MAMMA MIA: MIDDLE AGE ROCKS!

Okay...I thought the advertisements looked enticing. Greek coast, fluff story and romping ABBA music. But you know the drill, movies are never as good as the stage show and I had seen the original stage production in London with my son, New Years Day 2001. Left to my own devices, I would probably have taken a pass. Fortunately, that was not to be. My son gave me movie tickets for opening day! He even went and purchased them for the theater and time of my choosing. So the stage was set.....so to speak.

With another middle aged mom in tow, we were off to see MAMMA MIA. The theater was almost full with what appeared to be "seasoned' viewers like ourselves. I couldn't believe that ABBA had this many fans or that the audience had seen a stage version. They must have been here for the scenery.

Certainly, the scenery does not disappoint. In fact, I'll bet tourism in Greece increases tenfold because of this film. So we have the GORGEOUS scenery, but surprise, surprise, is the cast. From the opening prologue, "I Have A Dream," to the foot stomping finale, "Waterloo," the cast delivers and makes our hearts light, happy and even sing. Try hard not to get caught up in the infectious rhythm. You'd have to be a die hard snob or just plain dead. Suspend all reality. When Pierce Brosnan opens his mouth and sings...at first it doesn't compute...but then I let it go and just enjoy. Meryl Streep is having the time of her life in the lead role. Many years before our eyes have earned her the right to risk critical shame and have some fun. And fun she has. Backed up by Julie Walters and Christine Baranski, actresses of equal critical acclaim, the three toss all shame to the wind and really rock. Thank you ladies. Middle age is alive, well and still rock'n after all these years. The movie really picks up when they rip into "Dancing Queen" and the frolic of all the island women along the craggy coastline has the audience applauding. It may seem like silly ladies liberation but it speaks volumes. Watch for those "Dancing Queen" tee shirts in the holiday catalogs!

Same goes for the men. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. All seasoned professionals secure in themselves and careers to take the risk of performing in this movie. And they succeed. Not only was I having fun watching them, I kept thinking they must of had fun making this movie.

Sweet Amanda Seyfried more then holds her own against this star studded cast. Natural, unaffected, perfect.

What I'm really writing about here is our need for fun, laughter and silliness. In this day of uncontrollable gas and food prices, fuel costs that will leave many Northerners frigid for the winter and a less then inspiring political situation in our country, WE NEED TO LAUGH AND FEEL GOOD ABOUT SOMETHING.

MAMMA MIA delivers feeling good. Just as the music of ABBA did in the 70's, it does today. It puts a rhythm in our soul and makes us want to toss all concerns to the wind and dance. Thank you to ABBA for the enduring music, the star studded cast of the movie for "taking a chance" and to my son Selby, for knowing what's best for me.....sometimes!
Selby, thank you for the laughter.

Love, MOM

Maine Morning Duck Report: July 4, 2008

Old Glory blows over the Back Cove. Secured to a winter stick, the American flag billows in all its red, white and blue splendor above the tidal basin reflecting the intensity of the summer cloudless,blue, blue sky. "Let freedom ring," it announces to all passing on the foot path or driving US 295.

Stillness speaks loudly today as I take to the walkway. A few bicyclists pass without a sound but for an occasional muffled conversation. Birds chatter announcing the berries that are ripe and ready for plucking from the shrubs. They will be intoxicating in another month. It seems like just yesterday that this same foliage was in full springtime bloom. There is a hum in the grass brought about by bugs and caterpillars. And the many wild flowers that rim the water line add a punch of color to this blue-green paradise. There are names for all , but I only know rose ragosa, Queen Anne's Lace, Black Eyed Susan's and two different blooms in shades of periwinkle and royal blue. I am reminded of a line from a Wordsworth poem: "I cast to earth a seed, Up there came a flower, The people said a weed." Isn't it always in the eye of the beholder?

And finally, let us praise the blossom laden linden trees that rim the basin and their sweet, sweet scent permeating the air in this urban oasis. Not a department store perfumery, merely nature at work doing what nature does best.

My Back Cove walk is one of solitude on this July 4th. Even the water is becalmed as the ducks and other water fowl have yet to return . One sole seagull glides effortlesely over the placid sea. A person experiencing the quietness is tucked into a private space on the shore. It is the calm before the storm.

Precisely at the hour of dusk, cars begin to stream on to the Boulevard and quickly fill in the parking spaces. People pour out of the vehicles with folding chairs and coolers in hand. Positions on the grass between the footpath and very high tide are staked out and the waiting game for the 9:00 pm fireworks begins. I am perched on higher ground and have a birds eye view of this Independence Day practice. It is all surprisingly quiet as everyone has their eyes glued to the East End beach skies awaiting the first burst in the black sky. Before the curtain goes up on that show, sparklers provide a swirling light infused rim to the 3.5 mile circumference of the water line. Just a peak of what's to come.

As the sun sets, a hush shrouds the area. Black stillness envelopes us as we wait with great anticipation that first boom and the ensuing display of dancing light. It begins... and for thirty minutes we are captivated by the magical show in the sky that is such a part of all July 4th celebrations. FIREWORKS! They ignite the child in us all. And sparklers! I still delight in waving them about. Always save the best for the last seems to be Rule 101 of pyrotechnics. We are not disappointed and applause ripples through the air as the last spark of light falls into Casco Bay. The finale to another celebration of our many freedoms.

LET FREEDOM RING. OH BEAUTIFUL FOR SPACIOUS SKY. GOD BLESS AMERICA.