This site is about things I find interesting or feel you should know about--Fashion, men, news, politics, gay awareness issues and above all it's definitely GAY!
I am a Kent State University English Major,striving to be a writer, and I am a 40-something Gay man so this should be a really fun visit... grab your favorite cocktail and enjoy reading.
The following piece is written by a friend of mine Dr. Franky Dolan from San Fransisco who suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and is an Art Therapist/Hypnotherapist. I hope you are as mived as I was wehn I read this---
Dr Dolan Reports:
There are so many levels of debilitation within the community of Invisible Diseases. In this new year, I want to speak to those who are fortunate enough to not be housebound. To all people, I say this, but especially to those who are physically able to get out of bed... I have one word of advice: Don't settle. Dream. Go big. Be honest. Be raw. ...I guess that would be a bunch of words of advice! But you catch my drift, right? It's totally fine to simply not know what direction you want to go down, just don't go down a direction that isn't calling you. With such limited energy, on all levels, remember that your time is worth more than gold. Too many people spend too much time following things outside of their dreams. Then they look back and wonder why their goals have not been achieved. It is a great feeling to have any level of success. If you are going to make great achievements, you need to work hard (more than most other people, I know) and, as difficult as it may be, pace yourself. Rest more than it feels like you need, and at the same time, push your boundaries a bit. Really live as richly as you can. Take nothing for granted and honor your brothers and sisters who are sick in bed, waiting for a hero to rise above and save our community. ...Until then, we are our own heroes.
I have a close friend who helped me to see my own heroism. She did not have an Invisible Disease, but she was one of the few who truly understood. She was a beautiful, beautiful person, one of those special sparks in this world. I met her so many years ago. We were both following our dreams, each living on a shoestring. We were actors. We were seekers of truth, and spreaders of passion and creation. She was tall, thin and striking with several pounds of thick black curly hair on her head. I was charming, but of course, and still a bit dorky with my own grip of passion. After a very long day of exhausting auditioning in a large Victorian building, we were paired together. We made it, it was Franky and Sandra. We were set to do a two-man show, touring the country and living our dreams. I quit my little job as a nanny (yes, I was a nanny, or, Male-nanny, or, "Manny!" Don't knock it!) and she was a framer. (Yeah, she actually had a job devoted to framing pictures.)
So there we were, two eager souls, putting everything on the line to live a life greater than what we were coming from. I risked it all, and so did she. I loved that about her! We learned our lines, memorized all the choreography and set off to tour as a two-person educational show for children. It was such indescribable fun! Some of the greatest memories of my life were made in only a few months, with dear sweet Sandra. I had already been having odd bouts of fatigue and pain, but was able to push myself forward, secretly repressing this plague that stole my energy and concentration. I was determined not to let this damn disease take everything from me. I didn’t tell anyone that I had health problems when I auditioned, and had no plans of letting anyone know throughout the run of the show either. But as fate often does, it stepped in and switched the gears of my life. I ended up having symptoms impossible to hide. Nobody knew what was happening to my body medically, but I got dramatically achy and dizzy, and I began to lose consciousness. At one point, I actually collapsed on stage, in front of hundreds of bewildered children.
Needless to say, I had no other choice but to call the producers and, for the first time in my life, I quit a show. I had been an actor off and on throughout my life (singer too, thank you very much) and I have been known to perform with the flu, laryngitis, broken bones etc., I never wanted to let anyone down! I was devastated to leave, and so was Sandra. Poor Sandra had to finish out the tour with some cheesy two-bit actor, but she and I kept in contact and our bond never wavered.
Sandra ended up a bit down and out after the show, but she kept her chin up. She moved to New York right after 9/11, saying that they needed more love over there. She landed in Brooklyn, scared and brave, fearless and strong. She met the greatest romantic love of her life and ended up working as an actress, fighting hard to live her life filled with dreams and all things good. So beautiful.
Why do I tell you all of this my friends? Because, she taught me something that all people can be reminded of. She was diagnosed with cancer, and it just kept spreading all over her body... We kept telling each other to keep going, keep moving forward. I thought about all of the days on the phone with her, as I was sick, and as she was sick. At one point, she said that cancer seemed easier than chronic fatigue syndrome. She was so generous and validating that way... But, sadly, just weeks ago, cancer took over her life and her body completely. Her soul had to leave her body, leaving millions of people with one less sparkle in the world. I heard that she died and the clock seemed to stop, my breath seemed to cave, my heart shattered in a trillion pieces. I can truly say that we were friends to the end. ..Though, I don't really believe that it is the 'end.' Among my tears and sorrows, I realized that she lived her dreams. She had such a full life, in a few years. Too many people live such small lives throughout the span of a lifetime, wishing that they had lived more. I am still really sick, now more than ever actually, but I realized that I can reach out and still do great things. Sandra did. So can I... So can you.
If you are able to leave your home on a regular basis, please go out, give to your own spirit as you give to the world. For those of us who are bound to our beds, know that though you may fall asleep alone, our dreams are the same. I am with you in spirit and in love.
I really believe that our dreams can be the gateway to our pasts, our present and also our futures. With that said I also feel that our dreams can also become our reality if we stick to what we really want and we strive to achieve it. I am not talking about daydreams here like "golly I wish I could go to Paris", but those visions into our souls we have when we sleep. Our bodies slowed down from the daily grind, our eyes shut and we in a deep, serene place of rest.
I feel those dreams come when we are at our most vulenerable, and I also feel that those dreams reveal who we really are. That those dreams reveal what we need the most at that moment. I have talked about dreams I have had with Judy in them and the most moving of them all the dream I had of little Joe Luft leading me to "Mama's casket" at Campbell's funeral home. It is still the most vivid to me almost a year later.
