Some of us rare souls love the cold weather. I love the rain, the gloom, the drifts of snow. Do realize though, that i don't work in it, and don't have to travel in it. I do get to look out my window at the beautiful first flakes of white settling beautifully on our city. Then the aftermath sets in and it isn't pretty. But it's winter and it's suppose to be cold. Summer will soon be here and we will be complaining about the heat and humidity. I prefer the cold!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Pet Peeve Du jour. Winter--It's Suppose to be Cold
It's winter, my favorite season, it's cold, it's suppose to be. We are in the northeast and it's suppose to be cold. Weather fluctuates and goes through cycles.
CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt. Over, and Over, and Over...
My favorite tv show by far is now known as CBS Sunday Morning and is hosted by the heartwarming Charles Osgood or Charlie as i like to think of him. He stepped in in 1994 when the man i loved, Charles Kuralt, retired. He died shortly after.
The feeling of nirvana took over my body for a brief moment this past Sunday morning as i sat on the bed with my breakfast on the tray and the coffee at the ready. The anticipation was there It was Sunday morning, 9 am and time for CBS Sunday Morning.
I started watching shortly after the show debuted in January 1979. Doc Severinsen's trumpet blared and the logo's sun erupted in front of the screen. There have been brief faithful watching interruptions, but on almost any Sunday i will be sitting in front of my screen. The theme song's been replayed by the brilliant trumpeter Winton Marsalis, the host has changed, but my love for the show has not.
There is an opening segment that sets the trends in the show. Usually some topic relevant to the time. That segment is followed by four or five more segments and include interesting happening with interesting people. The producers along with the writers and interviewers are, in my mind, brilliant. The show is beautifully put together and almost never boring.
My sister, also a faithful watcher, said the other day that she thought the show should be a half hour shorter. "No way" i said. It's only because she wasn't interested in a particular topic. It happens occasionally, but NO the ninety minutes is perfect.
Charles Kuralt always had at least one segment on the arts. Could be an old man who was so enamored of a particular object, say bottle caps or old license plates, that he saw fit to cover his whole house with millions of the collected passion. Could be an artist who still makes violins in the back woods of Kentucky. When Charlie Osgood took over it seems as if occasionally there is not a segment on the art's. The is one segment ALMOST every Sunday bur not every Sunday. I complain on my facebook page. I'm sure it isn't Mr. Osgood's fault but it's someone's and they should be fired. We NEED the arts to survive. See, i get emotional about the show. Mr. Osgood though, occasionally plays, on the piano, a tune he wrote and also recites poetry he's composed.. I love him for that. He's a cool dude.
At the close there is a quiet segment of nature of some kind. No music, no talking, just the scene with whatever sound nature provides--babbling brook, falling snow, rutting moose. The scenes are endless and sometimes too short depending on time i'm sure. When i went back to college in my mid 40's, i did a video piece called "Anatomy of a Play" The quiet segment of Sunday Morning was the basis for my transitions in the piece. I learned from Sunday morning that silence is a production value too.
I once sent a sun made out of wire and glass globs to the show. It was shortly before Charles Kuralt left. They did not use my sun. Boo!!!!
The feeling of nirvana took over my body for a brief moment this past Sunday morning as i sat on the bed with my breakfast on the tray and the coffee at the ready. The anticipation was there It was Sunday morning, 9 am and time for CBS Sunday Morning.
I started watching shortly after the show debuted in January 1979. Doc Severinsen's trumpet blared and the logo's sun erupted in front of the screen. There have been brief faithful watching interruptions, but on almost any Sunday i will be sitting in front of my screen. The theme song's been replayed by the brilliant trumpeter Winton Marsalis, the host has changed, but my love for the show has not.
There is an opening segment that sets the trends in the show. Usually some topic relevant to the time. That segment is followed by four or five more segments and include interesting happening with interesting people. The producers along with the writers and interviewers are, in my mind, brilliant. The show is beautifully put together and almost never boring.
My sister, also a faithful watcher, said the other day that she thought the show should be a half hour shorter. "No way" i said. It's only because she wasn't interested in a particular topic. It happens occasionally, but NO the ninety minutes is perfect.
Charles Kuralt always had at least one segment on the arts. Could be an old man who was so enamored of a particular object, say bottle caps or old license plates, that he saw fit to cover his whole house with millions of the collected passion. Could be an artist who still makes violins in the back woods of Kentucky. When Charlie Osgood took over it seems as if occasionally there is not a segment on the art's. The is one segment ALMOST every Sunday bur not every Sunday. I complain on my facebook page. I'm sure it isn't Mr. Osgood's fault but it's someone's and they should be fired. We NEED the arts to survive. See, i get emotional about the show. Mr. Osgood though, occasionally plays, on the piano, a tune he wrote and also recites poetry he's composed.. I love him for that. He's a cool dude.
