Swayze Gets Waxed

On Tuesday, October 18, the wonderful Patrick Swayze was immortalized in wax at the famous Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, California. I'd love to see it in person because the likeness is incredible. He'd be impressed, just as his widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze, is with the recreation. The image is taken from the Dirty Dancing scene in which Swayze's Johnny Castle character balances across that narrow log.


This site has three terrific videos on the event and I recommend watching all three.

Celebrating Life: Patrick Swayze

Athlete ... Ballet Dancer ... Broadway Performer ... Actor ... Dancer ... Singer ... Equestrian ... Environmentalist ... Son ... Brother ... Husband ... Uncle ... Mentor ... Friend

The world is full of labels and the above are a few that apply to Patrick Swayze, who would have been 59 on August 18, 2011. The man was a dichotomy, something he once admitted to being himself during a TV interview with Maria Shriver. For me, that was a big part of his charm. He was the tough guy with a tender heart. He was the protector who could cry as well. In truth, you can't label Patrick, except for this one thing: human being.

His death in 2009 is still extremely painful for his family, friends, and fans. He fought so gallantly against his foe, pancreatic cancer. He gave it all he had, until there just wasn't anything left anymore. Then he passed into a place of peace, where the man who had suffered much pain on Earth is surely feeling more blessedness and freedom than ever. He's there, riding his beloved Tammen, with Cody, his faithful canine friend, trailing along his side.

On this birthday, though, it is his life that we should celebrate. He left behind a legacy of strong film roles in a variety of styles. No, they aren't all my favorites, but Patrick's choices were as diverse as anyone's. It supports the dichotomy within him. A roller skating bully, a teenage greaser, a young Marine, a Civil War general, a dirty dancer, a ghost, a surfer thief, a suicidal doctor, a legendary cowboy, a drag queen, a country bumpkin, a pained dancer, a spy, a sex-addicted golfer, a father, a lawyer, a cop ... and the list goes on, including an animated dog singer.

There are so many wonderful performances. He left us so much to remember him by. There should have been more, many more, but I am grateful for my favorites, especially North and South, City of Joy, and One Last Dance, and even those that aren't at the top of my list, because all of them are a piece of Patrick.

Patrick is in our hearts today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and all the tomorrows after that. He will never be forgotten. My hope for his birthday is that all of us take a moment to remember the love and joy that he gave to us. If you can, watch one of his movies, or listen to his music, or read a chapter of his book, or just close your eyes for a few minutes and remember the man, the actor, and the friend.

Happy Birthday, Patrick!

Rain, Photos, and Here's Lucy

Its drizzling rain today which is better than when it pours. Still, I actually have gotten a lot done, tossing out some trash, doing some housecleaning, and making calls to people saying 'take me off the mailing lists.' Honestly, there is just too much junk mail out there. The poor trees.

While going through some things, I ended up looking at photos and remembering some fun times in the past. I really feel lucky to have had some treasured experiences -- a couple of great cruises, lots of celebrity events, meeting and sharing time with Patrick Swayze, having some fun at conventions with Michael Shanks, traveling around the USA, and so much more. Having the pictures to look back on is just awesome.

The photo world has changed a lot now, too. These days photo printing is more technological, sharp, and easier in some aspects. Remember all of those 35mm rolls of film? I still have some, but I'm not sure there is any place to get them developed anymore. Everything is digital now it seems.

Off I go to watch more of Here's Lucy, a show I haven't seen in years now. I'm really enjoying it, though.

Swayze Checks, More SG-1, and Just Rambling

It's the wee hours and I couldn't sleep so I got up to surf around on the computer while watching some classic shows on DVD. Right now I have Branded on. That was the 2 year military western series that starred Chuck Connors. It's pretty good.

Part of my surfing earlier was for office supplies and equipment. I was just looking to see what was out there, for things like file folders, notebooks, and checks. It's the kind of thing you have to stay on top of to make sure you don't run out.

I love getting customized personal checks, too. I have had all kinds during my life. I had ones with Patrick Swayze on them for a time. Those made for great conversation pieces. Of course, there have been some scenic checks and dog ones, too. It just gives paying the bills some pizzazz.

A few other odds and ins: the dogs are getting used to their new outdoor automatic water filler, and that's making me happy big time. I saw two fun episodes of Stargate SG-1 tonight. I really do miss that show when it was at its best. Finally, it's still cold as can be -- low 40's during the day. Brrrr!

