At The Movies!

I'm so excited as I love working Film Festivals and I'm in NAPA right now working this event.  In the past I've worked both the Denver Film Fest and the biggest and the best, Sundance.   I've done everything from arrange transportation to cooking for the starving artists to working the Red Carpet.   At this one I'm a concierge for the the VIP patrons.

I just love the ambiance and the environment which makes me feel like I'm inhaling creativity everywhere I go.

Today I set a new record, 2 movies and 5 short films in 8.5 hours plus worked 3 events.

The Fabulous Ice Age is an interesting documentary exploring the popularity of the old skating stars like Sonja Heine and the extravagant shows -- like Ice Follies and Holiday on Ice.  I loved the movie as it reminded me of all the Saturday afternoons I've spent with my mom watching ice skating competitions.

Old Stock was a quirky picture about a young man who decides to hide out and live

in an assisted living home after a car accident.......so he starts acting as if he's 65 instead of 20.   

 

Don't Stop Thinking about Tomorrow!

 

FLEETWOOD MAC  -  THEN

Fleetwood Mac, one of the biggest bands of the ‘70s, was quickly becoming nothing more than a footnote in Rock History until Bill Clinton decided to use their  anthem “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow” as his theme song for his 1992 campaign.  

That song, combined with his playing the sax, connected with the younger generation and helped get him elected.  And when President Clinton requested they perform that song at his first inaugural ball; band members (who had not performed together in 10 years), put their egos aside and gave a rousing rendition.  http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/flashback-fleetwood-mac-reunite-for-bill-clintons-inauguration-20130122

Being the “concert junkie” that I am, I just don’t know how I missed seeing them back in the ‘70s; so I was thrilled to hear that all the original members except  Christine McVie had reunited for a tour this year and would be here in Denver at the Pepsi Center.  Tickets were hard to get, but for a 23% premium, I managed to score some on the secondary market – Flash Seats.  http://www.flashseats.com/  

 

Time apart didn’t diminish their onstage chemistry and during that high energy concert, lasting more than 2 hours, they covered most of their big hits.  It was an exciting, nostalgic show, complete with a psychedelic light/slide show reminiscent of the ‘70s concert scene.   They rewarded our enthusiastic audience with 3 encores ending with “Say Goodbye”, a heart-tugging song of lost love.  (Fleetwood Mac fans all know the story of the Nicks/Buckingham breakup…..put to music here.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtxoHDAeJ6s 

I love the song “Don’t Stop Thinking about Tomorrow”  because it’s a song of hope and optimism.

It should be our Baby Boomer’s anthem because that attitude of thinking about tomorrow, planning for the future and not living in our past--no matter how exciting and rewarding it might have been—will keep us young.     Take a few minutes – enjoy the video and read the lyrics.   I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/f/fleetwood+mac/dont+stop_20054276.html

 

2013 Fleetwood Mac touring members

Rock'n'Roll Never Forgets

That's the Bob Seger I fell in love with in the '70s.......the long-haired sexy dude who could turn-you on just with his sensuous voice and seductive words!

I recently saw him at the Pepsi Center, Denver, and just like the rest of us he's changed quite a bit (see picture below), but his voice is as fabulous as ever.

I loved his show as he just doesn't need all the props, lights and other hoopla that some current singers need because, let's face it, their voices aren't that great.  They are more into the 'production' side of a concert; whereas, Seger's voice and a piano or guitar is all he needs.

Seger became an even bigger hit after his song "Seems Like that old time Rock & Roll" made Tom Cruise's career skyrocket in the movie "Risky Business".    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsSVcRYh8dE

He's still on tour so check out his schedule at:  http://www.bobseger.com/

Fun Freebie

Because most of us Boomers are on fixed retirement incomes, seems like we're always looking for free food and entertainment.   Are you?   Then why not try an Art Walk or First Fridays?

Not only is it FREE admission, but most galleries also have free appetizers and wine.   Plus it gives you a first hand opportunity to view new art works and often meet the artist. 

The easiest way to find info in your area is to go to your local Events Calendar (on the Internet) or check the entertainment section in your daily paper.  

