I loved the topiary elephants.
Around the World
I loved the topiary elephants.
If You Could Go Anywhere in the World...
Let the Sun Shine!
"The Tin Pan Alley Rag" is about a meeting between Irving Berlin and Scott Joplin. The acting was very good and the music -- Berlin and Joplin -- even better. It was a totally enjoyable evening.
The second play, "Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe" is a very loose Gospel version of Moliere's "Tartuffe." Tartuffe is pictured on the currency above. The music was great and the cast, which included Andre de Shields (on the currency) who I'd seen in "Ain't Misbehavin" years ago and Ted Lange, Isaac Washington on "The Love Boat" were terrific. It was a completely fun afternoon.
Wishes to all for a great week!
Eeks!
Thanks!
I'm Not Just Excited...
Tom and Jess, circa 1991
The adorable girl on the right is my goddaughter, Jess. The adorable boy on the left is her brother, Tom. This was the first day of school in 1991 -- or maybe 1990. My friend, Kathy, their mom, sent it to me. I loved it and put it up on the refrigerator, where it remained to this day.
There have been two high school graduations, two college graduations, and many great talks, visits and lots of warmth, laughter and memories, including our trip to Panama in 2000.
Now there is a new chapter. This sweet boy is now an adult, studying for a graduate degree. And last night he became engaged to his lovely Julia. I haven't posted recent photos, but I am delighted to post this photo of Julia, which is both private and sweet. The Tetons are in the background.
Tom and Julia, I am so happy for both of you. I wish you every joy and a long, happy and healthy life together. I will be delighted to celebrate with you any time, any place. Lots of love to both of you and to dear Kathy and Jess. I am jumping for joy!
In Three Small Blocks...
I found some treasures!
I had another meeting in Lower Manhattan this morning and I was amazed at what blogworthy riches I discovered in just three blocks.
I routinely pass the NY Stock Exchange on my walk from the subway to my agency’s building. Frequently there are events outside the stock exchange when companies are making announcements. The event today was very different. At first I thought a “Ghost Busters” type movie was being filmed. There were two men in red jump suits holding two very odd instruments. Unusual sounds were emerging, which were odd even by NYC standards. After chatting with a third man from the group who was filming the experience I learned that this was part of the Floating Lab Collective, a group of performance artists. They had previously asked people to make a telephone call and “Scream at the Economy." The screams were then taped and turned into (atonal) music, which is what was being played, “as a performance in public space in front of financial institutions.” They may be coming soon to a financial institution in your town.
Down the block and around the corner I found more filming. No stars and no active filming, but all the signs and equipment for “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” With a little bit of googling I found that Nicholas Cage is the star and it is based on the Disney "Sorcerer's Apprentice." It's scheduled for release next summer.
My third discovery came across the street from one of the areas marked for filming, “Ciao Bow Wow” Dog Day Care/Grooming Spa and Pet Boutique. I was especially taken with aromatherapy as part of the grooming. As I was eating lunch (in my favorite Cosi around the corner) I saw a Bernese Mountain dog walking down Broad Street, the same street as the stock exchange. I wonder if he was going for an aromatherapy session at Ciao Bow Wow.
Dear Gentle Readers, I have to thank you for your comments and interest in the sights and sounds of New York City. I’ve very much enjoyed keeping an eye out for blogworthy and interesting places and events. I’ve always enjoyed seeing the sights of New York City, but having all of you to share it with has made it even better.
Taking a Knee
Paula posted this essay yesterday and I''ve been thinking about it all day. With her permission I'm glad to share it.
Taking a knee?
No, I'm not talking about kneeling in prayer! Not being a sports fan, I had never heard this "taking a knee" term until our youth pastor brought it up in a sermon a couple of weeks ago. Apparently, it is a football term (and sometimes used in soccer) to refer to a play where sometimes the quarterback after the snap simply drops to one knee and hangs onto the ball rather than running. This is done when they are ahead a lot or unable to score before the half. So in order to not risk injury or fumbling and the other team recovering the ball, they simply "take a knee" and let the clock run out.
So...since then I've evaluated whether in my life at this
Today on a secular forum someone suggested that older workers often seemed "tired" or "burned out." Which could just reflect how they feel about their
Do you think most older people are "taking a knee" now in life? Do you think you are?
