My Oscar Night Fantasy…

A large, golden Oscar stands guard stage left. And I am mesmerized with celebrities. Meryl Streep is in my view (THE one and ONLY Meryl frickin Streep). I see her profile over Reese Witherspoon’s shoulder. George Clooney is presenting. I gaze into his eyes, wondering what he and his wife talk about over dinner. He sure is dreamy…Isn’t he?

Wait! Speaking of McDreamy, there is Patrick Dempsey. Hmmmm, he exudes dignity and utter “hotness.” Kind of like Bon Jovi. Sigh.

A tap on my shoulder wakes me from my daydream. I look up… ummm Helloooo. Ben Affleck. I smile wondering what HE wants. Wait. He’s motioning to me to get on stage. Everyone is looking at me. I’m sorry. What? I won? I won? (Holy Sh&%!) I WON!!

Hugh Jackman (in all of his hot handsome-ish) stands up, shoots me a smile and escorts me to the stage, where I miss a step and fall into his arms. He twirls me around as if it was all part of the “act” and carries me on stage! I fan kick out of his arms almost ripping my dress and lean into his chest with a flick of my leg and quick smile. Clooney joins in the act and regally extends his hand out and spins me into his other hand holding the golden guy. I grab the statue with a giggle, whisper a thank you in his ear and bop a curtsy to the Hollywood men who got me on stage, as my new pal “Hughie” takes his phone out for a group “selfie.” (OMG!!! Where is Ellen?)

I take a moment to grasp Oscar…and stare at all of his GOLDEN presence.

“Well … Hellooooo hollywood. How’d ya like that …entrance? (as I giggle). Thanks Hughie and Georgie!” (I wink as audience laughs). The send-off music begins….already.

Good Lord, you are SO good. Thank you God! Thanks to ones who said I could do this and the ones who felt I couldn’t, but didn’t say anything…THIS is for you. Life is all about pushing and pulling, rising and of course falling, losing and WINNING!! Today I feel a little like a winner (as I gaze at Oscar with a big sigh). We DID it! To my support system, my lifeline, the ones that give me purpose….my husband, my groom, the guy from the airplane, an amazing man who easily makes me smile, and my heart melt, to my precious children (pieces of my soul) who hold my heart in a way no one can. In the words of Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, “You complete me.”

To the rest of my family who cheer me on through good times and bad, to my girlfriends…my strength, my “soul”diers, they put the ‘La la la’ in laughter. Together we can charge through anything. To my online #smgirlfriends and #30secondmoms, a group of AMAZING and talented women who inspire me to new heights.

(Music gets louder)

Wait!  I couldn’t leave without thanking my new group of DANCE friends from the recent charity event…Here’s to you, SWINGSHIFT and the STARS! Together we danced, we cried, we twirled through adversity and we pirouetted to CELEBRATE the power of an amazing community with incredible generosity. To my charity dance partner, whom I met randomly on a stage 6 months ago….you are a kind and generous man, with a God-giving heart that enhance your work, your friends, your family. Together we changed lives performing on the dance floor at City Opera House. I am thankful to be able to call you a friend for life…. and I love that I’ll never look at a cement mixer the same again!  I hold up a photo. Look! An upside down ‘Ms. Pam!’ 

To my “pretend” men…. Donny Osmond and Justin Timberlake. Yep. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting duet! J (I giggle). Donny, after meeting you in Vegas and watching you win the mirror ball trophy, you inspired me to “try new things,” and face my fears. Marie may be “a little bit country” but you, Donny O, are the “rock to my roll!”  And JT! My man! Hashtag (motion the symbol with my fingers)  #Yourholyhotness! Yep. I’m a happily married mom of 3 but damn you can make me smile. You had me at “bringing sexy back”  You had me at SNL. You had me each concert. You had me at ‘nsync!  Okay, you really have Jessica…yada yada… but you entertain my soul to its core and make me want to DANCE!!! Thank you.

