What a lovely woman, this Statia.

Well, emd, we are living vicariously thur one another. I've longed to go to Japan for SO long and love reading your posts about such. I'll get there ONE day!

On the other hand, a dear friend of mine who has a house here on our island was the costume manager for Victor/Victoria and is still very close with Julie Andrews (or Mary Poppins, as he endearingly calls her).

When I was in NYC for my birthday one year, he gave us a backstage tour of the show, let me try on a couple of her costumes, got us great seats for the show, and also had us come to her dressing room after the show to talk to her. I actually have a large, framed, autographed birthday photo from her for the occassion, as well as several other pics with she and her husband. She was such a dear, as was Blake. Very down to earth and so charming.

BTW - The Sound of Music is one of both mine and my mom's all time favorite movies. Thanks for reminding me of this fabulous flick. I need to pull it out again. It's been too long.

tondalaya, I just saw your post. Thanks for the nice sentiment.

I'm actually just an ordinary woman trying to do something special for an extraordinary mother. I know many posters here have trip reports on doing the same for their parent/parents, as well. :)

Statia, what a wonderful gift. You will never forget the memories this trip will make for you. I cried with the sheer pleasure of sharing your happiness.
Happy holidays.

Oh, Statia, what a great Julie Andrews story! But moreover, your frind did this for you! What a precious gift.

I have to say this as it is just bubbling over- this is a time I wish Patrick was here to read your post...

and btw, if you are going to go out, just ask and I would be honored to start the Friday Night Poison post in your absence..

Anytime, emd. It's not my post, it's everyone's post. Anyone can feel free to start it quite honestly. :)

Glad you enjoyed the story with "Mary Poppins" and Blake. It was a very special time in my life, for certain. Especially since my mom (the former singing nun) was a fan of hers way before I was. ;)

Statia,

I read this thread with bittersweet emotion.

I am SO happy for you and your Mom and you are doing something that will give you memories to last a lifetime. How wonderful you are! :)

My Mom was an artist and had wanted to go to Florence almost her entire life to see the amazing art there - her specialty was sculpture and frescoes.

Finally, the kids were out and the mortgage was paid, and they had plans to travel. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, (caused by exposure to the paint solvents she had used for years in her oil painting) and was gone in 3 months.

If I ever get to Florence, I'll take some of her ashes with me...

You and your mother will have an amazing time, and treasure every moment of your trip. :)

While thinking of the Sound of Music... The anniversary edition of the movie has recently come out. We just missed some of the filming that was taking place in Austria this summer.

Statia, what a wonderful thing to do! ANd I'm so jealous - "Sound of Music" is my absolute favorite movie of all time, with "Mary Poppins" a close second and you got the meet the wonderful woman who personified both for me!

Dear Diana,

I'm sure Statia will say something as well, but just wanted you to know your post brought a tear to my eye when I read it last night. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you will get to Florence for her some day.

SusanEva

Arrghh. Internet problems this time of year can be a real pain, especially at work when things are so busy and we rely on email so much. :(

I've not been able to get online since late Saturday night so I apologize for just now responding to the further nice comments on this thread. I certainly didn't mean for this thread topic to revolve around the surprise trip for my mom....or Julie Andrews for that matter. ;)

Diana, your post moved me, as well. I wish that you could have been able to take your mom somewhere that would have been so special for her. I think that scattering some of her ashes in Florence is a lovely idea.

I had originally planned this trip for fall of next year, or even later, so that I could save up. Then, I began thinking "What if it's too late?" So, I'm very glad now that I've forged ahead and that we're making it happen sooner. And your post is obviously even further reinforcement. Thanks.

SusanEva and Statia,

Thanks so much to both of you for your thoughtful responses.

My first impulse was to max out the credit cards and book the trip anyway, but she declined in health so fast. It was a hard lesson in how things can change from one moment to the next.

Statia, I really look forward to hearing about all of the sights and experiences you and your mom have together on your trip. Have a super fantastic time, and don't forget to consult all of Muffin's old posts to pick up some tips for your voyage. (Pack your kicky leather pants, too.) :>