Seventy-six trombones led the big parade. With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand

They were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuo- sos, the cream of ev'ry famous band.

I think it all started for me with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.  My infatuation with pathological liars and sociopaths.  Of course I loved Grease like all of us did in the late 70's.  But, I was always mad at Sandy for changing herself completely to keep the man she loved.  Even at 8-9 years old I found the concept repugnant.  No, for me as always, I was born late.  For me it was the Music Man.  Marian and Professor Harold Hill.  Harold Hill the rake, con artist and masher (lurve that word).  Marian the beguiling yet ostracized librarian.  Set in 1912 the values were of course dated even when the film was made in 1962.  By the time that I fell in love with the movie it was 1979.  The sentiments seemed dated at the time but they actually still hold true.  As women we still cling to the notion that we need a man.  Our contributions are still widely over looked and if a woman is successful the first thing a man will say is that she slept her way to the top.  In 1979 some of that must have crept in because it helped shape the basis for how I live today.  In addition to being a solitary bitch, I can be a pretty smart bitch.  But, I love a good love story and there is none more fetching than the redemption of a man due to the love of a good woman.  But, all men are not redeemable.  Not all men are inherently good.  Some of them are just rakes, con artists and yes, mashers.


Marion's mother-

When a woman's got a husband and you've got none.  Why should she take advice from you?

 Duty-

At least you've been married.  You may be divorced now but you were married!!!!!  That's why we come to you for advice!

Me-

Yeah because I fell for a pretty lie wrapped in lovely paper and a frilly bow.  I went through the hell of dividing assets and separating my children.  That's something to look back on fondly

Marion's mother-

Oh forget about your standards, what about that man? The man with the suitcase, who may be your very last chance.

Duty-

If I don't find a husband soon i'm going to kill myself.

Me-

Standards are one thing.  Marion's mother was ready to pimp her out to the man with the suitcase.  He is a man so therefore he will do.  Oh yeah, and we know he has a suitcase.  All the better to carry the baggage.

1912....errr 1962, um, 1979.......fuck, 2015?

Masher or no masher, Harold Hill can come and sell me band instruments any time he pleases........

I'm feeling much more me, again.  I can't believe I didn't realize what was causing me to crash and burn.  Thankfully that's over now for a spell.  '

Marion was just another solitary bitch that secretly longs for someone to calm her storms.  I seriously hope that I am not Marion under cover.........

Goodnight, my someone,
Goodnight, my love,
Sleep tight, my someone,
Sleep tight, my love,

Our star is shining it's brightest light
For goodnight, my love, for goodnight.
Sweet dreams be yours, dear,
If dreams there be
Sweet dreams to carry you close to me.

I wish they may and I wish they might
Now goodnight, my someone, goodnight
True love can be whispered from heart to heart
When lovers are parted they say

But I must depend on a wish and a star
As long as my heart doesn't know who you are.
Sweet dreams be yours dear,
If dreams there be
Sweet dreams to carry you close to me.