Glee

Happy Freedom Day! I thought I’d be writing about freedom and democracy on this 4th of July, but instead I’m writing about Glee. Since the Glee phenomena started 2 years ago, I’ve only watched one episode, maybe 2. But last night, I found myself watching the new reality series Glee Project on Bravo. I was hooked; I was taken back to my high school days.


Along with singing Mad World by Tears for Fears, the challenge was to come up with a word that defined the contestant's vulnerability. While wearing a poster board with their word, they shot a video while at Universal City Walk. As I watched them film, I started crying. I was touched by their honesty. I wondered about my word? I transgressed almost 30 years back. What would have been my word? I can’t decide between loner, weirdo or ugly. I was the Ally Sheedy of high school. The weird kid that nobody talked to. I felt ugly and alone.

Luckily all that has changed; I don't feel ugly anymore. As for the weirdo and loner, I've embraced it. It's me!

The piece here is titled ‘Jerome.’ A photo of Jerome Caja inspires it. He definitely marched to a different beat; a beat I could somehow understand and dance to. He embraced his difference, his uniqueness. After a wild night at Club Uranus, I can still see him walking into Cafe Flore in San Francisco, in the middle of the day, wearing his lingerie garb and saying to me, "Hello Sweetie." I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. I only wish I could have known him personally. Happy belated birthday Jerome! I know heaven must be different with you there.



The definition of glee is: Jubilant delight; joy. Is this not what we all want in our life? Yes! Most definitely! Absolutely!

A little Glee to you all!