This rock was left on my backyard patio by a bird or some other critter, and I have no idea what it is! Do you?
I'm in the habit of feeding birds and other critters that roam into my backyard. Years ago, there were a pair of blue jays named Ralph and Ginger who visited my property regularly and enjoyed the peanuts I'd leave on the patio for them.
Now, I'm not sure if it was Ralph, although he seems the most likely as he was the most "human," or one of the many crows, all of whom I'd named (and still continue to call) Poe, or somebody else entirely, such as a skunk, raccoon or squirrel; but, someone started leaving me rocks as payment for my peanuts. Most were nondescript, ordinary, run-of-the-mill pebbles. But then, one day, this turned up:
As you can see, this is a pretty fabulous-looking rock — and I have absolutely no idea what kind, sort or type it is or where it might've come from, as I have not seen anything like this from around here (a beach city suburb of Los Angeles), before or since. Also, it's rather heavy for a small rock. While I don't know the weight, let's just say that I wouldn't want it flung at my head. Not that it's impossible for a bird to carry this, but it seems like it would be an awful lot of work.
So, do you know what it is? Here's another image:
At home, I keep it on one of my bookcases in a small jar, along with other interesting rocks, most of which I've purchased from tourist traps and that are tumbled and/or polished. You know, the usual tiger's eye, agate, lapiz, turquoise, quartz, hematite, etc. However, this one is quite different; and, again, I have no clue as to what it is.
If you can tell me, I'd be very glad to know. And, no, I have not seen any little, green men come looking for it.
Charlton Heston Was A Gentleman
Current mood: grateful
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
James Stewart, Cornel Wilde and Charlton Heston from "The Greatest Show On Earth."
Back in the early 1990s, when I was a publicist and media spokeswoman for the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum (now the Museum of the American West) in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, I had the pleasure of working with Charlton Heston — a lot. He, along with quite a few well-known performers from Hollywood’s heyday, including James Stewart, Ernest Borgnine, George Montgomery, Hugh O’Brian, Jane Withers, John Forsythe and Buddy Ebsen, were great friends of the museum and were always willing to make an appearance, reach into their pockets and/or personal collections, and lend a hand to assist with the educational nonprofit’s many exhibits, events and programs. You would not believe all that goes on and how many people it takes for the effective day-to-day operation of such a facility. But this museum is more than effective. It’s spectacular, with art treasures, historical artifacts, movie memorabilia, learning materials, archives and a research library covering the beginnings of western man to modern times.
Of all the many people that I met and knew while working for The Autry Museum (via my employment with an outside public relations firm), Charlton Heston stands apart as being one of the most friendly, polite and helpful. The man was a true gentleman and a real joy to be around — regardless of his politics, which never came into play when I was working with him. He always greeted me with a smile that was both genuine and warm, always inquired how I was doing and, before I could even ask, wanted to know if there was anything he could do for me. Often, I would be carrying armfuls of binders, folders and other materials, in addition to my briefcase and whatever else I might be hauling; and, without missing a beat, upon sight, he would take them from my arms and carry them for me, in addition to opening doors! Honestly, I never felt more like a lady than when I was in his company. Mr. Heston was a breath of fresh air, and I always looked forward to seeing him.
Although I have not seen this lovely man since leaving the corporate world, I have a funny feeling that he would be more than delighted to learn that I’ve traded my briefcase for a garment bag, and my office for any number of studios and locations. There have been many times that I’ve wished that I’d made the switch a lot sooner. However, had I, I would not be able to reflect back fondly on and share with you such wonderful memories as this.
God bless you, Mr. Heston, and safe home. St. Peter is holding the door for you.
My Life's Most Embarrassing Moment (So Far)
Current mood: embarrassed
Category: News and Politics
"What is your most embarrassing moment?" is a question that I get asked a lot. So, I thought I'd just post a blog answering. Enjoy my humiliation. It's funny now, but I was completely mortified at the time.
When I was about 26 or 27 (which is 2 years into the future, if you consider my age), I was dating very seriously a guy named Harry who was very tall, 6' 6" to be exact. Because of his height, whenever we were walking or standing together, my beau's derriere was always in easy reach. I would often stick my hand in his back pocket, affectionately pat or rub him on the rear, or give him a mischievous pinch. See where this is going?
One day, Harry and I were in Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. (Sadly, that landmark store closed its doors forever, last year.) We were standing back to back — or, at least, I thought so — in the same aisle looking at opposite bins of music when, suddenly, a playful mood came over me. So, I backed up and stuck my hand on what I thought was my boyfriend's bottom and began rubbing this firm, round cheek in a gentle, circular motion. But then, much to my horror, I looked up and spotted Harry clear across the store!
I walked away from whomever's ass I had just fondled without ever looking back. Yes, I am guilty of hit and run — or "hit and rub," as the case may be.
Currently
listening
:
Da Bottom, Vol. 7
By
Big Boi
Release date: 24 January, 2006
Proof That I Still Have All My Marbles
Current mood: Whimsical
This is for Trudy Moore -- and anyone who may question my sanity -- but especially for Trudy. Trudy has never once doubted my sanity, by the way. She just appreciates a good collection of marbles. And she, like me, takes periodic inventory of hers.
Okay, so a few of them are chipped. My marbles have seen a lot of use, and some have even been pushed to the limit. I never said that my marbles weren't slightly cracked, just that I still have all of them.
Women are always saying to me, "Geri, your hair looks so healthy and shiny! How do you do it?" If they only knew what my hair really looks like -- try broom corn. In fact, that is the case for most working actresses. So much is done to our hair and so often that it gets TRASHED. With all of the abuse that my hair takes, were it not for my Italian genes, chances are I'd be bald! Fortunately, my hair grows like a weed.
