Savoring Peanut Butter’s Sweetness with Otalia
[Credit: screen capture by http://otalia.ausxip.com]
After finishing the April 22-April 24 Guiding Light episodes, I have been in a state of euphoria for most of this week. The April 24 episode ended on an extremely pleasing note for Otalia. Since I finished the prior week’s episodes, I admit I have broken out into involuntary smiles at the oddest of moments when reflecting about Otalia. I found myself grinning like a cat who had found the cream when a coworker mentioned they were drinking a latte. I literally paused in mid action when the coworker said “latte.” I had to cap my laughter and bottle it up inside. Somehow, I found the strength Natalia had when she resisted Olivia’s seductive gaze, and I managed to control myself. Olivia has probably forever altered the meaning of “latte” for me. A hot cup of latte is not just coffee anymore, and anyone who watched the April 24 episode could relate to what I’m saying.
After suffering withdrawal signs of my favorite daytime couple for six whole days, I found it extremely ironic (and downright funny) that the April 30 episode started with Natalia standing in front of a coffee pot – rehearsing how to call Olivia. I loved watching that rehearsal scene play out because once again, it stuck with the reality of relationships. The same holds true for Natalia’s reaction when she smiled down at her ringing phone. Watching Natalia’s face light up when Olivia called made me smile. As a viewer, I am really enjoying how Natalia is continuing to wear her emotions for Olivia on her face, especially since their feelings are out in the open now. The joy Natalia felt made me happy for her. Over the past couple of months, I have watched Natalia (and Olivia) agonize so much over what they were feeling, and while I loved the angst, I felt that Guiding Light has temporarily shifted gears with Otalia. The lightheartedness and fun between the pair as of late has made me smile and laugh frequently. For example, I found myself laughing aloud when I saw Olivia ironing Emma’s clothes for “Wednesday is Wear Pink to School Day.” It has been a nice change of pace; although I’m aware it won’t last forever. In the meantime, I’m just enjoying it.
Watching Olivia and Natalia talk on the phone about something as simple as a banana and peanut butter sandwich contained a sample pack of interesting variables for me. There was a moment of double entendre when Natalia said, “Well, nothing good is ever that simple.” For me, Natalia was talking about more than just Emma’s lunch and was referring to her feelings and relationship with Olivia. That statement resounded deeply and truthfully with their situation because what they could have would be good but definitely not simple as a couple. Other factors Natalia and Olivia have to consider besides themselves include their kids, friends, professional reputations, and of course, the town of Springfield. That aspect of their relationship is the 800lb gorilla in the room, which largely explains why both women buried their feelings for so long. The second double entendre moment occurred when Olivia asked for Natalia’s guidance for a “secret sandwich seminar.” When Natalia suggested that Olivia was a freeloader and Olivia responded by saying, “You got me,” that was another moment that made me smile. I felt that Olivia was really saying, “You got me” in a similar way Sonny and Cher once had each other. I know that Natalia has you, Olivia. I know.
Another takeaway moment for me in their phone conversation was Natalia’s admission to Olivia that she missed her. This is another one of those role reversal moments where I expected Olivia to admit that she missed Natalia. As I mentioned in a prior post, Olivia didn’t mask her feelings for Natalia well whereas Natalia kept what she felt buried for the most part. Watching Natalia continue to be open and direct in her facial expressions and her words is truly pleasurable. I can also say the same for the third variable in their phone conversation as I watched Natalia flirt with Olivia. As a viewer, I can hear it in her voice and see it in her smile when she talks to Olivia. Natalia’s openness is like watching a closed rose bud bloom by opening its petals and releasing its beautiful aroma to share with the rest of nature.
Natalia’s openness rubbed off on Olivia when the pair was having a fun moment making a peanut butter and banana sandwich for Emma. I’m referring specifically to the moment where Olivia reached over and caressed the peanut butter from Natalia’s face. That moment alone made my face blossom into a huge, startled smile. First off, this moment marked another shift in Natalia’s comfort about her feelings. In the April 23 episode, Natalia protested aloud and patted Olivia’s hands away when Olivia made a move on her. On the April 24 episode, Natalia was able to withstand and return Olivia’s open messages of desire. The April 30 episode showed that Natalia was very comfortable with Olivia touching her face to wipe away the peanut butter. Although Olivia’s gesture could be interpreted as motherly, that is definitely not how I saw it by the time the scene was over. Believe me when I say I got a very clear message that Olivia was not only tasting and savoring peanut butter. She was savoring Natalia…unless peanut butter can make your eyes glaze over for a few seconds and moan aloud. Thank you, again, Crystal Chappell. Not only have you altered the meaning of “latte” for me, but now you have altered the meaning of “peanut butter” as well.
