Chapman’s Homer by John Keats

121# the Road Not Taken by Robert Frisr

122# Paradise Lost Book 1 & 10 by John Milton X

123# The Victory Lap by George Saunders

124# The Tempest by William Shakespeare

125# The Vanity Of Human Wishes by Samuel Johnson

126# Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

127# When to Her Lute Corinna Sings by Thomas Campion

128# Sir Patrick Spens by Anonymous

129# Ballad of Birmingham by Dudley Randall

130# A Prayer, Living and Dying by Augustus Montague Toplady

131# Homage to the Empress of the Blues by Robert Hayden

132# The Times They Are A-Changin’ *

133# Listening to Bob Dylan, 2005!by Linda Pastan

134# Hip Hop by Mos Deff

135# Elvis in the Inner City by Jose B. Gonzalez

136# Acquainted with the Night by Robert Frost*

137# Terza Roma by Richard Wilbur

138# Stanza from The Eve of St. Agnes by John Keats

139# Stanza from His Coy Mistress by Andrew Marvell

140# Stanza from Sound and Sense by Alexander’s Pope

141# Stanza from The Word Plum by Helen Chasin

142# Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas

143# Myth by Natasha Trethewey

144# Sestina by Elizabeth Bishop

145# Sestina: Like by A.E. Stallings

146# l)a by E.E Cummings

147# Buffalo Bill by E.E Cummings

148# Easter Wings by George Herbert

149# Women by May Swenson

150# Upon the breeze she spread her golden hair by Franceso Petrarch

151# My lady’s presence makes the roses red by Henry Constance

152# My mistress’s eyes are nothing like the sun by William Shakespeare

153# Not marble, nor the gilded monuments by William Shakespeare

154# Let me no to the marriage of true minds by William Shakespeare

155# When I consider how my light is spent by John Milton

156# Nuns Fret Not by William Wordsworth

157# The world is too much with us by William Wordsworth

158# Do I love thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

159# In an Artist’s Studio by Christina Rossetti

160# What lips my lips have kissed, and where, and why by Edna St. Vincent Millay

161# Women have loved before as I love now by Edna St. Vincent Millay

162# I, being born a woman and distressed by Edna St. Vincent Millay

163# I will put Chaos in fourteen lines by Edna St. Vincent Millay

164# First Fight. Then Fiddle by Gwendolyn Brooks

165# In the Park by Gwen Harwood

166# Something Like a Sonnet for Phillis Miracle Wheatley by June Jordan

167# Sonnet by Billy Collins

168# Dim Lights by Harryette Mullen

169# Redefininy Realmess by Janet Mock

170# Lusus Naturae by Margaret Atwood

171# The House Of Asterion by Jorge Luis Borges

172# Death Fuge by Michael Hamburger

173# Clifford’s Place by Jamel Bickerly

174# We are seven by William Wordsworth

175# Lines written in early spring by William Wordsworth

176# Expostulation and Reply by William Wordsworth

177# The Tables Turned by William Wordsworth

178# Lines by William Wordsworth

179# Recitatif by Toni Morrison

180# Volar by Judith Ortiz Cofer

181# The Management Of Grief by Bharati Mukherjee

182# Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

183# Jesus Saves by David Sedaris

184# Disabled by Wilfred Owen

185# My Father’s Garden by David Wagoner

186# Practicing by Marie Howe

187# O my pa-pa by Bob Hicok

189# Mr. T- by Terrance Hayes

190# Late Aubade by James Richardson

191# Carp Poem by Terrance Hayes

192# Pilgrimage by Natasha Trethewey

193# Tu Do Street by Yuaef Lomunyakaa

194# Diving into the Wreck by Adrienne Rich

195# Elena by Pat Mora

196# Gentle Communion by Pat Mora

197# Mothers & Daughters by Pat Mora

198# La Migra by Pat Mora

199# Ode to Adobe by Pat Mora

200# Barbie Doll by Marge Piercy

201# The Silken Tent by Robert Frost

202# Metaphors by Sylvia Plath

203# The Vine by James Thomsen

204# Questions by May Swenson

205# A Just Man by Attila József

206# the norton anthology of world literature

207# Pan’s Labyrinth by Gullernio de Toro and Cornelia Funke Xw

208# The prince and the dressmaker by Jen Wang

209# Rejected Princesses: Tales of History's Boldest Heroines, Hellions, and Heretics by Jason Porath

210# The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

#BOOKS #I READ A LOT #210 #THAT'S MY AVERAGE APPARENTLY #HAPPY NEW YEAR #NEXT LIST WILL BE OUT ON JAN 1 2021 #me #reading log #2019

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classicmollywood · 5 years ago

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TCM’s 1939: Hollywood’s Golden Year Celebration Week 1

Every Friday during the month of July, Turner Classic Movies is highlighting the year 1939. Why is this year important 80 years later? Some of the best films in cinematic history were produced in 1939. The actors were fantastic, the directors were innovative, the stories riveting, and it felt like every film was a bit of a hit.

To honor TCM’s celebration and these films that are timeless (and perhaps have a bit of relevancy 80 years later with their themes), each week I will list the must see films airing on Friday on TCM! I will also give you a blurb about the film and why I find them must watches!

Friday, July 5th Must Watch Films:

The Old Maid (airing at 1:45 pm)

Starring: Bette Davis, Miriam Hopkins, and George Brent

Charlotte has a rendezvous with her cousin Delia’s ex-lover on the day of Delia’s wedding. Unfortunately, her love ends up dying in the Civil War, leaving Charlotte alone to have their child. Once Delia finds out that Charlotte has an illegitimate, she offers to take the child in as her own. Jealousy and family secrets threaten to strain the cousin’s relationship throughout the years.

Why You Should Watch It: Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins are delightful in the film together. The tension that they had towards each other on set actually really works with this film. It also has a pretty juicy story line for a Production Code era film.

Only Angels Have Wings (airing at 3:45 pm)

Starring: Jean Arthur, Cary Grant, Richard Barthelmess, Rita Hayworth, and Thomas Mitchell.

Bonnie is a cabaret singer who leaves her boat at a stop at the port of Barranca to go exploring. She finds some American flyers who take her to the hotel owned by their boss. Bonnie then meets Geoff, who is the leader of the flyers. Bonnie falls in love with Geoff, even though he doesn’t want to be attached to any woman because he doesn’t want to be kept from flying dangerous flights. Then trouble starts when Geoff’s ex, Judy, and her husband, Bat, arrive.

Why You Should Watch It: Cary Grant is tough as nails in this film but so easy on the eyes. Also Jean Arthur is a delight! Rita Hayworth is great in this film, considering it was one of her first meaty roles! Also danger! Adventure! Planes!

The Wizard of Oz (airing at 8 pm)

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, and Margaret Hamilton.

Dorothy Gale gets swept away to the land of Oz during a tornado that touches down by her Kansas farm. She meets the Cowardly Lion, The Tin Man, and The Scarecrow. They all have a desire to go see The Wizard and ask for things they are missing. However, things don’t go as planned when they cross paths with The Wicked Witch of the West.

Why You Should Watch It: This is one film I recommend everyone sees at least once. It has such a childlike innocence to it, and it really shows Judy Garland in one of her best roles. There is also some really interesting behind the scenes stories of this film, which are always fun to look up after you watch it!

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (airing at 11:15 pm)

Starring: Charles Laughton, Maureen O’Hara, Cedric Hardwicke, Thomas Mitchell, and Edmond O’Brien

In 15th Century France, Quasimodo is sent by Frollo to kidnap Esmeralda. He gets caught and ends up getting flogged. Esmeralda is the only one who brings him water when he is tied up in the square and he grows a fondness for him. So when Esmeralda is accused of murder and sentenced to death, he tries to help clear her name.

Why You Should Watch It: Charles Laughton is absolutely WONDERFUL as Quasimodo. His representation of him is probably one of the most sympathetic! I also like how this film has a great Gothic feel to it. This is another film I recommend everyone watch once!

Gunga Din (airing at 1:30 am)

Starring: Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, Sam Jaffe, and Joan Fontaine

Three soldiers are stationed in British India during the Thuggee uprising. One of them wants to spoil their fun and leave the service to get married. The other two trick him into one last mission, which ends up having the three of them against the Thuggees as the rest of the British army is going towards a trap.

Why You Should Watch It: Cary Grant and Victor McLaglen are hilarious in this film! The shenanigans they lead Douglas Fairbanks Jr. on are just so wild, they are perfect to watch!

Come back next week and I will tell you some more 1939 films you should tune into!

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mermaidsirennikita · 5 years ago

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June 2019 Book Roundup

I so wanted June to be a typical summer reading month for me, full of rom-coms and perhaps thrillers. But for the most part, the novels I read were kind of lackluster? The standout was Marriage of One by Ella Maise, which was exactly what I needed. Let’s hope July is better!

Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton. 2/5. When pious Esther Morel sees Sara Kemp--a poor woman forced into prostitution--on the street, she is “overcome” by Christian kindness and takes her in. Gradually becoming Esther’s lady’s maid, Sara resentfully bears witness to the hypocrisy of the Morel household; meanwhile, Esther is desperate for her weaver husband to recognize her own talent. But his dismissal leads her to seek guidance from one of his journeyman, adding on to her many secrets and leading the two women down a path that they won’t be able to walk back from. The prose here is good, but I was never really caught up in the book. Most of the turns taken were fairly predictable, and I didn’t really.. find much reason for the story. Why write this, I suppose? If it was meant to a commentary on women’s relationships, I didn’t connect with Esther or Sara enough for it to work. I think other people would LOVE this, but it was beyond me at this point.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood. 2/5. Forty-five-year-old Susan values control in all aspects: control over the flat at which she lives alone; control over her job; and control over her detached relationships. But the loss of her mother, corresponding to a surprise pregnancy, throws her life into flux. The introduction of Rob, a friend of her irresponsible brother’s, doesn’t help matters... This is another book with an interesting story, which may very well be enough to catch someone else’s interest. Susan’s cool, unremarkable voice failed to connect with me.

Passion on Park Avenue by Lauren Layne. 2/5. Naomi finds herself the victim of a classic cheater--her boyriend was not only married, but juggling another mistress. In the wake of his sudden death, she finds friendship in his other paramours, and they form a supportive trio, out to make sure that they don’t fall for the same traps. As her jewelry company is on the rise, Naomi finds herself at odds with Manhattan’s elite, including Oliver, a son of the family her mother used to work for. Trading barbs with Oliver, Naomi finds herself falling for him too--but can they find a way to put aside their preconceived notions? This book had a cute idea, but there was absolutely no flavor to it. Love the idea of the women supporting one another, but the romance was lifeless.

Marriage for One by Ella Maise. 4/5. Rose would love to turn a property left to her by her late uncle into a coffee shop--the problem is that she can only collect on her inheritance if she’s married, and her fiance recently left her. So she feels both shocked and lucky when lawyer Jack offers to marry her in order to--ostensibly--share the property with her. He needs someone on his arm, and she wants her coffee shop. They marry out of convenience, but are inevitably drawn to each other--despite the fact that Jack is keeping quite the secret. First off--yes, much fun is made of the Rose and Jack thing. This book is so cute, and it makes the most of its leads’ chemistry and tropes. Yes, there are some iffy moments, and the secret everything hinges on really did not have to be a secret. But overall, it’s a fun, romantic read. Special note has to be made of the fact that Jack LOVES Rose wearing her wedding ring. It’s great.

