Stress everywhere and plenty to spare..

I'd like to know what you do to reduce your stress after a hard day? Does it seem like things are getting a bit crazy or what?

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey

First concert of the season, yeah! Almost rained out, yeah! Free, yeah!
After one bad day this week it was a treat to go and see one of my favorite performers Jeffrey Gaines. Who you ask? Are you an XPN listener? I first saw him perform and pour his heart out in song and sweat one hot June evening at the Tweeter when Sting had transportation problems. I still remember this black man wearing red leather pants and a jacket in June. He had to be hot and he was, his music that is. If you have never heard his heartfelt and engaging songs you should give a listen. Songs like "Over and Over,"Always Be," and I know a Man" are great. His version of PG's "In your Eyes" is better than the original, in my opinion. JG is hard to define his songs from the heart are about his life, heart, aspiring to greater things, and personal freedoms. He doesn't sound like anyone I could name and I have tried. He defies generalization. I bet you can find JG performing somewhere this summer in the area as he hails from PA. Most of his performances are free to the public and he can usually be found donating his time for charitable causes like Katrina or Africa relief. If not you'll find him on XPN.
I woke up with his music running through my mind over and over, oh, that's one of his lyrics.
Love, love, love JG. Sorry couln't download a pic. Try his website: Jeffrey Gaines @Homepages.com for interviews on politics, music and more...

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

This weekend the classic movie channel ran "Mr. Smith goes to Washinton." Am I the only one who hasn't seen it? It dates to 1939 and is considered by some to be Capra's best work. Thought that Christmas tale was also named as his best, but anyway. The obvious message is one of corruption in politics. There is a secondary plot that the one man can make a difference. It is just as relavent today as it was in 1939. Do check it out if you haven't already.

Oh what a year?

On May 27, 2006 the first anniversary of writing a blog came and went without fanfare or celebration. If you don't count the months I was away. Most of my entries have been just journals on the computer. Thinking about what has transpired over the last 365 days makes my head spin. One year ago today was the Appel Farms concert with Aimee Mann, Mavis Staples and the Wainright clan. Loved the eccentricity of Lodon Wainright so much that I went to the XPN festival where he headlined. (I thank Pax Romano for introducing me to his music). That was the only time I can remember us sharing an activity with Judy Holiday and everyone having a good time. Music is nourishment for my soul and last summer was filled with more concerts than some attend in a lifetime. Diversity is my middle name when it comes to music including: Live 8, Tears for Fears, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Bochelli and Jim Brickman are just the memorable highlights. I am gratefull for every friend who is young at heart and willing to stand among the crowds. Many were the walks at Longwood or the shore. Just looking out over the ocean is calming. It was in the heat of summer my Mom decided to sell her home of forty years and move to an apartment. One grandson and I helping her moving years of memories, hobbies and the important paperwork of a life. Packrats beware. In retrospect that is probably what started me cleaning and empting my house of many unused items. No one thinks they are the packrat in their family, do they? What can I say I come from three generations of savers. My Gran saved and recycled after the depression making feed sacks into dishtowels and old clothing into quilts. Mom came from another country and has all the memories of a lifetime. Their adage is to waste not, want not? (Thanks for reminding me Jac's). How many books and CD's have I collected?
I also reached twenty five years working in civil service. Where did the time go?
By fall it was deep into the home improvement projects which any home has, unless yours is brand new. I finally finished the yard projects and hate to admit that maybe there are a few too many garden beds. Thank God we did not put in the pond as it would be very murky after my time away.
Winter was not just gray but made longer waiting for the tests that report me to be in good health. Its been three years already. I am very lucky to be here and need to remember to enjoy every day. Sometimes it is hard not to be frightened. Simply put, Dad used to say,"everyday you wake up is a good day."
In spring I left home and ran away for a while to try to find my way. I had been thinking about making changes for a long time. Unlike some of our brave blogger friends I could not bring myself to share the minutiea or the heartache. I have said very little and no one asked any questions that I did not want to answer. Besides who has not been through something in their life that alters it forever.... Let those in glass houses...etc. etc. (I think of Yul Brenner in the King & I, as well, for Merci).
Last weekend, Memorial Day, I went to a party, perhaps the first time by myself and it was OK. I look forward to another summer, another concert and other opportunities to lunch and laugh with friends. What would my Dad say? "It's a great life if you don't weaken." Love and best wishes to all who have been supportive friends this year.

