More thoughts on Clarence Swenson

This wonderful poem I found online in Clarence Swenson's Online Guestbook provided by the Funeral Home http://www.legacy.com/Statesman/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=124663747 and I thought it was so wonderfully written and really summed up Clarence's life with us his fans and especially his wife that he adored. Clarence, I hope you are one of the very first people I see after crossing the gates of heaven.

To my dearest family, some things

I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know,

that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven.

Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;

here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just

because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you

every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were

missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family,

they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things,

that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,

was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night,

the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.


But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)

Sad Day in Oz

It's a very sad day in Oz today. Our dear loving (August)Clarence Swenson died last night around 7;00 p.m. I am told by the "Everything Oz" Yahoo Group and to make matters worse it was also his wife's birthday the same day.

Clarence was the very last of the Munchkin soldiers from the 1939 MGM production of "The Wizard Of Oz" starring Judy Garland among others.

Born August 29, 1917 in Austin, Texas he was the smallest of five brothers and one sister. Four-feet-six inch Clarence nicknamed "Shorty" began his career in show business when he appeared at the Dallas Texas Centennial of 1936.

In 1937 he supposed to be in Stanley R. Graham's All Midget Circus in San Antonio working with the elephants, as well as playing the saxophone and drums with the band. After nearly eight weeks of rehearsals they opened for a day and a half before they were shut done because of the monsoon rains.

Not long after that, he hopped a train to Hollywood to appear in "Terror of Tiny Town"; and a few months later landed the role of a Munchkin Soldier in the Wizard of Oz. Directly following that he worked in an ape costume in "Tarzan Finds a Son". During this time Clarence was around four feet tall.

When World War 2 broke out he went to Kelly Field Air Force Base in San Antonio where he worked for four years as a radio technician. Clarence married his sweetheart, Myrna Myrle Clifton in 1945. Myrna is most unusual as she is the offspring of midget parents. The two do have children, grand children and great-grandchildren.

It was not until 1989 that Clarence made the step to reunite with fellow munchkin cast members at Oz festivals. Many people have such fond and warm loving memories of the man who was the last of the Munchkin soldiers.

Sadly by the time I learned of these events Clarence was way to ill to travel but I am sure he along with all the other munchkins who have passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and may we all strive to leave a legacy as LARGE as Clarence did.

My apologies

My apologies to those that follow and read this blog but this Fibromyalgia thing has really gotten the better of me and so much of my time is just feeling tired to do anything except sleep. I plan on getting back to blogging more as what little Oz things i do keep me going and let me have something to look forward to. I aks that as always you keep me in your prayers.

The Gluten free diet is going better than I thought it would but with no medication available for me to take it makes things at times very rough. Personally in a way I am grateful there is no new medication to take as there are so many I am on now.

Been some time

I know it has been quiet a while since I posted here but things have been utterly chaotic. First of course is my constant battle with this god damn fibromyalgia. Sorry but that is how I feel about it right now, it just takes every last ounce of everything out of me and LEAVES nothing else. Then last week Jim had his large calcium deposit that was in his bladder blasted and what was supposed to be " a nothing procedure" turned into this week long nightmare--including a hospital stay, 2 trips to the emergency room and just sheer agony for Jim.

Of course the hospital thing is never easy and after 2 --13 hours days there in a row and 2 5 hour stays in the emergency room I am really doing good to know my own name. The doctor that did this procedure is in my opinion one of the very worst there is and his bed side manner/how he has treated Jim has just been simply awful. Jim would have gotten better care from a vet in all honesty.

There are new Oz and Judy items to post and many of them I have to take pictures of to be able to post here. it has been the only thing in all honesty that has kept me going. E-bay this last go around has been a royal pain in my ass. With stupid questions, bitchy customers and not nearly what the items are worth. At this point I am not sure if I am going to continue doing E-bay or not.

The other big news in my life is 3 days ago now we have gone Gluten Free in an attempt to get me feeling better. So far so good. I do apologize for not being better about the posting but I ma hoping that changes and soon and will be sharing some of my new Oz and Judy stuff again.

Meeting a LEGEND!

Well gang if you were not in the Canton area this weekend you missed out on of the best things to hit this area in a long time. Legendary Icon and Female Illusionist extraordinaire Jim Bailey.

