HOW ARE YOU ALL?

      It's been way too long once again!!  Been thinking about some of you whom I haven't seen in many a month and in some cases, many a year.  And this line of thinking, especially regarding long distance readers such as those in Florida, tells me how important it is to let people who once played a significant role in one's life, know how much they are still in one's heart and thoughts.  My message here is not to let old friends, and family members, slip away before you've had a chance to let them know how much they still mean to you.  
      How to handle this kind of revelation is to take the time immediately and let them know you miss them and still care very much for them. This is a blog that suggests to my readers that they let friends and family know asap how much they are missed and cared about before they are gone!  
       I recently celebrated my 75th birthday and what a joyous occasion it was! My kids surprised me, and instead of taking our whole family out to dinner which was what I understood to be 'the plan', they all appeared at my son's fabulous New York apartment along with at least 50 or 60 of my most special friends here in New York.  The original agenda was to come back from dinner out to my apartment for cake and ice cream---thus no long distance friends and family were invited as I thought it was too far for 'out of towners' to come just for cake.  Needless to say I was in total shock when I was brought to Jeffrey and Lisa's apartment  to find everyone there along with a terrific spread capped off with a phenomenal chocolate cake which Karen provided from a specialty shop in Ridgefield Ct where she and her family have lived since the kids were born---Chelsea is now 26 and the twins Koti and Jazz are 24. Jeffrey's kids, Dylan (23) and Jordan (21) were all of course on hand as well.  So the apartment was filled with warm, wonderful friends and family.  
        To top off the evening, a film was shown which Karen and Jazz created from the family albums of our history which I had religiously documented and stored at our lakehouse.  The film, which introduced my New York friends to my husband Barry who had passed away before I had even moved to, and started my life, in New York City.  I cried from the first seconds of the film, which was set to music throughout, and people told me there wasn't a dry eye in the room watching from start to finish.
       All in all the most special night of my life.  Which brings me to another thing I would like to impart-------keep a record (pictorially) of your life and that of your family...It will be thrilling to review from time to time throughout your life.
        Now's the time to let all those meaningful in your life know how much you love them.
        Hope you enjoyed this session and I look forward to doing a whole lot more this year.

-Respectfully submitted
  Mimi Scott, Ph.D
  212 721-2979
 mscott13@aol.com

RECONNECTING

PRAYERS FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR TO ALL MY READERS
It's been way too long since I've written you all....but I thought the Holiday was a perfect time to reconnect with all of you, and since this is the Day of Atonement for the Jewish people, I'd like to atone for 'not keeping in touch with my beloved friends and family', all of whom mean so very much to me.
Actually the subject of this blog should be RECONNECTING, especially since I seem to let life get in the way of my connections to all my friends, family and blog readers.   Since Yom Kippur  introduces a brand new start to a brand new year, my resolution is simply to connect once again starting right now.
It's refreshing for Jews to have this holiday as it comes at the beginning of the school year (which for me still remains the beginning of the year even though it's been awhile since my life revolved around school).
I must also remember to say how very grateful I am always for my two companions who are with me both day and night---Lucie and Lorilu.  They rank right up there with God's gifts to me.  Which brings me to a recommendation. If one finds himself or herself more alone for whatever reason, at whatever time in life, a pet can make all the difference.  Just having their fur next to you for you to pet brings sooo much comfort.  And you won't find a better friend.
Finally, if you find me on your missing list, know that it is not intentional and don't let it keep you from contacting me....If you are on this list, you are in my heart.  And let me take this moment to wish you all, no matter what religion, a wonderful year full of all good things.
Respectfully yours
Mimi

       FINDING YOUR GIFT
      I believe my  last blog (which was way too long ago) was about celebrating the 60th anniversary of Albany Civic Theatre. It was indeed a very special time for me and the occasion was also quite a reminder for me.  It reminded me of all the many friends I had performed with all those years ago.  And, it reminded me of the joy I had felt while following the dream I had chosen for myself upon my graduation from college in 1962.  At that point in one's life I believed that he or she should have decided upon his or her future.
I furthermore had decided that everyone was born with a gift and it was his or her obligation to find what that gift was and to pursue it.   I was one who was lucky enough to know that I was meant to perform, whether it be on stage or screen.  But in more practical terms, I would need a job.....so I graduated with a teaching degree in English and in Speech and followed it with a Masters degree (which eventually turned into a Ph.D).  But always my dream was to be an 'actress'.  So shortly after my first child, Karen,  was born in 1964 I began performing on the stage at Albany Civic Theatre.
Life for me soon became a whirlwind of shows performed at various theatres in what is known as the tri-cities....meaning---Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Slingerlands, Saratoga, and various other venues in  the northeast of New York state.  It was a ball for me and for my husband, Barry, who loved every second of it as much as all the performers did. He ran the lights, the box office, became buddies with the set designer and as a result built sets for every show and generally found enjoyment in every area of theatre production.
So while I got to do 'my thing'  onstage, the rest of the family was able to find 'their thing' and enjoy it as much as I was enjoying 'my thing'.
Which brings me back to 'finding one's gift', which as  a teacher, a parent and a therapist (which is what I did with the Ph.D in Psychology) I would always help my students,etc. to "find their gift"-------something each one of you, my readers, also possess.  With proper analysis you can find that one special characteristic that sets you apart.  Think about it, and let it simmer in your brain for a bit, because if you find the gift that is special to you and engage it, you can create a whole new world for yourself, as well as for your family and all the people that are touched by you.  So next time you have some 'quiet time', focus on what sets you apart and begin to execute whatever it  is.  The riches it can provide will make a difference not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family, friends,etc.  And....it's never too late!
Hope you enjoyed this session....I'll plan to get back to you much sooner with my next blog!!
Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
tel: 212 721 2979   mscott13@aol.com
     




