Eclectically Yours,

I Have SO Arrived...

..at least I can sorta pretend I have arrived. 'Cause I'm still just a mommy blog with a few Johnny Depp references. But those Johnny references to get me into the "big time".

You see, when I lived back in MY HOMETOWN of Darlington, WI I would often take off to Madison for a day of shopping or hanging out with my cousins. As part of that day, I would grab an Isthmus with a cup of Starbucks and hang out at Barnes and Noble (SO tres chic, no?) Well, imagine my surprise this last weekend (You know, the Johnny Depp Exclusive Weekend?) when my stats turned up this link from the above Isthmus' Daily Page:

 

So you see, despite the fact I am, indeed, only getting, well, say 30 hits a day on average I am still quoted in one of THE most Illustrious Newspapers of the Country. Except they made a mistake. It distinctly says I am a MADISON blogger.Which bothers me a bit. I am SO clearly and in every way a mid coast Maine blogger. Wasn't that obvious when they perused my site?? And more to the point, does it still count? Have I still arrived?

We Can't Let Go, Johnny...

The Depp fascination hasn't quite left Wisconsin, yet, and naturally, as I hear the news I pass this on to my dear readers. First of all, head on over to Cozy Nest where Angie gives an up close and personal view of the Johnny Depp filming.

The below photo is from my ever alert high school gal pal, Judi, who doesn't have her own blog yet, but surely will at some point, right Judi? She sent me this great picture of Johnny....

OOPS!! That's not Johnny, that's what Judi is trying to bribe me with! Don't I look all soft and dreamy, circa 1987? I'm probably thinking that maybe, just maybe, if fate shines happily on me, I will get to meet Johnny Depp someday. There I am, hopeful, and radiant. Here is what Johnny looked like around the same time.

Despite the whole George Michael influence, I think we would've been a great couple. Who thought that twenty a few short years later he would come to my VERY HOME TOWN. Of course, I wasn't there. But I am not at all bitter,disappointed or ugly, oh, no, not me... because I have people like my wonderful brother and Judi, faithful blog reader, to send me pictures. So that I almost feel like I was there. Sorta.

Here is the latest photo from Judi. I had to crop out the person standing next to him as I don't have that persons express permission to post this. Let's just say that she works on the Darlington Police Force and I bet she was NEVER so glad she joined, as on this day. To protect and serve. And pose with famous people who happen to wander into Darlington, WI, a town of 2700 (including cows).



This photo truly brings out the giggly 1987 girl in me. Just something about it. It's either the photo or  maybe that last glass of wine before bed. Or the lack of sleep staying up trying to plan a better curriculum. Or maybe it's that extra laundry I folded today and I'm just a little burnt out. Yah, Johnny, I'm sure you know all about that.....

Johnny Wrap Up

Well, my dearest readers...this is gonna wrap it up for my EXCLUSIVE Johnny Depp weekend. I do have a few more "sources" out there, but they, like, HAVE LIVES...and don't seem that willing to get back to me.

So here is a partial(because they didn't fill out all the answers..hello?) EXCLUSIVE Interview with my  darling sister in law. With, of course, some pretty cool pictures to follow.

Maria: Why did they pick the courthouse in Darlington?

Sister In Law: Because it's the coolest! It really is pretty and well preserved.. I'm totally seeing it in a new light now.

M: What did the courthouse area look like? Cranes? Lifts? Trailers?

SIL: Trailers behind wellness center[SIL refers to the wonderful old middle school across the street from the courthouse that is now a municipal type building] (3 for JD (yes, that's how we we who know him refer to him(: ) alone, trailers behind court house, I think just one crane... they were really only using inside as set.

M:How many days did filming in Darlington go on?

SIL:One. They were here Tues. night to prep. and then filmed all day Wednesday.

M:Were the extras imported or local?

SIL:Local: Madison and D-Ton!  Totally missed the boat on casting call.. found out 3 days after! Met some of girls from Madison beforehand.  They were soooo excited. Their costumes were impeccable.. super cute 30's stuff. They were basically looking for average sized people w/ natural coloring (no tan, highlights) that they could make vintage. Hopefuls were encouraged to curl hair and wear dark dress and overcoat... We so could have done that!!

M: Don't you think I could've been a great extra? I was always very dramatic wasn't I?

SIL: Ah, yes... See response to above.

M:Were you thinking of me all week and how it would be better if I was there, too?

