A Super Sunday

What a great day! The weather was WONDERFUL! Sunny, warm, not too hot, clear skies.

I got up with my roommate David. He had to work at a function he's helping with this weekend, but we walked to Starbucks, then went our separate ways.

I went to Sacred Center alone, but saw a few people I knew there. Then Joy came over and sat by me near the end of the service.

The message was...changing the old tapes/files from childhood. In a nutshell.

We then took the subway the Center for a meeting. Great meeting, Fabio qualified.

Then, a bunch of us, Dennis, Karl, Jeffrey, Neil, Craig, and Eric all went to Bus Stop for brunch. We sat outside and it was so nice. Fun.

After we ate we all walked down the Christopher Street Piers. Many people were out sunning and enjoying the beautiful day. We walked, talked, sat under the big awning, got some slushies, and then after we'd had enough, walked back to the Village.

Then Eric and I drove, well Eric drove, over to Union Square. He took me to dinner at a Thai place, Republic, and treated me for my birthday tomorrow. It was nice, we sat outside.

Oh, before that we got coffee and sat over in the park. An older woman was feeding unshelled peanuts to the squirrels. We sat next to her, and the squirrels were coming right up to her and taking them out of her hand. One came over and sniffed Eric's hand as he had it along the top of the bench. They were all so not afraid of us, and not aggressive either. People were watching and it was so cute. When she ran out, one kept climbing up her pants to her knee, but not in an agressive manner, and they all kept looking at us to see if we had anything. She said she does this once in awhile. Very sweet woman, and she gave us all a nice experience to remember.

Eric and I had a nice dinner and then he dropped me off at the subway and I came home. Just did a load of laundry and talked on the phone to Brian.

I may not have all the material things I'd like, nor have the perfect job or a Broadway career..yet.

I do have many wonderful friends and a great family.

Things don't necessarily look the way I want them to, but, I have a wonderful life.

I am grateful for it all.

I miss Mom and Dad, but, know in some way they will be present for this celebration of life!

One Day More

Well as I sit here getting ready for another day, I pause! No, not for station identification...although I could be WNUT! Heh.

No, tomorrow I turn another year older. Another year wiser?

Hopefully!

Does Your Mother Know?

Yesterday, I met up with my friends Donnie Winnett and Sam Zeller and we spent some time hanging out in Chelsea. They were visiting from LA. while out and about with my friends Donnie Winnett and Sam Zeller.


Sam, Me, and Donnie in Union Square Park

On the way back to where they were staying, Sam spotted a CELEB in front of us as we stopped at the corner of 49th and 8th, my old corner...when I lived on 49th near 8th!
Well, before he could tell us she crossed the street the other way...and then he said CHRISTINE BARANSKI!!! OMG! I wanted to tell her how much I loved her in the movie "MAMMA MIA" but she walks FAST! She is appearing on Broadway in the play "Boeing Boeing". She did a GREAT job in the movie "Mamma Mia" and especially when she sang the song "Does Your Mother Know".


I also was lucky enough to have gotten to see her play "Mame" at the Kennedy Center a couple of years ago. She was wonderful!

Then my friend Jay Coughlin told me she was in the episode of THE BRADY BUNCH! where Marcia had the sleepover and invited some of her friends, with the exception of one girl who pissed her off. I'll have to You Tube it!

Love ya CHRISTINE!

AND they just relased the Sing a Long version of the movie, and of COURSE I have to go!

Norman Is That You?

I have spoken so much about my Aunt Dorothy Tritsch. I found a wonderful photo of her husband Norman!
Here is a pic of him with Sonya and Randy. They look so adorable! I bet Dorothy took the photo.
He was a good man!

Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch sing Hoagy Carmichael CLICK HERE

From the newsletter of Klea Blackhurst
**************************************

And get yourself to the Barnes & Noble-Lincoln Triangle Wednesday, August 27 at 6:00. Billy Stritch and I will be doing a FREE concert! And then we will sign a CD for you. IF you buy one. We both love this CD. We are both thrilled to report that it's been getting great reviews and a bit of airplay. That's all we want. A little airplay.

