And the most beautiful girl is...

Our niece Alex Jordyn of course. My cousin Scott took this amazing shot of her at his son's graduation party. She almost looks like a porcelain doll and her eyes came out so blue. Loving it!!!

We are excited that she is also going to be a big sister to her brother who is due in November. Along with a new nephew, we are expecting our other niece, Julia Ann next month.

Life's good.

The Light in the Piazza at SOPAC

Daily from July 10, 2009 until July 19, 2009, 8:00pm

South Orange Performing Arts Center1 Trenchard Pl, South Orange, NJ

Where: South Orange Performing Arts Center,
1 Trenchard Pl, South Orange, NJ 07079
Date: Daily from July 10, 2009 until July 19, 2009
Time: 8:00pm
Ticket Prices: General Admission-$20/Senior Citizens $18/Children and Students $15
(There may be an additional processing fee for on line and phone orders)

Appearing in the Light in the Piazza are Gabrielle Visser of Morristown, Pia Vanderstreet and Danielle Christine Pennisi of Cedar Grove, Ben Rosenbach of Springfield, Sarah O’Sullivan of Livingston, Eddie Egan of Cranford, Charlotte Tucci of Verona, Edward Otto Zielke of East Hanover, Thad Zjawin of Kearny , Jan Carden, Ann Hirsch, Christian Quiles and Stan Shapiro of West Orange, Zach Wobensmith of Long Island City, NY and Vanessa Francis of Astoria, NY

The Light in the Piazza is directed by Leslie Potashner of Morristown, Elissa Errick of West Orange is Assistant Director, John Medlovitz of Montclair Stage Manages and Tamara Cashour of New York City is Musical Director.

For on-line ticket orders, click here. For ticket questions or phone reservations, contact SOPAC at 973-313-ARTS(2787). For general information call 973-666-1191 or visit http://www.batteryfactorytheater.org/

Memories of Michael and Farrah

Michael Jackson AND Farrah Fawcett both dead. Shocking about Michael, but sad about Farrah. I am sure there is going to be so much news coverage about these two over the next weeks, with lots of speculations and controversies as most celebrities get when they pass.

I can not help but think about my memories of when I first was introduced to both of these icons. I was out in California in the late 70's attending my cousin's bar mitzvah in Encino. Ironically, my family lived not to far from the Jackson estate and had encounters with members of the family. I believe Janet at one time was over the house playing. For the festivities, my aunt and uncle rented a juke box and on it were several songs from Michael's first album "Off The Wall". I remember how much the songs "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" were buzzing in my head the rest of my stay. From then on, I was a fan.

My summer childhood days were spent in Ortley Beach, NJ. Mostly, we enjoyed going to the boardwalk and trying to win all sorts of crap, as I latter came to realize. I was around 6 or 7 when I happened to notice all the teenagers wearing a picture of this woman. Blond hair, with her head arched back, big radiant smile and rack the size of Montana. Finally weeks later, I happened to catch an episode of Charlie's Angels and there she was, Farrah Fawcett. Which reminds me, I need to purchase both Michael's first album and a vintage Farrah t-shirt. That would be HOT wot wear and listen to this summer.

Thanks for the memories MJJ and FF. May they both rest in peace.

I dedicate this post to my friend Cherrece, who was THE biggest fan of Michael Jackson. Stay strong girl!

The juggling act

So as many of you may know, my partner's step-father Hal Zinn passed away on Monday. He lived to be 97 years old. Last week, his son flew him and Mark's mother up from Florida to his home in Rhinebeck, NY. He went very peacefully in his sleep and was surrounded by all of his family. Yesterday was the funeral. Right away, I was offered up to be one of the pall bearers. Now many of you may not know this, but I HATE doing that. On top of it, it was a graveside Jewish funeral, so of course, the whole lowering of the casket and shoveling dirt does not sit well with me either. But we managed to get through it. We got to meet Hal's granddaughter from Bali - a very worldly and interesting person. She even has a pet monkey, LOL!

