Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

A while ago, I started using Facebook. There were some things I really loved about it. Short entries. Easy to read. Easy to write. Easy to keep up with what everyone was doing AND communicate to everyone what I was doing. It really cut down on my number of emails and telephone calls.

There were, at the same time, things I abhorred about Facebook. I couldn’t really cover things in depth as I could on my blog. There were these things called Notes and another thing called Pages that let me write more about things I found interesting … but those things didn’t really get into the main flow of the conversation. There were sidelined and overlooked quite easily. So, if I found something related to film production or web production or wanted to discuss a new technique, I’d return to my blog. It was as media-rich or user friendly but it did have substance.

Recently, I discovered two things that are the BEST plug-ins and features ever. First, there’s a fabulous WordPress plugin called FOTOBOOK that was written by Aaron Harp. It’s a self-installing wonder that pulls my Facebook albums directly into my blog. Effortlessly. Efficiently. It’s just wonderful. AND, I also discovered that Facebook let’s me pull my BlogPosts directly into my Notes (which are then published into the general conversation). I still have to go back and forth between the blog and Facebook but, now, both venues are doing double duty so I’m getting better quality with less effort. If you look in the sidebars, you’ll see my photo albums (including my recent research trips to New England). There’s also a RANDOM photo feature that changes every time someone visits. Just something to keep it fresh. Now, I’m working on RSS feeds AND looking for a way to manage video. If anyone has suggestions, I’d love to hear them. Remember, I’m Mac-based.

If you know of a FOTOBOOK-style plugin that pulls video in from Facebook as effortlessly as stills my life is perfect … however briefly.

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Verizon may have the “largest 3G” network but, if your bill is unpaid, it will be of no use to law enforcement or the Verizon client. On May 21, a despondent and desperate Ohio man consumed a large quantity of pills and vanished. The Sheriff called Verizon and requested his cell phone be turned on so they could locate the man. The Verizon employee refused to turn the phone on unless the Sheriff paid the overdue $20. That’s right. Twenty dollars. They refused the Sheriff’s request, even though they were told they would have to bring out rescue helicopters and planes, send out K9 units and bring in more personnel. The Verizon employee was unmoved.

Eleven hours later, the 25-year-old man was found — unconscious. The Sheriff had been trying to get the city to release funds so they could get the cell phone turned on when word came in that he had been located. So, Verizon won’t face a wrongful death lawsuit (because Lord knows that would cost far more than $20 to defend that). I can only hope that the Court of Public Opinion punishes Verizon appropriately. When did life become so cheap?

If you are a Verizon subscriber, be sure to keep your account up to date. If you’re not a Verizon subscriber, perhaps you should think twice about it. Original article.

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Out magazine just published their third annual list of “The Power 50: The Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America,” which means it’s time for MOMBIAN’s third annual list of The Most Powerful Lesbian Moms in America.

“The definition of “power” is subjective, of course. For the purposes of this list, I considered it to mean someone who is known by a large cross-section of the population, within or outside the lesbian community, is at or near the top of her chosen profession, or who is in some other way a well-known personality and long-time influencer. I aimed for inclusion rather than exclusion, but tried to pick those whose impact in their fields or in the world at large is widespread and lasting. I intend this to be a fun list, not to be taken too seriously, so let me know if I’ve missed anyone you deem worthy.

I’m including the names of partners, even if one person is not as well known, in order to acknowledge the contributions of both people to their households and to each others’ achievements. (I may have missed a few partners, however, if their names are not public, and blurred matters if one partner came along when the children were older. I was not able to find last names and professions for a few others. Someday I’ll be able to hire that research staff.)

Out only has 12 women on their list, two less than last year, so I’m hoping my suggestions may help them find a better balance. If I can come up with the names of over 50 powerful people who are not only lesbians but also moms (a few less if we omit less-known partners), surely Out can add some more lesbians to its Power 50. Out gave more weight to political clout in all its picks, whereas I looked at overall clout, political or professional. And yes, the balance of power still swings male in our society, so maybe it’s not Out’s fault. But still, I can’t believe the balance is so skewed.