SIL:Hmmm...how could it have been better w/ Maria there?.. when we staked out Comfort Inn in Mineral Point (the supposed headquarters of cast and crew the night before filming), and Josh made me go in alone to inquire about Johnny Depp at the front desk, I thought, 'If Maria were here, she would so be the one doing this... she's shameless![We at Eclectically Yours are sure that you mean "shameless" in a good way, not in a "shameless hussy" way.] You would have smiled confidently and gotten the info.. I was totally embarrassed, not being accustomed to scouting out celebs.

FYI:the front desk girl was super unenthusiastic, as was majority of Mineral Point(the town was totally dead), but did mention that some crew members were having a drink at hotel bar.  We had a drink, and ended up meeting the guy who did the frost and snow for the movie.. very interesting.  He actually approached us first.. thought we were with the movie... said we looked like 'movie people'!!... 'movie people'!!![I think he must've said "Move, People!" because you were in his seat.]

M:Tell us about Johnny coming out and greeting everyone. Did he seem to enjoy it, was he at ease, was he frantically scoping the crowd, say looking like he was missing someone?

SIL: I don't know if anyone would be at ease doing that.. seriously felt like whole crowd was ready to surge forward at any moment.  Universal people kept warning that if anyone grabbed him, he would jump back in the SUV, which was keeping step with him.  He did a really nice job, it seemed.. shook hands with tons of people and paid attention to kids, especially. Looked kind of shy. It was very cute.. I've heard he's one of the best celebrities in terms of dealing with fans... even crazy women waving their babies at him. "johnny depp touched my baby!" [I don't know who she was, but she should,seriously, NEVER wash that child again.]

M: Did Johnny say "Arg"? 
SIL:Only when he realized you weren't there, Maria, then stomped back to his trailer... it was the only hint of his true purpose in coming to Darlington.

M:Did he make eye contact? Did he smile or was he morose looking?
SIL: With me, you mean?  Uh.. yeah!  We totally had a moment.. er, I think,.. kinda hard to tell w/out my glasses.

And now, here are some lovely photos from SIL and my brother, Josh. First JD's trailer...which seems to be on a very, very sharp incline. I hope he's insured.


And now some "extras"! Aren't their costumes great? Weird incline thing again...it must be a Darlington thing.



I would've been great for this....




It's sad I couldn't have been an extra, but they would've had to add an ENTIRE part for me as the chemistry between Johnny and I would've ate up the screen...and I think they are already behind schedule.

Josh and my darling sister in law took these next photos with video, but since I am having problems loading the sound, I will just insert what they caught Johnny ON FILM saying...



Look at all these KIDS!! I mean, they CAN'T know 21 Jumpstreet, can they?? Poor Johnny, so lost in the crowd...



It was really painful to hear all this, but I have to be firm with Johnny, I really do. If I give an inch...but I digress...

I SO hope you enjoyed your EXCLUSIVE Johnny Depp weekend, with exclusive interviews!! Remember, you saw it here first! And meanwhile, go wear a candy bracelet for Johnny.

Exclusive Johnny Weekend!!

I know you are all waiting patiently for my update on Johnny and his doings in MY HOME TOWN!! Let me first say, that it is not at all surprising that the filming should take place in this very old and untouched courthouse. I remember when I first moved to Darlington (I was around 12 )I went to visit the courthouse and it was just replete with history. I've always loved that place. It has a little bell/chime thingy that rings every hour. Some might find it annoying, but it was oddly comforting. See, even then, Johnny and I thought alike when it comes to authenticity in film. I felt, at 12, it's hallowed dome should be left unchanged. I also had the coolest old middle school that is now used as a municipal building,because Darlington built a Elementary McMansion School and I was so sad because my unborn children would never get to experience this totally 1930's esque school, but it's all okay because the old Middle School has been left almost totally intact and it's still lovely and reeks with history.....but I totally digress.

Because we are all here for one thing. The interview. Today, I am interviewing a lovely person who I went to school with not long ago. I mean, it certainly hasn't been as much as, say, 20 years. No, no, I'm far too young yet. So here is Ms. Judi's EXCLUSIVE interview for your pleasure...along with some lovely photos of JD at the end.

