Christmas

 

A legacy  of love

a legacy of light

and hope. Promise fulfilled

How it came upon a 

midnight clear with

angelic voices heard on high 

singing Gloria in excelsis Deo.

All is calm, all is bright

round yon Virgin, mother 

and child…

O holy night, the stars 

are brightly shining

O night divine

Peace on earth, and mercy mild

God and sinner reconciled 

Sing all ye citizens of 

heaven above;

Joy to the world 

the bread of life has come

For he will be 

named wonderful counselor,

Mighty God, everlasting father,

Prince of peace

( with recognition to the beautiful, traditional 

Christmas songs; and Isaiah 9:6)

Gaudete,gaudete Christus 

est natus Ex Maria

virgine, gaudete!

Birthday Musings

      

                                                 

                                    

October 25, 2023. I’m 73 years old today. Is that possible? I wonder, where did all the years go? So quickly passing by.  Lyrics from the Fiddler on the Roof song Sunrise, Sunset tells it well. Swiftly go the years. One season following another, laden with happiness and tears.Is this the little girl I carried? Is this the little boy at play? I don’t remember growing older, when did they?  (and I would add, when did I?)

I was born in 1950. In October of that year, America was still recovering from World War II, neighborhoods were neighborly, families in tact.  Goodnight, Irene was on the Hit Parade, movies Harvey and All About Eve playing at the Box Office; The New York Yankees won the pennant, and Harry S. Truman was President of the United States.                                              

My parents were young. I was their first child - the delight of my Mother’s heart. The brown haired, brown eyed baby girl she prayed for. From the moment I entered the world I felt loved and wanted; cherished. By my Mother, and Dad. By my grandparents. I think of the times of my life, and smile. Babyhood, childhood, teenage years, young adult. Marriage. Children. Middle age, and now old age.  For each I am grateful, and glad. I can see, as though looking through a window into the past of how very special each moment was. The people, the places, family, friendships and love. 

Not like a straight line that abruptly ends, but a circle with no ending, heartfelt and sweet that goes on and on.

                                                 

                                                         

Classic Movies, On Screen Chemistry & Remington Steele (Part 2)

The movie, The Thin Man is recognized by some as one of the greatest detective movies of all time, and is ranked 38 on the American Film Institute  (AFI) list of 100  Best Movies. In 1997 it was added to the National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant in American cinema. But when MGM first released  The Thin Man in 1934 it was considered a B movie. Shot in just 16 days on a modest budget, director  W.S. Van Dyke had to persuade MGM boss, Louis B Mayer to cast William Powell and Myrna Loy in the title roles. Soon to become the iconic Nick  and Nora Charles

Movie critics were lavish in their praise of the film, and movie goers  charmed by Nick and Nora as played by Powell and Loy. Audiences were introduced to an on screen married couple that were witty, urbane and who so obviously delighted in each others company. Super sleuths. They were a team. Dialogue like this contributed to the couples appeal: 

Nick: I’m a hero. I was shot twice in the Tribune

Nora: I read where you were shot five times in the tabloids

Nick: It’s not true. He didn’t come anywhere near my tabloids

The Thin Man was a huge success, both critically and commercially. Nominated for three Academy Awards. It spawned 5 sequels. 90 years later, Nick and Nora (William Powell and Myrna Loy) are still the gold standard all other on screen male/female sleuthing teams are held up to. Which goes to the point I made in my recent blog Classic Movies, On Screen Chemistry, & Remington Steel. On screen chemistry is not something that can be acquired, or learned. It’s innate, and makes all the difference if a movie, or television show succeeds, and its romantic duo can captivate  the heart of their audience.

So strongly were Powell and Loy’s identification intertwined with Nick and Nora Charles many mistakenly believed them to be a couple in real life. Even now, in the 21st century Nick and Nora are inseparable from William Powell and Myrna Loy. And vice versa. 

