A Week of Creativity....in various forms.....

My week started with Jenn teaching me Power Point. Yes, I have heard of Power Point but until last Monday had no reason to know how to use it. The person who had held Jenn's hand when she crossed the street, who went over spelling words with her, who taught her how to get into a turning jump rope and handled the teenage driving lessons........was now sitting next to my adult daughter saying "Teach me."

And so the teacher became the student.

I grew up in an age where "computer rooms" took over one half of a below ground level of the building I worked in at 140 Broadway.

As I used my newly purchased desk top with the huge tower and a price tag in the $2,000 range, I was resistant to using the mouse. Why?? Who knows....

I had grown up using a manual typewriter.  Then get ready for it......my Dad purchase a Brother  Electric Typewriter.  You had to slide the correction tape in the side while removing the cartridge of black ink. It sounds archaic doesn't it?????? This was no where near as state of the art as the IBM Selectric typewriter I used in Typing Class at Pearl River High School.

Back to the Power Point......

It was no where near as intimidating as I expected.  In fact, it was fun and allowed for creativity.

I used it in my presentation Monday. I did tell my audience this was my first venture into creating this kind work ....but it will not be my last that's for sure.

On Thursday, I had another foray where I had to attempt to use creative skills.  I attended a woodworking party after work.  Art is not my strong suit but if you give me a piece of wood cut out and the lines I have to paint in already traced on the wood.......I am in !! Before the class you picked out the item you wanted to work on.  I chose a Crescent Moon with a Palmetto Tree.  I chose the colors blue and white to go with the colors of the state flag. Gratefully, the instructor cleaned up the lines when I was done and added some additional touches of color to make it look more weather worn/rustic/ aged.  I love the finished product and can't wait to display it on my red front door.

The rest of the week wasn't quite as creative or fun......getting income tax forms together, cleaning the "green stuff" off my car, breaking the inside of a tooth and having to search for a new dentist ( in the Lowcountry it appears dentists do not work on Friday so guess what my first call will be tomorrow morning???), I found a crack in my windshield that continues to spread (guess what call #2 will be ?), I received reminders about my annual mammo appt and eye exam....how much fun can a girl have???

And I start off this week with ......well I will write about it next week (I am sure it will make for a riveting entry.....dear Lord let me get through it).....but here is a clue......

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” —Seneca

See you next week.......

When Did It Change?

Once upon a time if you bought a car that was NOT new it was called a used car.  Now it is a "pre-owned" car. 

There was a time when you rented an apartment.  Now you rent an "apartment home".

Pre-owned......apartment home....they have a nicer ring to the ear don't they? But they are still a used car and an apartment.  Nothing wrong with them....I have owned a used car and lived in an apartment.

When and why did we feel a need to make the name of those things sound nicer? Did it make them more desirable?

Some of the change in terms I totally get......there used to be a "husky" department for boys and a (good Lord) "chubette" dept for girls.  Now the clothes are all sold in the same department sans the embarrassing titles. I have lived with terms such as fat, obese and on and on.....full figure sounds better to me. And in the last few years shock upon shock, Sports Illustrated had a full figure model on their swimsuit cover.

While I understand the reason for those changes, I do not understand the need for other changes.

I grew up in an age of rotary phones and phones cords long enough to take to the next room.  I was actually able to drive in a car without taking a phone call .  When I got an answering machine at home, I felt I had really moved ahead. When we sat down to dinner, we talked to each other.  We didn't focus on our Iphones.  Jenn will often say "I can hear Nannie asking...."What has happened to the family?""

When I was little, I had a Barbie doll.  One Barbie doll.  She had on a black sequin evening gown. I am going to say it again.....one Barbie.

My Barbie had some outfits made by a friends Mom.  My parents didn't have the money to buy me the numerous outfits available for Barbie.  By the time Jenn was 8 or so, she had 10 Barbies which were bought because of the outfits she was wearing. For my parents, I am sure the cost of the Barbie clothes could not be a part of their budget. Which meant Barbie would have to continue to wear her evening gown or some homemade outfits.

When Jenn was young, it was the American Girl Doll that every girl wanted.  At the time, we just couldn't spend the $100 or close to it for one doll.  She did finally get one last year....long over due....and even last year I purchased it through one of those Steals and Deals promotions for $65.  The guilt of not getting her one when she was young was hard as a parent. Finally surprising her with something I could not give her as a child made her laugh and me feel a little better.