All too personal

Last week while driving home and regrettably still thinking about the office issues of the day my phone rang. My sister called and after a few minutes of small talk about her daughter and family she got right to the point. First she said she was trying not to panic about the small lump she found under her arm. While waiting for the doctors diagnoses, she lost her composure. (this may be the first time she admitted such a thing). She was told that she might be having an allergic reation to cosmetics we all use there everyday. Humm! Sure enough in a few days the lump was going away. She said she was afraid the she'd have to give up coffee. Nothing doing, I said, as long as you drink in moderation, you'll be fine. Besides coffee is supposed to keep you brain from developing dementia. Humm, she replied " we are doomed as Mom drank enough coffee in her day for all of us." We just laughed for a good few minutes. We recounted the time Mom decided to give up coffee and replaced it with Pepsi. Now her drug of choice is Chocolate. I cannot help being addicted, its a personal amd familial tradition.

I hope that my sister is fine and that she never has to encounter the dreaded "C "that seems to run through our family. Keep a good thought for her. My thoughts were how important family is and the work will always continue......so why sweat the details.

Weekend relaxation?

I arose early to go to the market before the sleepy heads crowded into the old Shop Rite in my neighborhood. Completely forgot that I had a 9 am appointment to get my hair done. Oops, now who is the sleepy head. A quick trip to the nearby True Value hardware store for rakes and new garden tools, at least ones that would fit into my car. Wouldn't you know the twenty dollar garden cart was sold out. Surprise, surprise. Looks like the made them for children to play in the garden . Rushed home for an afternoon delivery of mulch, knowing there were plenty of beds and trees that still needed weeding in anticipation of the big delivery. Quickly I cleaned the area where the hammock will go up later (a reward later for all my efforts), removed the old BBQ grills and four tanks. Why did two people need two grills and four tanks of fuel? Miscellaneous items just seemed to find their way behind the garden shed and I know I didn't put anything back there? Humm, spend the remaining morning cleaning stuff that was never mine to begin with from behind the garden shed that was supposed to house the items that overflowed the garage. A garage that has not seen a car since 1990. I worked till the only stuff out back was a pile of wood seasoned for the taking and the lonely wheelbarrow that still had seen mulch today. About two o'clock when I was ready for a siesta the delivery finally arrived.

It took about ninety minutes to spread two cubic yards. Worse that that it barely made a dent compared to those areas that still need attention. Looks like its back to my favorite garden center for more mulch, more delivery charges, oops. Probably can use another four or five yards to finish my existing garden beds. Looks like it will not be ready for parties by the upcoming holiday. Maybe July? September?

Why tell this tale? Gardening is my passion so why am I complaining about the chores this year? Complain, complain, complain!. Cannot use my shoulder injury as an excuse any more. Is it time for a smaller yard? Perhaps a nice new condo with a oversized postage stamp of a yard?
I wonder?

I so looked forward to the weekend as a time to rest and relax, maybe tommorrow?

I'm Back, OK Who cares?

I signed off for a while as I claimed to be working on my garden. Truth is I went on a voyage, a long one. Although I missed going to Cannes this year I had quite an adventure lately, would you believe I:

Went on a voyage of discovery with my good friend SylviaFeintein. During which we enjoyed two months traveling with her Aunt Bubbie to the Orient. After which she took me to Boca to see her sister and her rich husband, you remember the diamond merchant. Then we went to see RENT with cousin Mel. Syl's sister Liza and I traveled to Europe to find her another husband and I ended up spending one dreamy night with Antonio. Sorry Pax, I know what he means to you, but that sweet talking, dreamy eyed Latino was more that any woman can resist!

Maybe I took Mom to NY a week before Mother's Day, just to be a good daughter.

No, not buying it, so far. How about I went to the Garden of Eden and did not return for three months. I have traveled far and there is still no place like home.

taking a break..

The Garden of Ede will be temporarily closed while I begin planning the spring garden. You may think it's too early but I'm looking forward to the beauty of the earth's renewal and beautiful manmade gardens do take some planning. I am looking forward to spring an all the joy it brings? Isn't that a song lyric?

Z

Davy Baby & Joey B.

