~ It’s my party & I’ll Cry if I want to ~ I am fortunate to have a mother who reads. Well, she doesn’t read, she listens, she is blind from radiation necrosis, but we consider it reading (strangely I know some who don’t). It is a rare joy to be able to share a […more…]
~ How I Threw a Surprise B-day Swing Party ~ The impetus Driving over the Coronado bridge rain streamed down my window, Big Band belted from my radio, my hands smelled of smashed garlic, fresh basil and mint. I took a deep breath. Mixed with the rain it was heaven. I focused on delivering the […more…]
~ Love Vintage: 6 Must-See Modern Movies ~ Not all classic movies are from the Golden Era, there are some modern movies that get it right. I’ve chosen a few which feature the Hot Jazz era to the Big Band war years. These films excel in capturing period style, great acting, witty dialogue and killer […more…]
~ DO ARTISTS CREATE THEIR OWN REALITY ~ I have been blogging for years but mostly about subjects which reflect the content of my novel: vintage clothing, jitterbugging, cocktails, vintage sewing and WWII memorabilia. When Candace invited me to guest blog I was grateful and thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss some recent thoughts […more…]
~ Shimmy Shimmy Shake: Magical Memories of Dance Joy ~ My chest was un-hitched, arms in open hug position. Breasts jiggled, nipples polished the inside of bras. Across from me, Ali had her chest thrust out, arms open, with a slight pelvic inward lean, she was “shakin like a polaroid picture.” Lizzy popped up and joined […more…]
~ Brightness: Swinging Blind ~ Mom had been blind for several years. The darkness came upon her in stages as the brain was dying from necrosis. The radiation that killed the tumor killed her sight. She had a new friend. Sure she’d had friends BEFORE she went blind, but this was different. Her new friend was […more…]
~ Swingin at the Savoy: Book Review ~ by Tam Francis Lindy Circles If you’ve heard the name Norma Miller, you’re probably a Lindy Hopper. The mention of her name in Lindy Hop circles always spark discussion. Even if you’re not a swing dancer, read her book, Swingin at the Savoy. You’ll be invited on […more…]
A Vintage Visit Home-Adventures in Dance Longing for Lindy My navy 30’s lace-ups clicked on the sidewalk as I walked myself to the dance for my visit home. The school auditorium perched between two rows of classes, creating a U-shaped courtyard. A vendor displayed t-shirts, shoes, stickers, and Lindy paraphernalia. I stopped and fondled the Remix […more…]