Timeless: Remembering Andy Griffith

Being a smallish town Oklahoma girl, I grew up watching Opie, Andy and Aunt Bea, whistling along.
It wasn't until Andy's passing this last week that I again watched the show, and had my own children watch.  My little G, she's 8, I thought surely would fuss at it being on because it's black and white and old. But, she thought it was hilarious and enjoyed watching it just as much as we did. Later her brother, 12, joined us and laughed along too.

Andy really is a timeless kind of guy, and each Andy Griffith show with a great message- something I'm sure I didn't appreciate growing up as much as now. I highly recommend watching some Andy with your kids! I know later he did Matlock and some other things- but he'll always be Andy Taylor to me. What about you?
He's kind of an icon of pop culture that stands for a much simpler time, and much more wholesome family TV of course! 
And I think Rascal Flatts says it best:

"I miss Mayberry Sitting on the porch drinking 

Ice cold Cherry Coke 

Where everything is black and white 

Picking on a six string 

Where people pass by and you call 

Them by their first name 

Watching the clouds roll by"

I just know all of heaven is getting some great entertainment!

Mrs. Sinclair

remembering & whistling along

In Your Neck of the Woods: Discoveryland, USA!

If you live in the Tulsa area and have never been to see Oklahoma! at Discoveryland, then shame on you.


SHAME ON YOU!

We try to go every year and I have the whole darn thing memorized.  I should probably be ashamed of that, but I really do love it.  It's a great way to honor our Okie heritage.  I'm always amazed by how many people from other states and countries (for real!) end up in Sand Springs to watch the show.

This year, I brought my parents and niece with me.

Totally entertained.

I made them go early enough to see the Indian War Dancer and the PreShow.

Western Review Pre-Show

Jacob took the opportunity to ride on a pony, too.

About to start the dancing...

Enthusiasm abounds.

I even made my very reluctant niece pose with the Indian War dancer.  I totally forgot how humiliating it is to be a 13 year old girl.  Sorry, kiddo.

Moo.

Pow.

When she posed for these, she told me, "You can't post these on Facebook."  Being the honorable aunt that I am, I didn't.  

I also didn't mention that I have a blog and they would be on it.

Everybody's happy.

Will Parker

And although everything is up-to-date in Kansas City...

They've gone about as FER as they kin go...

My folks were disappointed that everything at the ampitheater is not.  I guess I forgot to warn them that it wasn't going to be fancy.

We all agree that the talent on stage is fantastic.
If you have a chance to go see it, you really should.
I still have song lyrics running through my head!

If you go, I don't recommend the food.  Maybe it's just me?  I say eat before you go.
Bring your bug spray and wear cool clothes and you will be set for a fun night!

And now I want to know what's going on in YOUR Neck of the Woods.  Link up with the RHOK today! Grab our button and include it in your post, then head back here to link up!

We are nosy.  We like to know what you're up to.

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~ Mrs. Priss


A Girl Who CAN Say No, and...

Don Giovanni: Jersey Shore Meets the Bachelor a la Mozart?

Last night I was lucky enough to attend a full dress rehearsal of  Don Giovanni at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.  The Tulsa Opera was kind enough to offer some Tulsa area bloggers tickets to the event for us to experience what is said to be Mozart's most famous opera.  Wait, wait, wait!  Did I lose you already?  Come back! There is some interesting material, I promise. Remember the title of the post?

Photo credit to the Tulsa Opera site

First, here are the main things that I took away from the performance:

A. Even in the 1700's, men were womanizing pigs.
B. Most women are stupid when it comes to womanizing pigs, at least once. Or forever.
C. Opera singers have some serious pipes. Excellent talent.
D. Mozart was a musical genius.

Now, onto the background. I know most of you may need to know. Because, you see, I have exactly 3 close friends that would be elated to attend such theatrical cultured experiences with me; and 2 of those 3 people were there. For starters here is what the opera is about in a nut shell, according to the Tulsa Opera themselves:

"An enticing smile, a wink of the eye… One look from him is all it takes. Don Giovanni is the legendary lothario who loves and leaves women at a shocking rate. Despite the warnings of his faithful servant, he refuses to end his womanizing ways. And, tonight, his game turns deadly. With this captivating music, you might just be the next to fall under his spell.  Tulsa Opera reexamines Mozart’s monumental dark comedy – Don Giovanni- the Spanish legend of Don Juan, the world’s most notorious womanizer."

So, you see in today's terms, it's a bit Jersey Shore and Bachelor, with a hint of Real House Wives of New Jersey.

Ditpic is my friend for opera collages. FTW!

While I enjoyed the show (and yes, they even translate to English for you!), I feel it was lacking a certain grandiose umph. That could be because it was a rehearsal. It wasn't bad by any means, don't get me wrong. It was very enjoyable- and I would encourage everyone to try it. It's a great starter opera. Remember in Pretty Woman when Richard takes Julia to the opera. She's so concerned she won't like it because she doesn't understand the language- then he tells her she doesn't need too? Think of it like that. The music, the vocals in the language of love, they move you. I find opera very relaxing. You'll need to arrive with an open mind of course, but try it! You might just love it.


Mrs. Sinclair