i dont need anything but you.

my grandad passed away this week.
just a few short months after his wife of 60+ years.
he couldnt live without her, i guess.

the first time i was ever on stage was with my gradad. when i was about 5 we performed in one of his Shrine talent shows. yes, in addition to wearing the fez, driving the little cars and printing maps on the back of the declaration of independance, the Masons also throw talent shows. we sang a song from Annie... "i dont need anything but you"
ive seen it on tape, blurry fuzzy VHS tape taken with my dads first and most enormous video camera. i think it came in a set with his origional giant cell phone. and it must have been before he learned to zoom in, because at the distance it was shot i look like just a tiny blonde blurb. one has to assume i am adorable.

what i remember is that i got a brand new dress and my hair done up in curlers. i got to stay up late and my sister had to stay home. me and grandad got to hang out in a mysterious "Green Room" in which there were many strange old people in strange costumes and they all thought i was the cutest thing on planet earth. I was allowed to order Sprite from the bar. I got to go out and be on the big stage, with my Grandad. he was a bit of a ham too, so we made a good team. i dont think there was a prize, but im sure we would have won.

We're tying a knot,
They never can sever!
I don't need sunshine now,
To turn my grey skies blue --
I don't need anything but you!