James Franco - & a little nostalgia

April 12/12.

Went to a screening on Tuesday afternoon at the old Bloor Cinema across from Honest Ed's.

A small group of reporters/critics attended the Hot Docs festival preview of Francophrenia,

starring James Franco (as "Franco"), here with Steve Burton (as "Jason Morgan"). It's a kind of out-there experimental film about Franco's experience appearing on the daytime drama General Hospital. (As a a GH fan for over 30 years, I loved it).  Lots of fun listening to Franco's whispered internal thoughts about the scary General Hospital journey.

Also tons of behind-the-scenes footage on how the action came together (in between meeting fans during the shoot). Looks like I may get to interview Franco when he comes to town later this month! Hope so.

And will interview another GH star - Rick Springfield about HIS Hot Docs film, An Affair of the Heart. Should be great! I'll be writing a profile about him for a newspaper. Details soon.

While driving around later on, doing errands and running hither and thither, felt nostalgic about Mum, so made a brief stop in front of her old house, just to see how the place was looking. (blurry pic to match the blurred emotions I guess). I miss my Mum.

Also stopped by Carrie's place to check on the squirrel nest situation. Lots on the go, some of it sad. Will report on Stella and the her baby brood later.

While at Carrie's place, she showed me some photos on her computer. On Good Friday, she sang at a church in Mississauga which was very close to our old childhood home. She drove to the Port Credit house to see it. When we lived there as kids, it was a small family home. That's all been torn down and turned into a mansion! The area is SO upscale now. Whoda thunk it back then?

She also checked out our old public school, Kenollie. Those days were fun tymz.

Car keys, Passover, red hair, General Hospital and James Franco!

April 9/12.

The other day, I wrote about losing my car & house keys while at a screening of Titanic in 3D. Such a drag. Despite a thorough theatre search, Kate & I turned up nothing. Left my name and number with someone at the box office, but no call all weekend. I was SO mad at myself for somehow misplacing them, since the cost to replace the key and the electronic gadget thingy to open the doors was going to be about $150. Just what I need. (not)

Then, minutes before I was about to head to the car leasing dealership to order the key, I got a call on my new iPhone from the manager at The Beach theatre. The keys had been found!! YAY!! Thank you to Eric,  who returned the keys to me and took this pic! He doesn't know where or how they were found, only that someone turned them in. Just SO happy to have them back, and at no cost! And yep, that's my new jacket, made in Nepal.

Last week, I saw this jacket in the window of Alchemy on the Danforth. The store was closed. I went back on Easter Sunday to try it on, but the one in mauve was only available in extra large. They had one medium jacket in turquoise. The only one in small was red (not usually my colour), but I love the wild style, so, bought it! As an extra incentive, the owner gave me a deal - knocked a few bucks off the cost. Very nice of him, and now, I have a coat of many colours!

The second seder at my parents-in-law's place was every bit as good as the first one. Mum B really outdid herself again with another massive feast.

Here's a little story about my Dad-in-law, Ben Bornstein, which is kinda funny. It has to do with the Afikoman. I looked it up online so I could explain it properly.

At the beginning of the seder, the middle of three matzot (plural for matzah) is broken with the larger piece tucked away for later - this piece is called The Afikoman.

Children over the years have been kept awake during the seder by playing a game of hide-and-go-seek with this "dessert." The person leading the seder will hide the Afikoman and at the appropriate time ask all the kids to go find it. Since the seder cannot come to a conclusion without eating this Afikoman, children will get toys or other gifts as a reward for finding it.

Every year that I've been in the Bornstein fam, (almost 30 years), my Dad-in-law "hides" the Afikoman and one of the kids has to find it. Then he gives money to each grandchild. (a tradition they naturally love)!

This year, Ben didn't feel like looking for a good hiding place, so he stuck the piece of matzah in his shirt pocket. (Adore this pic. He still has the mischief in the eyes). All the grandkids knew where it was, so when it came time to try and "find" it, my son, Max (17) and his cousin, Justin, (16), cooked up a scheme together.

Max suddenly announced to his Zaidy that he was thinking of dyeing his hair bright red again. (this pic was taken back in June 2009).

This unexpected (but fake) revelation, distracted and shocked Ben long enough that Justin could sneakily swipe the Afikoman from his Zaidy's pocket! Hoo haw!

After that, all the grandkids (and their significant others) were able to collect their generous reward of 10 bucks each! (left to right - Robyn, Max, Kate, Damian & Justin). Thanks Zaidy!! You da man!

After dinner with Damian (who is not only brilliant and funny, but has been extremely helpful to me with all my current computer challenges, frustrations & woes - which are never-ending), and my beautiful daughter, Kate.