FINDING YOUR GIFT
      I believe my  last blog (which was way too long ago) was about celebrating the 60th anniversary of Albany Civic Theatre. It was indeed a very special time for me and the occasion was also quite a reminder for me.  It reminded me of all the many friends I had performed with all those years ago.  And, it reminded me of the joy I had felt while following the dream I had chosen for myself upon my graduation from college in 1962.  At that point in one's life I believed that he or she should have decided upon his or her future.
I furthermore had decided that everyone was born with a gift and it was his or her obligation to find what that gift was and to pursue it.   I was one who was lucky enough to know that I was meant to perform, whether it be on stage or screen.  But in more practical terms, I would need a job.....so I graduated with a teaching degree in English and in Speech and followed it with a Masters degree (which eventually turned into a Ph.D).  But always my dream was to be an 'actress'.  So shortly after my first child, Karen,  was born in 1964 I began performing on the stage at Albany Civic Theatre.
Life for me soon became a whirlwind of shows performed at various theatres in what is known as the tri-cities....meaning---Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Slingerlands, Saratoga, and various other venues in  the northeast of New York state.  It was a ball for me and for my husband, Barry, who loved every second of it as much as all the performers did. He ran the lights, the box office, became buddies with the set designer and as a result built sets for every show and generally found enjoyment in every area of theatre production.
So while I got to do 'my thing'  onstage, the rest of the family was able to find 'their thing' and enjoy it as much as I was enjoying 'my thing'.
Which brings me back to 'finding one's gift', which as  a teacher, a parent and a therapist (which is what I did with the Ph.D in Psychology) I would always help my students,etc. to "find their gift"-------something each one of you, my readers, also possess.  With proper analysis you can find that one special characteristic that sets you apart.  Think about it, and let it simmer in your brain for a bit, because if you find the gift that is special to you and engage it, you can create a whole new world for yourself, as well as for your family and all the people that are touched by you.  So next time you have some 'quiet time', focus on what sets you apart and begin to execute whatever it  is.  The riches it can provide will make a difference not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family, friends,etc.  And....it's never too late!
Hope you enjoyed this session....I'll plan to get back to you much sooner with my next blog!!
Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
tel: 212 721 2979   mscott13@aol.com
     




FINDING YOUR GIFT
      I believe my  last blog (which was way too long ago) was about celebrating the 60th anniversary of Albany Civic Theatre. It was indeed a very special time for me and the occasion was also quite a reminder for me.  It reminded me of all the many friends I had performed with all those years ago.  And, it reminded me of the joy I had felt while following the dream I had chosen for myself upon my graduation from college in 1962.  At that point in one's life I believed that he or she should have decided upon his or her future.
I furthermore had decided that everyone was born with a gift and it was his or her obligation to find what that gift was and to pursue it.   I was one who was lucky enough to know that I was meant to perform, whether it be on stage or screen.  But in more practical terms, I would need a job.....so I graduated with a teaching degree in English and in Speech and followed it with a Masters degree (which eventually turned into a Ph.D).  But always my dream was to be an 'actress'.  So shortly after my first child, Karen,  was born in 1964 I began performing on the stage at Albany Civic Theatre.
Life for me soon became a whirlwind of shows performed at various theatres in what is known as the tri-cities....meaning---Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Slingerlands, Saratoga, and various other venues in  the northeast of New York state.  It was a ball for me and for my husband, Barry, who loved every second of it as much as all the performers did. He ran the lights, the box office, became buddies with the set designer and as a result built sets for every show and generally found enjoyment in every area of theatre production.
So while I got to do 'my thing'  onstage, the rest of the family was able to find 'their thing' and enjoy it as much as I was enjoying 'my thing'.
Which brings me back to 'finding one's gift', which as  a teacher, a parent and a therapist (which is what I did with the Ph.D in Psychology) I would always help my students,etc. to "find their gift"-------something each one of you, my readers, also possess.  With proper analysis you can find that one special characteristic that sets you apart.  Think about it, and let it simmer in your brain for a bit, because if you find the gift that is special to you and engage it, you can create a whole new world for yourself, as well as for your family and all the people that are touched by you.  So next time you have some 'quiet time', focus on what sets you apart and begin to execute whatever it  is.  The riches it can provide will make a difference not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family, friends,etc.  And....it's never too late!
Hope you enjoyed this session....I'll plan to get back to you much sooner with my next blog!!
Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
tel: 212 721 2979   mscott13@aol.com
     




FINDING YOUR GIFT
      I believe my  last blog (which was way too long ago) was about celebrating the 60th anniversary of Albany Civic Theatre. It was indeed a very special time for me and the occasion was also quite a reminder for me.  It reminded me of all the many friends I had performed with all those years ago.  And, it reminded me of the joy I had felt while following the dream I had chosen for myself upon my graduation from college in 1962.  At that point in one's life I believed that he or she should have decided upon his or her future.
I furthermore had decided that everyone was born with a gift and it was his or her obligation to find what that gift was and to pursue it.   I was one who was lucky enough to know that I was meant to perform, whether it be on stage or screen.  But in more practical terms, I would need a job.....so I graduated with a teaching degree in English and in Speech and followed it with a Masters degree (which eventually turned into a Ph.D).  But always my dream was to be an 'actress'.  So shortly after my first child, Karen,  was born in 1964 I began performing on the stage at Albany Civic Theatre.
Life for me soon became a whirlwind of shows performed at various theatres in what is known as the tri-cities....meaning---Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Slingerlands, Saratoga, and various other venues in  the northeast of New York state.  It was a ball for me and for my husband, Barry, who loved every second of it as much as all the performers did. He ran the lights, the box office, became buddies with the set designer and as a result built sets for every show and generally found enjoyment in every area of theatre production.
So while I got to do 'my thing'  onstage, the rest of the family was able to find 'their thing' and enjoy it as much as I was enjoying 'my thing'.
Which brings me back to 'finding one's gift', which as  a teacher, a parent and a therapist (which is what I did with the Ph.D in Psychology) I would always help my students,etc. to "find their gift"-------something each one of you, my readers, also possess.  With proper analysis you can find that one special characteristic that sets you apart.  Think about it, and let it simmer in your brain for a bit, because if you find the gift that is special to you and engage it, you can create a whole new world for yourself, as well as for your family and all the people that are touched by you.  So next time you have some 'quiet time', focus on what sets you apart and begin to execute whatever it  is.  The riches it can provide will make a difference not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family, friends,etc.  And....it's never too late!
Hope you enjoyed this session....I'll plan to get back to you much sooner with my next blog!!
Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
tel: 212 721 2979   mscott13@aol.com
     