This week, the Mattel company announced a line of Barbie's for International Woman's Day. Even Barbie has changed over the years into various business roles, famous women and looks.......a long way from my one Barbie in her sequin gown......

See you next week......

Beach Shack Writer Seminar.....I Continue To Learn......

Another amazing chance to learn......another fabulous opportunity to spend time with other writers.....another couple of days being referred to as an author.......WOW!!!!!

As is the norm for me....I was nervous walking into the room. And as usual for me.......I was in the room about 5 minutes and felt totally in my element.

I LOVE BEING AROUND WRITERS !!!!

I also love the name of this writers group !! What group would fit me better than "Beach Shack Writers"????

Our classes were led by Jessica Handler, author and professor.  I liked her style immediately.  She didn't talk above us, she spoke to us and referred to us as authors.

Author....writer.....

We were asked to free write for 5 minutes.  We would just write whatever came into our minds.  We would not be reading what we wrote to the group.  It was a way to work through writers block.  Taking a blank piece of paper and just writing whatever comes to your mind is like playing word association.  You move from one topic to the next with no plan as to what is to come next. It can be just one rambling thought after the next or something more coherent......with me it was like a winding path with twists and turns.

We learned about where our stories came from and how to add depth to our piece.  Personal essays can be combined to create a memoir.  You can take specific events, write about them and weave them into a memoir.

The sharing among the group felt so comfortable.  As if I was with a group of old friends. No criticism just support, encouragement and suggestions.

We ended the day with homework.  We had to write 250-300 words....the topic.....a time you told a lie.  I really had to think about this and how much I was willing to share.  It did not have to be a life or death decision or true confessions....it did not have to be sad ....it could be funny.

I thought a lot about what to write after returning home. I thought about it overnight.  Finally early in the morning I found my topic.  I wrote it within 30 minutes.  As you can see, I work best under pressure and deadlines.

I walked into day two and our seating had been made into a circle.  We would read our assignment and then the group would discuss as if the author was not there.  They would take notes and then invite the author back into the discussion.  We were asked to explain our perspective on what we wrote.  We answered questions, received great feedback and were given suggested readings based on our topics.

And at the end of each person's reading and responding to questions....there was applause from the class.

I loved that Jessica kept referring to the author.  I have thought of myself as a writer but the word author takes on a whole new meaning.

So what do I do with what I learned in those two days?  Rewrite, rework and revise.  From what I first thought of as a brilliant idea a few years ago, I have made more changes than I even thought I would.  I think I am finally getting to a point where I can pull it all together.....I hope. And once I have completed my final draft then it gets edited and changes are suggested and on and on.

It is not a quick process and it can be frustrating, exhilarating and exhausting.  But when I finally am able to put my hands on the finished product, turn the pages and see the dedication page that will have more names that I can think of at this point.......it will be worth it all.....the hours, the nights with words floating in my head, the joy and the pain of the story......



See you next week......

What I Miss And What I Have Learned

Before I get into the entry related  to the title of this blog, let me share an update about my little friend LJ.

There was some progress reaching out to a lot of medical facilities this week. Almost too many to count copies of his medical records were sent to a myriad of physicians hoping there is a clinical trial that he may be eligible for. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR MY NEW LITTLE FRIEND, HIS SISTER AND OF COURSE HID MOM AND DAD. LJ's family was very fortunate to have their dear friend, Meg,  (and she part of my extended family) travel from Florida to Alaska to assist them in tracking down whomoever would listen and offer assistance in getting LJ the medical help he needs. Let them continue to be surrounded by good friends and angels as they move through each day.  Let their prayers be answered by a medical facility saying "YES !! We want LJ here !!"

I also learned LJ"s parents are big USC Gamecock fans......so Jenn and I did a little shopping....our package arrived in Alaska on Thursday....we feel blessed to be able to send some of home to them.....

LJ and family:

LJ and Cocky:

Hug your children and grandchildren as often as you can !!

Now on to this week's entry....

There are things I took for granted that now are part of my past.  There is nothing I can do about most of them now.  But also with age comes some freedom, wisdom and a fearlessness....kind of....