Now think of Perry Mason and Della Street, and picture what they look like. I’m willing to bet it’s Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale. Perry Mason was a weekly television series that aired on CBS  from 1957 - 1966.  It starred Raymond Burr as Perry Mason and Barbara Hale as his faithful secretary, Della Street. They, too had a powerful  on screen chemistry. Like The Thin Man, Perry Mason was adapted for the screen from a novel. And even though the television series doesn’t overtly show the depth of the romantic attachment between Perry and Della as it does in the novels, 

She (Della) looked at Perry Mason with eyes that were starry with pride. When she spoke, her voice had something of caressing tenderness in it. Mason’s lips brushed Della’s cheek. Happy, he asked. Yes, darling, she said softly (Case of The Sulky Girl, 1937)

 The television audience gets it. Theirs is a close relationship; committed  to one another. Loyal to each other. Best friends. Romantically involved.  The characters don’t have to say it, we see it. Perfect in their roles, Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale became Perry Mason and Della Street.  That’s why after 66 years they still have a following via reruns and streaming, and we can’t picture anyone else but Burr and Hale as the dedicated defense attorney and his devoted secretary. 

That brings me again to Laura Holt and Remington Steele. Like William Powell and Myrna Loy and Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale,  the Pierce Brosnan and Stephanie Zimbalist on screen partnership exudes a sparkling, radiant chemistry between them. A relationship that seems real, not staged or directed. But natural in the way they look at each other, touch each other, respond to one another. Very simpatico. Like a well matched, long time married couple who have their own code of silent communication. And those tender, and passionate kisses.

                                                            

 Even though their relationship is fraught with challenges, some due to their own insecurities and backstories. Steele was abandoned as a child and has no family. He doesn’t even know his birth name. At a young age Laura’s father walked out on her, her mother and sister. Leaving a void, and trust issues. The audience still cheer their romance as much as they cheer the many investigative adventures the pair undertake and  see Laura and Steele as  kindred spirits, soul mates; destined to be together. Wanting them to be together. 

                                                           

                                                                         

                                                                

Stephanie Zimbalist brings a lot to the Laura Holt role. Style, quick wit, intelligence, loyalty, perseverance, comic timing, athleticism. Reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn and Barbara Stanwyck and the romantic comedies they starred in. Like Hepburn and Stanwyck, Zimbalist did many of her own stunts. In fact, she’s an honorary member of the National Stuntwoman Association. She also co-wrote one of the Remington Steele episodes, Steele in the Chips. A very funny story about the heist of a no calorie chocolate chip cookie. The show also stars Gena Davis. The fast paced chase scenes remind one of scenes from It’s a Mad,Mad, Mad World and will make you laugh right out loud. 

Even though it’s been over 30 years since the series ended its five season run, I believe Remington Steele and Laura Holt will continue to delight audiences, and be recognized as one of the best, most popular Romantic sleuth teams on TV, or movies. Right along Nick and Nora Charles, and Perry Mason and Della Street. And judging not only on my personal opinion, but on the many YouTube slideshows (I have googled and watched 145) fans have cleverly, and  creatively made of Laura Holt and Remington Steele. That’s 145 different videos and 145 different songs all of images of Remington Steele and Laura Holt from episodes of Remington Steele adapted to lyrics of songs. I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You, Brown Eyed Girl, Like a Prayer, God Gave Me You, Fever, A Million Dreams, All I Ask of You, Come To Me, Ever, Ever After, and so many more. Some lighted hearted like Kokomo, The Night They Invented Champagne, and She’s Crazy But She’s Mine. Each telling a story of Remington and Laura’s passion, love, escapades, and commitment to one another. By comparison I have found only four or five similar videos featuring William Powell and Myrna Loy,  and Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. And, some of the RS videos have more than 30,000 views, others a 126,000 ! ‘

Kudos to each of the creators of these videos. They are entertaining, and captivating. The music so well chosen for the Laura Holt and Remington Steele characters, and their scenes together; their love story.