I’ll also add that we must each define success for ourselves. It may mean choosing to stay home with one’s children, or to forgo career advancement for the sake of one’s family. For those who strive to achieve in both career and family, however, these moms are inspirational.

Of course, the thing about motherhood is that your kids always think you’re the most powerful mom(s) in the world, and it’s their opinions that really matter.

In alphabetic, not rank, order by last name of the generally more well-known partner:

• Susan Arnold, former vice chair and president of global business units at Proctor & Gamble, and Diana Salter (profession unknown)
• Amanda Bearse, actor and director
• Elizabeth Birch, LGBT-rights advocate and former head of HRC
• Lisa Brummel, senior vice president for human resources, Microsoft
• Beth Callaghan, co-founder of Our Chart; director of Web operations, for technology site All Things D, and former editor-in-chief of PlanetOut
• Greta Cammermeyer, Colonel, Washington National Guard (ret.) and LGBT-rights activist, and Diane Divelbess, artist
• Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of The L Word
• Debra Chasnoff, Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker
• Mary Cheney, public relations executive, political campaigner, and vice-presidential daughter, and Heather Poe, former U.S. Park Ranger
• Cat Cora, “Iron Chef,” and Jennifer Cora (profession unknown)
• Judy Dlugacz, founder and president of Olivia, and Rachel (last name and profession unknown)
• Karla Drenner, Georgia State Representative
• Amy Errett, partner, Maveron (a venture capital firm), former CEO of Olivia, former chief asset gathering officer, E*Trade, and Clare (last name and profession unknown)
• Melissa Etheridge, musician, and Tammy Lynn Etheridge née Michaels, actor
• Jodie Foster, actor, and Cydney Bernard, film producer (I’m adding their names with the caveat that it is debatable whether Foster’s thanking of “my beautiful Cydney” during a speech in 2008 was meant as a coming out, and whether the two split later that year per tabloid rumors. Their children bear both their names, however, which to me is indicative enough to warrant their inclusion here.)
• Jenny Fulle, executive vice president of production and executive producer of Sony Pictures Imageworks, and pioneer in opening up Little League to girls
• Sara Gilbert, actor, and Alison Adler, TV producer
• Judy Gold, stand-up comedian and two-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of The Rosie O’Donnell Show
• Lisa Henderson, general manager, Olivia, and partner (name and profession unknown)
• Dr. Delores A. Jacobs, chief executive officer of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, and Dr. Heather Berberet
• Nina Jacobson, film producer, currently at DreamWorks SKG, and formerly president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group
• Cheryl Jacques, administrative judge for the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, former head of HRC, and former Massachusetts State Senator, and Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council
• Jolie Justus, Missouri state senator
• Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Sandy Holmes (profession unknown)
• Honey Labrador, designer, television personality, and former model, and Nikki Flux, actor
• Annie Leibowitz, photographer
• Dr. Susan Love, president and medical director of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, and leader of the breast cancer advocacy movement, and Dr. Helen Cooksey, surgeon
• Del Martin (d. August 2008) and Phyllis Lyon, activists
• Mary Beth Maxwell, candidate for labor secretary and founding Executive Director of American Rights at Work
• Cynthia Nixon, actor, and Christine Marinoni, education activist
• Rosie O’Donnell, actor and television personality, and Kelli O’Donnell, founder of R Family Vacations and former Nickelodeon marketing executive
• Hilary Rosen political commentator and former head of the Recording Industry of America (RIAA)
• E. Denise Simmons, mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Mattie Hayes
• Kara Swisher, Wall Street Journal columnist, co-executive editor of technology site All Things D, and Megan Smith, vice president of new business development at Google
• Sheryl Swoopes, professional basketball player and three-time Olympic gold medalist, and Alisa Scott, former basketball player and coach
• Linda Villarosa, author, journalist, public speaker, former editor of the New York Times and former executive editor of Essence Magazine, and Jana Welch, marketing executive”

The sort of list that would be unlikely to show up on Amazon.com … stop erasing us … visibility is vital.

