Before your read this...make a cup of tea

Simon Cowell is scrambling to put together enough dough to sign internet superstar Susan Boyle to a recording contract and Oprah is scrambling to get her on her show, and it turns out the lovely Susan has already made a recording. Her version of "Cry Me A River" was on a 1999 CD that was put together for a local charity. It will rock your socks off. So please, before you hit the play button, make a cup of tea. Or coffee, if you prefer. I would advise to throw caution to the wind, and if you've got sticky buns or coffee cake or cookies hidden in the house, toss 'em in the microwave for a few seconds to make them gooey and delicious. And then turn the volume up on your computer -- this will work best if you use the computer with the loudest speakers in the house, so if you have to use your husband's computer or one of your kid's computers -- go ahead and bust the code. Once you hear this chick sing, you won't feel guilty. Then pick out a comfy chair in the room and hit the play button. You're going to have to hustle to get across the room before the song starts -- but it'll be worth it. I promise you, listening to Susan Boyle will be the highlight of your day. Go ahead, hit the play button again and again until you're satisfied. Is it me, or does she sound a lot like Jo Stafford? I will be first in line for the Susan Boyle CD. She's one Scottish lass who gives spinster crazy cat ladies a good name.

Holding Out For A Hero

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I've read a lot of blog posts about Susan Boyle over the last few days. I personally got phone calls from readers after I posted her video on my blog. And I heard today that since the video of her audition on "Britain's Got Talent" was posted on YouTube, it's had more than 12 million hits. She's an international internet sensation. Some people think we're all shallow because we want our talent gift-wrapped in a visually pleasant package, and when someone like Susan comes along and isn't what we expect, we're all shocked. I guess I think my fascination with her is different. I'm fascinated with her because I identify with her. She is the personification of why I started a blog called "Cinderella After Midnight." What happens when you've reached the age when you're supposed to accept that your youthful dreams may not come true? I'm fascinated with Susan Boyle because she reminds me that it's never too late for dreams to come true...if you're willing to risk it all. I mean can you imagine the courage it takes to sing in front of Simon Cowell? Susan may look like a little wallflower, but I think Simon is right...she is a 'tiger.' And she continues to amaze me. I can hardly wait until she and Paul Potts go on tour together.

And They Call It Puppy Love

Today the new first dog, Bo Obama is going to take his first official White House photo op with the rest of his young family. His life so far has not been easy. His first family rejected him because he didn't get along with their older Portuguese Water Dog. So he was sent back to the breeder, just about the same time that Senator Ted Kennedy called to see if they had a dog that would be a good fit for the President of the United States. And just like that, Bo (who was formerly known as Charlie), fell into a big tub of butter. He will not be chained up in the sideyard of a mobile home. He'll be spending the better part of the rest of his days romping in the White House rose garden. He looks like he's worthy of his fate.

I was about the age of Sasha and Malia when I was given my first dog for Christmas. Angus was the best scottie dog ever. I loved him. Unfortunately, my Dad and Angus took one look at each other and fell madly in love. They adored each other. Angus was given to me, but he was my Dad's dog. He made his choice. And by the looks of the photo above, Bo may be making the same decision. I'm sure Sasha and Malia will still love him.

I Dream A Dream

The lovely Susan Boyle is my new hero. Watch the video and then find out more about her.