FINDING YOUR GIFT
      I believe my  last blog (which was way too long ago) was about celebrating the 60th anniversary of Albany Civic Theatre. It was indeed a very special time for me and the occasion was also quite a reminder for me.  It reminded me of all the many friends I had performed with all those years ago.  And, it reminded me of the joy I had felt while following the dream I had chosen for myself upon my graduation from college in 1962.  At that point in one's life I believed that he or she should have decided upon his or her future.
I furthermore had decided that everyone was born with a gift and it was his or her obligation to find what that gift was and to pursue it.   I was one who was lucky enough to know that I was meant to perform, whether it be on stage or screen.  But in more practical terms, I would need a job.....so I graduated with a teaching degree in English and in Speech and followed it with a Masters degree (which eventually turned into a Ph.D).  But always my dream was to be an 'actress'.  So shortly after my first child, Karen,  was born in 1964 I began performing on the stage at Albany Civic Theatre.
Life for me soon became a whirlwind of shows performed at various theatres in what is known as the tri-cities....meaning---Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Guilderland, Slingerlands, Saratoga, and various other venues in  the northeast of New York state.  It was a ball for me and for my husband, Barry, who loved every second of it as much as all the performers did. He ran the lights, the box office, became buddies with the set designer and as a result built sets for every show and generally found enjoyment in every area of theatre production.
So while I got to do 'my thing'  onstage, the rest of the family was able to find 'their thing' and enjoy it as much as I was enjoying 'my thing'.
Which brings me back to 'finding one's gift', which as  a teacher, a parent and a therapist (which is what I did with the Ph.D in Psychology) I would always help my students,etc. to "find their gift"-------something each one of you, my readers, also possess.  With proper analysis you can find that one special characteristic that sets you apart.  Think about it, and let it simmer in your brain for a bit, because if you find the gift that is special to you and engage it, you can create a whole new world for yourself, as well as for your family and all the people that are touched by you.  So next time you have some 'quiet time', focus on what sets you apart and begin to execute whatever it  is.  The riches it can provide will make a difference not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family, friends,etc.  And....it's never too late!
Hope you enjoyed this session....I'll plan to get back to you much sooner with my next blog!!
Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
tel: 212 721 2979   mscott13@aol.com

Something to Celebrate!!

I'm on the road again!!! Albany Civic Theatre, where I virtually started my career, is celebrating it's 6oth Anniversay February 28th-March 1st at the converted firehouse on Second Avenue in Albany where it all began.  I started performing with them right out of college and it became my second home for the next 30 years while I married; raised kids; spent two years shooting commercials in New York City, and all too soon lost my beloved Barry.  He and I spoke of how blessed we were all through those years as we sang and danced (at least I did) and laughed our hearts out with the gang at ACT.  The group there who made it all work were so close to us that we couldn't imagine life without them. The wit they all possessed, especially the gays which most of the fellas were, could not be beaten.  But sadly most of those original talents are not with us anymore....it's hard getting older.

We would get up from the dinner table every night and get in the car and head down to the theatre for rehearsal or performance. There were some plays, but for the most part (and this is where I always could be found) it was all musicals. And I was either the first or second lead in every one of them!!  If you can remember all the classic Broadway musicals, we did them all (well, most of them anyway).

We always had a  'college girl'  (the name for what is now called a 'nanny') who lived with us and took care of the kids. (That's how dinner got cleaned up---I did prepare it however.) We all brought the kids with us to final dress rehearsals, and before you knew it they were working on sets, costumes and often performing in the shows as well. Karen, my daughter, was in several, while Jeffrey was busy performing his magic all around town. And the adults loved to have them around as they could pass on all their stories to the kids. A lot of those stories were passed on right at our dinner table as a few very special guys from 'the theatre' became like family and as such they had many a dinner with us...two names---Nicky and Bob---come right to mind.  Unfortunately they are now gone as well.

As I mentioned, Barry and I felt blessed that our kids were able to grow up with so much laughter and music.  I really didn't 'play' piano, but it never sat there quietly.  We entertained weekly it seemed.  I remember one Halloween when I made 'pumpkin soup' and several of them dressed up, and yet somehow at midnight everyone left abruptly having argued with one another. When we closed the door Barry and I stood there looking at each other and just shrugged.  The gang were truly a 'family' with the love and the 'hate' (fights,etc.) that were certainly the qualities of families.

And they were all alcoholics!! (Not me however).  Religiously after each show we would go across the street to the Garden Grill and celebrate.  It was basically a haunt of 'hard hats' but normally they all dealt with us taking it over.  While Barry sat at the bar, I was standing by the juke box nightly singing and dancing.

And the theatre itself which we are celebrating in two weeks was simply charming.  It sat something like 90 and the circular staircase remained after conversion as the backstage entrance and exit...I remember runninng down them one night, sure that I was late for an entrance and finding myself onstage with a cast that just looked askance at me as I was not supposed to be there!!

There is not enough room here to enumerate all the happenings over the years that made our time there so very special. But what I just wanted to get across was just how lucky Barry and I, as well as Karen and Jeff, were to have ACT as such a special part of our world for so many years.  So it is with a great deal of pleasure I will be performing "Adelaide's Lament" from Guys and Dolls (which was perhaps my favorite role) onstage at ACT for their 60th anniversary.  Any and all of you who may be interested in coming to this occasion please call me at 212 721-2979 or 917 846-2449 and I'll give you all the details.

Hope you enjoyed this session

Respectfully yours
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
www.sessionswithdrmimiscott.blogspot.com

A MAJOR LOSS

On September 23rd I lost my beloved friend Guido.  I still cannot function.  I've lost both parents; my husband of 30 years, Barry; and my only sibling, my brother Hersch, last year also in September. But this one was different. For all other losses I did what I could to obey Jewish law because I knew it was what I was supposed to do.  This time I more than sat Shiva.  Shiva means 7.  But I'm now 'sitting' way more than seven days.  I just cannot really move out of the house and go anyplace....my only outings are my walks with the dogs.  Guido is on my mind 24/7. Mainly because it 'came out of the blue'.

A call came to me from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital telling me that they had Richard Guido there who had listed me as his 'emergency contact', and that I should get to the hospital as soon as possible as he was very very sick.  They would not tell me what was wrong with Guido, just that I should get there ASAP.  Within five minutes Elda, my own beloved caretaker, returned from doing some errands and in no time we were ready to leave the apartment.  Luckily we got a cab right away and as soon as we got into it, I turned to Elda and said I had to call Steve who was also a part of the Guido/Mimi family.

In 1993, the first year I had moved to New York City following the death of my beloved Barry, I had immediately thrown myself into the theatre world by auditioning for some showcases. Then around February I had seen a notice in Backstage advertising positions for a summer theatre known as Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky.  I had never really done summer theatre prior to that time, and I thought it would be a blast to do.  So I auditioned,  and this older fellow who called himself  'the Colonel' cast me to play all the age appropriate roles for them for the summer.  I would be there from the beginning of June through Labor Day. I told the Colonel I could driive if anyone would need a ride and he told me right away to call Richard Guido who had been there the summer before and could 'show me the ropes'.

