Live from Bawlmer

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T19:39:00.002-04:00

For Rose and Val Costa

2009-10-21T10:13:00.003-04:00

1925 - 2009

What I will miss most

It was in her laugh
It was in his smile
The way she twinkled when I talked to her
The whispers in my ear
The hopes she had for me
The secrets we shared
The way he beamed as he watched
The little jokes he told
That expression of wonder on his face
The tilt of his head
Her happy delight in my stories
His magic fingers as he played a serenade
The way she watched him
The way he looked at her
The joy in the little things

These things I will always long for
These things I was blessed to share

Pamela Parks Costa
Oct. 2009

In Loving Memory of my Grandparents

2009-09-29T14:17:00.004-04:00

The Luckiest - Ben Folds

(music only)

I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

What if I'd been born fifty years before you
In a house on a street where you lived?
Maybe I'd be outside as you passed on your bike
Would I know?

And in a white sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you

Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away

I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

Survival

2009-09-26T23:41:00.003-04:00

It has been nearly three weeks since my last post, and I'm just hanging in there. The last few weeks have been filled with some tense times, and just this week - to put all of the other stress to shame - I lost my dear Grandmother, Rose Costa. I'm also blessed that I got home in time to spend some time with her at her bedside, but I am also horrifed. I am so deeply sad. Death is a reminder that life is fragile and confirmation that nothing will ever be the same again.

I'm now grandma-less. My Grandma, Patricia Parks, died a few years ago, and now Rose, another loving and strong woman, has left us this week. Both survived against insane odds with non-Hodkins lymphoma and Leukemia, respectively... and both reflect the strength and perseverance that exist in my bloodline. Death causes such a hole in your heart, and I fear that her death, compounded by the other stresses in my life, will be enough to hold me down for awhile. I'm at my limit of what I can take, honestly.

Well... I just felt like venting to the wider world. Thank you, friends, for your support and lovely messages. Each one of them was appreciated even if I haven't found the energy to respond just yet. I'm still reeling, so please keep me and my family in your thoughts for awhile longer, because once this shock wears off, we're going to need you more than ever.

I miss you so much Grandma... even if I am relieved that you are no longer suffering. You fought for a long time, and you deserve to rest in peace. All of my love... Rissa.

Cone. Head. Dog.

2009-09-08T22:24:00.002-04:00

Antonio Loves His Toy

2009-09-06T22:19:00.002-04:00

Filling My Free Time...

2009-09-05T15:36:00.000-04:00

Completed:
- Sopranos - done
- Oz - done
- Arrested Development - done
- Firefly - done

In Progress:
- The Hills- up to date through Season 5
- Dexter - up to date through Season 3
- The Wire - started over, so up to date through Season 1
- The Weeds - up to date through Season 5
- Nurse Jackie - up to date through Season 1

Under Consideration:
- Six Feet Under
- Deadwood
- Battlestar Galactica
- Lost

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " performed by Jodi Beck

2009-09-01T23:56:00.001-04:00

"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" performed by Jodi Beck in NY, NY on 9/22/2009. Apologies for the poor quality at the beginning of the recording. I was told to move twice and had a hard time recording while also finding a place to stand. Regardless... Jodi Beck ROCKS!

Updating the Blogosphere on My New Hair

2009-09-01T20:42:00.002-04:00

Highlights from Virgin Mobile Fest!

2009-08-30T19:53:00.002-04:00

California-Style Israeli Salad

2009-08-29T11:44:00.003-04:00

I made this fresh deliciousness for a potluck at work. Yum!!!

NYC Highlights

2009-08-25T21:57:00.004-04:00

What a weekend. Although there will be no video evidence of our adventure, it has BEEN an adventure. This past weekend I performed with Jodi at her cabaret in New York. We, with Shoshannah, performed three Andrews Sisters songs together in front of an audience of 60 or more. Jodi performed an additional ten songs - and she was both inspiring and amazing.

So what a weekend! Add to that a surprise - three of my best friends from college flew in to see me perform, and it was likely the most amazing 24 hours I have had in years. I'm a lucky gal for the opportunity (thanks, Jodi), for the experience sharing what I love (thanks, Doug and Carol), and for the blessing of my friends.

Like I said... what a weekend.

Shoshannah, Jodi and I in the dressing room before the show.

The three of us on stage!

Jodi and I post-show. What an incredible person she is.

Doug and Jodi post-show.

Joe and I. Brother/future singing companion/whatever. Friend.

Stephanie, Angela, Brooke and I. They flew into New York to see me and gave me one of the only surprises I've ever had in my life. So clever.

Gettin' sassy just like we used to!

A circle of friends!

Ohio girls transplanted. Meredith, Jodi and I. Wish us luck, world!

T-12 Hours

2009-08-20T18:56:00.003-04:00

Yes... it is ALMOST THAT TIME! I have just over 12 hours until I sing with Jodi at her Cabaret in NYC! Even my hair is rehearsed! Don't forget:

Don't Tell Mama
Saturday, August 22nd at 8 PM.

trans⋅fer⋅ence

2009-08-15T03:02:00.000-04:00

A phenomenon in psychoanalysis characterized by unconscious redirection of feelings for one person to another.

The process by which emotions and desires, originally associated with one person are unconsciously shifted to another.

Nighttime Drinks!

2009-08-11T20:24:00.002-04:00

NYC in 36 Hours!

2009-08-11T07:12:00.004-04:00

Me, Doug and Jodi - post rehearsal.

Me, Mere and Pookie.

The girls at dinner.

