The Haasienda on Shroyer…

When I first moved to Dayton in 1990 I fell in love with the big blue clock that seemed to be wedged right next to the southbound lanes of I-75.

Actually, there was plenty of room but it did look like one could roll down their passenger side window and touch the clock.

It has been a Dayton icon for over 150 years.

It was first on the Callahan Building in downtown Dayton and then moved to the Reynolds and Reynolds building in 1978.  Dayton History moved the clock to Carillon Historical Park in 2006.

The clock served as a backdrop for high school senior and wedding photos or for the countless visitors to Carillon Park.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the clock will permanently (I think) be moved to the top of a new tower constructed in Carillon Park overlooking Dayton.

This is a great read about the historic clock:  Must-see photos: This cherished piece of Dayton history was part of downtown’s skyline for more than a century

I had a copy of Mrs. Roosevelt’s book WHEN YOU GROW UP TO VOTE.

This article Why Eleanor Roosevelt’s civics book for kids is making a comeback is interesting and I love the comments and recollections from her granddaughter, Susan Roosevelt Ireland.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

I don’t know if I’m growing older to the point that I am sensitive to seasonal or weather changes or if the long days of teaching are grinding me to fatigue.

This morning was a deplorable amount of sluggishness and I’m further behind in my research and writing. I fed the dogs, opened the door to the deck, and laid down on the bed in the guest bedroom. I woke around 10:30 AM, quite warm on this muggy morning with Bailey snuggled right next to me.

I have energy for teaching but not much else Mondays through Wednesdays.

Ah, well, I’m forcing myself into motion.

Make it a great day.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

My Sunday student teaching line-up was on fire with productivity and literally washed me out for Monday morning research.

12:30 PM to 10:45 PM was nonstop teaching and the invigorating atmosphere was ecstatic. To top it off, actress Joanna Gleason took time to respond to one of my students who is currently tackling the role, Baker’s Wife that Ms. Gleason originated on Broadway in INTO THE WOODS. It was such a happy moment for this student and I’m so appreciate this connection took place.

The 1:00 PM teaching will commence, shortly, and I am pampering myself with a brief power nap. I’m looking forward to today’s lineup of wonderful students.

Make it a great day.

Photos: Erma & Chief

Jan Etchison, “Jacob,” presenting me with my dreamcoat.

Way way back many centuries ago
Not long after the Bible began
Jacob lived in the land of Canaan
A fine example of a family man
Jacob. Jacob and sons
Depended on farming to earn their keep
Jacob. Jacob and sons
Spent all of his days in the fields with sheep
Jacob was the founder of a whole new nation
Thanks to the number of children he had
He was also known as Israel, but most of the time
His sons and his wives used to call him Dad

I was fortunate to be a son of Jacob a number of times, but never did I adore a Jacob for a stage-dad as I did the incomparable Jan Etchison.

This afternoon, Jan, forever “Jacob” in my heart, slipped away from this life.

In a short amount of time, we formed an endearing bond, and since 1986, we affectionately referred to one another as “Dad” or “Joe.”

The world seems a bit empty, this evening, knowing Jan is no longer with us, but, oh, how technicolorfully bright heaven must be, tonight.

Thank you, Jan, and Godspeed!  I am honored to have been one of your stage sons.  Know you are loved…

May I return to the beginning,
The light is dimming, and the dream is too.
The world and I, we are still waiting
Still hesitating
Any dream will do.

I’d never seen a stage production of one of my favorite movies, STEEL MAGNOLIAS (1989), and I was absolutely enthralled with Alter High School’s production.

Quite often, if we’ve seen a movie adapted from a play prior to seeing the stage production, the stage version may be difficult to swallow because of the film’s expanse in locations and other necessities to make it motion picture standard.  STEEL MAGNOLIAS, on stage, never leaves Truvy Jone’s beauty shop where all four scenes are played.  Playwright Robert Harling’s package is so tightly, beautifully written that it compliments both stage and screen.  Alter High School’s Castle Players complimented Harling’s play.