Swayze Fans Go Big

I just love this little piece of history. Fans of Patrick Swayze, who died from pancreatic cancer on September 14, 2009, set a world record on the 14th in 2010. The record is for setting the most comments on a single Facebook page. The number was a resounding 10,260. This is an official Guinness World Record.

Swayzemaniacs Rule!

Dreary Day But An Okay Day, Too

It's been a pleasant and calm Saturday around here. It was actually a little bleary outside, but inside, the holiday movies were playing pretty much all day, with an exception or two.

One of those was watching Powder Blue, a movie I'd never watched before, but since Patrick Swayze was in it, I knew that sooner or later, I'd have to watch. Let's just say it's not his finest movie, but I do understand why he participated in the project. His widow, Lisa, was one of four people honored this week at an AARP function. All are active in some medical concern or another. She was in good company as the other 3 were Tony Danza, Henry Winkler, and Joy Behar.

That's about it for now. I'm off to watch more TV and surf the net some more.

Cooking and Swayze

Welcome to another Wednesday, and that means halfway through the big work week. For me, it's been a little different. September 14th was the one year passing of Patrick Swayze. I'd met him several times, and he was such a nice, fun man. I miss him, and it's just hard to believe that he isn't still out there making movies.

So, deep breath, and on we go to other things. I've been watching the new Home segment on the Hallmark Channel. This is daytime block of roughly three hours that will be expanding in January. Right now, it's begun with Martha Stewart's show, then some ridiculous talk show by these two thirty-something women who annoy me greatly, and then it has a couple of cooking shows, but the best one is called Mad Hungry, featuring a woman named Lucinda.

I love Lucinda. She's the most likable cooking host I've seen, though I must admit to not really being a fan of cooking shows. However, I have gotten more experimental over the last couple of years, and I am learning some things from her. That says a lot.

Of course, the more involved in cooking like some of these chefs we see on TV, the more complex the shopping becomes, rather you're buying ingredients or equipment, online or in retail stores. For me, I like quick and easy, minimal prep time, and little or no cleanup, and that is not easy to find.

Lucinda cooked up two dishes today that I really think I'm going to try at some point, and that's hard to believe for me. One was an egg/bacon/cheese breakfast sandwich that has a twist to it that her son added and the other is a spaghetti carbonara, and I adore spaghetti.

So, who knows. Maybe I'll tune in some more. She's been the spark of midday for me this week.

That's it for now. Remember Patrick and donate to Stand Up 2 Cancer or the Pancreatic Cancer Network. Patrick's widow, Lisa Niemi, is now an official spokesperson for them.

From 9/11 to a Swayze Remembrance

Hello everyone. First, I would be remiss not to acknowledge this day. 9/11 is a solemn day. Any time I hear that date, my heart sinks. I've watched some of the programs about the tragedies of that day in 2001, and each one makes me feel lucky to be alive to be a part of a nation with such wonderful heroes. So, please pause to remember, and then honor those who lost their lives by moving forward and being the best we can be. Let's roll with life!

There was a story on the news this past week about relationships and it talked a little about how times have changed and how so many people now meet online via dating groups. There are numerous ones of those and apparently these sites are definitely leading to romance and marriage.

I remember when social networking was before the internet as we know it now. People needed to be very suspect and protective when meeting strangers from all over. That's still true, but a lot of the dating sites have more security than they used to. It is hard to meet new people today as well. It was just interesting to me to see this news story discussing it.

Stand Up 2 Cancer aired last night, and I was so deeply touched to see Lisa Niemi there talking about her husband, Patrick Swayze. It caught me a little off guard, and I must admit to shedding some tears when they showed a clip of Patrick from the original telethon special two years ago. He was such a wonderful man. I can't believe he's been gone a year (as of September 14th). He and Lisa had one of the best romances ever.

It is truly a weekend of memories.

April Sunshine

The sunshine has returned, at least for a few days. We've had great weather here in Northern California. I've been enjoying it, especially since my email issues were resolved. It was a scary thing not to be able to reply, forward, or compose email. I'm thankful someone new their stuff and solved the problem for me.