The lightheartedness of the “peanut butter” moment transitioned into another open discussion about what they feel. I have to acknowledge the writers again for presenting more realistic dialog for Natalia and Olivia. These characters are saying the things that I expect and wish to hear about their feelings. Even though they have their fun moments, it is nice to see them talk about how they continue to feel awkward around each other at times. Those awkward moments would continue to occur for them as they move forward into unfamiliar territory. As a result, I expect this particular discussion on their awkwardness around each other to occur again. In fact, I fully expect it to occur again on their getaway for two.
I wondered if Olivia had another reason up her sleeve for wanting to see Natalia and not just for a peanut butter and banana sandwich seminar. My instincts proved to be correct when Olivia suggested that they go away for a few days to sort out how they feel and figure out where they want to go. I must say that I did not expect Natalia to agree so heartedly to the suggestion. Again, Natalia showed me that she has definitely become more receptive to her feelings and her view of Olivia as a romantic partner. I could even see a flash of surprise in Olivia’s eyes when Natalia agreed with enthusiasm. I noticed that Olivia almost seemed to be preparing herself for Natalia’s rejection of the idea. When Natalia did not object and in fact, accepted with fervor, Olivia seemed both surprised and happy. Unfortunately, the happy moment about their planned trip to the mountains dipped down into the valley known as Frank Cooper.
While Olivia and Natalia planning their weekend getaway, Frank was having a very bad day. Doris Wolfe added misery on top of misery by revealing the truth about Natalia and Olivia. Of course, Frank – being the blind, in-denial owner of a lonely heart – defended Natalia’s honor and got into a fight with Doris’ bodyguards. As a viewer, I always viewed Frank as an annoyance and roadblock between Olivia and Natalia; however, I have felt sympathy for him. He is desperately in love with Natalia, so much so that he refuses to see that his runaway bride just isn’t into him. Yes, I really felt Frank should have figured that out after sleeping with Natalia and ignoring her “OMG, worst…sex…ever!” expression. However, I don’t think he deserved finding out about Natalia and Olivia the way that he did. Part of me understands why Doris told him, but part of me felt she should have stayed out of it. Naturally, Frank would want to see and talk to Natalia about Doris’ allegations; however, his timing in choosing to do so remains impeccable. When I say impeccable, I mean worst…timing…ever as he once again interrupts Natalia and Olivia.
Frank is a big boy who could have went to the hospital all by himself. Part of me wonders if he would expect the woman he loves and (still) expects to marry to take him to the hospital because he’s hurt. However, the cynical part of me wonders if he played on Natalia’s guilt over their aborted wedding by not refusing her offer to take him to the hospital. I want to believe the former rather than the latter about Frank. However, I cannot ignore the look he gave Olivia at the farmhouse (which was understandable) and how he played up to Natalia’s sympathies in the hospital. He was hurting enough in the hospital bed with accompanying coughs and groans of pain for Natalia’s benefit; however, he moved around spry enough to watch Olivia and Natalia from the door of his room. I also watched how his facial expression changed from one of pain to open curiosity when Olivia followed Natalia out of the hospital room. I have re-watched the scenes with Frank, Olivia, and Natalia several times. The feeling that I have about Frank guilt-tripping Natalia and forcing her to pay attention to him since their aborted wedding refused to evaporate. For the first time in this triangular affair, I have a huge question mark when it comes to Frank right now. I am not saying he’s the bad guy. He’s just not the same guy in my eyes. In the coming weeks, I will find out if I’m just being cynical regarding Frank.