A few weeks ago, the managers from Crate & Barrel asked me to come and work a day or two a week during the summer. I said sure and started last Sunday there. The extra money will come in handy, that is if I don't buy anything while I work there. Most of the same people were there, and I managed to pick up how to work the register again.

And just when I thought life could not get more complicated, I was offered a role in The Light in the Piazza with Battery Factory Theater. I am such a sucker when I am asked. I always hate to turn something down. With these events and all the weddings, showers, births and parties to come this summer, life is definitely going to be a juggling act.

Vote YES New York

On the heels of our major win in New Hampshire last week, New York's marriage equality bill is about to come up for a vote in the state Senate. This is a huge opportunity. New York's population is nearly the size of Australia's – with over 19 million people.

The bill's fate hinges on a few undecided state senators. And the debate is only intensifying, with control of the state Senate swapping hands in a major upset yesterday. The new majority leader is a supporter of marriage equality, but it's clearer than ever that this bill could very well pass or fail by a single vote. So we're coming to you.

The Human Rights Campaign has been laying the groundwork for this vote for months and are now working around the clock, running nightly phone banks, canvassing door-to-door, collecting hundreds of hand written letters and more.

Please reach out to every single New Yorker you know. Every email and phone call from a New York state resident can help tip the scales, and your contact list is key.

Cathy's day

We had a blast yesterday at Noelle & Brian's house, celebrating Cathy's retirement. Lots of good food, drinks and hysterical conversation. I never have been sooooo sober and laughed so hard in my life.

Catty Pearl's Retirement

Another state to get married in!

From NYTimes - by Abby Goodnaugh:

The New Hampshire Legislature approved revisions to a same-sex marriage bill today. If Gov. John Lynch signs the measure into law, the state will become the fifth in New England and the sixth nationally to allow same-sex marriage.

Lawmakers have been working on the bill for months; gay-rights supporters hope the latest changes will ensure it becomes law. The changes further emphasize that by legalizing gay marriage, the state will not impinge on the religious freedom of those who do not believe in it. Mr. Lynch, a Democrat, has indicated he approves of the latest revisions.

As originally passed, the bill exempted members of the clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings. At the request of Governor Lynch, the Legislature amended the bill to make clearer that religious opponents of same-sex marriage would not have to participate in ceremonies celebrating it. But the House narrowly rejected that language on May 20, and legislative leaders appointed a conference committee to negotiate more palatable changes.

The changes include a sentence that states, “Each religious organization, association, or society has exclusive control over its own religious doctrine, policy, teachings and beliefs regarding who may marry within their faith."

Almost 5 months old

Because my job cut off accounts to outside blogging, my updates have become less frequent. But I promised myself to make more time on the weekends to share what is on my mind. With that being said, I just shot this video of the girls this morning. Annie will be 5 months old on the 24th and is still having a grand ole time playing with her big sister Ethel-Louise.

Enjoy...

It Happened!!!

Maine Becomes Fifth State to Legalize Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples

Maine's Governor John Baldacci acted immediately to sign marriage equality legislation into law following its passage by the state legislature. Congratulations to Maine for joining Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont in providing equality for same-sex couples and their families.

Here's Baldacci's full statement:

I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully. I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.

I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue. This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.

In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.

Article I in the Maine Constitution states that 'no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person's civil rights or be discriminated against.'

This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State," Governor Baldacci said. It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine's civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government. Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word. Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.

While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do.

Possibly another victory?

Maine lawmakers OK gay marriage; governor on fence...

The Maine Legislature has given final approval to gay marriage and sent the bill to an undecided governor. The Senate voted for the bill on Wednesday but not by enough votes to override a veto. Gov. John Baldacci (bahl-DAH'-chee) has 10 days to decide whether to sign it.

The bill would make Maine the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Voters could still overturn the law in a referendum even if the governor signs it.

Four states currently allow same-sex marriages. Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa have been ordered by the courts to do so, and Connecticut has enacted a law codifying a court ruling. Vermont passed a gay marriage law in April over the governor's objection.

The bill passed the House Tuesday by a margin of 89 to 58. Wednesday morning, the Senate passed the bill with a vote of 21 to 13. Voters could still overturn the law in a referendum.