This is something I think about often. Am I too old to write a book, take on a new job, learn a new skill? Am I "taking a knee" and just doing what's familiar and comfortable? I don't think so, but it is something I am concerned about.
Dear gentle readers, I am interested in your thoughts, whether you are 50+ or 50-.
Wishes for a great week ahead!
Remembering Tim Russert
Some people's presence in your life makes it better and some people's presence in the world makes the world better. That was Tim. When I first met Tim he was working for Sen. Moynihan and Tim was a close friend of a colleague. He'd drop in to visit Bob and just come by and say hello. I worked in a room with five other people -- noisy but lots of fun -- and during his visit he'd stop and chat. Sometimes he'd be part of a group who would have a drink together after work. Tim was friendly, smart and without any pretense.
I've loved reading "Big Russ & Me." This is a wonderful memoir of two men, Big Russ, Tim's father, and Tim. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it. I especially enjoyed the stories of Tim's growing up in Buffalo, which reminded me so much of details of my growing up years in Hartford.
To my father, to Kathy's father and Jess' grandfather, who was so dear to me and to Tim, happy Father's Day with the warmest of remembrances and thanks.
(More) Sidewalks of New York
On the Street Where I Walk
My City of Neighborhoods
Movie Mania Strikes Again
I Love the Night Life (7)
I'm So Excited!
Happy Birthday, Dear Jess
Wishing you a wonderful birthday and joy, happiness, hugs and good health for many happy years to come!
Buttercup Loves Books
I also love going to book readings and discussions and had the treat tonight to hear David Wroblewski discuss his novel, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle." I haven't read it, but am definitely intrigued. As someone who dreams of publishing a novel, it was a great comfort to hear that he worked on it for 15 years. I've got something (not quite a full-fledged novel yet) that I've been working on for a few years and do lose heart that it will ever be ready to leave my apartment.
But tonight gave me renewed heart to keep writing.
Sweet dreams, gentle readers!
I Love the (Quiet) Night Life
I Love the Night Life (6)
"The Norman Conquests" last night was a delight, very funny and poignant. I saw one part of this trilogy and I am eagerly hoping the other two parts appear on the discount site. This is an Old Vic production which played in London, and now happily is playing here. The three plays tell the story of three couples on one country weekend from different perspectives.
I have theater tickets for tonight, too. This is my lucky week on the discount site and I am seeing "The Marvelous Wonderettes," which sounds fluffy, sweet and lots of fun. It's the story of a girls singing group at a 1958 prom, complete with lots of '50s music. It's rare that I go out so much, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Tomorrow night is definitely a stay at home night.
A by-product of all my traipsing about the city is lots of reading on the bus and subway. I've just begun "firefly lane," by Kristin Hannah and am enjoying it very much. It's engaging and by the second chapter I was eager to follow the characters. I think it's a perfect summer read.
On a more serious note, a moment of remembrance on this 65th anniversary of DDay to those brave soldiers who gave so much for freedom.
I Love the Night Life (4 and 5)
I Love the Night Life (3)
The second photo is E. 8th Street before the play and bottom photo is lively 8th St. after the play. I was walking to catch the bus. It's 10:30 and there are lots of people around. It was a beautiful warm evening and people were out walking, eating at sidewalk cafes and just enjoying the evening.
I do love living in New York, though I did have a moment of doubt tonight. I was taking the subway to the theater and for some unknown reason the train skipped my stop. I changed trains, went back a stop and walked/ran the three blocks to the theater. I wasn't beaming, but did have the presence to take a few photos to share.
Thanks, gentle readers, for all your great comments. I love sharing New York!
I Love the Night Life (2)
This is the "news zipper" and the new Walgreens. On top of this building is where the ball drops every New Year's Eve.
Walking north up Broadway is a new traffic, or rather no-traffic experiment. The traffic is detoured off a small section of Broadway and there are lawn chairs. Not sure if it improves the traffic flow, but it sure is fun.
I passed the theater where I saw "9 to 5,"
And arrived at one of my favorite places in NYC, the M and Ms Store, where one of my favorites dances the day and night away.
I love the Pillsbury Doughboy, but I think Blue is even cuter.
Dear Gentle Readers, I hope Blue and I can tempt you to visit New York City. If you can't make it this summer, there's always autumn in New York!