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. 2/5. Kristen is more than ready to be the maid of honor at her friend Sloan’s wedding--though she can’t help but be very attracted to the best man, Josh. Despite the fact that she’s awaiting the return of her enlisted boyfriend, Kristen and Josh have a connection that’s hard to resist. The problem?. Josh wants a baseball team’s worth of kids someday--and thanks to her excruciating uterine fibroids, Kristen is planning on having a hysterectomy soon. There was a lot I really liked about this book! It wouldn’t be much special, to be frank, if not for the fact that it confronts Kristen’s health problems head on, and doesn’t spare us the details. It’s hard to find books that discuss periods at all, let alone bad ones. But the ending kind of messes up a lot of what the book was going for, author’s note at all. Therefore, I can’t really recommend it.

#books #book recs #reading roundup

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yanceyrenee-blog · 7 years ago

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Chapter 34. Wedding Day

" Josiah, it is this weekend." " I know baby but it is okay. We already have the gift and Beth is her maid of honor. We just have to show up." " No. I need a dress." she explains. Oh. I had forgot. I was being a guy. " Okay my love. We will go today after school." We head out that afternoon. We pick-up Nicole and Nat, who also need dresses. I spend the rest of that afternoon watching ny wife and our friends try on dress after dress. " All part of being a boyfriend." comments the guy who sits down beside me. " Yes but I am a husband." " Wow. You are young. Which one is your wife?" I point her out to him. " Our friends are getting married." I explain," So she and are friends are getting dresses." " Josiah, what do you think of this one?" Sarah comes over to ask. She is modelling a pretty pink dress. " It is beautiful." I tell her." But you are beautiful in anything." She smiles and goes off to change. " Newlewed?" my new friend asks. " Yes. A year last July 9th." " Congrats" I thank him my mind going back to our anniversary 3 months ago. We spent the weekend at the cabin. This time we barely left the room. I blush a little, remembering. " How cute. You are still new enough to being a husband to blush." " We got what we need." Sarah says as she and the girls rejoin me. They are all carrying dress bags. " Sarah, my love, I would like you to meet.." I then realise we haven't formerly introduced ourselves. " I am Frank little lady. You have a sweet husband there." '" Sorry Frank. I am Josiah and this is Sarah." " Very nice to meet you Frank. These are our friends Nicole and her sister Natalie." " Y'all meet Frank. He has been keeping Josiah company." " Thank you Frank." " You are welcome. Keep on blushing Josiah." As we leave, Sarah asks me what he meant. I promise to tell her later. We drop the girls off and I explain. " That is sweet." She replied with a slight blush herself. We head over to Alabama on Friday. It is where Abe and Julia are getting married. We spend the night in a hotel and head to the church the next morning. We sit beside. Tim, Nicole, and Nat. As we watch our friends be joined in Holy matrimony, my wife wipes tears from her eyes. I tear ip myself. It amazes me to think we all started out as a prayer group in high school and now 4 of us are wed. God surely works in mysterious ways. We throw bird seed at them as they head to the reception hall. " Sarah, I can't believe we are both married." Julia says as she hugs me. " It is amazing to think about." I wonder if she has some of the same concerns I had. I can't think of a way to ask her. " Welcome to the club." I tell Abe as I congratulate him at the reception. I wonder if he is worried about the wedding night. " Abe do you have any concerns about tonight?" I ask unaware my wife is asking his wife the same thing. We drive home that evening. " Did he have any questions?" " Yes. And I answered them the best I could. Did she?" " Yes. I did the same. I am glad they had someone to talk to. If I had someone, I wouldn't have been so nervous." " Me too. But I think we did okay." I say with a grin. " That we did."

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blackkudos · 8 years ago

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Butterfly McQueen

Thelma "Butterfly" McQueen (January 7, 1911 – December 22, 1995) was an American actress. Originally a dancer, McQueen first appeared in film in 1939 as Prissy, Scarlett O'Hara's maid, in the film Gone with the Wind. She was unable to attend the movie's premiere because it was held at a whites-only theater. McQueen also had a role on the controversial Beulah radio show. Often typecast as a maid, she said: "I didn't mind playing a maid the first time, because I thought that was how you got into the business. But after I did the same thing over and over, I resented it. I didn't mind being funny, but I didn't like being stupid."

She continued as an actress in film in the 1940s then moved to television acting in the 1950s.

Early life and education

Born Thelma McQueen in Tampa, Florida, on January 7, 1911, she planned to become a nurse until a high school teacher suggested that she try acting. McQueen initially studied with Janet Collins and went on to dance with the Venezuela Jones Negro Youth Group. Around this time she acquired the nickname "Butterfly" – a tribute to her constantly moving hands – for her performance of the Butterfly Ballet in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. (She had always hated her birth name, and later legally changed her name to Butterfly McQueen.) She performed with the dance troupe of Katherine Dunham before making her professional debut in George Abbott's Brown Sugar. In 1975, at age 64, McQueen received a bachelor's degree in political science from New York City College.

Career

McQueen's first role would become her most identifiable – Prissy, the young slave in Gone with the Wind. She uttered the famous words: "I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' babies!" Her distinctive, high-pitched voice was noted by a critic who described it as "the itsy-little voice fading over the far horizon of comprehension". While the role is well known to audiences, McQueen did not enjoy playing the part and felt it was demeaning to African-Americans.

She also played an uncredited bit part as a sales assistant in The Women (1939), filmed after Gone with the Wind but released before it. She also played Butterfly, Rochester's niece and Mary Livingstone's maid in the Jack Benny radio program for a time during World War II. She appeared in an uncredited role in Mildred Pierce (1945) (where she had a good amount of screen time) and played a supporting role in Duel in the Sun (1946). By 1947, she had grown tired of the ethnic stereotypes she was required to play and ended her film career.

During World War II, McQueen frequently appeared as a comedian on the Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast Jubilee. Many of these broadcasts are available on the Internet Archive.

From 1950 until 1952 she played Oriole, another racially stereotyped role, on the television series Beulah. In a lighter moment, she appeared in a 1969 episode of The Dating Game.

Offers for acting roles began to dry up around this time, and she devoted herself to other pursuits including political study. She received a bachelor's degree in political science from City College of New York in 1975. McQueen played the character of Aunt Thelma, a fairy godmother, in the ABC Weekend Special episode "The Seven Wishes of Joanna Peabody" (1978) and the ABC Afterschool Special episode "Seven Wishes of a Rich Kid" (1979); her performance in the latter earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children's Programming. She had one more role of substance in the 1986 film The Mosquito Coast.

McQueen was in the original version of the stage musical The Wiz when it debuted in Baltimore in 1974. She played the Queen of the Field Mice, a character from the original L. Frank Baum novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. However, when the show was revised prior to going to Broadway, McQueen's role was cut by incoming director Geoffrey Holder. McQueen did replace Clarice Taylor later in the play's Broadway run in the role of Addaperle.

Personal life

McQueen never married or had any children. She lived in New York in the summer months and in Augusta, Georgia during the winter.

In July 1983, a jury awarded McQueen $60,000 in a judgment stemming from a lawsuit she filed against two bus terminal security guards. McQueen sued for harassment after she claimed the security guards accused her of being a pickpocket and a vagrant while she was at a bus terminal in April 1979.

Atheism

In 1989, the Freedom From Religion Foundation honored her with its Freethought Heroine Award. "I'm an atheist," she had declared, "and Christianity appears to me to be the most absurd imposture of all the religions, and I'm puzzled that so many people can't see through a religion that encourages irresponsibility and bigotry." She told a reporter, "As my ancestors are free from slavery, I am free from the slavery of religion." This quote was used by the Freedom From Religion Foundation in advertisements inside Madison, Wisconsin buses in 2009 and in an Atlanta market in 2010.

She lamented that, had humans put the energy on Earth and on people that had been put on mythology and on Jesus Christ, there would be less hunger and homelessness. "They say the streets are going to be beautiful in Heaven. Well, I'm trying to make the streets beautiful here ... When it's clean and beautiful, I think America is heaven. And some people are hell."

Later life and death

McQueen died at age 84 on December 22, 1995 at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, from burns sustained when a kerosene heater she attempted to light malfunctioned and burst into flames.

McQueen donated her body to medical science and remembered the Freedom From Religion Foundation in her will.

Wikipedia

#Butterfly McQueen

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sandiegodjstaci · 5 years ago

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Cierra & David's Green-With-Envy Temecula Creek Cottages Wedding

Of all the San Diego wedding DJs calling America’s finest city home, Cierra & David chose me to DJ and MC their “green with envy” Temecula Creek Cottages wedding on Saturday, 10-19-19 The following write-up is based on San Diego DJ Staci’s crazy organized & detailed outline for this Temecula Creek Cottages wedding.

THE TEMECULA CREEK COTTAGES WEDDING CEREMONY

Prelude ➔ Country, Oldies, Big Band/Old Jazz love songs

Wedding Party Processional ➔ “I Choose You,” Sara Bareilles

Bride’s Processional ➔ “Better Together,” Jack Johnson

Recessional (no newlywed presentation, start song during kiss) ➔ “Love Someone,” Brett Eldridge

THE COCKTAIL HOUR & DINNER MUSIC

While San Diego DJ Staci offers couples pre-set cocktail & dinner playlists to choose from, Cierra & David opted to hand-select their background music for their Temecula wedding.

Cocktail Music ➔ Forever – Chris Brown, Everything – Michael Buble, Benny And The Jets – Elton John, L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole, Feel It Still – Portugal, The Man, I Do – Colbie Caillat, Africa – Toto, Sweet Home Chicago –Blues Brothers, Ob La Di – The Beatles, Hurts So Good – John Mellencamp, Wouldn’t It Be Nice – The Beach Boys, The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson, Build Me Up Buttercup – The Foundations, Sweet Child O’Mine – Guns N Roses, We Are Young – Fun, You Can’t Hurry Love – Phil Collins, Run-Around – Blues Travelers, Saturday In The Park – Chicago, Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Dinner Music ➔ The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson, Cheek to Cheek – Fred Astaire, Feeling Good – Michael Buble, It Had To be You – Harry Connick Jr, The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra, Shh Boom – The Crew Cuts, Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion, Singin’ In The Rain – Gene Kelly, When I Fall In Love – Nat King Cole, Tiny Dancer – Elton John, Sea Of Love – Cat Power, That’s Amore – Dean Martin, The Luckiest – Ben Folds, Somewhere Beyond The Sea – Bobby Darin, Fade Into You – Scarlett O’Connor & Gunnar Scott, Roses And Violets – Alexander Jean, Unforgettable – Nat King Cole, Fly Me To The Moon / Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel, Iris – Goo Goo Dolls, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Frankie Valli, My Kind of Town (Chicago Is) – Frank Sinatra

THE TEMECULA CREEK COTTAGES WEDDING RECEPTION

MC Welcome ➔ “Good evening! Welcome to Cierra & Davids wedding reception!!! I am the Master of Ceremonies, DJ Staci. Please take your seats so we can officially welcome our guests of honor. Please be sure to post your photos today with #ToHaveAndToCole. If you need to charge your devices, I do have a mini charging station up here including some universal chargers.”