Maria: Tell me about the excitement around this little town of 2700. What have the last couple days been like?
Ms. Judi:I don't get out much, due to working from home, but I did take a little "lap" around town yesterday at 5:30 to see what all the fuss was about.[Judi is referring to "doing laps" around the boulevard that comprises Main Street. "Doing laps" is a right of passage for all high schoolers...and clearly, as in Judi's case, those that want the Depp scoop.] The gas station and grocery store parking lots were filling up and the court house was all lit up.  For a few seconds I thought I was in Hollywood.[Judi, this would be impossible because Hollywood has traffic lights.]

 

M:Was I your favorite person in high school?
MJ: A toss up between you and Mr. Peterson. [Judi is being cruel to Maria of Eclectically Yours, and I may not renew her subscription]

 

M:What did the courthouse area look like? Cranes? Lifts? Trailers?
MJ:They had huge lights on lifts outside the court house windows so it looked like daylight out, as they were taping into the evening hours.  Rumor had it that they worked very fast inside the court house setting it all up and everyone was very polite.

 

M: Why did they pick the courthouse in Darlington?
MJ:I'm really not sure.

 

M:How many days did filming in Darlington go on?
MJ:Wednesday morning early the extra's started pulling in and they taped into the late hours ( I left at 9 and they were going back to finish taping)

 

M: What is your favorite high school memory of me? 
MJ: Are you sure you really want me to share this?

 

M: Were the extras imported or local?
MJ:Quite a few were imported but we had a few lucky home towners!

 

M:Don't you think I could've been a great extra? I was always very dramatic in school wasn't I?
MJ:Oh wow, I think you would've been exactly what they were looking for.[We at Eclectically Yours, choose to take that in a good way instead of meaning that I dress drabbly in a 1930's style]

 

M:Tell us about Johnny coming out and greeting everyone. Did he seem to enjoy it, was he at ease, was he frantically scoping the crowd, say looking like he was missing someone? 
MJ: After about the 4th time of them telling us he would be out in just a few minutes, he finally arrived. I believe it was  the Darlington police officers big night as they were "body guards", ready to throw him back in his sharpe looking Escalade if anyone got out of line.  He was very kind, tried to shake everyone's hands and spoke to them about 30 seconds each. They had to hurry and get back to taping, so he moved down the line as fast as he could, trying to make the crowd happy..  The crowd of a few hundred were very excited.  I do believe I had some paparazzi by me. They  talked with an accent, hit on all the young girls around, they talked how they flew in from LA and they had HUGE lens on their camera's. I mean HUGE people, like the ends were the size of a mixing bowl.   (sorry Maria, I rambled a bit here)[No, no, Judi, I LOVE that you rambled. Accent? THEY had an accent? Oo, ya, dere Ms. Judi, dey don't have accents dare in da midwest dontcha new...No, I'm just teasing...I'll bet they had culture shock coming to the MidWest, though, dontcha tink?]

 

M:Did the 80's really happen?
MJ:Of course, I have pictures to prove it.[Eclectically Yours, would like to discuss rights to those pictures.]

 

M:Did Johnny say "Arg"?
MJ:I  didnt hear him say anything as I was trying to focus my brand new Canon XTI.....which I know nothing about, I thought I'd have the best pictures ever......ugh......not so.!

M: When we were in school together did you ever think I would become a famous writer?
MJ: I thought you'd become a lot of things.

 

M: Did he make eye contact? Did he smile or was he morose looking?
MJ:He did  make eye contact, and he was very polite and smiled and talked as much as he could without the "body guards" whisking him down the row.

 

M:How do you think this will change Darlington? Will people move in by the droves?
MJ:ummmmmmmmmm, I doubt it.....but it will be topic of discussion for awhile, you know the " he shook my hand" type of talk. [Kinda like my "He was in MY hometown although I'm 1500 miles away"talk you mean?]

 

M: Did Johnny eat any fried cheese curds, brats, or have a genuine Wisconsin beer while there? 
MJ:Sorry can't answer that either... I do know that a camera man, did get his beard cut by my sister in her salon..........oops, sorry, that wasn't the question was it?[It's minutiae like that, Judi, that keeps my readers entertained]

 

M:Where did Johnny stay when he figured out I wasn't there anymore? 
MJ:With me! [Oh, I love your little joke, Judi. Johnny wouldn't do that to me...]

 

M: In what ways has your life changed since meeting Johnny? 
MJ:I can't say that it has

 

M:Johnny has been around as long as we have. We were there for 21 Jump Street, yet he looks better than us. Why do you think that is? 
MJ:I don't believe he has a 16 year old daughter and 2 boys that are a 1 year apart....