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Short filmmakers who are committed to being successful and catapulting their film career into motion have an amazing resource available to them. Former Sundance programmer Roberta Munroe has written a book entitled HOW NOT TO MAKE A SHORT FILM. During her five-year stint at Sundance, Roberta watched THOUSANDS of short films. She’s seen every mistake, every cliche, every bad choice beginning filmmakers make. And, she’s seen the films that shine, that stand out from the crowd, the films that launch careers.

If you’re thinking about making a short film, RUN (don’t walk) to the nearest bookstore. The book is a bible for short filmmakers. Among the things Roberta covers: how to keep your story fresh, getting your story to the right length, finding and keeping a great producer, finding the money, getting the talent, getting into an A-tier festival and using your film to launch your career. It is simply excellent. There’s even a cliche list of things to avoid. It is painful to find something you wrote on the list but infinitely better than losing a shot at a festival because you didn’t know every lame short has that cliche in it. Get the book. Read the book.

There’s even a better option for short filmmakers. Roberta offers a one-on-one consulting service. She’ll review your script, let you know if it’s worth your time and effort to make and, if it is, offer notes and detailed advice on how to strengthen it for the A-tier film circuit. If you’re working on a feature, she can help you with that as well.

I sent her a short script I’d been loving for a couple of years and the guys were wanting to shoot. Before we committed the time to do it (because we have so many other projects going on), I wanted to get her thoughts on it. She was direct and thorough in her analysis of the characters and the story. She offered concrete suggestions (without rewriting it or making it her story) to bring it up a notch. She cut to the chase and now I’m more enthused than ever about doing it. More importantly, the film will be stronger because of her input.

So, if you’re a short filmmaker, read the book and consider having Roberta read your material. It may make the difference between a tepid response and a rapid rise in the festival circuit.

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My blogging has been atrocious, of late, and I am quite disappointed in myself. I have a really good excuse this time (of course, I always think I have a really good excuse). This time it’s a really good one. I just got back from Los Angeles where I went to see Jordan Pack, a former animation student, win a student Emmy for an animated film he produced. The film was entitled KITES. The film is the story of a boy who comes to deal with his Grandfather’s death by doing something they always did together, flying kites.

Following his graduation from MCC, he was accepted in the Animation and Film program at Brigham Young University. He produced this film his senior year at BYU. He now works for Avalanche (Disney’s gaming arm) were he is a generalist (meaning he does all facets of the gaming production including design, texturing, modeling and such).

Jordan is a really terrific guy … talented, hard-working, creative, generous and kind. He even offered the director (Jed Henry, standing behind him) one-half of the prize money because of all his hard work. He’s just a really decent guy.

Anyway, the ceremony was on Saturday evening at Sony’s Culver City Studios. Fourteen awards were given out. The top three candidates in each category were in attendance. The winner was announced that evening (no one knew who would be the first prize winner). Jordan, James and Jed’s film KITES was the first place winner.

During his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked his wife, his crew and his teachers. He mentioned two professors from BYU (who were in attendance with me). He also thanked Mesa Community College professors Jim Garrison and Cyndi Greening. It was pretty cool to be called out in front of everyone.

Among the presenters were Chris O’Donnell who played Robin to George Clooney’s BATMAN, Masa Oki who plays Hiro from the television show HEROES, and Pauley Perrett who stars on NCIS. There were tons of other industry folks there. Jorge Gutierrez and Sandra Equihua (writer/producerrs of EL TIGRE: THE ADVENTURES OF MANNY RIVERA) were the presenters for the animated film category. During their speech, Jorge revealed that he had won the Student Emmy ten years earlier and it had completely changed his life.

Click on the image above to see the photos from the event.