For Boulder/Denver locals, check out the free Art Show tonight at the Earthwood Gallery, Boulder. 
http://www.earthwoodartisans.com/EarthwoodGalleryBoulderH.htm
or The Santa Fe Art District near Downtown Denver which has a long history of artist's studios.  The area is booming now with over 60 artists working in the Art District.   It's a fun, funky area to visit.
http://www.artdistrictonsantafe.com/events
Above art:  "Romantic Umbrellas by Yelena Sidorova

Merry CHRISTmas

Dear Readers

I awoke this morning and felt compelled to write about putting CHRIST back into CHRISTmas as it seems that most people today yell out "HAPPY HOLIDAYs" to be politically correct. They have forgot the true meaning of Christmas which is "CHRIST's Birthday".

I don't know about you, but frankly, I'm just tired of it! In Denver this year they had the decorations out even before Thanksgiving and then the retailer's create such a mass frenzy with BLACK FRIDAY that I hate how commercialized CHRISTmas has become. It just seems like the retailers are fast forwarding the holidays so that they can ring in more sales early and make their bottom line look good.

Whether you believe the story of the Virgin Birth or not, CHRIST was born andCHRISTmas should be a time of being with your family, forgiving those you feel have hurt you and sharing your blessings with those less fortunate................and let's face it, this year there are many families I'm sure right in your own neighborhood who could use some help.

So I challenge you for the next 2 days to greet everyone you meet with a "Merry CHRISTmas" and let someone else be politically correct!!

It's listed!

I did it!

I listed my home last week.....so no turning back now. I really love my home, but my adventurous spirit yearns for a new, freer lifestyle divided between St. Louis, the beach and the mountains.

Thank God though I'm retired because keeping a home 'show ready' is almost a full time job. I feel like I'm living in a museum.............and when the real estate agent started staging my home, well, I felt like I was being stripped naked!

She took down about 25 pictures leaving me with a mess of nail holes to putty over and then paint. Her words "it's got to be neutralized so people can visualize their "STUFF" in it". See, it's always about someone's "STUFF"! I already tamed it down by painting my bright purple wall back to it's original off white. At one point I had to tell her to just STOP!! It got to be almost too much for me because I'm not going to live in a half-empty home until it sells.

It's hard though, because when someone rejects your home, it feels like they are rejecting you........after all, I picked it. The #1 feedback complaint I get is that "it doesn't have a basement". Well, guess what...........there's nothing I can do about that. But with the spectacular golf course and mountain views, I'm hoping it's a quick sell.

So, if you know anyone who would love to live in a Resort-Style Active Adult community near Denver, then I've got the perfect home for them so pls send them this link:
http://www.cohomefinder.com/ps?&city=Thornton&sub=Heritage-Todd-Creek&lst=for-sale&sm=-3&sm=-3&dt=&md=false&ml=&sort=sortOrder&sortd=ASC#property-1050701

Can you let go?

STUFF!

We all have stuff we love - books, our favorite CDs, clothes and furniture. If you're a Boomer, then you've spent a lifetime accumulating STUFF, but can you ever let it go? And when does it become more of a burden than a joy?

I'm embarking on a new life adventure requiring me to get rid of most of what I currently own. So, I decided to start with my favorite piece of furniture - a very unique, Drexel Heritage lingere chest.

I bought it new in 1977 in St. Louis, got it in the divorce, moved it to Germany and finally Denver. I just love that piece so I decided that it had to be the first to go --- sorta symbolic of me really being able to let go of my favorite things.

I was shocked to find 2 websites devoted to the sale of Drexel Heritage furniture and within 2 hours received an email from a lady living in New Jersey who had been looking for that particular piece for over 15 years! After some negotiating, we agreed on a price and frankly, it cost her more to ship it to NJ than she paid me. I really hated to see it go; but hey, if I can sell that; then the rest can easily go. But, I'm thrilled it's found a new home.

What are you holding on to?

Whether it's an emotion, a friendship that's run it's course or a thing..........you need to consider if it's holding you back as you plan for your future.

YANNI

I love the music created by YANNI as it truly feeds my soul. I was so fortunate to see him for the first time in 1995, but even more thrilling was meeting him. It's hard to believe, but I was actually rendered speechless!!

In 2009, when I heard he was appearing here in Denver, I immediately bought tickets. But I was very disappointed as he seemed to have 'sold out'. He didn't even look like YANNI as he had cut that gorgeous long black hair!! I didn't enjoy his concert as it had a very commercial edge to it and I was very offended by some of the sexually charged dance numbers.

So, when our local PBS channel recently announced that they were sponsoring a YANNI concert, I wasn't sure if it would be worth it. But, I'm so glad I went last Friday night as he once again delivered a mystical concert that left us begging for more. He played in the more intimate setting of the Wells Fargo Theater, which was a much better fit acoustically for his music.

