Did MJ Find Love In The Dark (continued)

[Ashtanga]

Hey girls...i was not surprised to find out there wasn't any new activity in this thread. It always had its fluctuations with more or less active periods, but considering the current sobering circumstances it is only natural for most to stay away.

I have to admit that i did have my reservations about the usefulness of this particular thread and indeed have seen some dangers in it, same as Shila. It could very well be that a few of participants here might get caught up in this fantasy tale of Michael and a possible, quite elusive love of his and project their own experiences onto it. As many of you have recognized with the passing of time this has also been a source of entertainment and escapism both from the negativity surrounding Michael, especially after his passing and your own situations of hurt, disappointment or distress.

Having said all of that, i actually believe this thread is needed now more than ever. This is precisely the moment when we cannot afford not to think about love because love is eternal and it transcends everything, even death. I won't try and ignore the big elephant in the room – the current trial, but i'll just say what i'm doin' in my attempt to cope with all this hurt and then i'll try to move the discussion a bit further from that. Some may call it denial, others might accuse me of 'betraying' Michael, quite frankly i don't know and i don't care how it is interpreted, but i simply try to stay away from it as much as possible.

I can very well understand the need of many to follow every detail, watch the webcast and disect every piece of information that is presented in the courtroom. We all love Michael very much, want to know what happenned to him and see justice served, but if this whole process causes you too much heartache you should keep away. It is my honest, friendly and heartfelt advice. Of course you won't be able to completely escape it. I was having breakfast in a hotel the other morning and CNN was having complete coverage. When i turned on my e-mail today i came across that horrendous picture and that recording. However hurtful, i try not to let those things get me down. I wouldn't be surprised if there are worse things ahead than those two and i am already gearing up for it.

This may be a terribly inappropriate parallel to make, but i remember that during 2005 i had a similar stance. Michael being alive and every day in the courtroom of course i would watch the initial moments and the 'he there' posts especially after the health scares and i would read up a few of the conclusions of each day, but i never really entered into the details and the legal ramifications of it all. I was more preocupied with praying and fasting and leaving things in God's hands. These days, with Michael gone, there is absolutely no incentive whatsoever for me to dedicate time to an activity which i know will only cause me sorrow. That would be masochistic of me. We're talkin' about things well beyond my control or anyone else's around here for that matter.

Furthermore, i am convinced Michael himself would be heartbroken to know how much and how many people are suffering because they are re-living June 25th . Although he always appreciated the support of fans and admirers in his darkest hours and would be overwhelmed at the love there is all over the world for him, i am sure he would also hate to know so many are torturing themselves with worries and questions which might never be answered properly and completely. It's just a hunch i have, but i am not convinced this trial will actually explain what happened that day. Those who might be seeking closure may not find it.

Don't let these recordings fool you – Michael was, through ever bit of his moral fiber, a very strong and determined man. Although understanding of anybody's weakness, he would also expect from us if not the same strength he showed throughout most of his life, then a bit more than we think we are capable of. And maybe 2DAY, especially since it is MICHAELMAS we might be showin' a bit of that 'force' by puttin' at the back of the mind some of these proceedings and concentrating on love a bit. *hopes nobody noticed the awkward attempt at transition from a highly sensitive subject to one which should be light*

I actually want to respond a bit to something which MP posted a few days ago. But before that i gotta thank Shila for all her support and promise her that i will get back with a few explanations in a future post. Now it's not the time to talk about my petty little problems, we gots bigger 'fish' to fry. Also, i haven't forgotten my other promise about Michael's lyrics and songs. I will have some opinions on those, but that particular thing needs a lot of 'reseach' which i cannot really engage in right now since i've only slept for 75 minutes last night and one scroll is enough for now. That is why i will start off from somethin' with a bit of a generalistic twist to it and hope that some won't mind it awful much.

One paragraph from MP that stood out to me was this:



With all the respect and admiration which you should know i have for you MP, i have to disagree with you my friend, if you don't mind me using that word. At times, especially when it comes to the internet and social networking sites like Facebook people use that word lightly and they end up having hundreds of 'friends'. Although we haven't really spoken much, i do consider you a friend and a kindrid spirit.

I gotta agree wit cha about the ending lines in the paragraph i quoted – life and love are faaar more complicated than movies, love songs or fairytales make them out to be. Did you guys know that in one of the many hundreds of versions of Cinderella (perhaps it was even in the original Chinese one) her real problems begin AFTER she meets the prince? I would say that's a bit more realistic than that 'happily ever after' stuff.

I think about an year ago i was telling you all about that 'fight for everyday living' and that Italian name for it. Well, i believe love is also a question of everyday living. It is actually the most important part of everyday living. We ought not to let any day pass us by without showing our love and appreciation of those we hold dear. Love kept only in the heart is not complete love. The greatest treasury someone might have deep within their soul does not amount to much if the 'object' of their affection does not feel that warmth and love. Also, love cannot be true and complete unless it is shared in all dimensions of life – spirit, mind and body. Any exclusion of these 'components' can only cause imbalances which can bring about the ruin of otherwise amazing stories.

What i cannot agree with is the rest of your stance MP. I don't know how to express this not to offend anyone or leave too much room for interpretation, but i believe most of what you present there is quite a feminist approach, a movement which i cannot totally identify with. Issues such as women's right to vote, equal pay, gendercide, female genital mutilation or the recent example of lashing of a woman in Saudi Arabia for the 'crime' of driving are mute. I cannot help but support any and all actions which fight against such disparities or sheer terror and injustice.

Where i come in collision with the modern feminist models of 'emancipation' is on issues of work and family. What you are basically saying is that we, as women, ought to be satisfied with our own accomplishments, abilities and find completeness in that. That is not how God intended it to be. We were meant to leave our parents and become 'one flesh' with our spouse.

Think about it this way, what if God had decided that Adam was complete and he need not Eve? Physically he was indeed complete. But God, in His infinite wisdom decided that by making his body incomplete He would, in turn complete his soul. If the Lord decided “it was not good for man to be alone”, who on earth are we to decide it should be ok for woman to live a lonely, yet 'accomplished' life? Or wait to find completeness in herself and only then pursue a relationship 'based on the right things' as you put it.

I am aware of cliches like 'how can people love others if they don't love themselves first and foremost' or 'how are others supposed to find the way to love them if they don't....again....love themselves'. What if that is viewing the issue from an entirely skwed and wrong perspective? What if that's exactly the point of love and life together in a couple – what if we need that special someone to make us love ourselves 'cause only if we feel their love we start to feel better about ourselves?? Ludicrous theory, right? Maybe, maybe not. I'm a rather stubborn creature by birth and when i think i'm right i stick to my guns and this one right here seems like a Kalashnikov to me lol. Y'all don't wanna see what i mean by my 'tanks'.

Not only am i apprehensive of models fed by media and the entertainment industry when it comes to the ease of relationships and guaranteed happy endings for each and every story, but also i do not like the examples given to young girls about the pursuit of career and education at all costs. Nobody says we should all stay at home and cook all day, but i'm not so sure female CEO's /politicians /academia who work 12/14h/ day and either neglect their family life if they have it to begin with or live in its absence are true examples of accomplishment in my eyes.

I believe a 'modest' cleaning lady from an office building might have a deeper, more rewarding and balanced life than the afore mentioned examples simply because she cares enough to make time for her family and put them first while working her share to contribute to the expenses of said family. At the end of the day all the money, titles, status and material things cannot bring completeness into the life of any woman unless she has a true and worthy man by her side. By equivalence the same can and should be said about men. The human species is not made only of 'zoon politikon' – social 'animals' as Aristotel taught us in antiquity, but man and woman were made from the dawns of creation and according to the Lord's natural law to live together and inherit the earth.

From a Catholic perspective there are only two options for any human being – either the consacrated life where you dedicate your entire being – mind, body and soul – to the Lord and the service of your brothers and sisters, or those of us that make up the lay side of the Church who are called to the sacrament of holy matrimony. There aren't really any in betweens. In the second option, it doesn't mean we don't serve the Lord as well, but the way in which we choose to do that is different – by serving one human being, our spouse, and by lovingly sharing with them our entire being we are praising and serving the Lord Himself and through a truly Christian and holy marriage together we can also serve our brethen, however few or many anybody has access to. And the more access one couple has to the masses, the greater its responsibility to be a true example of charity, compassion and forgiveness.

You were also mentioning the worth of us girls as individuals. God values our individuality and so should we. That is why communism and any other ideology or belief system which squashes the importance of the individual ought to be condemned. We are all irreplaceable, unique, precious sons and daughters of the Most High and ought to be treated as such. However, that does not mean we were created to live in isolation. Our dignity and worth as individuals is not diminshed by life in a couple, but rather enhanced and brought to a deeper and higher level.



I know i've rambled faaar too much, so here go some of cinema's greatest scenes from one of its greatest couples ever with a rather complicated story – Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The scenes are taken from two movies exactly on the subject of the dinamics of male-female liasons - Woman of the year (1942) and Adam's rib (1949).