Turns out, Billy and I really like each other AND singing Hoagy Carmichael so we will be returning to the Metropolitan Room in October and November. I'll remind you.
**********************************************

Well I did just that last night. After work, my friend Eric stopped by work and picked me up and we drove over to the Barnes and Noble near Lincoln Center. We went upstairs and got to hear Klea and Billy Stritch sing a few songs from their CD. I had purchased it already through Klea's website so I had them both sign it afterwards. Beautiful arrangments and amazing vocals to some already wonderful songs! A lovely evening!

Happy Birthday Mary Markham

Thursday Aug. 28th is my friend Mary Markham's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY!!

Love,
Tony

Christmas's Past

The top photo was taken of Grandma Gladys Westbrook and Grandpa Tom Westbrook. I don't see a year. The back of the photo was written by Gladys. They look happy!


This photo was taken in Pauline, Kansas Christmas 1969! Randy in his western gear. He looks so happy!

I cropped it and tried to enhance it. Below is the original.

Friends, Ya Gotta Have 'em

I miss aerobics. My body misses them too!
I posted a photo earlier of the whole group of us after a workout.
Here is one of Kevin Sasaki, Bobby, and "Aunt" Jack, BEFORE a workout. Note the green carpet. I can't believe I never fell!

Here is a photo of Steven Whiddon, myself, and Randy Smith. We did a show called, I can't remember, something Spring. Steven is a WONDERFUL singer, as is Randy. Randy is like me, a good singer and a true ham, but that's a GOOD thing. Steven has the voice of an angel! He and I got to sing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" once and I was in pure heaven. Both of them are still in LA!

One of the first Christmas shows I did in LA was a huge variety show type affair. One of the few pics I have is taken from a video. I wish I had the video, but alas I don't.
Here is Bill B and John A. Bill played the saw. Yes, the saw. And John played the part of a stripper. It was clean, don't worry. :)

And John was very helpful when I was going through a rough time. I will always remember him extending his hand that night I felt like the whole world was falling apart. Thanks John.

Aunt Dorothy

Yes, we lived in Kansas where our parents were from. And we had an Aunt Dorothy, an Aunt Emma, and an Uncle Henry, but no Toto!

Dorothy Tritsch wasn't related by blood, but in many ways she was closer then blood.

She was my sister Sonya's Godmother!

She had MS when she was younger, and so many times I remember going out to visit when she would be bedridden. Yet, she ended up outliving everyone! She was fortunate in that the MS she had she outgrew! She was always in some sort of pain, but she RARELY let it get her down! She was always hopeful and positive. And she LOVED TO SING! Especially hymns.

One year we all went out to visit her. Sonya, Randy, June and myself. We sang hymns, played on the farm, and then went and put flowers on the graves in Claflin.

Her husband Norman died before her. For some reason there was a period of time when we lost touch and it was during that time that Norman died. I felt so badly for her. He meant the world to her.

In many ways because of that lost period, I tried to keep in touch with her as often as possible. I'd call and we'd talk for an hour at least. Usually about the same things, but we'd always sing a hymn together or a patriotic song!

It comforts me that when I found out she was close to dying, I was able to call the hospital and get a hold of her son Dale. He said later he went in to tell her I called and was holding a good thought for her and she said "Oh if Tony were here he'd sing to me" and indeed I would have. I am so glad she passed having me on her thoughts and in her heart. I miss her but know she is with Norman again. His favorite hymn when he was dying was "Nearer My God to Thee", and as I type this I am singing it in my head, and tearing up. However, I know they are at peace now. But I miss them terribly.


Singing Hymns and Patriotic songs with Dorothy playing the organ.

Nope, not Toto! King!

Visiting graves in the Claflin Cemetary

God Daughter and God Mother, Sonya and Dorothy

Dad and Mom - Models

Two photos I have were taken from a "yearbook" of sorts when Dad and Mom were in Germany. It was included to help servicemen see that living abroad wasn't as scary and could be a good place to raise a family.
One photo is of Mom and Dad and several others looking at a young blond kid. It could almost be my brother Randy.


The other is a posed photo of various men in different uniforms. Dad is the one to the far left in the tan uniform leaning against the post.
One servicement, in the green jump outfit and the shades, almost looks like Joel Bieberle, but it couldn't be as he wasn't even born yet.