NYC... Here I Come

2009-08-07T07:08:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow I head to NYC to see Jodi for a full 24 hours. We'll rehearse for her cabaret in two weeks and likely hang out a bit. Has anyone tried the Bolt Bus yet? I'm picking it up at Penn Station downtown tomorrow morning... and I'm a bit anxious to try it. Hopefully there aren't any shady characters on board... or at least near me.

Nicole Birthday Highlights

2009-08-02T09:46:00.002-04:00

Jodi's Second Cabaret!

2009-07-28T07:20:00.006-04:00

I'm re-announcing Jodi's Second Cabaret at Don't Tell Mama's in NYC on Saturday August 22nd at 8 PM. Both Shoshanna Richman and I will be joining Jodi for three Andrew's Sisters songs, which is terribly exciting - but we'll all be there to support Jodi if you are able to get up to NYC and join us.

Note: You might remember Jodi Beck Week last November? Video #1. Video #2. Video #3. Video #4.

So... who's coming?!

The 32 Project, Revisited

2009-07-26T09:54:00.008-04:00

So I'm officially 32, but my 32 Project has not been completed. No harm... it's a work in progress.

1. Finish watching the Top 100 movies. 65 down, 35 to go.
2. Charity: April 17th Formal Wear Happy Hour DONE! 45 dresses collected!
3. Charity: April 19th March for the Animals DONE! $343k raised!
4. Learn how to drive stick shift. Casey?
5. Lose the weight. Five or six pounds down.
6. Volunteering: Habitat for Humanity. Reconsidering. This one has been tough to fit in.
7. Charity: Tree Planting/Trash Pick Up. DONE! Planted 8 trees!
8. Volunteering: ~~Pets on Wheels w/ Antonio?~~ Retracting... replacing with Grow out hair to donate to Locks of Love.
9. Visit NYC/Have Jodi visit. This has been upgraded to singing with Jodi at her cabaret in NYC! 8/22! Woot!
10. Meet Joey Mac. June 23rd DONE! Saw NKOTB for the 3rd time with Cassie in June. Unfortunately... no meeting, but I'll live.
11. Try making crab bisque.
12. Organize an Ohio reunion. DONE. It was smaller than planned butt 10-15 folks showed, and we had a great time!
13. Go somewhere other than OH and NYC.
14. Read at least four books. 'A World Without End' completed. Working on 'Beautiful Boy.'
15. Digi scrapbook something.
16. ~~Buy fishnets (long story).~~ Retracting...
17. Try Yoga with my BFF.
18. See Heart live in Bmore! May 17th DONE! Great show!
19. Go through my storage unit and SIMPLIFY. DONE! Made $70
20. Go to an amusement park. DONE! Cedar Point was a blast!!
21. Find somewhere to take voice lessons. DONE! I'm on month two!
22. ~~Choose an Armed Forces charity.~~ Retracting... this group no longer supports this fundraiser. Considering ePals Foundation: Students and pen pals read books chosen by the student, and correspond online about the important issues in the books. Fun!
23. Start hiking. This one is on Katie.
24. Visit Marie (and get the Taylors to come here)!
25. See the Orioles! DONE! And we won!
26. Eat in Greektown. DONE! Samo's was delicious!
27. Pick crabs! Six years in Bawlmer... DONE! Twice!
28. Make more blankets! Of course, in progress! One DONE! Working on another!
29. Plan a Star Trek movie night! DONE!
30. See Kelly Clarkson. Scheduled 9/9 in York, PA.

31. See Journey. Scheduled 9/11 at First Mariner Arena.
32. Plan another girl's night. This is long overdue.

'Crazy for You' at Cockpit in the Court

2009-07-26T09:26:00.003-04:00

Last night I attended a show at CCBC's Cockpit in the Court summer theatre. The show was 'Crazy for You' - a Gershwin musical featuring lots of catchy music and a load of tap dancing and creative choreography. My friend and coworker, Lacy, is one of the dancers and the dance captain, and she did a terrific job! I highly recommend this show - but catch it soon - there's only one weekend left!

Note: Points if you attend next weekend. Extra points is you cheer like crazy when Lacy pops out of the car on stage in showgirl attire. Yep... it's just that fun. :)

Happy Birthday, Nicole!

2009-07-23T06:21:00.002-04:00

My friend, Nicole, turns 27 years old today! Happy Birthday!!

Artscape

2009-07-19T13:54:00.002-04:00

Artscape 2009, baby. My third year, and man, has it grown. A bunch of us met up in the afternoon yesterday, but it was insanely difficult to stay together with 100k people in attendance, so Karen and I ended up walking around together and shopping. I found two cool items this year: a new purse made by a group who uses some of the profits to support Asperger's research, and a new necklace made out of recycled materials.

Here is my new purse. Check out As If Bags for more info. They choose great fabrics and the products are all reasonably priced. This one here was only $35!

This terrific necklace was made by Mann Made Designs and the color is reversible with red on the back. It cost only $29! What a deal!

Fav Birthday Pics

2009-07-13T07:05:00.003-04:00

Just like an at&t commercial: More bars. More places. (Katie and Nicole - the party planners, and me.)

Me and my guyz.

Nicole and I - always a cute pic.

Me, Nicole, Gina and Jenny (in reverse order).

Me and my new friends. I look way more popular than I am.

Birthday kisses! At least I got a little attention on my birthday!

Another Blanket Done!

2009-07-11T17:00:00.004-04:00

I'm thrilled - my latest project (a blanket dubbed "green meadows," thanks to Annie) is DONE! This is officially my third blanket (Elliott blanket was #1, Audrey's Baby Blanket was #2), and I LOVE IT. Thoughts?!?!?