Jim not only visually impersonates Judy but he VOCALLY impersonates Judy whit a live orchestra

Jim Bailey was here for a one night only concert at the Historic Canton Palace Theatre for a night of Judy Garland wonderment. Proceeds were to benefit the Tri-County AIDS Taskforce.


There was an add a few months back in the Cleveland Gay People's Chronicle confirming Jim's coming to do the concert which believe it or not I knew as I HAD my tickets in hand already. But what made the add and this whole experience even more wonderful was it had listed the event organizer's name and phone number in the add.


So I called wanting the possibility to meet Jim Bailey first hand prior to the concert. We talked briefly, telling him who I was and that I was looking for a chance to meet Jim Bailey. Well the organizer, Bill Weaver--this wonderful business and gay man invited myself and Jim to his home for the pre-concert gala the the night before which would have been Friday of this last week.


Well we arrived at what turn out to be this incredible Victorian Home fully and accurately restored with about 150 people there. I can not begin to describe how wonderful the home was which also is a bed and breakfast.


Anyhow, when we walked up and were introduced to Jim Bailey, he was the sweetest, kindest, funniest men I have met in a while and so charming and down to earth. Mingling with the guests and Jim's manager Bill Campbell off and on all night--- left my head spinning. As we were getting ready to leave Bill Weaver said we will see you tomorrow night and let me know where your seats are. And said nothing else.


Well the night of the concert we were a little early and mingling with the crowd and Bill Weaver's staff and what not they open the door to the theatre--Bill turns to me and says "Let's see those tickets of yours". He takes one look at them ---because we bought them direct from the box office-- and said "Oh these will never do" took my tickets and left. We sat for a while he came back handed me tickets and said this are much better I hope you enjoy them, there right next to me.


Well the usher lead us down the aisle--closer and closer and closer and I almost fainted as we were standing at the FIRST ROW she said your seat 7 and 8 which is DEAD CENTER STAGE! I couldn't believe it! Well THREE hours of concert had come to a close and they had this raffle thing they did as well that night and I won one of Jim Bailey's CD's.


Bill Weaver was seen talking with "Judy" on stage off mike and he comes back to his seat as Judy sang four more songs. Bill turned to me at the end and said Jim has agreed to sign your CD if you wait for him to take off his makeup. I couldn't believe it, again crying my eyes out.

So Pam Pack-Pappas (from the Everything Oz Group" I belong to was there night night as well and I had my Jim run and get her to take her with us to meet Jim Bailey--her first time my second!! Sit in their in a bathrobe, and turban he was so sweet and kind and signed autographs and hugged us all . We--being Pam and I left crying even more and I left more in Love with Judy Garland than ever before and now a devoted and LOVING fan of Jim Bailey's as well.

Mr. Bailey--You Made me Love you!

Not so good news

I know I am way behind in posting again, but quiet frankly I have been VERY depressed over my visit with the Rheumotoligist I saw earlier this week. The initial visit did not go well at all.

He confirmed I have Fibromyalagia, I failed all the pressure point tests along wit others. It is accordig to him in the advance stages of Fibromyalgia but the real problem isn't the fibromyalgia it is the Extremely High Liver Enzyme count I have right now.
The problem is of course that liver processes ALL OF YOUR Medications and when enzyme's are hihg like mine it can prove dangerous. More medication or even continuing medication I am currently one may indeed lead to Liver Failure, which in turn frankly would kill me. At this point the Rneumotoligist does not want o add additional medications and wants me to seriously talk with my AIDS doctor about discontinuing my AIDS meidcations.

I don't know what to think. Right now I am so scared I can even find the words to express it. I am so depressed words fail to describe that as well. The words can't even be formed in my mind to speak them.
Of course as all doctor visit's go he also announced I have mid -range carpel tunnel he believes I go for test next week. My arches in my feet are to high and he believes I have slipped disk--again more tests.

I have been reading Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning" and the whole point to the book is in trying to find the purpose and or meaning behind what we are currently experiencing. I am having a huge problem trying to even grasp that idea.

There is new Oz/Judy stuff which I have to photograph/scan so I can post but for now I think I am going to close

New piece

Well today physically speaking was very trying, some of the lowest I have felt the last few days but spiritually speaking some of the highest I have felt, is it simply because of the inauguration? Who really knows...