Usually I do not enjoy eating in the conference room at the office. Too much testosterone for one woman. Usually I cannot wait to run outdoors and play especially on such a mild day. Even with Mr. Testosterone sitting next to me today it was tolerable enough. The reasons that it was so enjoyable are as follows:
I was joined by three or four of my closest friends, Molly, Aunt Bubby,and cousin Mel. The usual cast of characters were present but they did not get to discuss sports, sex and competitive eating as usual. There were no embarrassing moments where I turned beet red for their amusement, not today.
Anyway, we continued a discussion that Big Daddy initiate this morning with Joey B. Seems our young protege does not know who David Bowie is. That was all it took to get me started as I consider myself one of his greatest fans. We gave the young Mr. B. A homework assignment to listen and learn about the androgynous creation of the 70's, Ziggy Srardust, the actor who gave us The Hunger, the Man who fell to Earth, and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence. Oh, how about his portrayal of Andy Warhol. Forgot what movie that was? What was it Pax? The man survived sex, drugs and rock and roll of the 70's to become a classic rock icon. After marriage and a second career as an artist he now models along with his beautiful wife in fashionable magazines.

Someone announced that we should develop a kind of jeopardy game for Joey B. to share all the glory and great bands of the 60's and 70's. So the remaining hour was filled with reminiscences over favorites from the 60's and 70's. Few of us may still remember Woodstock or the British invasion of the Beatles. Joey B. was only five when Live Aid took place. Remembering the the following was fun:
The Byrds
Bread
The Band
Janis Joplin
Cream/Eric Clapton
The Door/Morrison
Stevie Winwood
The Kinks
The Animals
Motown and Marvin Gaye
The Temptations/Four Tops/Smokey Robinson
Harry Chapin
Iron Butterfly
Pink Floyd
Don't even get me started about movies.....Last time we suggested he watch the Graduate.
All afternoon I could not get the Temptations rythms out of my head, " I got sunshine on a cloudy day"...
Pax I wish you could have been there to see what cha, cha, changes you started with our young American.

TO to Go!

A few days, maybe a week ago while Bubba and I were watching football and discussing the decline of the Eagles, etc. He mentioned TO and I predicted him going to the Buc's. I saw him wearing those awful bronze pants that are the hallmark of the team. But that fact I kept to myself until today when someone mentioned it. Better yet my coworker asked how I knew and my retort was that I'd seen a vision of those ugly bronze trousers! She said, "oh OK," which sounded a little silly at the time and we laughed. Hummm, it remains to be seen if he can fit into the team and their uniform but I saw it coming.......Wish I could predict the outcome of game between the Colts and Steeleers. If so I could clean up on a large bet with the big guy!

No place like a garden

Hope that you enjoy the change of scenery.

Favorite things

My favorite things about a new year:

HOPE that this year will bring health, happiness and peace we all desire.
While most people are starting diets and excercise regimes I hope to be able to continue walking several miles each week. (don't really like going when its cold outside). Somehow I managed to loose a few pounds....

Cleaning out the clutter from closets and the attic seems to be in some way therapuetic. Having a small house has forced me to streamline and not collect too much stuff. A work in progress I admit.

Wishing that this year the fighting will cease and American soldiers will come home to their families.

A new year brings a new opportunity to acheive the goals that we set for ourselves.
Finally, Faith the things will all turn out for the best!

1975

Traveling is the appropriate thing to do while one is on vacation. So today I went back to London 1975. Yes it's possible and what a pleasant trip it was. Went along with the E Street band to the days of white polyester suits, curly perms, big glasses and platform shoes. Bruce unshaven and unkept sang his heart out! Cool! The thirtieth anniversary of "Born to Run" rereleased with concert footage and other goodies was a special treat this holiday.

Thanks to my dear friend Pax for making this trip possible.

My holiday.

We went to my sisters in northwestern New York state where NJ, NY and PA meet. Her family live atop a mountain and have the most amazing view of the rolling hillside punctuated with stone walls that look as if they've been there since the Mohicans. In fact thats what the view from their breakfast room reminded me of. On a clearer day you can see High Point, NJ which is ten minutes away. Not being a great photographer I have no visual proof to offfer but I'll try to remedy that in a future blog.

Dinner was ready at the same time I wanted to nap, probably around three pm. After driving since 7am, I was beyond tired. We took Mum which I thought would make her very happy. The idea of seeing her 8 year old grandaughter open her American girl dolls and other gifts sounded very appealing. Wrong! Let me just say that next time I'm going alone! I'll spare you the details. Yet it was all so worth it to see my sister and her family so happy in their newly built home. They seem like the ideal happy family. As an engineer her hubby has moved them around the country several times and this is the closest they've been in fifteen years. I could not be happier!

Now its back to the real world and I am determined to make the new year one filled with happy memories. Thank you all for the gifts you've given me this year. Let's vow to make the new year the BEST filled with peace and love.

Have a Happy!

No matter what holiday you celebrate this season. My wish for you all is happiness, peace and joy!

What a day for holiday?