All great to have.

Baby Me

A couple of photos of me!

Here is one of me in Hawaii, probably aged 2 or 3.

The other is my Senior photo from Radford University.

The other is when I got to go to San Diego at Sea World and play with the dolphins. I don't know who is the bigger ham, the dolphin or me!
It was fun, wet, but fun.

Mom Dad and Friends

Another photo of Mom. France, the Riviera, 1956. Look at that waist! Before 4 kids!

Here is a pic of Mom and Fred and Donna Sandmyer. Not the booze and cigarettes! Before we all knew how bad they were for you.

Dad in front of the Three Coins in the Fountain Trevi fountain. I posted one of Mom earlier, and my friend Keith.

Also, here is another shot of Dad, it's the same sitting as one I posted earlier where he was up and running...this was probably taken first, then he got up to play!

These are the backs of the above photos, except for the one of Mom alone.

Sister Cheryl

Well the wheels are in motion for my sister Cheryl to finally join the rest of us back on the East coast!
Reminds me of when she first moved to the West coast. Her first week there we both went to a party at Joan Collins' agents condo in West Hollywood. There were sooo many celebs there. We went with our friend Kevin Sasaki who was repping several people at the party.
The first person we met upon entering was Suzanne Phleshette, nee Gallagher, who was great! She was the "manager" of the building.
It was packed when we got there. Joan's son Sasha was displaying some of his artwork. Her son by Anthony Newley. I do remember Sandy Gallin was there, but just leaving as we got there.
Kevin was wonderful and introduced us to several people, including Joan and Michele Lee who were deep in conversation. Here is Joan and Michelle, and NO Michelle is NOT picking her nose.

After things calmed down we had a nice conversation with Debbie Allen, Gary Collins and his wife Mary Ann Mobley. Cheryl even talked to Debbie Allen about Louisiana!


We had a wonderful time!


Here is a pic of sis and I at Dad's in Augusta, KS.

Tag Sale

Today I went with Eric to Ridgewood, NJ to help his boss and her family with a Tag Sale (yard sale, garage sale). They had some great things and almost all things sold. It went very well and was actually fun! I've done a few of them in LA and this was my first helping in NY/NJ. It was fun to utilize sales techniques, think positive, put out good Karma, and just help people decide whether or not to buy some things. A long day but worthwhile and productive.
Plus, it was such a beautiful day! Clear skies, warm and sunny, and a bit of a breeze! Awesome!
And their home itself was beautiful! And they were all so nice and fun to be with. A family affair!
I had gone up to Nyack last night with Eric and spent the night. He played the piano when we got there and it was fun. I'd always wanted to learn, but my parents never thought piano lessons was a good idea, so I just learned to sing.
We had a good nights sleep. I slept in one of the guest rooms and the Tapazee Bridge was lit up and I could see it from the bedroom window. It is so beautiful up there. I told Eric he and Mark have a lovely home! Such a beautiful area.
We got up this morning and after a brief stop at Dunkin' Donuts, we were on our way.
We got there at 8AM and left at 3PM. A good day.
Then Eric drove me back into the city. We met a friend of his in Chelsea and had a late brunch. Sat outside at the Viceroy and it was nice.
Then I came home, then after a bit of emails etc and a short trip to CVS where I ran into my roommate David, I headed back up to Chelsea and fed Tom's cats. I wasn't sure if I'd be back but was indeed able to feed them. They were happy.
Tomorrow I'll get up, go feed them again, then hit Sacred Center with David.
A good life I have. I am grateful for it. And, for all I have in my life.
Thanks!

Brady Bunch Tony

So, I like "The Brady Bunch" and KNOW almost every episode. All I ever hear is Brady Brady Brady!

I of course identified with Jan because I was the middle child, but no freckles or long blonde hair for me.

Still, I just enjoyed it and still enjoy it.

Several years ago a friend I met online who lived in Canada came down and I took him on a tour of Hollywood and the Valley. Of course I HAD to take him to THE HOUSE! It is over in Studio City, not far from the Beverly Garland Hotel. I have NO idea who took this photo, but thankfully they did.