It is hard for me to grasp that as a small child, people of color couldn't sit in the front of the bus, drink at the same fountain or even vote ----and yet today as history is made a man of color sits in office.

My heart rejoices that I have lived to see this moment happen, that this great, great, great grandson of a a southern family who owned slaves and was involved with the Klan was part of the change. That roots of the African American race run through my veins. That ancestor who had slaves also had a colored mistress as well and they had 9 of their own children while he and "his legal wife" had 10 of their own.

That I am not physically part of that history anymore and never was makes my heart lighter than ever. So many of us may have those same "shameful roots in our pasts" but so many of us are "light years" from those ideals ad opinions.

Tears filled my eyes today as Barack laid his hand on Abraham Lincolns Bible and took the oath of office. My heart is so hopeful that real change is not far away


Well Judy wise the piece I want to share with you today is an original 1954 program from the premiere of "A Star is Born" from ICELAND! Iceland , can you believe it and the language of course is Icelandic. This makes the fifth foreign language piece in my collection and is the oldest foreign language piece I have. You really have to love E-bay and for very little money as well.

He would be so proud today

He had a dream

That we as a people could be united

Forty years since that speech was given

The steps of the Lincoln Memorial

The words uttered from a man that was a visionary

Now is the time where we have risen

from the dark and desolate valley of segration

to the sunlit paths of Racial justice.

His dream has become ours

We have joined hands

Cast our votes, elected a new president

A completely new experience for us as a nation.

The bright day of Justice has EMERGED!

I wonder if today as he and Coretta look down from heaven

if tears of joy and happiness fill their eyes

I wonder if Hope has engulfed them

I wonder if their hearts rejoice and their souls are soaring.

I wonder if they with Abraham and Mary Lincoln and John and Jackie Kennedy sit

saying "All Men are created equal and the dream has been realized".

G-d Bless and keep you Barack and Michele Obama

A return to Oz books

Well its been a while since I bought an Oz book and comic books even longer than that. But today in a Vintage toy shop we have in town had these wonderful Oz Manga Comic books and well you just know I had to buy them using money I made babysitting---lol, lord do I sound like teenager or what with that statement.

The comics are done by David Hutchison throught AP Entertainment and started in June 2008 with issues also in July, August, September and November. They are full color and it is basicially the Land of Oz stroy which is about how in the beginning how Princess Ozma was under a spell as boy named Tip.

Talk about your confused sexaul identity story--of course over time Mombi the witch revelas that "Tip " has known no other way as He/she was cast under this spell as a toddler. The graphics are great and well so is the story. This set was unfortunately the only ones the shop had.

The last few days have been very rough health wise and my tests result from the HIV Specialist were fair. He would however like for me to see a rheumotologist as he thinks I have Fibromyalgia---I asked that if you remember LAST YEAR!!! Well he and other HIV/AIDS doctors are finding some long term HIV/AIDS people are developing Fibromyalgia as well--- I have one thing to say---I FREAKING TOLD YOU SO!

This makes me so mad as I have gone a whole year without being treated--I mean what the hell. I am going to go but I already know what is going to be said. I need to learn more about it and see if I can find a support group for it locally and then go from there.

Of course Ohio like most of the winter states in the North East have been in a virtual freezer stage for almost a week now. Temperatures no higher than 20's and well below ZERO at night. This of course has made the Fibromyalgia MUCH worse and I have a few days were all I manged to get done is blogging here if that. Hence wanting Oz books again.

Well gang till next time--try to keep warm, find a good book and listen to a Gay men's Chorus sing "Over the Rainbow"

News from the home front

I know I have been really bad about not posting the last few days but they have been really rough on my health--it seems like all I do is sleep. HOURS and hours and hours on end. The pain in my chest is about the same--which is through the roof and it is just gowing old really fast and I know many of you understand that.

I go today at 7 p.m. for a CAT Scan and tomorrow I go to my HIV Specialist for my 3 month review and for the results of my blood test which include T-cells and Viral Load which I already know is going to be screwed as I have been so sick again. The question is how screwed up is everything and how low is my T-cell count.

My time mainly has been spent trying to stay ahead of my e-mails, sewing on my counted cross stitch--especially after supper. Yesterday was the first real day I did any work--actually 2 hours of work and I ended up laying down for 3 hours. In many ways I hope they find something in those CAT Scans today but in many other ways I hope the don't. I know many of you understand that.

