Is there anyone who doesn’t know you don’t put Baby in a corner? Or who doesn’t automatically hum along to “The Time of my Life”? Imagine revisiting “Dirty Dancing” at its original locale – and visiting the site where Baby and Johnny practiced “the lift” – possibly the most famous dance routine ending ever? Welcome to Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia channeling the Catskills hotel — AKA the Kellerman’s Resort.

In case you’re one of the few who is unfamiliar with the cult classic, go stream it now. Right now. I’ll wait for you. Because this is just an adventure that is too much fun to miss out on! And that includes the sound track that seems to embed in the ear – from “Hungry Eyes”to “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” to the indelible “Time of My Life.”

Yes, you can go on a theme weekend and experience the movie from start to finish including dance lessons, trivia contests, costume parties, scavenger hunts and multiple viewings of the film. The lodge looms as large in real life as it does in the movie, and the resort itself promotes an immersive connection to the film. Having viewed the movie once again before arriving, we looked for many of the film’s key locales and couldn’t help but feel an immediate attachment not usually associated with other hotel visits.

Signs everywhere designate important locations – the gazebo where Penny gave dance lessons; Baby’s cabin where the Houseman family resided; the lake where Johnny and Baby practiced “the lift.” Dirty Dancing permeates the grounds – and once the guests arrive — seniors, couples, mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends on a weekend getaway — many in a variety of Dirty Dancing t-shirts — electricity abounds. Apparently, no age group is immune to the long-term appeal of the film.

Now I’ve seen the movie a couple of times but am anything but a devotee so I was unfamiliar with all the references I saw to “I carried a watermelon.” Apparently, this was the first thing Baby said to Johnny and immediately berated herself for it. The meme was everywhere.

Want to rent Baby’s cabin? No problem. Just start a year or more in advance. But try to leave everything in place. The hotel manager told me that guests kept stealing the plaque denoting Room 232 in the main lodge, the one Patrick Swayze stayed in during filming. Other lodging options include cottages dating back to the 1920’s.

First night – costume and dance party. Lots of Babys of course, a bunch of Pennys, a few Lisas (Baby’s sister), a couple of villain Vivians and you guessed it, a number of watermelons. And a surprisingly number of Johnnys of all ages – none of them exactly channeling Patrick Swayze but several sporting some impressive dance moves. He would have been proud! And all are so immersed in their individual characters. Are you with me yet?

Rita Lockton from North Dakota is celebrating her 20th anniversary. “When I was a kid my folks told me it was an R-rated film so my cousins and I snuck around to watch it all the time. I’ve been fascinated by it ever since and have always wanted to come here. I’m so excited and I haven’t even experienced anything yet!” Lots of revelers shared that sentiment.

Next day there’s a trivia contest, of course. An auditorium packed with Dirty Dancing aficionados. A round of 50 very detailed questions requiring an encyclopedic knowledge of the film, with the soundtrack playing in the background. The license plate number of Johnny’s car as he drove off? Seriously? Most of these folk had probably seen the film dozens of times but the plate number must have been there two seconds max. Still, easy peasy. I guessed at maybe five or six correctly. The winning couple correctly answered almost all.

Then the scavenger hunt took the 200 DD devotees all around the resort clicking pictures to prove their righteous reconnaissance. And off to the Kellerman Gift Shop to claim their prizes, a store devoted to all things Baby and Johnny related, from clothing and posters to gifts and books, both written by and about the protagonists. If it has anything to do with the movie, it’s there. And as a change of pace after scavenging, what more appropriate option than some salsa and meringue lessons from a modern-day Penny.

But before I left, I slipped in for one more replaying of the movie and practically shouted throughout: “There’s a trivia answer; there’s a trivia answer….” There was a noticeable gasp as everyone in the theater particularly noted Johnny’s license plate number.

For those of you who don’t care whether Baby is put into a corner, there are all kinds of activities that any normal resort might offer readily available to guests whether on a theme weekend or not: miles of hiking trails, ropes course and zip lines; ATV tours, clay shooting, escape rooms, bubble balls, arts studio and more. But, thankfully, you’re never that far away from a new Dirty Dancing discovery – all while having The Time of your Life! For more information, visit mtnlakelodge.com.