If you’re a Remington Steele fan (and even if you’ve never watched an episode) I highly recommend these videos. Finding them is simple. Just go to YouTube and type Remington Steele and Laura Holt in search. Several will pop up. You won’t be sorry!, and will probably get hooked just like I did.                                                        

Remington Steele (Pierce Brosnan) & Laura Holt (Stephanie Zimbalist ) 

 

 

For Gary

My Darling

i want to do it again. All of it .

From the very beginning; 

The moment we met. That twinkle in your 

blue eyes, your dimpled smile. How my heart 

skipped a beat at the sound of your voice.

Surely, it was meant to be - you and me.

Did we know it then? Yes, i think we must have.

Like something God ordained. Our destiny a shared 

life, you and i. Dating. Marriage. Family. 

We were good together. 

Working hard and playing hard and living 

an ordinary life. But now i’m 

thinking it’s the everyday, million

little things that make the ordinary,

extraordinary. Raising our sons.

Checking their homework, attending 

weekly football games, soccor 

games, Cub Scout meetings and

piano recitals. Chaperoning 

their school dances and 

 and school  ski trips

Helping them grow 

into the good men they are today.

Morning coffee and a 

chocolate chip cookie

Cribbage and Ping Pong. 

Our morning kiss. And afternoon  kiss.

What is it we used to say, Always 

kiss before saying goodbye

And you  asking, Have I

told you lately that I love you? 

i miss that. And holding hands

The warmth, and smell 

of your body next to mine.

i miss you 

Your Kathleen

Classic Movies, On Screen Chemistry and Remington Steele (Stephanie Zimbalist & Pierce Brosnan)

 William Powell and Myrna Loy, Tracy and Hepburn, Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon, Fred and Ginger, Cary Grant and Irene Dunne;

 Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, Gable and Claudette Colbert, Bogart and Bacall.  If you’re a movie buff like me, I’m sure you’ll recognize these famous  Golden Age of Hollywood duos, appreciating their magical on screen chemistry in movies like Woman of the Year, The Thin Man, Swing Time, My Favorite Wife, It Happened One Night, Julia Misbehaves, To Have and Have Not, Ball of Fire. Drama, musical, screwball comedy. Besides a well written script and  good direction the reason audiences clamored to these movies, and why they’re still so popular today via TCM and streaming is because of that special on screen chemistry between actor and actress. A chemistry a LinkedIn description defines as ‘both a romantic and sexual chemistry that’s evident, makes the relationship seem natural; the spark, the connection, the rapport that draws the audience into the story and it’s characters’. Wanting, and rooting for them to be together.

                                                  

           (Cary Grant and Irene Dunne in The Awful Truth)
                                            

And in The Guardian  (November 24, 2016) is an article, The Sizzling Secrets of On-Screen Chemistry From Dirty Dancing to LaLa Land. Pamela Stephenson Connolly writes, by common agreement, a couple either have it or don’t. Then cites Bogart and Bacall as having it in To Have and Have Not. And Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as not having it in By the Sea. Connolly also asks the question, Can these celluloid relationships really be viewed objectively? Her answer, It’s complicated. Connolly’s article is informative and interesting, delving

deep into on screen romantic relationships.

 My analysis is more simple. Yes, between some actors/actresses there can be a special, recognizable, unique chemistry evident to the viewer, making the movie, or television series much more entertaining and enjoyable to watch.