Memories....Sha na na na nah!

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Kevin McCann and Joseph Osuna
(blonde/reddish hair is Kevin, dark haired is Joe)

Today would have been Kevin McCann's birthday. Well, it IS his birthday! He would have been 48 years young. He is younger then springtime and will always be in my thoughts and memories as the happy, laughing, fun person I knew!
Love, Light, and Peace Kevin!
Love,
Brady Bunch Tony

Cheryl's Confirmation

The photo below was taken at Cheryl's confirmation! I'm not sure if she is the one who took the photo. It was December 1971!
Front row is Aunt Georgie and Grandma Mary Hammer!
Back is Uncle Lou (LB) (trying to hide in the shadows), Aunt Lorraine (Rainey), Emma Lou (Georgie's daughter), Aunt Lydia & Uncle Henry!

Mother and Daughter

My sister Sonya was born in Hawaii! So was Randy. They were always called "our pineapples!"
Mom's mom came to visit us after Sonya was born.
I found these photos. Mother and Daughter, Mother and Daughter and Granddaughter!
Sister Sue as she was called as well.
Here's lookin' at you kid!

Parents Were Young and Free Too!

I found a couple of more photos of my parents.
Not sure of the dates. Young and free, and happy and in love!
The one photo of my Mom in another man's arms, is just a fun shot. Not sure who he is! Probably taken by Dad!

No More Cutting Out

One thing I have worked on most of my adult life is being proud of myself and not giving into shame and guilt. For so many years I was made to feel shame and feel bad because I was Gay. Even before I knew I was Gay I was punished, humiliated, and made to feel inferior, that I didn't belong.
No more! God put us all here for a reason and he gave us all problems to face, and tools to use to help us.
I am grateful for the past in that it helped me grow stronger. We all have problems to deal with, some more severe then others.
BUT, everyone belongs. We all matter, we all count, and we all deserve!
Anyone who condems another human being is guilty of the very sin they try to condemn.
In previous posts I have cropped some of the family photos. At first, I did so because my sister Cheryl asked me to. I went along with that at her request.
However, I am putting the photos back to their real and rightful state. Because, I do not wish to excise someone who is and always has been a part of my family.
No longer need we apologize for the past, nor make excuses for what others have made us feel is wrong.
My sister Cheryl has always been a positive force in my life. She taught me to read, and to write, and to sing, and to act, and to appreciate my talents, and to go for the brass ring! She has taught me to stand up for myself and to reach for my dreams.
She had the toughest road to travel of all of us. And, she did it! She survived! She sought out help and got it. She knew God had a path for her that was a bit off the beaten track, but she followed it. She followed her heart! AND..she showed us all that she knew what was right all along!
I am proud of my sister Cheryl!
And, I am proud of Terry. They are both one and the same. And, they both have been a part of my life since I was born. No more shame. No more excuses, and no more hiding.
As I told Evelyn Gibler and the Frenzl's many years ago, she made the right choice.
AND, she did it on her own, and with dignity!

Memories and Me

Two more family photos.

Thank God for photos. Home movies. New technology to preserve both!

This photo of my mother and I was taken in Hawaii. Probably when I was 2-3 years old. I wish I was smiling more, but I love the photo. Just the two of us! I don't have any others, that I know, of just she and I.

The other photo was taken the summer before Mom died. We had just come back from Springfield, Illinois and stopped in Claflin to visit. Mom and Dad back home in Claflin. Mom in front of her former home.

Sonya looks the happiest, though I think we all were content. Taking pictures in the olden days you had to wait for focus and for the person to be still. Probably Grandpa Hammer took the photo.

Our last summer together.

Harvey Girl Pt. 2

I found some more photos of my Grandmother Gladys McCammon Westbrook. She was a Harvey Girl before my Dad was born.
One photo is great. She is standing in front of a store window next to a popcorn machine. They'd all be worth a lot of money now! Dodge City, KS circa 1921!

The other photo is my Dad with his mom! El Dorado, KS prob. 1930

The other is Dad, his mom Gladys, and his father Tom Westbrook.
Check out that great car, and that cool shirt! He's a cool kat!!!