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Many Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are up in arms because the HBO series BIG LOVE plans to depict an Endowment Ceremony on an upcoming episode. Growing up Roman Catholic, I can attest that the religion was often the object of humor, perhaps ridicule, on television and in film. The Jewish faith was lambasted even more frequently. This reminds me of the episode of SEINFELD when Jerry was outraged because another comedian changed faiths so he could have the “right” to make fun of it. Everyone is so uptight about “their” chosen faith. The outrage of the Mormons only makes everyone want to poke at them more.

On the DESERET NEWS website, there was an article about the upcoming episode … one of the commenters said it far more succinctly and eloquently than I can …

Respect??? | 8:12 a.m. March 13, 2009
So it’s okay for the LDS to butt into the issue of gay marriage in CA, misrepresent the issues to maximize the scare factor, then claim that they were just acting out of love for gay people and nobody should take any offense because they were only exercising their constitutional rights.

And it’s also okay for LDS to continue baptizing Jewish Holocaust victims posthumously because it’s part of the church’s core doctrines, and once again, it’s only done out of love so nobody should take any offense.

Now, let HBO exercise its constitutional right to air the LDS temple endowment, and go to great length and expense to ensure it’s accurately portrayed, and showing as much respect as possible while still staying true to the story line, and now the LDS are all about respect for others and the right to be left alone to practice their most sacred beliefs in private.

Whether the producers of Big Love are acting as part of a personal vendetta or not, you can’t say you didn’t ask for just what you’re getting.

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I woke up a million times last night with a sore throat and a fever. I find out a friend’s son had strep throat a week or so ago. So, it’s going around. That means I won’t be going around … in fact, I’m heading back for the couch now.

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We’re in New England, researching our own “CHATTY PILGRIMS” story. I wanted to come research in the dead of winter to fell more clearly what the Puritans endured during the less hospitable season. Anne Hutchinson was tried in November of 1637. She was found guilty and put under house arrest until March of 1638. At that point, she and approximately 70 of her friends, supporters and relatives packed their carts and started walking to their exile in Rhode Island. The goal of this research trip was to “feel” the environment, the weather, the atmosphere of the geographical location that is Boston’s Shawmut Peninsula. Tomorrow, we are following the path the Hutchinson party walked. We will be passing through Quincy, Braintree, Brockton, Taunton and finally arriving at Portsmouth. Since they actually left in March, our cinematographic journey is likely going to be less temperate than their journey but, given we’re in a Dodge Charger, we won’t be suffering too much.

Today, we went to THE OLD MEETING HOUSE which is now a museum in central Boston. It is an old Puritan Church, built in 1720. It has the high lecturn and stiff benches. Across the street is the property that formerly belonged to Anne Hutchinson. According to the plaque on the building, a fire in 1711 destroyed their home and a brick building was erected in the same location. We spent a great deal of time at THE BOSTON COMMONS trying to decide where they hanged Mary Dyer. Based on the written accounts, I tend to think it is up near The Old State House (since it is near the end of Court Street). Then we went down to the wharf to feel the brutal breeze off the harbor. Finally, we went to The North End of Boston to check out Paul Revere’s house and The Old North Church. Revere’s house was built in 1680 (just 20 years after they hanged Mary Dyer) but you couldn’t get near the building and you could photograph or video anything in the area. It was quite disappointing. Alec was quite vocal in his frustration.

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BY SANDY BOWE, CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI — I had the pleasure of traveling to Arizona from Wisconsin last weekend for the premiere of THE LAND OF REFUGE. It was an experience I will never forget! I arrived on Friday, the day before the premiere. I knew how busy Cyndi was because she actually encouraged me to waste some time before I went to her house! She indicated that she had a few things to accomplish and I was more than happy to spend some time with my son, Christopher. When I got the green light from Cyndi, I made my way to her house, followed by a relaxing dinner at BJ’s. Good company, good food and good conversation filled our night. I could tell that Cyndi had a lot on her mind, but she was her usual “social butterfly” self, so it was a fun night. After dinner, Cyndi, Joyce, Chris and I jumped into the Echo (or was it that wonderful upgraded Jeep?) and I recall many moments of genuine laughter as we drove home. All I can say is “crocheted hats” and “Kissyfur”.