The I misses:
- Mom and Dad
- family dinners
- back in the days when I would hold Jenn's hand to cross the street
- the excitement of a first date and first love
- getting out of bed in the morning without putting on eyeglaases
- eyelids that snapped back into place when I put eye makeup on
- knees and hips that didn't hurt
- dancing for hours
- a summer of without the responsibility of work
- recovery time from crazy nights out......all it used to take was a bagel and a YooHoo
- the possibility of snow on Christmas Eve
- not having spent time with all my siblings in the same place for 6 years
- when $29 covered my weekly expenses.......gas for the Ford Pinto, cigarettes (ok already ....I quit 30 years ago), nights out at the bars, and my clothes
- going to the half price ticket booth on paydays and getting tickets to a Broadway Show
- not having to go to the Dr. every 6 months to have a BP check, blood work and make sure all of my numbers are good

What I have learned:
- life is short so try to enjoy each day
- do not be afraid to ask questions
- do not be afraid to say yes or no - depending on what you want to do
-  receive hugs graciously
- give hugs freely
- find your passion and do something with it
- when you eat out - try foods you wouldn't normally make at home
- do not let anyone drag you down, make you feel bad or kill your confidence
- give over the keys to the other driver in the car when you are tired (right Jenn??)
- be grateful every single day that you wake up
- have at least 5 people you can depend on....my Dad always said if you have 5 good friends you have lived a full life.....I am blessed to have more than 5
- the power of prayer....I pray each night (ok sometimes I fall asleep while I am praying...LOL)
- while sometimes you need hugs and compassion....you also need that friend who can tell you the things you do not want to hear but need to be said
- age is not a curse.....its a gift....treasure it....enjoy it and be grateful for each birthday

Now just one more thing I wanted to share:
We made Weight Watcher bagels and garlic knots today (not WW).  4 ingredients: flour, fat free Greek yogurt, baking powder and salt is the basic recipe.  To the bagels we added Trader Joe's everything bagel topping and to the garlic knots after they were baked: butter, fresh garlic and locatelli cheese....OMG the bagels rock and the garlic knots should be illegal.

Weight Watcher Bagels:

Garlic knots:

That's all I have this week....some baking....some things I miss....some things I know now.....and continued prayers for a special young man......

See you next week.......

Figuring Out What's Really Important.....

During the last week there were moments of laughter, self-reflection, hope, sadness and peace.

The laughter:

The laughter part is easy.  Several times a day there are things that make me laugh.  But then there are times when I laugh so hard I cry. This week, while doing the weekly overnight at Mary's was the laughter-filled cry fest.  And it's even better when it is due to pure silliness.

Mary was teaching Jenn and I how to play Phase 10.  A card game that reminds me of 500 Rummy.  Let's get the ugly part over first.......I got my butt kicked......badly.  Was I mad...nope....I laughed.  I couldn't get a good hand if my life depended on it. This wasn't the funny part though.....

Mary has a Echo Dot "Alexa".  As she demonstrated how Alexa works, she asked her to play songs from a certain group.  After a few minutes, on an impulse I asked Alexa to play some from another group.  And that when the chaos ensued.  Jenn, Mary and I started thinking of the most obscure  groups we could find. We ended up yelling at Alexa one over the other with names .....it got so funny we could barely get out one groups name when another person yelled out another.  As Alexa found each group and started to play some of their songs .......she would have to switch gears.  I was totally expecting Alexa to say "Really???? Have you all lost your minds??" By the time we stopped my sides hurt from laughter and I was crying.  I love when life hands you those moments!!!!

The self-reflection:

I was trying to figure out yesterday if at times whether or not I am a shallow individual.  I was focused on my kitchen counters and my bathroom faucets.  Both of them are about 30 years old.  The counter tops are not even nice Formica.  They are not shiny.  They leave marks easily.  I cannot tell you how many times a day I have to wipe them down.  If I move the paper towel dispenser to clean where it stands,I then have to clean the spot where I moved it to while cleaning the original spot.  I scrub my bathroom faucets and they still look like they have water spots. My bathroom mirror has the slightest crack in the corner and the part of the reflection part of the mirror is wearing away near the edges. All replaceable when the time is right.   But in the scheme of things with all the things going on in the world.....and I am focused on spotty faucets and a counter that needs to be cleaned continuously.

Hope:

There is a little boy in Alaska who is very sick.  LJ is a little over 2 years old.  The tumor that he has is inoperable.  His parents are brave.  Their friends are supportive. I found out about LJ through extended family.  I have seen pictures of LJ with his family grinning from ear to ear.  A little boy who has no idea what is going on within him.  I have seen pictures of the tumor that is stealing what should be a long life.

