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LA FEMME SILHOUETTE - JANUARY 1998
Alpha Omega Minutes - December 6, 1997
President Diane Vernon announced that next meeting the
speaker will do a program on modeling, deportment and nails. Bring your own nail supplies.
Diane and Allie will provide the dinner. It will be Chinese.
The Alpha Omega Players did an excellent presentation entitled Christmas in Oz.
The following people won awards this year:
SERVICE: Lori Taylor
MERITORIOUS COUPLE: Diane and Allie Vernon
CHALLENGER: Diane Brennen
OUTSTANDING PARTNER: Kathleen Fenton
LADY OF THE YEAR: Gloria Sue Fenton (for the second year in a row)
Respectfully Submitted,
Elaine Benton
Secretary/Treasurer
CHRISTMAS PARTY NOTES
Oh, the weather outside WAS frightful - and the snow was NOT delightful; but thirty brave souls ventured forth to mark the 1997 Alpha-Omega Christmas Party and Awards Ceremony.
In addition to the award winners Elaine lists in her minutes, there was also a special award, an "Order of Merit", given to Martin M. (Dad), as he is known, for his contributions as an associate member and friend to all at Alpha Omega.
A moment was given to remember Diane, the wife who began what was to become Alpha Omega, a little over eleven years ago. Diane was unable to be at the Christmas Party, but a basket of flowers and plants from Alpha Omega will be given to her by Debbie and Elaine.
Diane worked to begin a group for her partner, Jill, many years ago. Jill passed away this last year; but the legacy of Diane's efforts for her partner is still very much with us all.
1997 was a good year, in many ways. May 1998 be a good year also. - Gloria
THEATER REVIEW
"THEY HAD ME STOMPING MY FEET"
"I CLAPPED TILL IT HURT"
Yes, these lines may well be lifted from this review and used as newspaper quotes extolling the most recent production by the Gloria Sue Fenton players at the annual Christmas meeting of the local chapter of Alpha Omega. But what the reader will have failed to notice is that I was indeed stomping my feet and clapping till it hurt. . .in order to wake up the lovely girl next to me who just happened to have comfortably dozed off. I was asked by my dear friend to wake up the dozing girl with a nudge to awaken the dozing princess, and as I did so, I apparently jolted her a bit too much. She abruptly fell to the floor. Worried about her well being, I immediately descended to the floor where she had collapsed and asked if she was all right, and she replied, "NO", emphatically, and mumbled under her breath, "I can still hear them."
But, I digress, readers can read about the sleeping audience syndrome and the meaning of life in my latest book on the subject published by Random Spouse Publishing.
How better to pay tribute to this glorious evening of theater than to pay tribute one by one to the many gifted actors that participated in this latest offering from Gloria about a girl named Dorothy but who was really Donald or Ronald or whatever la da da da da da etc. (See the cliff notes at your local bookstore for a complete plot summary.)
Deborah, played the lilting sexy voice (reminiscent of Marlena Dietrich or Vivian Leigh?) that appeared out of nowhere and cajoled and prompted and commented on the action on stage. This budding and vivacious actress has great promise for the stage. Who can forget her great impersonation of Rod Serling. It brought back memories of when I watched those versions of "Twilight Zone" and wondered what would Rod have looked like as a Roz and what would his, or rather her, voice have sounded like. . .I digress again. . .readers can learn more about that subject of "wishing I saw Rod Serling in drag" in my latest article in "Knees Weak".
Gloria played the lead role of Dorothy/Ronald or Donald or whatever. Her mastery of Stanislavsky's acting method was remarkable. Who could ever forget that moment when in complete emotional duress she flipped the tresses of that cheap blonde wig down over her face and recited those destined-to-be-immortal lines "tmmphh omph tmmmph", which, if she had not had her golden tresses caught between her lips at the time, she would have actually uttered "Toto, oh, Toto". As the playwright and the lead actor her wit was without bounds, and I can only summarize the feeling of all who partook of that delight by quoting one of the audience members as she was leaving that delightful performance. . "I can't wait till this thing goes on the road. . .please!" and then there was he who we know as Dad, who while mournfully shaking his head said something to the effect of "I don't know what she did with that money I gave her for voice lessons." Dad, I'll give you a hint, look to the closet and ye shall find mucho blonde wigs. But I digress, readers can learn more about this subject by reading my new book on theater diction, "Chew on wig hairs to better your Diction" by Nmmph Nmmph amph Nmmph Publishing.
