Amanda McBroom's Blog

And Kia Ora, which is Mauri for “howdy” from the lounge at the Auckland, New Zealand airport, where I sit waiting to board and return from this glorious land in the DEEPEST of SOUTH, where I just spent two glorious weeks doing as little as possible.
Unless it had something to do with WINE.
Or SUGAR!

The Kiwis understand sugar in all its forms

and are not afraid to use it!

I spent Thanksgiving here watching summer come rolling in. The flowers are blooming, the birds are dating furiously. No turkeys. (Kiwis look askance at turkey.) So sea food had to do. Oh, okay!

I walked the morning beach Thanksgiving Day, under blue perfect skies and long white clouds and was grateful for every moment of my life , every note of music, and every friend who has crossed my path. Like you.

I hope your Thanksgiving was joyful with a few moments for contemplation before the stuffing and pie.

And speaking of PIE, this was forwarded to me. The newest OMG food invention! Perfect for any holiday festivity. It out-turduckens the Turducken!
It is called The Cherpumple!
The culinary symbol of American enthusiasm.

And if you decide to make one, let me know how it is!!!!!!

Lot’s of good things happening since last I blogged. (Which sounds like an arctic sport to me.)
I produced a wonderful concert in Ojai for the divine Miss Laurel Masse. Here’s a pic of the two of us dueting on n encore of“Sentimental Journey”. A fantasy fulfilled…to finally get to sing with her.

After that I traveled with my pal Michele Brourman to experience another autumn in New York where we had an outstanding week singing at the Metropolitan Room. Nothing like Halloween in the Big Sooty. I do believe that is New Yorkers’ favorite holiday. All those spider webs and pumpkins in the windows.

And if you haven’t been to the Museum of Art and Design at Columbus Circle, run, do not walk!!!Absolutely astounding creativity, AND a really good restaurant (ROBERT)at the top with a view of the Park that is to die for!

We created a whole new show out of songs I have never done or barely knew, or had just written…lyrics still dripping…memory a-quiver. We had no idea whether it was going to be any good at all, but the audiences seemed to love it, much to my delight and surprise.

(I think I will be putting the pieces of the evening up on YouTube, as shot by the wonderful Maryanne Lopinto. So if you are interested…)
And look at some of the wonderful friends who came! The delicious and elegant Steve Ross and her magnificent self, Tovah Feldshuh.

My major theatre crush, Robert Cuccioli.

And two of the great goddesses of music…the alpha and omega of the singing world…
Marilyn Maye and Marilyn Horne!!!!

Also…my fabulous creative team for DANGEROUS BEAUTY…Sheryl Kaller, our director, Jeannine Dominy, our playwright, Michele B, and Me.

Being in the presence of all these creative forces is such a thrill…vitamins for the soul. I recently read this quote which seems entirely appropriate to the whole experience.
“We work in the dark. We do what we can. We give what we have. Our doubt is our passion. And our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art….”
–Henry James

So now back to home and the Christmas rush, in EVERY sense of the word. I LOVE this holiday! I usually have all my cards done by now but…so if yours comes a little late, like next April, I hope you will understand.

I DID discover a fabulous recipe for baked pumpkin. Who knew one COULD bake a pumpkin and not turn it into pie??? I just thought you carved eyes and teeth and set a candle in it and let it rot on the front porch.

So…get a small one…bake it at 350 for 20 minutes so it softens. Then cut it in small wedges, drizzle with olive oil, sea salt , and pepper, and bake for another 40 minutes or so, until it is soft. Then serve with toasted walnuts and small dabs of goat cheese. YUMMMMM!

Goodies and Gossip

CLOROX VS PEROXIDE Interesting Info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is my favorite handy hint of the moment. Ah, the miracles of hydrogen peroxide!

I always knew ( my good friend Lynn told me) if you put a few drops in each ear when you feel a cold coming on, you can stop that cold dead in its tracks. She was so right! Now that sniffles season is officially here, get that little brown bottle out of the back of the cabinet and put it in FRONT of the Nyquil. And here’s more handy info

Written by Becky Ransey of Indiana (a doctor’s wife), and I want to share it with you. She was over recently for coffee and smelled the bleach I was using to clean my toilet and counter tops. This is what she told me:

I would like to tell you of the benefits of that Plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. What does bleach cost? 


My Husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, And most doctors don’t tell you about peroxide. Have you Ever smelled bleach in a doctor’s office? NO!!!

Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work in the doctor’s offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They are wiser and know better!

Did you also know bleach was invented in the late 40′s? It’s chlorine, folks! And it was used to kill our Troops. Peroxide was invented during WWI in the 20′s. It was used to save and help cleanse the needs of our troops and hospitals.

Please think about this:

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.

2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishcloth when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. I had fungus on my feet for years until I sprayed a 

50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them 

(especially the toes) every night and let dry.

6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day. My husband has seen gangrene that would not heal with any medicine but was healed by soaking in peroxide.

7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and Water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without Harming your septic system like bleach or most other Disinfectants will.

8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 

50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold, plugged sinus It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.

9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.

10. And of course, if you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it’s not a drastic change.

11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help get rid of boils, fungus or other skin infections.

12. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

13. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is why I love it so much for this.

14. Another place it’s great is in the bathroom, if someone has been careless & has peed on the floor around the toilet & it’s begun to smell of urine. Just put some peroxide in a spray bottle & spray. In the blink of any eye all the smell will be gone & the bacteria eliminated!

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be without! With prices of most necessities rising, I’m glad there’s a way to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner! This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it, too.

Amen!

Oops. They have delayed the flight. Well, that means I can get even more creative as I sit on the floor with all the people carrying pillows and laptops. This could be me right now.

This is DEFINITELY me all of the time!

And here are some further words of wisdom I think are invaluable:

Pay attention! (If you are over 40 and still CAN pay attention. )

I think there is a song in here.

Goodies and Gossip

Goodies and Gossip

My favorite  shaggy dog story –

Favorite books:

Favorite Music:

Favorite Movies:

And here is my motto for the year…no, for life!

Life’s too short for cruelty.

And remember, just as you are right now, you ARE the greatest gift.

Goodies and Gossip