I spent the night at Joyce’s. My own room — I can’t say I missed that mattress on the floor at Cyndi’s! Saturday morning, I dropped Cyndi off at her house so she could work on final edits with Pamela Jo, the other writer/producer. When Pam arrived at Cyndi’s, it was a Pam I’d never seen before. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. I think that’s what she looks like when she’s nervous! I did get to hear her laugh before I left to visit my mom and dad, so I knew she’d be alright. After visiting my parents, Joyce met me at the Flea Market. She had never been there before - I couldn’t believe it. She had never been to one of my “Phoenix Top Five”.

It’s Showtime … we all know how Cyndi’s clock works … way different than the standard clock most of us use. However, the night of the premiere, our clocks were running the same! Imagine three women all getting cleaned up and ready for the red carpet in less than an hour - we did it! I was quite amused watching Joyce match her blacks and she was as nervous as Cyndi. I was totally excited. Howie (a.k.a. Alec) was still on Cyndi’s clock. He wasn’t quite as speedy as us, but he looked dang sharp! Cyndi, Joyce and I were the first to arrive at the theater (that’s a fact). We even beat Pam and her family! While they tended to details, I waited for my parents to arrive with their friends from Pleasant Valley so I could direct them to the theater. When my son Chris and his wife Sara arrived, we took our seats in the theater. Sitting there watching people fill the theater was a surreal experience. After a brief introduction on how the premiere would be similar to the format used at “Sundance” and “Tribeca” (I wondered how many people in the theater had been to either or both - I wasn’t one of them), the house lights went down and the film began.

I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary. I felt it was well researched (as evidenced by the gentleman who was quite impressed by the information Pam and Cyndi were able to find, when he himself, a relative has never been able to find). The music was great. I learned so much and I couldn’t help but wonder about this lifestyle I still don’t quite understand. At the conclusion of the documentary, questions were fielded from the audience. Pam and Cyndi received flowers from the Bowman family (very sweet gesture). I got to meet many of Cyndi’s friends. Some I met years ago, but hadn’t seen in quite some time, others it was the first time I was able to put a name to a face. What a great bunch of people! Immediately following the film, many audience members made their way to the “Coffee Rush” for refreshments and conversation. I was one of them, but I was famished (as was Gina). While dreaming of solid, life-sustaining food, I was entranced by the buzz of conversation around me. I think I may have looked dazed and confused for awhile. It was a proud moment for Cyndi. The crew was there. Several other people who had put time and energy into the project were in attendance, also. I was in awe watching them interact. They were all on the same page. I tried to be, but my mind was food deprived, so I babbled non-sensical things off and on (more on than off).

We closed-up Coffee Rush and made our way back to Joyce’s. Cyndi drove through Burger King, so I filled my belly with health food! We talked a lot about the documentary and how positive we felt about the final product and the audience reaction. The team effort paid off and Cyndi and Pam can feel quite proud of their project. I am so very proud of them as well.

It was a pleasure spending the evening with everyone and I enjoyed meeting them all.

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It was midday on the second day of shooting when she walked in. She was there to be the voice for one of the colonists. She was “getting on in years,” so we were worried she might not be able to read or have the stamina for the shoot. This pioneer woman, Rita Skousen Johnson, let us know what she was made of and it was some pretty hardy stock. Not only did she read fluently, flawlessly and with great emotion, she went on to let us know that she knew the people she was reading about. She grew up in their presence and remembered times spent with them. She told us stories about several of the early settlers. Turned out her father was a polygamist and she was a child of his second wife. When asked about how it was growing up as a child of polygamy, she said, “It was wonderful. There were so many of us and we had such a good time together.” She told us about her father’s experience with the grist mill. More importantly, she explained what a grist mill was (and a burr mill) and how it was used to grind wheat into flour. She told us how her mother would bake a loaf of bread to make sure the wheat was properly ground (the pioneer version of “quality control”). She talked about her years teaching at Academia Juarez. Our time together flew and I found myself wishing I had several days to just talk with her. In many ways, she reminded me of my Grandma Greening, who was also a school teacher, rural wife and mother. Like my grandmother, Mrs. Johnson was an amazing woman and I’m so glad I got to spend some time hearing her story.