Kathy, brilliantly portrayed "Elvis" or rather in an unusual twist, an impersonator of an Elvis impersonator. Most original. Her gyrating and hip swaying portrayal of the king was so effective that I personally saw the lustful flinging of motel keys and soul baring offerings of one lovely, vivacious and gorgeous lady's pantyhose. And there were the well warranted sighs of "some young lovely thing out there pining for the "king". When an "Elvis" can elicit such a strong response, then I must pay the highest tribute to that actor's abilities and talents. Much applause my dear Katerina for your lovely performance that night.
And who will ever forget Tabitha as the lovely Madonna. Tabitha filled in for that famous actress, Fran, who we all remember from last season's hit show. And she had a lot to fill in, because her role demanded her adornment by two funnels, "strategically worn". Every once in a while an actor is put to the ultimate test on stage in moments of great duress when the actor must, at the last minute, fill in for another actor that has either fallen ill or not arrived at the theater for important reasons. And I must say this, that Tabitha met the challenge head on and delivered a triumphant performance, exuding all the charm of that performer she portrayed. And now a comment on the "funnels". I believe the playwright has served the audience some delicious food for thought. The meaning of the funnels drives the main theme of the play itself. (This could be man's inhumanity to man or should I rephrase that as man's inhumanity to the audience?). But their power to hold the audience was astounding. The audience seemed riveted to the power of the funnels, and I could just read their minds something like this, . . ."I wonder where I could buy a pair like that?. . .and could I adequately fill in those funnels?" All right, I confess that maybe those were my thoughts alone, and I imposed them on the audience. But I digress, readers can learn more about this subject about "Funnels of Fun" in my latest articles in this month's Sears catalog, under "Fun with Funnels."
And what brilliance by the playwright to choose Cher to play Cher. Cher, portrayed by Cheryl, revealed a long, black flowing wig that absolutely flowed with her every movement. And those nails, so luscious you could die for. One could imagine the extra crews necessary in the costume department to help her change costumes. Rumor has it she had some difficulty buttoning and unbuttoning those costumes with those nails for the quick changes, but rumor also has it that her capable crew ("her daughters") assisted her very well. Cher added an additional dimension to her marvelous performance by actually singing with her real voice. (Dad, please take note here what money well spent on voice lessons can do.) And, as before, I must mention that the audience responded to her charm. I myself overheard an engaging and lovely lady exclaim "I got you babe". What a tribute to a lovely lady. A truly Sonny performance.
And now for the actor that stole the show. Yes, "Toto", that silly little furry curmudgeon that we all fell in love with. Rumor has it that ToTo actually got the part because of his/her special relationship to the playwright, which has been secretly shrouded in mystery. But as a theater critic of no renown, I believe that weird relationships is not the question here but the answer is that the strength, the force, the powerful energy of the play itself was cemented firm by the playwright's decision to pick ToTo for the starting role. Who can forget when ToTo seemed to jump out of that cheap bucket into the loving hand of Dorothy/Donald or Ronald or whatever. My teary eyes were riveted on ToTo as I could feel the pain that ToTo felt when Judy/Donald or Ronald manipulated his/her every move. I could identify with his/her struggle for freedom from the grasp of Dorothy's manipulations. That likable, androgynous furball, in essence, represented the ultimate struggle for identity we have all felt at one time or another to release ourselves, represented by ToTo, from the clutches of societal stigma, represented by Dorothy's/Donald's or Ronald's or whatever clutching poor ToTo's posterior.
I believe that volumes will be written on the subject of ToTo and the theater. Bravo ToTo, Bravo, Bravisimo. You touched my heart. (But don't worry I was able to wisp off the loose hairs with scotch tape.) And, finally, I hear of rumors that the Cleveland Ballet is actually negotiating for the rights to this script as an adaptation through dance. Could we be fortunate to see our ToTo in a TooToo. Remember, one out of twenty-four people may be a ToTo. The person next to you may very well be one.
Sincerely, kidding aside, I want to express my gratitude to all the players. It is not an easy task to perform before an audience. It takes a lot of guts to go out there without much time for rehearsal to entertain. I don't remember when I have had more fun. Thanks for the good times people.