“Tonight I’m going to be sharing a lot of stories about Cierra & David with you. To get rolling, lets tackle the first I love you. They had been dating for 4 or 5 months and were out at the Colorado River. It was about 10:00 at night, and they were sitting outside together. He said those 3 little words, and, of course, she reacted by laughing in his face. Cierra said, “Are you sure?” She did eventually say she loved him too in the same conversation…Ladies & gentlemen, put your hands together for the introduction of the wedding party!!!”

Grand Entrance ➔ “Little Swing,” Aron Chupa, Little Sis

1. “Give it up for Bridesmaid Brianna & Groomsman Jay!!!”

2. “Show some love to Bridesmaid Kendra & Groomsman Alan!!!”

3. “Please welcome Matron of Honor Lindsey & Groomsman Ryan!!!”

4. “Give it up for Matron of Honor Breanna & Groomsman Doug!!!”

5. “Show some love to Maid of Honor Christina & Best Man JD!!!”

➔ “Uptown Funk,” Bruno Mars ➔ They met in early 2017 at her dads bar, the Sportsman, in Los Alomitos. He asked her if she wanted to play pool. It turned out that David already knew her dad from hanging out in the bar….but he did not know she was his daughter. When David found out, he barely talked to Cierra for 6 months. Together they enjoy going to the river, rock climbing, bike riding, camping, paddle boarding—anything outdoors. Ladies & gentlemen, get on your feet to welcome–for the FIRST TIME EVER—Mr. & Mrs. David C—–!!!”

➔ First Dance ➔ “I’ll Name the Dogs,” Blake Shelton ➔ fade early: no ➔ “In October of 2017, Cierra’s best friends daughter told her that David was going to propose. Time passed and more time passed and nothing happened. Hmmm…Fast forward to March 2018. Cierra & David went rock climbing at Riverside Rock Quarry & two of his friends were already in position and dropped down a huge banner that said & Will you marry me? After Cierra saw the banner, David was just quiet, but she got the point! We know how she answered because we are about to welcome Mr. & Mrs. C to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife.”

➔ Newlywed Brief Welcome/Thank You Speech ➔ yes

6:00 PM +/- ➔ Meal Served: buffet ➔ Dismiss tables: DOC Julie

6:30 PM +/- ➔ Toasts ➔ no champagne pour ➔ “Ladies & gentlemen, may I have your attention please for the toasts. Please welcome our first speaker:”

➔ Best Man J.D.

➔ Maid of Honor Christina

➔ Father-Daughter Dance ➔ “I Loved Her First,” Heartland ➔ fade early: yes ➔ “Now let’s welcome Cierra & her father, Doug, to the dance floor to share a special dance.”

➔ Mother-Son Dance ➔ “What a Wonderful World,” Louie Armstrong ➔ fade early: no ➔ “And now let’s welcome David & his mother, Ruby, to the dance floor to share a special dance.”

➔ Formal Cake Cutting ➔ Song – DJ Choice

➔ Money Dance ➔ “Bad Boy, Good Man,” Tape 5, “Lucky,” Jason Mraz & Colbie Calliat, “I Do,” Colbie Caillat, “Speechless,” Dan & Shay

➔ Garter Removal ➔ “Timber,” Post Modern Jukebox

➔ Garter Toss ➔ “Another One Bites the Dust,” Queen

➔ Bouquet Toss ➔ “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper

➔ Open Dancing, remind guests that the photo booth is open

8:00 PM ➔ Photographer leaves

➔ Open Dancing

9:20 PM ➔ Last call for bar & photo booth

9:30 PM ➔ Bar closes, photo booth closes

9:50 PM ➔ Last Dance

CIERRA & DAVID’S DANCE MUSIC RECIPE

Requests ➔ yes, DJ discretion

Genres ➔ Variety, older & newer (rap, hip hop, disco, R&B, YMCA, line dances = OK), try some country dances (Slappin Leather? Boot Scootin Boogie?)

Swearing ➔ mostly clean, but some R/X-rated is OK

Dance Remixes ➔ OK

Priority During Dancing ➔ maximum dancing/use my expertise to read the crowd

Genres ➔ Top 40/Pop, 80s Pop/Rock/New Wave, 90s R&B/Boy Bands/Pop, Oldies, 70s/Classic Rock, Motown/Funk, Electronic Dance Music, 2000s

♥ M U S T – P L A Y S ♥

Blanco Brown – The Git Up, Old Town Road (Remix) – Lil Nas, Luke Bryan – Country Girl, Kid Rock – All Summer Long

♥ D O N O T P L A Y S ♥

Techno, Rave music

TEMECULA CREEK COTTAGES WEDDING FLOOR PLAN

SAN DIEGO WEDDING VENDOR LIST

Here is the amazing team of San Diego wedding vendors I had the pleasure of working with on this Temecula Creek Cottages wedding:

Venue ➔ Temecula Creek Cottages

Day-Of Coordinator/Florist ➔ Julie from Simply Regal

Caterer ➔ Signers BBQ

DJ/MC/Lighting ➔ DJ Staci, the Track Star

Photographer ➔ Cory Kendra Photography

Videographer ➔ Isaac Meza

Photo Booth ➔ All Shots

Officiant ➔ Mason Brown, Bride’s Brother

Cake Bakery ➔ Truly, Madly, Sweetly

Again, I was honored to be the one and only San Diego wedding DJ Cierra & David trusted with their Temecula Creek Cottages wedding. Thank you!

Follow me

Like DJ Staci's vibe? Stalk her wedding DJ services below! shshsh...

GIVE IT TO ME BABY

#female san diego wedding dj #temecula creek cottages wedding #North San Diego Weddings #San Diego Autumn Weddings #San Diego Hotel Weddings #San Diego Mountain Weddings #San Diego October Weddings #Temecula Weddings

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star-nova · 5 years ago

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The Lives of the RiffRaff: Pietro Frost-The 4th of July

Previous chapters here.

On the morning of the 4th of July, I wake up to a barbecue grill that gleams like a prize on The Price is Right. Our patio set, which has been with us for all seven of our summers in Tanager, is set out in a formation that's almost unnaturally neat and orderly, its tabletops shining in the sun. After breakfast that morning, I head out to the pool to wash out the filters, though I quickly find out that there's only the smallest hint of gunk and I don't have to do too much. Florence gives me a kiss and says she's going out to pick up Sophia.

The other day, while I was out at an orchestra rehearsal, Florence had brought Sophia Bolshevik around for dinner and a chat. I'm not sure what they talked about, and when I asked, Florence said only that they had talked woman-to-woman and that Sophia would be reciting a piece at our 4th of July party. She didn't give up any details, and I didn't ask. But whatever happened, I suppose Sophia felt the need to repay Flo's kindnesses. Without being asked, she's become our unofficial maid.

Even in a house as big as this, Flo and I are used to doing everything ourselves. We don't believe in getting others to do our own work for us. Our own work, after all, was how we ended up here in the first place. But yesterday afternoon, after Sophia came around to work on her recitation, she insisted on cleaning up the lunch dishes and helping me clean out the pool for our party. “Oh, you don't have to do that, hon,” I told her when she picked up the pool scraper and started to work on the algae.

“I know,” she said, “but I want to.”

By the end of the day, the pool was completely blue and the tops of the patio tables were shimmering. Inside, the floors were spotless, there was not a speck of dust in sight, and the windows in the sunroom were so clear that a bird might crash into them. Florence and I were struck dumb, and I suppose our silence frightened the girl into thinking she'd done something wrong. Looking at her tennis bracelet instead of at us, she said, “I guess I'd better go.” She was about to say “I'm sorry,” but Florence interrupted: “Don't you want to stay for dinner, Sophia?”

Sophia didn't know what to say to that, so I said, “Sweetie, you've cleaned up the dining room better than Florence and I ever have! Stick around and admire your handiwork, why don't you?”

Sophia smiled. “I'll help with the meal, if you want me to.”

I patted her shoulder. “You've done more than enough. This is your home, not your job.”

Honestly, I'm not entirely comfortable with it. Sophia's our guest, not our maid. We never had maids and we never will. But she insists, and even though she does insist, I feel as though we're using her.

I pull Florence aside for a moment while she and Sophia work on appetizer trays in the kitchen. “I'll finish up the blintzes, Florence,” Sophia assures her, and Florence gives her a thumbs up. Once we're both in the living room she asks, “What is it, babe?”

“Flo,” I say, “don't let her do any more work for us, all right?”

Florence sighs. “I can try, Pietro,” she tells me, “but it doesn't seem as though the girl will take no for an answer.”

“It isn't right,” I say. “She isn't here to serve and she shouldn't think she is.”

“Nobody is making her, Pietro,” Florence reminds me. “It's all her.”

“I know,” I say, “but it's still not right.”

I linger in the doorway when Florence returns to the kitchen and gently squeezes Sophia's working hand. “Sweetheart,” she says, “I'll take it from here, all right? You've been an amazing help. I really appreciate it.”

“Have I done something wrong?” Sophia asks, without looking at her.

“Absolutely not,” Florence assures her. “You've done a better job than I or my husband ever have. Go on and watch TV, read some books, work on your song...you can even play on the piano if you want. You won't hurt it.”

“Are...are you sure, Florence?”

“Positive,” Florence says. “Pietro can take you home if you want, too.”

“No, no,” Sophia says quickly. “I'll stay.” Still without looking up, she walks away, brushing past me and setting herself down on the living room couch. She looks sort of like a child that's been sent to the naughty corner.

“Working on your recitation?” I ask, just to let her know it's okay to have a conversation.

She doesn't answer me.

“Wanna give me a preview?” I ask, and she shakes her head.

“You aren't in trouble, you know,” I tell her. “You haven't done anything wrong.”

She doesn't say anything. She may not have done anything wrong, but in her own mind she's being punished. Suddenly, I get it. Whatever had happened to her in the city had taken away any feelings of worth that she had, and being useful to us was a way for her to reclaim that worth. She didn't understand that she didn't have to work for us in order to be worth something.

I decide that the rest of the pre-party work can wait. I have a seat at the piano and begin to play, just for her. It's only classical pieces without words, because Florence is the one who can sing, not me. By the end of the private concert, Sophia regards me with a sweet little smile, her gesture of appreciation.

That afternoon, our house is packed with every RiffRaff in town, barring a few exceptions. There's no Talia or Arthur, because Florence and I won't have Talia and Arthur in our house. Consequently, there's no James, since James hates everybody except for Arthur. We lost Joanne Tushud just three months ago, and my eyes send silent sympathies to her husband and daughter, Kane and Mara. The two of them regard me with quiet understanding and gratitude.

The rest of the RiffRaff are accounted for, in the pool or on the deck chairs or running around the yard like maniacs. Most of the guys—including myself—are shirtless, while the ladies sport colorful sundresses and beach attire. Rickie's brought his guitar, and Anthony's setting up his fancy 3D chess set on the only empty table. Gilbert arrives with the showpiece of the night, the huge collection of fireworks that he and Zatch have the usual honor of setting off once dusk hits. There's a buffet table's worth of donated food, from homemade fare to buckets of KFC. It's going to be another good 4th.