[video=youtube;na32H_d0NKU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na32H_d0NKU&feature=related[/video]


[video=youtube;LFpAkvP71Sw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFpAkvP71Sw&feature=related [/video]


[video=youtube;qjRCnbYHZMk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjRCnbYHZMk[/video]


[video=youtube;snSK5RfD33Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snSK5RfD33Q&NR=1[/video]

Our boy Mike had a rather interestin' perspective in Workin' day and night. I happen to agree with him completely - workaholics on either side of the gender divide, not just men workin' too much, but also women are true dangers for any real and successful relationship. Work should not come before love.

To be honest with you all i've always believed this next performance to be too long and i have a rather strong feeling of animosity towards them hideous blue pants (both the shape and the material suck royally lol), but it still is a good song.

[video=youtube;bTRxDM6wCSI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTRxDM6wCSI[/video]

How about my gal representin' the UK - Natasha Bedingfield? I have a very special attachment to many of her songs and videos, but the next two i feel are very significant. It was refreshing for me to see that someone who earlier was basking in her status as 'single' was discovering that we all need someone who 'knows how to love us without being told'.

[video=youtube;2AwaA85nEbE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AwaA85nEbE&ob=av2e[/video]


[video=youtube;P27MPi3ZhCg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P27MPi3ZhCg&ob=av2e[/video]

The notion of soulmates is by definition one of exclusivity. That reminds me of one beautiful motif in Chinese art and folklore - Mandarin ducks which are considered a rarity in 'duckland' because most ducks switch many partners in their lifetime, while the Mandarin stick only to one, thus being a symbol of faithfulness. Wouldn't it be great if everybody found their Mandarin duck in the great pond we call world?

I betta be finishing soon cause i don't think there ain't nobody left readin' right about now. I do gotta tell you all about my little 'gift' for Michael for today. As i told you before, a month ago i was at the Staples Centre. In front of it i've noticed stars with random content so i inquired about them. That is how i found out about the 'Stars at Star Plaza program' of the AEG Foundation. They install new orders once a year and yesterday my little star for Michael was one among the others that were put there. Of course it is a rather futile gesture considering Michael is gone, but i had to do it. He now has more than just a big star on Hollywood blvd. He also has a tiny one from silly little me in another part of town. Something like this...more or less

This is actually a lil' smiley i sent to a friend of mine earlier this year and he was thanking me for them, both the digital ones (this and others) and the ones that i managed to put on his face. If i can do the same for some of you, even in the middle of such trying circumstances for us all it would be great. If i managed to make at least one person forget even just for a few minutes about this doggone ordeal then my mission here is accomplished.

Here's an uplifting song and a great vid that goes real well with the star motif.

[video=youtube;Kb0b6wYYi-k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb0b6wYYi-k&feature=related[/video]

And last, but certainly not least, a couple of vids from the man himself. I would rather remember and think of Michael as a vibrant, funny man so here are some true jewels which i'm sure you will all enjoy.

[video=youtube;J8dcFS-PYps]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8dcFS-PYps&feature=related[/video]

[video=youtube;T1fqASpPskM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1fqASpPskM&feature=related[/video]

Please everybody – stay strong and keep believing in love. God is love.

Talk to you all soon.

God bless you everybody.

:heart:


Hey... for you and all other > :group:


Thanks for this beautiful post! :wub: Believe, made me smile... :yes:

I hope everyone is OK here in these difficult days and principally in the coming days. Well, you know what I'm talking about .... *big sigh*

Well, I just came here to leave a lot of hugs and L.O.V.E. >>> :hug: :give_heart: God bless all!!! :angel:

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

... With all the respect and admiration which you should know i have for you MP, i have to disagree with you my friend, if you don't mind me using that word. At times, especially when it comes to the internet and social networking sites like Facebook people use that word lightly and they end up having hundreds of 'friends'. Although we haven't really spoken much, i do consider you a friend and a kindrid spirit.

Someone on here disagrees with the all-powerful and all-knowing MysteriousPhoenix??? *Thunderbolts and lightening, very, very frightening* THAT is NOT allowed ANYWHERE on this forum! LOL!!! Just kidding.

Soooo ... you feel that romance is still needed in our lives - especiall now? Well, I'd have to agree with you on that. I guess there are times when it is needed more in our lives than at other times. AND, what would our lives be without it? Pretty boring, huh?

... I gotta agree wit cha about the ending lines in the paragraph i quoted – life and love are faaar more complicated than movies, love songs or fairytales make them out to be. Did you guys know that in one of the many hundreds of versions of Cinderella (perhaps it was even in the original Chinese one) her real problems begin AFTER she meets the prince? I would say that's a bit more realistic than that 'happily ever after' stuff.

Sounds interesting. I wish I could see that "more realistic" version of it. But, then again, I guess that would kinda defeat the whole purpose of escaping reality. Oh, well, I'm still curious. Btw, speaking of romance, I just attended a relative's wedding and I thought you all could use a laugh (I know I could) so, I thought I'd post this vid from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air since it depicts the dance some of my cousins were doing. Imagine four or five grown men doing this dance! Pretty crazy family I'm from, huh?

http://youtu.be/BWiqnPIxIdM

 

[No-Body]

:heart:


Hey... for you and all other > :group:

Thanks for this beautiful post! :wub: Believe, made me smile... :yes:

I hope everyone is OK here in these difficult days and principally in the coming days. Well, you know what I'm talking about .... *big sigh*

Well, I just came here to leave a lot of hugs and L.O.V.E. >>> :hug: :give_heart: God bless all!!! :angel:

Then i guess my mission here is thru. But then again, maybe it's only just begun lol.

You are most welcome Ash most welcome and THANK YOU, for everything.

Someone on here disagrees with the all-powerful and all-knowing MysteriousPhoenix??? *Thunderbolts and lightening, very, very frightening* THAT is NOT allowed ANYWHERE on this forum! LOL!!! Just kidding.

Someone MP? I ain't just friggin' someone. I'm the fierce one. How did the Ghost busters song go - i ain't scurred of no ghosts? :scare2: I ain't scared of no ghosts, i ain't scared of nobody. lol Well, ok, maybe big arse spiders. I'm scared of those, i'll give ya that.

Don't mean to sound rude or anythin' but i can't help and think of the ending to Back in one piece vid from the Babygirl &DMX when she goes and tells Jet Li not to take it personally, but she had been around more dangerous guys than him

.

Soooo ... you feel that romance is still needed in our lives - especiall now? Well, I'd have to agree with you on that. I guess there are times when it is needed more in our lives than at other times. AND, what would our lives be without it? Pretty boring, huh?

Glad you agree, at least on that one. You know what Mike and Janet said 'you can tell me i'm wrong, then you BETTA prove u're right' Just teasin' ya homegirl, juuust teasin' ya. Not only would our lives be borin', but they would be worth a bunch of nada de niente with a toppin' of nothin' as well if it weren't for love, in any and all its marvelous varieties.

Sounds interesting. I wish I could see that "more realistic" version of it. But, then again, I guess that would kinda defeat the whole purpose of escaping reality. Oh, well, I'm still curious.

I'll give ya a more realistic version in a very little while. Watch this space. What if the point is not to escape, but rather to embrace reality? What if reality is far more exciting and extraordinary than any fairy tale or movie script ?? When the director is the Good Lord above anything is possible.

Btw, speaking of romance, I just attended a relative's wedding and I thought you all could use a laugh (I know I could) so, I thought I'd post this vid from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air since it depicts the dance some of my cousins were doing. Imagine four or five grown men doing this dance! Pretty crazy family I'm from, huh?

http://youtu.be/BWiqnPIxIdM

Great video and great exercise at imagination there about your cousins. You brag about your crazy family? You should've seen mine on January 1st when my biggest cousin made a surprise visit and we all got to eat, dance and laugh like the crazy bunch we is lolol. Family is sooo important. Thanks for sharing.

Also thanks for the 'Prince of Bel Air' reminder. Gosh, i loooved that series back in the day. Here's Carlton/Alfonso rather in all his glory...

and here as a lil' boy next to Mike & his bros

Did ai mention a more realistic approach to romance? What follows was filed under 'true love'

Considerin' the amount and the sizes of the spiders i have had to battle all by my freakin' courageous self folks better hide not only their toothbrush, but also razors, combs, towels and all other personal items cause i offer no guarantees about their use.:cheeky:

 

[Lisha]

Sorry I haven't been posting, I have things going on offline that are demanding my attention quite a bit.

... i gotta thank Shila for all her support and promise her that i will get back with a few explanations in a future post... i haven't forgotten my other promise about Michael's lyrics and songs. I will have some opinions on those...

You're welcome on the first part!!! and a big "yay!!!" on the second part. lookin' forward to it.

The straight-talkin' by Shhaaaby:

What i cannot agree with is the rest of your stance MP.

The response:

Someone on here disagrees with the all-powerful and all-knowing MysteriousPhoenix??? *Thunderbolts and lightening, very, very frightening* THAT is NOT allowed ANYWHERE on this forum! LOL!!! Just kidding

MP...you are SO funny!!!!

I don't know how to express this not to offend anyone or leave too much room for interpretation, but i believe most of what you present there is quite a feminist approach...

Where i come in collision with the modern feminist models of 'emancipation' is on issues of work and family. What you are basically saying is that we, as women, ought to be satisfied with our own accomplishments, abilities and find completeness in that. That is not how God intended it to be. We were meant to leave our parents and become 'one flesh' with our spouse.