At the close there is a quiet segment of nature of some kind. No music, no talking, just the scene with whatever sound nature provides--babbling brook, falling snow, rutting moose. The scenes are endless and sometimes too short depending on time i'm sure. When i went back to college in my mid 40's, i did a video piece called "Anatomy of a Play" The quiet segment of Sunday Morning was the basis for my transitions in the piece. I learned from Sunday morning that silence is a production value too.
I once sent a sun made out of wire and glass globs to the show. It was shortly before Charles Kuralt left. They did not use my sun. Boo!!!!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Am I Really a Senior?????
What is a senior? According to our society, it has to do with receiving the stipend payment from the government for past work done, i guess. My payment started almost 10 years ago---so the government says i am way beyond the senior identity.
Yesterday a friend and i decided to attend the "senior" Christmas party at my local senior center. My family is all out of town. Believe me it has been extremely difficult for me to attend any senior organized activity. Pride being the major factor i think. But that being said i am mellowing and can be found at more, and some of them i attend with a slight show of grace.
The wonderful people who sponsored the party are to be commended. The food was pretty good, but the best part for me was the dancing, and the especially attractive kind young man who took the time to dance, and talk, and really engage me in conversation. He made my day believe me, and i will forever be grateful to him.
We did the "slide" which was new to me and i also attempted a couple other dances while inserting my own style. I always loved to dance and am considered a good dancer if i do say so myself. In fact my young partner commented on that fact.
Actually all the volunteers who made the day possible are to be thanked and blessed as they gave their time for all we seniors. Santa came with presents and I left feeling joyful and relaxed.
This morning now, the body is a little sore, but i am happy to have experienced my first Christmas at the Senior Center. I had friends to go with and new friends to meet. I know i am a senior, but more in body then in mind. We all get there in time---sometimes sooner then we think, or want.
Yesterday a friend and i decided to attend the "senior" Christmas party at my local senior center. My family is all out of town. Believe me it has been extremely difficult for me to attend any senior organized activity. Pride being the major factor i think. But that being said i am mellowing and can be found at more, and some of them i attend with a slight show of grace.
The wonderful people who sponsored the party are to be commended. The food was pretty good, but the best part for me was the dancing, and the especially attractive kind young man who took the time to dance, and talk, and really engage me in conversation. He made my day believe me, and i will forever be grateful to him.
We did the "slide" which was new to me and i also attempted a couple other dances while inserting my own style. I always loved to dance and am considered a good dancer if i do say so myself. In fact my young partner commented on that fact.
Actually all the volunteers who made the day possible are to be thanked and blessed as they gave their time for all we seniors. Santa came with presents and I left feeling joyful and relaxed.
This morning now, the body is a little sore, but i am happy to have experienced my first Christmas at the Senior Center. I had friends to go with and new friends to meet. I know i am a senior, but more in body then in mind. We all get there in time---sometimes sooner then we think, or want.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
New Chuke
On my many travels to the New York Public Library on 5th avenue and 40th street, i pass BCBG Max Azria, the high end fashion store, located directly across 40th street from my destination. The windows are beautifully done and cause me to stop and linger every time i need to return or pick up a book.
Many times i have wanted to go in and just look. Several times i have, but with varying results. My body frame is not the usual for the designer fashion but the draw of the fabulous designs in the window, and the styling, is candy for my artists eyes. Most of the sales people have been kind and helpful when i have asked a question or requested a peek at something on the bottom floor. Sometimes not, making me all the more determined to check things out.
Sean Combs had a store on the block before BCBG's which has since closed. I loved the windows there too and would go in even though a men's store. The graphics and styling intrigued me. Never bought any thing in his store but have regretted not even purchasing a t-shirt. Now it's long gone so i only have BCBG's left to salivate over.
Well----several weeks ago i noticed an adorable Bobby's hat like the police wear in London, on a mannequin, and so i popped in to see and ask the price. The price point for hats was not bad and i thought maybe i could treat myself to the treasure, but low and behold the hat was way big and not as attractive on as i hoped it would be. Too bad!!!!!!
A few days ago i made my regular trip to the library and was stopped dead in my tracks when i saw, on the head of a mannequin a chuke with a veil.
My mother spoke french Canadian when i was growing up. My grandmother lived with us. Chuke was what we called a "stocking cap" or winter warm hat of simple design to keep the head warm. My brother once went shopping for a winter hat and came home amazed because no one had chuke's in stock. It was winter and there should have been plenty. What a surprise when my mother told us that chuke was french for stocking cap. No one understood what my brother was asking for.