April 8th is the latest episode of Supernatural. I don't watch this series but I will be then because Michael Shanks is guest starring, and he's a big favorite of mine. There's a chance his Hawkman character could recur on Smallville next season, and I'm thrilled about that. Michael's wife, Lexa Doig, is on the new V and while I love to watch Lexa, I just can't convince myself to watch the new updated V.

I just read an interview with Lisa Niemi, the widow of Patrick Swayze. She's hanging in there, but still going through a lot of pain in dealing with the blow in life that Patrick's early death has caused her. She's strong; she'll get through, but right now, those are just words for her. She has a lot of people praying for her, though. She's very much loved, as Patrick still is, too.

My dogs are loving their Kongs. In fact, Kong Classic just came out with a new X-tra large size, and I'm so glad because that's exactly what they need.

Onward to the next post!

April Showers

It's been a miserable day with April Showers falling down and lightning strikes and such. For me, I've been dealing with two very nagging computer issues -- a router that isn't reliable and an email update that has made so that I can't reply, forward, or write new emails. I feel extremely frustrated and agitated.

That said, it's been otherwise positive lately, and my adorable girls are still adorable and keep me laughing and smiling.

I've caught up on a couple of films. I just love two Patrick Swayze movies I'd never seen until recently -- The Fox and the Hound 2, in which Patrick duets with Reba McEntire (that's a howl!), and Jump! which is not to be confused with the Chinese film of the same name that is without the exclamation point. This Jump! is about a Life photographer's imprisonment in Austria in pre-World War 2 days.

Have a good April!

Shame on the Oscars

Shame on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, aka: The Oscars, for botching the tribute/memoriam to those who have passed in the last year. They ridiculously chose to stay focused on singer James Taylor, who was seated and playing guitar, and then the audience, rather than putting the camera on the screen. Hence, we barely got a look at Patrick Swayze. In fact, many I know didn't even notice him because it was done so fast.

How horrible of the Academy to have such disrespect and disregard for the viewers. Swayze was the big lead in, and we didn't even really get to see him. It was sinful how they handled it.

And where was Farrah Fawcett? Michael Jackson was included, but Farrah was ignored.

Are you as angry as I am? Let the Academy know by contacting them at this email.

Patrick Swayze Pancrease Cancer Research Fund

News from Lisa Niemi Swayze about a new fund in her late husband's name for Pancreatic Cancer Research. This is the post from the official fan club's website:

Sunday 20th September 2009

Patrick's wife Lisa has contacted us with news of a Research Fund in Patrick's name. Here is Lisa's message:

" Stanford University is coalescing existing research activities on pancreas cancer to form a Pancreas Cancer Center. This center will expedite application of emerging technologies and the development of molecular targeted therapies all focused on pancreas cancer. Of course, our wonderful Dr. George Fisher is involved with all this and setting up this fund in Patrick's name.

Checks should be made out to:
"Patrick Swayze Pancreas Cancer Research Fund"
& sent to:
Stanford Cancer Center
875 Blake Wilbur Dr.
Palo Alto CA 94304."

Patrick Swayze, Gone from the Earth but Living in Heaven

Patrick Swayze died today, and my heart is deeply saddened. I've been a huge fan of the man's since 1993 when I gravitated towards him after the death of my father. For the last two years, Patrick has been battling Pancreatic Cancer. He beat many odds by going on after his diagnosis to complete one season of The Beast on A&E and to still be here, almost two full years later.

I was fortunate to meet Patrick a few times. I can feel his arms around me in a tender hug, and the touch of his lips in a fan-friendly kiss. I can see his inviting smile and hear his hearty laugh. I see him pulling up his pants leg to show off a scar from when he almost died filming Letters From a Killer, and I feel his happiness at having completed a multi-decades project of Without a Word, filmed as One Last Dance.

His wife, Lisa, is an equal joy, and I know she is in heartache right now, having lost her soulmate in life. However, in a bit of Ghost-philosophy, I can't imagine Patrick ever leaving her side. He'll be her forever, and in his own way, with all of us who loved and treasured him.

He was a wonderful man, kind and compassionate. He wasn't perfect; he was a human being, but he tried to be his best and he cared about this planet.

Please pause and take a moment to remember Patrick and pray for Lisa and the rest of his family, that they can find peace in his mortal loss.

As a request, if you have articles and reports that you see in your local newspaper or in any papers or magazines tomorrow and in the future, I would appreciate receiving them. You can provide feedback here and I can send my address.

