Friday, December 23, 2011

My Weekend Crush

Even at her most vibrant, there was always something tragic about Judy Garland lurking just under the surface. Something that allowed her voice, even when still just a teenager, to cut through the ages. It’s what made her so special. It’s what made her so irreplaceable. That it took so long for me to get to Judy, particularly considering the partial namesake of this blog and all, is in itself a tragedy. One which I must promptly atone for. For any woman who came up as an impossibly pretty prodigy, blossomed into a big-time marquee name and then metamorphosed into an unquestionably consummate showwoman. deserves her moment in the spotlight and then some. Because, sister, could that lady belt it out. Despite her problem, despite her troubles, Judy Garland was going to put on a show. And you, you were going to sit mesmerized by all the beauty, sass, power and emotion she poured into every performance, every gesture, every note. She just didn’t take us over the rainbow, she took us out of ourselves, if only for a moment. Happy weekend, all.

The Ingénue


The Showwoman


The Classic


Have yourself a merry little Christmas, kittens, with all the beautifully tear-stained children’s cheeks your little heart can hold.

18 comments:

shade said...

Merry Christmas DS..... from over the rainbow (land of oz)! And wish you a speedy recovery. Cant wait to see what all you get up to in the new year.

Bali Natural said...

I'm not celebrating xmas but I wish you a merry xmas

Scarlett Rizzo said...

I read your blog every morning, and I usually never comment, but my love for Judy is so vast that I can't help but tell you that you made my freaking day.

Merry and Happy to you, Ms. Snarker.

Anonymous said...

you right. Judy remains in the hearts of even 40 years after his death. I love this woman!

Anonymous said...

"She just didn’t take us over the rainbow, she took us out of ourselves, if only for a moment."

Yes but what a price the poor woman had to pay to do it! What a price!

Damn those *EVIL* Hollywood Illuminati bastards! Damn them to HELL!

PD

PS Sorry, that's not very Christmassy is it? Tell you what; I'll see if I can whip up something a little more festive...

egghead said...

"She just didn’t take us over the rainbow, she took us out of ourselves, if only for a moment."

And from the very beginning upon experiencing HER I be dreamin'. (big smile)

Now bring on the festivities!!

egghead said...

Bali Natural said...
"I'm not celebrating xmas but I wish you a merry xmas"

Me either! Ezpecially not in the so-called American Evangelical "High Holy Day"?? (OMG) -- the lord is born on this day (follow the star) sort of way bs.

Have fun everyone. Merry everything up! Hell, marry Snarks if you have to!! (evil smile)

Anonymous said...

My two favorite movies are The Wizard of Oz and Meet me in St Louis. Meet me in St. Louis is a Christmas tradition.

J9 said...

Ms. Snarker - I adore you and wish for you a successful and happy new year!

Anonymous said...

"Hell, marry Snarks if you have to!! (evil smile)"

Good grief, the way things are going she might as well move to Salt Lake City now! :) I am sure they would be more than happy to provide a safe house for her and her harem!

PD

Anonymous said...

My Christmas Crush!

Ever since those gloriously sweaty festive nights spent together during that memorably humid Vietnam ‘winter’ of 1974… Why, it has *always* been, and can *only* ever be, you Snarks darling! YOU!

I believe some confusion (perhaps even a measure of affront?) may have arisen when I compared our dear friend Snarks not to some boringly clichéd ‘summer’s day’, but instead to a coconut. My omitting of any sort of explanation was, I admit now, an error not to say a minor (hopefully forgivable?) social faux pas. Darlings, if you will allow me, I shall now clarify the situation and in so doing hopefully put the whole matter to bed.

Of course I was *not* thinking of those pitiful dried up old hairy specimens you find in the local West Indian corner shop!!! (Darlings, what *do* you take me for?!) No, what I had in mind were the lovely plump young green coconuts found exclusively in palm festooned exotic locations blessed with only the warmest (and during the rainy season, the wettest) of climates!

To those poor unfortunates amongst you yet to experience the delicacy -the veritable gift from God!- that is the humble (nothing humble about it!) green coconut, let me explain. First there is the lovely exotic exterior. It manages to be firm (but not hard!) while somehow (miraculously!) managing to be subtly soft at the same time. One of the greatest pleasures to be had in life is running ones hand across the smooth voluptuous curves of a green coconut. Oh that splendidly arrogant firmness, that subtle give… And take… (Phew! Has someone put another log on the fire?!) When, after a suitably long spell spent in appreciation of its beautiful exterior, you finally take the plunge and delve beneath what do you encounter? Why, only the softest and supplest flesh imaginable! I challenge anyone (anyone!!!) to glimpse those hidden wonders and remain unaffected! It is simply impossible (impossible I say!!!) to resist! I promise you, you *will* first gaze to the heavens and mutter a prayer of profound gratitude before joyously sinking your teeth in! (I don’t care if it is Christmas! Stop throwing ruddy logs on that damn fire!!!) Where were we? Ah yes, that ever so soft, ever so luscious flesh…







(I am sorry. Quite inexplicably I found myself in the midst of disconcertingly vivid mid-70s flashback just then.)

Next, we move on to that delicious green coconut ‘water’, the ‘nectar’ if you will…

Darlings, I am terribly sorry, but I find I am quite unable to go on with this…

Anonymous said...

Hope everyone is planning on gay-ing up the yuletide! Happy holidays!

Anonymous said...

...and now I understand that glee episode

also I love her in easter parade

Anonymous said...

Ms. Snarker, you have made my weekend! Meet Me in St. Louis is annual Christmastime viewing in my house. She is absolutely radiant throughout the whole movie. It hurts too look at her!

Might I also recommend her powerhouse performance in A Star is Born, and a couple of lesser known gems: In the Good Old Summertime & For Me and My Gal, her first movie with Gene Kelly. I've been swooning over Judy for years!!!

Happy holidays from a devotee your blog, bookmarked at the top of my favorites list.

palink said...

This a combination THRILL check it out - Judy and Barbra ! Why can't we see stuff like this on TV nowadays?!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYpcFHtxm60

Norma Desmond said...

I admit, I was genuinely shocked (though completely pleased) to see that you chose my gal Judy for your Christmas weekend crush. So appropriate. Though, I have to say, I personally prefer her "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from MEET ME IN ST LOUIS.

Either way, I adore your choice, and wish you a very, very merry Christmas. xx

tlsintx said...

Fantastic post, darling Ms. Snarker. I have loved the beautifully tragic Judy Garland lo these many years. You know, she had just the slightest little lisp that just melts my heart. Thank you for this! xo

janmike9 said...

Judy Garland is perfection. Her accomplishments are staggering. Her vocal power is transcendental. Listening to and watching her perform is a spiritual, soul-busting experience. That Judy came to us fully-formed as a genius is unequivocal--so much talent, heart, and ability to communicate--we are witnesses participating in a universal emotional connection which enriches and restores our humanity. Some don't understand or appreciate her, but those of us who do, are better people for it.

Thanks for the Judy tribute, and welcome aboard!