Well, the reason i'm saying all this is because a few days ago i walked by BCBG's on my way to pick up a book i had on hold, and low and behold i saw the same hat on a mannequin that i saw a few weeks ago while watching the fashion runway show from Paris. Bill Cunningham from the Times, did a video report on women attending the show and women on the street wearing the chuke with a vail. OMG How perfect was that. When i saw that hat, on the mannequin at BCBG's, i had to have it. Well, I did. I splurged and bought my self a gift. Veils are cool but on a chuke---Now that's beyond cool.
Can't wait to tell my older brother about my new hat. He will probably say "it's not a real chuke". That's like my dad telling me many years ago that my new Fry boots were "not real shit kickin boots" when i told him i bought cowboy boots. What do they know--They're boys.
My chuke however, instead of being made of wool, is make of angora and has a fab angora pom pom. A little luxury never hurt anybody.
Many times i have wanted to go in and just look. Several times i have, but with varying results. My body frame is not the usual for the designer fashion but the draw of the fabulous designs in the window, and the styling, is candy for my artists eyes. Most of the sales people have been kind and helpful when i have asked a question or requested a peek at something on the bottom floor. Sometimes not, making me all the more determined to check things out.
Sean Combs had a store on the block before BCBG's which has since closed. I loved the windows there too and would go in even though a men's store. The graphics and styling intrigued me. Never bought any thing in his store but have regretted not even purchasing a t-shirt. Now it's long gone so i only have BCBG's left to salivate over.
Well----several weeks ago i noticed an adorable Bobby's hat like the police wear in London, on a mannequin, and so i popped in to see and ask the price. The price point for hats was not bad and i thought maybe i could treat myself to the treasure, but low and behold the hat was way big and not as attractive on as i hoped it would be. Too bad!!!!!!
A few days ago i made my regular trip to the library and was stopped dead in my tracks when i saw, on the head of a mannequin a chuke with a veil.
My mother spoke french Canadian when i was growing up. My grandmother lived with us. Chuke was what we called a "stocking cap" or winter warm hat of simple design to keep the head warm. My brother once went shopping for a winter hat and came home amazed because no one had chuke's in stock. It was winter and there should have been plenty. What a surprise when my mother told us that chuke was french for stocking cap. No one understood what my brother was asking for.
Well, the reason i'm saying all this is because a few days ago i walked by BCBG's on my way to pick up a book i had on hold, and low and behold i saw the same hat on a mannequin that i saw a few weeks ago while watching the fashion runway show from Paris. Bill Cunningham from the Times, did a video report on women attending the show and women on the street wearing the chuke with a vail. OMG How perfect was that. When i saw that hat, on the mannequin at BCBG's, i had to have it. Well, I did. I splurged and bought my self a gift. Veils are cool but on a chuke---Now that's beyond cool.
Can't wait to tell my older brother about my new hat. He will probably say "it's not a real chuke". That's like my dad telling me many years ago that my new Fry boots were "not real shit kickin boots" when i told him i bought cowboy boots. What do they know--They're boys.
My chuke however, instead of being made of wool, is make of angora and has a fab angora pom pom. A little luxury never hurt anybody.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Frida and Diego
My nest, on the 19th floor, is serene and calm now. For two weeks i was without my fish and found myself looking for them in the morning when i woke up and longing for the slow undulating sight of fish enjoying their world.
The new tank i created is a zen tank with different size glass balls and a glass spire plus blue gravel and lots of glass marbles, and a couple flowers swaying back and forth. My goldfish Frida is adorable with a white face and a tiny golden liner around the lips. Diego is larger and i'm afraid has the bully instinct. I need to watch him though cuz i have fallen in love with Frida and i don't want her abused. She seems the smarter of the two and gets away from him so maybe it will be ok.
Life is good with fish and i'm glad my good friend Bobby gave me the tank long ago that set me on this new fish adventure. I've lost a few but i guess that's part of the deal when dealing with gold fish or any fish actually. We are all creatures of the earth who live the best we can and then we die. Nature.
The new tank i created is a zen tank with different size glass balls and a glass spire plus blue gravel and lots of glass marbles, and a couple flowers swaying back and forth. My goldfish Frida is adorable with a white face and a tiny golden liner around the lips. Diego is larger and i'm afraid has the bully instinct. I need to watch him though cuz i have fallen in love with Frida and i don't want her abused. She seems the smarter of the two and gets away from him so maybe it will be ok.
Life is good with fish and i'm glad my good friend Bobby gave me the tank long ago that set me on this new fish adventure. I've lost a few but i guess that's part of the deal when dealing with gold fish or any fish actually. We are all creatures of the earth who live the best we can and then we die. Nature.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Dilemmas of Friendship
Having had the great fortune of a loving family, two wonderful children and a grandchild that i adore plus friends in my life from long ago and now, i find myself in a quandary.
A long time friendship is changing. I'm sure friendships are constantly changing due to circumstances in one's life and maybe that's what's happening to mine. Whatever it is, it has been painful.