You are missed, Patrick, but now you're free of pain and you're with your beloved father again, and your dear sister. I take solace that and in knowing that you are watching over Lisa even as you left the Earth. Take care and pave the road for us all in Heaven.

Odds and Ends from Me

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since I've done a check in but there's been a lot happening. With my financial situation, I've just been struggling so much, but things are now on the upswing. A huge weight has been lifted from me and I can breathe again. My disability finally came through so very soon I won't have to wake up with all that stress. The bills will be paid. What a relief!

Cassie's been just fine since those scary seizures a while back. I'm so grateful for that. It's so hard to watch her when that happens. I'm always on the smell out for skunks because it's highly possible they are the source of the seizures. My dogs are my joys, and they keep me smiling.

I'm watching So You Think You Can Dance and they've been doing some of the past routines from past seasons. I've been wondering why the Mercy number with the door that Twitch and Lacey did hadn't been featured yet. They did the routine tonight, only Katie performed it instead of Lacey. I'm curious why Lacey didn't perform. It has nothing to do with Dancing with the Stars because Chelsea's been on at least twice doing routines and she's also part of the DWTS family.

Please remember to use the links to Amazon.com on the right hand side of this blog. No matter what you're buying, if you start by using that link, I'll benefit from it. Even with the disability coming through, I still need to earn some money. Over on Review Stream, I'm now one of their featured authors so it's much easier to find my reviews there now, if you're interested. You can click on my name there, read my profile, and then click on the link to my reviews. It's really easy now.

I'm off to start work on a fan fic story. I can't wait to immerse myself back into my universe. It's so therapeutic, and I just treasure everyone associated with it.

One more thing. Please don't support tabloid trash. When you buy an issue or read a headline and pass that untruth on, you are supporting hurtful nonsense. People like Patrick Swayze have to deal with that nonsense when they should be focused on their health and getting well. They have families, and those family members have to endure this craziness. Please don't be a part of hurting the Swayzes or any other celebrity. Yes they are in public domain, but they are also human beings.

Have a great day!

The Swayze Family

This is the Brian Braff photo that was released yesterday after all of those premature death reports of Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa Niemi. It was taken on May 13 at their ranch in New Mexico. He's still smiling. Granted, he's very thin, but he's doing great. We love you, Patrick!

Patrick's Just Fine

For those who haven't heard, Patrick Swayze is just fine. He's not dead. Apparently, a Florida radio station said he'd died this morning. The rumor spread like wildfire. His publicist quickly put out a denial. He's doing just fine on his ranch with his wife and family.

The Beast and other things

A&E announced their new TV schedule today and unfortunately Patrick Swayze's The Beast wasn't on it, but I wouldn't rule it out. A&E has been excited about the series and has a lot of ways they can take the show, with or without Patrick in it. Of course, everyone prefers it to be with the charismatic actor in it, including me.

We have to continue to believe in Patrick and his future. He's hanging in there, doing everything he can to beat Pancreatic Cancer. Don't count him out. He's a fighter, and he could very well pop up, ready and eager for another season after he finishes the book he and Lisa Niemi are writing.

I'm continuing to pray and visualize a healthy Patrick with us for many years to come.

Wow! It was an American Idol shocker, and truthfully, I almost expected it. Adam Lambert did make it to the finals, along with Kris Allen. Allen was the surprise. Just about everyone thought it would be Danny Gokey in the final two. I love Danny, and his story is so heartwarming. He's the won whose wife died not long before the try outs for Idol this season. Tragedy to triumph: that's Danny's story, even if he didn't get out of the top three.

I keep forgetting to add my wish list button for Amazon. This is because sometimes folks have asked me for something they can get me that is fun and not just paying bills, so this is for them. I'll be updating the wish list as I can with all kinds of items, including things for my doggies. When I get a chance, I'll add the button to the right side of this blog, but for now, here it is.

Cool Down

Today was such a delight. It was cooler than the last few days! I guess it's time for the warm up now. The dogs are really loving it outside, though. They have their favorite spots and just love to wait for something to pop up that they can bark at.

There's a new book out on Patrick Swayze this week, but just know it's an unofficial volume that doesn't actually include any contribution by Patrick or his wife, Lisa Niemi. Patrick and Lisa are still working on their official story, which is due out in the fall sometime. So, please read with care.