To Jimmy Fallon… (Jimmy jumps up.) Hey, (He blows kisses my way) you are the president of late night!! You make us all laugh, sing, play games, dance… the world needs more of YOU. Seriously. You have the BEST job. I can’t get enough. Hashtag  #YoureAKeeper #CanIHaveaJobonYourShow. Thank you! And to Ellen Degeneres, for what YOU have done for daytime!  Hashtag #DanceParty! The Oscar stage will never be the same without your famous selfie (that I and a few gazillion of your other fans retweeted, of course) and the pizza guy, (pause) wow that sounds really good right now.

Hmmmm…What are the odds I could invite Ellen, Jimmy, JT and Donny O over for game night! What a blast that would be!!! Hashtag #MyFantasy Speaking of fantasy, someday I hope to be IN an opening number somewhere with the “wickedly talented” Neil Patrick Harris. Hashtag #DrDoogieCanBoogie. #AdelleGazemhasnothingonyou (giggle).

(music is really loud)

Sorry, got sidetracked… Oh! Oh! Wrap it up, she says. Gracias. Merci. Thank you EVERYONE for helping me believe in the possibilities when fear tries to take over. Keep dreaming, keep imagining, keep that inner child going…THAT is where the GOOD stuff happens in this thing called LIFE!!!  (As I dance off stage I fist pump Neil Patrick Harris as he takes the mic.)  “A cement mixer?” he says. “Go get’em Pammy, ROCK it out, sistah!”

I blow a kiss his way….

😉

Collaboration Stew – Your Recipe for Success

Your Recipe for Success.

“As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler

Absolutely amazing things can happen when two creative minds get together. A great current example comes from Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon. Together they play, sing, act and create MAGIC. #ViralMagic.

So I wonder what we can learn from their success.  #GreatExample! Sometimes collaboration begins with a simple conversation, an idea communicated among friends, even a story shared by an author to a crowd. For instance, I had a “date” with sportswriter/author Mitch Album (who penned many books including “Tuesdays with Morrie” and the latest novel “A Phone Call from Heaven”). You can read about that “date” here -> #MyTuesdaywithMitch. Although I listened more than I talked, it was a collaboration of sorts. I learned from a mentor, which in turn reignited my passion for writing and creativity.

We can all inspire each other through collaboration. For instance the Collaboration Definition from Merriam Webster: 1:  to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor — speaks volumes to the entertainment industry. So why not use it more in the business world or personal endeavors. Sometimes it can turn out widely successful, sometimes widely not, but hey, why not give a try? The best “epic fails” can be the most learned from experiences. The ones that DO work… are Amazing!

So I suggest you “Stir Up” some thought-provoking “Collaboration Stew” Recipes for Success:

1. Who inspires you? What company? Is there a specific book or author that speaks to you? Read. Listen. Learn.
2. Research the things that motivate you, the background behind their philosophies and the many paths they had to travel to reach the current destination.
3. Find YOUR successful sidekick. Someone that shares your values. Or maybe not. Because if you are “challenged” in a good way then perhaps you can stretch your mind even further.
4. Or find someone you believe in. Reach out. It only takes one question, one email, one tweet, one phone call and one hi, to start up a conversation. You’ll never know unless you ASK.
5. Mentor someone. Share your success with others. Learn from successful people. Get creative and “collaborate” your way to new ideas.
6. Add to this list. I’d like to collaborate with you on building this list. #CollaborationStew

My Annual “Imaginary Acceptance Speech” :)

And the Oscar goes to…

Thunderous applause erupts as I join in, clapping enthusiastically.

Suddenly Justin Timberlake taps me on the shoulder and whispers, just to me.

JT: It’s you. You just won the Oscar!

Me: What?

JT: You just won the Oscar! Get up there, girl!!, he says as he twirls me around, and points me toward the stage.

Realizing the magnitude of the moment that I clearly didn’t hear, I turn to give JT a hug while simultaneously high fiving Sandra Bullock, George Clooney & Matt Damon. I then gallop down the aisle…screaming like a mad woman.

I trip up the stairs into the arms of Ben Affleck who graciously hands me Oscar with a kiss on the cheek. I hug him, too. 😉

My “imaginary acceptance speech” begins…

(Big Sigh) WOW! This is amazing (as I look at the Oscar in my hand). Helloooo there, golden guy. I have missed you. Helloooo Hollywood!! I swear I haven’t been drinking… yet (chuckles from the audience).

