Moondust and Good-byes





All elementary schools closed for summer vacation this week.  There were also many graduations for kids going on to middle school, high school and beyond.  My piano lessons also ended recently.  There has always been something very bittersweet about this time of year.  It's the exciting start of summer, but the end of some friendships and the comforts of familiar surroundings.  The same applies to the end of summer, when kids say good-bye to their newly forged friendships from camp or other summer activities.

friends forever

As always, I'm reminded of the past.  There is a very sweet song from the 1979 cult classic "Meatballs".  It can be heard near the end of the film when the campers say good-bye to each other.

"Moondust" Music by Elmer Bernstein, lyrics by Norman Gimbel, and performed by Canadian crooner Terry Black was influenced by "Stardust" written by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics added in 1929 by Mitchell Parish.  Enjoy...

Let’s say it was the moondust

That drifted down from heaven

To fall upon your shoulders

And nestle in your eyes

Let's say it was the moondust
With all its ancient powers
Much more than any mortal
Ever could devise

And it made me love you
And it made me never want to go away
And it made me helpless
And it made me always wanna stay that way

Let’s say it was the moondust

That hides behind the moonlight

That fell and set us free

With its moondust melody

And it made me love you

And it made me never want to go away

And it made me helpless

And it made me always wanna stay that way

Let’s say it was the moondust

That hides behind the moonlight

That fell and set us free

With its moondust melody

And set us free

With its moondust melody

Carol

TIFF Red Carpet

 

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

I'm lucky. I live in Toronto which means that at this time of year is always TIFF - The Toronto International Film Festival. It wrapped up this weekend and was another great success!

I'm old enough to remember the early days of the festival. When movie goers could attend movies without the hype, security, high ticket prices and media blocking your way. The festival has grown into something that takes over our downtown core and I now wait for everyone to leave and then enjoy the movies after the party leaves town.

That being said, I've met my fair share of movie stars. Having worked in the restaurant industry, I was fortunate enough to work in the official restaurant of the TIFF for several years. A haunt that catered to movie stars not just during the festival, but throughout the year. A place movie stars could dine and be in comfort, knowing they would not be harassed by either paparazzi or other patrons. Too numerous to mention, most movie stars are gracious and lovely people - others, well, have let the stardom make them feel entitled and definitely let us serfs know about it. But that is another post! So I have met a lot of movie stars and guess what? They are human. 

 

Just like any red carpet gala, the fashion hits and misses are a major part of these festivals. Here are some photos and my take on our little slice of Hollywood.

 Marisa Tomei continues to defy age. I love how she keeps jewellery and makeup bare, contributing to her youthful 47 years! The dress is a great geometric design, but does not make her look boxy.

Gorgeous. Olivia Wilde looks just stunning in this Marchesa grecian gown. Elegant and no need for jewelery as the dress is 'gilded' with gold at the neck and cuffs. Built in jewelery!

Kiera Knightly floats around T.O. in this Elie Saab dress. Doesn't it look oh so comfortable! Well done.

Stacey Kiebler, George Clooney's flavor of the month may have made a few jaws drop, but all I see is bad retro 80s. Velvet in the summer? Yes, we know you have a killer body and legs that go on forever, but I sure hope George didn't pick out this dress - he has more class.

Our home grown dude, Ryan Gosling is uber chic and dapper in this skinny pant suit. Sans cravat, he finishes it with fantastic lace ups!

Sigh....Gerard Butler. He could wear a paper bag and look great. His flowing locks of hair are the main attraction to his business-like suit. 

 Dame Helen Mirren, voted best body of the year looks fresh and well matched in this floral strapless dress. Very vintage-y don't you think?

A misM*A*S*H of Feminine Style!



facebook.com/pages/MASH

 I have always wanted to do a blog about M*A*S*H.  Until now I couldn't figure out a vintage or retro angle as the movie and hit television show were set at a mobile army hospital during the Korean war in the 1950's.  Pretty well all the characters wore the usual military fatigues so how could that be a fashion statement?  I saw an article today about the re-release of the 1970 motion picture starring Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Robert Duvall and many other talented actors.  That got me thinking about it again.  



facebook.com/pages/MASH
Resplendent in canary yellow!

 I have watched every single episode of M*A*S*H over and over again.  It's absolutely timeless.  Its finale is considered one of the most watched in television history.  Despite the army issue tents, uniforms and even food trays, the television series was clever in showcasing 1950's fashions, most hilariously via the rather hairy company clerk named Max Klinger.  Always bucking for a "section 8" (psychological discharge), this loveable Lebanese never failed to entertain:

 



Klinger looking very demure...

"I'll get you, my pretty!"

Farr as Klinger as Dorothy!

Max is pretty in pink with matching chapeau

Smart outfit with matching purse

Max is looking very smart in
white polka-dot dress and
chic stole

Whether you admire M*A*S*H or you just enjoy the 1950's...



Vintage Vodka 4077th Mash



CHERRY RED HOUNDSTOOTH Vintage 50s Full Skirt Sun Dress



Didn't Klinger don a nurse's uniform on many occasions?!
DEADSTOCK VINTAGE VTG 10 NURSE PINUP UNIFORM 50'S RETRO



Gorgeous 1950s Robins Egg Blue Tulle Swing Dress M5
from SLV!

Are you there Judy? It's us Kristy and Tatum.

I was perusing a social network website last night.  I found the usual comments from my friends, some birthday photos and invitations to future events.  I was about to log out when I spotted a video posted by my friend Sue.  It was a 9 minute clip from the 1980 movie "Little Darlings" starring Kristy McNichol and Tatum O'Neal.  I was immediately taken back to my early teen years watching what was considered a very risqué film for young girls.  The storyline involved 2 girls from opposite sides of the track who met at summer camp.  They soon engaged in a bet to see who would "lose it" first.  I think I related more to the goody goody O'Neal character but I wanted to be that girl from the rough part of town like McNichol's character.  And who wouldn't or couldn't fall in love with a young Matt Dillon?!

I also loved author Judy Blume who really spoke to our souls and our minds when we were so confused and full of revved up hormones.  One of my favourite of her books is "Are you there God?  It's me Margaret".  This book was so controversial and it was banned in many cities/countries.  I wonder if any of those "adults" who objected to this book ever thought to ask our opinions.  I would have told them that this book really shaped my early teen years and helped me to cope with a lot of issues such as puberty, getting my period and even religious ambivalence.

It's good to know that visionary filmmakers and writers were really looking out for us young girls at a time when we really needed guidance.  My Blume book is old and tattered and held together with love and scotch tape.  I'm on the hunt to find "Little Darlings" somewhere out there in the cyber world.



Judy Blume: "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret"

Little Darlings