My friend from an early age and i, have kept a periodic in touch relationship. Life happens and due to marriage, divorce, kids, jobs, and moving, the time in communication has been sporadic until the last few years.
The two of us are in constant email mode. Both of us like to write and love communicating via email. She keeps me updated on her always active and social life, her travels, her friends--all her happenings on an almost daily, sometimes more basis. I do the same.
The time has come to cut back i think. Can't really explain it but the feelings are as if i am paralyzed and unable to deal any more with the circumstances of her life. It hurts. I have no control (nor do i want any) over her life. She doesn't need my approval or my comments. I do however have feeling and even when i express them they seem to hit dead air.
Life goes on and friends come and go but some friends are more important then others. It makes me sad to see a friendship i care about so much, slowly die. We are both responsible.
I must say though, our several year email marathon would make an intriguing book.
A long time friendship is changing. I'm sure friendships are constantly changing due to circumstances in one's life and maybe that's what's happening to mine. Whatever it is, it has been painful.
My friend from an early age and i, have kept a periodic in touch relationship. Life happens and due to marriage, divorce, kids, jobs, and moving, the time in communication has been sporadic until the last few years.
The two of us are in constant email mode. Both of us like to write and love communicating via email. She keeps me updated on her always active and social life, her travels, her friends--all her happenings on an almost daily, sometimes more basis. I do the same.
The time has come to cut back i think. Can't really explain it but the feelings are as if i am paralyzed and unable to deal any more with the circumstances of her life. It hurts. I have no control (nor do i want any) over her life. She doesn't need my approval or my comments. I do however have feeling and even when i express them they seem to hit dead air.
Life goes on and friends come and go but some friends are more important then others. It makes me sad to see a friendship i care about so much, slowly die. We are both responsible.
I must say though, our several year email marathon would make an intriguing book.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Fall and Winter and Cold, Oh My!!
My joy started the day the sun reached it's highest peak. Oh boy!! The days began shrinking and my longing began. Summer i knew, was upon us, and with it the horrible humidity that plagues my town. The concrete exacerbates the problem and the extra padding i wear doesn't help, BUT, i have air conditioning and am free to stay in or come in out of the heat whenever i want. Still it's horrid.
As the days shortened, and the heat grew intolerable, all i could think of was the fall and winter coming up. Cooler weather and a more comfortable life. I'd have more energy, would be in a better frame of mind, and projects would get done. At least my outlook would be better.
My mother, many years ago, said to me "December 21st is my favorite day". What??? Mom loved the summer. She hated winter, and on December 21st the coldest time of the season was ahead of us. "Mom, i thought you loved summer best". She often said "Christmas should be in July" or "Let's celebrate Christmas in July instead of December." She then explained to me the since the days started getting longer on December 21st, spring and her beloved summer was just around the corner and it gave her something to look forward too. My brilliant mom--why didn't i think of that. So i have since reversed the idea and have made June 21st my favorite day of the year. It helps me get through the horrid summer. I have brisker weather to look forward too.
When fall rolls around and the rains increase, as do the clouds and the time changes, and we have more dark then light, my mood improves. Many times i have written the weather people on TV news to explain that there are some people who thrive in the rain and the dark and the gloom. I don't understand it either but not everyone feels joyous and free when the warm weather descends!!!!!
I'm in hog heaven right now. I had to put on my heavier jacket and my scarf and a hat earlier to go run some errands cuz guess what----life is good and the best days are yet to come. Baby it's cold outside!!
As the days shortened, and the heat grew intolerable, all i could think of was the fall and winter coming up. Cooler weather and a more comfortable life. I'd have more energy, would be in a better frame of mind, and projects would get done. At least my outlook would be better.
My mother, many years ago, said to me "December 21st is my favorite day". What??? Mom loved the summer. She hated winter, and on December 21st the coldest time of the season was ahead of us. "Mom, i thought you loved summer best". She often said "Christmas should be in July" or "Let's celebrate Christmas in July instead of December." She then explained to me the since the days started getting longer on December 21st, spring and her beloved summer was just around the corner and it gave her something to look forward too. My brilliant mom--why didn't i think of that. So i have since reversed the idea and have made June 21st my favorite day of the year. It helps me get through the horrid summer. I have brisker weather to look forward too.
When fall rolls around and the rains increase, as do the clouds and the time changes, and we have more dark then light, my mood improves. Many times i have written the weather people on TV news to explain that there are some people who thrive in the rain and the dark and the gloom. I don't understand it either but not everyone feels joyous and free when the warm weather descends!!!!!
I'm in hog heaven right now. I had to put on my heavier jacket and my scarf and a hat earlier to go run some errands cuz guess what----life is good and the best days are yet to come. Baby it's cold outside!!
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