A Star Is Born Film Poem

Although I haven’t seen the new A STAR IS BORN yet, I’ve read most of the reviews and watched music video clips from the film. No wonder the poem below came to me a few nights ago.

The Melody Lingers On

A film of love and of despair.

Gaga and Cooper – what a pair!

This classic romance spellbinds us.

It’s raw, heartfelt and delicious.

One star rises while other falls.

Too hard fighting those demon calls.

A star is born and music too

with brand new tunes that ring so true.

Lingering on each melody.

Oscar worthy? Absolutely.

Annette Bening's Big Evening

Hooray for four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening! At a sold-out fundraiser in San Diego on September 20, she raised $200,000 to help needy students attending San Diego Community College institutions. The event was called “An Evening with Annette Bening.” During this important gala, Annette delivered an inspirational speech about how her experience at San Diego Mesa College helped her achieve her acting goals, especially the Drama Department.

The fundraiser was organized to support a program called San Diego Promise. It pays for books and tuition for first-time full-time students who are “financially struggling.” The district now has an Annette Bening Promise Scholarship that will be given annually on each campus.

Annette’s parents, Grant and Shirley Bening, were in attendance. “It was fun to hear the students who have benefited from the program, as well as dignitaries who spoke,” Mrs. Bening said. “Annette did a good job in her speech," she added. 

Since the event was called "An Evening with Annette Bening,” how could the Benings not be proud parents?

I’m sure Mesa College is also proud of this successful alumna as well as grateful to her for heading up the San Diego Promise project.

Timeless Sisterhood

Universal truths are as important today as they were back in the 1800s. That’s why Louisa May Alcott’s family-oriented classic novel Little Women has maintained its wide appeal for 150 years. This endearing story has been filmed many times before. But this new Little Women, directed and co-written (with Kristi Shimek) by Claire Niederpruem, is a modern retelling for a new generation.

Although I have enjoyed all the previous movie versions -- partially because the old-fashioned costumes and sets take me back in time -- I realize the most important element is the story of the March sisters. Happily, filmmaker Niederpruem has brought them into the 21st century, and I'm happy to report they are still as fascinating as ever!.             

Little Women brings laughs and tears.

A tale of old that’s switched its gears.

The time is now – not in the past.

Four sisters modernized at last.

But Jo is still the forceful one.

Writing’s her life, not just for fun.

Meg, the beauty. Beth, the dreamer.

Youngest Amy, once a schemer.

And Marmee, a dear mom again.

The gang’s all here. Another win.

No period costumes to see.

But look for new technology.

Time means nothing for sisterhood.

No matter when, it’s always good!

This movie helps us understand

why sisterhood is something grand.

(Released by Pinnacle Peak Productions/Pure Fix Entertainment and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)