Madonna - Diva in a Track Suit

Well, age catches up to us all. I suspected it was true, but Hollywood is so good at faking the funk I wasn't sure anymore. Until Monday night, that is.

My neighbor called as I was hurtling along the highway, attempting to make if home to my couch (otherwise known as the repository for my big brown behind) and the TV. The womanchild was in the passenger's seat whining about what we were going to have for dinner and all was right (or at least the same) in my world.

ME: What's up, girl?
She: What are you doing? Got plans for tonight?
Me: Ha! Why what have you got going on?
She: Well, wanna go see Madonna at the Arena?
Me: You're kidding, really?

You get the picture. I considered not going for a moment - the allure of the couch's siren song was pulling me. But, my daughter snapped me out of it by saying "Are you CRAZY? It's MADONNA!" Oh, yeah. So, a little well placed deodorant and lipstick and I am back in the car, headed to my neighbor's and off to see the Material Girl in all her splendor.

What I love about these outings with my neighbor, JR, is that she works for a huge telecom company and gets the best perks. So, we arrive and have pre-arranged indoor parking right next to the entrance of the arena suite area. A flash of our tickets and we are led to the suite where finger food and drinks await.

The concert was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm so we arrived around 8:15, figuring she would start at 9:00 pm. I had my fill of wine and munchies and, like everyone else got excited when the DJ came on around 8:30 pm. He played for 40 min or so and then everyone started to cheer.

Unfortunately, it was almost 9:55 before the blonde bombshell showed her stuff. Now, that may not seem late to you folk but, I'm 52 - a card carrying AARP member - and that's dangerously close to my bedtime; on a work night no less!

But, the music was pumping and our hips were bumping as the crowd became one mass of Madonna fever. We sung, swayed and cheered until 11:15 pm (when in an effort to beat the crowd I suggested we leave). And it was fun but, I wonder if wasn't just the joy of reliving a bit of disco youth that made it enjoyable, instead of the music itself.

After the first flush of excitement, about 1/3 of the way through the concert, I noticed that Madonna wasn't dancing very much. It was clever, the hip gyrations here and there; perfectly placed so that the dancers did the hard stuff and she swayed along. Maybe I noticed because I had taken my daughter to see Beyonce last year and, at 20-something, she tore the stage apart with her moves. Never having seen Madonna live and in concert before, I wondered what her costumes would be like. Her past wardrobe is legendary. Surprisingly, for most of the concert, she wore workout clothes - shorts and tank tops. No more cone breasts for the 50 year-old Mom. And that's as it should be.

I don't expect Madonna to perform like she is 20; I guess it was just a little hard to see her winding down. Because I am winding down too. When I compare myself to my past I see what has fallen away by degrees. Some things I long for again though I know they will not return (my eyesight for one). Others I am still fighting to hold onto or regain (my sense of humor about Life and my physical dexterity). There was a time when I could do a back bend - full out, from a standing position on the floor. I fear such an attempt would land me in bed, on a regimen of muscle relaxants for a week.

The story I grew up on was that by the time I reached this age I'd be able to see retirement and years of carefree relaxation. And since 50 is the new 40, I'd feel like a young woman, too! Okay, okay so I believed the hype and now my rude awakening is here. Such is Life. But, it's nice to know that even in the midst of reality The Queen of Pop can help me remember how much fun shaking my booty could be.

Hope our Thanksgiving holidays were filled with Love and joy. Until the next time...

Tonight The World Changed

for me and mine. I have never been prouder, felt stronger or readier for the task at hand. I realize we are at the beginning - nowhere close to being near an end. This is where the work starts, this is where the challenge truly begins, this is the time we get get to choose. We can choose to create a world where we listen to one another, honor one another, care for one another. we have the chance to acknowledge our differences and neither glorify nor minimize them, simply accept them and use our strengths for our common good.

I know this is 'Pollyanna', but that is the most beautiful part of this win. The audacity of hope - to believe again in the possibilities of Life as good, fruitful and shared. I have worked my whole Life towards this end. I am more than grateful for the possibility that it might be realized.

For those who have been opposed to this journey, I invite you to come along anyway. You just might find something better than you have ever known.

Peace to all.