P.S. “Dirty Dancing 2” is in the works, produced by and starring Jennifer Grey – no doubt held up by the actors’ strike. To be filmed, of course, at Kellerman’s! Stay tuned – and get ready to watch this time!

The post Mountain Lake Lodge, AKA Kellerman’s Resort: Where Dirty Dancing Comes to Life appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Entrepreneurs

Had a long brainstorming session with chums from my high school about a project to help the impoverished in the Bacolod province of the Philippines. If this plan works we will train the locals to fabricate parts and machinery for industrial use. We will teach kids how to make CAD (Computer Aided Designs) to be outputted in 3D Printers. One exciting idea led to another.

This is what I do. This is what I enjoy. I want you to experience that too. I know this isn’t for everyone but many who are never thought they’d be an entrepreneur. If you are employed and have marketable skills, and willing to get out of your comfort zone — let’s bring out the creative entrepreneur in you.

I used to be employed and was hidden in the back office cave. My social skills were never encouraged. My boss kept me ignorant and enjoyed the spotlight with the clients. He spoke as if he was the creator. It was only when I started my own business that I was forced to speak in public and learned to express myself. So if you’re one of those “back-office” people, let me share that work (accomplishing something) does not have to be a 9 to 5 job (getting paid for your service).

I’ve been to several of these early project stages that grew into “something big.” It normally starts with an awareness of the talent in the room and then ideas bounce like heated pop corn. It’s great when elements fuse together among like-minded people. Don’t be like some people who are too pragmatic and are blinded by the monumental task and fail to see the benefits. Be the opposite of that. Enjoy the process and delight in the creative gears fitting in place.

My Dad was an entrepreneur and he passed that trait to me. I learned to question a lot. I discovered how things work by destroying quite a few toys and appliances while growing up. I learned to make do with the little that I had. Learned to cook with only the ingredients at hand. If this sounds like you, you might want to start your own business.

This is what it means to be an entrepreneur. Of course you need to pray about it. Get feedback from people you trust and align with people who will accompany you in your journey. You’ll need these friends because it’s going to be a rough ride. I’m currently advising Violet (not her real name), a young lady who started a catering business. Her capital is small but she’s determined. And so far, her lunch packs have sold out with every venture. She is a victim of many unfortunate incidents so she needs the extra income to lift herself out of her debt. Please pray for Violet. And if you’d like to help contribute to her meager capital, please get in touch with me.

In my world, the person who makes the most money doesn’t win. It’s the one who has lived the most and helped more people — that person’s the real winner.

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Bob of Baltimore for this joke.

Video of the Week

Thanks to Arthur of Singapore for this video

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

I found these.

The post Pronouns appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Holiday Baby

The world just stopped spinning. As I write this TGIF edition, my daughter-in-law is going through labor.

This is their first baby. My third grandchild. Boy, are we excited. Even my wife who normally prepares for bed at this time is re-energized by the delivery. The whole family in different parts of the world is awake as if we were there present and pushing with the Mom.

I don’t know why, but I suspected today, July 2, must be the middle day of the year. So I Googled it up and sure enough, today IS the exact middle with 182 days before and 182 days after. How cool is that? I guess this is one of the first trivia that will accompany the story-telling for years to come.

The parents didn’t want us to know the sex of the baby. They wanted it to be a surprise. They were secretive throughout the pregnancy. I’ve been saying it’s gonna be a girl. Who knows? We don’t even know its name for sure. Boy or girl is not important. I know I’m going to love it to death. By the time I need to launch this email, the baby will still be finding its way into this world. I’ll let you know if it’s a “he” or a “she.”

I’m so excited, it’s hard to focus on this article. All I can think of are babies, babies, babies — beautiful eyes, a beautiful nose, 10 fingers, 10 toes, curly hair, dimples, chubby cheeks, kissable lips, baby breath — Oh God! Please make the baby healthy. Please help Mom push. Help Dad give support at the right time. Be with the doctors and the nurses … guide their hands.