Although I am not at church every week, I still have very strong religious beliefs in God and the power of prayer.  Since learning about LJ and his family, my daily prayers while covering a myriad of topics and people have had expressed focus on a little boy I will never meet.  I do not understand why God has chosen this family or this little boy. In all honesty, I have asked why this child?  Is it because  there are lessons to be learned.....about faith, family, love, life and bravery?  Only God knows the reasons.

I ask that you each say some prayers for LJ and his family.....prayers that they continue to find the strength to face the days ahead....that they have the time to make memories....time for laughter.....time for love......time......

Sadness:

The events at the High School in Florida.....17 lives lost......school.... a place where children from K-12 should be safe.  A football coach, a geography teacher along with students left their homes and headed out for a normal day.  Maybe they said "goodbye" or "I love you" or "see you tonight" or maybe like so many of us they said nothing because they assumed they would return home that evening.  I am sure we are all guilty of the casualness of life and we make assumptions....you go to school you are safe.......you get in a car and you reach your destination.......why would we expect anything less?

The world has changed so much since I was young.  I grew up in an age of walking people to their gates at an airport or waiting at the gate for someones arrival. I never used to go to a movie and looked for the exits when I walked in.  I wasn't afraid.  I felt safe.  I don't feel that way any longer.  I do what works for me to feel more secure in ways that others might not agree with or like (I will let you read between the lines).  As long as I don't push my beliefs on others, I would ask that others not push theirs on me.....not an unreasonable request in a world where I love and respect many whose views are different from mine.

Peace:

Yesterday, I carved out an hour of time for me. I was at the Waterfront Park in Beaufort.  I sat with my coffee on one of the many porch swings along the water with beautiful views.  The weather was wonderful for mid-February......no jackets required.  I was able to people watch.....and puppy watch.  Jeter loved being walked along the path surrounding the park.  He even sat on the swing with Jenn and I....for a few moments anyway.

There was no thinking about work or what I needed to do when I got back home or what the week ahead was going to be like or events coming up in the next few months......those 60 minutes....priceless..... and I need to make sure to spend more time like that.....

And there you have it, a week filled with events that do make you think about what is really important.....

See you next week.......

This Weekend (and other stuff)........

Quote of the week- "Musicians retire when they have no more music in them.  Well, I still have more music in me."- "The Intern"

I look toward the future with a great deal of excitement.  The chance to spend more time writing, reading and continuing to learn Italian through Rosetta Stone.  The idea of not having to squeeze in time to go to the gym or to attending a reading at a local bookstore. To be able to go to a neighbors house for dinner and not have to worry about being out on a school night. Who wouldn't want the time to do all of those things without other concerns coming into play.

Right now even a Saturday can be chock full of things to do just to catch up from the week.

And then I noticed the weather report for Sunday is rain.....a lot of rain.....most of the day. I decided to get as much done on Saturday as possible.  By getting all outside errands done Saturday meant Sunday, I could stay in the house and relax.

This week I realized that I was past due for an oil change.  I do not have time during the week to get something like that done.  Add it to the Saturday list.

Jenn and I both hit Mobil One for oil changes.  The gentleman who worked there said "you must drive a lot to be back here again for another oil change."  He should only know.....

A couple of other stops and I was headed back to the house.  Jenn was still out finishing up the places we needed to hit.  I decided when I got home to take a break....big mistake.  I sat in the recliner, pulled a blanket over me and enjoyed the view outside......for maybe 60 seconds.......I fell asleep in the next minute.  Next thing I knew, Jenn was coming through the door.

We decided to get the cooking done for the week.  I made some meatballs, mushrooms, eggplant and cut up veggies.  Jenn made couscous salad, egg cups for breakfast and a pound cake. The only thing I have left to do in the kitchen is some kind of Weight Watcher snack/dessert.  I am going to look on Pintrest for some ideas.

I am so looking forward to a day of taking a shower and maybe getting back in my PJ's or something comfortable and just hanging around the house.  Maybe have a fire in the fireplace.  Read. Relax. Recharge for the week ahead.

Everything above this was written last night,  So here I am early Sunday afternoon just got out of the shower.  I made a Weight Watcher Banana Bread this morning.  It is raining  and the kind of afternoon I love.

One of the things I have been able to accomplish lately is........