With all of this said last night I had one of those dreams that well has changed me. It was different phases of my life after Fashion Design school and me designing different Red Carpet, Charity, Award Show and Broadway pieces for the ever loveable Kristin Chenoweth. Those funny, charming moments flashed across my dreams. The privates jokes, the giggles and dahlinks their were a ton of them. The fittings, the fabric selections and than seein her in my creations at the events. It seemed like it went by in a flash.
Time marched on as I dream unfolded and the next thing I knew I was ina loft apartment I am assuming in New York in bed, very visibilly ill, very near death actually and s itting in a King Louis chair was Kristin holding my hand crying slightly. She said "Sparky ( a nickname actually Suzi Wallace gave me) you are the greatest, you made me gorgeous and I love you for it always have. I may have not said it enough but darling it is so true" I simply smiled, visiblily gray hair what is left of it and very tired looking. "You know Sparky, you are not going to die actually. Believe it or not some of the Glinda magic does exist and well instead of dying I have arranged a special trip"
With that said there stood before me the 16 year old Judy Garland.as Dorothy, she smiled held out her hand and as Kristin began singing "For Good" from Wicked I took Judy's hands and simply went to Oz.
Now I know everybody dies, but maybe when I do I will go to instead of "heaven". Oz would after all be paradise. What I want to happen is the chance to get to know Kristen on that level as a person. To actually get to work with her, design for her and call her my friend. Kristin, if you are reading I am ready now to sew for you
Well after a three day wait I finally heard back from the Kent State UNiversity Fashion Design Program.. I called wanting information on how to apply and what I had to do to becomea part of it.
Well I needed my ACT/SAT scores which I have no idea if I even took those tests in school. I needed 12 hours of transferrable credit which as this point I do not. I have 6 and 2 1/2 years of non-accredited college credit from Virginia MArti College Of Design in Lakewood Ohio. Needless to say VMC is not a recognized accredited school according to Kent. Which is disheartening to say the least.
So I have an appointment On February 1 to meet with faculty, change my major form exploritory to Fashion and at that time will have 15 credit hours that are transferrable. All I need is better than a 2.5 GPA at that time.
It looks like at this time I will be in Fall classes that have studio time unless KSU decideds to add summer studio classes. I can in summer take no-studio classes though and take them at the Stark Campus where I already attend. So that is a huge relief.
The program is four years full-time which means I will be 47 when I am done or 51 if I go part time. A period of time when most people are thinking of planning retirement. ::::SIGH::: well not me kids, either way life will just be beginning! So keep me in your thoughts and prayers and in the mean time as Tim Gunn says "Make it WORK"!
Well the next book in the installment of books by Edith Van Dyne, aka L. Frank Baum that I got for Christmas from Jim is "Aunt Jane's Nieces On The Ranch"
This delightfully charming book takes us on a brand new adventure full of mystery, intrigue and suspense. The story takes out to California at th El Cajon Ranch which belong to Arthur Weldon and his wife Louise Merrick Weldon, one of Aunt Jane's nieces. Right off the bat from nearly the beginning is introduced a very key character through out the entire story is five month old "Baby" Jane Weldon. Louise apparently has given birth to a capitivating baby who everyone adores is affectionately at time in the book called "Toodlums". Without baby not much of a story in my opinion.
Louise writes a letter to our girls Beth and Patsy back in New York saying "Baby" had fallen sick for a period of time and babies nurse had given here chilis as the cure. Well needless to say Uncle John was appalled at the "awful Mexican Nurse" for such an ungodly cure for baby and decides to hire a nurse for baby and deliver himself that nurse in California.
Mildred Travers and Inez are introduced as babies nurses and Inez is right off very jealous and insecure of the educated nurse and all sorts of accustaions start to fly, Milldred is carrying a very dark secret that till the end is not revealed, and I will not reveal here as it I feel gives away a good portion of the plot.
The story includes at times shady Mexican servants, hints of witch craft, an abduction of baby, missing treasure and highly charming and delightful neighbors including my favorite neighbor Bulwer Runyon a high tenor cowboy who affectionately is called "Bul Run".
What made this book comical for me was the character of "Baby" who a few times is referred to as Baby Jane, which of course in my gay mind said one simple thing the infamous Bette Davis charactor from "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane". I know this was YEARS before the movie and not what L. Frank Baum had in mind but every time baby was in a scene there was this image of a miniature Bette Davis in baby drag that came into view I don't as before want to give the entire story away as I really want to encourage you to find the book and read it for yourself but if you have to know e-mail me privately and I will sahre the story.
Aunt Jane's Nieces on the Ranch was written in 1913, published once again by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago and illustrated byE. A. Nelson. The only illustrations as before are the front cover and the inside illustration.. The book measure 7 3/4 by 5 1/2 has 276 pages and origianlly sold for sixty cents. The dition I have is a First Edition First printing, which the biggest clue to its identification is the listing of books on the inside according to "The Book Collector's Guide to L. Fran kBAum and Oz.
Once again my edition was once a library book belonging to the Saint Stephen Martyr School Library in Louisville, Kentucky and has their stamp and pocket for the check out card. This book as well is also marked as belonging to Marie Seelbacj and the Seelbach Hotel City. This now leaves two books in the series for me to read, and I hope youhave been enjoying the fact that I am reveiwing them to a degree and so far have blogged every day of the New Year.
As always happy Judy Garland and Wizrd of Oz collecting.
Charlie
KAMPALA, Uganda — Last March, three American evangelical Christians, whose teachings about “curing” homosexuals have been widely discredited in the United States, arrived here in Uganda’s capital to give a series of talks.
The theme of the event, according to Stephen Langa, its Ugandan organizer, was “the gay agenda — that whole hidden and dark agenda” — and the threat homosexuals posed to Bible-based values and the traditional African family.