I’m sure many of you can relate to my giddiness. We’ve all shared this expectation at one time or another. I hope this email will remind you of your own family. May our appreciation never fade … even when our kids test the limits of our patience. May our kids bring us the bountiful joyful spice of life.

Isn’t it wonderful that we have this direct line to the Creator of the universe? I can feel his love and warm embrace. I know He loves the little one and I pray that the little one will love God back throughout her life. May God’s blessing overflow and may she bless all she encounters. For I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Christmas in (literally) the middle of the year. TGIF people! Have a glorious 4th of July weekend!

Raoul

“Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him.” — Psalm 127:3

Speaking of the 4th of July holiday, think about this:

Video of the Week

A collection of cute babies

(This guy in 3:02 minutes of the video looks like a younger version of me)

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington DC for all these baby jokes.

This is what a helping hand looks like
The guy in the back is the supervisor!

The post Holiday Baby appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Busy Busy Busy

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Sent by Rodney of Manitoba, B.C.

VIDEO: IKEA War Survivor

Thanks to Mike of New York for sharing this video

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi who sent this joke.

The post Wrong Baby appeared first on Traveling Archive.

No Contest Contest

I didn’t think it was possible. There is a reality TV where the judges are as nice and genteel as can be and still manage to keep the pressure on; where the contestants help each other to do their best even if helping the other person eats up their own time; where there is no prize money and yet the contestants give it all they’ve got for a mere recognition. There is tension. There is drama. There is comedy. And there is clean fun.

I was having this ordinary conversation with Peggy, a classmate in church, and somehow the discussion led to this TV show. Suddenly her eyes sparkled and she got really excited sharing it. Another person overheard our talk and she too joined in with excitement.

Who would have thought that people would be so excited about such a subject? It turns out that more and more people I talked to were also “secretly” watching this show in Netflix. I couldn’t believe it. It actually has a cult following.

So I decided to check out what the fuss was all about. Wouldn’t you know it? I started watching one episode after another. I got hooked! Imagine — a macho man like me, enjoying this “sissy” activity — hard to believe, huh? I rarely bake and I am not familiar with some of the jargon (ie. “over proofed” or “more savory than salty”) — yet, I was glued to the show. I got into the different personalities of the contestants. I was sad when people were cut off from the winning circle. And I love the creativity.

And this is my point: With all the sex, violence, horror, decrepit and shallow drama that Netflix dishes out, this refreshing show gives me hope for Netflix. Here we have congenial personalities and clean witty humor.  What a nice escape. Perhaps a downside to watching this is you get really hungry even though you can’t smell, touch or taste the food. If you’ve got a diet problem, move on. This show may not help.

By now you should know the title of the show, right? Right? Good.

TGIF people!

Psssst! …  it’s the Great British Baking Show.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Funny Video

The Future Politician

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

The post At the Auction House appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Special People

So I heard it through the grapevines that Denzel Washington will be in town this week. He’ll be shooting a movie less than 5 miles away from where I live. Am I excited? Yeah, I think I am. Will I join the throng of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of him? Nah! I’ve got work to do.

Living in Los Angeles you bump into celebrities occasionally. It’s like watching wildlife in a safari. I’m amused how these stars walk the streets of the real world and act like ordinary people.

I guess we all daydream about what it would be like to be a celebrity — earning celebrity salaries, getting celebrity attention everywhere we go, etc. But lest you daydream too much, remember: there is a high price for being a celebrity. These demigods live in an aquarium. They can never become ordinary ever again even when they fall from grace for whatever reason.

In the Broadway play Camelot, there is a scene where King Arthur and Queen Genevieve [the two most powerful people in the kingdom of Camelot] are faced with a “royal” mess that could unhinge the existence of their kingdom. And their minds race back to happier and simpler times. And they wonder how “simple folks” solve their problems. Do they whistle? Do they sing? Do they dance? How ironic that king and queen were willing to give up their most enviable social status to return to being a “simple folk.” We want to be like them but they want to be like us.