Which brings me to Remington Steele. A popular television 

series starring Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan

                                                   

It aired on NBC for five seasons (1982 - 1987). Co- created by Robert Butler and Michael Gleason it was produced by MTM Enterprises. It was a favorite of my husband and mine.  We watched weekly, and were disappointed when the series ended. But now, these many years later I’m watching again - streaming on Prime, and throughly enjoying each episode. To be honest I had forgotten some of the storylines, full of frolic and adventure;  the great clothes Laura Holt wears - and those fabulous hats! Timely and stylish in the 1930’s, 80’s or now. And Mr. Steele’s  wardrobe. He wears a Tux well. Then there’s that great on screen, almost tangible chemistry between Stephanie Zimbalist and Brosnan. Together they’re striking. They move in sync. The back and forth banter the scriptwriters provided them seems so natural and real.  And their looks of love and tenderness toward one another.  Their passionate kisses. In season 2, Episode 13 Laura grabs Steele by the lapels of his coat saying, We’ll work that out between us, won’t we?, and kisses Steele  on the lips.  Reminiscent of those movie star duos, and movies mentioned earlier. One especially comes to mind, The Awful Truth starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. Columbia. 1937.  A fast paced romantic comedy, Grant and Dunne play Lucy and Jerry Warriner, a married couple seeking a divorce because of misunderstanding and innuendo, even though they really do  love each other. Each one takes aim at breaking up new relationships of the other before the divorce can be finalized. By the end of the movie there is no divorce, and the Warringer’s remain together. 

When Laura and Steele are out chasing bad guys, like Nick and Nora Charles did, they sometimes drive a very cool 1936  cream colored Auburn Super Charged Speedster, which lends even more connection to those classic movies of the past. Sometimes they resort to thievery themselves (for a good purpose) and dress like To Catch a Thief cat burglars. Both very attractive in their black slacks and turtleneck sweater. And the wonderful dialogue and references to classic movies that help them to solve their cases is a treat.

                                                     

After the series ended Stephanie Zimbalist did theater work, Pierce Brosnan took on the James Bond role, which to many fans became his prize role, forgetting his success as Remington Steele. I say there were several who played James Bond, some before Brosnan and some after. And all are compared to the greatest, and first James Bond, Sean Connery.  But there is only ONE Remington Steele - Pierce Brosnan. And only one Laura Holt - Stephanie Zimbalist.  I think their detective show delightful; a classic! And the characters they played, charming. Laura and Remington should be resurrected before Zimbalist and Brosnan get any older. Wouldn’t it be interesting, and fun to see what happened to Laura and Steele, and what they’re doing now? How their relationship blossomed, and prevailed. Like Robin and Marian (starring Sean Connery, by the way,  and Audrey Hepburn) in their later years. Only with a happy ending.

 In Season 2, Episode 4 Laura says to Steele, ‘Tell me that you’ll never leave me again for my own good’.  That’s a promise, says Steele.

Are There Balloons in Heaven ?

                                                         

(a repost from 2017)

Today would be my brother Walt's 63rd birthday, but I wonder how old would he be in Heaven?  Is he ageless ? Or forever young ?  Does he look like the carefree, happy  fellow from days of his youth , or like the mature,  handsome man he was when departing this life at age 55 ?

Is he celebrating today with saints and angels , and grandparents and aunts and uncles and dear friends gathered together in the celestial realm ?  Are their balloons and presents?  A birthday cake with candles? Or are such things only for this earthly plain ?

Is he looking through Heaven's window? Seeing his beloved Mother and Dad , and all those who love him still, remembering   him, recalling the joy he brought into their life .  I have a feeling the answer is yes. With an endless, eternal love. 

I think Heaven is lit up a little brighter today, and the Angelic choir in joyous harmony as they sing Happy Birthday to my brother.  And Walt. Well, I imagine him smiling his sweet Walt smile, laughing his happy Walt laugh, and greeting those dear family and friends with gladness; celebrating a heavenly Happy Birthday 

 

                                                                

* Since first posting this blog in 2017, our beloved Mother passed away in October 2018.  I take comfort in believing Mom is once again celebrating with her son face to face 🎈🎈🎈

Rain

 So nice this rain coming down

Steady like the beat of a drum,

peaceful like a melody playing.