Check out his website at http://www.yanni.com/ to find out if he's playing in your area! You won't be disappointed!!

Salida, CO

Salida, Colorado is rapidly becoming a hot retirement spot for active Boomers!

It’s a quaint town nestled in the midst of 3 breathtaking mountain ranges, with activities for the most adventurous souls…whitewater rafting, spectacular hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing.

If you're more culturally minded, Salida has it all with 10 art galleries and a small theater group. I recently went there for the annual Riverside Fine Arts Festival. It was a fun event, with more than 100 artists. What I liked best was the wide variety of art ranging from jewelry to outdoor garden sculptures with most of the art very reasonably priced.

Salida, located just 3 hours from Denver, is great for a weekend getaway. The drive alone is worth the trip…with the scenic views of the Arkansas River and mountains.

For info on upcoming events:

http://www.salidachamber.org/events.html

For retirement info on Salida: http://www.retirenet.com/location/overview/24-colorado/1-active-lifestyles?city=81201-salida

The BIG "C" and You

Friends, while this may be an unpleasant subject, I sincerely hope it will prompt you into action.

If you are a BOOMER and have not had a colonoscopy, then what are you waiting for?
One of my best friends, Mary, waited way too long after she turned 50 and finally went to the DR only after it became obvious that she had some serious health problems.

As fate would have it, she had the BIG "C"......colon cancer!! I'm so happy to tell you that after surgery and chemo treatments my good friend is still around and enjoying life.

On Saturday, I walked with her and about 800 others in the UNDY 5000 to support the survivors of colon cancer. It was a beautiful walk through City Park in Denver. During the Awards Ceremony, we were asked to encourage at least 1 person to get an exam.

So, if you're reading this......JUST DO IT! Also, please ask your loved ones over 50 to do the same. Here's the link to find out if there's an "UNDY 5000" in your area:
http://support.ccalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=undy_landing

P.S......whatever you do, if your DR tells you to get a sigmoidoscopy and it doesn't hurt....that's total BS. From my own painful experience, make them put you out even for that procedure.

Magic Moments

What a great name for a dance troupe !

That's exactly what I experienced when watching this year's production of "This Just In". The show was fast-paced and so heart warming. I just loved it!

Music director, Donna Debreceni, put her special twist on golden oldies such favorites as Don’t Be Cruel, Thriller, and Walking on Sunshine. The dance numbers were well-choreographed and the kids were obviously having the time of their lives. It was so touching to see how excited they were.

Magic Moments, Inc. is a non-profit theatre production group founded in 1983 in the Denver area that promotes the abilities of all performers, especially those with physical or developmental disabilities. Through their annual musical productions, they want to raise awareness and to provide the diverse range of cast members an opportunity to give back to their own community through theatrical performance.

For more info including how to donate to this very worthwhile non-profit, go to: http://www.magicmomentsinc.org/

The Brown Palace

Retirees are always looking for a fun afternoon outing, so after our book club discussion of the “Murder at the Brown Palace”, we decided to take a tour of the historic Hotel located in Downtown Denver. The Hotel is an impressive site, triangular in shape and the exterior is a deep red hue from the Colorado granite and Arizona sandstone. The Brown Palace was built by Henry Cordes Brown. He was quite the entrepreneur, purchasing several acres of land and then donating a part of it for the state capitol building. With the Country’s first 8 story atrium, the Hotel was considered an architectural feat for that era.

While the Brown Palace is known world-wide for treating their guests like royalty, it’s a hit with local Denverites for their afternoon High Teas, with tasty scones, delicious pastries and delicate tea sandwiches.

A highlight of the tour was to see the area where the “Murder” took place, but the famous “Marble Bar” is no longer there, having been removed during a remodel.

We ended our tour with a visit to one of their executive suites that was so huge it looked bigger than my home. I was thrilled to see it because at $1650 a night that’s the only way I ever would!

Give Thanks!

At a time when there are so many things wrong with our economy, when every day we hear of more doom and gloom with companies closing and more layoffs, we still have much to be thankful for. Just the fact that 3 weeks ago today we elected a new president and that transition will be made in a peaceful manner is a feat never accomplished in many countries.