In closing, I want to recognize Guiding Light’s behind the scenes crew. The lighting for the Otalia scenes illuminated Jessica Leccia and Crystal Chappell in a gorgeous way. I definitely noticed how the lighting loved both ladies this week, and I had to acknowledge the efforts of the crew. I also want to continue to applaud the writing and role reversal for Olivia and Natalia. Keeping me off balance with these two characters is something I am enjoying. If I had one thing to gripe about, I have to say that I did not see enough of Otalia for the week of April 27. However, I am trying to keep in mind that Guiding Light has returned their show to “old school” soap opera. My favorite couples on soaps in the 80s and 90s made me want more when I only saw them once a week. Guiding Light is doing the same. The fact that the Guiding Light has me counting the days until my next Otalia fix is truly exceptional. I can honestly say that I haven’t felt that way about a pairing since the 90s. Guiding Light, I applaud you for making an old soap fan care that much again.
One Final Thought…
I am looking forward to the next food or beverage item that Otalia will redefine for me.
Tags: crystal chappell, gay, guiding light, jessica leccia, lesbian, natalia, olivia, otalia, review
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Your blog, once again, is wonderful and insightful in regards to our favorite couple.
I too am skeptical about Frank…not that he will go psycho or anything, but I think he is not going to handle Otalia’s relationship all that well and there will be a lot of anger….
Till next time…have an awesome week…
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
SJD, I twitter-stalked you for this post. just sayin.
Anyway, back to the girls and your loving words.
The flirty banter on the phone was just the perfect way to re-introduce Otalia to us after the DOOR scene, it translated the sexual tension into lovebirdy talk. The way they were talking to each other – one nervously playing with an empty cup, the other ironing her thumb – was so evidently laden not just with love but with ‘being in love’. And you’re falling right along with them.
Frank. well. Let me put it this way: meh.
Thank you for another extremely well-crafted piece on this storyline. I love absorbing your thoughts on scenes that I myself have been watching uncounted times as well.
Looking forward to your take on next week’s getaway adventure!
– riot.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Skeeterbop,
Thank you.
I just started getting a strange feeling in the gut of my stomach as I re-watched Frank on this week’s episodes. Like I said, he’s a question mark for me right now.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Your slant…My slant…They are like this *crosses fingers*. I was nodding, with a huge smile on my face, reading every word your wrote. I have to say, that not since the Bo/Hope romance first began on DOOL, have I found myself smiling so much watching a couple on screen, not to mention squealing uncontrollably at times like a fangirl revved on latte. Needless to say, I love GL, to a point almost beyond reason, for bringing my love for soaps and romance back full force after what seems like decades of being absent…But uh…I do have to say, when I was a kid, knowing when good days were coming for Bo/Hope, it was a heck of a lot easier playing sick and skipping school, than it is trying to pull the same thing now as an adult on good Otalia days and skip work…I really hope they don’t get me fired, but the small (but growing fangirl in me) can’t help but wonder if it just wouldn’t be worth it. *wink*
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Riot,
I’m laughing at “twitter-stalked…” right now
I agree about the flirty banter after the door scene. Props to Guiding Light for that great Otalia re-introduction.
Thank you for enjoying what I wrote. I wasn’t sure I could get something out of one episode and was thinking I would have to save it for next week. However, as I re-watched their scenes, I absorbed more that I missed the first time and found something to make into a standalone post this week.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
WC,
That last couple for me was Hope and Victor from Young & The Restless in the 90s. Todd and Taya on One Life to Live during the 90s was another close one, but I never had that excitement like Hope and Victor. Otalia is running neck and neck right now with Hope and Victor for me.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Another great post!
Otalia has definitely changed the way I look at lattes, peanut butter and bananas!
And add me to the list of people who can’t wait to see what you write for their weekend away.
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Suzysak,
Thank you so much.
Yes, the weekend getaway for Otalia is something I’m definitely looking forward to. I’m sure I’ll have some really good stuff to interpret and write for then
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Just like the when Otalia is in GL, your write-up is worth the wait! I can’t tell you how many “yes, exactly” moments that I had when reading your take. First the phone conversation – I had wondered why in discussions of this scene why more wasn’t being made of the dialogue, every bit was rather delicious. The girls have certainly played with double-meaning throughout the last few months, in fact, we were living off it during both the happy and the angstiest of times, but now that they’re being more open, you can feel both the play but also more of an expectation that the other will get the real meaning. I actually reveled in the shift, they do good phone!
