Pay It Forward

Yesterday my friend Shannon, treated me to a wonderful afternoon of conversation and the new Michael Jackson movie, This Is It. I have to say, it was AMAZING! I did not know that he was planning a big Final Curtain Tour and had 50 sold out shows beginning in June or July 2009 (sorry, Stephen Colbert does politics, not entertainment news). This movie was the footage he had taped of his rehearsals for this tour. OMG, I have never seen male dancers as buff and cut as his dancers were! They looked like John Cena or Arnold Schwartzeneggar (in Terminator). They were fantastic! Usually dancers are skinny, with muscular definition, but these guys had huge biceps and the way they moved was unbelievable! I felt sorry for them, here they had this opportunity to go on tour with MICHAEL JACKSON and they were 2 weeks away from opening night when he died. So sad.

I've always admired MJ and the way he sang and danced, but when I saw this movie, I saw a passion, a real GIFT that I didn't realize he had. Despite his surgeries, (and the fact that every time I see him, I get this image of a cartoon made of him on South Park where he lost his nose), I never would have thought he was 50. He had very smooth, white skin and he still danced like when he made the Thriller album. His signature croons, his spirit fingers, and his famous crotch grab were in almost every song. Every person in this production had nothing but admiration for him.

His costume designers, who were making him a dazzling new lighted glove for the Beat It song. They said that this costume had so much BLING that the seamstresses had to wear sunglasses while they sewed, otherwise they were blinded by the light refraction! Technology today is so advanced, and with MJ's resources there was no end to the sets, videos and choreography in this production. This movie was well worth the $7 or so it cost. I would have had a yard sale to make $200 to buy a ticket to see it LIVE! You could feel the excitement of the performers, as we watched them on screen. It was awesome and inspirational!

He had this lady guitarist that was incredible! She was blonde and cute and she played electric guitar like Jimmy Hendrix! Michael also made mini movies to go along with his performance on stage. He redid Thriller in 3D and I couldn't believe the special effects! Towards the end of the song, this Ginormous black widow spider crept out on stage amidst smoke, curling and whisping across the stage. This spider got center stage and lifted up to reveal Michael, dressed as a zombie! Can you imagine?

He also dubbed himself into an old Humphrey Bolgart movie for Smooth Criminal. He had a new song about saving the earth and made this video about how we are destroying our planet and how we need to make a difference TODAY, and not wait for someone else to do it. That song, inspired me to write to you today. Several years ago, Haley Joe Osmet and many other stars made the movie Pay It Forward, being a self- professed movie critic, I give both of these movies 5 stars! Shannon, reminds me to pay it forward everyday with the kind things she does for me, my family and other people in her neighborhood. She is an inspiration to me. I try to pay it forward too, despite my shortcomings and health issues. If I can do nothing else, I am a good friend and listener to anyone who smiles in my direction. Every one of you has something special to offer the world and I just want to remind you to use your gifts for the greater good of mankind. They say that a butterfly can flap it's wings and cause a Tsunami on the other side of the world. This is a reminder, that the simplest act of kindness and generosity can effect so many others, and in this chaotic world we live in, we need to take a chance, overcome our fears and reach out to others in need. Some people don't realize what they may need, and if we take time and are perceptive, we can make a difference. Remember the golden rule, "Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You." I promise you that if you pay it forward, the rewards you receive will be insurmountable. I'm attaching a few of videos by Billy Gilman. He is an incredible young singer with a voice like no other. These videos are over 10 years old, but their messages transcend time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Thanks for taking a minute to read my email, and please remember to pay it forward everyday!

God bless you real good. Hugs, Shellie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPouj2SrM4w One Voice Billy Gilman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bFoAN8ekgw What's Forever For Billy Gilman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtjeFlSzGv8 There's a Hero Billy Gilman


This is just cute! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceaLH8WmZ2E The Snake Song Billy Gilman

Most of these songs are from his cd One Voice, I've had it for a long time, but my new friendship with YouTube reacquainted me with my ol' favorites. I hope they become some of your favorites too.


Check out my other blog:

http://clearlythemostcreativescrapbookers.blogspot.com/