Think about it this way, what if God had decided that Adam was complete and he need not Eve? Physically he was indeed complete. But God, in His infinite wisdom decided that by making his body incomplete He would, in turn complete his soul. If the Lord decided “it was not good for man to be alone”, who on earth are we to decide it should be ok for woman to live a lonely, yet 'accomplished' life? Or wait to find completeness in herself and only then pursue a relationship 'based on the right things' as you put it.

I am aware of cliches like 'how can people love others if they don't love themselves first and foremost' or 'how are others supposed to find the way to love them if they don't....again....love themselves'. What if that is viewing the issue from an entirely skwed and wrong perspective? What if that's exactly the point of love and life together in a couple – what if we need that special someone to make us love ourselves 'cause only if we feel their love we start to feel better about ourselves?? Ludicrous theory, right?

Not only am i apprehensive of models fed by media and the entertainment industry when it comes to the ease of relationships and guaranteed happy endings for each and every story, but also i do not like the examples given to young girls about the pursuit of career and education at all costs. Nobody says we should all stay at home and cook all day, but i'm not so sure female CEO's /politicians /academia who work 12/14h/ day and either neglect their family life if they have it to begin with or live in its absence are true examples of accomplishment in my eyes.

I believe a 'modest' cleaning lady from an office building might have a deeper, more rewarding and balanced life than the afore mentioned examples simply because she cares enough to make time for her family and put them first while working her share to contribute to the expenses of said family. At the end of the day all the money, titles, status and material things cannot bring completeness into the life of any woman unless she has a true and worthy man by her side. By equivalence the same can and should be said about men. From a Catholic perspective there are only two options for any human being – either the consacrated life where you dedicate your entire being – mind, body and soul – to the Lord and the service of your brothers and sisters, or those of us that make up the lay side of the Church who are called to the sacrament of holy matrimony. There aren't really any in betweens. In the second option, it doesn't mean we don't serve the Lord as well, but the way in which we choose to do that is different – by serving one human being, our spouse, and by lovingly sharing with them our entire being we are praising and serving the Lord Himself and through a truly Christian and holy marriage together we can also serve our brethen, however few or many anybody has access to. And the more access one couple has to the masses, the greater its responsibility to be a true example of charity, compassion and forgiveness.

...the importance of the individual ought to be condemned. We are all irreplaceable, unique, precious sons and daughters of the Most High and ought to be treated as such. However, that does not mean we were created to live in isolation. Our dignity and worth as individuals is not diminshed by life in a couple, but rather enhanced and brought to a deeper and higher level.

Thanks for sharing these deep thoughts on this subject, Shhaaaby.

You are saying God designed us to have/find mates and be married, and that we were not to live in isolation.

One thing I have observed is that there are always "isolated' cases...God has individual plans for all of us.

God designed women to bear children, but not every woman can have children, and this is a sad thing, but it occurs, and yet God is able to bring about a fulfilling life for her anyway, if she gives it over to Him.

There are some individuals who God calls to live their lives for Him in minsitry and to forgo marriage. I know of one case where a man was engaged when a young man, and he had a lot if gifting in God. God made it clear to him at this time to break off the engagement, and give his life over to ministry. He knew then he would never marry and he had to go disappoint that young woman, his fiance, and it made him very sad...but he did it and trusted. God then began to use him largely in a ministry for years.

This being set apart by God for ministry is supported by Paul in the Bible. And the necessary ingredient if God is calling someone to this, would be His grace. This would indicate God reserves a special amount of grace (the ability to do what is He is asking), for a handful of special men and women. Paul says this regarding marriage:

(excerpts from 1 Corinthians 7)

...But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and i want to spare you this...

What I mean brothers, is that the time is short...I would lik eyou to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs - how he can please the lord. But a marrid man is concerned about the affairs of the world-how he can please his wife- and his interests are divided.

An unmarried woman...is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world - how she can please her husband. I ma saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Paul is one who was given that special grace by God to remain single. If someone has a strong, unyielding desire in thier heart to be married, it usually means God placed it there, and in His timing He will bring it about, for it is God who gives us the desires of our hearts. If it is God's will for us to live out single lives, then He will provide the grace for us to be able to do it while feeling fulfilled. Or it might be His will for a time...or a looong time, to stay single, and then when we least expect it..He changes the script.

Not too long ago I looked at a photo on Facebook. It was of a bride and groom, and that bride looked so lovely. I had known this bride in my past...she was a long standing single gal who was a worship leader for our church...very atrractive, yet year after year she stayed single. But she made the most of her time and served the Lord. I remember about ten years ago going to a seminar. She was having a special workshop there just for girls who were struggling being single and having a hard time waiting on God fof His match for them. She got up on the mic and invited the single gals to come to her workshop and said, "We are gonna have so much fun talkin' about chocolate and nail polish..." and she laughed and we in the audience all did, and enjoyed her and her uplifting, fun-spirited outlook on the subject.

So when I stumbled on her facebook page and saw that she had just gotten married...at age 58...it brought tears to my eyes. The Lord had perserved her well for her new husband, she looked great, and they were a very happy looking couple. I went to his facebook and there he referred to her as his "beloved Donna."

That was a lot of years for her to wait...but as she waited, she gave her all to the Lord and did the best she could while watching all around her couples forming and getting married, year after year. She kept her head up. She did GOOD! And I believe this is what MP was trying to say in her post.

... from one of its greatest couples ever with a rather complicated story – Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. The scenes are taken from two movies exactly on the subject of the dinamics of male-female liasons - Woman of the year (1942) and Adam's rib (1949).

You're right, they did have a complicated story.

Our boy Mike had a rather interestin' perspective in Workin' day and night. I happen to agree with him completely - workaholics on either side of the gender divide, not just men workin' too much, but also women are true dangers for any real and successful relationship. Work should not come before love.

There are definfitley men out there where their first love is their career and the little woman comes in second. Men are actually designed that way to a point, aren't they, as being the "provider" and God places in men that natural strong desire to provide?(maybe stronger in some than in others?) But that has got to be difficult for the wife of a man who takes it to the extreme, or at least doesn't put out the effort to not make her feel second so much of the time.

When God causes a man to be on fire for the call on his life and the ministry God has given him, often that type of man is one to make that ministry come first and the wife second. Now what does the woman do...her man is doing it for God! For heaven's sake...literally!!! lol. I guess, again, he would need to put out the effort to not make her feel second so much of the time..and she would need to extend grace and show much understanding...and keep God as her first love to fill the lack of her husband's attention some of the time. It would be a hard thing to balance for both the husband and the wife.

But I agree, Shhaaaby, that women who put either work or ministry before family and her husband are going to put her relationships in jeopardy.

You had mentioned a celebrity couple above...Tracy/Hepburn...but I'm thinking now about Meryl Streep and her husband...seems they managed to find the necessary balance. They've stayed together and raised a family for many years now. Meryl must have her priorties straight, it would seem, for she's quite the working woman with a strong career. Is it being balanced by God? I dunno where that couple stands with God. I'm just on the outside lookin' in.

I realize there is a thread currently asking the question if MJ would have made a good husband. He has always been a workaholic and a perfectionist within his work...I dunno. And sometimes I think that MJ's career and God's work for him to do worked hand in hand...so MJ's focus was very strong and singular on his career and how it opened doors and opportunities to help others and minister to those God pointed out to him and his own large heart. A man with this kind of "super" focus I would think could have a hard time managing and balancing a relationship with a wife. And in view of what I shared above regarding Paul from the Bible and his thoughts on the subject...for MJ to have the most effectiveness in God's work...maybe it was best to not have the kind of distractions having a wife would bring him. Doesn't mean MJ wouldn't have maybe longed for marriage and a wife, but maybe the special call on his life would mean he would have to sacrifice it for the best. As sad as that might seem to many or seem too unfair.

That is why the idea that has been explored in here before... about him having in his heart some woman he saw/met in the past, or a dreamgirl who felt so very real to him... would have provided him with the next best thing, if he was destined to not actually be blessed with marital bliss.

Maybe it was enough for him, since he kept himself so busy with work and ministry, to just have someone in his heart to love...to know she was there securely inside his heart was important, necessary, and of great value to him. And it being a secret love, made it all the more precious...because everything else seemed to be so hard for him to keep private due to living in a fishbowl. This love was just for him and it helped him keep going.

Isn't that a lot like how it is for fans...they can keep going because they have Michael securely inside their hearts...day by day, he's alwasy there inside, and it somehow "helps." And they know he will never be an actually relationship they will have in real life...maybe a hope for that continues somehow, realistic or not...but they just take what they have... with loving him from a far...

And it could have been the same for MJ and the real/imaginative girl that he had in his heart...and maybe there was a hope for one day an actual relationship with her, realistic or not...but he just took it for what it was ...his loving her from a far...

With fans their love was reciprocated...he wanted so much for them to know he loved them, maybe because he knew too personally how it felt to not have his secret love reciprocated and yearned for it to be...so he wanted to make sure he let his fans know his love and appreciation for them always. And maybe that is why possibly he did, as the theme of this thread speaks of, try to let his secret love know what he was feeling for her through some of his songs...his only way to be able to reciprocate, if she was out there loving him, appreciating him, from a far.