My new space continues to take on my personality.  The pictures I have hung are about the beach, SC and NY....what a surprise.....

One of my favorite pictures that is now hanging is from the cover of New Yorker magazine.....it is called "View from 9th Avenue" .....

I framed a NYC Subway Map......so much of my life was spent in the world reflected on this map.....subways and the ELs (translation = elevated trains from when the subway traveled above ground) ...I grew up near the 3rd Avenue EL....it is no longer there.....

The court house my Dad tried cases in for years.....you can see it often in the background of Blue Bloods and other shows......while I was serving as a Federal Grand Juror for 18 months ....yes, I said 18 months (two days a week)....I saw the artist painting this picture....we kids bought it for my Dad for Christmas......when Dad passed Mom gave it to me.....maybe because I was the nut who carried it home on the subway......

And then there is the first print I bought when I moved here....called "A South Carolina Welcome".....

and of course beach pictures.....

Lastly, a reminder of the 2 states I have called home......

My life and my loves all now no longer in a cardboard box.....looking at them makes me happy as I reflect on my past and gaze into the future......

See you next week......

PS Crickett....I haven't forgotten about you....your post is coming.....LOL

PPSS Thanks Mary for the mushrooms recipe.  I have always loved mushrooms but am now addicted to them.

PPPSSS  Growing up,  a major treat was when my parents would order Ham, Provolone, Pepper and Eggplant (room temp not hot) hero's......this week I made them like wraps using the eggplant as the wrap instead of bread (I did not deep fry the eggplant but baked it instead)....they were great and transported my back to 153rd St (between 3rd Ave and Melrose Ave) in the Bronx......when I was pregnant with Jenn that was one of my cravings.....in fact the owner of the deli where we would buy them said he would name the hero after my baby.....so there may be a "Jennifer Special " on a menu in a deli/pizzeria somewhere in Yonkers.....

How Could It Be Sunday Again.......

Quote of the week:
"Only I can change my Life. No one can do it for me" -- Carol Burnett

As I write this I am sitting in my pj's (or night shirt as the case would be).  It is 4:25 PM and I have been in my pj's since about 3:30. 

I got up today and ran errands.  Yes, I was dressed appropriately to go shopping.  When I got home I wanted to do the laundry.  I do re-wear my pj's for a few nights.  Which equals my laundry basket will be empty until tomorrow night.  I do obsess about things like that.....just add it to the list which includes: no dishes in the sink or the drain board (or the dish washer must be emptied if that applies), bed must be made, nothing left on the counter top in the bathroom, work laptop and lunch bag by the door ready for an early departure, lunch made for the next day as soon as I walk through the door at night....and on and on.

Monday mornings are the hardest knowing there are another 5 days ahead of me.  Friday nights are the best knowing there are two days off in front of me.  It seems I blink my eyes and it is Sunday afternoon again.

I am sure I am not the only person who feels their life is like a version of the movie "Groundhog Day"......the same week lived over and over again.

Meals have been planned for the week, the bills have been paid (part of my Sunday routine), the car is fueled up for the Monday commute and I have planned out my work clothes for the next 5 days.

A little obsessive.....probably......it does make the week run smoother.....

Monday through Friday is not bad.....it is busy, hectic and constant.  The few minutes of relaxation before I go to sleep are the reward for surviving the day.  I love those moments as that is when I can let my mind wander without deadlines......except the deadline I set myself to fall asleep in order to get some rest for the next day. 

I guess it is clear there is not a great deal of flexibility in my makeup.....I wish it was.....it is just not part of my DNA...damn it !! I also know without the schedule I would live in a state of chaos.

I realized today, I had taken my wristwatch off on Thursday when I returned home from work and have not worn it all weekend.  The joy of not worrying about what time it is for three days.......well actually one day working from home and two days off.

As much as I love Friday night, I do not like Sunday afternoons because my brain has already started to focus on Monday.

It has been a long time ....a very long time since I didn't think of my life in terms of work weeks.  I know there will be time in the future where a calendar or a clock will not rule my life.....but until that happens I just have to make the most of the weekends.......

See you next week.......

PS I was able to get to my local Weight Watcher meeting Friday.  The topic was "Why am I here at WW?" When I was asked the question my response was .......I am in Chapter Three of my life and I don't want it to be a 2 page chapter.....I want Chapter Three to last a long, long time.......

I was also happy to be down at the scales.....back on track and moving on.......