BIG LITTLE BOOKS® and BETTER LITTLE BOOKS - 1932-1949

MICKEY ROONEY AND JUDY GARLAND

Good - $20.00 Very Good-$40.00 Fine- $80.00

Better Little Book®; 1941. Hard cover. Standard size 3 5/8" x 4 1/2" x 1 1/2"; 432 pages. Author: Edward I. Gruskin. Artist: Henry E. Vallely. COLLECTOR'S NOTE: The cover title is different than the title on the title page (Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, The Story of Their Rise to Fame and Fortune in the Movies). This book was written specially for the BLB format. This is a SCARCE book.

I am actually sitting reading this now, before it goes up into my collection.Thats the nice thing for me anyway is that all of the books, magazines, articles and anything else printed I have in my collection I have read them all--cover to cover.

One of my other new pieces to my collection is an autogrpah from Eartha Kitt. Wondering why Eartha Kitt? Well she played the Wicked Witch of the West on Broadway a few years back and from what I have heard was wonderful in the roll. The scan here also shows a picture.

The picture I found online--a rather large file-- copied it to my digital camera disk thingie and off we went to Rite Aide to print it out. Viola new piece for the shrine . What was nice was since the autogrpah was on paper without the photograoh the price was low.

Silent Movies

Well many of you that read this blog may noteven be aware but there WERE movies of Oz before Judy Garland.... some of them even involving the Baum family.

My newest piece in my collection is JUST that. An original SIGNED photograph of Bryant Washburn from the 1925 version of the Wizard of Oz starring Larry Semon, Bryant Washburn, Oliver Hardy and Dorothy Dwan. Bryant played the role of Prince Kynd in the movie which focused in more of the humor than the actual story Baum wrote, even though L. Frank BAum Jr. was involved int he production.

According to online research I have done today--- Bryant was born in Chicago on April 28, 1889. The family moved and lived in Racine from the time Bryant was three till he turned eleven and they moved back to Chicago. He attended public schools and only went to the second year of highschool at Lakeview High School in Chicago.

His first theatrical experience was as a head usher at the old Chicago Opera House and then was promoted to the box office and then decided his place was was behind the curtain rather than in front of it. His first role was in a George Fawcett production and was a bit part. From there he went on to a small summer stock company at Lake Brady, Ohio just outside of KENT--which by the way is not far from here at all.

To keep this rather short Bryant for some reason is almost nearly forgotten today even though he played in over 300 movies. Movies include Captian Midnight, Call Of The Savage, The Spider Returns, Adventures of Captain Marvel and The Clutching Hand.

Bryant died in Hollywood , California on April 30, 1963 and is buried at Holy Cross Cemetary in Culver City California. Bryant had three children.

Playbill's

Well gang many of you may already know this but believe me when I say there are some very wonderfully nice and generous people out there.

As many of you know I belong to a list of different Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz Yahoo groups--and they are the greatest at keeping me informed and making new friends.

Two of my newest are both guys one named Billy and the other Dale (which is really easy to remember since its my last name --giggle). Anyhow I met these two wonderful gentleman by doing a post about if anyone was attending the Liza Minelli concert in NYC and could they get me a Playbill ----well both of these men were.

Billy was very sweet sending me a Liza Playbill along with a few other goodies which one of those was the CD to the concert. It was like being there--I still have to get a thank you note off--the e-mail was sent but it is my opinion a hand written note is so much better.

Than Dale was wonderful and sent two Playbill's as well, plus his used ticket. So the one I took the cover off of, took the inside picture of Liza out and framed them with the ticket. I am now trying to find on E-bay a signed 3x5 by Liza so it will all go together. Its already hanging in "the Shrine" next to my autograph of Lorna Luft.

On top of that if that wasn't nice enough Dale sent the program and ticket to the off Broadway production of "Judy and Me". Well I was stunned! It's this brand new play written and starring Peter Mac as Judy Garland with this "gay kid" who is like a huge fan and deals with som eof the issues many of us deal with being gay and then you add being a Judy fan too. I hear it is one of the best things going on "Off Broadway".

Again I still need to send off that hand written note but the Playbill collection is growing to say the least.