The set was stunning.  I’ve come to expect excellent sets from Alter High School, but this particular set just seemed perfect, even comfortable.  What caught my eye most was the painted floor that looked like pink and greyish tile barely fringed by the black edge of the stage.  The beauty of it was that from my high perspective, the floor, under certain lighting, appeared to be a quilt spread out over a large bed, overflowing to the floor.  I don’t know the designer’s intention but the effect was quite lovely – the packed wrapped with ribbon and a bow.

The only thing missing was the smells associated with beauty salons!

It’s truly a beautiful show filled with tremendous humor and treasured witticisms.  It feels like the perfect drama.

The six young ladies who tackled this production were excellently cast and directed by Megan Wean Sears on the thrust stage in the newly opened auditorium on Alter’s campus. This is the second production/play I’ve seen this current school year and the thrust stage is such a great asset to shows.  I felt it worked particularly well for STEEL MAGNOLIAS as we, the audience, were pulled closer to into the lives of Shelby, M’Lynn, Annelle, Clairee, and Ouiser.

The sextet was consistent with their portrayals and very three-dimensional.  They treated the tender moments, as well as the humorous moments, which were numerous, with intelligent choices and maturity.  I was completely drawn to each performer’s character and left the show asking myself, “Where are M’Lynn, Annelle, Truvy, Clairee, and Ouiser, now?”

Bravo!

Marisha

A special shoutout to my student, Marisha Ruth Osowski, who played Shelby.  Beautiful job, Kiddo!

There are two more performances of this timely play that celebrates women!

Standing ovation worthy!

Marisha Osowski’s photo credit: Lori Osowski’s Facebook page

MIAGD: Make it a great day

I intended to spend all day at my desk to complete research but as the noon hour arrived with much more beautiful weather I began getting an itch to go explore something.

I elected to go to one of my familiar haunts, Carillon Historical Park To watch for the eagles.

Right now, I am sitting across from the Wright brothers hall, eating lunch and peering into the wooded background to spot one or both of the two eagles.

The parking lot was packed when I pulled in and there were five school buses lining the outer edges of the parking lot. I chatted a few minutes with one of my former students, Lily Cutler, who mans the admissions desk. Several other students also work at the park and I do love seeing them in this environment.

The school children seem to be enjoying their day of fun on their field trip and even the teachers look relaxed.

I know there are some children who will not grasp all the neat and wonderful things this park offers. However, I know that in each little group there will be one or two children absorbing everything just as I did at their age.

I knew I was different when I was a little tyke because I could not get enough history into my mind, into my system. I also valued music and art over participating in sports. I’m thrilled that there might be a glimpse of my own younger self in several of these little peeps because I can relate to the elation and fulfillment that a place like Carillon Park offers.

Recent former students, Ana & Tommy!

I don’t think the day could have been any better as it was a perfect Thursday!

I spent the entire day researching from my desk, taking frequent breaks to play with the furry quartet.  Several documentaries played in the background as I worked.

At 6:30 PM I was at Uno’s Pizzeria in a booth with two special young folks, Anabelle Smith and Tommy Cole, two recent student-grads who are now enjoying their first year in Wright State University’s musical theatre program.

These two super performers are thrilled with their experiences, classes, and lessons, and it was such a boost to see their joyfully-illuminated faces as they described their classes, especially their acting class with Greg Hellems and Ana’s lessons with Becky Barrett-Jones.

This is nothing new to hear former students at Wright State describing how they adore Greg, as well as Joe Deer. Thank you, Gentlemen, and Becky!

We ventured across Main Street to The Schuster Center where to my delight we were seated in a gallery on the side.  It was comfortable, rather isolated, and quite enjoyable.  This is my new favorite spot.  After intermission, my friend, Jenny Davis, and her daughter, Becca, joined us for a gallery party throughout Act II.

SCHOOL OF ROCK?  It was energizing and awesome!

I knew there was a movie, SCHOOL OF ROCK, but had never watched it. Therefore, I knew absolutely nothing about this show.  I quickly assessed the plot and sat back to enjoy myself.  The children performing in this production are outstanding and truly made the experience all the stronger.

I loved this show!