The notion of soulmates is by definition one of exclusivity. That reminds me of one beautiful motif in Chinese art and folklore - Mandarin ducks which are considered a rarity in 'duckland' because most ducks switch many partners in their lifetime, while the Mandarin stick only to one, thus being a symbol of faithfulness. Wouldn't it be great if everybody found their Mandarin duck in the great pond we call world?

^ Love this!

More of a response by MP to Shhaaaby:

Soooo ... you feel that romance is still needed in our lives - especiall now? Well, I'd have to agree with you on that. I guess there are times when it is needed more in our lives than at other times. AND, what would our lives be without it? Pretty boring, huh?

Well, we can't let boredom set in!!! On the way home from dropping my son off at school I heard this tune on the radio...and I know not if it is how the LITD gal was feeling about things regarding her and MJ (jusss tryin to make things fit for the thread here), but I certainly enjoyed singing along with it.

And these lyrics:

See, time will tell
Cause it seems that I've done just about all that I can do

I wonder if she felt she reached that point towards the end there? Sometimes it would seem they handed back and forth the designating of whose place it was to "do something" about it...and so nothing that was necessary for them to actually "get together" was ever done...

Here's the song, Whitney Houston singing beautifully, For the Love of You. (quite romantic :heart: )


[youtube]X8t2A5cCgyI[/youtube]

I thought I'd post this vid from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air...http://youtu.be/BWiqnPIxIdM

The link does not work for me, MP...and I so needed a good laugh...


~ Don't have time to proofread...now I need to go pick up my son...forgive me for the errors...

 

[roomdownstairs]

I have been lurking on this thread for many months. I've read it religiously, and since signing up again I've been reading it just as much. How on earth I can comment on 779 pages I have no idea (lol), but I just wanted to say Shila that I really appreciate your post above. I'd love to comment on it later, when I have more time. I think you have shared some wonderful insights there, especially about Michael and the interface between how he lived his life following his calling and the love in his life/the love that he longed for. I'll try and post something later on.

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

Someone MP? I ain't just friggin' someone.

Oh, that's right! I have been snubbed by the great and one and only Shhaaaby!
And thanks for the heads up on the toothbrush! *MP goes to hide her toothbrush from Shhaaaby* Thanks also for the "Carlton" vids. He was just too funny! Can't believe he was in that Pepsi commercial with MJ!

Shila, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to write that most excellent post! You said what I wanted to say but was unable to put into words. I will probably be commenting on some things that you wrote at another time. Btw, the link to the video I posted has been giving people trouble for some reason. But, if you still would like to see it you can always just go to YouTube and type in "Tonto, Jump On It" in the "search" section and click on the vid from the Fresh Prince.

Welcome roomdownstairs! Every new member who would like to comment has to start with page one! Just kidding. We are not so formal here. You may start wherever you would like. Just jump right in there. I like your name btw!

 

[Ashtanga]

Then i guess my mission here is thru. But then again, maybe it's only just begun lol.

You are most welcome Ash most welcome and THANK YOU, for everything.

:blushing:



A big hug for you > :hug: :heart:

 

[No-Body]

Sorry I haven't been posting, I have things going on offline that are demanding my attention quite a bit.
You're welcome on the first part!!! and a big "yay!!!" on the second part. lookin' forward to it.

The straight-talkin' by Shhaaaby

Hey there busy gal. Don't be apologizin' for nothin'. Like MP said, it was very nice of ya to take all that time to write. Between me and you, Shila and the rest of human kind that reads this stuff here.....it's the "offline things" that matter most in life ;D

Don't get your hopes too high about what imma write. You can count on the straight talk alright, not sure y'all gonna like what i'll have to say though j/k, as always...

Oh, that's right! I have been snubbed by the great and one and only Shhaaaby!
And thanks for the heads up on the toothbrush! *MP goes to hide her toothbrush from Shhaaaby* Thanks also for the "Carlton" vids. He was just too funny! Can't believe he was in that Pepsi commercial with MJ!

You need to take a seat in line MP. There are quite a few people i've bugged out already. Nowadays i gots only two expressions. It's either this :beee: or :rant:. Consider yourself lucky u only got in touch with the first one. :cheeky: Just kiddin' folks, just kiddin'.

:blushing:

A big hug for you > :hug: :heart:

:hug:right back @ cha Ash. And Ash....i meant to show ya this for a long time already. When i took the picture i thought of you It's don't have much quality, but i hope you'll like it anyways.

And be4 i hurry outta here cause i also got an offline life as well, as incredible as thaaat may sound, here's a very funny vid i ran across this mornin' while doin' some mind travel to Italy before my physical return to my home, Rome.

It fits into the realistic Cinderella chapter. How 'bout this they lived happily ever after'/vissero felici e contenti :lol:

Giorgio Panariello, playin' the she character here is a complete comical genius. I found out his birthday was a few days ago. Anche se in ritardo buon compleanno Giorgio, sei un grandeeeee. Maybe i'll get his book while in Rome.


*exits thread and prepares to turn off the darn computer while imaginin' MP havin' nightmares about her frightful self every time poor MP :tooth:*

 

[Ashtanga]

:hug:right back @ cha Ash.

:hug:

And Ash....i meant to show ya this for a long time already. When i took the picture i thought of you It's don't have much quality, but i hope you'll like it anyways.

OMG!

LOL

Amazing!!! :wild: You really are having a fun time going to so many places. :shifty: This is sooooooooo cool that you made a picture of star of Marilyn. Thanks! BUT.... Wait ... and the star of Michael? Where is the picture? :scratch:

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

*exits thread and prepares to turn off the darn computer while imaginin' MP havin' nightmares about her frightful self every time poor MP :tooth:*

Heeeeey ... whose toothbrush is that you usin'? It better not be mine! It better be ... it better be ... uh ... let's see ... ASHTANGA'S! Yeah, yeah that's it! (Just havin' a little fun with you, Ash. Don't hurt me! lol!)

You thought we needed a little romance. I was listening to some more "dramatic" love songs and thought about this one. My mother loved this song, she like played it on a loop! lol!

In this scene Christine is falling for "Raoul" ... but the Phantom gave her "his music"! I love The Phantom of the Opera! Enjoy!

 

[Ashtanga]

Heeeeey ... whose toothbrush is that you usin'? It better not be mine! It better be ... it better be ... uh ... let's see ... ASHTANGA'S! Yeah, yeah that's it! (Just havin' a little fun with you, Ash. Don't hurt me! lol!)

:tease: *Hugs to you dear MP > :hug: :give_heart:*

You thought we needed a little romance.

Really? :shifty:

I was listening to some more "dramatic" love songs and thought about this one. My mother loved this song, she like played it on a loop! lol!

In this scene Christine is falling for "Raoul" ... but the Phantom gave her "his music"! I love The Phantom of the Opera! Enjoy!

The Phantom of the Opera!!!!! :wild:

I've watched in the theater some years ago here in Brazil, the Brazilian version (of course, inspired by the Broadway musical), so beautiful and perfect! I'll never forget. :girl_sigh: :wub: Thanks for the video!

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

The Phantom of the Opera!!!!! :wild:

I've watched in the theater some years ago here in Brazil, the Brazilian version (of course, inspired by the Broadway musical), so beautiful and perfect! I'll never forget. :girl_sigh: :wub: Thanks for the video!

Yes, it is both romantic and sad.

 

[Lisha]

Yes, it is both romantic and sad.

So MP...where is your alliance when it comes to the Phantom of the Opera story line/s? Is it for the budding romance between Christine and Raoul and what would seem to be a more realistic, doable love? Or is it for the Phantom, and his perhaps more illusional, unrealistic love, but yet a love still powerfully strong and deep, for "his" Christine?

Phantom's story is a sad one. But is it the romantic feelings he has for Christine more that is touching for you? Do you feel for him? I know I do to a certain level. Can you understand him (the Phantom)? Christine's and Raoul's type of love seems a bit commonplace in comparison to the "unique love relating" the Phantom and Christine exchange between each other. Does it being something unique make it more of value?

 

[Ashtanga]

Yes, it is both romantic and sad.

I know... You know, not everything can be perfect. It's human nature. And tomorrow (October 12) is Children's Day here in Brazil. :wild: Certainly, I'll be thinking of Michael. :girl_sigh: :wub:

 

[No-Body]

How 'bout these 2 LOVE songs???

Wouldn't this...

have made a great sequel to......???

Btw of this last vid - anybody else smiles at flight attendants when they give safety instructions while thinkin' of Michael mimicking their movements?

Gtg 2 work now even though i'd looove to stay all nice and warm in bed, but i'll be back later 2nite to try and wiggle my tale a bit more in here Before i do that though, i just gotta give out some long due thanks for some really great posts.

God bless you everyone.

P.S. Why does everybody want 25 to life these days ??? Too many darn convicts guilty of the 'crime' of love. I should know, since i are one of 'em. This is it playin' on the radio. How niiiiice

 

[Lisha]

Re: How 'bout these 2 LOVE songs???

^ Nice find, Shhaaaby!!! :clap:

Here are the lyrics:


"It Girl" by Jason Derulo

I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac insomniac
5 steps behind ya
Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit
Check please...
Cause I finally found the girl of... my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

You can't help but turn them heads
Knockin' them dead
Dropping like flies around you
If I get your body close not letting go
Hoping you're about to
Tell them other guys they can lose your number
You're done!
They don't get another shot cause you're... love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get
I'm a turn you on

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

[Bridge:]
Can't seem to stop you from... running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind
Just keep it coming, coming
Til I make you mine, mine
You've got that something, something
I wanna be with girl
You're my greatest hit girl
Just say this is it girl...
Hey baby...
Don't you know you're my it girl

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

This is it girl

 

[No-Body]

Re: How 'bout these 2 LOVE songs???