This month and next, I have a string of volunteer appointments to do caricatures for several fund raisers. I will be reading fascinating lives in the eyes of so many people. Sure, celebrities lead interesting lives but it’s my fellow “simple folks” who I enjoy the most. In God’s eyes, everyone is special … including them … including you.

TGIF people!

P.S. If you would like your quickie Caricature done, meet ME at the Lady of Guadalupe Church In LaHabra, CA from 1 to 5pm.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Baby Conductor

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena for sending this:

The post Back from Papua New Guinea appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I’m observing a changing social landscape. See if you agree with me.  They say we live in a patriarchal society where men are the bread winners and women take care of the children. Even though popular media decries the imbalance of men vs women’s salaries (which is still predominantly true) the same sources do not acknowledge that there have been  major strides towards the bridging of this gap.

Raise your hands if you know of a married couple where the wife earns more than her husband. Raise your hands if you know of a “house-band” who is taking care of the children while the wife goes to work. Raise your hands if you know of a hen-pecked husband.

Like the mystery of disappearing bees, there is a disappearing man who “wears the pants” in the house — the stereotype of the man of the 70’s — the chauvinistic strong silent James Bond types who rescue damsels and save the world. The liberated “secretaries” who sing “I am woman hear me roar” and who smoke Virginia Slims (wow! remember that?) have blossomed into independent Wonder Women. Still do not believe me? Compared to yesteryear, how many more women heroes are celebrated in TV and movies? Even Netflix has a category where females have a strong lead role.

When I attended my son’s graduation, I think the women grads far outnumbered the men by 75% … maybe more. Why? I have my theories but that is not really why I am bringing this up. I’m thinking of Sunday — Father’s Day. If you are wondering what a good gift will be for the Dad in your life, I am suggesting something other than the standard shirt or tie.

Because of the changing gender roles I believe Dads want appreciation more than anything money can buy. With the depiction of buffoons like Homer Simpson and other dorky TV Dads, you wonder if there are any hero Dads left. It’s true the “Me Too” movement has exposed some dastardly Dads but what about the faithful Dads? Can’t we cheer them on? Don’t get me wrong. We’re all imperfect and we all have our internal demons but Super Dad is not given much recognition.

Why is it easy for many of us to appreciate our Moms during Mother’s Day but Dads …? Why is it so much easier to focus on the negatives? Indeed there are some awful selfish Dads out there who deserve to be hung by their fingernails. Who am I to justify their misdeeds? My own Dad isn’t perfect. But neither am I. Let’s not talk about other Dads. Let’s talk about YOUR Dad. How is/was your relationship with your Dad? Does he, did he, fall short of your expectations? I ask because I wonder how I’m doing as a Dad. Did I do enough?

This Father’s Day, may I suggest you don’t buy him something he will never use. Instead, talk to him and have a meaningful conversation. Ask his advice. Make him feel important in your life. Initiate a bridge towards any needed reconciliation. If you are fortunate to have a super Dad, it will mean a lot for him to hear you say it.

For some, I totally understand if my suggestion is too hard to do … well, you can always get him a tie.

I know my Dad reads my TGIF joke email so, in front of everyone,  “thank you Dad! I appreciate all you did for me and helped shape me into the man I am today.  Love you a lot. I’ll try to call you on Sunday.”

Of course, this is just me.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
—   1 Corinthians 13:4-7

TGIF people!

Be Careful of Your Words

Shared by Eric of La Mirada, CA
According to Eric this was the funniest joke in a recent Scottish poll.

NBA Bad Lip Reading
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

It’s trash talking time with the NBA players. Silly and funny.

WATCH VIDEO

The Animation Winner: Piper
Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

This  movie “Piper” won the Oscar for the best animated  movie. It’s  duration is only 3 min but  the director took 3  years to create it. See how life can change when our perception changes.  An outstanding movie!