I'm curious to see what Farrah Fawcett's story is like this Friday. I think she may be getting the last laugh on the tabloids, and I applaud her for it. These rags are so hurtful. They get an ounce of truth and make out like it's a full pound. They have no heart and no conscience.

The California fires are almost under control, thankfully, and the headlines have returned to politics. Ugh. We have an election coming up next Tuesday, all sorts of little financial things that they want us to approve. Actually, what they are in reality are taxes. They want to get money from the people, who have no money, to make up for the fact that the state has no money. Makes sense -- to politicians. If they think I'm voting to give myself six new sets of taxes, they have news coming, and they aren't going to like it.

As expected, Ty Murray got the boot on Dancing with the Stars tonight. He really did a valiant job, though. I'm proud of him for getting into the top four. Then on American Idol, Adam Lambert hit sail again. It'll be surprising if he doesn't win, but then Idol has had lots of upsets before.

More later!

Better News for a Tuesday

This was on The View this morning, and it's definitely a much better and more reliable report on Patrick Swayze than anything you'll find in a nasty tabloid rag.

I'm Back!

It's really hard sometimes to keep a blog going when life looks gloomy. That's been my experience, anyway. As I continue to struggle to get by, it's get tougher to write about silly little things, even if they make me smile. Still, I think it's important to try. As I continue to try and figure out how to survive, now as a displaced, laid off worker, it's more important to try and keep a healthy mental attitude. As such, I'm going to try a bit of a new approach here. Maybe just share one tidbit I've learned or read about, or something that's made me laugh. Maybe then I can post more frequently and give this blog some meaning. I'm also going to highlight some of the things I do that bring in money for me in which you can help, just for surfing or voting, or whatever.

My beautiful dogs are doing great. They continue to make me smile just by being themselves and playing. They are joy, pure joy. I totally believe in the love and power of pets. They are amazing.

Helium article of the day! Just surfing over to this link helps me earn money. You don't have to vote or anything -- just go there and read! This article concerns the safety features in NASCAR. I am a big NASCAR fan, and this short piece details some of the reasons why it's a much safer sport than it used to be. Click here to read!

Review Stream item of the day! Now here, you need to go to the site and then vote that the article is helpful to you. This is a little box, currently shown below the article, over on the right hand side. It says 'has this article been helpful'. You have to click the circle with 'yes' and then hit 'submit'. Then you'll see the page refresh and the number of votes will increase. If you get a message that says to read the article, it means you need to just let the page sit for a minute or two. It is timed. Then vote. Today's review is for Wendy's Restaurant. It currently has 17 votes, and to pay off, I need to get it to 50, as I do all of my reviews. You can only vote once per ISP. Click here to read and vote!

I must admit that I was thrilled to see that California is going after Howard K. Smith and the doctor who gave Anna Nicole Smith all those pills. I don't see how he can say he loved her when he abetted her by giving drug after drug after drug to her. It'll probably plea out or something, but Smith and the doctor deserve to be held accountable for their part in keeping Anna Nicole drugged to the core.

I was reading an article over at Helium about chivalry. It was a debate on whether or not it was dead. That got me thinking about a possible story for my fan fic universe. I'm thinking of doing something with Aislinn and Jenny, and some of the boys on the block. Aislinn is a boy magnet, and Jenny doesn't really care. It might make for interesting contrast, if I can do it right. Is chivalry really dead? Maybe the girls and boys of the neighborhood will answer that question for us.

Fan fic wise, I do have two stories that are about to be published. One is beyond the series and one is from season two. The latter is just a short ficlet that takes place the day after the One False Step episode, but it popped into my head the other night, so I wrote it. The first one is a short story about a couple of the brood who have an unexpected adventure. I'm wondering if my beyond the series stories focus too much on the brood and not enough on Jack and Daniel. Shrug -- don't know, but sometimes it feels that way, but I do love those kiddies.

A final note. The tabloid trash is just that -- trash. Please do not patronize junk like the National Enquirer, publications that thrive on the bad times of others. Their latest attack on Patrick Swayze is just shameful. It's full of lies and untruths. Patrick is fighting and doing just fine, all things considered. He told People Magazine that he even has a new dog, another Rhodesian Ridgeback. People's time, energy, and money would be much better spent sending up prayers for Patrick and donating the money they'd spend on the trash to StandUP2Cancer or some other reputable organization.