^ Nice find, Shhaaaby!!! :clap:

Here are the lyrics:


"It Girl" by Jason Derulo

I've been looking under rocks and breaking locks
Just tryna find ya
I've been like a maniac insomniac
5 steps behind ya
Tell them other girls, they can hit the exit
Check please...
Cause I finally found the girl of... my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

You can't help but turn them heads
Knockin' them dead
Dropping like flies around you
If I get your body close not letting go
Hoping you're about to
Tell them other guys they can lose your number
You're done!
They don't get another shot cause you're... love drunk
Like a TV show playing reruns
Every chance I get
I'm a turn you on

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

[Bridge:]
Can't seem to stop you from... running, running
Through my, through my mind, mind
Just keep it coming, coming
Til I make you mine, mine
You've got that something, something
I wanna be with girl
You're my greatest hit girl
Just say this is it girl...
Hey baby...
Don't you know you're my it girl

[Chorus:]
You could be my it girl
Baby you're the shit girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl

Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud
Let me play it loud like... oh oh oh oh
Let me play it loud

This is it girl

I knowwwww. I'm all about findin' all kinda hidden treasures *giggles* Travelin' so much all over the friggin earth y'all wouldn't believe what i've found

*tryin' really hard to get her arse outta bed and go iron that shirt for today*

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

So MP...where is your alliance when it comes to the Phantom of the Opera story line/s? Is it for the budding romance between Christine and Raoul and what would seem to be a more realistic, doable love? Or is it for the Phantom, and his perhaps more illusional, unrealistic love, but yet a love still powerfully strong and deep, for "his" Christine?

Phantom's story is a sad one. But is it the romantic feelings he has for Christine more that is touching for you? Do you feel for him? I know I do to a certain level. Can you understand him (the Phantom)? Christine's and Raoul's type of love seems a bit commonplace in comparison to the "unique love relating" the Phantom and Christine exchange between each other. Does it being something unique make it more of value?

I guess that's what makes it so sad for me. I sympathize with him (the Phantom). He seems like such a lonely and tortured soul. He had so much pain starting from when he was young and from his disfigurement - all of that, and the fact that he had loved Christine since she was a child. He was her "angel of music" and he never got that love returned. But are sympathy and love the same thing?

The reason I ask this is because I think I would have had a harder time deciding between the two than Christine had. She seemed to lean more towards Raoul from beginning to the end. It really does makes more sense since that was the more "realistic" love. I guess I do tend to like things that are more "unique" as you stated above. I think the fact that it was a "unique" love would have made me more confused. I probably would have been a little fascinated by the whole thing, but realistically, how long could a relationship last based on such a thing?

And realistically, how could Christine (or any woman for that matter) live with the Phantom in the catacombs under some opera house? Also, it seems as though he was never taught how to be "civilized." He had tendencies towards violence as we see in the play/movie. Would he have lashed out at Christine when angry? Look at how he reacted to her love for Raoul.

Well, I guess all of those factors is what makes it such a complicated, interesting and fascinating story.

Edit: I just had the thought that maybe Christine should've given the Phantom a chance. Perhaps her fove for him would've changed him. (I know all the "Oprah's" and "Dr. Phil's" in the room are gonna bop me over the head for that one!)

... Cause I finally found the girl of... my dreams
Much more than a Grammy award
That's how much you mean to me

:lol: These are words I can't imagine ever coming outta MJ's mouth! (Just kidding, of course. I know our MJ was a pretty deep guy.)

Edit II: Along the same vein (as The Phantom), it just so happens that Andrew Lloyd Webber did a sort of "follow up" to The Phanom of the Opera titled, Love Never Dies in which The Phantom and Christine meet up again ten years later. The musical came out in 2010.

Here is the title song, "Love Never Dies." It's such a beautiful song that I thought seeing the lyrics rather than the singers this time would be more poignant.

 

[No-Body]

Phantom's story is a sad one. But is it the romantic feelings he has for Christine more that is touching for you? Do you feel for him? I know I do to a certain level. Can you understand him (the Phantom)? Christine's and Raoul's type of love seems a bit common place in comparison to the "unique love relating" the Phantom and Christine exchange between each other. Does it being something unique make it more of value?

So what you are basically sayin' Shila is that 'common place' is a dirrrty expression and anything 'special' is necessarily of greater worth, right? Relationships or situations either 'common' or 'unique' hold no intrinsic value, both can be either good or bad. I don't think any of them holds a monopoly over depth or truth.

It is quite unfortunate many people make the mistake of creating an equation between different and evil, which is, of course, wrong. That is especially true when it comes to people. We all know how 'bizarre' Michael was in the eyes of many, but we around here understood there was a lot more to the man than met the eye of the press or the general public. I have been called an eccentric myself, but i haven't taken it neither as an offence, nor have i worn that description as a badge of honor. I don't think we should go to the other extreme and consider something good, or of greater value simply because it is different. In my opinion it's not so much the 'worth' of relationships or situations that matters, ain't no real scale to measure such things, it's what you do with said relationships that counts the most.

And also there is that wonderful sacred banality which upholds simplicity to its highest peaks. There are such treasures that sooo many take for granted in everyday life - from the fact that they can go to sleep every night safely in the arms of their loved one, to holding hands and walking in park or goin' to the movies together. Most couples aren't even aware how truly immense those 'small' blessings really are. It's not silly fake hearts and kitsch presents on Valentines' day that make true love, it's all about the simple gestures, words, glances and touches that make everyday love complete and true.

I guess that's what makes it so sad for me. I sympathize with him (the Phantom). He seems like such a lonely and tortured soul. He had so much pain starting from when he was young and from his disfigurement- all of that, and the fact that he had loved Christine since she was a child. He was her "angel of music" and he never got that love returned. But

are sympathy and love the same thing?

MP, i can assure you they are two very different feelings. Of course they cover some common ground (both being founded in the agape kind of love for fellow human beings) but there comes a point where love and sympathy go on different paths. Sympathy can be shown by and to anyone - family, friends, strangers. If what we are actually talkin' about here is the love between a man and a woman, then things take a different turn towards a far more exclusive kind of relationship.

You can have sympathy and understanding for a lot of people who went through a lot of sorrow, you can also admire a lot of people from many points of view, that doesn't mean you want all of them to be your lover and your life long companion. Come 2 think of it, nowadays most people are 'multitasking' like that - either in sequential marriages or relationships or even 'better' simultaneously juggling several partners - but since i was 'born' in a whole different age i'm down with the Mandarin ducks and the turtle doves.

The reason I ask this is because I think I would have had a harder time deciding between the two than Christine had. She seemed to lean more towards Raoul from beginning to the end. It really does makes more sense since that was the more "realistic" love. I guess I do tend to like things that are more "unique" as you stated above. I think the fact that it was a "unique" love would have made me more confused. I probably would have been a little fascinated by the whole thing, but

realistically, how long could a relationship last based on such a thing?

Booom, there goes that magical word that i love so much lately - 'realistically'. It is very nice to (o)pine about fantasy and fairy tales made of songs and movies and all that lovely stuff, but when it comes to the nitty gritty of life and relationships we all find out sooner or later that everything and everyone has a limit. I'm sure the 'uniqueness' aspect even of the most extraordinary affair can wither after a while and if there ain't much else behind the specialness, then it will eventually fade away.

And realistically,

how could Christine (or any woman for that matter) live with the Phantom in the catacombs under some opera house? Also,it seems as though he was never taught how to be "civilized."He had tendencies towards violence as we see in the play/movie.Would he have lashed out at Christine when angry? Look at how he reacted to her love for Raoul.

Well, I guess all of those factors is what makes it such a complicated, interesting and fascinating story.

Edit:I just had the thought that maybe Christine should've given the Phantom a chance.Perhaps her fove for him would've changed him. (I know all the"Oprah's" and "Dr. Phil's" in the room are gonna bop me over the head for that one!

See, what have i told ya, kindred spirits. I loove the way you think MP, i just do. You made some really valid points and raised some interesting questions.

I actually gotta be honest with ya gals - the only Phantom version that i have actually seen is a made for tv movie way back in 90s and i remember very little cause i was little back then. I don't even remember any Raoul plot, i just remember feeling very sorry for the Phantom being abused by people and having to hide like that.

I don't know how the story goes in the 2010 Andrew Lloyd Webber production you mentioned, but how is this for an idea - what chances do you gals think the Phantom and Christine would have had if they came out of the catacombs underneath the opera house and rented a nice little flat in the city? Would people have been as cruel to both of them as they were to him or would have given them some space to just live out their life and love like the rest of us mortals?

Btw, i also agree with you that the Phantom should have been awarded a chance. Catacombs or not, i don't think he would have been a lost cause to humanity or to love for that matter. Maybe indeed, her love would have transformed him. She would probably have had quite the task in front of her, but with enough effort,determination and love maybe she could have given him a few lessons in civilization.