For three days, according to participants and audio recordings, thousands of Ugandans, including police officers, teachers and national politicians, listened raptly to the Americans, who were presented as experts on homosexuality. The visitors discussed how to make gay people straight, how gay men often sodomized teenage boys and how “the gay movement is an evil institution” whose goal is “to defeat the marriage-based society and replace it with a culture of sexual promiscuity.”
Now the three Americans are finding themselves on the defensive, saying they had no intention of helping stoke the kind of anger that could lead to what came next: a bill to impose a death sentence for homosexual behavior.
One month after the conference, a previously unknown Ugandan politician, who boasts of having evangelical friends in the American government, introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, which threatens to hang homosexuals, and, as a result, has put Uganda on a collision course with Western nations.
Donor countries, including the United States, are demanding that Uganda’s government drop the proposed law, saying it violates human rights, though Uganda’s minister of ethics and integrity (who previously tried to ban miniskirts) recently said, “Homosexuals can forget about human rights.”
The Ugandan government, facing the prospect of losing millions in foreign aid, is now indicating that it will back down, slightly, and change the death penalty provision to life in prison for some homosexuals. But the battle is far from over.
Instead, Uganda seems to have become a far-flung front line in the American culture wars, with American groups on both sides, the Christian right and gay activists, pouring in support and money as they get involved
“It’s a fight for their lives,” said Mai Kiang, a director at the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, a New York-based group that has channeled nearly $75,000 to Ugandan gay rights activists and expects that amount to grow.
The three Americans who spoke at the conference — Scott Lively, a missionary who has written several books against homosexuality, including “7 Steps to Recruit-Proof Your Child”; Caleb Lee Brundidge, a self-described former gay man who leads “healing seminars”; and Don Schmierer, a board member of Exodus International, whose mission is “mobilizing the body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by homosexuality” — are now trying to distance themselves from the bill.
“I feel duped,” Mr. Schmierer said, arguing that he had been invited to speak on “parenting skills” for families with gay children. He acknowledged telling audiences how homosexuals could be converted into heterosexuals, but he said he had no idea some Ugandans were contemplating the death penalty for homosexuality. That’s horrible, absolutely horrible,” he said. “Some of the nicest people I have ever met are gay people.”
Mr. Lively and Mr. Brundidge have made similar remarks in interviews or statements issued by their organizations. But the Ugandan organizers of the conference admit helping draft the bill, and Mr. Lively has acknowledged meeting with Ugandan lawmakers to discuss it. He even wrote on his blog in March that someone had likened their campaign to “a nuclear bomb against the gay agenda in Uganda.” Later, when confronted with criticism, Mr. Lively said he was very disappointed that the legislation was so harsh.
Human rights advocates in Uganda say the visit by the three Americans helped set in motion what could be a very dangerous cycle. Gay Ugandans already describe a world of beatings, blackmail, death threats like “Die Sodomite!” scrawled on their homes, constant harassment and even so-called correctional rape.
“Now we really have to go undercover,” said Stosh Mugisha, a gay rights activist who said she was pinned down in a guava orchard and raped by a farmhand who wanted to cure her of her attraction to girls. She said that she was impregnated and infected with H.I.V., but that her grandmother’s reaction was simply, “ ‘You are too stubborn.’ ”
Despite such attacks, many gay men and lesbians here said things had been getting better for them before the bill, at least enough to hold news conferences and publicly advocate for their rights. Now they worry that the bill could encourage lynchings. Already, mobs beat people to death for infractions as minor as stealing shoes.
“What these people have done is set the fire they can’t quench,” said the Rev. Kapya Kaoma, a Zambian who went undercover for six months to chronicle the relationship between the African anti-homosexual movement and American evangelicals.
Mr. Kaoma was at the conference and said that the three Americans “underestimated the homophobia in Uganda” and “what it means to Africans when you speak about a certain group trying to destroy their children and their families.” “When you speak like that,” he said, “Africans will fight to the death.”
Uganda is an exceptionally lush, mostly rural country where conservative Christian groups wield enormous influence. This is, after all, the land of proposed virginity scholarships, songs about Jesus playing in the airport, “Uganda is Blessed” bumper stickers on Parliament office doors and a suggestion by the president’s wife that a virginity census could be a way to fight AIDS.
During the Bush administration, American officials praised Uganda’s family-values policies and steered millions of dollars into abstinence programs.
Uganda has also become a magnet for American evangelical groups. Some of the best known Christian personalities have recently passed through here, often bringing with them anti-homosexuality messages, including the Rev. Rick Warren, who visited in 2008 and has compared homosexuality to pedophilia. (Mr. Warren recently condemned the anti-homosexuality bill, seeking to correct what he called “lies and errors and false reports” that he played a role in it.)
Many Africans view homosexuality as an immoral Western import, and the continent is full of harsh homophobic laws. In northern Nigeria, gay men can face death by stoning. Beyond Africa, a handful of Muslim countries, like Iran and Yemen, also have the death penalty for homosexuals. But many Ugandans said they thought that was going too far. A few even spoke out in support of gay people.
“I can defend them,” said Haj Medih, a Muslim taxi driver with many homosexual customers. “But I fear the what? The police, the government. They can arrest you and put you in the safe house, and for me, I don’t have any lawyer who can help me.”
Well the item today I want to talk about I have some time as well. It goes beautifully with the sheet music I spoke about in here yesterday. What that item is, is an original 1914- 1915 Theatre Program for the production of "Jerry" starring Billie Burke. Billie Burke was presented by Charles Frohman and "Jerry" was a new comedy in four acts written by Catherine Chisholm Cushing.
