It's JCS Time!

Every year about this time -- between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday -- I try to watch the 1973 movie version of "Jesus Christ Superstar." It's a tradition I've tried to keep for several years, ever since I got it on video (altho there was a year or two in there when I couldn't work it in). I recently got it on dvd and am looking forward to watching that soon -- before Easter.
When all my kids were still living at home, I sometimes had problems finding a time when I could watch it by myself. I HAD to watch it by myself because the boys would make fun of it, and I don't like anyone making fun of something I dearly love to watch while I'm watching it. (This is something I'll also mention in an upcoming blog about ATWT.)
My love affair with JCS began at a Methodist youth retreat in Great Bend. I know it was during basketball season, because Jerry Blythe* didn't make it to the retreat 'til after the GBHS game that Friday night, since he was a photographer for the school paper, so I think it was in February. I know is was 1971. Later that evening, we were all sitting in folding chairs in the church's basement, facing a wall where an overhead projector projected the words to the new play, "Jesus Christ Superstar," and a recording of this musical played in the background. A few months later (on Easter afternoon, I think), I found myself sitting on the grass in the park at Avenue A and Walnut in Hutch with Nyberg, Nuzums, and probably Dee, along with several other youth from area churches, once again listening to the musical, and blissfully singing along to "What's the Buzz," "Superstar," and all the other great songs.
I'm pretty sure I went to the movie with Nancy, Barb, Kathy, and Dee, when it came to the Fox. The video didn't come out until 'til the late '90s, so I was ecstatic when I found it. I somehow ended up with two copies of the video. (They had different covers, so I guess I thought the second one I bought would have extra stuff on it -- but it didn't.) At present, we have three dvd players and only one working videotape player, so I knew I'd have more options of watching it on dvd. Since no one got it for me for Christmas, even though I've had it on my list for the past few years, I decided to get it on my own. I ordered it about ten days ago and got it a week later.
I know others (like my kids) think it's a dorky movie. And I admit there are parts of it that don't do much for me -- like some of Yvonne Elliman's songs, especially the ones that weren't in the original stage play but were added to the movie to hook her fans. (She had fans?) But JCS seriously moves me. I get something from it. It somehow prepares me for Easter. So I'll be watching it again this year as soon as I can.

*Jerry was one of the Great Bend Boy Scouts we met at Camp Kanza a couple of summers before this. We kept in touch for several years after originally meeting.

CELEBRATE SEUSS

CELEBRATE SEUSS

It's All About Me!

Having just had my birthday week (yes, I celebrate more than my actual birth DAY -- I celebrate all week long!), I decided to be very egotistical and vain, and devote this post to the one and only ME!
For the record, I turned 56 on Thursday, March 4th. Somehow, that seems a whole lot older to me than 55 -- it's way too close to 60! Of course, it's better than the alternative of never having turned 56. And at least I still feel a lot younger (attitude-wise, that is -- definitely not physically).
Anyway, I've always loved having a birthday. It's one of the few things that is all about me. After I got married, and after I had kids, I made no bones about the fact that I like celebrating my birthday and having others celebrate it, and so I frequently remind them of this important date several weeks in advance to make sure they properly acknowledge it.
There were times in earlier years when, following Christmas, the advent of my birthday was the main thing that helped get me through the cold, dreary winter months. Sure, there was Valentine's Day along the way, but V-Day isn't just about me! I needed something special to help me see the light at the end of the winter tunnel.
Several years back, when I found out a fellow choir member had the same birthday as me, I wasn't sure I liked sharing my special day. She was a nice enough person -- and it would have been a lot worse if this was someone I didn't really like -- but, being older than her, it felt like she'd somehow encroached on my "property."
I often tell people that my b-day is a joke. Really. It's a joke: What day of the year is a command? March 4th (forth)! So this is another reason my b-day is special. How many people not born on March 4th can say their birthday is a joke?
There are enough times throughout the rest of the year when I may be mad/unhappy/jealous/whatever in certain situations that involve other people -- people who should be the focus of my empathy or concern or well wishes. So I have to stop and tell myself, "It's not about you. It's about (whomever)." My birthday is the one time I can honestly say, "It's all about me!"
[Thanks to everyone who sent me b-day wishes! Keep up the good work!}