WATCH VIDEO

When Kids Grow Up With Dogs
Sent by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

Makes me want to have a dog again. I grew up with dogs but now it seems like the maintenance is too much for me right now. No pets for now. Less stress.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this photo

The post Ugly Baby appeared first on Traveling Archive.

I’m sharing a touching video (see below) about a little girl who sees for the first time. It reminded me of the Gospel passage of Jesus healing a blind man (John 9) which I studied recently. If you don’t want to hear heavy stuff move on the joke section. I just have to get this off my chest.

We’ve all experienced a desire for things seemingly unattainable: a brand new home, a car, hi-tech toys, the latest fashion assortment, etc. … and they need not just be material things. They could be relationships: a loving family, a Prince Charming, a best friend, etc. For the blind man, it was a humble request to function just like everybody else.

Imagine what it was like to wake up everyday in darkness. To not even know how your food looks. To not be able to run free. To rely on sound and smell, taste and touch because those were your only tools.

Then one day, a stranger opens your eyes and you see light for the first time. You see your hands — “so that’s what they look like.” You see art and writing on flat paper. You see colors — “so that’s red blood, green grass and brown dirt. (“I can’t believe nobody told me my blue shoes don’t match my green robe — just kidding!“)

But before you have time to discover more things, you see angry, disbelieving faces, talking loudly at you because somehow you are finally like everybody else. Who invited you to their club? They ask you questions but you have no answer. They insist you fit into their limited realities and dismiss the preponderous possibility of a miracle. You suggest an answer they refuse to consider.

“You were born completely in sin! How is it that you dare to teach us?” Then they expelled him.
— John 9: 34

Many of us, even those in high scholarly places, carry wrong (deeply ingrained) assumptions that lead to the inability to realize we could be wrong thus depriving us of ever finding the truth.

Jesus said, “I have come into the world to exercise judgment so that those who don’t see can see and those who see will become blind.”

Some Pharisees who were with him heard what he said and asked, “Surely we aren’t blind, are we?“

Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t have any sin, but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”
— John 9: 39-41

Did you get that? Jesus challenged them to dig into their assumptions and if they insist that they didn’t need to be taught, then yeah — “they’re blind indeed!”

Let’s ask ourselves: Are we blind to our assumptions? Do we refuse to listen because ideas do not fit our reality? Are we noisy parrots that have little original thought? Are we blind?

Since birth, the blind man was in the minority of a population that could see the physical world. After he gained his sight, he experienced an unexpected paradigm shift because he was again in the minority in a world that was spiritually blind.

TGIF people!

Southern Talk

Contributed by Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

North Carolina
A man in North Carolina had a flat tire, pulled off on the side of the road,
and proceeded to put a bouquet of flowers in front of the car and one behind it.Then he got back in the car to wait.

A passerby studied the scene as he drove by, and was so curious he turned around and went back. He asked the fellow what the problem was.

The man replied, “I got a flat tahr.”
The passerby asked, “But what’s with the flowers?”
The man responded, “When you break down they tell you to put flares in the front and flares in the back. I never did understand it neither.”

Tennessee
A Tennessee State trooper pulled over a pickup on I-65.
The trooper asked, “Got any ID?”

The driver replied, “Bout whut?”

Texas
The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up
into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, “Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don’t you see that sign right over your head?”

“Yep,” he replied. “That’s why I’m dumpin’ it here, ‘cause it says:
‘Fine For Dumping Garbage.’”

Y’all kin say whut y’all want ‘about the South, but y’all never heard o’ nobody retirin’ an’ movin’ North.  Have ya?

TGIF Videos

Girlfriend Massage vs. Wife Massage
Sent by Raffy of Manila

You can already guess which is the preferred massage.

Watch Video

Baby Sees For the First Time
Sent by Leo of Taipei, Taiwan

There are shorter videos that lead up to that amazing moment but the buildup is just as good. It’s a modern man-made-miracle.

Watch Video

Parting Shot

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C. who shared this photo

More exciting than Curling

The post Southern Talk appeared first on Traveling Archive.