Thursday was picture perfect!  I accomplished a good deal of research, spent time with beloved students, and friends in a setting that always is home.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

We have a dull looking sky hanging over the Miami Valley with on and off drizzles but there’s enough puppy-energy inside The Haasienda as Erma coaxes the three lazy dogs into some active play.

Last night, while dining with my friend, Debbie McCutcheon, the topic veered to vintage days of some childhood favorites.

Debbie said she had always wanted a French Poodle Lunch Box.  I immediately remembered my Peter Pan lunch box and thermos that I took to Washington Elementary School filled with Mother’s prepared lunch.

My favorite meal was peanut butter and jelly.  I can still remember the delightful smell of PBJ wafting out of the box as I lifted the lid.  That PBJ aroma lingered in the box throughout the weekend and when Mother pulled down my lunchbox from the overhead cabinets in our kitchen, I eagerly opened the box to capture the sweet smell of former PBJs.

Another favorite item I shared with Debbie was my Pluto record player.  This was my first real record player that succeeded my Close N Play (see the video, below).  The soft light blue plastic had tiny beaded texture that aided in it slipping from small hands. The arm was a bone.  My Grandpa Leroy made me a desk with two wide shelves hidden by four doors with brass nobs.  This is where I kept my Pluto record player.

I had all the Golden Books with accompanying records to assist with reading, plus many LP Disney music records.

Wonderful memories of school lunches and early listening devices!

Make it a great day!

With students heading to Muse Machine’s final callbacks I realized I would have a free evening after 6:45 PM so I contacted my friend Debbie McCutcheon to see if she’d want to join me at La Pinata in Centerville since I knew Jim taught late at the University of Dayton (he has one of my college students at 9:00 PM).

We had a delicious marathon dinner and chat about everything under the sun.

At 12:07 AM I left the south end of Centerville and somehow ended up in the parking lot of Bill’s Donuts.

While standing in line I was taken with this family with three small children wrapping up their treat to Bill’s.  As they were leaving I complimented them on excellent parenting and explained how I would often bring the boys to Bill’s Donuts at midnight, even on a school night.  Come to find out, they lived in Dayton while he was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and now lived in Los Angeles.  We laughed over the fact that I was getting donuts to send to Los Angeles to my son.

I will get this box off, overnight, to Los Angeles, tomorrow morning.

The weather was beautiful, today, and tonight it is even lovelier.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

I went to bed at midnight and believe I slept rather well; however, this morning’s weight of tiredness says otherwise.

I’ve been up since 7:00 AM and the only task accomplished is feeding the dogs. I’ve remained in the guest bedroom bed reading with the deck door open for the dogs to come and go.

It’s a beautiful morning but heavy with grey clouds. I checked the forecast and I’m seeing no rain in sight; the atmosphere is teasing.

My goal is to finally begin the day at 9:30 AM with research, perhaps with my laptop in the guest bedroom. Of course, the deck feels nice and those days are withering away so hurriedly.

Make it a great day.

Bailey, will at times, pose with regalness.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

The long Sunday teaching was filled with enthusiastic musicians and actors that went long into the night and today I am a bit drained.

The day is beautiful as can be and expected to rise to the mid-80sF.

Very little to report for today but the as the week progresses it will become quite busy.

Make it a great day.

It was a wonderful day and evening with the Melins, Scott, Nicole, Beck, and it was great finally getting to meet Nicole’s brother, Wesley, and his four-year-old son, Dean, who drove in from Pittsburgh to see Ian march on the OSU turf.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the competition.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

September is winding down and it’s a beautiful autumn day; in fact, it’s a perfect autumn day with a fine temperature, bright sun, and a gorgeous, cloudless blue sky.

The morning was chilly so I retreated to my study for continued research after which I showered, dressed, and ran a few errands.

The four dogs are content as they lay about chewing on their new hog hooves.  The smell is atrocious but I’ve four happy doggies.

They received those treats to help with the anxiety of me soon departing for The Ohio State University football stadium for The Buckeye Marching Band contest.  I will get to see students from both Beavercreek and Fairmont high schools competing, this afternoon and evening.  AND, I will get to see The Ohio State University Marching Band in an exhibition performance.  This is one of the most exciting things for me, each year, and I always look forward to seeing Script Ohio, something with which I’ve been fascinated since first seeing it at drum-major camp in 1979.