Sophia's friends and sister go over to her and give her big hugs. Elsie says, “I miss you so much,” and I feel bad. Sophia's been spending more time with us than with anyone. She doesn't doesn't feel safe anywhere else anymore.

“You don't have to miss me, Elsie,” Sophia says. “I haven't gone anywhere.”

Elsie's eyes say, Yes you have.

“Can I get you a drink,” Sophia asks, “or an appetizer?”

Ellia chuckles. “You're the butler now?”

Florence and I exchange a look and I sigh. She isn't the butler, but nothing is going to stop her from playing the role. She takes her position at the drink counter as the indentured bartender, and the nag inside my head says, not right, not right. She should be laughing and chatting with those girls, not pouring their drinks. She should be jumping in the pool with Tracy, Vergil, Kali, and Leon. She should be preparing her recitation. Is she going to spend the entire party serving and cleaning? I want to say something to her, but what do I have any right to say? She's actually smiling, and it seems as though she hasn't done that in a long, long time.

Florence says, “Maybe we should hire her. She needs a job, right?”

I know she's only joking, but still I say, “No, no, dear. That's where I must draw the line!”

My wife, the chronic helper, doesn't always understand that things often resolve themselves when you don't go getting involved.

After some time spent serving and cleaning up after the others, Sophia finally decides to let herself have fun. She joins her sister, Ellia, Charmain, and Anna in a game of backyard mini-golf. Florence and I exchange smiles. We don't have to worry about her anymore. Relieved, I settle down for a game of Spades with Anthony and Vincenzo while the burgers and hotdogs sizzle on the grill.

After I've taken my final book and passed the dreaded Queen to Vince, Anthony looks at me in the cocky, scrutinizing way that drives me absolutely mad about Anthony Andrews. “So,” he says, “you got a new maid now?”

Oh, Jesus Christ. “Sophia's not our maid,” I tell him. “She's just been helping us out a little bit. She's not obligated to, it's all on her.”

“I think you should hire her,” Anthony says. “She does good work.”

“We still don't believe in hiring maids,” I say. While he's distracted, I take his book away from him.

“Sophia's a good girl,” Anthony says. “Very sweet, very quiet. She won't cause you any shit.”

“I know that,” I say. I think I may have overbid.

“She's been round here a lot, hasn't she?” Anthony asks. “You like having her around?”

“You're a real nosy bastard, Anthony,” I tell him. “But yes, Florence and I do enjoy her company.” I put down a three of diamonds.

“If you've been looking for help around the house...”

“We haven't been,” I say, putting down the six of clubs.

“My daughter Melinda...” Anthony begins, taking a book.

“We're fine, Tony,” I tell him. Two of spades.

Vincenzo asks, “What happened to Sophia, anyway? Do you know?”

“She hasn't told us anything,” I say. The game is over and I've won again, with just a slight penalty for overbidding.

“I hear Talia Santiago did something to her,” Vincenzo says. That man has some kind of nerve! Talia may not be the greatest person, but she's still RiffRaff, and you don't spread shit about fellow RiffRaff. The Others did more than enough of that without us helping them along.

“Vince,” I say, raising my voice just a little, “don't talk about things you know nothing about.” I've got to flip the burgers and turn the franks. When I get up, I catch sight of Sophia by the pool. While her friends swim, dive, and play, she sits with her feet hanging over the edge and her arms wrapped around herself. She doesn't even have her bathing suit on. The nastiest suspicion makes its way into my head. No, I assure myself quickly, no, it couldn't be.

Elsie nudges her. “C'mon, Soph. Get in there.”

Sophia looks at her and shakes her head. Their eyes exchange secrets that only sisters are meant to know. Elsie sits down beside her then and pulls her into her arms. The secrets are safe within those arms and behind the tee and shorts the girl wears like a suit of armor. But the horrible, horrible suspicions and speculations remain.

Dear god. That poor, poor girl...

Florence goes over to Sophia and asks if she'll help set out the burgers and franks.

“Of course,” Sophia says, immediately brightening when given a job to do.

“There's a tray on the kitchen table to put the food out on,” Florence says. “Can you run in there and fetch it for me, please?”

“Will do.” Sophia gives her a little smile, turns to the others, and says, “Be right back, ladies.” I never knew Sophia very well outside of our holiday get-togethers, but something tells me that in this moment we are seeing the old Sophia, the true Sophia. She slips into her sandals and heads for the kitchen with a considerable bounce in her step. I decide right then and there that I'll let her serve all she wants for the rest of the night. She can clear away the dishes. She can serve the food and pour drink after drink after drink. She can sweep up the patio and clean up the wayward trash that makes its way onto the lawn. If it means that she will smile and be Sophia again, she can go ahead and be the maid.

Her sister and her friends keep on gawking long after she's disappeared into the kitchen. “How did you do it?” Anna asks breathlessly, looking at me as if I might be a wizard.

I shrug modestly. “Good company and a place to belong,” I say. “Sometimes, that's all anyone really needs. You know, she's going to be reciting something tonight.”

Elsie's eyes nearly bug out of her head. “Sophia? Reciting? In front of all these people?” She might have been less shocked if I said her sister was joining the circus. I just nod. “It's going to be a song, apparently. I don't know what it is. Florence does.”

“Sophia's going to sing?” Now it was Ellia's turn for her eyes to bug out. I nod again. Would wonders never cease?

There's a crash, a scream, and the world ignites. Florence makes for the kitchen so fast that I'm sure she could break the sound barrier. Elsie and the girls go flying out of the pool and rush after her in their dripping bathing suits. The others—Franz and Emery, Anthony and Vince, Clara and Kammie, and just about everyone else—go pouring into the house on the heels of what must surely be some horrible catastrophe. When the shock leaves me, I follow them. She's dropped something and hurt herself. Something's fallen on her. She's fallen. There's going to be blood, maybe a broken bone...every worst case scenario I can think of plays itself in my head all at once, so that when I find the girl down on her knees with no blood and no visible wounds, I'm actually relieved.

Lying in fragments at her knees are the remains of our Italian ceramic dining tray. It was a wedding present from Florence's parents, who received it as a wedding present from their own parents back in Italy. When I asked Florence where her grandparents got it from, she said they probably bought it at a curio shop in Venice.

It was my damned fault. I had laid it out on the kitchen table in order to move it aside and I'd never put it back. I should have told Sophia which tray Florence meant. She should have told Sophia which one she meant, and what it looked like. The two of us share the fault in equal parts. The old Corningware tray remains unharmed on the kitchen table.

Immediately, Florence inspects Sophia for any cuts and abrasions. Upon finding none, she sighs with relief and holds Sophia by her shoulders. “It's okay, sweetheart,” she says, raising her voice just a little to be heard over the girl's raucous sobs. “It's okay. You're all right!” Through all of the blubbering, I'm only able to catch a few words, mainly “sorry,” “my fault,” and “ruined.” When she calms down just a little bit, she calls herself a “fucking worthless wreck.” My heart just about breaks in two. Florence give me a look and I see tears beginning to form in her eyes. I have to look away before I start crying too.

Kneeling beside her sister, Elsie says, “Sophia, it was just an accident. They know that. They know you didn't mean it.” She's starting to cry, and it's about so much more than just a broken dish. She looks to me and to Florence, waiting for us to do something. Around us, the other RiffRaff have only comforting things to say, except for that bastard Anthony, who only remarks on how expensive the dish must have been. The tension in the air tells me that they all, too, are waiting for one of us to act.

So I kneel down on the kitchen floor among the shattered ceramic. I say, “Sophia, look at me, please.” She looks, her blue eyes so full of guilt and fear and something else. “A broken dish,” I say, “is just a broken dish. But a broken Sophia, well, that would be the real catastrophe, my dear. Fancy old things are assigned their value, but you, Sophia, are priceless.”

“Of course,” Elsie says. The other RiffRaff voice their agreement.

“I...I should go h-home,” Sophia stammers.

“Without your recitation?” Florence looks genuinely hurt. “No, Sophia, you have to stay and let us hear you sing.” The others chime in with their agreement. Most of them never even knew that Sophia could sing. Gingerly, I pick up one of the fragments of the dish—one with a big yellow rose that used to belong to an entire painted garden—and press it into Sophia's hand. From Flo's grandparents, to her parents, to Flo, and now to Sophia.

“Yes,” I tell her. “We all want to hear you sing.”

That night, we all hear Sophia sing.

While Gilbert and Zatch light up the sky with their greatest show yet, Sophia sings “Song of the Century,” an acapella song by Green Day. Even against the explosions and in front of so many pairs of eyes, her soft, pretty voice doesn't stumble even once. She sounds like a bell.

“Tell us a story that's by candlelight

Waging a war and losing the fight...”

Elsie has a tear in her eye, which gives way to more and more as her sister sings the second verse. The short little song is over almost as soon as it starts, but to all of us—to me especially—it felt like it took the whole night with it.

“Tell me a story into that good night

Sing us a song for me.”

It takes a few seconds for the audience to take everything in: the song, the meaning, Sophia's voice, and the events of the summer all leading up to fireworks and this song. Then, all at once, they're louder than any of the explosions in the sky.

“That's my girl!” Elsie hollers. “That's my sis!” She never could have been any more proud to say those words. Florence and I never could have ever been more proud to call Sophia Bolshevik our new dear friend. And there's Sophia herself, who never could have ever been more proud to just be Sophia.

Nobody is going to forget this 4th of July.

#Fiction by Me #The Lives of the RiffRaff #writing #work in progress

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Paul Rayhill, Chad Supp and Jonathan Fritz. Ushers were Troy White and Michael Fritz. Ringbearer was Stuart Seymour. A reception was held at Knights of Columbus Hall, New Berlin. The bride is a graduate of Springfield High School and Western Illinois University. She is employed as an assistant to an architect. The groom is a graduate of Griffin High School and attended Western Illinois University. He will attend Florida Atlanta University in the fall. The couple will reside in West Palm Beach, Fla.