Catherine Chisholm Cushing (1874–1952), playwright. Born in Mt. Perry, Ohio, she scored a modest success with her first comedy, The Real Thing (1911). After writing Widow by Proxy (1913) for May Irwin, she enjoyed a smash hit with Kitty Mackay (1913), the story of a Scottish girl who falls in love with her half-brother. Also successful were Jerry (1914), a vehicle for Billie Burke, and her adaptation of Eleanor Porter's novel Pollyanna (1916). While many of Cushing's subsequent plays never reached New York, she had better luck as a librettist and lyricist. Her musical credits include Glorianna (1918), Lassie (1920), Marjolaine (1922), and Topsy and Eva (1923), a musical version of Uncle Tom's Cabin that was written for the Duncan Sisters and was one of the most profitable musicals of the decade.
"Jerry" from the research I did started at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City and opened on March 28, 1914 and ran only till May 1914 for only 41 performances. How it ended up in the Grand Theatre in Kansas City is anyone's guess but it is nice having such a rare piece of Billie Burke's fame.
The item I found on E-bay around the time I started back to school and if memory serves me right I paid around $13.00 for it which included shipping. To think this throw away collectible has survived this long is just baffling, what I am thinking is that it belonged to an Oz collector like myself. Fortunately it has a very good home now and I am so pleased in sharing it with you.
The photographs are of the entire program. So I hope you enjoy seeing this rare and maybe hard to find item. What I enjoy seeing in this program is the price for a Kansas City Hotel in 1916. A mere $1.50 for the most expensive room they have available, if you could only do that today . Hopefully you can find it for yourself and happy Oz/Judy hunting.
On a personal note, the last few days here have been freezing cold--typical Ohio January weather and for us some light snow. I am however about over it all ready, and have begun thinking about Spring already! I placed a call to the Fashion Design Program at Kent today and left a message about enrolling for it and what I have to do, so I am awaiting her call. I hope it isn't all that complicated. And will more than likely enroll for the program come summer unless I can rush into this semester now? Who knows.
Think I am coming down with a slight cold as my nose is running all the time and my head just throbs but what is a fellow to do? I think I hear the bed calling my name. Until next time gang.
This item I have had a few months and it has just sat. I really fell behind postig here for months as many of you know--well NO MORE! If I want to pursue some kind of writing and putting a voice to what I am thinking than damn it I need to write!
Well Billie Burke did a Broadway/Vaudeville production in 1915-1916 that may have ran longer which I am trying to find out. The production was called "Jerry" and I found on E-bay original sheet music for one of the songs from Jerry called "In Monterey". This was the first time for me finding anything like this ever! And well kids you maybe surprised when I say I paid only like $10.00 total which included the $3.00 shipping fee.
The cover as you can see has this beautiful picture of Billie on the front and I am happy to say all of the sheets as well. What I would love to do is find someone to play this for me so I could possibly post here. I think that would be the coolest.
In the meantime though I want to sahre the lyrics for the song. Words were witten by Harry Williams and music was written by Neal Moret. The publisher was Charles N. Daniels of San Francisco..
Well as many of you know there is something about L. Frank Baum that draws me in, wanting to know more about the man behind the stories and of course getting the stories themselves. I wouldn't call it a love, like I have for Judy but it certainly a deep fascination. Hey maybe in his day I would have had a secret crush I mean after all considering the time frame and style changes he was and still is a rather attractive man. ?!
Anyway, yesterday Jim and I decided to go to one of our favorite antique malls the Medina Antique Mall which you could view at
http://medina.antiquelandusa.com/Default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 anyhow while we were there I ran into this old edition of the "Ladies Home Journal". Now I don't hardly ever look at an old magagizine like this one but I was standing there thinking that was the year Baum wrote Oz and maybe just maybe there would be something there.
Well no Oz, but the inside back cover had an ad for Pettijohn's Breakfast Food. If you look at the ad for enclosing three cut out bears from the three boxes and an eight cent postage fee you got the first half of Mother Goose in Prose!
This book if you can imagine online the few times I have seen it is well over $250.00 so for me knowing that now 110 years ago you could have gotten it as a mail in freebie as they say is just thrilling! The ad itself, just the ad kids, I have seen go on E-bay as high as $50.00 and well I got the whole freaking magazine for -----drumroll please---- $16.00. Made my new year so much brighter.
Of course I am going to keep it intact in the magazine, but will photocopy it so I can frame it and hang it. For those looking for the ad it is "The Ladies Home Journal" June 1900 Edition and the front of it is done in red see the photographs for the ad and the magazine here. So happy Oz/Baum/Garland hunting and if you find a treasure please feel free to contact me and I will share it here.
Well gang first post for 2010, doesn't seem possible does it? Well last night was the first time in years I went out for New Year's Eve. I took Jim on a date to see the new movie "Nine". Oh my gosh what a fantastic movie that was. Incredible cast--Penelope Cruz, Fergie, Daniel Day Lewis, Sophia Loren and so many others. It is basically a movie about making a movie, a great muscial in a time when musicals are supposedly dead.
Sophia, my darlings looked just stunning and Penelope Cruz oozed sex from every single pore on her lithe body! It made me think though that this would have been the kind of movie that Judy would have excelled in and even at the age she would be today. Sophia has to be in her late 70's or maybe more so Judy in that movie is not a stretch and would have been a great comeback.
Well speaking up changes things as I am finding up. As soon as school gets back in session I am going to find out if I have to try out for the Fashion Program at Kent State University or if you just apply. Either way I am going to go for it. It is what I want more than anything else. So keep your fingers crossed that if there is a try out that I make it.
I have to take some pictures today, and then get them developed for this blog as the computer input for the camera card doesn't seem to be working--go figure! In the mean time I am going to say that it is going to be stuff I haven't only rarely seen as far as Oz collecting! Till next time
Well somehow I have lived through 300 posts to this blog, never thought it woul happen. But than again if I posted every day like a blogger does I would have way more than 300 posts. Maybe that should be one of my goals with in the coming year is to try to get as close to 600 entires by this time next year.