After several calls Guido finally called me back and said that he and a girl named Marilyn could go with me. As we were needed right after Memorial Day weekend they could meet me at my lakehouse outside of Albany during the weekend and we could all go from there together.  My family were with me to pick these two up at the bus station and to check out what kind of people I would be spending the next 3 months with.  I didn't know it at the time, but my daughter Karen told me they actually had reservations about my going away for the first time since my husband had died, and for 3 months!  However as soon as Guido and Marilyn came to the lakehouse and we all started talking, Karen recently told me that she immediately relaxed feeling that "if this guy is gonna be with her, she'll be fine! Guido in turn never forgot Karen's twins, Koti and Jazz (now 23)  who were 2 at the time and crying all day because they couldn't find their 'party shoes'!! Guido was part of our family from that day on.  He was there for every holiday dinner and family gathering.

Guido was probably the most comfortable person any of us had ever known.  Absolutely no pretensions about him. He simply was who he was, and you loved him right off the bat. He was a 'big guy' and very self conscious about his weight, forever trying one fad diet after another.  Not an intellectual by any means, Guido nevertheless little by little revealed himself as one of the smartest people I have ever known.  He simply 'understood' people and all of us wanted to be around Guido as much as we could.

When summer 'camp' (as I thought of it) came to a close Guido was in between apartments in New York.  So he stayed with me in my studio apartment.  First however I collected our little familly from Pioneer Playhouse and brought them to the lakehouse for a few days. Guido and I had just returned to my New York apartment when I got the call that my daughter-in-law Lisa was in labor and we should come up if we wanted to see the new baby right away. We always talked about getting dressed and turning right around to go right back to Albany to be there for my granddaughter Jordan's birth.

And when we returned to New York, I continued to bring our whole little family from Kentucky (Guido, Steve, Victoria and Christopher) over to my apartment as much as possiible so I did indeed have a family in New York to love and cherish.  And Guido especailly  became very close to all my grandchildren as they grew older.  He was always there to chuckle at everything they all said and did. And he came right along with me to recitals and musical performances all the time.  But mostly, Guido worked at Lincoln Center as a 'Super' with the Metropolitan Opera (and of course he made friends with all the 'stars' over there). As the Met is located right across the street from where I live, Guido would stop by almost daily with a call first to say "I'm downstairs....do you need anything? Indeed he would stay here on Sundays to give Elda a break and as I write this I can feel him in the livingroom watching whatever football game was on.

I believe it is common to suffer, sometimes more painfully then others, when a family member passes and thank the good Lord I have barely lost friends, but this loss has simply devstated me. I thank you all for indulging me by reading this as I think in the end it has lifted my spirit significantly to write this.

Respectfully yours,

Mimi Scott, Ph.D
 212 721-2989
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.sessionswithdrmimiscott.blogspot.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF LAUGHTER

          On everyone's mind since the passing of Robin Williams is the subject of laughter.  We all loved him because he brought so much laughter into our lives.  And that laughter created by him was covering so very much pain.  Which seems to be a very common dynamic for comedians.  Time and again we learn that those who make us laugh the most are actually suffering from so very much. So at this time I'd llike to express my thanks to this comic genius for all the hilarious moments he brought into my life.

           That said I'd like to mention to you all that a show that is being touted as 'hilarious' is coming soon to Stage 72 at the Triad Theatre here in New York City from October 10th through December 31st.  Called MY  SON THE WAITER, A JEWISH TRAGEDY, and written and starring Brad Zimmerman, early reviews have called it hilarious adding that the humor is universal. 

          The Triad is on West  72nd street between Broadway and Columbus, and the shows will take place Mondays at 7:00pm; Friday evenings at 7:00pm; Saturdays at  2:00pm and 7:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. New Years Eve there will be performances at 7 & 9PM.  In addition to the ticket prices which are $45.00 for a general ticket; $60.00 for an orchestra seat and $99.00 for a VIP ticket, there is a two drink minimum required.

           My good friend Dana Matthow is producing this one (you may remember him as the producer of the show that gave me a start here in NYC---Grandma Sylvia's Funeral).  Indeed, if you use the code MIMI for best seats the cost is $37.50 plus the two drink minimum. 

           For box Office the number is 212 264-1788   For groups of 12 or more 1-888-264-1788
                                                 PlayhouseInfo.com

Hope you all get a chance to see this one....we need all the laughter we can get in this life!!

Respectfully submitted 
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979

MY NEWEST ADVENTURE

        It's been quite awhile, but sometimes one has to take a break to see what really is going on.  I took several months off to find out what was next.  Then while watching the show Nashville with everyone performing in an auditorium in Nashville itself, I realized that's what I want to do......perform with a guitar!!
The only problem is I don't really play the guitar.  I fooled around with one almost 50 years ago, but I was far from knowing how to really play.  But those of you who know me know that nothing stops me.  I made the decisiion to get a guitar and to write songs and play them.  When I would have enough in my repertoire I would have a little show called "Granny Rocks!!".

           So that is what I have been working on for the last few weeks. I have written two songs----one called Nobody Talks Anymore, and another called Slowin' Down.  My teacher however is also giving me classic songs to learn  in order to get started.  I play 'Slowin Down" like a pro, but parts of "Love me Tender" are really driving me nuts!!
         I thought I'd tell you about all this so you'll understand why you haven't heard from me. I thought all this would be a 'piece of cake'------It isn't!!  But I tell myself every single day--"you can d it! In a  day filled with working out on machines; swimming; walking dogs; and dealing with all that's on the computer, I am practising my guitar.  I just hope I don't smash it one day out of frustration...I never had to bend my fingers around anything like this.....but I find of course that with practise it actually works!
       So let's just see if I can conquer this instrument which tucks under my boob in order to allow me to see all the notes.  So far the machine is still here and so are my boobs and I've actually written words and music to one song and am singing with it!!
       Long story short I am a work in progress and it will take time before I can entertain you all.  But please stay turned because I am determined that it will happen.  And understand if I am not readilly available these days.....I am simply busy "playing my guitar"!!

COMING OUT FROM UNDER....

     Today it's as though Spring has arrived, so naturally we feel like a new person.  It's simply amazing the way the weather plays such an important role in our lives.  People here in the north east have definitely been 'under the weather' for the last few months. (interesting choice of words is it not?). "Under the weather' obviously means that we are down because of weather.  When one wakes up to 'gray' instead of blue and sunny it simply doesn't invoke the same happy spirit.  We often just want to pull the covers back over our collective heads!

     Aside from the dreariness of the dark weather is the extra worry of how one is to get around in the gray mess---which includes both rain and snow.  The same energy needed to attack our work day is simply not there when the color outside our windows is Gray!!

    Of course we begin the season captivated by the first snow fall and anxious to look out the window and see the trees all white and the wonderland that is the landscape we first lay our eyes upon.  But of course that wears off and it all soon becomes gray, and gray and more gray.  Then we reach that wonderful moment when....Ah ha...it looks and feels a little bit like Spring!  We relish the idea of getting outside and walking.  We can't wait to breathe in the fresh air.  We actually want to 'get to work'.