Cut, print, moving on!

On Tuesday afternoon, I'm all excited about finally rejoining "the land of the living" (i.e. - the START to getting back to some form of work!) I'm attending a media screening of the James Franco documentary Francophrenia - (part of the Hot Docs festival later this month). The film chronicles his experience as an actor on the soap opera General Hospital (my fave show for over 30 years!)

Here are some of his earliest scenes on GH.

 
He played the menacing & maniacal psychotic crime scene/graffiti artist, "Franco"! (who else?) He was fantastic on the show, (and even got to work with the great Tony Geary! ("Luke") - Loved their scenes together. ("Stand back Picasso!")  It's quite clear Tony was having a blast working with James - (especially 6:11 to 7:45). And to top it off, James also crossed paths with marvellous Maurice Benard (murderous mob man "Sonny Corinthos") - 8:23 to 9:15. Great material. Too damn bad they killed Franco off. (or DID they???????????)  Really hope I get to interview James when he's in town! - Once a soap fan, always a soap fan. (at least when it comes to GH). I KNOW as a GH addict, I'm the one to interview him! (too bad nobody else knows it)!

Job search, Kevio, Tafelmusik, Carrie, Kate, IKEA, hair colour, soap opera & shellac!

March 30/12.

Today marks the end of two weeks, searching for even one publication willing to use my services as a freelance entertainment writer. So far, nothing. Hours and hours of research, emailing and phone calls have resulted in, "Thanks, but no thanks." Times are tough out there for everyone. Reminds me of those hilarious Lloyd Bridges scenes as spaced-out air traffic controller Steve McCroskey in Airplane (1980), when he continuously complains he picked the wrong week to quit smoking, drinking (and everything else!) Still makes me laugh. (someone on youtube conveniently strung them altogether for full effect!)

 
Can relate there Lloyd. (I sure picked the wrong week to try and track down work)! Still something on the go, but not sure it will happen. Really miss the days at TV Guide as the Soaps columnist, interviewing stars, transcribing and writing columns every week for seven years. What a blast. Terrific job for me. I was on a high every time I picked up the phone!

It was great fun and I loved that gig. In 25 years of talking to daytime celebs for radio, TV and print, never had a single bad experience. Soap actors and actresses are always talkative, funny, generous with their time and willing to chat about anything and everything. (Of course, Tony Geary, "Luke Spencer" on General Hospital, was my favourite). Still is.

This is me taking a break today after a full physical with my GP - blood work, ECG, blood pressure, etc. (Princess Margaret Hospital leaves nothing to chance. They want you to have a physical every year, as soon as the timing is right for OHIP to cover it, so they're sure your overall health is good). My weight? Stuck at 97 lbs. Have an appointment with a nutritionist this coming Tuesday to help me gain a few more pounds. (OK everyone)? This shot was taken outside the neighbourhood coffee shop, Riverdale Perk. I gave up coffee many years ago. (Have ENOUGH nervous energy without adding caffeine to the mix!) My cousin, Kevan happened to drive by to grab a takeout jolt of java and took this pic. (I was buying milk at Luke's, the convenience store next door). Then I turned the camera on him. He likes my new (leased) Subaru! I've had it since last August and it's really fun to drive.

Kev had a chance to drive the car this week and loved it! We went to a concert together. More on that in a moment. In fact, Kevio & I spent a fair amount of time together over the past few days! Fine with me. He da bomb!

(and his badly broken ankles have healed very well since last summer and all the physio at Bridgepoint).

Those "rehab" days seem long gone now. This is last September 4th when Max & I paid Kev a visit in the sunny courtyard. He's come a LONG way baby!!! 

Earlier in the week, I stopped by Auntie Ray's condo to chat, but she wasn't in her unit.

While taking the elevator back down to the lobby, I spotted a seniors resident who reminded me SO much of my late Mum. Her name is Dorothy.

 I asked if I could take her picture for my blog. She said yes. Her hair was the same as Mum's, and even the off-white jacket she had on was exactly like one Mum used to wear. I thanked her, then turned around and left the elevator in tears. I never know WHEN emotion will hit me. 

Tracked Auntie Ray down in the diningroom, having supper with her son, Kev. We all had a nice visit. I told her about the woman who looks like Mum and she said, "I know exactly who you mean. I think of Jill every time I look at her."

After dinner, we walked Auntie Ray back to her unit. No more crutches, canes or even limping for Kev. He bounds all around town now, on foot, in the car, whatever, -  (while she gingerly uses her walker). But hey, at 92? - Doing GREAT!!