I would imagine she would have been a bit ashamed to walk out into the world with his captain caveman self

but after shedding off that primitive layer he might have turned into a proper gentleman

And who knows? Maybe she would have had such a magical touch that she could have cured his infirmities and transformed him from the 'beast' into a dashing, civilized man who wouldn't need any mask.

*thinks of how big of a hypocrite she is talkin'about realism a few lines before and then headin' for the cornfields like this*



Time for some realism and for a return on topic actually. How bout something very tangible?

:hug:

OMG!

LOL

Amazing!!! :wild: You really are having a fun time going to so many places. :shifty: This is sooooooooo cool that you made a picture of star of Marilyn.Thanks! BUT....Wait ...and

the star of Michael? Where is the picture? :scratch:

Which star Ash? The one i had made for Michael, or the other one everybody knows? If i had to take a wild guess, i'd say you meant the one on Hollywood lol. Only one picture? I'll be my 'ever' generous self and present y'all with 4 pics.

Maybe i'll share a pic of the other star as well, we'll see. Not today though. It's nowhere near as fascinating or important as this other one. I did get my official letter about its placement last Wednesday and i'm waiting for the delivery of my replica soon. Anyways....here is the star you all know and love.

This last picture is kinda sad because of that homeless woman. Giving her some money was the last thing i did there. It was understandably very crowded. At one point there was a group of high school kids fromTunisia. It was obvious they were from the Middle East, but i had to ask what country - they were sooo excited to be there. I hang around there for about an hour observing people. It was very fascinating actually. I was in good company too.

There was this one thing that annoyed me though. One moron passing by with his bike stepped over the flowers people had left there. He was verrry lucky i didn't see it cause i was lookin' elsewhere at that exact moment cause otherwise i would've cussed his disrespectful behind out and caused a scene as well, tight skirt and high heels included. How dumb and mean spirited can some be??? *smdarnshabbyhead*

And yes Ash, you are right - i have a lot of fun on the road. I can't keep still for too long. National boundaries mean very little to me, this world ain't big enough for me actually lol.

Returning to that 'realistic' version of love...earlier this year i've ran into the most awesome t-shirt ever.

How cool is that? LOOOOL

P.S. See Shila, i take turns at disagreein' with people, the other day it was MP, today it's you lol.

And btw MP, it's not so much a question of whose toothbrush i'm usin', but rather what i do wit it One thing's fo sho - you can relax, yours is very safe, i mean it no harm.


Sorry everyone for the unintended cut offs in the quotes, the board seems to be actin' bratty right about now and won't let me quote properly.

 

[Lisha]

^ hmm, how can you disagree with someone who was asking something like a rhetorical question ...I don't think I necessarily gave clear indication of what my own thoughts were. I was presenting some thoughts in the way I had hoped would lead to my discovering what others might think. And I enjoyed reading MP's thoughts in response to it very much, and now we have some of yours! That's a good thing. But, hmmm...is it important to you to show you have a mind of your own? Because I am pretty sure most of us in this thread do. :yes: No need to prove it. No need to strive. :scratch: Can spunk be taken to the extreme? But thanks for the further discussion! Tis cool!

If the original story (novel) of The Phantom of the Opera lines up with the version I first saw as a child, and again later in life, which was the film with Claude Raines...it has the Phantom being a very respectable gentleman, who is taken advantage of by having a publisher steal his work (a music composition he worked tremedousy hard on and was very proud of), and when he calls the man on it, this evil and greedy man throws acid on his face. The Phantom (who has not yet become known as the phantom) in great pain, and in mortification of his now disfigured half of face, too hideous to look upon, decides to flee to and keep in seclusion in tunnels below the theater. And then his heart, I guess you'd say, becomes hardened and embittered to all but beautiful music and the angel voice of Christine.

I need to scoot, so I can't elaborate more in this post, but perhaps I'll have a chance later. I still haven't finished sharing more thoughts on Shhaaaby's post a few pages back now, and would like to comment more on MP's recent posts. And I wanted to say 'hi" to roomdownstairs, and was hoping she would come back to post some thoughts of her own.

 

[Ashtanga]

OMG! Captain Caveman is one of my favorite cartoons! :wild: He is soooooooooo cute. :wub:

Which star Ash? The one i had made for Michael, or the other one everybody knows? If i had to take a wild guess, i'd say you meant the one on Hollywood lol. Only one picture? I'll be my 'ever' generous self and present y'all with 4 pics.

Maybe i'll share a pic of the other star as well, we'll see. Not today though. It's nowhere near as fascinating or important as this other one. I did get my official letter about its placement last Wednesday and i'm waiting for the delivery of my replica soon. Anyways....here is the star you all know and love.

This last picture is kinda sad because of that homeless woman. Giving her some money was the last thing i did there. It was understandably very crowded. At one point there was a group of high school kids fromTunisia. It was obvious they were from the Middle East, but i had to ask what country - they were sooo excited to be there. I hang around there for about an hour observing people. It was very fascinating actually. I was in good company too.

There was this one thing that annoyed me though. One moron passing by with his bike stepped over the flowers people had left there. He was verrry lucky i didn't see it cause i was lookin' elsewhere at that exact moment cause otherwise i would've cussed his disrespectful behind out and caused a scene as well, tight skirt and high heels included. How dumb and mean spirited can some be??? *smdarnshabbyhead*

And yes Ash, you are right - i have a lot of fun on the road. I can't keep still for too long. National boundaries mean very little to me, this world ain't big enough for me actually lol.

That was the star I was talking about. Great pictures!!! :wild: Wow, I'm glad people are going there and leaving gifts on the star of Michael. :wub: Cute. :heart: But it seems that they not last a long time there?

Returning to that 'realistic' version of love...earlier this year i've ran into the most awesome t-shirt ever.

How cool is that? LOOOOL

:lol:


I loved that t-shirt!! :wild:

 

[Lisha]

I have returned. Let's see, first when I was throwing up terms of "commonplace" and "unique" as far as a romantic love situation, I was mostly thinking in how one would evaluate in regards to preferences in fictional romances.

I think I do personally prefer the unique Phantom/Christine romance in a fictional sense. Just like MP says below she "would have been a little fascinated with the whole thing." Also it tickles my imagination to envision living underground like that..I dig the atmosphere. I remember the 1987 TV show Beauty and the Beast and how the Beast lived under New York City and it was an appealing place to imagine living somehow. This video just gives a brief idea of it.

[youtube]8Um104UumKQ[/youtube]

If you wish to watch the whole episode:
http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyNBeastTVShow#p/u/3/4tgAsExvbmA
http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyNBeastTVShow#p/u/2/19ePdTIEB4U
http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyNBeastTVShow#p/u/1/squPKwQZowo
http://www.youtube.com/user/BeautyNBeastTVShow#p/u/0/8Um104UumKQ

I like the part where the Beast says 'I wanted to see you, I have so many things I've wanted to tell you" Awww. Is that how guys are if they really care about some girl but they can't reach her for some reason? Is it hard not to be able to explain things to her and are worried she might not be able to understand on her own?

Vincent and Catherine have something going on kinda like what we've talked about in here before that 'may' have been going on between MJ and his LITD girl. There is a strong connection. But in their case the sensitivity is stronger on Vincent's end; he really is attuned to Catherine. Did we ever decide in here that it was more likely that MJ felt the connection more strongly than the LITD girl (if she exists and if there was ever a "them")? I think I remember MP suggesting once that maybe, if the LITD girl was MJ's "dreamgirl" and he saw, even "met" her frequently in his dreams, that even though she dreamt the same dream as well, in the morning only HE remembered the dream and she was unaware that she had even met with him during the night in dreamland. The LITD girl only knew she felt so strongly drawn to him every day. Remember that one, MP? Well, would it make it more interesting if only MJ felt the connection and the LITD girl didn't; or is it more romantic if they both had always felt the connection together...two-way.

Anyway, I love the underground tunnel vibe,

And realistically, how could Christine (or any woman for that matter) live with the Phantom in the catacombs under some opera house?

and I think what they did for an atmosphee in the Phantom of the Opera play and it's film was strikingly beautiful, and alluring, if in a dark way...

The reason I ask this is because I think I would have had a harder time deciding between the two than Christine had. She seemed to lean more towards Raoul from beginning to the end. It really does makes more sense since that was the more "realistic" love. I guess I do tend to like things that are more "unique" as you stated above. I think the fact that it was a "unique" love would have made me more confused. I probably would have been a little fascinated by the whole thing, but realistically, how long could a relationship last based on such a thing?

The threesome thing is always tricky. I hadn't been aware of the continuing story that Webber came up with that you posted the song from. i looked up the story on Wiki:

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Love Never Dies Ten years later, Christine is in her late twenties to mid-thirties, a devoted mother and considerable wife in a miserable marriage, thinking of how Raoul has abused her and suggested to have abused Gustave, her ten-year-old son, and wasted his fortune on gambling and drink. However, once she meets the Phantom again, when she finds how he has been pining for her, his love never fading, the same as her, it is revealed they consummated their love in a night of passion before she wed Raoul, and Gustave is the fruit of that union. Again, she is forced to choose between Raoul and Phantom. This time, swayed by her revelation that her love for him is deeper than she can deny any longer, she chooses Phantom, pained this time for Raoul. However, she is ready to begin her new life with Phantom by her side and their son with them, when she is accidentally shot and killed by a distraught Meg Giry, to the Phantom's horror and agony, who, obeying her final request, kisses her one last time before she dies. Her body is then handed to Raoul, who cradles her as the show ends.