Than last week on E-bay they had very cheaply I might add a 2003 Playbill from "A Boy From Oz" with Hugh Jackman on the cover! Guess who has it in his collection of stuff now!



From what little I know of this play it it is about Peter Allen, if anybody else has any more information on this one please share.

Well I go to the doctors on Wednesday so I ask that you all keep me in your thoughts as I am not feeling much better and its been hard being this down again but will save you all the details. Until next time we run into each other in Oz.

Some news

Well as many of you know who read this blog I have been down sick again and yesterday---well how do I say this without being over dramatic-- I fell again. Just like last year. Spent the rest of the day resting as Jim had promised to take me to the Lion's Theatre in Massillion to see the "Wizard of Oz" on the big screen again.

Mind you I was walking very slowly as my balance is all screwed up and I really didn't want to fall again but off we went. This morning I got up sat on the bed and was very dizzy just sat there before standing and when I did took 4 or 5 steps and well you get the idea-- I fell again.

I am going to be very frank here and if you my readers find it disturbing I do apologize in advance but keep in mind it is how I am feeling right now.......

"I feel like I am getting very little support or maybe it is understanding in how bad I really feel right now. I am tired already in hearing are you any better today. Well lets see last year this lasted 4 months--Gee no I don't. I am really discouraged but I feel like I can't talk about it--that nobody gets why I feel this way. I feel like there is more going on than there appears to be. How can my doctor be so certain it is Costochondritis? Tired of being told--"Well no you can't, because you feel so lousy" or gee you sound like you didn't get much done today. Or golly you sound like your in a lot of pain'

OK I am down complaining-- I just ask all of you to keep me in your prayers as I struggle through this--- I go again on Wednesday to the doctor and am going t0 mention all of this and ask for her to run some more tests to ease my mind. Right now I am just very discouraged!.

Onto brighter subjects---- one of my newer acquisitions to my ever growing collection is a NEW autograph that I am just so excited about it is ................Kristin Chenoweth. From Broadways "Wicked" of course and then of course my favorite TV show "Pushing Daisies". The autograph has a caricature of Kristin by Marshall Jay Kaplan which in my opinon makes it that much more desirable.

It's Official

Well it is official----The new blog name fits the blog "My Journey with Judy" and "A Journey From Within" is over. I mentioned this a month ago had it posted on the old blog and hopefully all of you made the change to the new site. A new year and hopefully a lot of positive changes not only for the blog but also for me.

You may also notice that the blog not only being more Oz and Judy related is also going to reflect a more "gay" theme if you will, after all it is who I AM and I have decided to embrace that part of my life more, hopefully you will stay around for that journey as well. Posts and videos of "questionable" nature will be listed as such so you can skip them if you like--of course as always nothing vulgar---smile.


My parents were out to day for a very short visit and while they were here I am happy to report they took the door off the Judy/Oz room which frees up a lot more wall space. The Big Christmas tree that was in the room is also down it took me some time to do it the last few days but it is down. I found these really nice green ornaments so I am going to take a smaller tree and set it up so its up Year round with the Oz ornaments I have on it plus these new green bulbs. I will have to take a picture of it once it is up.

Last night we went to the neighbors for a neighborhood New Years Eve party us and 5 other couples and they all played my Oz trivia game while I read the questions. I was politely told I knew too much about Oz and therefore had to read the questions. It was a lot of fun. Only 3 questions out of the night I did NOT know ---giggle!

The "cold" I have is about the same but it has made me really weak being in so much pain all the time, its odd as my family thinks I am on my way out--boy they don't know me do they.

My newest piece to the ever growing collection was purchased just a tiny bit before Christmas with funds I made off E-bay selling dolls--Hurrah for E-bay! Its a new "Wiz" selection for my

very small Wiz Collection. I have the movie and a signed Program that I spoke about a few weeks back. This piece is the original "Premiere" Program handed out to everybody at the Premiere of "The Wiz" now30 years ago. It has really great pictures of the movie and the cast. And for under $30.00 I felt well worth every penny.

Going to be keeping my eyes out for other "The Wiz" stuff to add to the collection--A Diana Ross or Michael Jackson autograph would be nice but than again I maybe dreaming.--oh well its that to to ease on down, ease on down that.....

Costochondritis ROUND 2

Well as that girl in Poltergeist said---- "It's baaaaaack", I could hardly believe it. The doctor said yesterday it is Costochondritis and Internal Shingles again that have me so ung-dly ill again.

