A life well lived

Why are the most heartfelt things so tough to write about? A member of my extended family passed away this week. I loved Marjorie Schwartz.

When Susan Bernard joined our family by marrying my cousin, Bernie, it was a very happy time. The more I got to know Susan's mom, the more I wanted to be around her. She had such panache. She wrote a weekly article for the West Los Angeles area newspaper. When she and her family came to visit, we would later read about how much she liked our bbq ribs. When we were celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, we'd see our names in print then too.

I went to the theatre with Marjorie when she prepared to review a show. She would have loved the play I'm doing now... "Sideways, A Musical."

She supported me by coming to The Gardenia when I did my one-woman cabaret. We went together to her grandson Alex' third grade class when Susan asked me to sing "something Italian" when they were studying the arts of various countries. I sang, "That's Amore." So many memories. And when we'd get together to celebrate either of our birthdays, you could count on both of us wearing our favorite shades of purple/lavender.

I miss her fun jewelry, her shoes, her great stories about her parents' friends, George & Gracie Allen, Mary & Jack Benny.

I feel blessed to have spent time around this wonderful woman. In fact, the last time we were together was at a Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica where we saw Dick Van Dyke dining. He even helped Marjorie with the car door on the way out as he was leaving as the valet pulled up. Susan is preparing a special memorial to celebrate her mother's life. It will be interesting to hear what the Rabbi will say from all the input of her many friends and family.

A life well lived, leaving behind many who will miss Marjorie's joie de vivre.

Legendary Singer and Artist

Last week when I was waiting in the doctor's office for my annual exam, I picked up a copy of a magazine with Tony Bennett and Christina Aguilera on the cover. I always bring my own reading material with me just in case I have to wait anywhere I have an appointment...but then I invariably see one of the magazines displayed that I never get to read and curiosity gets the better of me and I read theirs; although, I don't think it's a good idea...because of germs, especially in a doctor's office.

In any event, in this instance, I had recently seen the duo perform on one of the award shows, and I was impressed with how the much-younger Christina held her own with the master. I haven't really followed her career, although I own almost every album/cd Tony has put out.
I like Christina's voice and admire her confidence in the way that she promotes herself.

The interesting thing about this article that talked almost exclusively about Tony, not only his singing, but his art work as well, are quotes from two talented persons. One is from Phil Ramone, who produced Tony's "Duets" cd. Phil mentioned that among musicians, Tony is admired and known for never performing a song exactly the same way twice. (If you're a singer, you can appreciate this with all the thousands of songs he has sung.) Phil states, "I think he's one of the ultimate artists in seeing life from a musical point of view. Whereas many performers need a crowd's response to spark a fresh idea, Tony completely comes from within himself."

Paul McCartney, on meeting Tony, "I was reminded that most of the great people are nice to be with, because they don't have anything to prove."

He's certainly one of my favorites. And congratulations to his son, Danny, for his vision in managing his father's career.

Second-guessing Yourself

Ever wonder how your life might have turned out if you had made a different decision? Every time I see Johnny Grant presenting a celebrity with his/her star on the Walk of Fame, I think back to the time I met him. More years than I care to think about, he was there at a business convention I was attending in Anaheim. He asked me if I would be willing to pose for "Stars and Stripes." I recall that I didn't even bother to ask him what that was. I just blurted out, "Oh, no, my husband wouldn't like that."

Now, truthfully, it wasn't that I was such a hot babe, but I was the youngest by about 20 years among the other women, so I suppose I stood out for that reason. However, even though I can't remember what I ate for dinner last night, I can remember the dress I had on. It was one of my favorites...beige with a black wide cloth belt that tied on the side..black sleeves, above the knee. I must say, it was one of my more flattering outfits.

Unfortunately, my focus at that time was not on show business, being seen, achieving fame nor fortune. I wanted a family. I was afraid if I got sidetracked in a career I loved, I might postpone having a family.

Interesting, how things work out. I never had a family...God knows we tried. I had a succession of jobs that were really not my cup of tea but ones I could safely leave without missing them. I waited until I completed a 20-year career in marketing to puruse my passions of acting and singing. I love it how actresses today can seem to balance their exciting careers, marriage, and motherhood.

I don't think Johnny Grant would be making any such offers today. And, oh, by the way, when I got home and told my hubby about it, he said, "Why didn't you do it?!"

And just when I thought I had men figured out.