RITA SKOUSEN JOHNSON, COLONIA JUAREZ, MEXICO
©2008, Jared Moschcau. All rights reserved.

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When I was younger, I read an article about Human Success Dysfunction (that’s my term for it). It was during one of those phases when I was doing a lot of self-help reading. This particular syndrome, HSD, talked about how children will sometimes self-sabotage their ability to succeed to avoid out-doing their parents and making them “feel bad” because their is child getting “more” than they may have been able to get. There was also a section on the HSD parents, some of whom undermine their children to ensure they are not successful so the parents can remain in power, continue to have the wisdom and be in charge. All very unpleasant. The healthy alternative was that people do what they’re best at and not worry about that competitive thing within the family but simply celebrate each other’s gifts and successes.

So, much to my delight, I get to announce that Alec (my smart, talented, handsome boy) and his friend, Pacino, have started a production company in New York. The company, Universal Remote Productions specializes in digital media production and post-production. They edit, do 3D design and production, motion graphics and flash for web. They have a lot of contemporary music connections (because Pacino used to be in a successful touring band) and a lot independent film connections. One of the projects they worked on was Three Thug Mice. Now, they’re on to their own thing. It’s exciting for me to be able to write about what the guys are working on. Pamela Jo and I have been helping with paperwork and web spaces and all of that mundane business stuff that no one likes to do (not even us) but we want to be supportive. I wish them the best of luck and all the success in the world! I’m only a little envious.

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I love driving. I find it relaxing and pleasant. Normally, a trip from Phoenix to Prescott is quite enjoyable, barely two hours. The hardest part of the trip is the six-mile stretch through the canyon from Bumble Bee to Crown King. It’s the stretch where signs warn drivers to turn OFF their air-conditioning to avoid over-heating. And, truly you must or your car will surely dog and die. I was going to make a quick run to Prescott on Friday afternoon. We got into the car at 3pm and started north. It was slow going. Traffic was heavy. We saw two rollover accidents before we even left town. But the true challenge was faced on the Bumble Bee stretch. We are told that a 190,000 gallon fuel tanker ended up blocking the interstate (for the second night in a row). It took us four and one-half hours to travel the six miles through the canyon. The guy in the car ahead of us took his golf clubs out of the trunk and spent time practice his driving. Some other folks came around selling cold sodas (guess they’d had them in their car). American entrepreneurs at their finest. When it was all said and done, the two-hour trip took over SEVEN HOURS. I went to Disneyland last weekend in less time than it took to get to Prescott. Just plain wacky!

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On our Dizzyland Adventure, I learned that it is possible to get married at Disneyland and, if you do, you can get this crazy Cinderella Coach (complete with Footman and Driver). The wedding party floated around the perimeter as the Happy Couple prepared for the post-ceremony journey in their Magical Carriage. It was exquisitely beautiful down to the most minute detail but it was also completely surreal. I found myself wondering if it made for a charmed relationship to have the “storybook” beginning or if it was just another level of fantasy that gets in the way of an authentic relationship. Guess it depends on the couple.

Speaking of couples, we were on a quest to find Disney antenna balls. There were the usual Mickey and Sorcerer’s Apprentice antenna toppers. I opted for the Rainbow Mickey Mouse for me and a Jack Skellington (NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS) antenna ball for Alec. An impending wedding had Joyce looking for the Disney Bride ‘n Groom antenna topper. When we were checking out, the clerk congratulated us on getting married. Guess that Rainbow Mickey was a tad confusing for him.