What a tragic ending...did Webber HAVE to go and do that!!! She dies!!! Man, first the Phantom loses her to Raoul, then he wins her back after ten long agonizing years, only to lose her again to death. That Mr. Webber is HEARTLESS!!! :lol: But now I doubly feel sorry for the Phantom.

Interesting he has Raoul turn out to not be so hot afterall. And he seemed like such a "nice guy." Ya just never know. And so it would seem Christine and the Phantom were meant for each other afterall. But she had to learn that after experiencing life for quite a few years and seeing things from a different perspective. It took time. Or do you think she still didn't really love him but had began over the years in his absence to romanticize him...and create a man in him for herself who was more fantasy than real?

It makes me think of how I would guess many fans could have done with MJ. It also reminds me of the threesome in Gone with the Wind and how Scarlett wasted all that time imagining that Ashley was the perfect man for her...when in fact, she would have gotten so tired of the way he was wired, so very different than her..he was a dreamer, an idealist, his head always in the clouds, where she was a realist and didn't want to talk on and on about castles in the air and clouds. And there was Rhett all along, but she couldn't "see" because she was so caught up in her fantasy about Ashley. That would be sad if females have turned away men that would have been right for them because they were not MJ...but maybe MJ would have never been able to make them happy anyway, just like Ashley could not have made Scarlett happy. How could anyone make them see that though?

Well, I guess all of those factors is what makes it such a complicated, interesting and fascinating story.

The Phantom of the Opera is a complicated, interesting and fascinating story...you're right! No wonder why the musical is so popular...and the music is so lovely and haunting as well. It's been fun discussing it. Thanks for bringing it up, MP.

Edit: I just had the thought that maybe Christine should've given the Phantom a chance. Perhaps her love for him would've changed him. (I know all the "Oprah's" and "Dr. Phil's" in the room are gonna bop me over the head for that one!)

lol! I wish she would have. Love can change someone for the better. Unfortunately, so often the ones who need love the most have learned to be unlovable and push the love away. What is that quote I've seen passed around on Twitter? Something like "I put up walls to see if you care enough to break them down."
I think the Phantom was redeemable because he initially, based on the novel was a sensitive man, and then he was wronged. Perhaps Christine's love could have made him return to his old self prior the event with the acid. If she had accepted him and loved him even after seeing him without the mask, as Catherine did with Vincent without his hood, it could have been very healing.

Ape said something that I thought was quite a good observation regarding who Christine should have selected, (I hope you don't mind that I share this, Apers, but I liked it)

" First time watching I wanted her to be with Phantom, but Raul isnt bad. I can't decide. You know Raul would probably be fine finding another but Phantom may never find another."

Doesn't that grab you...because again, the Phantom was so mysterious and special and unique...he probably couldn't just be with anyone, and he was so limited on how he could meet anyone else. Sounds a little like some discussions we've had about MJ, and how his unique situation would have made it hard for him to find the right girl. So, like the Phantom, if God had MJ at some point in his life run into the LITD girl...would he so easily forget it? Would he have been as emotionally attached to her (if, if, if, if that "her" exists. lol) as the Phantom was to Christine?

... I actually believe this thread is needed now more than ever. This is precisely the moment when we cannot afford not to think about love because love is eternal and it transcends everything, even death.

...I am convinced Michael himself would be heartbroken to know how much and how many people are suffering because they are re-living June 25th . Although he always appreciated the support of fans and admirers in his darkest hours and would be overwhelmed at the love there is all over the world for him, i am sure he would also hate to know so many are torturing themselves with worries and questions which might never be answered properly and completely

I recently came across this excellent post of AllForMJ's that in a way addresses these very things you were talking about, Shhaaaby:

Just wanna mention something...

I know that many of us are still fighting back tears, and from time to time we just have to let them flow, but there is something else that we should try to remember, and that is that MJ had to deal with the passing of people that he cared about too. He attended a funeral during one of the toughest years that he lived through. In 2005, during the trial, he attended Johnnie Cochran's funeral. A year and a half later, he attended James Brown's funeral.

You know, for many, many years, MJ had endured much loneliness and pain as an entertainer. He has revealed that he often cried while he was alone. We've heard him cry while singing songs, and then there is something else that we often saw him do. We would often see him smile despite everything that he was going through.

Do you remember seeing him singing "Smile" in "Living With Michael Jackson?" I'm sure many of you do.

He was singing this sweet song even though he had been unfairly raked over the coals for many years in a row. He smiled many times during the trial too.

This beautiful gem named Michael Jackson told us to smile. He recorded a song for us about it. He showed us how to do it. He even did various things to help us do it, and we do not want to throw his hard work away, right? He spent most of his life on earth trying to make us smile.

Look at the photo that is on his obituary. Is he frowning or is he smiling?

Here, let's take a look and see.

Nope! He is not frowning. There is that big beautiful smile. So chin up. Although we will miss him greatly, let's not forget what he told us...

He told us to "Smile"

You know, he planted a lot of seeds in his massive global fan base, and it's going to be very hard to make the world a better place if each and every one of us across the globe do not have a beautiful smile on our face. So...smile. Michael would want us to.

If this thread helps us to forget our worries and can now and then make us smile, I think MJ would be all for it for us.

I didn't cover everything I had planned on covering in this monster post...maybe another time...but I hope you guys could follow it okay...it perhaps went in too many directions. Sorry if that was the case. :blush:

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

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[No-Body]

^ hmm, how can you disagree with someone who was asking something like a rhetorical question ...I don't think I necessarily gave clear indication of what my own thoughts were. I was presenting some thoughts in the way I had hoped would lead to my discovering what others might think. And I enjoyed reading MP's thoughts in response to it very much, and now we have some of yours! That's a good thing. But, hmmm...is it important to you to show you have a mind of your own? Because I am pretty sure most of us in this thread do. No need to prove it. No need to strive. Can spunk be taken to the extreme? But thanks for the further discussion! Tis cool!

Shila, i apologize if i made some extremely hasty inferences from your questions. I must admit that i have this horrible tendency to nit and pick at people's words and i also enjoy debates a bit too much. Mix all of this with long ramblings and the results can be awful at times. Add to that formula a bit of an awkward sense of humor, alright a lotttt, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Both you and MP are some of the people i admire the most in this thread and on this message board. I honestly value very much your thoughts and contributions. I'm deeply sorry if my words as of late have caused any of you discomfort.

As i've said it already, my purpose in all of this talk at this time is quite simple really – to offer everyone a distraction from the terribly trying times that we all face outside of this little thread here. At times, my methods are a bit abrupt (e.g. 'perhaps' intentionally stirring debates for the sake of moving things on). They can end up backfiring on me like a boomerang of sorts, but that is a risk i am willing to take as long as i can keep anybody's mind busy on other stuff than autopsy photos, testimonies and the like. Then, as strange as it sounds, even paradoxically like that, my mission here is done.

And to answer your questions, cause i don't wanna dodge anything – nope, i am not out to prove anything to anybody. What i do or don't have makes no difference to anyone but me. Making a fool of myself in front of many is an art i've come to master for quite some time now. I've done it before (in circumstances far more embarassing than sharing some thoughts on a message board) and i'll probably do it again (God only knows in what ways and when), but i don't mind. It's just another of the many 'hats' i gotta wear.

I recently came across this excellent post of AllForMJ's that in a way addresses these very things you were talking about,

If this thread helps us to forget our worries and can now and then make us smile, I think MJ would be all for it for us.

BIIINGO. Beautiful post you found there from the 'founder' herself - AllforMJ. Also, i agree with you, MJ would be pleased if we could still smile in the mix of all this pain.

Btw of Michael and all the interesting points you made. Unfortunately i cannot address the rest of your posts because i haven't had the time to look at the links you posted, but i would like to make this observation, if i may call it that. It would be better if i exemplify with music though.

There is this marvelous song called 'come musica' by an amazing artist called Lorenzo Cherubini who is known throughout Europe as Jovanotti. Not only is he a social rebel (at times a bit 2 much to the left for my liking lol), but he is also one of the greatest songwriters in the world as well. His love songs are true masterpieces and in this one he talks about the love for his wife and the chorus goes something like: 'I know it happenned already/others have been in love before/it's not a novelty/but this love of ours is like music/that will never stop'. I'll grant you – all of that sounds so much better in Italian than it does in English especially if the translation is done by such a shabby character as myself. At one point he sings 'this huge love of ours that you can't talk about, but from the outside may seem normal'.

What if for Michael and that litdg, IF she exists of course, it was exactly the other way around – what if, at the end of the day, when you take away their extraordinary circumstances (if and how they might have met and/or communicated), what they actually had was a normal love between just another boy and girl trying to make it together in a harsh world? What if their love seemed abnormal from outside because of who Michael was and what he went throughout his life, but what they shared between the two of them were simple feelings of love, joy and sorrow, just like any other couple out there? How did Breaking News go – why is it strange that I would fall in love? I know his presence in that song is not complete, let's put it this way lol, but i've always been intrigued by that one line there.