    So why not give resolutions a new shot.  I made a bunch for the New Year, but they are of course still hanging on my door to remind me every minute of what I haven't done that I promised myself I would. So why not give the arrival (at least the partial arrival) of Spring a second chance for our own renewal.  Certainly we can allow ourselves to take more time outside---longer walks, etc.  And of course there's always shopping that we can take this time to do.  Tell you the truth even though it's too early to put away the boots just yet, we could still begin to focus on straightening up our rooms, and attacking our desks with new zest.

     My Florida readers are probably not 'feeling it' with me, but it's never a bad idea for everyone else to get up the ole energy by thinking this way and pretending the sky is so very blue, and grass is becoming green and there are hints of color all around. Time to start planning for the Spring and getting the place ready to open up and let the Spring come in....all the way to out hearts......Enjoy, and welcome the new 'light'.

     Hope some of you have enjoyed this session.  It's been awhile.  I guess I've been somewhat 'under the weather', so here's my stab at a new 'beginning'!

    Respectfully submitted,
    Mimi Scott, Ph.D
    Mscott13@aol.com
   www.drmimiscott.com
   

'Tis the season to be jolly...' But what if you're not??

       We are brought up with excitement about the Holiday season.  But what if-- 'lo and behold'-- we just are not?. What if we become, God forbid, depressed??? Unfortunately this is not an uncommon occurence.  Everyone knows about the Jewish kids that grow up jealous of their Christian neighbors and all the glorious presents they seem to get for Christmas.  Even with a gift for each of the 8 days of Chanukah, it never seems to add up to all the gifts their Christian friends receive.  But this  rarely becomes a serious situation.

       What is serious is when a loved one has died during the Holiday season.  Each year those affected are reminded of the sadness of their loss.  It is hard to laugh and 'be happy' when you're caught up with thoughts of a parent; a sibling, or a mate who left at this time of year. Then of course there are all the family gatherings that take place beginning with Thanksgiving.  So many find it difficult to be around family.  Usually it is because they feel that they have not met the expectations that 'the family' had for them.  Often there are underlying unresolved issues between family members that may be difficult to set aside at these gatherings. How sad...

       As this is a very frequent situation which therapists face from clients at this time of year I thought perhaps it would be helpful to offer ways in which to deal with your own possible sadness.  First know---you are not alone.  The time of year itself can bring about sadness.  It gets dark earlier; it's colder and all the bravado of the season only sets people who aren't feeling particularly 'happy'-- back.  What to do??

      Take stock of yourself.  Of course there are going to be things about which you are unsettled and disappointed.  When those thoughts take over...face them and then ask yourself what things you are happy about.  What achievements, small as they may be, have made you proud.  And most importantly who is in your life that you consider a 'friend'?  Who is there for you when you need someone?  Think about these people when you may not be around them. Tell your family about them.  Just thoughts of these people and the fun you may have had together can put a smile on your face. And if by chance you can't find anyone to fit this bill, make an assessment.  What kind of friend have you been?  Have you put yourself out for anyone and been there for them?  In order to have a friend you have to be one. This may be a good New Year's resolution.

    Finally, as much as you may not want to partake in the joviality of the season...force yourself to.  Make dinner plans with the friends you do have. (You may even call up one of your relatives who hold themselves apart and make a date with them!)  Dress up and put on make up. Go to some good, and 'up',  kind of movies.  Put on music in your home...the holiday TV stations can be great,  Lastly, reach out to everyone and wish them happiness at this time of year!  Ironically, it's the best way to lift your own spirits.

   Or...if you are a blogger take a minute and wish all your readers the very best the season and life has to offer.  Happy Holidays everone!

Respectfully submitted
Mimi Scott, Ph.d, LCSW
mscott13@aol.com
212 721-2979
917 846-2449

WHEN THE HEART AND THE HEAD ARE IN OPPOSITION

       I feel really torn as I'm sure many out there do.  I too believe the world cannot stand by as  they did in the late 30's and early 40's and watch a dictator destroy lives....we still are "our brother's keepers" are we not?  I've never been too much of a fan of the UN, but still is there no authority in our world that is there to set up rules to 'keep us in line'?  Is not  a country like Syria simply gassing adults as well as children a perfect example of the world 'running amok'?  Shall we stand by and let this atrocity happen and look the other way?  My heart tells me NO.

      On the other hand, would not World War III bring complete devastation to the world??  Will not military action on our part (with virtually no other real partners) incite retaliation all over the Mid East, specifically toward our most important ally---Israel (whom we rely upon for so very much---most significantly our intelligence)?  What kind of weaponry is so specific as to hit only selected targets?  And yet it is the sophisticated weapons of today that can reach all of us from lands afar.
Should it be our choice to take action no matter how limited, I, sitting in my home here in New York City, feel frightened.

    As much as our Congress, for the most part, has come across increasingly incompetent, I am happy that Mr. Obama has put this issue on the table for them to debate. (Of course by the time that would take place and conclude....thousands more Syrians could be gone).  No matter what, Congress are our representatives and as such we must leave this decision in their hands.  If you feel strongly, now is the time to contact your congressman or woman and let them hear your feelings.  It is also the time to truly pray for them to be guided in this decision.

Dear Lord help us to peacefully restore humanity in our world.

Respectfully submitted


Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com

ANOTHER OPENING!!!! ANOTHER SHOW!!

I'm writing this time, not as a therapist but as an actress/producer/playwright in order to share with you all my excitement over the opening of my new show Mah Jongg, The Musical which will be performed on the first 4 Thursdays in October at 7:00pm at New York's most popular Cabaret Club...Don't Tell Mama at 343 West 46th St between 8th and 9th Avenues .

I have 5 great gals with 5 great voices: Mary Crimmins,  Lisa Franklin, Michele Mac Shane, Paula Newman, and Linda Shell, who along with me, will be keeping audiences laughing and crying and, I'm quite sure, going home with a lot to think about.  From chit chat about elderly parents; the early sex lives of our grandchildren; online dating; the medications we consume; our lack of money---epitomized in a song called Gelt--- the importance of our pets, and of course our own marital statuses, the show covers just about everything that ladies of 'a certain age' might talk about. 

There are many wonderfully tuneful songs, composed by my new best friend, Nathan Kaplan, (with lyrics by yours truly) which virtually cover everything we discuss, and nothing is funnier than the number concerning the anticipated wedding of the Gay son of one of the Mah Jongg ladies.  All of it takes place while trying to concentrate (at my character's urging) on 'the Game'. My old friend Dick Feldman is directing all the chaos, and with the addition of his choreographic expertise, is translating it all into a delightful show.