Love, Olena Marie
CATALOGING
By Marla
Mail order shopping has grown immensely popular in the 90's. Catalogs are keeping many of us out of malls and are viewed as a serious threat to many retailers. Catalog shopping however offers many significant advantages:
- CONVENIENCE: You simply can't beat catalogs for the ease and convenience they provide. The retail store literally comes to your door.
- TIME SAVING: If you're a busy girl like me who does not have hours to roam malls and shopping centers, your "fingers can do the walking" in no time.
- COMFORT: Some girls just aren't all that comfortable shopping for women's wear in public. Catalogs allow you to browse in the privacy of your home without fear of being put in a compromising situation.
- EDUCATIONAL: No... this isn't a stretch. I've learned quite a bit of the language of women's wear by reading catalog descriptions. Words like "broomstick skirt'and "besom pockets" now have meaning to me.
- FUN: Yes. . .after a hard day in the 9-to-5 world, I love nothing more than coming home to a catalog in the mail and spending a few minutes browsing through it. WARNING: THIS CAN BECOME HABIT FORMING!!!
- INSPIRATION: Some of my best ideas have come from looking at catalogs, viewing combinations, seeing how the models are accessorized and getting ideas for hair styles and makeup.
Most catalogs offer 24-hour, toll-free ordering. . and many let you place orders through the Internet. If you choose to order over the phone, all you'll need is a valid credit card. You'll need to give a home address (for verification purposes). . .but you can have most parcels delivered to another address if you so choose. Most order operators are female, but don't worry in the least that you'll be QUESTIONED about your purchase. These telemarketers are trained (and often helpful) professionals who merely want to facilitate your order in an expeditious manner.
Worried about sizing? While it is always a good thing to know your sizes, most of the better catalogs have convenient sizing charts to help you find your right size. It if doesn't fit or is simply not to your liking, most catalog retailers offer generous return terms. . .no questions asked. You will however have to fork over the shipping charges.
A word of caution. . .the girls pictured are professional models. . .and while we can fantasize how we'll look in a catalog item. . .you run the danger of setting yourself up for some disappointment when the item ordered does not flatter us quite as well. The best advice. . .temper your expectations. Most models are extremely thin and tall. Many of us are a bit more physically challenged. As in any type of shopping, know YOUR style. . .and what works best for you.
Most catalog retailers offer fairly quick delivery. . .and many will tell you as you place your order if the item is in stock. Delivery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. If you need the item in a hurry. . .most catalogs offer express delivery for a surcharge. . .but the larger operators like good old J. C. Penney often can get the goods to you in short order for no extra charge.
I don't know about you. . .but this girl just loves the Anticipation of an order arriving. It makes coming home from a rough day in the salt mines all the more enjoyable. . .especially when I see that parcel waiting for me. I've often come home from a challenging day. . .not expecting my order to have arrived. . .AND THERE IT IS!! On those occasions, I say to myself. . ."I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!" Call me a "catalog capitalist". . .whatever. . .catalogs work for the 90's girl.
In future newsletter issues, I'll offer my reviews of
various catalogs. Till then. . .HAPPY HOLIDAYS.. .and happy catalog-ing!
THE PLAY IS THE THING
By Gloria Sue Fenton
As an author, it does mean much when one reads a review of their work. It is the critic who lets us know if the intensity and fervor of our efforts to put words on paper and transform them into nuggets of inspiration in the hearts and souls of others has been worthwhile.
To the uninitiated it would be so difficult to comprehend the depths of my being that were drained to the core in the minutes it took to write this play. Olena Marie, I am humbled by your review, and I assure you that my thought processes are already challenging the impossible task of creating another play for next Christmas to outshine my previous efforts.
As author of the original story, playwright, creative consultant, producer, director, and actor in "Christmas in Oz? the Musical", where the extent of my talents were diffused in such diverse paths, it was essential to find other actors of intense creative genius in order to fulfill the glorious destiny of this play.
The talent search was painstaking. Not only were the actors who were chosen able to portray a character, but each found the true essence of the subtle nuances in the script, and then added their own unique adaptation for their performances.
I too must add an additional praise to that truly daring new talent, Tabitha, who at a moments notice was able to save the production by filling in for the world renowned actress Fran. Fran, you may have set the world on fire last year with your riveting performance as Elmo Elf; but now, dear one, you do have competition from this young starlet of the future.