There are several things to complete before my band family arrives to carry me off to Columbus.

Make it a great day!

The sun finally made an appearance and has given an additional, much needed boost to the day.

He morning was spent researching from the study with four napping dogs surrounding my work area.

At Noon, I drove my neighbor lady and her friend to the airport for her annual trip to Florida. Back home by 1:15 PM, I lunches and worked some more on research.

One of my college-aged students is swinging by for a dinner trip, somewhere. I will probably return for more reading and research.

A good day.

“I simply direct pictures, and if I had my way, every morning of my life I’d be behind that camera at nine o’clock waiting for the boys to roll ’em, because that’s the only thing I really like to do.” – John Ford

While researching endless hours at my desk, I’ve half-watched and listened to a documentary about the film director, John Ford.

John Martin Feeney was born February 1, 1894, and died August 31, 1973 at age 79.

I’ve been a fan of his work: 

• MARY OF SCOTLAND (1936)
• STAGECOACH (1939)
• YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (1939)
• DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK (1939)
• THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
• HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941)
• MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (1946)
• SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON (1949)
• THE QUIET MAN (1952) my absolute favorite
• MR. ROBERTS (1955) this was originally directed on Broadway and co-written by my mentor, Joshua Logan
• THE ALAMO (1960)
• THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE (1962)
• HOW THE WEST WAS WON (1962)
• CHEYENNE AUTUMN (1964)

Ford won two Oscars for war-time propaganda films after securing permission from President Franklin Roosevelt to use actual USA military footage for THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY and DECEMBER 7TH.

Mr. Ford directed over 140 films in a span of more than fifty years, beginning during the silent film era.  He received a considerable amount of nods from the Academy of Motion Pictures, winning seven Oscars, four of which were for Best Director and the remaining as Best Film.

One of the more amusing stories was when John Ford, during a time when he was directing multiple movies and even stepping in for other directors. He was filming a scene with an older man and younger woman, and requested, multiple times, that the couple be more enthusiastic about their kiss.  Finally, Ford yelled, “just grab her tight in your arms and kiss the hell out of her.”  The actor turned and said, “but Mr. Ford, I am playing her father in this movie.”

Filming on location in the Southwest gave John Ford the opportunity to see Native Americans up close.  He became especially fond of the Navajo Nation and worked on their behalf for better treatment and conditions on their reservations.  They, too, adored John Ford.

“A script is a skeleton that you can work on. If it’s a good script, you do it verbatim. If it’s not, then you get a script that you can do verbatim.”  – John Ford

MIAGD: Make it a great day

It’s another dreary day when we’ve barely seen the sun for nearly a week and rain has been predicted for this afternoon.

The temperature is only expected to rise to 65F. The grass is still too wet from previous rainy days to mow.

Despite the dull sky The Haasienda is full of energy with Erma and Harrigan playing in high gear with each mimicking human speech as they play.

I’m hunkering down for research and writing, most of the day.

Other than that, I’m off to make it a great day.

Birthday flowers

MIAGD: Make it a great day

I’ve a ton of writing and research to be doing at this moment but I’ve decided to wade through the voluminous birthday greetings on Facebook.

Yesterday’s “back at the starting line” for this next sprint around the sun, or life’s cross country meet, was exhilarating. It was also quite humbling to receive so much love in various ways. I’m beyond grateful.

Per tradition since leaving for college in 1983, Mother called me at 6:03 PM to sound the starting gun for the newest sprint.

This morning I was permitted to sleep until 8:00 AM and I welcomed the additional hour.

It rained most of yesterday and several times through the night. Everything feels damp.

Breakfast is done and the pooches have gathered around me in the guest bedroom. The Sisters are scrunched next to me on the bed, Chief is laying lengthwise next to the bed, and Erma is at the foot of the bed, partially in the hallway so she can ceremoniously greet any newcomers to The Haasienda.

Now, to read through the birthday greetings and to make it a great day.