I can promise any and all of you who may be interested in coming a really fun evening.  And there is a restaurant now attached to the Club which is delghtful if you would like to dine prior to the show or just after.

So my friends, and readers, do come and bring friends and of course, Mah Jongg groups with you.  They will all have a great evening, and the cover charge is only $16.00 with a two drink minimum (and drinks are very reasonable here). So call for reservations early at 212 757-0788.
(You may also want to visit  donttellmamanyc.com for your reservations).  Remember the dates: October 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th, and be sure and say hello to me after the show. 

See ya there!

Mimi Scott

FINDING YOUR SPIRIT...

           Have you ever gone through a blank period? Nothing excites you. Nothing makes sense and nothing seems to motivate you. It's easier to stay in then to go out. TV is enough company. We've probably all been there at one time or another.  I'd like to say that "this too shall pass", but unfortunately it isn't that simple.  It still takes something from you in order to "pass", and instruction from friends and family can sometimes push you further away from taking action....and that is what is ultimately required "taking action".

         Those of you reading this who know me personally are aware that along with my psychotherapy work, I am very active in the theatre and the stage is my second home.  I often help clients who are 'stuck' so to speak by offering a little from the world of 'acting'.  There are two methods of conveying a certain emotion on the stage.  Let's say the actor has to come across as really cold (literally).  He/she may remember being outside on an extremely cold winter day when warmth is still far away. In doing so the actor tries to realize what it felt like hiking home and freezing (just writing this makes me shiver).  The actor senses exactly how he or she felt at that moment in time and indeed usually comes across 'cold' on the stage.

         The second 'method' of trying to come across 'cold' happens from the 'outside--in' so to speak.
In trying to appear 'cold' the actor may choose to put a collar up and to cross his or her arms while rubbing up and down from the shoulder to the elbow. He or she may also try running in place and closing hands around the mouth while breathing out.  In doing all the above the actor soon feels 'cold'.

         The same can be true in life.  If the aim is to 'wake up' and 'smell the roses', or put another way
"get your ass outa bed and get going" there are also two diffferent ways to get oneself out of the funk.  You may sit and think through what is going on and mentally make a list of what you can to to activate yourself....you may even write up the list and in very small steps begin to take action while checking off each step as you take it.  OR you can try the second method and and actually do all the things that you know to do in order to feel or 'be' more alive.  Number one...get outta bed and get dressed. Then make yourself, or go out for something to eat that you really enjoy.  Then contact someone who makes you feel good by text, phone or whatever. Make plans to do something and do it!  Before you know it you will find some of that 'old spirit' is invading your body.  Keep it all up until it's natural again. 

       After a heart attack several months ago when the prescption for me was to rest. rest and rest some more...I soon found myself in that funk....soooooo I disobeyed and not only got out of bed, but I got dressed; put on make up and even jewelry----just to walk the dogs!!  But slowly I'm still getting back to normal and of course, the theatre once again is getting me there.  Plans are in place for my show Mah Jongg the Musical to be performed at Don't Tell Mama, Manhattan's number one Cabaret Club on west 46th street in midtown.  Rehearsals actually begin next week.  Sooooo I'm certainly happy to be 'finding that old spirit'.
     
     Hope you enjoyed this session as much as I did writing it..

Respectfully submitted

Mimi Scott, Ph.D
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com
212 721-2979
917-846-2449

FINDING SPRING...

We have indeed enjoyed some lovely 'Spring' days/evenings in the past few weeks...but have we really left behind a very cold and dark winter?  Are we really liberated, or are the guns, the bombs and the other horrors of the past season really gone?? We can pray...but I'm not very hopeful.

How in God's name did they not pass the new gun control measures...and both parties were guilty!!  It boggles my mind. Two nights ago a lovely Hofstra college girl, a twin, was killed---and not by the gun that the intruder shot....but by the bullet that the police shot trying to save her!!! No matter how you look at it---it was another gun battle!!!

If a license to drive can be obtained by passing a written test and a road test---why can't there be a test or two for gun purchasing?  Cannot mental health scholars come up with some questions that can reveal problems and at least alert those in a position to reliquish the weapons, that the purchaser is deemed not stable enough to own the weapon?  Maybe...just maybe some lives may be saved with this relatively easy process. 

Are all of you aware of the new guns for kids?   Made with cartoon characters on them?? NOT TOYS...REAL GUNS!!.  About a month ago a parent bought one for a five year old son...The next day he shot and killed his toddler sister with it. When this parent purchased the gun could he or she have not been given a simple test to investigate his or her own stability?  And if the test does indeed send out an alert--let these people get affirmation of their capability to own a gun either for themselves or for their children, from a licensed mental health person before being allowed to complete the purchase.

I used to feel that before a new mother leaves a hospital with a newborn they should be required to pass a simple test offered by the hospital.  Simple things like handling diaper changes and baby cries can frustrate and even anger a parent to the point of harming the baby.

It's rather pathetic that we have arrived at a place that requires these kinds of tactics...but we have--- and if that frustrated parent, or sibling or sitter gets angry enough today they can reach for those guns that are simply lying around....

Please let us not just let this effort to rid our communities of these guns and and those who carry them for evil, go by the wayside. Write continually to our legislators and refuse to vote for him or her until he or she has taken a strong stand to reduce the ability of an individual to obtain a gun whenever the mood strikes!!

Hope you digest this session...I just didn't want to let the issue (or another victim) die....Thanks for your attention.

Respectfully,
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com

KEEPING IN TOUCH!!

    My Aunt Gert died last week. She was 100 years old this past August.  There was a wonderful party given to celebrate.  Two weeks later I called and asked how she enjoyed the party and she said "What party?"...

    I didn't really get in too many calls to her this past Fall.  Then last week I was told she was in Hospice...I was beside myself and packed right away to get up to see her before she could possibly go.  As we were going out the door I got the call that she had passed...I was devastated.  Not that I didn't totally expect that at 100 it wouldn't be too long, and not that we weren't all able to go on without her, but I was devastated because I hadn't gotten to simply 'talk' to her once more before she went. How many of us suffer that feeling of "why didn't I call more or visit more?" when someone passes or becomes ill. I hope that I will not ever feel that way again. 