Mere words cannot describe the feeling of electricity derived from the performances of Kathleen and Cheryl, as Elvis and Cher respectively. I bow to your greatness.
And of course there was ToTo. The name says it all. ToTo has once again gone into seclusion as he has done before after a performance.
Lest we not forget, there too was Debbie's multi-dimensional portrayal as the voice of a feminine Rod Serling, as well as her mastering the complex musical arrangements - truly wonderful.
Dear Olena Marie, not only are there considerations of an interpretive dance by the Cleveland Ballet, but Spielberg is actually talking about doing an epic film based on the play. Although there was talk of taking the performance on the road, it was decided by each performer that they would never be able to recreate the spontaneity of that golden moment.
I have not as yet been asked to write the screenplay for "Christmas in Oz? The Musical", but rumor has it, and please don't tell anyone else, that they are actually considering Cher to play herself in the movie version. With, get this, Anna Nicole Smith as Madonna, Tina Turner as Elvis, and Robin Williams as Dorothy/Donald.
Toto has told me he will not do the film, but has suggested using one of Dolly Parton's wigs as a stand in for him, with James Earl Jones doing the voice over for his pivotal dialog in the film. The entire production, however, could hinge on whether Barbara Walters agrees to being the narrator, while dressed to look like Rod Serling.
Only time will tell.
Thank you so much for your breathtaking review.
Sincerely and will all humility,
Gloria Sue Fenton
Author, Composer, Choreographer, Producer, Director,
And Star
ALPHA OMEGA NOW HAS A PRESENCE ON THE INTERNET. OUR VICE PRESIDENT WILL TELL US MORE AT THE NEXT MEETING WHICH WILL BE THE USUAL SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH.
Alpha Omega Chapter of Tri-Ess.
A NOTE OF THANKS
To all my friends at Alpha Omega,
I thank you for the award which you gave me.
I shall cherish it always.
With all my love,
Dad
HOME
Kathy and I have a plaque that hangs on one of our dining room walls that reads as follows:
We chose this House where sunshine will flood it, where fine trees will shade it, birds build near it, flowers bloom around it, and where joyous children will find room for play.
We dedicate this House to simple, loyal family life. May all who dwell herein leave it with regret and return to it with joy. May it be to them a haven of Peace, of loving companionship, of earnest work, mutual service, wholesome play and laughter.
Here may kindred friends old and new and the stranger find an open door and a cordial welcome. May it be to them not merely a place of entertainment but of genuine hospitality.
Here may pure thoughts, love of good books, of music, flowers, and all beautiful things find expression. May friendships ripen and endure and no one go forth harmed by word or deed.
Here may children grow clean in body, mind and soul. May youth find inspiration, maturity find fruition and old age a place of rest and happy memories.
May God's blessing rest upon this House and on all who may dwell within it, and may it always deserve the sacred name of Home.
It doesn't say who wrote these words, but the words do express the way Kathy and I do feel about our home, and those who share our home.
In a way this same philosophy can be true of Alpha Omega, from every new member to those of us who have known the haven of our group for some time now. Alpha Omega can be as a home for all of us to grow and learn in.
See you in January, and - Welcome Home!!
OUR IMAGES. . .OUR SELVES
By Marla
Okay. . .I'll let you girls in on a little secret ritual of mine. On meeting days, I'm usually filled with anticipation of getting made-up and dressed for our once-a-month get togethers. I'll often spend the day doing chores in some state of "dress". . .and to help me get in the mood even more, I'll steal away a half hour or so at my local library and browse through the "Girl" magazines. . .You know, Cosmopolitan, Elle, etc. I thoroughly enjoy this look inside the female psyche vis a vis the articles. The fashion suggestions and make-up/hair tips can be valuable, too. I adore looking at the gorgeous models flaunting their wares. . . subconsciously wanting to be like one of them while engaging all my femme fantasies.
Then the wet dishrag of reality hits me squarely in the face as I traipse home to begin my transformation. Try as I might, I'll never approach the threshold of femme perfection I've just spent the last hour poring over at the library. As exhilarating as the magazine trip can be, that's how much of a downer it can sometimes be, too. While my CD journey is rife with the struggle to accept Marla as she is, I still need outside inspiration, as I imagine many of you girls do, also.