Coming back to Jovanotti's song - exchange that 'nostra storia' with 'their story' and 'abnormal' for 'normal' in those lyrics and maybe that could paint an interesting picture.

Without any further due here is this marvelous piece of music and the awesome video which accompanies it. Who knew construction tools could be so poetic? Lol I find the seeming contradiction between the lyrical and visual contents to be brilliant.

[video=youtube;b3lJJRrB74c]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3lJJRrB74c [/video]

OMG! Captain Caveman is one of my favorite cartoons! He is soooooooooo cute.

That was the star I was talking about. Great pictures!!! Wow, I'm glad people are going there and leaving gifts on the star of Michael. Cute. But it seems that they not last a long time there?

I loved that t-shirt!!

Didn't mean to leave ya behind Ash. I just wanted to take it chronologically and answer Shila's posts before. Don't know where are the smileys in your post went, sowwy. The quotin' button is playin' tricks on me, yettt again lol.

I'm glad you enjoyed all them pics. Yeah, Captain Caveman cartoons ruled. I remember watching them as a child on Cartoon Network. Real funny stuff. That t-shirt is funny too. That's the reason i posted it.

The flowers and all the gifts were there because it was the day after Michael's birthday. I'm pretty sure there isn't anything there right now. I bet there are lots of folks taking pictures all year long though, flowers or no flowers. It is one of the biggest attraction points on that boulevard and we can only feel proud at the appreciation Michael is shown, but i do have to wonder how many people were just as eager to be photographed there before June 25th 2009. I guess it is only human to discover what you have only after it's gone.




I was gonna finish up this newest scroll, but goin' back a few pages i realized how long it had been since i had promised Shila i would answer another post of hers.

I was just gonna ask a couple questions for clarity/better understanding.

1. Were you married to this guy?

2. Is he a man of God...a believer like you?

Sounds like God is getting you right where He wants you to be at in this juncture in your life. Unfortunatley for us...pain is so often the road to that place. That doesn't mean our compassionate God isn't grieving over your hurt and disappointment and possible disillusionment. He loves you and when you hurt, He hurts. He's heard everything you have cried out to Him about this man and this relationship...and deeply cared, all the way through. But it seems things needed to take their course.

And now it's just you and God, starting over again, together...and a time for you to slowly learn to trust again. God's grace and anointing are all over you, I fully see it...He has a plan in all of this and a purpose still for you to fulfil, Shhaaaby. It is because you seek Him with such a pure heart that you have come face to face with such difficult trials. But you will ovecome. There is still blessing for you ahead.

Thanks again homegirl for all your lovely and thoughtful words of support and encouragement.

If you will allow me, i will remain aloof on your first question, but i will answer the second one – yes, he is. That is one of the most important things we have in common. Our love of God and our appreciation of Michael (because he also is an MJ fan) are two of our strongest bonds. The only problem with his faith is that when it comes to me he acts like a heathen. I can understand though because we all fall short of God's glory and we give in to sin. Also, as a Christian i have a duty to forgive because much has been forgiven by the Lord when it comes to my own sinful self.
Btw of that sinful nature, i have to regretfully admit that many times my heart is anything but pure, but it is true that i seek the Lord with all of it, pure or not.

This whole notion of purity is quite funny actually because one of my names has something to do with the strength and purity of silver. It was celebrated on September 26th if i remember correctly. The other name, my baptism one, which means the one that the Lord knows me by, is related to light, healing and wings. Many times i am ashamed to have both of those names because i don't feel neither strong nor pure and i certainly don't have much to do with flight and all the other great things in there.

You were sayin' that now it's only God and me, but that's just the thing – all my life it's always been only God and me. I was starting to hope that would no longer be the case. Although surrounded by many great people (family, friends, teachers, colleagues), there has always been this terrible cloud of loneliness above me for as long as i can remember.

Anyways, what i want it's truly insignificant in the big scheme of things. God's will is what counts the most. I don't think i should take up anymore space about my own personal problems because they don't really belong in this topic. I may be trying, at times in vain with failed attempts at humor to distract you from things 'outside', but it doesn't mean i gotta take the whole thread completely off topic.

Btw of names and usernames – i'm getting kinda tired of this whole Shhaaaby intermezzo. You can all call me whatever you like. The more i look at it, the more ridiculous it looks. I absolutely stand by my ultra human avatar with its crooked halo and loving tail (in case y'all didn't know the true color of love is green, not red as many would have suspected). I suppose it's yet another cautionary tale about first impressions being wrong - what passes for good may actually be evil and what is considered bad could possibly be good.

I should probably go to sleep now. I'm not out to win anybody's sympathy and mercy but God's, but i don't think any of you can imagine how physically and emotionally draining these ramblings of mine actually are.

Good night/good afternoon (dependin' on what side of the world you are) and God bless you everyone

.....


P.S. Thank you MP for that beautiful video. I just watched it.

 

[Ashtanga]

<iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iu-rLA4POkI" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Chaplin/Smile... :wub:

Hey, I know that has nothing to do with this thread (Sorry!!!) :fear:, but since you posted this beautiful video... :heart: I remembered something... :blushing: It is happening here in Brazil (in my city) a great exhibition (by the curator Sam Stourdzé) about Chaplin with films, projections, photographs, posters, manuscripts of Chaplin and much, much, much more... :wild: And I'm going to see this exhibition this weekend, it looks great. I'm so excited! :wild:

 

[Lisha]

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I'm just stopping by to comment on these two posts but will be back later...At the moment I have a fierce headache and have been sick all day...not fun...BUT I will try to reply to more things next time...but for now...

Out of all the "Smile" vids on YouTube this one is my favorite because it is full of Charlie Chaplin footage.

The first time I became acquainted with the song, Smile, was in 1980 when I was about 24. I was sitting in the audience of a Disney Show taking place on the Space Mountain stage in Tomorrowland. The Kids of the Kingdom were doing a Hollywood theme show. I liked the show so much, because of all the great showtunes they were doing, and the bright showbiz kind of costumes, and all the lively dancing, that I watched it several times.

After awhile you kind of pick a favorite or two out of the dancer/singers, someone who stands out. I think there were about 5 guys and 5 girls. Anyway, this cute brunette with a bob hairdo was the one i had fun watching cause she had sparkly eyes when she performed. At one point, she came out on stage dressed as Charlie Chaplin. i can still picture her wiggly her fake mustache. haha. But soon after she started to sing. And she sang Smile. I thought it was the most beautiful song I had ever heard. It just had such a special effect on me that the song stayed with me and I would so often just start singing it.

Around this time period, I was singing the song in the livingroom at home and my mom from the kitchen came out and said, 'You're singing "Smile." I said, "Oh, is it called that? I think it is so pretty." And she said, "It is, and it is really something that a song so serious could have been written by a comedian...Charlie Chaplin." Then I was like, 'Oh! That is why the singer came out dressed like Charlie Chaplin when she sang it!" I was so clueless. But it has been a most special song to me through the years, almost like a friend who comforts, for I found myself singing it I think at times when I really most needed to. I just have always loved the song.

I was very surprised when I first came across Michael Jackson while on YouTube back in '07 and I was watching the Living with Michael Jackson video clips...and came across the situation AllForMJ brings up in that post I quoted in an above post. I was stunned when I heard him start singing Smile randomly as he was walking out of a building. I was like, "Wow, he sings that song to himself just like I do!" Again, me being clueless. I didn't even know yet that he had recorded the song. *rolls eyes at herself* There must be a lot of us who love that song!

Thanks for posting Smile, MP!

Chaplin/Smile... :wub:

Hey, I know that has nothing to do with this thread (Sorry!!!) :fear:, but since you posted this beautiful video... :heart: I remembered something... :blushing: It is happening here in Brazil (in my city) a great exhibition (by the curator Sam Stourdzé) about Chaplin with films, projections, photographs, posters, manuscripts of Chaplin and much, much, much more... :wild: And I'm going to see this exhibition this weekend, it looks great. I'm so excited! :wild:

Oh, lucky girll! I wish I could go. That sounds so interesting. Enjoy, Ash! thanks for sharing that. :flowers:

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

Do you think it would just be better for two people to wait to experience "true love" in the "Great Beyond" rather than try to have it now in this life? I don't know how well this world can sustain love.

 

[Ashtanga]

Oh, lucky girll! I wish I could go. That sounds so interesting. Enjoy, Ash! thanks for sharing that. :flowers:

I'm sure it will! But maybe this exhibition will be in other countries too? Who knows.... :wild: An interesting article in January 2011: http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/culture/Museum_receives_dream_Chaplin_archive.html?cid=29361728 >>> "The future Chaplin Museum will be opened in 2012 in the family home at Corsier-sur-Vevey." :wild:

Hey Shila, I was thinking about you :yes: .... how is your husband? I hope he's OK. Prayers for him. :angel:

 

[8701girl]

Wow i have missed alot on here .......sorry for not being in here much asi thought this thread had stopped

 

[MysteriousPhoenix]

BTW (all you peeps out there who think you're "cooler than me" ha!ha!), speaking of the song "Smile," I just remembered that Kirk Franklin has a song out there called "I Smile" (more of a "gospely" vibe, but still along the same lines).

Sooooo ... if you liked "Smile," you will probably enjoy "I Smile." It's pretty cute!