   I only recently learned that my Assistant talks to her family (and I mean cousins, aunts and uncles, as well as brothers and sisters and parents) every single day!!  She gets up early and goes to bed late so she can be sure and touch base with everyone each day.  In addition, I have a 'best friend' from high school who has lived in California since we graduated.  I couldn't believe how much she called me (at least once daily) when I had breast cancer, and equally as much when I suffered a heart attack.  And the distance has never kept us from being in touch with one another.  What really blew my mind was when she too, told me that she does the same with her entire family.  Her sister has passed, but her sister's children and their children are called everyday, and she too talks to all her cousins, etc. all the time.

   I'm really interested if all my readers do virtually the same, or like my family, barely stay in touch.
Neither of the two people I've described use the internet to 'keep in touch' since it's all done by calling. Well, in today's world that's got to be rare.  Other than my daughter, and her three girls, all other communication is mainly by email or text.  Even my son asks that I email him rather than call. That way he is actually able to give me more attention then when I call in the midst of his busy working day/night.
 
   Calls are wonderful, but a simple email or even a text to make sure everything is ok, is at least one way of 'keeping in touch'.  And when I say 'family', I include all good friends.  How many times have we heard of some mishap or infirmity that has befallen someone about whom we care and felt just awful that we hadn't been 'in touch' prior to all this happening.

  Others are our life blood.  We thrive on their warmth, friendship, intellligence and creativity.  They are what makes the difference often in our own successes and failures.  They are our support.  But it does take a commitment to make sure we 'keep in touch' and are there for them when they need us to be their conscience, support and simply their 'friend'.  In my practice I have always found that whatever anyone is suffering is made so much easier when their life is filled with people, as opposed to how much harder it all is when they feel friendless and lonely.  It actually makes a tremendous difference in one's physical well being as well as his or her emotional well being.

   And, not to excuse myself, but a twosome can accomplish all this much better than a single person.  If you haven't contacted someone in awhile you can always ask a spouse or a partner to take care of it.  And it is so much easier for others when they have the choice of contacting you or your 'other half'.  As bad as I feel about my inadequacies regarding my family (I guess I simply took them 'for granted'), I did make a commitment early on to stay in touch with people I have met and cared for through the years, especially since I became widowed.  I am not one who ever feels alone or short of friends...but it does take work and a real commitment.  In the end this activity makes your life and your whole world that much fuller and more complete.

   Isn't there some ad that  says something like "Have you called your kids today?".  Take heed.

  I hope you've found this session helpful....

  Respectfully yours,

 Mimi Scott, Ph.D
 212 721-2979
 917 846-2449    Isn't it great how many ways we can contact someone today!!
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com

EXPERIENCING A HEART ATTACK

         
           It is now exactly two months since 'it' happened and I'm just beginning to try and put it all in perspective...especially since the name of the kind of attack I had was "Broken Heart Syndrome".

          Physically this means that the heart stopped opening and closing at its tip which leaves one very vulnerable to a clot or a stroke. As a reesult your heart is only functioning at half strength. Rather than a flow rate of 63 mine was at 33 (it is now up to 51 which makes my doctor very happy eventhough it is not yet normal). It is the emotional side that has given me much more pause.

          Statistically this 'broken heart syndrome' is most commonly exprerienced by women my age, who have usually lost someone.  My first response therefore was "I must have had a really 'delayed reaction' since my husband died almost 22 years ago".

          It is also common to women under a lot of stress. I had been in the thoes of producing an Off Broadway show at an Off Broadway theatre (right across the street from where I live) that was very desirous of having the show...Mah Jongg, The Musical...in their theatre.  However after weeks of extraordinary stress getting all the elements together, a budget was drawn up which demontrated that, given our costs, selling out 100% at the top ticket price, we nevertheless stood to lose money as there were not enough seats in this beautiful, but small theatre, to even 'break even'. Strangely, I felt more relief than unhappiness at that time....that's how stressed I must have been.

          As far as the grief element goes, what I believe to be the most beneficial step a new widow or widower can do, was also the cause of my grief.  I, of course, am talking about the acquisition of our precious pets.  There is nothing more comforting than our furry friends when we find ourselves alone.
They are our pals, our companions, and in many ways, our new beloved 'kids'. Two years ago this coming Spring I lost two of my four precious puppies. 

        The oldest, Kramer, who had been with me since I was widowed, was a handicapped dog whom I had nursed through his loss of movement in his back legs.  I became well known as the lady with her dogs sitting in a shopping cart, which I had realized was the best way to take Kramer around after his surgery from a ruptured disc did not succeed in 'bringing him back'.  His three sisters were slelcted based on the way they all looked together in the cart. So when I finally was advised to put Kramer 'down' because his incontinence, barking and biting had reached inordinate levels, I did so, and then spent the next few days in tremendous sadness with the tears flowing. 

        But nothing prepared me when exactly a week to the day I had said 'good-bye' to Kramer, to lose my youngest and smallest dog, Coconut---everyone's favorite due to her size.  She had awakened that morning and collapsed, and later, that night, after spending the day at the vet and in the animal hospital, I was called and informed that she had died. I have no words to describe how distraught I became.  It was the unexpected element of her death that made it so extremely difficult.
The loss was intense and since that time I have said so frequently:

                                      "I'm still traumatized by the death of Coconut"

       More stress than I had ever been under; the loss of my beloved two puppies, and the shock recently felt when I read in the paper about the death of a dear friend whom I rarely saw or spoke with, but whose very successful career (he was the well known TV chef---Mr Food) I had had a hand in creating when I invited him to be my 'food person' on a morning talk show I hosted in the early 70's called 'Coffeebreak' on the upstate NY ABC affiliate.  That too, elicited a great deal of shock and sadness about two weeks prior to my heart attack.

        My advice this session therefore is:  Don't just take these kinds of events lightly...take time to talk about them when they happen and find time to talk to a therapist as well when you are hurting, because unbeknownst to most people, these kinds of happenings can take a toll on our fragile 'hearts'.
So, if and when you feel tremendous pain in your chest...you may indeed have 'a broken heart'.

       Hope my tale maybe helps all of you out there in one way or another...and oh yes...don't wait if you have this pain....call 911 immediatly...I did not and probably did more damage as a result. 

        But I shall close with the fact that I am swimming daily; lifting weights; riding my stationary bike twice a day, doing floor exercises, and staying away from salted foods, which has all helped to bring my 'flow rate' back up to almost normal...take heed...

Respectfully,

Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917 846-2449
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com

EXPERIENCING A HEART ATTACK

           It's been eactly two months, and I'm just beginning to try and place what happened into its proper perspecctive, especially since they call the kind of heart attack I had

THOUGHTS ON MOTIVE FOR NEWTOWN MASSACRE

        
                It has been a very long time since I have been able to blog and there have been significant reasons for all that.  However, since the massacre at Newtown I feel an obligation, as a mental health professsional, to share my thoughts.  And what I have come to believe I have not heard from any of the professionals interviewed heretofore....and I cannot understand why.