I found myself wondering if any couple can book the Cinderella Coach. A little internet research revealed that, YES, the Fairytale Wedding Package at Disneyland became available to same-sex couples on April 7, 2007. Cynics might say that American consumerism and desire for profitability would be ruling the day on that decision. Who cares?!? I could ride in that Coach! Of course, I’d want to keep it out after midnight to see if it turned back into a pumpkin and a couple of mice.

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The reason I’m in Disneyland is to celebrate Joyce’s 50th birthday with her. I’ve been encouraging her to do exactly what she wants to do and got swept up in the excitement of the moment. It is a milestone birthday, they say. Why are the “0″ birthdays so significant? That passage of another decade, I guess. My friend, would say it’s all a result of marketing and advertising, the desire of card and gift companies to make money because we dutiful consumers buy more “special” stuff for those monumental birthdays. So, what could be more appropriate than going to Disneyland for the Big-Five-Oh? Parades, rides, souvenirs, consumerism in the most attractive of packages. Hi-ho, hi-ho.

After an evening of fireworks, the original plan had been to get up early and go to “Early Morning Madness.” Or Magic Morning or some such clever marketing phrase. But, indulgence ruled the day. We slept in at the Disneyland Hotel and finally ambled out to face the world around 10am. Just in time for a leisurely breakfast. A couple of hours later we entered the park and pursued “short-line” rides. We got Fast Passes for SPACE MOUNTAIN and INDIANA JONES and made plans to return later.

There was no line on the COLUMBIA, so we got on that lovely, “nautical vessel” and went for a “sail” around Tom Sawyer Island. It was the first time I’d ever done that and it may have been my favorite part of the whole day. There was a light breeze and we ended up sitting on the very back of the ship … which was quite high so we could see everything from an unobstructed viewpoint. Reminded me of Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls. Not the sailing ship but the woods and water, Native American theme and all of the faux Native American attractions. Not to mention the “natural” forts and such on the island.

A “last-second” dinner at the tail of an evening ended with another fireworks show and, since the park was open until 1am, we were able to stroll around a nearly abandoned Disneyland … the waterway around New Orleans Square and the back alleys of Critter Country were particularly enjoyable. Main Street was virtually deserted. Since Joyce goes to Disneyland with some regularity, she said she loved the late night perambulations best because it was almost like a completely different, and more pleasant, place. At the end of the day, it seemed that she had a good birthday. I hope so. I know I had fun.

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So, I was in Disneyland for Independence Day. It was soooooo crowded. Apparently, a whole ton of folks decided that a good way to celebrate our freedom was to willingly be imprisoned in horrific lines for hours and hours. And hours and hours. To be honest, I’m not big for standing in lines. My theory for a pleasant time in Disneyland is to only enter ride lines with VERY SHORT wait times.

So, we drove from Phoenix and went to the Magic Kingdom. We started on Pirates of the Caribbean (wait time only twenty minutes). It was a great start to the long weekend … it seemed our rides were going to be charmed. I read online today that the Pirates of the Caribbean ride debuted in 1967. That makes the ride about 41 years old. The “Pirates” films keep the interest high and, we noticed, there were several new scenes with Captain Jack Sparrow. They were quite amusing, tongue-in-cheek … just what you’d expect … Jack hiding in barrels, behind treasure chests, beside pretty girls. A clever fellow after my own heart.

Since it was July 4th, that evening we went to the fireworks display in the park. There were so many people, we actually got stopped in the middle of Main Street, unable to move in either direction. Disney “cast members” were jostling everyone about and shrieking for us to keep moving and keep the streets clear but there were just too many people. After being wedged between a baby carriage and a large, bald man for about twenty minutes, Joyce said, “If there is an emergency, we will be trampled to death.” Undoubtedly, I thought. The fireworks were fun and awesome … for a while. But, then, the fireworks were stopped mid-show. The announcement said the winds were too high to continue. A couple of days later, we heard they were stopped because the crowds were too dense and fire code violations too glaring. We walked back to the Disneyland Hotel shortly before closing time. Joyce danced around in the shadow of the Sorcerer’s hat. A ferocious cold was taking hold of me so I was much more sedate.

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