It was during one of these Saturdays a few months ago that I found a happy medium (pardoning the bad pun. . .it's an occupational hazard). It's called Mode Magazine. . .and I found it quite by accident on the magazine rack at a local convenience store. Mode bills itself as the magazine for "style beyond size." This extremely well-produced magazine features the best in sizes 12, 14, 16 and up. The layout is exquisite in its tastefulness. . .The articles are as compelling as anything the reader would find in Cosmo. . .and the larger sized models are simply gorgeous. . .helping this girl realize that she does not have to be a size 6 to feel good about herself.
A quick browse can yield some great inspiration for outfits that we "slightly more endowed" girls can wear with zest. Mode also can help us with hair, make-up and accessory ideas. The magazine is also filled with tasteful advertisements for slightly larger sizes of everything from lingerie to evening wear. . .Most with toll-free telephone numbers for more information or ordering.
The overwhelming response Mode has received from inaugural readers and advertisers has prompted the publishers to take the magazine monthly beginning February, 1998. . .So look for Mode at your newsstand or library the next time you want some womanly inspiration. . .and leave Cosmo to the twenty-somethings. I'll never be a size 6. . .But thanks to help from Mode Magazine. . .I can still feel better about Marla.
JANUARY MEETING
Ms. Lisa Johnson, from Melange, in Cleveland Heights will be our featured speaker for January. She will be presenting assistance to us through a "Modeling Workshop". She is also willing to help us make the most of our nails.
For those of you who want to work on your nails, you need to bring your own supplies which would include such things as topcoat, base, nail
polish, fingernail files, nail tips, and glue.
Diane and Allie will be tempting our post-holiday taste buds with their delicious Chinese New Year stir fry. We had volunteers to provide egg rolls and fortune cookies. I don't remember if anyone volunteered to bring the rice, so I will have some on hand that can be cooked up, it needed. Anyone who wants to fill in on snacks and desserts are welcome.
THANK YOU FOR 1997
As we enter a new year, I want to take a moment to thank each member of Alpha Omega for the contributions they have made during the past year. Each member pays their dues to Alpha Omega and to Tri Ess, as well as meeting fees for each meeting they attend. These funds pay for such things as our meeting place, the newsletter, food and refreshments, speakers, etc.
But, neither Alpha Omega nor TriEss could exist or continue to exist without something very important - VOLUNTEERS!! No one gets a free ride. Those who donate a few hours or hundreds of hours to the group each year, pay exactly the same dues and fees as those who don't.
I want to say thank you to the members of our group who have helped make Alpha Omega work. Each month we have a meeting place because of members who have secured a place for us. We stay in good stead with the church partly due to members who make sure it is clean and ready for services for following morning.
Each month we have a wonderful meal because of members who volunteer to cook or pick something up from a deli or the bakery. Stock items like pop and paper plates don't just magically appear in the cupboards. These things take time and effort, and I thank you.
When the meeting is over, there are people who help clean up and put away. It takes time, and nobody "feels" like doing it, but it needs to be done. To the kitchen helpers, thank you.
The newsletters needs articles, it doesn't create itself. If you want to read something of interest, submit something. It also takes a lot of work to put the newsletter together and get it mailed each month. For those of you who have contributed articles, or helped collate, staple and lick envelopes, thank you.
A group doesn't run on its own accord. It takes people willing to hold office, chair committees, and serve on committees. It means spending hours outside the Saturday evening of the meeting working to provide speakers and activities for Alpha Omega. Thank you to our officers and committee members.
Special events like our Annual Awards Program and Christmas Party don't just happen. A lot of time and effort goes into accomplishing all the details needed to pull it off. To everyone who helped this year's Awards Program and Christmas Party be a success. Thank you, thank you.
For all the "little" things one member does for another - greeting someone who is at a meeting for the first time, listening to someone who is having a problem, exchanging tips, etc., thank you.
---Kathleen
A PEEK AT 1998
Take time now to circle the second Saturday of each month except August and December for our regular Alpha Omega meetings. August is the third Saturday, and December is the first Saturday. We have a speaker for January, and will fill in the yearly calendar as we go along.
It is time to put on your thinking caps!! Nominations for officers is just around the corner. The people we elect as our leaders for the coming year, are the cornerstone of what will happen. We need people who are willing to commit the time and effort needed to keep Alpha Omega moving forward.
If you read the previous article of thanks, and can't
find yourself any where in there; you might want to think about making a commitment of
service to Alpha Omega during 1998.