SAUER - Maggio –

BUNN EMPLOYEE

*SECURITY GUARD

“AUXILIARY POLICE”

Sauer – maggio – SPD – aux police

Police unions – maggio at Il police assoc

OBITUARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Saturday, August 13, 2005

John E. Sauer Sr. DIVERNON - John E. Sauer Sr., 86, of Divernon died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2005, at his home. He was born Feb. 13, 1919, in Springfield, the son of Jack and Marguerite Schewe Sauer . He married Mary E. Roberts in 1969; she died in 1997. A daughter, Sandra Kaye Sauer , two sons, Jackie Eugene Sauer and William Allen Sauer , and a stepdaughter, Kathleen Kidd, preceded him in death. Mr. Sauer retired from the Springfield Police Department, where he had been an officer and detective. He was a lifelong member of the Police Benevolent Association and the Springfield Auxiliary Police. Survivors: two daughters, Marguerite Beemer of Riverton and Glenda (husband, James) Snyders of Lawrence, Kan.; two sons, John Andrew Sauer of Divernon and John E. (wife, Lynn) Sauer Jr. of Springfield; five stepdaughters, Anita (husband, Patrick) Giordano and Cindy (husband, Charles) Bland, both of Springfield, Vicki (husband, Dan) Bouknight of Texas, Lori (husband, Gary) Pshak of Athens and Tina (husband, Keith) Price of Florida; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

TITLE: OBITUARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, March 3, 1997

Mary E. Sauer

Mary E. Sauer , 60, of Divernon, formerly of Springfield, died Sunday at St. John's Hospital. She was born May 10, 1936, in Waverly, the daughter of James and Grace Lambert Roberts. She married John E. Sauer Sr. in 1969. A Springfield resident most of her life, Mrs. Sauer worked as a medical assistant/consultant -- long-term care for the state for 15 years. Survivors: husband, John E. Sr.; six daughters, Mrs. Patrick (Anita) Giordano , Mrs. Don (Kathleen) McCracken, Mrs. Gary (Lori) Pshak and Cindy Miller, all of Springfield, Mrs. Dan (Vicki) Bouknight of Liberty, Texas, and Mrs. Keith (Tina) Price of Bridgeport; a son, John A. Sauer of Divernon; two stepdaughters, Marguarite Beemer of Springfield and Glenda Snyder of Lawrence, Kan.; two stepsons, John E. Jr. and William A. Sauer , both of Springfield; 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph (Doris) Maggio of Springfield and Mrs. Raymond (Barbara) Reynolds Sr. of Rochester; two brothers, Maurice Roberts of Springfield and Paul Richard Roberts of Missouri; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

TITLE: ANNIVERSARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Tuesday, December 11, 1990

Maggio-45th Mr. and Mrs. Joe Maggio of Springfield recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at a party at Gatsby's Restaurant hosted by their children. Maggio and the former Doris Roberts were married Dec. 1, 1945.

Mr. Maggio is retired as a policeman for the city of Springfield and is presently employed as a security guard at Marine Bank.

Mrs. Maggio is retired from City Water, Light and Power.

They are the parents of five children,

Jim,

Sam,

Joe and

Steve, all of Springfield,

and Anna Marie of Santa Ana, Calif.

ILLINOIS POLICE GROUP INSTALLS OFFICERS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Wednesday, November 20, 1985

Edition: M1,M2,E1 Section: LOCAL Page: 11

The Mid-State Division of the Illinois Police Association has installed new officers. Elected to two-year terms were Chairman Neil Williamson; 1st Vice Chairman Bob Nadalini; 2nd Vice Chairman Loren Larsen; Secretary-Treasurer Tim Franke; and Sergeants at Arms Charles Palazzolo, George Murphy, Jack Clifford, Alice Bartello and Joe Maggio . The Illinois Police Association has the largest membership of any police organization in the U.S., over 15,000 members. The Mid-State Division serves Sangamon, Menard, Morgan, Cass, Logan and Christian counties.

Maggio – Wilkerson – (cravens – muench)

TITLE: OBITUARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, August 9, 1993

Anna Maggio Anna Maggio, 105, of Springfield died at 7:50 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Medical Center. She was born Feb. 27, 1888, in Palermo, Italy. She married Jasper Maggio in 1908 in Palermo, and he died in 1951. Also preceding her in death were four sons, Sam, Tony, Jasper and Joe Maggio . Mrs. Maggio was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Surviving are a son, Pete of Springfield; a daughter, Mrs. Frances Wilkerson of Springfield, 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

RR’

Older generations share interest in model trains with children

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, November 30, 2009

Author/Byline: RHYS SAUNDERS, THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Section: homepage

Elijah Jones peered over the edge of a model train layout, reaching toward the foam mountain where a locomotive had just disappeared into a tunnel. The three-dimensional layout detailed to look like a desert landscape - complete with cattle, cacti, a western town and two trains traveling in opposite directions - captivated the 3-year-old Springfield resident at the annual railroad swap meet held Sunday at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds in New Berlin. More than 100 tables, selling everything near and dear to the train collector's heart, were featured at the five-and-a-half-hour event. And many of those model railroad enthusiasts who brought collectibles to buy and sell say their love for the hobby began when they were about Elijah's age. "I've had trains since I was five years old," said Frank Herman, 79, of Springfield. "You can have it as toy-like or realistic as you want it. I don't know what it is that makes it fascinating." Herman's booth featured two five-piece model train sets dating to the 1930s and selling for approximately $275 each. "I probably got them at one of these swap meets," he said. "Sometimes in magazines you'll see an ad, something that interests you." Others, like Joe Maggio , a member of the Sangamon County Central Railroad Club, said it's a chance for an older generation to share its love of model trains with younger children. "I think it's something you never grow out of," he said. "It's just a fascination that we all have with trains. We have to get the younger kids involved, or this hobby will die out when we start dying off." An official attendance count was not available Sunday, but Maggio said there was a mailing list of more than 600 people. Although most vendors were from the Springfield area, the swap meet drew model-train enthusiasts from as far as Missouri, Iowa and Indiana. And most vendors also are operators, meaning they have functioning model railroads on personalized three-dimensional layouts, he said. Often the swap meets provide the model train collectors a chance to sell their duplicates. Trains and accessories available were categorized by scale, from larger, G-scale trains to smaller trains that are O, S, HO and N scale. One attendee, Art Wiseman, 74, of Athens said it can take months to put the working displays together, but in the end, it's worth it. "It helps the kids realize trains are interesting," he said.

Weddings, added July 17

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Friday, July 17, 2009

Kohlbecker-Robertson Allison Dee Rose Robertson and Joshua Cooper Kohlbecker, both of St. Petersburg, Fla., were married at 7 p.m. May 3, 2009, in Longboat Key, Fla., by Gerry Kohlbecker, uncle of the groom. The bride is the daughter of Joe and Janeece Robertson and Carol Robertson, all of Springfield. The groom is the son of Charles and Joanne Kohlbecker and Pat Kohlbecker, all of Springfield. Serving as maid of honor was Bree Robertson. Bridesmaids were Missi Searcy, Kristen Slead and Kittie Kohlbecker. Flower girl was Kylinn Wood. Best men were Andy Kmett and Jeff Arison. Groomsmen were Daron Searcy, Joe Maggio , Steve Leitch and Nick Robertson. A reception was held at Marina Jacks in Sarasota, Fla. The bride is a 2001 graduate of Glenwood High School. She is employed by Cardiac Surgical Associates as Vein Center coordinator. The groom is a 1998 graduate of St Aloysius and a 1998 graduate of Ursuline Academy, and received his bachelor's degree in environmental science and policy from the University of South Florida. He is employed as an environmental science consultant with CH2M Hill. The couple resides in St. Petersburg.

FOR THE RECORD

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, March 12, 2007

Gina Marie and Randall G. Siddens, Divernon, a son, Dalton Anthony Samuel Siddens, Saturday, March 3, 2007. Grandparents are Joe Maggio and Bobbie Maggio, both of Springfield, Donald Siddens of Rochester and the late Rhondda Siddens.

All aboard: Model railroad event scheduled for Sunday

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, December 6, 2004

Section: LOCAL Page: 14

NEW BERLIN - A Model Railroad Open House and Swap Meet, sponsored by the Sangamon Central Railroad Club and the Sangamon County Fair Association, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Sangamon County Fairgrounds. Displays will be featured, as well as items for swap and sale. Food will be available. Admission is $2 for adults. Children younger than 12 get in free. Tables are $7 each. For more information, call Joe Maggio at 544-6797.

Maggio= SHG booster

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOD? / Sacred Heart-Griffin fans bond over pre-game feasts

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, October 12, 2003

Author/Byline: KATHRYN REM Staff Writer Section: SUNDAYAM Page: 13

Although it's common practice for fans to feast on brats and barbecue in stadium parking lots before pro and college football games, tailgating hasn't been a part of game day at most high school competitions. But that's changing. At Springfield's Sacred Heart-Griffin High School, parents and supporters of the state-ranked Cyclones plan their pre-game galas - down to each menu item for home and road games - before the season ever begins. "It started out as a way to make money for the football team," said Gary Nevins, who heads the Tailgaters Association, a group of SHG gridiron regulars who arrive about an hour before each game to share a meal and chat with friends. "Now it seems to be getting bigger every season." The Tailgaters Association, an informal group not officially affiliated with the Catholic school, was started four years ago by Rob Miller when his son Justin played for the Cyclones. "There were eight or nine couples who we were close to, and we talked about getting together before the games. I bought a tent and assigned people to do the cooking. Then we put out a coffee can for donations and other people started pitching in," said Miller, a sales manager for phone book publisher DonTech. "Every week, more and more people started coming and soon we raised enough money for the tunnel," he said, referring to the 20-foot portable black entrance tunnel through which the Cyclones take the field when playing home games at Memorial Stadium. Corporate sponsors helped raise the $3,700 price of the tunnel. "We didn't start the group to make money, but if we do, we put it back into the team," said Miller. Donations are used to rent a storage shed for the tunnel, purchase paper goods and extra food for the meals and feed the cheerleaders and pom squad before the games. It's believed that American tailgating began in the 19th century, when fans who traveled long distances to football games took to cooking near their carriages out of necessity. Its popularity took a leap in the late 1970s when college alumni hosted parking-lot parties as a way to socialize with old friends. National Football League fans embraced the concept, as did major companies like Coca-Cola, Masterfoods USA (M&M's, Snickers), Sara Lee and Jack Daniels, which reach millions of Americans with tailgating-themed advertising and promotions. At last weekend's game against the Lanphier Lions, about 250 SHG tailgaters dined on a menu of mostaccioli, sloppy joes, sausage and sauerkraut, meatball sandwiches, chili, baked beans, potato chips, cookies, cupcakes and soft drinks. On other days, entrees have included fried chicken, red beans and rice, shredded pork, barbecued beef, ham and beans, jambalaya, deep-fried turkeys and linguine with clams. "Each entree feeds 40 to 50 people," said Nevins, a manager at parking lot management company System Parking Inc. "People often bring food that we didn't anticipate. We don't refuse anything." Prior to the start of the football season, the tailgaters meet to plan their activities. A sign-up sheet is posted; volunteers fill in game dates with the foods they plan to provide. "Some people bring food; some throw a few coins in the can," said Nevins. "Everyone is welcome to come and pick up a plate. There is no real membership and no dues." Most of the tailgaters prepare the food at home, but some fire up in the parking lot. Joe Maggio and Henry Manci are among a group of alumni who occasionally haul a Weber grill and roasters to the stadium to cook up some on-site Italian sausage. "Not just any sausage will do," said Maggio, who buys it at a meat shop in the Chicago area. "It's the best there is. I took vacation time to go up there and get it." The buddies arrive about four hours before the game to cook the sausage with green peppers, onions and red sauce. High school tailgating is becoming more popular, said P.J. O'Neil, vice president of sales and marketing for Chicago-based American Tailgater Co. (www.americantailgater.com), a firm that sells tailgating supplies and equipment. "Usually you see it in areas where teams travel hundreds of miles for Friday-night games, places like Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma." He added that tailgating has branched out beyond football. Some baseball stadiums - including U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox - allow it, as do facilities that host events such as NASCAR races and figure skating and Little League finals. O'Neil estimates that more than 20 million Americans tailgate at least once a year. A survey sponsored by Ragu found that more than half prefer the party to the actual game. "It's getting a little more notoriety because a lot of companies are beginning to recognize tailgating as a marketing tool. Companies want products associated with an activity that is fun. You never hear about people going to a bad tailgating party," said O'Neil about the increasing number of businesses that sponsor pre-game bashes. His company sells football-shaped grills, one-minute beverage coolers, beer-can chicken racks, Buffalo wing pots, team-logo steak branding irons, turkey fryers, college team flags, portable toilets, two-way radios, pickup truck dog ramps, NFL logo flasks and helmet-shaped snack bowls. The $6,000 "ultimate tailgating system" includes a 50,000 BTU Ducane gas grill, refrigerator, freezer, stainless steel sink, city hose connection and hand pump, locking drawers, food prep area, patio umbrella, electric lift system and power inverter to accommodate a slow cooker, blender and TV. You can save $200 if you choose the model with only one, instead of two, beer taps. "There's a very large competition between tailgaters," said O'Neil. "We see people who have been tailgating next to each other for 20 years and everyone wants to one-up each other. If one guy has a blender, the next guy has a gas-powered blender." The Sacred Heart-Griffin tailgate parties are more about connecting with friends and alumni. "There's something about SHG football that brings people together. It's a long tradition," said Michele Nevins, who helps her husband, Gary, with the Tailgaters Association. The couple's son A.J., now at Lincoln Land Community College, played for the Cyclones; their son, Tony, is on the roster now. Daughter Cristina, an eighth-grader at Little Flower School who will be an SHG freshman next year, helps her parents set up the tables, tent and school flag before each game. After the meal, she hauls the black-and-gold flag into the stadium so the team can carry it onto the field. Michele Nevins, a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy with brothers who played football for Griffin High School, didn't attend her alma mater's games after graduation until 1995. "It was like old home week. It was so much fun seeing everyone again." She couldn't get her husband, a graduate of Springfield High School, to attend the games until A.J. started playing. "He didn't convert till the last possible moment," said Michele, who works for the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Tailgating regulars include parents of students and graduates, alumni and people who simply enjoy SHG football. "Everyone likes a winner, and at Sacred Heart-Griffin, they expect to win," said tailgater Terry Montalbano, a Southeast grad whose daughter went to SHG. "Most games we go to on the road, we have a bigger crowd than the home team." Said Manci: "When we went to school at Griffin, it was all guys and we've kept up those friendships for 30 and 40 years. Tailgating has given me a chance to meet people who were there before me and after me." Karen Sronce is new to SHG tailgating. Her son John, a Cyclones player, transferred to the school this year from Springfield High. "There was a dinner for varsity moms and there was a (tailgate party) sign-up sheet. I'm sitting there in total awe by the number of mothers there. The amount of parental involvement at this school is amazing. I was an outsider, but they were so welcoming." Like other parents of players, she wears a big button with a color photo of her son in uniform to the tailgating party and game. "About 10 percent of the SHG people who go to the games are in the parking lot with us," said Gary Nevins. "It's turned into quite an extravaganza."