Clearly I’m in shock (waving myself with the envelope). Good Lord, I’m hot… as in overheated (audience laughs with a close-up on Tina Fey). This is too much. Thank you, God! Thank you. I’d like to thank my fellow nominees, directors, producers and anyone who had anything to do with this film. WE share this together.

To my hubby, the impersonator, by being married to you, I am “dating” Chewbacca, Rocky Balboa, Tom Jones, Elvis all wrapped into one. To my oldest, Brady… since when did you grow up? Now that you’re taller than me, I look up to you, literally. I am amazed daily by your curiosity, artistic nature in many areas and impressed by the fine young man you are becoming. Oh Casey….(large sigh) you put the “OY” in JOY. You can easily fill a room with laughter, just by being YOU. Seriously, once a person meets you, they will NEVER forget you. 🙂 It also appears your sweet Baby Sister is following in your footsteps. McKenzie…you are the miracle we never knew we needed. We learn daily about the true meaning of life through your eyes.

To my dear girlfriends…who accept me…all of me, flaws, falls, Murphy’s laws and all. Hey! I made a rhyme this time 😉 I may be a Dance Teacher but I’m also clumsy and scatter-brained at times, which always provides a little humor for our girls’ nights out. (I point to Justin Timberlake with a little wink). My last spill — beer spill that is — was at your concert, JT. They always say “If you stumble, make it part of the DANCE” … Oh and Dance I will! (start an impromptu dance with Ben Affleck on stage).

Sorry. Couldn’t resist. 🙂 To my family; mom, dad, brother, in-laws, aunts, uncles, Grandpa T (Big Al!), cousins and all. I feel so blessed to have all of you in my life. What a wonderful mix of personalities and life stories to be surrounded by. I am inspired by each and every one of you.

I’d also like to thank my iPhone. (chuckles from the audience). Yes, my phone. You are my “window to the world.” You have brought more people into my life from all areas of the world that I could ever imagine. For a social person like myself, I find joy in social media, Facebook friends, Twitter, and now a whole new world of blogging moms. As long as I use my “window to the world” responsibly (don’t text and drive) and don’t miss the authentic moments in front of me, I’m good. I choose to focus on the positive of it all, like this moment. (Grab phone from inside my dress and turn around to take a picture with myself, the Oscar, Ben and audience in the background.) Some people like “Selfies” but I like “Usies” so everyone…smile… 1, 2, 3. (I click camera, then look at phone). It’s a keeper! Thanks, folks.

Music starts playing….

Wait!… I’m not done. Matthew… McConaughey? Where are you? (I scan audience, spot him, and blow a kiss his way) Great movies this year my dear… I know that this is YOUR year to win. By the way…did you know that you are my island person? As in if I had to choose anyone to be on a desert island for one year, you’re my choice. Why? You seem very outdoorsy and fun…plus you’d probably be pretty cute in a loin cloth…. (giggle) (Close-up of Mathew tipping his imaginary hat towards me).

Music getting louder…

Ooohhh running out of time… Thank you to everyone who has ever touched my life in anyway… because of YOU, I am the person I am today… Embrace the Good and Release the Bad from your life…

In the words of the Oscar-nominated song from Disney… “Let it Go!! Let it Go!!”

Thank you! Gracious! Merci! I love you all!! (Blow kisses to everyone).

Wait! Justin. Will I see you back in the “D” this summer?! Ellen DeGeneres? Are you backstage? I need a dance partner! Ellen?!! (Ellen peeks from behind the curtain and joins me on stage)

Crank the music up…. Let’s DANCE!!!!

(Ellen & I dance off stage as audience applauds)

Take Back the Night…

Take Back the Night.

In the words of Justin Timberlake’s recent song, THAT is exactly what I would LOVE to do… again! EVERYONE needs this kind of experience from time to time to put this crazy, sometimes depressing world in perspective.

You see, I recently attended the concert of a lifetime, with seats to die for! Think of your favorite singer, musician or band and be close enough to actually make eye contact and interact with him or her.

Dream come true, right? Well that’s what recently happened to me on a recent warm evening in Detroit, Michigan. With my girlfriend Mindy by my side, we reverted from Mommies in the hood to giggly 16-year-olds.

