Joni Mitchell: Music Cinema at the Bishop Planetarium

"The reason I'm unruly, is because I never wanted to be a jukebox," Joni's voice reverberates from the dome-shaped screen at the Bishop Planetarium.

The Think + Drink Cinema at the South Florida Museum is three-quarters of its way through its American Music summer series, which featured Elvis, Les Paul, Pete Seeger, the Funk Brothers, Leonard Cohen, and tonight...Joni Mitchell.

Haunted by her music, ever since being introduced to songs like Come in From the Cold, the River, Amelia, and Both Sides Now, I - along with a group of gal pals - dropped in to experience Mindy Simmons live (who, unlike Joni, made it to A Woodstock, if not THE Woodstock).

A sold out show, more than half of the people who called to attend, had to be turned away.

The night continued with the showing of Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind on the large screen at Bishop (Where they let you bring your wine with you...always a plus at any venue).

"Her life was so tragic," a friend proclaimed.

"No, it wasn't." I argued. "Everything about her life had been a success, with the exception of the way she chose to look at it. After all, of those three men who fell in love with her, not one of them left her. She chose to leave them. She was heartbroken by choice."

Or not...Perhaps the need to create outweighed the need for romantic love. But one thing is certain, her music moves many.

Just an FYI for those hoping to catch the Bob Dylan tribute next week, more than half of the tickets are already sold out, so you'll want to phone to reserve your space now vs. later. Contact: Jessica Schubick at 941-746-4131 x27.

Julie/Julia Project's Inspired Dishes at the Ritz Carlton

In anticipation of experiencing the latest cuisine being served by Chef Greg Howe and other french-educated chefs at the Ritz-Carlton (in honor of the late Julia Child), I had to make it a point of seeing the movie that inspired the 3-course menu being offered now, through September 7th at the Vernona.

Julie & Julia is a rich tale inspired by two true stories, one of teacher, TV host, author and le Cordon Bleu trained Chef Julia Child, and her unanticipated protege', Julie Powell, government employee vowing to blog about her experiences cooking all 536 recipes outlined in Child's book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in 365 days.

Meryl Streep remains as one of my favorite actresses of all time, impressed by her uncanny ability to not just act, but become any role, and Amy Adams is being added to my list of "movies I would see, just cuz she's in it", along with my favorite "chic flick gals" that include Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan, Julia Roberts, and Drew Barrymore.

My memories of Julia Child involved sitting in the "recreation room" (that's what my old-fashioned parents called it) of our Pennsylvania home as a kid, watching on TV, along with my admiring mother, the sometimes seemingly intoxicated Julia, as she accidentally dropped a bit of food on the kitchen counter, only to quickly dust it off and tell the audience that it was "alright for that to happen", and the guests "really didn't need to know".

For the entire month of August, the Vernona at the Ritz-Carlton is offering a 3-course French dinner that includes Truffle Quiche Lorraine, Baby Arugula and Frisee, Bavette Steak Frite, Shallot Bordelaise, and a selection of pot de crème, and after visiting the Vernona in the past, I can assure you that they're kitchen care is a bit more pristine than Julia's.

Phone (941) 309-2008 to make your reservations.

Oh, and for the curious? Julie Powell's blog is still "out there", and can be viewed online at: Julie/Julia Project.

"I Want More of THAT!" Strength Workshop at New View Counseling

"Call in well from work one day, and laugh when they believe you." Mary Chapin-Carpenter sings on her Time * Sex * Love album.

We're celebrated for working too hard, and only taking time off when sick (and sometimes, not even then). But what about taking a mental health day?

My latest exploration of things to do in Bradenton lead me to New View Counseling, where I was fortunate to participate in part 2 of an ongoing workshop series entitled, "I Want More of That!" Themes range from joy, to gratitude and peace, and - no - you don't have to be in therapy to participate, and no one will assume that you are if you do.

The night I attended, the group explored the subject of strength, what it means to have it, and ways to utilize it in personal and professional situations.

Not one who in any way feels as if I lack strength, I was still jonesing on the idea of having more of it. After all, would anyone ever ask for less power?

Interesting to those on us in attendance was how often we attributed our strengths to our talents, and what we accomplished vs. who we were, as individuals, leading us to explore strengths found in knowledge, courage, community consciousness, kindness and spirituality.

Insightful and interesting, visit www.newviewcounseling.com if your looking to try something unique and inspiring.