Caption: Jim Van Leer, right, and other Sacred Heart-Griffin football fans enjoy the offerings while tailgating before the game against Lanphier. The menu included mostaccioli, sloppy joes, sausages and sauerkraut, meatball sandwiches, chili, baked beans, potato chips, cookies, cupcakes and soft drinks (top of page).

ANNIVERSARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Tuesday, June 11, 2002

Maggio-25th Mr. and Mrs. Joe Maggio of Springfield celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Jamaica in February. Maggio and the former Monica Ramirez were married June 11, 1977, at St. Cabrini Church by Monsignor Dirksen. Mr. Maggio has been employed in the mailroom department of The State Journal-Register for 27 years. Mrs. Maggio has been employed by St. Aloysius School for the past year. They are parents of three children, Philip, Joseph and Sarah, all of Springfield.

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, September 26, 1999

Siddens-Maggio

Gina Marie Maggio of Springfield and Randall G. Siddens of Divernon were married at 2 p.m. July 24 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church by the Rev. John Titus. The bride is the daughter of

Joseph S. and Bobbie A. Maggio of Springfield.

The groom is the son of Donald and Rhondda Siddens of Rochester. Serving as matron of honor was Dana Duke. Bridesmaids were Kim Maggio, Brenda Staab, Lori Marinelli, Angela Antonacci, Elaine Ayers, Shelby Rae Siddens and Casey Shelae Siddens. Flower girls were Morgan Elise Duke and

Erin Nicole Staab. Best man was Bradley Siddens. Groomsmen were

Joe Maggio ,

Mark Staab, Rob Briney, Jay Sweeney, Rick Burris and Bradley Chase Siddens. Ushers were

Jeff Dorr, Chris Garner and

Kent Keiser.

Ringbearer was

Mark David Staab II. A reception was held at the Eagles Club. The bride is a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Illinois State University. She is employed by the state Department of Revenue. The groom is a graduate of Rochester High School. He is employed as a union ironworker with Local 46. The couple will reside in Divernon.

MINI-JACKPOTS AWAIT SOME STATE RETIREES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Saturday, May 7, 1994

Author/Byline: DAVID HOWELL STAFF WRITER Edition: M1,M2 Section: LOCAL Page: 1

Some former state workers may be sitting on a nest egg -- and not even know it. The State Employees Retirement System of Illinois wants thousands of ex-state workers to know they have mini-jackpots just waiting to be claimed. About 5,000 former state employees are entitled to between $5 and thousands of dollars that now is sitting unclaimed in the 50-year-old state pension fund,

said Joe Maggio ,

manager of the services and refunds division of the state employee retirement system. "These are people who have moved over the years and haven't told us their change of address," Maggio said. "(Other) people didn't realize the money was coming out of their paychecks, I guess." So now the state is trying hard to locate such people and hand out the cash, according to Maggio, who first hatched the idea to track down people two or three years ago. After looking at similar programs in Alaska and Indiana, he decided to recommend introducing a similar plan in Illinois this year. Co-workers, friends and relatives are being urged to contact the retirement system if they know the whereabouts of the 880 people who are owed more than $100 each. Their names have been published in two agency newsletters. A January newsletter for retired employees and an April newsletter for active employees both contained pages titled "Do you know where they are?" Any state worker who is over the age of 60 and served the state for at least eight years is eligible for a pension, Maggio said. At present, Illinois has nearly 80,000 state workers. They tend to be more aware and informed about benefits than some of their predecessors, he said. So far, the agency has received 60 responses to names on the lists, and some people have already been sent their money, according to Maggio. The agency hasn't received many hoax callers, although a few people with common names, "like John Smith," have made bogus inquiries. "We're careful to make sure the real people get the money," Maggio said. "Anything we find is gravy. We're not spending a lot of money (to trace ex-workers), but we're still finding people." Locating people after making arduous checks with credit bureaus, the secretary of state's office, the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration can be hard work, but it's good when it pays off, he added. "I ran down one guy who is a priest and he was in a monastery somewhere," said Maggio, who's been with the retirement system since 1977. Although the majority of missing recipients still live in Illinois, some on the list have ended up a long way from the Prairie State. "One woman is now living in Australia," Maggio said. Others have been tracked down in Alaska, California, Florida, Texas, Arizona and North Carolina. There's even one ex-state worker living in the nation's gambling mecca, Las Vegas. "He could probably use the (money)," Maggio said with a chuckle. How do people react when told they've got unexpected money coming to them? "Some people are really happy, and they think they're going to win thousands of dollars," Maggio said. "But it's usually smaller amounts. Sometimes they say `I don't want (the money), it's not worth it.' But most are genuinely appreciative." Any eligible recipients should get in touch quickly, Maggio warned, because future federal regulations may require former state workers who are now over the age of 70 to pay half their unclaimed pension money to Uncle Sam. And that's never good news.

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, October 10, 1993

Tober-Stewardson Elizabeth Ann Stewardson and William Keith Tober, both of Springfield, were married at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Kumler United Methodist Church by the Rev. Jack Cramer-Heuerman. The bride is the daughter of Barbara and Keith Cripe and Doug and Ginny Stewardson, all of Springfield. The groom is the son of William and Jacqueline Tober of Springfield. Serving as maid of honor was Molly Stewardson. Bridesmaids were Leigh Ann Gobble, Alexandra Finkle, Tamara Olander, Michelle Herrick and Glenda Millhouse. Best man was Brian Tober. Groomsmen were Kevin Tober, Dave Baker, Jim Shures, Dave Eilering and Joe Maggio . Ushers were Timothy Olander, Roy Walker and Andrew Young. Ringbearer was David Gobble. A reception was held at the VFW Post 755. The bride is a graduate of Western Illinois University. The groom is a graduate of Illinois State University and is employed by GTech Corporation. The couple will reside in Springfield.

Sauer – donley

SEE “DONLEY” SITE

Donley trucking –

MTA – chamber – jasmon –

gray – scrp –

coal trucks – and see landes – gonet – cwlp – curry – lippold/Arnett –

sauer – giordano – pat G.=Grandview pd chief

Vicki Bouknight

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, April 7, 2008

Section: LOCAL Page: 19

Vicki Bouknight DIVERNON – Vicki Bouknight, 53, of Divernon died Saturday, April 5, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center. She was born March 2, 1955, the daughter of Melvin and Mary Roberts Kyle. Surviving are her fiance, Dave Chamness;

a son,

Bill Donley;

a grandson,

Cody Donley;

father, Melvin Kyle; five sisters,

Anita Giordano ,

Tina Price, Lori Pshak, Cindy Bland and Audrey Higgs;

three brothers,

John A. Sauer

and Ray Kyle and Roy Kyle; and several stepbrothers, stepsisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Mary and John Sauer Sr., and a sister, Kathie Kidd.

SAUER= AUX POLICE

OBITUARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Saturday, August 13, 2005

Mr. Sauer retired from the

Springfield Police Department,

where he had been an officer and detective.

He was a lifelong member of the

Police Benevolent Association

and the Springfield Auxiliary Police.

Survivors: two daughters,

Marguerite Beemer of Riverton and

Glenda (husband, James) Snyders of Lawrence, Kan.;

two sons, John Andrew Sauer of Divernon and

John E. (wife, Lynn) Sauer Jr. of Springfield;

five stepdaughters, Anita (husband, Patrick) Giordano and

Cindy (husband, Charles) Bland, both of Springfield,

Vicki (husband, Dan) Bouknight of Texas,

Lori (husband, Gary) Pshak of Athens and

Tina (husband, Keith) Price of Florida; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

TITLE: OBITUARIES

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, March 3, 1997

Mary E. Sauer

Drew sauer

Vespa

Drew sauer

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, June 18, 1995

Sauer-Paul Barbara Jean Paul and

Jeffrey Edward Sauer,

both of Springfield, were married at 2 p.m. May 20 at St. Agnes Church by the Rev. David Paul. The bride is the daughter of

Dr. and Mrs. Glennon Paul of Springfield.

The groom is the son of

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sauer of Springfield. Serving as matron of honor was Sheryl Ungashick, with Sally Paul serving as maid of honor. Ginger and Mia Paul, Shelly Graupner, Angela Tobler, Gina McLaughlin and Gail Grant were bridesmaids. Flower girl was Allie Siebert. Serving as best men were

Drew Sauer and

Jeff Swaney.