 

M:Was he taller/shorter/wider/thinner/balder/hairier/handsomer/uglier/well dressed-er than you thought he would be in real life?
MJ: He was taller then me..... he had a hat on so I couldn't tell the hair style. He was well dressed, polite, handsome is some pictures, and your brother is better looking in some as well.[Judi, that is so sweet that you would say that about my brother, but we at Eclectically Yours, feel that perhaps you felt obligated to say that, and Josh's therapist says it would really be better that we are all completely and totally honest with him at all times. So while we appreciate the thought, we'd rather you tell the truth.]

 

M:Do you remember playing Chinese Jump Rope on the very middle school grounds that Johnny walked upon way back in 6th grade?
MJ:Do I ever!!! how cool was that game!!!!!!  They also parked their buses on the track where I nearly died running the 600.[I would like to add, with all due respect to Ms. McKeagan, PE teacher, who was a wonderful woman, no doubt just doing her job when it came to INSENSITIVELY PUSHING US HARDER in relay and short distance running, it is due to her, today, that I completely HATE running and exercise of any sort. I get flashbacks that send me in three day slumps. I blame my weight gain on her also...how can I get exercise when I need therapy??]

And now, without further ado I give you Judi's pictures of Johnny (should that be a title for a 50's all girl group song?)




Clearly, Johnny's "Handler" was a bit possessive (above)  The GIANT crowd of, oh, say 200 whole people, were obviously getting a little too close. C'mon, buddy, no one would've hurt Johnny...they would've all been really, really nice. They'd have him in for some beer, brats, and fried cheese curds...treat him to some local brew. C'mon, after all, this is hometown midwest hospitality.


And now, I share with you one last picture of our Interviewee and Johnny. While there is something a bit odd about Ms. Judi's hair and skin tone, it still turned out really well.

 
Ms. Judi, my readers and I would like to thank you for stopping by and sharing your once in a lifetime HOMETOWN experiences with us!

Stay tuned, dear readers, for more excitement tomorrow as we embark on our Johnny Depp Exclusive Weekend from Podunk Darlington, WI!

(Aw, c'mon Darlingtonites...you know I mean Podunk in the best way possible. I have love and affection deep in my heart for Darlington, in that way you can only have when you move 1500 miles away and miss things like potlucks, party lines, Friday Night Fish Fry's and cheese curds with sweet corn.)

We Interupt This Weeks Homeschool Report...

I know that you usually expect a Weakly Homeschool Report on Fridays...but oh, kiddos, I am getting the scoop from back home. I have the Johnny Depp EXCLUSIVE right here. Stay tuned for more insanely beautiful pictures hot off the press and EXCLUSIVE interviews from those that saw Johnny in the FLESH!!

So, without further ado...brought to you from ECLECTICALLY YOURS: A JOHNNY DEPP WEEKEND!

First of all, let me introduce you to my new best friend who SPOKE to Johnny and took tons of really beautiful pictures. Her name is Michelle, and Denise (mominmadison) linked to her flickr page the other day. Not one to miss a scoop for her readers, I contacted Michelle last night. Her is an excerpt from her EXCLUSIVE interview!

First, Michelle went on and on and on about how she is a regular reader of my blog already, and can't believe I actually contacted her. She seemed even more excited about that than the fact she saw Johnny Depp. That is understandable of course...but let me quote her.

"I've never heard of your blog, but...Of course, you are very welcome to link me, I'd be honored!  I will definitely leave a comment thanking you.  My pictures are a culmination of patience and good luck!  I spent hours upon hours freezing my butt off outside each day, and the photo gods smiled upon me for it.  I can't say I really had an secrets except for the photos I got today...go check em out, even I am jealous of myself.  LOL. Sorry for the lame watermark, people were stealing without giving credit and my real photographer friends were yelling at me.  Ha.used a Canon Rebel digital SLR, fitted with my telephoto lens (75-300) for all these shots.  I am a Canon girl, and would highly recommend it!"

I can totally understand how everyone would want to steal these pictures! I mean, do you really want people faking JOhnnys autograph and selling YOUR photos on ebay.?You can't be too careful. Michelle, the sign of  a SERIOUS artiste is the watermark. Everyone knows that. You've arrived, baby! And you have Johnny to thank, really. Okay, enough of me, let's get back to Michelle....this is the good part...