And on the Frank, I actually think this is the right shift for the story – milk toast Frank has been a chore for us, and I agree that he’s working the guilt angle, but I’d buy into it more if we can finally see real anger. I think dark Frankie gives both his feelings more gravitas that the puppy love we’ve seen previously, but also will hopefully get Liv/Nat out of their “poor Frank, he’s a good man” endless loop. It probably will also be the only thing that can break for Frank, the perfect, saintly, impossible image of Nat that was the tenuous basis of his infatuation in the first place; if he’s to move on, he needs to be able to see that his fantasy doesn’t match the reality.
And I agree, leaving us wanting more should be a hallmark of great storytelling, and we need to appreciate what exactly is given because there’s actually so much there.
Thanks again – can’t imagine watching the show now without seeing your response!
May 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for a great recap. These two women are putting Nigella Lawson to shame when it comes to talking about food!! I bet everyone had a hankering for peanut butter and banana sandwiches as soon as we saw Olivia wipe the peanut butter from Natalia’s face, lick her lips with it and then moan. Definitely a thudworthy moment!
I too love the fact that Natalia took the lead by saying that she missed Olivia, and was also would have been the one to ring her first, if Olivia didn’t beat her to it. Based on the fact that Natalia was the one who walked Olivia to her room the previous week, plus the acknowledgement came from her first that she missed Olivia, I’m putting my money on the fact that it will be Natalia that will initiate the first mutual kiss on this weekend away.
As far as Frank goes, I’m looking forward to seeing a meaner side of him…the look he gave Olivia at the Farmhouse was a suggestion of things to come. And then of course he got in a fight, which is also unlike the Frank we know and hate
I’m sure it will be fun for Frank D to play this changed character. What I find interesting is, that here we have Olivia, who has played the manipulator and man eater for such a long time, and here she is now just putty in Natalia’s hands. Then on the other hand, we have Frank, who has walked around for the last 6 months like a lost puppy, suddenly becoming meaner and a perhaps a bit more calculating.
Yes, I would have the same minor gripe about not having a more regular fix of Otalia, but that’s part of the whole enjoyment in that we can’t wait to see them on again. It was funny to note how many people, myself included, who were either depressed or sick last week when Otalia weren’t on…they didn’t make the correlation, but I think there is one there!
Indeed kudos has to go to the crew and those that work behind the scenes. I also would applaud the person who is in control of the music selection…they are doing a brilliant job.
Can’t wait for next week…..are we there yet, are we?!!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Another winner!! I too have highly improper reactions now to latte and peanut butter!!! If Procter and Gamble simply sold coffee based beverages and PB, Otalia would be giving them a record sales year!
Frank is really torking me off, I know that was a hard way to discover the truth, but his emotional manipulation of Natalia is back and I am not happy about it! He did it to get her to marry him too! Using Olivia’s romantic hints and claiming them as his own and by getting Rafe out of prison. Now, showing up there with that hang dog expression. grrr
Let’s hope the weekend getaway is at an establishment that believes firmly in dead bolt locks… and stun guns and electric fences with barbed wire on top!
Back to the fun stuff!! I agree wholeheartedly it is so nice to see Natalia giddy in love and being nervous and flirty!!! Its been a long time coming and its so freakin’ adorable!! And it makes our girl Olivia happy as a clam!! I couldn’t believe Natalia’s enthusiasm for going away on the weekend!! (we shall see if that changes when the sleeping arrangements discussion pops up!).. of course every sweet step forward is knocked back by an invasion from Frankenmonster… aagh! I hope next week puts an end to that happening once and for all!!
Thanks for the Saturday treat!! I so look forward to your articles!!
Take care!!
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Imagine if Otalia continuously redefines everyday things, we’d be going through life with a smile on our face…which is not necessarily a bad thing. Come to think of it, this might be the start of world peace. Otalia brings world peace! ;D
Thursday was great. It wasn’t enough Otalia but it was worth the wait. What I love about their storyline is how much layered it is you can interpret it so many ways. CC and JL’s performance are so nuanced that you can never get bored watching it repeatedly because you’ll always find something you never noticed before. The only sore point for me is Frank finding out from Doris instead of Natalia telling him. It wasn’t Natalia’s fault Doris preempted that, but her continued stalling put them in that situation. She doesn’t need to tell Frank about Olivia just give the man back his ring and don’t leave him with false hopes.
I believe we’re all excited about next week. Funny how the weekend is quickly losing its appeal to me.
Great Recap!