Andrew Paul,

Rod Davis,

Vincent Madonia,

Jeff Dodd,

Brett Diamond and

Dave Saladino were groomsmen.

Ushers were Charles and Marty Paul. Ringbearer was

Bradley Sauer. A reception was held at the Springfield Hilton. The bride is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She is a pharmacist. The groom is a graduate of Griffin High School and Southern Illinois University. He is employed by the secretary of state. The couple will live in Springfield.

Wedding, added July 13

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Monday, July 13, 2009

Author/Byline: THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Section: announcements

Frisina-Vespa Jessica Vespa and Vincent Frisina, both of Springfield, were married at 2 p.m. May 9, 2009, at St. Aloysius Church by the Rev. Mark Schulte. The bride is the daughter of Art and Sandy Vespa of Springfield. The groom is the son of Joe and Barb Frisina of Springfield. Serving as maid of honor was Caitlin Reynolds. Bridesmaids were Dana Vespa, Gina Vespa and Andrea Shafer. Flower girls were Mallory Vespa and Grace Vespa. Best man was Drew Sauer . Groomsmen were Chris Reynolds, Chad Bigelow and John Mikels. Ring bearer was Gavin Shafer. Ushers were Mike Vespa and Steve Vespa. A reception was held at the Artisan's Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The bride is a graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and Benedictine University. The groom is a graduate of Lutheran High School and attended DeVry University. The couple resides in Springfield.

ON CAMPUS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Thursday, August 8, 2002

DREW SAUER (Lutheran) played in three games and earned a varsity letter in baseball at MacMurray College. Sauer, an infielder, was hitless in five at-bats, walked once and scored one run. He recently completed his sophomore year.

WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, October 16, 2005

Matzke-Mesenbring Airin Rae Mesenbring of Norwood, Minn., and Jeffrey Michael Matzke of Springfield were married at 4 p.m. June 18, 2005, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Norwood, Minn., by the Rev. David Winter and the Rev. Marvin Matzke, grandfather of the groom. The bride is the daughter of Larry and Marsha Mesenbring of Norwood, Minn. The groom is the son of Michael and Marsha Matzke of Springfield. Serving as maid of honor was Tyra Panning. Bridesmaids were Sonja Mesenbring, Amy Matzke, Christie Hanson and Amber Jennings. Flower girl was Leah Wroge. Candle lighter was Stephanie Hensel. Best man was John Matzke. Groomsmen were Andy Mesenbring, Daryl Werner, Kyle Wooster and Drew Sauer . Ring bearers were Ethan and Jared Roland. A reception was held at the OK Corral Restaurant is Jordan, Minn. The bride is a graduate of Lutheran High School in Mayer, Minn., Concordia University in Seward, Neb., with a Bachelor of Arts in math and attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska. She is employed as a marketing analyst with Supervalu Corp. in Chanhassen, Minn. The groom is a graduate of Lutheran High School, Concordia University in Seward, Neb., with a Bachelor of Arts in geography and a graduate of the University of Akron, Ohio, with a Master of Arts in urban planning. He is a city planner in Prior Lake, Minn. The couple resides in Chanhassen, Minn.

HEARTLAND CLASSIC

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Saturday, July 15, 2000

* SPRINGFIELD REDS 6, ROCHESTER 5: Back-to-back doubles by Jake Herr and Drew Sauer sparked a three-run sixth inning to rally the Reds. B.J. Halford earned the victory.

Jeff sauer –

SAUER IS SHG BASEBALL -

SWANEY –

BORSKI –

SALADINO -

AND SEE “SHGFOOTBALL” SITE –

SOMMER

BORSKI

STEIL

BONANSINGA –

SALADINO AS COACH

@ “SHGCOACHES” & “SALADINO”

Jeff Sauer

– shg baseball 1988 - saladino – borski – minder -

GRIFFIN ARMS ITSELF FOR TITLE DEFENSE

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Thursday, June 9, 1988

Author/Byline: Dave Kane Edition: M1,M2,S1 Section: SPORTS Page: 27

En route to the Class AA state baseball championship last year, Griffin High School relied on the one-two pitching punch of seniors Jeff Borski and Tim Hull. As they prepare for a repeat appearance at Lanphier Park, the Cyclones don't have such a Big Two, but Coach Ron Wojcicki isn't fretting. "Last year, it was pretty much a case of us going as far as Jeff and Timmy could take us," said Wojcicki. "We don't have anybody of their caliber this year, but I think we have more people who can throw. We've been going with whoever's hot." Griffin certainly has gotten hot at the right time. The Cyclones entered last year's tourney at 33-4. Today, they'll take a 20-19 mark into an 11:30 a.m. quarterfinal against Chicago Marist (31-8). Griffin ended its regular season with six straight losses -- four coming to Joliet Catholic. In fact, Griffin enters with the second-most losses by a quarterfinalist. In 1982, Edwardsville finished 23-24. In 1981, Chicago Brother Rice was 32-17 in finishing second. But the Cyclones have allowed just 10 runs in their five post-season games. That's Wojcicki's main reason for optimism. "Our pitching has been outstanding," said Wojcicki, in his third year as head coach. "If you can hold your opponent to two runs, you know you're going to be in the game. That's all we look for." Wojcicki will look for more of the same today from junior right-hander Chris Stapleton (2-5). Marist Coach Don Kuehner said his likely starter will be senior left-hander Frank Vlk (9-2). Vlk is one of three lefties in Marist's rotation. Stapleton, a hard thrower, was winless in the regular season with a couple of tough-luck losses along the way. But he has won two tournament contests and has a 3.72 earned-run average over 53 innings, with 73 strikeouts 48 walks. If Stapleton would falter, it would be sophomore J.J. Borski out of the bullpen. In the Cyclones' five tourney games, Borski has saved three and won one. For the year, he carries a 1.81 ERA with 30 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39 innings. Senior right-hander Dave Saladino (5-4) got the complete-game victory Monday against Lincoln in the Springfield Sectional. "You knew whoever threw Monday wouldn't throw Thursday," Wojcicki said. "Saladino gave us a big lift Monday, and I think it helped his confidence." While Stapleton, Saladino and Borski have formed Griffin's post-season staff, Wojcicki sees several others with a chance for tournament work. Among them is junior right-hander Craig Jones, who worked three innings of relief in last year's quarterfinal win over Chicago Vocational. "We haven't used Jones in post-season, but we're confident enough in him from last year," Wojcicki said. "We'd have no problem pitching him. We haven't thrown (senior right-hander) Dan Patterson in a while, or (senior left-hander) Jeff Sauer ." Offensively, Griffin has had various post-season heroes. Leadoff man Terry Williams drove in the game winner in the regional opener against Chatham Glenwood and belted a two-run homer in the sectional win over Normal. And against Lincoln, No. 6 man Brad Rotherham went 3-for-3 while No. 7 man Greg Bernet delivered a key bases-loaded triple. In defeating the Railers, the Cyclones' top three batters went hitless. The bottom six combined for nine hits. "If you'd told me that was going to happen, I would've said our chances would've been pretty slim," Wojcicki said. "But the bottom of our lineup came through. We don't rely on that one person." Only a few Cyclones saw substantial action on last year's state championship team: Williams, second baseman Dennis Kracik and catcher Jeff Swaney. That, combined with an up-and-down regular season, casts the Cylcones as a heavy underdogs -- just as theywere in the regional and sectional. "Oh, sure, we're the underdog," Wojcicki said. "You look at our record and everything else. But we don't feel any pressure at all. You hear people say, `It's great just to be here,' and it is great. But we're playing our best ball now. "Our record reflects we didn't always play our best. But the kids are confident now."

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, October 19, 1997

Gerger-Donaldson Wendy Elaine Donaldson and Brett Alan Gerger, both of Springfield, were united in marriage at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church by the Rev. John C. Burnett. The bride is the daughter of Thomas and Donna Donaldson of Springfield. The groom is the son of Bert Gerger and Lynn Gerger, both of Springfield. Serving as matron of honor was Barbie Sauer. Bridesmaids were Sarah Newbury, Katie Hansen, Peri Gonulsen, Angie White and Alyssa Williams. Flower girl was Aleandra Kutz. Junior attendants were Molly Donaldson and Nicholas Valentine. Serving as best man was David Peters. Groomsmen were Eric Harbauer, Andy Seck,

Jeff Sauer

and Brian and Dan Donaldson. Ushers were Steve Rose, Jeremy Huffstedler and Paul Rayhill. Ringbearer was Alexander Palmer. A reception was held at St. John Vianney Activity Center, Sherman. The bride is a graduate of Ursuline Academy and the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She is employed as an occupational therapist at Memorial Medical Center. The groom is a graduate of Southeast High School and attends Lincoln Land Community College. He is employed by the state Department of Insurance and is also a wrestling coach for Springfield High School. The couple will reside in Springfield.

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, December 24, 1995

Saladino-Rohrig Michele Lee Rohrig and David Matthew Saladino, both of Springfield, were married at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church by the Rev. Patrick Gibbons. The bride is the daughter of Richard and Sharon Rohrig of Springfield. The groom is the son of Carl and Nancy Saladino of Springfield. Serving as maid of honor was Ann Reynolds, with Kim Robinson, Maria Sakowicz, Karen Miller and Karen Saladino as bridesmaids. Flower girl was Kara Gallagher. Serving as best man was John Saladino, with Pat Sullivan, Vince Madonia,

Jeff Sauer

and Tim Kell as groomsmen. Ushers were Jeff Beccue, Jim File and Jim Tresouthick. Ringbearer was Greg Gallagher. A reception was held at the Northfield Center. The bride is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, where she earned a MS degree. She is employed as an advertising account executive with Professional Images. The groom is a graduate of SIU. He is employed as an environmental scientist with Andrews Environmental Engineering. The couple will reside in Springfield.

TITLE: WEDDINGS

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Sunday, September 6, 1992

Swaney-Douglas Jena Marlene Douglas and

Jeffrey Martin Swaney,

both of Springfield, were married at 11 a.m. Aug. 1 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by the Rev. Michael Mullink. M. Kae Douglas of Springfield and Kenneth and Linda Douglas of Mechanicsburg are parents of the bride. Larry and Sue Misinay of Staffordville, Ky., are parents of the groom. Serving as matron of was Robin Kae Hayes. Bridesmaids were Mindy Maynard, Shannon Frederick, Kelli Kopmann and Michelle Misinay. Flower girls were Lindsey and Lesley Douglas and Erin Hayes. Best man was Barry Jordan. Groomsmen were

Jeff Sauer ,

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crmacgal · 6 years ago

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Nantucket Settings

There are a handful of female authors who tend to set a number of their stories in Nantucket: Nancy Thayer, Mary Kay Andrews, Dorthea Benton Frank, to name a few. And then there’s Elin Hilderbrand. As soon as I see one of her books in a social media feed or in a book review, I automatically think of Nantucket. I’m sure she’s written in other settings, just as the other authors I’ve mentioned, but Nantucket seems to be her happy place. In her most recent book, The Perfect Couple, we’re still in Nantucket, but it’s not exactly a happy place...