In the midst of rushing to prepare your Thanksgiving dinner, please take a few minutes to think of all you personally are grateful for -- family, friends, health, a job, your home. Personally, I feel very blessed to be part of a large extended family with 8 brothers and sisters, many other relatives and wonderful friends scattered across the nation and abroad, good health, medical insurance and a pension. One of my traditions for Thanksgiving Dinner is that I love to start the meal by going around the dinner table and having each person say what they are grateful for. Try it --- some of the answers may surprise you.

Since we live in such a highly mobile society, with family scattered throughout the country, many of you might be alone for the Holiday -- some for the first time. If that's the case, then there's several options to keep you busy. Plan a Thanksgiving dinner party and invite all your single friends; check out programs at nearby churches or senior centers as they always have room for one more or volunteer. Live near Denver, then volunteer to serve dinner to the homeless at the Denver Rescue Mission.

Whatever your plans are, I wish you a joyous and safe start to the Holiday Season!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Denver Film Festival

Are you a movie buff and live in Denver? Then catch a movie at the STARZ Denver Film Festival which is happening now at the STARZ Film Center in downtown Denver and runs through Sunday, November 23rd. I've met a lot of retirees there who love movies just as much as I do and enjoy the buzz of the Festival. No matter what your skills are, there's something to do for everyone from driving the directors/stars, working in the theater or at the volunteer center. I love working in the Film Maker's Lounge. There's such an electric feeling in the air when people start filtering in after a movie. It's a place where all the up and coming directors and film makers hang out and can get a bite to eat. It's so much fun, that it's my 6th year as a volunteer. Here's the schedule, in case you have some free time to catch a flick this week---http://www.denverfilm.org/_uploaded/sdff08postbookletweb2_182316.pdf
And if volunteering there sounds like something you'd enjoy, then check out their website next summer.

LADIES ONLY!! On Friday night I went to see the play
"GIRLS ONLY" --- The Secret Comedy of Women. It was so fantastic I laughed til I cried!
"GIRLS ONLY" is an original comedy that celebrates the enjoyment and ups & downs of being female. It has a 2 woman cast that starts with them in their childhood bedroom reading their teenage diaries and ends with them as 2 little old ladies making crafts of a well-known female hygiene product. They rant and sing about everything from slumber parties to breast feeding in public. It's a fast-paced, multi-media production which include videos, old commercials, improv, audience participation and humorous songs reworded to some well-recognized tunes. One of the funniest numbers was about the men in our life ---- 'guy'ncologists and "men"opause. So for an entertaining night out here in Denver, grab your best girlfriends and rush to see "Girls Only". It runs through February at the Garner Galleria Theater in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Relocation - Cost of Living

Have you got the bug to move after you retire? If so, there’s several dollar factors to consider other than just the cost of the actual move, which will range from $1800 for an in-state move to more than $10,000 for a cross country move. For a quick cost comparison between cities, check out Sperling’s Best Places at www.bestplaces.net/COL It’s free and easy to use. After plugging in your 'Current' and 'Comparison' cities, the site will give you an easy to read chart with comparisons for food, housing, utilities, transportation, health and miscellaneous. Another great source for info on cost of living and retirement communities is 'WHERE TO LIVE' magazine at www.wheretoretire.com

Two factors you should consider before relocating are state income taxes and property taxes as the senior citizen exemption for each varies from state to state. Several states fully tax pension income. I live in Colorado which allows for state income tax purposes a reduction in pension income of the smaller of your income or $20,000 if you are at least 55. The reduction increases at age 65. In Adams County there are significant reductions in property taxes when I reach 65 and meet certain regulatory requirements. When I moved to my Active Adult Community, I used Amazing Moves in Denver - http://www.amazingmoves.com/ Their prices were in line with other movers, but it was their efficient, courteous workers that impressed me the most and actually made the move a very pleasant experience.

The MOTOWN Sound

I've always loved going to concerts since the first time when I went to the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars. Any of you remember that? And most Baby Boomers remember the MOTOWN sound created by fabulous groups like the Shirelles, Supremes and the Miracles. On Thursday night a group of us were treated to a rocking, high energy concert given by 2 of the best - the Temptations and 4-Tops. We started our evening with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, which has such an extensive menu that it's like reading a small cookbook. The concert was held at the Paramount Theater in downtown Denver. The Temps were my favorite, performing such hits as Ain't too Proud to Beg, Just my Imagination and their biggests hit - My Girl. They were so energizing that the crowd was immediately on it's feet and dancing in the aisle. While most of the audience were Baby Boomers, it was fun to see some of the younger generation there enjoying the MOTOWN Sound.