There’s something about the anticipation of attending a big concert; the road trip there, deciding what to wear and attending the pre-party before. (Yes, our seats were that good.) You’ve been waiting for so long for this day and here it is right in front of you. Now you’re on the road, jamming to tunes, dancing in the car and laughing so often you sometimes even snort. There was a part of us that wanted to paint the car or wave flags to tell everyone that we were head to the “D” (Michiganders’ nickname for the state’s biggest city) to see JT and Jay-Z! On the way we called our husbands and our kids to share our excitement. A couple of Facebook posts and texts later (not from the driver, of course) we arrived.

Can I get a “What?!! What?!!!” 😉

There we were, checked in and cranking up the tunes in our room as we danced some more while getting ready. We opened a bottle of “Celebrate” champagne, raised a toast to the night and were off. I may or may not have had a minor shoe issue, but that was fixed by a quick run back up to the room and we completed the short walk to Ford Field.

We located our party package area and the moment came to see where we would sit. We already knew we would be on the floor (which was fab already) but when Mindy opened the envelope, we literally whispered a “F*** Yeah!” to each other as we smacked hands. (Intense high fives can sting.)

OMG! 2^nd Row! Center!

I could feel my heart beating faster and faster. We tried to eat in the party room but anticipation was killing us. We grabbed another drink that I happened to drop, with an apologetic “sorry” to lady next to me. Then we were off to our “kick a@@” seats.

The bass  was already thumping…the house DJ was spinning tunes as we “danced” our way past three (yes we were that close!) check points to get to the floor! We kept “dancing” closer and closer to the bright red stage…boom…boom…boom. We grabbed a Bud Light® from the vendor and waited in anticipation as we high-fived our seat “neighbors” in front, behind and on the side of us. We were ALL about to share this concert experience!!!

 Then…the lights go down, the bass gets turned to eleven and the band starts toward their instruments. Boom…Boom…Boom. The crowd is chanting…clapping…screaming!! You hear his voice first, and then Justin Timberlake slowly appears on the left stage. Wooooooo! OMG! Jay Z appears on the right. Justin Timberlake is walking this way; closer and closer until he is standing directly in front of YOU…looking into YOUR eyes for at least 10 seconds (well maybe 5) but you’ll take it! Your heart is beating faster and faster. There are 50,000+ people in the stadium that evening… and he sang to YOU. Can this night get any better?!!!! Yes, it can! How about some head nods from Jay-Z, some dance moves from JT and a little point in YOUR direction!! Yep. 🙂

Good Lord, EVERYONE needs to have an evening of moments like those Mindy and I enjoyed. I truly didn’t want it to end. If only… we could “Take Back the Night” and do it all over again. We left the weekend with a life changing experience, one that rates right up there with births of our babies and wedding days. Yes. It’s true.

So, I thank you for sharing in our adventure by reading and now I turn to you…

Who would YOU want to see, up close and personal? Who would transform you back into a hyped up teenager and why?

(On a side note: We seriously contemplated if it was possible to become “groupies” and travel around on his new world tour that starts this month. Would there be a way to get paid to “review” each concert in each city? Could we “hang out” with JT and his band “The Tennessee Kids?” Hmmm….I know we are moms and wives and all that… but is it possible? (Hint, Hint) I’d like to believe it IS! Mindy and I would be REALLY good at it. (Wink, Wink)

P.S. Here are a few more photos that we took from our seats that we never actually sat in… ( because we were DANCING!!) Did I mention that I happen to be a “fan” of Justin Timberlake? 🙂 Oh! I also left a fan of Jay-Z as well. I also included a link below to preview or purchase the new album.

The Complete 20/20 Experience – Justin Timberlake

A Curtsy to Oscar Night….

Time for a little sparkle and maybe a little bubbly. The stars are coming out! Not the beautiful constellations in the sky but the MOVIE stars! You see, I’m a big fan of the Academy Awards and going to the movies. I love the escape a well-crafted film can provide. I also enjoy the “I’d like to thank the Academy” speeches. And I LOVE the idea of being a movie star….I think. Well, maybe just for a day….for the adventure.  

What do you think about being a movie star?