PHOTOS: Chief, Harrigan, and Erma were watching a video on my computer monitor. Chief was so focused he didn’t mind me taking photos.

Oh, you bet there’s no loneliness around The Haasienda.

It’s a busy home with 54 students and their families coming through each week and I know my Quartet is spoiled with tons of human attention.

Today, Sue, who’s always been so kind to my pets, was swarmed by the four dogs but Erma was out of the way before I could capture him in the shot.

Bailey was mesmerized by Adam working on his monologues for his college auditions. She wouldn’t take her eyes off him.

I am so blessed with these four pooches and even more blessed with so many who love them, near and far.

Lunch with my wonderful neighbor lady, Mama Kay, at China Cottage in Wilmington Pike.

My Chinese fortune cookie read:

On the way back to our hood, Kay stopped by Lincoln Park to show me the tree that was planted in her honor and then a few yards away, the tree planted in memory/honor of her parents.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

6:03 PM September 25, 1964

It’s the day after two birthdays of two men who had some impact on my being in this world – my paternal grandfather, William “Bill” Montgomery Jolliff and Dr. Robert Ulrey who delivered me.

In television it was a big day. BEWITCHED, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and MR. MAGOO premiered.

Famous folks who share this birthday, together: Barbara Walters, Christopher Reeve, Michael Douglas, Will Smith, Mark Hamill.

At Washington Elementary School, students were permitted to celebrate birthdays the last 30 minutes of the day. Mother always made a construction paper placemat for each classmate with their name written in glitter, cupcakes, and a treat. There was always a celebration at home with the entire family.

In junior high and high school it was pretty much in keeping with others. Kids today really go out for celebrating one another’s birthdays. The 80s were big with hair and glasses but not so much on making a big deal of birthdays at school.

This morning began with students stopping by en route to school, three former students stopping for birthday hugs on their way to college classes, and shortly I will get ready for a birthday lunch with my neighbor lady, Kay.

I received a neat text-greeting from Ethan Webb, a recent student graduate now studying in Slovakia! My Slovakian greeting, ever!

The birthday greetings are pouring in on social media and I couldn’t keep up with them. So, I’m snuggling with the dogs at present.

I’m sending out best wishes to those in my circle who also celebrate this day with me:

• Jennifer Schroeder Stamper, neighbor, friend, mom of students
• Megan Lynn, former student, and always my little sister – a joke that actually became one of great affection over the years
• Chris Fisher, BSU music friend
• Lisa Howard, former student and friend
• Charlie Arthur, friend, musician, actor
• Michael Ingersoll, former student, musician, actor, JERSY BOYS national tour (he was even on Oprah!)
• Sunny Leigh, friend, musician
• Becca Bandiere, friend
• Dylan Hunter Arnold, friend

I spied one birthday greeting from Chris York, the son of BEWITCH’s original (and best) Darren Stevens, actor Dick York.

Tonight, in the middle of teaching, I will receive a most special birthday greeting I’ve received every year for 54 years. Mother will call at 6:03 PM to officially send me off on the next journey around the sun as I officially begin my 55th year of life.

It’s a good day. Make it a great day!

1st photograph, Mercy Hospital, Elwood IN; Julie Barrett, photographer

Since last evening the rain has steadily poured. It’s often come down and strong sheets, flooding the high school’s parking lot and parts of Shroyer Road outside my house.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

It’s been raining nearly all morning and the sluggishness from the energy sapped while teaching Sunday is heavy.

I’ve done very little this morning and the dogs seem to appreciate my nap times.

Today is my final day of being 53. At 6:03 PM, tomorrow, I’ll officially begin my next year’s journey around the sun, entering my 55th year.

This morning, Erma was the only one to oblige my photo taking session. The others walked away or wiggled into blurriness.

Ahh, well! Off to my day. Make it a great one.

MIAGD: Make it a great day

To be honest, I am not a true fan of fall as it signifies my days working from the deck are nearing an end and that colder weather and drearier skies are upon us.

However, I do love the photographic options.  It’s a visual buffet and I love the exploration of colors and light.

I’ve really nothing major to report this Saturday so I am adding photographs from previous falls.

Make it a great day!