Well the shopping is done and the gifts are wrapped. The sun was shining and the cold didn't seem to be noticable this morning. A beautiful day to be on holiday mode and so apparently was everyone else. When I couldn't get a parking space at Trader Joe's I knew that the mad, mad rush was on. Not the kid, no I did not need organic extracts and dried fruits that badly. I got the idea to bake a version of the much maligned fruit cake for my Mom who thinks they are great. Instead I indulged on a delicious expresso with cherry syrup topped with whipped cream and a hint of chocolate syrup at Borders. They called Black Forest Mocha. I called it heavenly with every sip. Uhmm...The Brits are right about one thing, holiday sounds better that vacation. What a nice day to hang out and lunch with friends this holiday.

Humm! Can you say cookies?

One holiday tradition that did not escape this season was the baking day ritual. See Pax Romano's blog. After sorting throught through dozens of recipe cards, magazine pages and a cookbook or two, I got down to business. Even invited Mommy dearest, but alas she was out shopping. So I whipped up a batch of peanut butter, some gingerbread, chocolate candy and butterscotch almond bars. That was after baking an easy cheesecake. The chocolate chips that Bubba made on Friday are already gone...wonder where they went? I cannot find my recipe for pizzelle's. Does anyone have a recipe they could share? Today its oatmeal rasin, chocolate marble brownies (my sisters recipe) and yes the anise cookies...Hummm! Got milk?

Holiday hopes

Never thought I'd say it but I'd like to skip Christmas this year. Well at least in the traditional ways of over decorating the house and buying gifts for family that they don't need or don't have a place to store. I have gotten more joy from giving gifts to children and to charities than any thing else.
When friends ask what is on my wish list I am often at a loss. I am happy to have time and laughter with each and everyone of the friends in my life. Friends (and you know who you are) provide me with more gifts than I could ever put under a tree.
Let me say thank you for the gifts that I received every day:
Laughter: the kind that makes me cry and makes my face turn an unflattering shade of red. To those who find the humor in everyday events and to see the irony that is all around us if we just open ourselves to it.
Challenges: to those who are honest/brave enough to say what is in their hearts and minds and yet present it in a way that is sensitive. Even hardships can be tools for teaching.
Sharing and discussions about timely and thought provoking movies, books and entertainment over a cup of tea or coffee. OK, even blogging! I've left out politics purposely.
Music: Don't know what I'd do without it on a daily basis! Something about taming the savage... I am convinced that a christmas concert is one way to start the season with spirit!
Knowledge: that there are a few people that I can depend on whenever things are too much to bear and the world seems a little too chilly!
Family: A woman really needs her sisters/brothers. What would we do without one another? Even if we do not share the same DNA. There are those who promote spirituality, serenity, authenticity, honor and humor. Each is a precious gem not to be taken for granted.
Love and peace are not cliches, they are what we all really want and need. Happy holiday!
XOXO

Pride & Prejudice review

Last week faced with three eagerly awaited films I end up going to see another remake of P&P which had been in theaters the longest. A bit sceptical at first, I succumbed to the advertising campaign. I thought nothing could replace the last version with Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. Either I have memory loss or the story was told with a new spin and yet kept to the original witty dialogue and humor. Kiera Knightly was pretty good as Lizzie and Donald Sutherland as her father, not bad! The actress who played the neurotic Mum was excellent. I cannot remember her name. She's been a few good (English) films. If you know her name please share it with me. Overall, I'd give it 3 out 0f 4, you may want to wait for DVD, but it is worth watching once again.
I cannot wait to see RENT and am intriques by Walk the Line. I'll keep you posted. HA HA

Bochelli & Brigantine

Every once in a while employees of the casinos get free tickets to wonderful performances. Last night at the spur of the moment I had the rare treat of joining friends from Brigantine to see a dress rehersal of a Christmas special with "Maestro Andrea Bochelli." There were excerts from the nutcracker performed by the Bolshi ballet, a Hungarian dance troop that had to be seen to be believed. Ever seen the Russian sitting dance performed other that on Ed Sullivan. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of the traditional but many european favorites.
Mozart, Bach, Greensleeves and Ave Maria (2 versions). My mom would have been in heaven had she heard it. Hearing Bochelli sing Ave Maria is like nothing else......I forgave that he arrived at 11:10p.m. The "sleighride" and "Adese Fideles" are etched into my memory. This event was a dress rehersal for a traveling show, not to be performed in AC. A concert is a wonderful way to get into the christmas spirit! Thanks to P, B, and N for thinking to include me!
WOW! What a night!