Refreshing after days of

triple digit heat and glaring sun

Cleansing like a baptism renewal;

nature’s rhythmic song

Rain. Wash away the dirt and grime

Quench our thirsting soul

Rain down on us like

a well watered garden

that we may blossom and grow 

My Backyard Reverie

 It’s early Monday morning. 4:30 a.m. 

We’re having some thunder, lightening and rain. That’s what

woke me up. i like summer rain. The smell and sound of it.

It’s not quite daylight. The solar lights still aglow in the backyard.

i stand on the porch, caught in a trancelike stare at what’s 

before me. The quiet beauty of this backyard. 

So peaceful and pretty. The many memories of family

and friends it holds in its shelter. And i’m grateful

Lightening darts, and dashes across the sky 

breaking my reverie.

 A warm breeze gently sways the leaves on the trees. 

There’s a rhythm to their movement like there’s a 

rhythm to life; breathing in and out 

Like the swaying of the leaves, we sway back and

forth adapting and adjusting to the music of life. 

Independence Day & Freedom

Flags and fireworks,

Parades and parties 

Hot dogs and hamburgers on the holiday menu;

Family and friends gather 

to celebrate Independence Day,

The day of America’s birth.

Freedom.

Freedom from tyranny and oppression

Freedom from taxation without representation

Freedom of religion and Freedom of speech.

But surely not freedom to harm or malign

To rear down and destroy. Anarchy. 

America is about building up.  Believing in

the good. Doing good. Striving to be better.

Aiming toward that higher purpose. 

Over 200 hundred years ago when my

ancestor, John Hart left his New Jersey

farm to sign the Declaration of Independence 

I imagine he was full of hope for what was about 

to come, that what he was about to sign would 

have endurance and positive effect

 throughout the ages:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men

are created equal, that they are endowed by their

Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that

among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit

of Happiness

And for the support of this Declaration, with a

firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,

we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our 

Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.

There’s much to admire about the signers 

of the Declaration of Independence; Their  fortitude,

wisdom and courage. And perhaps especially, their 

Faith in God, and loyalty to each other. 

On this Independence Day 2023 we would do

well to re-read the Declaration of Independence, 

think about it’s signers, and this great country 

And give thanks to God for the founding of our

Nation, the men and women who took 

the chances, and persevered. 

My Dad. Father’s Day 2023

Ronald William Cooney 

A man of good humor,

and good deeds

Good to his family

and his dog;

and  his friends,

and any stranger he meets

A writer of prose, and

seeker of knowledge

He’s an example of

perseverance and hard work

in getting things done,

and a positive attitude 

when things look grim, that 

the best will prevail

He gives encouragement, 

and points to the importance 

of faith. He’s a loving example 

of what love is. My Dad.

Happy Father’s Day !

I love you. Your daughter, Kathy

  

My Brother. My Friend

My brother. My friend. He was good, and kind. Funny, and fun to be around. Friendly to all he met. He liked to laugh and play games. Was better tempered than i. Didn't hold a grudge, and wasn't judgemental of others. He liked clothes, and cars and camping and fishing. And dogs. He had many over the years, including our cute street mutt, Zachy when we were kids; an Irish Setter named Casey, who could jump fences in a single bound, smiled when Walt told him to, and chewed the fur off the collar of my winter coat,(a story for another time), and finally his beloved and loyal companion, Betsey. As all deaths do, when Walt died in 2010, his passing left a huge void in the life of his family and friends. Like a beautiful garden where a magnificent flower is uprooted and blooms no more; The flower gone, one can only linger in the memory of the joy it brought in seeing its brilliant color and fragrant smell. And in remembering, is grateful for its beauty. i think of my brother, and am grateful for the brilliant, bright colors of his loving spirit and sweet fragrance of his gentle heart. For the friendship we shared, the loving bond we had; and i give thanks to God. My Mother once told me, sometime after Walt's passing, and i was feeling sad, to remember Walt would always and forever be my brother, nothing could, or ever would change that. Not even death. Today, on the 13th anniversary of his passing, i think of my Mother's words, and am comforted again.

in loving memory of Walt Cooney September 4,1954 - May 30,2010

April 24. Grateful & Blessed

                                                              

 Hers was a kind word, never judge-mental. She listened

with her heart to the grief of others, the stories of strife and 

sorrow they shared. And rejoiced with them in their joy and

gladness, at some good fortune they experienced. 