Three medications and lots of bed rest I was also told yesterday that as far as the SHigles go they may never become external, if they do it could be rather serious but it also doen't mean that would be the end of it, they could come back over and over and over again.

Right now I am so depressed over the whole thing it isn't even funny, I just dread the thought of possibly being ill again till Easter---like last year. For those of you who were not reading this blog last year Costochondritis is an infection which causes your bones in your ribs to swell and causes incredible pain. Add to this the internal Shingles and that pain which is quiet intense and the Shigles being in my chest--you can begin to understand why I am on heavy duty pain killers and why this has me so down.

Between the two infections and the medicationsto treat them my Advanced Nueropathy is also out of whack which screws up my balance again. I haven't fallen like last year yet, but she wants me with no less than a cane but would perfer me with a walker till this passes again.

Well the new goodie I want to share is the BRAND NEW just released in December Marvel Comics "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Comic book by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young. From what I understand is that it will be a series of eight comic books, one released every month for eight months which started in December it also has/had a free sketch book. The sketch book was to be out before but from what the guy said there were some minor problems with production. The guy that runs a vintage toy shop/ comic book shop set both aside for me as he knew I loved Oz so much.

When I went to ask about them about a little over a week ago they had just come in and he was very nice to me and gave me the promotional poster as well, I was stunned to say the least. He also mentioned that he will be getting the Gentle Giant Oz busts as well--- so somehow I have to set aside money for those maybe I can sell my body to science---giggle!

I also wanted to point out that this blogs web address changes on January 1, 2009 which is this thursday to http://MyJourneywithJudy.blogspot.com so hopefully you have that marked down, I would hate to lose readers but I wanted the title to reflect the blog more.

Until then keep me in your prayers adn that I recover rather fast.

Some new Oz/Judy items

Well I know it has been awhile since I posted about some new items in my collection. The last few purchases have been Michael Roche figurines and I have more to buy before I finish the series. You can see some of them in the fourth picture in the entry called "The Shrine".

As far as Christmas goes the only Oz things I had given to me were from my Secret Santa and my year long Secret Pal both from the Everything Oz Group I belong too. "Glinda Pam Pack-Pappas and I met when I had blood tests in Cleveland right after Christmas and she was very sweet and kind to me with goodies and lunch and for that I am indebted.

Nothing says the holidays like a good corn beef and latkes with potato salad in my opinion.

The first item I have had a little time and it is a "Look" Magazine from October 7, 1969 with an article written by Mickey Deans about Judy's last tragic months. The story is like 4 pages long and is mostly things Mickey re-says in his book that he writes later that the article. The book is "Weep No More My Lady" which I have had in my collection for some time.




The second item I want to mention today is original sheet music from "Meet Me in St. Louis" and of course is the theme song from the movie "Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie".

Directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by Arthur Freed the movie went on to be a classic and you can check out the Christmas post with Judy singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" The song was written by Andrew Sterling and music was by Kerry Mills.

On a different note I want to ask that you all keep me in your prayers today as I go to the doctors as I have felt just god awful for over a week. My chest and back hurting just as bad as last year this time. My legs and arms hurt really bad today and strength is a problem. Personally I think it is either the internal shingles flaring up again or it is the start of pneumonia, but than I am no doctor--I do know how I feel.

There are other things I want to cover in the upcoming days and some other new goodies I have added to my collection to sales I did right before Christmas on E-bay. So until then......

Merry Christmas from MY girls

Well this first one is the newest girl in my family--Toto and this is her very first trip to the groomer's

This second one is the diva Jackie and have had her the longest at 3 years now.

And last but not least is Glinda and have had her now a little over the year--she is my spitfire.

I tried getting all three in one shot for you with their Christmas bow-bows and them freshly grooomed but I wanted to share my best OZ collectibles ANYWHERE!

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Some Judy Artwork

Well I had a request to post some of the Judy Artwork I have been doing lately most of it original actaully all but one. All painted in acrylics. Hope you enjoy.

Ok the very last one is based on a drawing done for one of Juudy's concerts, I liked it so much I drew and painted it ON MY WALL next to the room that hoses darn near all my Judy/Oz stuff again painted in acrylics.

Just thoughts-- no words need to be said----