               We quickly learned about the autism layered with asbergers that Adam Lanza suffered.
He was described throughout his school days as 'weird' and as 'a loner'.  He also was said to be 'brilliant'. He did not interact with others. Therefore he must have been the kind of young person who was totally aware of himself and of what others thought about him.  My conclusion is that Adam Lanza was filled with self loathing. His days in school must have been painful for him (eventhough he was said to not have the ability to feel 'pain'---if he was cut he would not feel it), but I believe that mental pain can be strongly felt even if a severe physical injury could not be.

               This kind of pain which I believe Adam was in all through his school years, must have filled him with self loathing.  And the loathing must have been seen as derived from the woman who had given birth to him. I feel that Adam Lanza had to have hated his mother for 'making him the way he was'.  He could indeed 'blame' her for everything. And what a stroke of luck for him that she introduced him to the art of 'shooting' and that she stored all these weapons right in the home they shared!

              At the same time I believe Adam Lanza wanted to prevent as many young children as he could from going through all that he had gone through.  With the weapons his mother had brought into his life, he found the means to 'save the children'.  He was adept at shooting and planned his attack very carefully.  It had to begin with the death of his mother as she, in his mind, was 'responsible' for all of the miserable life he had been leading for so long.  Logically then, the murder of his mother had to be followed immediately by the attempt to murder, thus to protect, all these children from having to deal with the horrors of life which Adam Lanza felt were so destructive to survival.

             Have not any of you out there heard stories of parents who killed their children in order to protect them?  That to me is what I felt was the motive behind all that took place December, 14th in Newtown, Ct.  Just something that the forensic psychiatrists and psychologist who have been involved may want to consider.

             Hope you have felt some enlightenment, even if you totally reject it, from this session.

Mimi Scott, Ph.D
mscott13@aol.com
www.drmimiscott.com
212 721-2979
917 846-2449

                How could I not do a blog at this moment in time??  It has indeed been a very loong time, and there have been significant reasons for that, but as a mental health professional I feel an obligation to share my thoughts on the Newtown massacre.

                My theory is not that complex and I am shocked that none of the forensic psychiatrists and psychologists who have been interviewed have not expressed what I am going to.  My thoughts are these:  I believe that Adam Lanza, a loner all his life, was filled with self loathing.  The Autism alone, layered with Aspergers was not something about which this brilliant young man was unaware.  He, it has been said, did not interact or intermingle all through his school days at Sandy Hook....he was considered 'weird' and as I said above 'a loner'. This type of person is often filled with self loathing.

BOUNCING BACK

      

HANGING IN FOR SUCCESS

           It's been awhile since you've heard from me...and the reason is what I'm going to write about.

           I have been completely overwhelmed with what I'm doing...but I can't complain because
 I'm doing that which every thing in my being has told me to 'hang in' for and 'believe in', and not to 'give up' on.

          All my life I have been active in one or more areas of theatre. While mainly as an actress, I have written, directed and produced theatre pieces, mostly musicals, time and time again.  I have also established a number of theatres.  But about three years ago I wrote a new show called Mah Jongg, The Musical.  Those to whom I talked to about it were very encouraging.  Finally last winter I found the right guy to write my music. He did a stupendous job!  And then we held auditions and cast the five women (I'm the sixth) we needed for the piece.  This was in preparation for a reading we would have to introduce people here in New York, to the musical.  The room was packed and they loved the piece!  We were indeed excited.  Then we heard about a Musical Theater Festival held in the West Village...we applied and were selected...we were thrilled!

         We prepared the 15 minute selection from the show of some scenes and songs and rehearsed. Before we knew it the Festival was here...WE WON!  We won best show; best original score, and I won for best actress.  What a night when the awards (based on audience picks) were announced.
We thought we would get the show directed for places and people to whom we knew it would appeal.Temple groups; JCC's; Jewish women's organizations, dinner theatres and much much more.   With tremendous help from my own daughter we have put together an hour long show for this purposee.
        While readying all this, on a whim I went across the street to the 63rd street Y which houses a beautiful theatre...an Off Broadway one.  Well, the gal to whom I spoke there, related to me; loved my script and loved the song selections I gave her on a CD.  She suggested we rent the theatre there for a five week run from February12th-March 17th.  I was on air!  I had gotten my show into an Off Broadway theatre!!  My cast, my daughter, everyone connected to the show was ecstatic.  Other small theatre producers wondered how in the world I had done this...some of them had been trying to get shows in there forever.  I was so happy, and so oblivious to how very much producing an Off Broadway musical involves--specifically the cost!!  Where was I going to get the money????

        One friend from theatre who had been part of a writer's group I founded several years back decided to invest in my show and gave me the money I needed for my start up costs...she is one wonderful friend and a very talented writer herself.  Now...how do I get the rest???  Well my son brought someone to my attention who is exceptionally knowledgeable of something I had no idea about---online fundraising websites...specifically one called Kickstarter.  He assures me that money can be raised from lots of small donations which can tremendously 'fill the bill'.  So we've made the neccesary video which introduces our show and tells what we're about to viewers....so we are on our way!

       At each juncture I have had doubts---mainly about the cost--but every horoscope I've read in my beloved NY Post (their horoscopes are known to be more on target than any other anywhere) and every prayer I have made to the Good Lord  have all virtually said I should 'hang in' 'believe in' and have 'faith in' this show which I've known from the start was the best piece I have ever written.

The show is funny; has rousing songs and dances, and offers some very useful hints for living for all ages. The topics covered are those to which everyone will relate.  So I'm 'putting it out there' for everyone who knows me and is familiar with my work (if only on this blog), to join in with all those who are already donating online.  There are perks that go along with donations such as tickets to the show; a Mah Jongg key chain developed from my own artwork (specifically a canvass I painted of Mah Jongg tiles) that can be worn with a necklace as well; and of course there are backstage meetings with the cast. Most of all you will be rewarding my effort to 'hang in' and have 'faith in' a product I know you will all love!!  Something which this blog suggests all you readers should think about doing if there is something you have always wanted to do; to write; to find; to accomplish....go for it! Have faith in it---believe in it, and take the steps to make it happen!

         Now here's the link to kickstarter which I truly hope you will all visit ASAP!!

Hope you've enjoyed this session..

Respectfully,

Mimi Scott, Ph.D
212 721-2979
917- 846-2449
mscott133@aol.com
http://sessionswithdrmimiscott.blogspot.com