People liked to be with Mother.

 Perhaps it was because she had a 

joyful, happy spirit and saw good in others, or  because it was evident Mom valued her friends, and held them dear, as one might cherish a family treasure. She made hers (ours) a pleasant home, a haven of sorts for folks to come to feel welcome, and comfortable. 

My Mother had a deep faith, and when confronted with a challenge she would remind my brother and me, and others  to Be still, and know. To trust. God would provide. Not just words she said, but words she lived.

                                                   

Being a single mother, Mom worked hard to provide for Walt and me. But never was there a time Mother wasn’t present to us, there for us to share in our activities, festivities, achievements or heartaches. One sweet memory, during the summer months when it was light longer outside, and hot, Mom would call and tell Walt and me to pack up some peanut butter sandwiches and be ready to go the the beach when she got home. A really special time for both me and my brother. We cherished those late afternoons driving to the beach with Mom, chattering back and forth and laughing together. It didn’t occur to me then, only when I got older about how tired Mom must have been. 

Working all day, then coming straight away home to drive my brother and me to the beach so we could cool down. 

Mother often read us poetry, and told us stories about growing up in Council Bluffs; wonderful stories about our grandparents, and aunt and uncles; about her childhood friends Rosie and Betty,  and singing in school operettas. And about Rosie’s older brother, Joe Barrett  being killed in WWII, and how Mom sang Ave Maria at his funeral Mass, and the sadness  of it all. 

Mom had a calming presence about her. It was in her voice, and in her touch. Something I miss so very much. Not hearing the sound of my dear Mother’s voice, and feeling her arms about me. 

Today is April 24. It would be my Mother’s 90th birthday. I think of Mom, and am so grateful for the beautiful, strong, fun, faithful, amazing woman she was; for the gift of life she gave me, and for the great gift of her unconditional love. So very thankful am I! God blessed me to be my Mother’s daughter! 

                                                  

Happy (Heavenly) Birthday, Mama. I love you forever, and always

My Dad, Eggo and Me

 For years my dad has raved about Eggo.  Blueberry or plain. Regular or fluffy. Whenever dad would start his story about how good Eggo is and how every  morning he pops one into the toaster oven  until it’s golden brown, he sounded like an advertising rep pushing his product. I’d just raise my eyebrows, nod my head and say, yes, dad as he carried on about the quick, easy fix waffle that brought so much joy to his morning meal. Delicious, nutritious he says with a smile.                                                              

I had never bought Eggo, or eaten an Eggo until one day this week. I was passing through the frozen food  aisle at Alberston’s when I noticed what looked like hundred’s of Eggo boxes in one of the cases. I was about to walk right on by, but thought of my dad and his love of Eggo. And in that moment I swear I could hear his familiar voice calling out to me, Kathy, grab some Eggo!  That’s how they ended up in my shopping cart, I swear. It was my dad’s telepathic prompting, and today for the first time ever, just as my dad has done for so long, I popped a blueberry Eggo into my toaster oven. All I can say is, thanks, dad! You eat Eggo and now I eat Eggo. Delicious. Nutritious. Fun for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get your Eggo today!                                                        

*** from Wikipedia : Eggo waffles were invented in 1953 by the American inventor Frank Dorsa, who developed a process by which waffles could be cooked, frozen, and packaged for consumers. Along with frozen waffles, the Dorsa brothers also produced Eggo potato chips (and Golden Bear potato chips) and Eggo syrup.