Home sweet home for Auntie Ray. Gorgeous decor.

Tuesday night, my sister, Carrie, had some comp tickets for Tafelmusik's 30-year concert anniversary event at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. (She's been singing soprano with the fabulous group for over 20 years). Kevio and I decided to go together. I picked him up and then he drove my car to the theatre so he could try out the Subaru!

Don't believe you're allowed to take pics, but I go by the Auntie Ray philosophy, - "Don't ask, apologize later." Snapped a few shots from the great seats Carrie obtained for us. Ivars Taurins conductor.

Sure wish I could have gotten a better shot of Cayr. She's second row from the top, fourth person over (the shortest of the bunch, but the best, most glorious and angelic voice!) She had a mind-blowing solo. The Carrie Loring fan club (see below), all in tears when we heard it. (though you'd never KNOW it from this mini-celebration pic! ha ha!)

Afterwards, giddy & emotionally drained, we met up with Carrie for this post-concert photograph. (left to right), Kev, me, Carrie, composer/musician extraordinaire, Eleanor Daley and my super singer sister-in-law, Mary Spence-Thomas, (just back from a two-month exotic & adventurous trip to New Zealand, in the nick of time to catch this show)! Love this shot.

The abundance of Tafel merch 

was selling like hotcakes following the fabulous performance!

Not only was it a phenomenal showcase for the choir, but also a welcome-home bash for Mary! Cheers!

The 3 Musketeers. All for one and one for all!  Congrats Carrie, on the incredible show and thanks for the tickets!

Switching to casual mode, this week marked a GPS-guided trip to IKEA with Kate to buy a new duvet cover, sheets, pillows and pillow cases, among other things.  She's had the same bed/mattress since she was about two-years old, so it was WAY OVERTIME for an upgrade! Ordered the mattress, box spring and Duvet from Sleep Country, to be delivered and assembled. IKEA would provide the extras. 

By the time we got there around 3:30 p.m., we were starving,

and headed directly for the cafeteria! Kate had the famous Swedish meatballs, a salad and pop. I opted for poached salmon, veggies, fries, tea, some kind of Swedish coconut cake and a chocolate nut bar to share with Kate. (Yep! I DO eat!) It was $20 for the two of us and all delish!

We followed the yellow-brick-road-arrows on the floor all through the massive IKEA showroom.

So many cool things to see.

I found a nice office to work in, if I'd been able to figure out how to operate the computer!

Kate fell in love with this $500 carpet.

And if the Three Bears were with me, they would have said, this bed was, "Just right!" 

We ended up storming the endless IKEA shelves for a pile of accessories, including storage bins and magazine holders,

(Carrie's orders), - to pack up my "home office". Much of the stuff here has been discarded since this pic was taken! But the bins I bought will help a lot with the rest! 

The next day, Kate had a final session as coach with her Rosedale Heights improv team. They presented her with a beautiful bouquet of white roses to say thank you for her encouragement, ideas, suggestions and guidance. 

Later, Kate finally got to see master hair stylist, 

Paul Taylor from INI Hair Design, (after two years without attention to her glorious tresses), 

and ended up with a gorgeous, dark, rich new hair colour and flat-ironed style! Looks fab!

Last, but not least, we were awaiting the delivery of the Sleep Country mattress, box spring, etc. I got home from a bunch of errands, only to see

Kate's rosebud pink baby headboards out in front of the garbage bins. They've been in her room for almost 18 years and it was tough for me to see them leaving the premises forever. (cue the tears). Ya, I know, I'm a wimp. Only hours later, someone took them, (which is what we wanted). Only hope they'll bring happiness to someone else!

A little later, the guys from Sleep Country brought the brand new double mattress for Kate, along with the new box spring. Good news? The mattress made it up to the third floor. Bad news? Box spring? Fuhgeddaboudit! No way it could be forced around the hairpin staircase turns to her bedroom.

So back it went into the truck. A week from now, a two-piece box spring will be delivered and assembled. For now, mattress on the floor. I was disappointed that Kate didn't get to enjoy the full effect of the new bed, but she was OK about it all. She has a lot more patience than I do! To get my mind off things, I sat at the computer, read up about freelancing, (I could just about write a book on the subject now!), sent off more letters, emails, resumes, requests, 

and then took off to Urban Nails to get my shellac done! 

This time, Kelly was away, so cutie Katie did them for me. Beautiful job! Still can't seem to get over having fingernails! (and strangely, the nail colour? - Rosebud pink - same as the baby headboards). 

Job search continues next week. 

Meanwhile, missing someone I can't see. Sigh.