Below is the backs of the photos, in Dad's handwriting.

Saturday..In the Park CLICK HERE

I just came back from a walk along the water over in Battery Park. I just felt like getting out and enjoying the cool weather and the sunset. I walked down towards the Staten Island Ferry.
Living this close to the World Trade Center sight, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and all points south, I marvel that..I live here. At one point I heard a locust, in a tree near the Holland tunnel.
It made me remember all those times I'd be visiting my Grandma Hammer and Aunt Emma Cain and Aunt Dorothy Tritsch and the Frenzl's in the summers of the 70's. So many cicadas, though we called them locusts. And the fireflies we'd see. I see them here in NY and it kind of surprises me. Takes me back, then right back to the present.
I stopped by the iron art work that had been at the foot of the World Trade Towers. It survived the collapse, surprisingly, with just a few gashes and punctures by the steel beams.
I walked along the water, saw the tribute to WWII veterans, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island Ferry, then walked up along the water towards World Financial Center. People were out fishing, walking, skateboarding, skating, eating, talking...just enjoying the beautiful day.
I thought..I live here. How cool is that?
I cut through the aluminum walkway that goes along the World Trade Center site "pit". They are really building up now, but very slowly in some areas.
I got back home and just thought I'd write this up. I didn't take any photos. Just the ones in my mind.
Glad to be alive. Glad to be healthy. Glad to know I am remembered and that I remember. Keeping the memories alive.
I did speak to Dolores earlier today as I walked on Broadway. I love cell phones. You can talk anywhere. I stood outside the Gershwin Theatre where WICKED is playing and talked to Dolores in Kansas.
She is doing well. I told her I thought of her and Dad on their 20th Anniversary. I had called and left a phone message but she was out.
We caught up. She's enjoying the day to day living.
She reminded me that her first husband, Gil Bieberle, had died on Aug. 14th. 23 or 24 years ago. I hadn't realized he died on Aunt Emma Cain's birthday.
Both were remembered by us today.
Talked to Cheryl out in LA. She had another yard sale. Didn't sell as much as she would have liked to. Hopefully more next time.
When I lived with Terry we had several yard sales and we make a lot of money. Not sure why that was such a great area.
Thank you God for a lovely day!
I went to a meeting this morning at New But West, then had a bit of breakfast with David.
Then went to the gym to do my back exercises. Talked to Dolores. Ran some errands.
Came home and took at 2 hour nap. Nice.
When I was a kid I HATED naps..I was always sneaking outside.
Now I relish them!
I heard this song that Perez Hilton posted on his blog that Madonna recorded for her RAY OF LIGHT CD. It was left off. It's a beautiful cover of an ABBA song. A lullaby. That was going through my head as I walked. If you click on the title above it should take you to that entry.
Today Madonna turns 50. And unlike Sally O'Malley, she looks FAB!!!
Hard to believe.
Happy Birthday Madonna!
On with the night!
=========================================================================
LIKE AN ANGEL PASSING THROUGH MY ROOM written by ABBA recorded by MADONNA
Long awaited darkness falls
Casting shadows on the walls
In the twilight hour I am alone
Sitting near the fireplace, dying embers warm my face
In this peaceful solitude
All the outside world subdued
Everything comes back to me again
In the gloom
Like an angel passing through my room

Half awake and half in dreams
Seeing long forgotten scenes
So the present runs into the past
Now and then become entwined, playing games within my mind
Like the embers as they die
Love was one prolonged good-bye
And it all comes back to me tonight
In the gloom
Like an angel passing through my room

I close my eyes
And my twilight images go by
All too soon
Like an angel passing through my room

Happy Birthday Emma Cain

Today would have been my Godmother's birthday.
Emma Cain!
I am not sure what year she was born, but I think it was before 1900! (Cheryl just texted me and says it was 1894! which makes today Emma's 114th birthday!!!)
I miss you Aunt Emma!
I still have your candy dish that you gave me. (This isn't it, but same design, and mine is light rose colored)






Wake up and enjoy your birthday. I am thinking of you and sending lots of love your way!

Happy Birthday dear Emma! Happy Birthday to you!

Love,
Tony and Cheryl too!