Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

I honored a lot of music birthdays this month so it is only fair I give my TV obsession equal time.  July 25 marked the 97th birth anniversary of one of my favorite ladies to ever walk the planet, Estelle Getty, the woman who brought Sophia Petrillo to life on “The Golden Girls”.  She and her three co-stars have been my surrogate mothers since their show premiered nearly 35 years ago.  I am still obsessed with their antics, their advice, their fights, their good deeds, their dates, their love for each other and everything else about them.

I have too many favorite episodes to list here so I will spotlight the show that featured one of my beloved Irving Berlin songs.  In the episode “Journey To The Center Of Attention” (season 7, episode 19), Dorothy sang today’s song and it was absolutely lovely.  It also kick-started an unexpected rivalry between her & Blanche when the latter felt threatened by the popularity Dorothy gained after the performance at a local bar Blanche frequented.  The show ended with Blanche telling Dorothy she was jealous of her because “when you sing you light up the room.  You do.  You positively glow.  You’re beautiful”.  And Dorothy acknowledged that it was “the nicest thing that you have ever said to me” and admitted to “being jealous everyday of her life” of  Blanche.  After seven seasons of her making fun of Dorothy’s looks, lack of a love life, height and bossiness, Blanche finally realized Dorothy had her own charm.  It was by far one of the sweetest scenes in the series.

Another golden girl, one of song, recorded my favorite version of today’s tune.  Here’s to hoping we all spend many years with women who are funny, feisty, sexy, smart, strong, beautiful and who revere great music!!!

“Golden Girls” Beatrice Arthur as Dorothy (L) and Rue McClanahan as Blanche (M) circa 1992 and Rosemary Clooney (R) circa 1955.  (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney:  “What’ll I Do” ( 1984, written by Irving Berlin).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.