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

4 Stars

Celeste Otis is a small hometown girl, but doing very well in her New York career when she gets engaged to her wealthy boyfriend. When they decide to get married over the 4th of July weekend at his family’s estate in Nantucket, what could go wrong? As we learn more about the extended families and friends, we realize there’s really no such thing as a perfect couple, and when the Maid of Honor is found dead on the beach the morning of the wedding, all of the ugly secrets start coming to light. I found this book to be more of a good old fashioned murder mystery, and I really enjoyed reading it. The descriptions of the characters, the house, the clothes, and of course, all of the events were so good that I feel as if I saw it all in the little moving in my mind. Of course, it helps that the ending paid off just as I had hoped it would. I’ve read a few others by Hilderbrand, but this might just be my favorite yet!

#bookreviews

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instapicsil2 · 7 years ago

Photo

Kenneth Steier and his bride Marilyn Coulson exchange rings as the Rev. Clinton Cox, of Drexel Park Presbyterian Church, performs a motorcycle wedding on July 30, 1955. The best man is James Piersch and the maid of honor is Mrs. Frances Miner. Photo by Frank Berger. #vintagechicago #motorcyclewedding #1950s #coolcats #aheadoftheirtime http://ift.tt/2eB5P4P

#All #Pics #Insta New 2 #Insta All

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instapicsil3 · 7 years ago

Photo

#Insta New 3 #Insta All

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papermoonloveslucy · 4 years ago

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WILDCAT

December 17, 1960

Wildcat is a musical comedy about Wildcat Jackson and her sister who come to oil country in 1912 to strike it rich. She runs into the prowess of Joe Dynamite, and a battle of the sexes and the oil tycoons ensues.

Wildcat wasn’t written with the 48 year-old queen of comedy in mind so when she showed interest, the script by N. Richard Nash had to be radically re-written.

At the start of the 1960’s Ball’s career was taking a new direction. She was leaving her TV personae Lucy Ricardo (as well as her real-life husband Desi Arnaz) behind for newer horizons. It was their company Desilu that would produce Wildcat with Lucy having say over who would be cast as her co-star. After several of her first choices proved not available (including Clint Eastwood), she settled on Keith Andes.

Although Ball was not known for her singing (a fact she traded on in “I Love Lucy”) or her dancing (which she was far better at), she had the determination of Wildcat Jackson to attempt it eight times a week.

Director and choreographer Michael Kidd – known for his athletic dances – would put Ball through her paces. The score was by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, giving Ball the rousing anthem “Hey, Look Me Over!” and the tuneful “What Takes My Fancy.”

The out-of-town critics were mixed, but obviously adored the red-headed star. The show was headed up the New Jersey Turnpike in trucks headed for Broadway when a serious blizzard stranded the caravan, causing the opening night to be delayed.

With just two previews under their belt, the show opened at the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon) on December 17, 1960. Box office sales were buoyed by audiences expecting to see Lucy Ricardo, not Lucille Ball as Wildy Jackson, so eventually Ball interpolated more and more of her trademark comic inflections into her character.

Then Ball took ill. She left the show for a bit with the idea to return and continue the run. But upon her return she collapsed on stage. Producers decided to close the show for as long as it took her to recover and resume when her strength and health had returned. But the musicians union insisted upon payment during the hiatus, which made the wait financially unfeasible.

All in all, Wildcat lasted 171 performances. It wasn’t Ball’s only musical, however. In 1974 she took on the title role in the film of Mame with mixed to poor critical reactions.

"Then I go to New York with the two children, my mother and two maids. We have a seven-room apartment on 69th Street at Lexington. I’ll start rehearsals right away for a Broadway show, 'Wildcat.’ It’s a comedy with music, not a musical comedy, but the music is important. I play a girl wildcatter in the Southwestern oil fields around the turn of the century. It was written by N. Richard Nash, who wrote 'The Rainmaker.’ He is co-producer with Michael Kidd, the director. We’re still looking for a leading man. I want an unknown. He has to be big, husky, around 40. He has to be able to throw me around, and I’m a pretty big girl. He has to be able to sing, at least a little. I have to sing, too. It’s pretty bad. When I practice, I hold my hands over my ears. We open out of town - I don’t know where - and come to New York in December.” ~ Lucille Ball, TV Guide, July 16, 1960

THE SCORE

Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh and Music by Cy Coleman

Act I

I Hear - Townspeople

Hey, Look Me Over - Wildy and Jane

Wildcat* - Wildy and Townspeople

You've Come Home - Joe

That's What I Want for Janie* - Wildy

What Takes My Fancy - Wildy and Sookie

You're a Liar - Wildy and Joe

One Day We Dance - Hank and Jane

Give a Little Whistle and I'll Be There - Wildy, Joe, The Crew

Tall Hope - Tattoo, Oney, Sadie, Matt and Crew

Act II

Tippy Tippy Toes - Wildy and Countess

El Sombrero

Corduroy Road

You've Come Home (Reprise) - Joe

(*) Songs cut sometime after opening night.

THE CAST

Lucille Ball (Wildcat Jackson) was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York. She began her screen career in 1933 and was known in Hollywood as ‘Queen of the B’s’ due to her many appearances in ‘B’ movies. With Richard Denning, she starred in a radio program titled “My Favorite Husband” which eventually led to the creation of “I Love Lucy,” a television situation comedy in which she co-starred with her real-life husband, Latin bandleader Desi Arnaz. The program was phenomenally successful, allowing the couple to purchase what was once RKO Studios, re-naming it Desilu. When the show ended in 1960 (in an hour-long format known as “The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour”) so did Lucy and Desi’s marriage. In 1962, hoping to keep Desilu financially solvent, Lucy returned to the sitcom format with “The Lucy Show,” which lasted six seasons. She followed that with a similar sitcom “Here’s Lucy” co-starring with her real-life children, Lucie and Desi Jr., as well as Gale Gordon, who had joined the cast of “The Lucy Show” during season two. Before her death in 1989, Lucy made one more attempt at a sitcom with “Life With Lucy,” also with Gordon, which was not a success and was canceled after just 13 episodes.

Keith Andes (Joe Dynamite) was born John Charles Andes in Ocean City, New Jersey, in 1920. Andes played Lucy Carmichael’s boyfriend Bill King on “The Lucy Show” in “Lucy Goes Duck Hunting” (TLS S2;E6) and “Lucy and the Winter Sports” (TLS S3;E3) and played Brad Collins in “Lucy and Joan” (S4;E4) co-starring Joan Blondell. Andes took his own life in 2005 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Valerie Harper (Dancer, right) became one of television’s most recognizable stars as “Rhoda” (1974-78) a spin-off of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” She appeared in at “Kennedy Center Presents” honoring Lucy in 1986. She died in August 2019 after a long battle with brain cancer.

Paula Stewart (Janie) appears in the fourth of her six Broadway musicals between 1951 and 1965. Her only series television appearance opposite Lucille Ball was in “Lucy and Harry’s Tonsils” (HL S2;E5) in 1969. In 2017, she published a memoir titled Lucy Loved Me, about her friendship with Lucille Ball.

Hal Linden (Matt, replacement) became one of television’s most recognizable stars as “Barney Miller” (1974-82). He appeared at an “All-Star Party for Lucille Ball” in 1984 and at “Kennedy Center Presents” honoring Lucy in 1986.

Howard Fischer (Sheriff Sam Gore)

Ken Ayers (Barney)

Anthony Saverino (Luke)

Edith King (Countess Emily O'Brien)

Clifford David (Hank)

HF Green (Miguel)

Don Tomkins (Sookie)

Charles Braswell (Matt)

Bill Linton (Corky)

Swen Swenson (Oney)

Ray Mason (Sandy)

Bill Walker (Tattoo)

Al Lanti (Cisco)

Bill Richards (Postman)

Marsha Wagner (Inez)

Wendy Nickerson (Blonde)

Betty Jane Watson (Wildy Understudy)

Dancers: Barbara Beck, Robert Bakanic, Mel Davidson, Penny Ann Green, Lucia Lambert, Ronald Lee, Jacqueline Maria, Frank Pietrie, Adriane Rogers, John Sharpe, Gerald Tiejelo

Singers: Lee Green, Jan Leighton, Urylee Leonardos, Virginia Oswald, Jeanne Steele, Gene Varrone

MRS. MORTON

Lucy met Gary Morton while doing Wildcat on Broadway. She put off their first date due to her rigorous performance schedule. Eventually, he showed up with a pizza just when Lucy was craving one. They married on November 19, 1961.

Comic Jack Carter served as best man at Lucy and Gary’s wedding in 1961. A few weeks later he married Paula Stewart, who played Lucy’s sister Janie in Wildcat. He acted in “Lucy Sues Mooney” (TLS S6;E12).

“HEY LOOK ME OVER!”

On June 4, 1976 Lucille is joined by Valerie Harper and Dinah Shore on “Dinah!” to sing her signature song from Wildcat, “Hey, Look Me Over.”

When Lucille Ball was celebrated at “The Kennedy Center Honors” in December 1986, Valerie Harper, Beatrice Arthur, and Pam Dawber sang a song parody of the “I Love Lucy” theme expressing their affection for Lucy. The medley ends with a specially-tailored “Hey Look Me Over”.

In “Lucy and Carol Burnett: Part 2″ (TLS S6;E15) on December 11, 1967, Lucy, Carol, and the ensemble perform “Hey, Look Me Over” with specially written lyrics to suit the episode’s theme of air travel.

In “Lucy Meets Danny Kaye” (TLS S3;E15) on December 28, 1964, the opening of “The Danny Kaye Show” is underscored with the music to “Hey, Look Me Over.”

While David Frost is trying to sleep during a transatlantic flight, Lucy wears her headset and hums along to “Hey Look Me Over” while tapping it out on the glasses with her cutlery. The scene is from “Lucy Helps David Frost Go Night-Night” (HL S4;E12) aired on November 12, 1971.

In “Lucy and Petula Clark” (HL S5;E8) in 1972, Lucy Carter leaves the office singing “Hey Look Me Over.”

On “Life With Lucy,” Lucy’s grandson Kevin plays on the YMCA soccer team The Wildcats. The name of the team is probably a reference to Lucille Ball’s only Broadway show.

In the second scene of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” (1986), an un-aired episode of “Life With Lucy”, Lucy comes down the stairs of the living room singing “Hey Look Me Over.”

WILDCAT WILDCARDS

In April 1961, Lucille Ball played softball in Central Park for the Broadway Show League when she was appearing in Wildcat. Julie Andrews (starring in Camelot) was the catcher! The catcher was Joe E. Brown.

In the play Love! Valour! Compassion! Buzz, a gay musical theater aficionado (Nathan Lane on Broadway) breaks the fourth wall (a common conceit of the play) to tell the audience something personal about himself.

The song title was also the title of a 2018 revue about rarely produced musicals at City Center in New York City. Performer Carolee Carmello called it her “hair homage to Lucille Ball.”

~ From the memoir Under the Radar by Clifford David, who played Hal in Wildcat

#Wildcat #Lucille Ball #Lucy #Broadway #Musical #Keith Andes #Gary Morton #Paula Stewart #Valerie Harper #Clifford David #Cy Coleman #Hey Look Me Over #Alvin Theatre #Hal Linden #Richard Nash #Life With Lucy #Here's Lucy #The Lucy Show #TV

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