"Anyway, today I was actually on the set.  A friend of mine owns a store and we were able to slip out when Johnny was done filming.  He waved to us, said "Hi Ladies!" and tipped his hat.  Swoon.

 

I got to meet him the other night.  He was so kind, engaging, friendly and damn dang [sorry Michelle, the kids are watching, I had to edit] ... he smelled good.  I know this because he hugged me.  Do I sound like a fangirl yet?  I am.  And the funny thing is I really wasn't before, but Johnny is such a nice, humble guy you can't help but love him."

This is a theme I keep hearing. "I was never a stalker/fan before, but then I met him..." Of course, some people don't even have to meet Johnny to be head over heals.

Meanwhile, please, please, please head on over to Michelles Flickr page. Her pictures aren't just great of Johnny ('cause he can't take a bad one, it seems) but the photos of the set and the preparations for filming are fascinating. And really, all Johnny gushing aside, what I find particularly fascinating is the process by which a film is made. Because I am not just about shallow celeb hunting, oh no, I am all about The ART. THE PROCESS.

Ya, whatever. STAY TUNED THIS WEEKEND for your exclusive Johnny Depp FAN Interviews!! With MORE pictures from the SET!! From MY HOMETOWN!! (ya, that same one I had to get away from. Darn it.)

Johnny On The Spot

This just in from my brother!

I am just writing to say that yes, we did see him in person. Later I thought of shouting to him that he was robbed at the oscars. Although maybe too soon for that comment. I didn't want him to fly into a rage. He was just voted the best celebrity as far as fan relationships go. He went down a huge line and shook everybodys hands. It took at least half an hour. I give him credit for that. After seeing him in person, I have finally come to the conclusion that I am better looking than him after all. Anna will fill you in on the details.

Via phone interview, Josh also stated that Johnny looks incredibly young. Why do some people have perfect genes? Or maybe a pact with the devil. Unfair. Why is this gift given to men?

Ah, well, per that last part in your above message, Josh.. I'll let my readers decide when they've seen you two side by side.(Gee sorry yours is so small, Josh...)



I mean, both you and Johnny have glasses. I KNOW both you and Johnny would shake hands for 1/2 an hour with your fans in the frigid Wisconsin spring, but do you even HAVE a 1/2 hours worth of fans? More importantly:Do you wear CANDY BRACELETS??? Johnny's left Kaballah bracelets in the dust and is opting for some candy statement. What about you, Josh? Can you beat that? And your popularity ratings? Where are they now? I mean, you LOOK like him otherwise.

YOO, HOO?? Johnny, I'm Over Here!

I live in Podunk-ton ALL my life, drag my Mainer man there for 13 years, birth my child there, move back to Maine, and now that I'm gone for a few short years, something besides the mundane is happening. I mean, something OH, SO MUCH MORE than mundane. 

Ah, excuse me, Johnny? You DID realize I wasn't living there anymore, right? I know you figured I would be around, but I'm not. I"m out here on the east coast now. Ya, you didn't' get that memo, huh? I watched Edward Scissorhands. You were awesome. And that first pirate movie was decent...I kinda blanked out on the other two...but let me say I've always loved Chocolat.




What really bummed me, Johnny, was the fact that I tried to call that VERY same courthouse you were filming in today.


You remember Ms. D? Well, I needed to get her birth certificate(and NO I am not bringing up that whole paternity discussion again...) The birth certificate is actually at my brothers house, but it's buried under piles of stuff, and my mom can't find it, so frankly, it's easier to call the courthouse and get a copy at this point...so where was I, Johnny? Ya, okay then, I tried to call the courthouse and guess what? Closed. CLOSED?  A courthouse???? HUH? I mean, I know I lived in a small town, but a closed courthouse? What happened, did Brett Farve retire or something? (Oh, that was jist a joke, there, ya know...) There was some pre- recorded message about some guy trimming the hedges around the courthouse fountain, and I knew right away it was you, Johnny. I liked how you had the crew film in my home town, and it's very sweet and all, but Johnny, sweetie, I am NOT. THERE. You get that, right? It's time to move on, I told you that, but I can see you won't give up. But just for next time, I am on the EAST COAST now.

And I'm happy. And very much in love.
With kind regards,
Maria


P.S. Sorry I didn't get a chance to see your last film. It was a little dark dontcha think? And frankly, Room With A View ruined Helena in anything else for me. But I promise, I will try to see this next one. I owe it to you for not being back home. I'll carry that guilt for awhile, I suppose.