I hope you are enjoying all the posts about my Judy Garland finds, my L. Frank Baum treasures and of course my Oz things as well. What I also hope is that you find reading about me to some degree is also enlightening and we become better friends in the process.
Spring classes at Kent State University (Stark Campus) are not that far away and our books go on sale January 10th with classes starting very shortly after that. I am excited. I am taking Painting 1, 2D Compostion and College Writing 1. For those out of the loop this is my second semester at KSU and I ended up with a 3.3 GPA at the end of my first semester.
I am really looking forward to the writing class as I am hoping it will change I write in this blog, how I write in general and honestly was the biggest reason I felt I wanted to go back to school. I wanted to pursue this feeling I HAD something to say". I still feel that way. Honestly there is this huge part of me that would love to be a writer, like one of my friends John Fricke. Maybe, not write on the same topics John does which is Garland and Oz but something.
I have felt for well over a year now that I have no one who I can talk to, who is honestly listening to "WHAT I AM REALLY SAYING". I think they hear what they want and nothing more, voice an opinion usually very different than what I just said and i am left feeling like G-d almighty himself has spoke. Not a good feeling let me tell you kids. Maybe some of you feel this is to personal to share here but at least I KNOW someone is reading-anyway.
I am still very torn major wise between a Fine Arts& Crafts/Textile's degree, Fine Arts/Drawing Degree or do I pursue a Fashion Design Degree or somehting in a Wrting profession. My heart at times screams "Fashion, nothing else Charlie" but again its one of those topics i have no one to talk to.
My biggest concern right now has been this ung-dly crippling fatigue. All I want to do is sleep and so far all I am doing for the most part is just that. it has me worried some about Spring Classes as two of the 4 days I am on campus it is 1/2 of the day from like 8 am to past 1 or so. I can't be like this attend school they way I have it scheduled right now. But I want this college thing so bad!
I am left many times saying "What would Judy do"? Well in my mind, Judy would fight like hell, find someone not only to talk to but someone who would truly listen. Judy would come out swinging and get what she wanted. Judy is by now as you know what most days keeps me going, keeps me motivated and helps keeping me focused. I know nuts but its like she is my guardian angel.
Well gang justa few hours till the new year and I wanted to take the time and wish every one a very happy, prosperous and joyous New Year.
Well, with Christmas happening and all the work that leads up to it I fell a little behind in the reading department. I am happy to say that I have finished another one of the Aunt Jane's Nieces books. This series has been one of the best non-Oz Baum books I have read. I will admit that right now I believe it is the only whole series of non-Oz books by Baum I have so in time that opinion may change.
Anyway, this charming book was written in 1912 and the girls start a small newspaper while summering in Milville where, in an episode directly from Baum's own experiences as editor and publisher for the Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer, a simple typographical error leads to a pistol duel between the offended party and the hapless editor with comic results. This Baum scene can be viewed in the television movie "Dreamer Of Oz" starring John Ritter which right now is available in the "70th Anniversary Box Set of Wizard Of Oz".
Anyhow this book introduces us to two new character's in the series a Ms. Hetty Hewitt who is a New York City resident and newspaper artist who is brought to Melville by Uncle John's banker to do the art work for the paper. Ms. Hewitt is somewhat of a Bohemian who is sent there in essence "to detox" as we would say today. Also a Mr. Thursday Smith who suffers from amnesia for the last two years after a severe bump on the head and is trying to figure out who he is.
The amnesia theme seems to be a popular one with Baum-- a man not knowing his background, who he was and so on, but there it is fresh and new with a brand new mystery to solve with a very surprising twist ending which I do not want to give away.
There is also some trouble in Milville over at the new Paper Mill as well and the roughnecks who work there which develop into one of the most "violent" stories I have read by Baum in a long while. Again not wanting to give it away it does involve a gun shot and a drunken hooligan!
The book continues with Uncle John, Beth De Graf, Patsy Doyle Louise Merrick Wheldon and her husband Arthur Wheldon. Charming dialogue, country bumpkins and all kind of fun ensues.
The book as I mentioned was written in 1912 and Baum had originally written the book as "Aunt Jane's Nieces: Journalists" or "Aunt Jane's Nieces in Journalism", and was somewhat chagrined to learn the publisher had instead typeset the book as "on Vacation", a change he felt was not only inane but ungrammatical". The publisher was apologetic but reaffirmed the decision, adding that "the word journalist is a mouthful for a youngster, especially a girl", a contention no doubt further irked Baum, a staunch feminist and an author who made a career not talking down to children.
Published once again by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago this book was illustrated by E. A. Nelson. Only two illustrations again just like the others, one being the cover the other being the inside illustration. The book measures 7 13/16 x 5 1/2 and is 305 pages in length and originally sold for sixty-five cents! My Edition happens to be a First Edition First printing based on information found in "The Book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" found on page 323.
Well with two books in this wonderful series left I hope I have encouraged you to look for these non-Oz Baum books of course under the pen name "Edith Van Dyne" and to read them for your self they are a very worthwhile addition to any collection of books! Good luck hunting and enjoy reading!
Well the next book in the series of Aunt Jane's Nieces is Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society which I previously owned before this particular auction win and i think I have reviewed before if I am mistaken I will go back re-read the book and then blog about that as well.
The book I just finished reading though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces and Uncle John". Originally published in 1911 by Reilly & Britton Company of Chicago is just an absolutely delightful story.
The book measures 7 1/2 by 5 1/4 and is 275 pages in length. My edition from my E-bay win is a First Edition Second Printing, which basically means the only Aunt Jane's books advertised are the current ones published at that time and at the end of the book there is a "small boxed blurb" about the volumes of this delightful series. This book originally sold at sixty cents.