May 2nd, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Another great blog for Otalia; what a great read! The banter between Olivia and Natalia was a delight. I was already mesmerized watching Olivia ironing Emma’s shirt at the Beacon, but then I thudded on the floor when she sucked her finger and then her thumb from the peanut butter. I’m not sure if peanut butter was on both, btw! This storyline is putting a whole new meaning to everyday, normal chores! The flirts, sexual tension, banter, and openness to discuss their feelings made me speechless. Like you, I am counting the days for my next Otalia fix. Guiding Light has brought vintage soap back to daytime TV. We are so lucky!! Thanks again for a wonderful blog!
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Laurel67,
Wow, thank you so very much. I must say that I’m flattered that you look forward to my take on Otalia. I just write what I see, but I’m so glad that you and many others can relate to my viewpoint on them. I keep myself isolated about what anyone else is saying about Otalia (other than what I accidentally see from my Twitter friends), and I stay away from spoilers. I watch Guiding Light and Otalia with “innocent eyes,” so I can be genuinely surprised. I like to, no have to, stick with an unfiltered view of what I see with them on my screen.
Yes, I have definitely noticed the double entendre going on with those two for a while. It’s either that or they have been having two separate conversations. But I love it all. As for Frank, I think there was a shift in his character this week. We will see how it plays out.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Rita,
Thank you so much! The food and beverage items…wow, I’ve never seen anything like it on soaps before. Seriously. It’s funny and fantastic. When I saw Olivia do that to Natalia, my jaw dropped. There was so much going on, and it was definitely a thudworthy moment. Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia just keep giving it to us in the most awesome ways. Truly enjoyable!
As for Natalia initiating the first mutual kiss, I definitely think this is the way it should be. That’s how I would write it considering the direction they’ve taken her character. It’s time to see Natalia chase Olivia a bit more, and she is doing that.
Regarding Frank, I wouldn’t mind him becoming meaner…towards Olivia. That’s what I would do if I had control of the pen with this story
But I think the writer(s) for Otalia is doing a great job. It’s beauty on screen.
I was definitely suffering Otalia withdrawal symptoms. I personally didn’t quite get this way until the Otalia love confession a couple of weeks ago. Before that, I missed them if they weren’t on Guiding Light but not to the level that I am now. I think it’s because I was so floored by the brilliance of the Otalia love confession that has made me this way now. When I saw that, I thought to myself, “They are not just a super couple. Otalia is a super, duper couple.”
Agreed about the crew and music! I learned to appreciate the behind the scenes people from one of my brothers, who went to film school and worked on a couple of films. Without the people behind the camera, the people in front of the camera can’t function properly. They go hand in hand.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
BBK,
Thank you so much for enjoying this week’s post. Because Otalia was only on once this week, I had to work super hard on this one. After watching Thursday and Friday’s episode, I wasn’t sure I could make it work this week for them. It wasn’t until I stayed up late last night re-watching footage that I found enough to write on for a post; otherwise, I was going to combine what happened this week into next week. I looked deeper while spending a couple of hours re-watching the Otalia scenes from Thursday, and fortunately, I had enough to crank something out this week. Thank you, Guiding Light for making me work hard on this one, but I’m not complaining. Really
If Frank Cooper interrupts them on their weekend getaway, he could incur the mighty wrath of my pen in next week’s post. But it wouldn’t surprise me if he finds some excuse (something with Rafe) to frak up the Otalia getaway. All I have to say is that he’d better stay in Springfield, and Buzz needs to toss his phone in the lake so he can’t call Natalia. Grrrr.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Chet,
If Otalia had the power to redefine everything, then that would truly show that “love can save the world.”
I agree about Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia’s performances. I find something new every time I watch their scenes when preparing for these posts. I can go back into the archives and re-watch old stuff from them and still find something new. I can’t say that about many actors/actresses in daytime (probably primetime, too). Those two awesome ladies convey so much in their performances, and I love deconstructing everything they do when they’re on my screen.
I do agree that Natalia should have had that discussion with Frank by now. He would want to know why she doesn’t want to marry him. Based on what I’ve seen about her character, Natalia would want to give him an answer, so she would tell him about Olivia.
And yes, I’m definitely looking forward to next week. I anticipate losing a lot of sleep studying the Otalia scenes for the week of May 4 to write a post. I’m sure it will be worth it all in the end though.