Speaking of ‘thank you’ — at the end of a pre-ballet class we always wrap things up with a final curtsy, in other word’s, our final bow. Using our imaginations, we pretend we are bowing to our audience or even our prince! It’s my method of showing my gratitude towards each student for a wonderful class. It’s also their sign of respect and thanks to the dance teacher (yours truly), and makes them more comfortable doing the curtsy for an appreciative audience in the future.

To me a curtsy eloquently says, “Thank you.”

This brings me back to the Academy Awards and the infamous “acceptance speech.” I like to hear what the winners say. It’s as if for those 2 minutes we have a brief window into that person’s soul. Are they truly humble? Or have they won so many Oscars that they need to drop names for business reasons. The heartfelt humble words and the speeches that make you laugh along, that’s what I am looking for. Each speech makes you think, who you would thank and how you might react.

So with that, I’m going to share my annual “Fake Acceptance Speech.” You can go running back down the red carpet or you can join me in my imagination as I, Miss Pam, receive my fake Oscar and give my fake speech…..

“O. M. G! Is this for real, is this really happening?
(I look directly into the Oscar statues eyes here)
Hellooooo there Golden Guy…. Wow! I can’t believe this!

Hugh Jackman are you out there?
(Here I scan the audience for his holy hotness and look in his eyes.)
“Hellooooo Hugh”
(in my most provocative, flirty voice)

Can you sing your song from Les Mis for me — “Bring Him Home” — because that is where this guy (refer to my Oscar) is going TONIGHT!

While I have your attention….Hughie,
(We’re getting to know each now.)
I LOVED when you hosted. I watched your opening number countless times on my DVR, until our hard drive space was full.
I had to delete you, but I will never forget.
(I wink at Hugh, and he smiles back and blows a kiss.)
(Hey, its my fake acceptance speech).

(I fan my face with my hand and take deep breath.)
I’d like thank my family first and foremost. My hilarious, impersonator hubby, my creative, witty boys, and my precious daughter who is our good luck token from Vegas. (I pause and giggle.) You all bring unending JOY to my world.

To my mom, and her adorable, nervous, happy energy that has passed onto me. (Here I motion with my arm and almost knock over the Oscar). You SEE!

To my Dad and Brother…you put the MURPH in Murphy’s Law, but my god what an ADVENTURE life is.

To my girlfriends & soul sistahs, you make me laugh till I cry and cry till I pee.
Yes, I’ve had three babies!
Seriously, you put the SANE back in my insanity moments…. your support is invaluable!

Thank you to social media for bringing the world closer together, for bringing my family across the country together, for inspiring moments, support and love. As long as my time is positive there, it is well invested.
P.S. #SMGirlfriends you ROCK!!!

To my adoring fans —
(Remember, this is my fake acceptance speech.)
We are ALL here because YOU go to the movies.
Thank you!!  

To my cast, fellow cast-mates, directors, producers, and crew. You know who you are, and it’s all on the credits because of ALL that you did, you deserve the Credit. I will do some individual shout outs on Twitter later on!

(music starts playing)
Wait!! I’m forgetting someone…. Oh Jodie Foster. After hearing your words upon receiving your lifetime achievement award recently, you’re my idol. Someday, I hope that I will OWN myself the way that you do. I am such a big fan and…

(Music playing louder and drowns me out as I’m dragged offstage gripping Oscar.)
(Music stops. Then I rush back onstage.) 

Oh and …. Donny O….Yes you know the one. I thank you every year for putting a smile on my face since I was a little girl. Meeting you in VEGAS was a dream come true. Someday we can take a spin on the dance floor, now that you’ve won that mirrored trophy. In the words of your character in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
“ANY DREAM WILL DO.”
Yes.
(I hold up my Oscar.) Any dream WILL do. Thank you, thank you
(I do a very sincere, eloquent final curtsy.) THANK YOU!!!!
(I blow kisses and bop another curtsy, start walking away, then run back to the mic)

One more thing…Justin Timberlake….so glad you are BACK singing….

I saw you waving at me in 2011. Tell your mom, Hi! Can you say, JT concert? 

(Thunderous applause from the audience, as I bop my final curtsy and am carried off stage by Ben Affleck….) 😉

Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! And the winner is….