That Spanish Lullaby

AUGUST. Once again that summer month in which all of Spain goes away on holiday, alternately making way for visiting tourists from both near and far. This being my second summer now since living here, third since first visiting, it is no longer a shock to me how shops and services close entirely for up to 31 days. The concept of businesses on standstill is, nonetheless, still novel.

Staying behind in the nearly-deserted barrio, I could only gaze out the window in 80s Madonna fashion, one tear trickling dramatically down a cheek. Had we taken this hedonistic holiday month more seriously, we'd have planned ahead and by now be off vacationing in some isla bonita.

My tribute to pals on holiday: Madonna's first-ever song to incorporate Spanish influences. "La Isla Bonita" is said to have been previously offered to Michael Jacskon, whose declining of the song made possible Madonna's acceptance, co-writing and performance of the now-iconic track. Equally iconic is the music video, whose religious and cultural motifs spurred fashion trends, if not a career-long assimilation of Hispanic themes into the artist's oeuvre.

Spanish motifs aside, that sleek-haired, white-slipped, clean-faced look is as fresh as a shower on a hot day. Intended to visually represent piety against the red-dressed seduction, it seems to actually trump the latter in exuding sex appeal.

But then again it's Madonna. There's no muting that sex appeal!

"La Isla Bonita" by Madonna, 1987. www.youtube.com

These First-Timers

A BIT OF FUN: Madonna's first-ever talk-show appearance back in 1987.

For my first post of the year, I mulled and mused for three days over what to show or say. I thought about it in the kitchen, on the road, while waiting to fall asleep, while exasperated over the inconveniences of 2012 so far, while having late breakfast, while having even later coffee.

Then last night, while exasperated over the inconveniences of 2012 so far, I thought I'd cheer myself up with some Madonna, my queen, my ultimate. After bouts of nostalgia and emotional outpouring over "Like a Prayer", "Dear Jessie", "Rain", "Oh Father", "Cherish" and other old-time favorites, I came upon a clip I'd have been too young to see and decided to stop thinking about what to post because here's something that put a smile on my face. And that felt good.

Though after quarter life it feels as if most milestones have been reached, most firsts experienced and fond memories already made, there's still much excitement to be had in this seemingly plateau-ed drag of adulthood. We just need to recognize them when they come and make them when they don't.

We're all virgins to something. If there's life, there are firsts.

Now. I really should buy me my first proper bustier.

Madonna on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1987. www.youtube.com

That Role that You Play

REVISITING MASCULINE AND FEMININE Spanish words today brought us to the word problema, or problem, which ends with an "a" and really has no gender but is an exception to the rule and is considered masculine.

Why? It just is. But it may have to do with the reckless games of men and the broken hearts they result in, don't you agree?

1994's "Take a Bow" is widely remembered for its loose narrative revolving around a matador and his neglected lover. Its cinematic treatment and Spanish theme also echo the movie musical to come two years later, starring the same leading lady in similar flavor.

The similarity, however, is of no coincidence, with the music video serving specifically to convince director Alan Parker that Madonna would make a fine and fitting Evita. Madonna was said to have requested "Take a Bow" director Michael Haussman to give the video a Spanish feel, with the intention of sending a copy to Parker as her audition.

She sent the video, bagged the movie and despite many complications during filming, received a Golden Globe for the role, following the birth of her daughter Lourdes and followed by the end of her relationship with Carlos Leon.

Happiness and success!

In a woman's life, there are no real problems. Only men.

"Take a Bow", 1994, from the album Bedtime Stories. Music Video directed by Michael Haussman, starring Madonna and Emilio Muñoz.

That Goddess, My Goddess

IN LIGHT OF GLEE'S RE-POPULARIZATION of songs from True Blue and Like A Prayer, I pay homage to my life-long diva not with a lengthy blog post but with a nostalgic, dramatic, sensual and sensational, dance-inducing, song-inspiring, neighbor-bothering and boyfriend-torturing Madonna-rama in which I will get into the groove, express myself, live to tell, take a bow and dance with San Pedro.

After all, it's a holiday!

Celebrate!

Madonna, photographed by Herb Ritts for the cover of True Blue, 1986.

Image from www.areaofdesign.com