So, how do I do it? It's cheap and easy -- much like a lot of my MySpace friends. (Don't worry. I won't name names.)
Just wash your hair with your favorite shampoo and condition it with your favorite conditioner. While I'll use any number of shampoos, only one conditioner works for me -- Sorbie Riche. Then, towel dry your hair until damp, comb it like you want it styled (NEVER brush wet hair, as you'll tear it and cause split ends), and blow dry it the rest of the way on the heat and air settings you prefer, aiming the dryer in the direction that you want your hair to go. Now, here comes the critical part:
Part your hair horizontally (that's "sideways," for blondes) all the way around your head, about halfway down from the top, which is at about just above your ears. Then, clip up the top bunch of hair to get it out of the way, because you're going to do the bottom first. If you have too much hair to handle in one bunch, do the left and right sides separately.
Then, take some hairspray -- ANY hairspray -- and spray the bottom layer of parted hair. (I use TRESemme Tres Two. It costs around $3 at Target.) You want it to feel a little stiff, but don't overspray it. You may have to experiment a little until you find the right consistency for your hair. Then, comb it a few times or brush it with a wide tooth brush, to separate the somewhat sticky hair into strands.
Next, if you have straight hair, heat up a flat iron; and, if you have curly hair, heat up a curling iron. Or, if you have one type of hair and want the other, heat up the opposite iron. The fatter the curling iron, the looser the curls; and, the wider the flat iron, the straighter the hair. Then, starting at your face and working around your head from one side to the other, or starting at the front and working toward the back if you've quartered your hair, take small groups of hair (about 1.5" wide) in one hand and run it through the flat iron with the other, bending and angling the hair toward your face. If you're using a curling iron, spiral the hair strand around the iron until well heated, loosen the iron's grip and pull the iron out of the spiral from the bottom, trying to not pull the curl.
You will see steam rising from either iron. This is normal. It's residual water evaporating and the laquer in the hairspray melting. This is what you want to happen because, in essence, you're laquering your hair. That's what makes it look shiny and gives it a healthy coat. It also holds the style. However, don't overdo it. You don't want to burn your hair or dry it out. The hairspray and conditioner will protect your hair from drying, but not if you hold an iron in it for too long. You only want it there long enough to polish the hair and hold the bend/curl. The three things that make hair behave and perform are product, heat and tension.
Once the bottom is done, do the top bunch of hair in the same manner. If you part your hair on the side, work around your part. If you want fuller looking hair, angle your iron up (actually draw the hair up, away from the scalp) as you flat iron or curl the hair. Remember, for straight hair, turn the bend toward your face. You can go in either direction with curly hair. It all depends on what you prefer. As for bangs, I turn them under with a round vent brush and blow dryer or piece them with my fingers, while drying. I have too many thumbs to put a hot iron that close to my face.
Then, once it's all done, just loosen/mess/toss/run through your hair a little with your fingers. DON'T comb or brush it or you'll remove the style. If you'd like more hold, add more hairspray. With straight hair, you can comb it after about 4 to 5 hours and it will hold for days. (It sounds gross, I know, but it will.) Curly hair is a little trickier. You can pick it; but, of course, the more you play with it, the looser the curls. Brush it and you'll either have a fro or waves, depending on how curly your hair is naturally.
So, there ya go. My secret is a cheap can of hairspray and a hot wand. This is how you can have Park Avenue hair on a trailer park budget. It works every time! Just remember to stay away from heat sources and open flames afterwards.
A GAY ACTOR?????????? Noooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!
Current mood: determined
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping
Currently, Hollywood is all a-buzz over the publication of this supposedly telling photo:
It appeared in The National Enquirer, a newspaper (AHEM!) known for its outstanding journalistic style and investigative reporting. Of course, being in entertainment, I've heard the rumors about John Travolta and others for years. In fact, I've heard things (not about Travolta) that I will not repeat out of fear that I might "never work in this town again!" In an industry chock-full of artsy and unusual types, is it really surprising -- especially in this day and age -- to see that some of its biggest names (consenting adults, mind you) might lead alternative lifestyles? And whose freakin' business is it anyway??
Frankly, I have no beefs about Travolta. I don't think that he's the best actor in the world but I don't find him to be the worst one either. I've enjoyed many of his performances and loved him in "Pulp Fiction." I can't imagine anyone else as dancing hitman Vince Vega. I met him years ago; and, since, have run into him on several occasions and he's always been a very nice guy. I doubt highly that he would ever consider hiding in the bushes of someone else's property to infringe on their privacy for profit. And he certainly wouldn't wait there for that moment when a perfectly innocent gesture might look like something else.
Still, I don't know how ol' Johnny's gonna get out of this one. I don't know if he'll come out, deny it, ignore it, attribute his affectionate nature to his Italian ancestry, claim that he and his wife have "an understanding," disclose that this is Scientology's secret handshake, or tell people to buzz off and mind their own business. In the meantime, however, I choose to make light of it. So, help me help Johnny boy come up with explanations.
Please, leave comments as John Travolta (that means that you pretend to be John while you write your message) explaining what is really going on in the picture. Tell the world why this undoctored image proves absolutely nothing, with regard to his sexual inclinations. After all, he is only an actor -- not that it would matter more, were he anything else. (Al Pacino has kissed men publicly before and no one has ever accused him of being gay.) Let's resolve this crisis once and for all, so that we can get on to discussing the more important issues in the news -- like who Jessica Simpson is dating this week.
curious
excited
grateful
scared
amused
determined