This story deals with Uncle John Patsy and Beth going cross country in a motor car for part of the trip to California--the land of sunshine and roses as it is described in the book. Niece Louise has married her beau from the European vacation and is on her honeymoon so she is absent from this story. Although Van Dyne/Baum includes two brand new characters who are just as intriguing as our main ones we have had all along. The first is Myrtle Dean who has been shipped damn near penniless by her ruthless Aunt to an Uncle she has never met because the Aunt does not want to deal with her emotionally and primarily financially any more. Well needless to say or Uncle John and girls meet Myrtle thankfully as her Uncle has flown the coop as they say.
Well a train ride ensues to about half way to California and than an automobile trip ensued. 1911 travel is vividly and wonderfully brought to life by Baum and kids let me tell you in a gazzilion years I would never would make a trip like that with the top speed at a mere 50 miles an hour! I did drive from Cleveland to San Fransisco once, took 3 days to do it and the country was beautiful to say the least. But I am sure 1911 is was much more vast nothingness than in 2002 when I did the trip.
Anyway there is a new dog to in the story adopted by Patsy and he is named Mumbles--cute name huh? A kidnapping, cowboys, Indians, a near suicide attempt and slews of page turning events making this book a stand out!
The only illustrations are again the front cover and one inside black and white which are included here.
For some personal news--- I want to thank the few people who have responded to me about this blog and the focus, possible focus and possible changes. I have never been really sure anybody really reads this, I know a few do but I wasn't sure if it made a difference. Well after your responses I feel it does.
The majority of you voiced that you come to this blog because of my posts about Judy and Oz and many of you "may not know me personally" so you felt like you were creeping into private space. I appreciate that. My closest friends though will tell you I am an open book, so don't feel like you don't know me---I want you to, even if we never meet personally. One can never have to many friends
One specific new reader commented "Save your deepest thoughts for those who know and love you the most" I guess my response is that by reading this you may grow to know me and at the least "like me". He also said "Your writings are beautiful and remind me of something I learned in my years of working at Shanti Project in SF. "The broken heart is the heart that has been broken Open- to give and to receive more love."
My heart has been been broken wide open and somehow I survived, G-d knows how but I have. It has made me stronger, braver as my friend John Fricke reminds me all the time. My heart for the most part rejoices and celebrates everything that The Wizard Of Oz, L. Frank Baum, Judy Garland has stood for and stands for. It is a HUGE part of my life. It inspires me, motivates me and encourages me!
Judy especially has done so very much for my life by being in my life, molding my life and if asked for the most part Judy is on my mind 24-7-365. Kind of like that new movie Julie/Julia and her fascination with Julia Child, which by the way I HIGHLY recommend. If only my blog was that successful.
Well this book puts us at over the half way point in the Aunt Jane Series, I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am and I hope if nothing else it makes you want to do something I think is sadly dying in America..... and that is READ!
Actually the next book in the Aunt Jane's Nieces series is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Millville" which I previously owned before this E-bay purchase and I think I spoke about that book already so I am going to skip it. If I find out I did not blog about it than I will go back and read it and blog about it.
The next book I do want to talk about though is "Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work" which would make this the fourth book in the series. Written in 1909 By L. Frank Buam still under the pen name Edith Van Dyne this story is about Louise, Patsy and Beth going to work in politics. There good friend Kenneth Forbes decides to run for Legislature and gets discouraged very early on, so the girls and Uncle John decide for a return visit to Elmhurst to help Ken run his campaign.
There is a dishonest senator, a girl with amnesia and lots of other twists, turns and fun in this story that keeps you turning the pages. As before I don't want to give the story away fully but to get you intrigued to read it for yourself. My edition according to "The book Collector's Guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" is a First Edition- Second Printing printed in 1910. The book is 299 pages in length, measures 7 7/16 by 5 1/4 and originally sold for sixty cents. This book like the others has only one other illustration besides the cover.
Now unto some personal news of sorts, I have been giving some very personal thought to this blog and what goes into it with nearly 4, 050 hits I feel as if people are reading--hopefully. But I am never sure of it. Is it because I belong about Buam, Judy, Oz or is it about me-- because you know me, want to know me, know me better. So I have been thinking about adding more of my story--what is happening as it happens as this blog use to be. Still include the Baum, Oz, Judy stuff as well.
I would really like your thoughts, your feelings, your input about this before I just do it. My feeling now for a year is that I HAVE something to say but just not sure what and that
something needs a voice. This I think is the place to do it.
Well "Aunt Jane's Nieces Abroad" is the second book in this wonderfully charming series written by L. Frank Baum under the pen name Edith Van Dyne. This book was written in 1906 but was not published til 1907, published by Reilly & Britton Company and illustrated by E. A. Nelson. It is 347 pages in length, the book measures 715/16 x 5 1/2 and originally sold for $1.25.
This story deals with the adventures of the girls and their beloved Uncle John. It is of note that this story also coincides with a trip Frank and Maude(Baum's wife) made the previous year. The story shares the same ocean liner, the arriving and departing of the same ports, and staying in the same Italian Hotels.
Maude noted in her journals of the trip that Frank was unimpressed by the paintings of the old masters much like the Uncle John character. The statement Uncle John makes while in Florence " All these Ohs and Ahs over the old masters are rank humbug, and I am ashamed of the people that don't know better". Baum was both expressing his own American chauvinism and slyly referencing that now world famous humbug, the wizard of Ahs.
This story primarily deals with the part of the trip that Uncle John, Patsy, Beth and Louise have in Italy, in particularly Sicily. There is a count or so we think, dealing with the Mafia, a kidnapping, a ransom and many twists and turns and a surprise ending that seems to come out of no where. Once again a very charming story that I do not want to give away all the details of but enough to intrigue you to go searching for this book, or get you talking with me to tell you the story.
