Rector's Ultimate Oldies Event Gets a Media Plug

I was honored to be able to share a bit of what's happening in Rector this weekend.  It's the Annual Labor Day Picnic with Ultimate Oldies Concert at 7PM on Friday night. Channel 8, KAIT-TV out of Jonesboro, hosted "Mid-Day" and conducted an interview. Diana Davis is quite the personality around here. Such a kind and gracious lady. Joe Wessell is the founder of the Ultimate Oldies Concert and the Producer (far left in green shirt).  Craig Morris is musical director, performer, and a superior musician, playing regularly with Nashville, TN greats such as Loretta Lynn (coat and open collar shirt).
Here's a photo made on Monday during the interview.

Music, Music, Music

           Since we've lived here - tiny town, home state - the cultural offerings have exceeded my expectation. We've been entertained by wonderful artists, accomplished musicians with contacts that bring big-time artists to a local venue. Many local performers are so marvelous, it's a wonder they are not elsewhere.  I'm glad they are here, sharing their talent with us.
          At the Historic Collins Theatre in Paragould, and at our own Rector Community Center on our own stage, we've heard multiple concerts by regional artists who could be entertainers at Branson with no problem.
          Last night we thrilled at seeing and hearing Loretta Lynn (age 82) sing her greatest hits.The Johnny Cash Music Festival was at ASU Convocation Center. She did not swing and sway but her voice sounded great.  I had no idea that Bobby Bare was the artist on a number of songs he performed.  It was greatest hits night.  Then, the fabulous Reba who is a teensy-tincey lady with the cutest personality and a voice that fills the arena. Great show.  We had seen Glen Campbell in one of his last performances on the same stage. (Post about it in Archives)
            Coming up on August 29 at the Rector Community Center is our most favorite event:  The Fabulous Ultimate Oldies Show.  Music from the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's, performed by incredible musicians, including folks who have toured with national groups.  This concert will be "The Best Of...the Oldie Goldies!" Ultimate Oldies

           I have been appointed as television spokeswoman for the event in Rector, being on live TV (Channel 8 out of Jonesboro) Monday, August 25 at 11AM with Donna Davis, who is very popular and a person easy to talk to. Scheduled to appear are the founder and producer  of the event, Joe Wessell, and the MC, Richie Williams, a tall, dark, and handsome fellow with a fabulous voice.
           We are taking advantage of whatever events come our way and are happy to share our excitement with you.

Loretta Castorini: Snap out of it!

Did the Super Moon get your attention Sunday night?
The Super Moon reminds me of a favorite movie:  Moonstruck!

That Moon. Larger and certainly brighter.

           Ronny Cammareri: Playing it safe is just about the most dangerous thing a woman like you could do. You waited for the right man the first time, why didn't you wait for the right man again?

           Loretta Castorini: He didn't come!

           Ronny Cammareri: I'm here!

           Loretta Castorini: You're late!

Rose: Do you love him, Loretta?
Loretta Castorini: Aw, ma, I love him awful.
Rose: Oh, God, that's too bad.

1. 
   
2. Ronny Cammareri: I love you.
3. Loretta Castorini: Snap out of it!
4. 
   
5. Johnny: In time, you’ll see that this is the best thing.
   Loretta Castorini: In time, you’ll drop dead and I’ll come to your funeral in a red dress.
6. 
   
7. Ronny Cammareri: You ruined my life.
   Loretta Castorini: That’s impossible! It was ruined when I got here! You ruined my life!

Super Moon...it'll mess up your perfect life.  

Love is like that:  risky, even dangerous. 

Your world might be all safe and nice without it. Love will twirl you in circles, and like the grandfather at the breakfast table, you will say, "I'm confused!"

23 Days to Go

We are girls, and in the South, watching football has little to do with watching handoffs and blocks and everything to do with cute guys and wardrobe. Preparing elaborate tailgate parties, and dressing in a trendy outfit with really cute shoes includes swooning over well-conditioned guys with good looks and great muscles.

Prior to his magnetic charisma and business savvy bringing financial status, Lance Alworth was my dreamboat throughout the 1960s. I went beyond the moon for the baby-faced football hero. The first time I saw him pictured in a magazine, I wrote for an autograph. “Oh, please let his actual handwriting inscribe my name on his photo,” I begged the Razorback gods.

Waiting for the Arkansas Gazette on the weekends brought great excitement, especially if there were articles about Lance’s weekend heroics. Every picture and article that mentioned Lance I added to a scrapbook.

At the Razorback locker room with the prospect of breathing Lance’s air I became a girl possessed. At long last, I saw Lance’s head. I let go of Daddy’s hand and I was gone, scooting between grown men and ladies.

Still damp-haired, fresh from the shower, he looked down at me, took my autograph book and signed his name. “You don’t want my autograph,” he said. “Oh, yes I do,” I cooed as a little wide-eyed girl. I circled “his dirt,” pressed from his thumb as he held the page steady.  

Several years later while at a school-related convention held in Springdale, Arkansas, we headquartered at a motel in Fayetteville, the home campus for the Arkansas Razorbacks. I hatched a plot for free time, planning to track down Lance, take his picture, and get close enough to say, “Hello!” before I fainted.

            It was 1962. We called a cab. I told the driver, “Take us to Lance Alworth’s house.” He drove to the student housing and pointed to a duplex. “There it is,” he said. We took pictures and saw a male peeking from behind the curtains, so we squealed, “Back up!” 

Mr. Taxi could have taken us anywhere and told us anything. We were gullible, infatuated with the situation and our own cleverness, snapping pictures with our Brownie cameras. Packed away in attic boxes somewhere are pictures of a duplex with a curtain pulled back. Was it Lance?  I rather doubt it. Then, I was certain of it.

This Ought To Be A Good One

       Reading a new book this week:  Big Little Lies by Laine Moriarty. She wrote The Husband's Secret.  I read that one, also.

            Moriarty is an Aussie. Her writing style is quite engaging.    
            Three women are at the heart of this novel:  Madeline, Celeste, and Jane.
             I've met all the female lead characters, including the snoopy lady across the street from the preschool. The Blond Bobs with helmet hair  govern the PTA. Add to that:  there's been a murder. Trouble began on Kindergarten Orientation Day.The novel unfolds from there.
               It all began, according to witnesses, because of alcohol. The three (Madeline, Celeste, and Jane) added some champagne to their breakfast orange juice. Madeline had sprained her ankle earlier and was helped to the cafe by Jane, also a pre-school "mum." Celeste was expected at any moment, and wouldn't you know it, she brought the champagne. The Festival of Madeline thus began with a birthday sip of champagne made acceptable with orange juice. The celebration began with crystal flutes while the little children were attending Kindergarten Orientation.
            Trivia Night brought it all to a climatic end. But, I will say this:  this group dreams up the best parties.  It was Audrey and Elvis Night.  Hepburn  and Presley.  Add some stiff pink drinks made by a miscalculation of liquor to punch and a traffic jam that delays the DJ and the food.  You can imagine.
            Within the gossip swirls truth covered by Big Little Lies.  Read it.
A good summer read with a startling truth.

I've downloaded "What Alice Forgot" by the same author.