May 2nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
AlliCarolinaGirl,
Thank you so very much. I’m glad that you enjoyed it.
I agree that the Otalia storyline is making me look at things a lot differently. Like I said, a “latte” isn’t just a latte to me, and “peanut butter” isn’t just a jar of Skippy. If Otalia messes with tea, then I’m the one who’s going to be thudding
May 2nd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Great post!
This week was so incredibly cute with Otalia. It brought back the days when I fell in love with my husband. I did the exact same thing Nat did rehearsing on the phone and feeling comfortable with the touch from your love.
I love the realism that the writers and actors are giving us. Nothing’s better than an old-fashioned courtship! And I also love the reversal the writers are doing with this couple. Natalia is leading in this dance during the initial stage of this budding romance.
Finally, I am so glad that Otalia isn’t on every day – it just makes me look forward to their scenes all the more. Ellen Wheeler is so following Agnes Nixon’s make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, make them wait…
Guiding Light is providing balance to all of their storylines so we become invested in all of them. Right now on the non-Otalia days, I’m enjoying Bizzie, Phillip/Beth, and Dinah/Shayne.
Kudos Ellen Wheeler and Jill Lorrie Hurst – keep up with the awesome work!
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:41 pm
DocT,
Thank you!
I felt the phone rehearsal bit was a nice touch since it was something everyone could relate to. And I agree about the realism that the writers and actors are giving us. The Guiding Light is doing a great job.
Although I complained about the lack of Otalia this week, I am glad they aren’t on every day. Some soaps will burn out a good thing by having a couple on too much. Less is more, but I would have liked at least two days of Otalia this week. I’m also watching the couples you mentioned. The Phillip and Beth stuff is taking me wayyyy back. I use to be a huge Phillip and Beth fan when I watched Guiding Light in the old days. I grew up with Phillip and Beth, so it’s great to enjoy them when they’re on.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Love your blog, and share in your Otalia fandom. I love it that you’re an old-school GL fan, as am I. I feel like Otalia is a throwback to the finest days of GL, when the writing was always sharp, the stories were character-driven, and we really cared about what happened. It’s a return to greatness for this institution.
Check out my GL blog at //superherolunchbox.blogspot.com/
May 6th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Snapper,
Thanks.
I will check you out at your blog.
May 9th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Nice blog and I’ll never look on lattes or peanut butter the same EVER again, either.
Frank is definitely passive aggressive at times, yeah. Frank D. is doing a great job.
Crystal and Jessica, as usual, were sensational!
May 11th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Once again, you have tagged this story for us in those wonderful, articulate words of yours. Your writing is so descriptive and insightful. You are as big an Otaliaholic as all the rest of us. You just describe it better. I so heart your beautiful words, I would like to read how you would describe the mirror scene with Olivia and Natalia. I watched and I couldn’t even describe it to anyone, but how it made my heart ache to see their faces when they looked at each other. I know that you could do that scene justice with your heartfelt words. Kudos, love the way you love Otalia.!!!
May 12th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Debbie,
Thank you so very much for the wonderful compliments! I must say that it’s still a bit difficult to take a compliment about my writing. I’m still getting use to it all because the responses to my Otalia posts were very unexpected. It was like an avalanche of beautiful words by the people who commented that is still ongoing. However, while it’s difficult to take a compliment about my writing, I love hearing it. Again, it reinforces that this is what I was meant to do with my life. Also, I must add that it’s easy for me to write beautiful things about Otalia, the Guiding Light, and the efforts this show is making. I can write beautifully about them because they present me with beauty every week.
Your “request” for me to write about the mirror scene made me smile. I know exactly what scene you’re talking about. I must confess that I have thought about going backwards in the Otalia storyline and writing about them from the very beginning. It would be a huge effort, and I would essentially have to live in the Otalia world even more than what I’m already doing. Plus, I’m not sure I could do it properly anyway without all of the episodes I would need to view. I’ve only seen stuff dating back to October 2008 at this point. I plan to go back further if I could find the episodes online. If Telenext/Proctor and Gamble would like to hook me up with some DVDs of the Otalia storyline from the beginning, I would gladly put forth in the effort. And yes, I’m being deadly serious about that, too. It would be a huge effort, but I’m up for the challenge