The copy I have is a sixth printing done around 1911 and holds the name Marie Seelbach written on the end papers of the book. This book also at one point was part of the St. Stephen Martyr School Library in Louisville, Kentucky. It is stamped in the front of the book and also has the card holder in the back of the book. This book like the previous one has only one other illustration, besides the cover art, and is shown at the left.
This incredibly beautiful Youtube post is by a friend of mine Dr. Franky Dolan. I thought it was incredibly fitting since we are just days away from the Christmas season. To all of my Jewish readers-hoping all of you are having a happy Hanukkah
Edith Van Dyne, beloved and best selling author of girls' series novels, came into being decidedly under modest circumstances. Buried in the October 1905 contract between L. Frank Baum and his publisher was an agreement that Baum would write a book for young girls on the style of Louisa M. Alcott, but not as good. The authorship they advised be given to an "Ida May McFarlamd" or "Ethel Lynne" or some other made up female. How Edith Van Dyne came out of that is not known and the first book in the series was "Aunt Jane's Nieces" published in 1906 by Reilly & Lee. That book became a series of ten books Baum would write. Baum though later admitted he never thought in the beginning that the one book would become a series, and was so popular another author was produced after Baum's death in 1919 to continue the series.
Critics of the time praised the book "One can not make a mistake in getting "Aunt Jane's Nieces" for a young girl. It is an usually good story, finely told and ingenious in plot... You may guess the interest with which this story is followed by the reader, but you can not guess the skill with which it has been worked out by the writer. Not only is there a good moral to the tale but the little book is well written and extremely improbable plot admirably worked out".
The series became very popular to the point where Baum at times was pressured to give priority to the series. The series are sprinkled throughout with episodes from Baum's own experiences as well as subtle and not so subtle hints to Van Dyne's real identity. I do not want to go into full detail of the series as a whole but take it book by book. I was VERY fortunate and bought all 10 books from one seller for one price on E-bay. She is one of my favorite sellers and has exquisite things many of which when I can I buy. The series of 10 is a mix of published dates but the price could not be beat. All ten books for $140.00 which included shipping, a real steal in my opinion.
I want to stay with the first book as I am reading them in order and will post them in order as well as soon as I finish reading them. So I strongly I want to encourage you to stay tuned to this blog for updates about the series, the books I have and hopefully learn about a great series written by Baum himself.
This first book was written originally in 1906, was published by Reilly and Lee from Chicago. It was illustrated by E. A. Nelson, measures 7 3/8 x 5 1/8 and is 325 pages in length. The original price for this book was $1.00. The only illustration other than the cover is the one shown here right before the story actually begins and is just gorgeous to say the least.
My book happens to be a 6th printing done in 1909 has a light tan cloth cover. title is in italic print style an dis slanted. The book doesn't credit Van Dyne on the cover. My book is also marked on the end paper in pencil "To Ruth Genit: From Boby Schumann December 25, 1916". Which makes this owner wonder if it was a gift to a high school sweetheart--romantic thought huh.
This book deals with Aunt Jane who on her death bed summons to meet for the very time here three teen age nieces Beth, Patsy and Louise. She is determined which of her three nieces is worthy to inherit everything she has including her home Elmhurst Mansion. There are twists turns, a mystery boy, a mystery little ole man and a surprise ending as well which leave you t he reader stunned to say the least. If you want to know how it all ends e-mail me and I will let you in on the story.
Every now and then you run across a gem that can not be denied. A gem that the minute you see it, than handle it you have to buy it. Such is the case when I ran across "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". I found this great gem of a book at the Medina Antique Mall and for what I thought was a very fair price, $100.00. My copy according to the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" says it is a first edition copy. Sadly my copy is missing only two illustrations one on page 141 and the other on page 201. All the other illustrations are there and none of the pages are written on, colored in or ripped. There are a few lose pages but nothing horrible.
The book was written in 1902 and was produced by The Bowen-Merrill Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. It is beautifully illustrated by Mary Cowles Clark, measures 9 1/4 by 7, has 206 pages and originally sold for $1.00. The cover is is in red cloth. The illustration and lettering on the cover is in black, green, white and beige. The spine lettering is in black and an off-white outlining: "SANTA CLAUS" printed along the length of the spine with no author or publisher identification.
The endpapers are illustrated in in red, green and black. The plates number 20 in total, six of which are in full color including the title page. Plates are as follows: 2, 10, 14, 24, 28, 38, 48, 52, 60, 68, 76, 84, 92, 116, 128, 140, 168, 188 and 204. There are believed to be six other printing of this book between 1902- 1920's including a British edition.
Now for a little background about the book. Baum published and astounding eight different titles in the period of 1900- 1901. In contrast, with his attention turned to the stage, he produced only a single book for 1902--"The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". January of that year the publishing firm George M. Hill started advertising saying "We believe (it) will make the biggest sensation known to the juvenile book world since the publication of 'Alice in Wonderland". With fierce promises for advertising and marketing the company folded only two short months later with the book than going to Bowen-Merrill which previously produced the "Master Key".
Mary Cowles Clark, a 31 year-old Syracuse artist, likely cam to Baum's attention through her acquaintance with Baum's brother Dr, Henry Clay Baum. She apparently had been tapped by the Hill Company to illustrate Santa Claus and completed the drawings after the project had moved to Bowen-Merrill.
Without boring you with more wonderful background on this book I want to state you can found so much more in the "The Book Collector's guide to L. Frank Baum and Oz" available through Hungry Tiger Press. Information can be located on pages 198 and 199.
The story tells how Santa Claus came to be found, adopted by immortal fairies, came to live in the Laughing Valley, how the first tree came to be. Also included are how he got the reindeer's, the bells for them and the story behind the stockings. It was one of those books I just could not put down. I bought as I have never seen this book any where. Not on E-bay, not at festivals not anywhere and of course being the Baum book lover I am I had to have it.
Take the time, find this book and buy it, you will just love it. for anyone with this book in possession already if you have my missing illustrations pages 141 and 201 i would be very happy to reimburse you for full color photocopies of those pages to add to my book. Thanks in advance.
OK, Holiday pop quiz-----Can you name the first two reindeer's Santa had according to L. Frank Baum? If you can or think you can e-mail me and there will be a very nice nice surprise coming your way in the mail.
Well today I wanted to briefly talk about a book I have just finished that was bought back in Chesterton during the Oz Festival, "Toto In Candy Land of Oz" by Roger S. Baum. As I said before I had the great pleasure of meeting Roger and his lovely wife during the festival and he was just a doll signing all of my books that I brought, and boy did I have a stack.
This book is geared towards children and I thnk would work wonderfully as a bedtime story. It is twenty nine pages in lenght with many full color full page illustrations. The illustrations are by Ronit Berkovitz and are just in themselves gorgeous beyond words. The story mainly is Toto's adventure with Dorothy in Candy Land and his helping the Royal Giant Marshmellow. I don't want to give the whole story away but it is just a clever and entertaining story.
The book is produced by "The Overmountian Press" and was written in 2002.
I want to ask my readers to keep me in your proyers as I went to the doctors today and found out I have an inner ear infection that has been causing some ballance issues. I am on medication for it and had my ears flushed but hopefully the worst of it is behind me.
KAMPALA, UGANDA (article from today's Canton Repository----CantonRep.com/world)
Proposed legislation would impose the death penalty for some Ugandans, and their family and friends could face up to seven years in jail if they fail to report them to authorities. Even landlords could be imprisoned for renting to homosexuals.
Gay rights activists say the bill, which has prompted growing international opposition, promotes hatred and could set back efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. They believe the bill is part of a continent wide backlash because Africa's gay community is becoming more vocal.
It is a question of visibility," said David Cato, who became an activist after he was beaten up four times, arrested twice, fired from his teaching job and outed in the press because he is gay. "when we come out and ask for our rights, they pass laws against us."
The legislation has drawn global attention from activists across the spectrum of views on gay issues. The measure was proposed in Uganda following a visit by leaders of U.S. Conservative Christian Ministries that promote therapy for gays to become heterosexual. However, at least one of those leaders has denounced the bill, as have some other conservative and liberal Christians in the United States.
Gay rights activists say the legislation is likely to pass. But the bill is still being debated and could undergo changes before a vote, which has not yet been set.
Gay rights activists abroad are focusing on the legislation. A protest against the bill is planned for Thursday in London; protests were held last month in New York and Washington.
Uganda is not the only country considering anti-gay laws. Nigeria, where homosexuality is already punishable by imprisonment or death, is considering strengthening penalties for activities deemed to promote it. Burundi just banned same sex and Rwanda is considering it. Homophobia is rife even in more tolerant African countries.
What this legislation could mean
DEATH SENTENCE: for active homosexuals living with HIV or in cases of same sex rape.
SEVEN YEARS: in prison for anyone who "aids, abiets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality", or for landlords who rent rooms or homes to homosexuals.
THREE Years: for anyone with "religious, political, economic or social authority" who fails to report anyone violating these acts.
Well after reading that article I was just enraged to say the least. What ever to the idea of "Never Again"? What happened to the right to the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What the heck did those right wing conservatives tell the people in Uganda and why couldn't they mind there own business? It sounds very Holocaust in feel all over again if you ask me. I ask all of you do take a stand and DO SOMETHING! Write letters to congressmen, your senators even the President of the United States. Something needs to be done and done now! Get involved--my final thought is this poem-----
When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat. When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I was not a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.
I just finished reading one of the best Oz books I have read in a while. It is "Hard Road" by Barbara D'Amato and is basically a murder mystery style story taking place at an Oz festival in Chicago. Now kids don't worry the story takes place not in our beloved Chesterton but in Grant Park (which of course is made up) and involves our main charactor Cat Marsala a reporter. Other charcators of course include the two people killed in the story, Cat's nephew Jeremy and Cat's brother Barry who of course is one of the prime suspects.
I don't want to give the story away but it will keep you riveted to your seat like it did me and for those of us who are DIE HARD Oz fans there are many tips to Oz trivia. One example is that the first person killed carries the last name Plumly. Which of course is a salute to Oz author Ruth Plumly Thompson, but I didn't need to tell you that, huh?
I found my copy at my local second book shop Our Novel Idea which I have written about before and if I remember it right I got this very cheaply. If you have attended a festival, a fan of Oz and a lover of mystery this will be right up your alley. So go looking for it and let me know what you think once you have finished.
Why do I tell you all of this my friends? Because, she taught me something that all people can be reminded of. She was diagnosed with cancer, and it just kept spreading all over her body... We kept telling each other to keep going, keep moving forward. I thought about all of the days on the phone with her, as I was sick, and as she was sick. At one point, she said that cancer seemed easier than chronic fatigue syndrome. She was so generous and validating that way... But, sadly, just weeks ago, cancer took over her life and her body completely. Her soul had to leave her body, leaving millions of people with one less sparkle in the world. I heard that she died and the clock seemed to stop, my breath seemed to cave, my heart shattered in a trillion pieces. I can truly say that we were friends to the end. ..Though, I don't really believe that it is the 'end.' Among my tears and sorrows, I realized that she lived her dreams. She had such a full life, in a few years. Too many people live such small lives throughout the span of a lifetime, wishing that they had lived more. I am still really sick, now more than ever actually, but I realized that I can reach out and still do great things. Sandra did. So can I... So can you. 
