Last Saturday when we were on our "Get Out the Vote" Walk, I ran into an old friend. She's a mental health counsellor. But she has created some wonderful classes over the years that are open to the community.
I took one having to do with keeping our brains healthy as we get older. I still use some of the tips.
But about six years ago I took a class for people who were going through serious crises. I needed it at the time.
Sitting next to me was a younger woman who had a debilitating disease - one that kept her in constant pain. After a couple of hours of lecture and conversation our leader (my friend) asked that we make collages depicting our feelings about our situations. She provided magazines, paste, scissors, markers and poster board.
When we finished we held up our works of art and explained them. The Young Woman in Constant Pain's collage depicted flowers and blankets and puppy dogs and hot soup. Mine depicted clouds, skulls, lightening, and words like DEATH and DESPAIR, layered over a black background. I was quite proud of it.
This past Saturday I reminded my friend of that day - and how things have changed - and thanked her for helping me get through a very bad time.
She laughed and said,
"And I didn't have you Baker Acted!"
And I said,
"Well, thank you for that too!"
***
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halloween
I love Halloween. Today I bought candy. But I don't get many halloweeners in my gated condo community so I was sure to buy candy that my boyfriend and I like.
I don't dress up anymore but I used to. One year I attended a party as Arthur Fonzarelli (or Fonzy or "The Fonz".) Back then we always made our own costumes. I wore tight jeans and a t-shirt with a cigarette pack rolled in the sleeve. The big thing was soaking my short hair in Vaseline for that Fonzie hairdo. It took about six weeks to wash it out.
My kids bought big one dollar bags of stuff at the Fall church rummage sales, like crazy clothes, hats and wigs. You can make great mustaches and beards with wigs.
The little kids would be terrified and jump behind the couch when goblins started knocking on the door.
When the older kids returned from trick or treating with their loot, and dump it out on the living room floor, I would beg them for a Milky Way but they would offer only candy corn or lifesavers.
It's different now. My boyfriend and I will show up for a while at my son's house. They live on a street of big houses with wide front porches. It's fun to sit outside and hand out the candy to the hundreds of children and adults who come by - some of them arriving in cars from outside the neighborhood - all decked out in expensive but sometimes somewhat questionable costumes.
It's fun but not as much as the old time, simpler fun.
But being with family and friends is the best. My granddaughters will be decked out as princesses, of course. But then they always look like princesses to me.
***
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Crossing the Line
Yesterday my boyfriend and I walked out in the middle of a movie - possibly the first time I've ever done that.
It was Ben Stiller's latest, "Tropic Thunder" - playing at the second run neighborhood theater.
I think Ben Stiller is superbly talented. His parents, Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara were favorites of mine in the 60s. They did stand up. Lots of comedy bits about she being Irish Catholic and he being Jewish. And later they went on to do separate work. Jerry's being, most notably, Seinfield and King of Queens.
When Ben came along his work was different. Edgier from the get go. While many of my friends thought "There's Something About Mary" was in bad taste and crossed a line, I thought it was very, very funny. And, as the movie ended, it became clear that every character was good. I liked that.
I did not like "Meet the Parents." Spending two hours seeing somebody being humiliated isn't my idea of fun. Still I didn't think it crossed a line.
In considering the movie "Tropic Thunder" we knew it was a comedy and that the plot was about a group of self-absorbed actors who set out to make an expensive war film in Viet Nam - where they end up encountering real bad guys. Clever.
We also knew that there were fake trailers prior to the movie. Clever. We didn't know they would be so disturbing. They were offensive to me but still didn't cross a line.
The movie started with lots of fake bloodletting but it's a movie within a movie. I got it.
What crossed the line for both of us was when the director, a character that the audience had gotten to know a bit, was blown up. Ben Stiller held his head up on the end of his rifle and drank blood that was oozing from his severed neck.
Ben and the other spoiled, clueless actors were not supposed to know that this was their real friend and director - but we, the audience, knew. And several of the mostly male audience sitting around us were laughing.
This is where, to me, a line was crossed - big time!
Thank goodness it was Tuesday so we'd paid only 75 cents to get in.
***
It was Ben Stiller's latest, "Tropic Thunder" - playing at the second run neighborhood theater.
I think Ben Stiller is superbly talented. His parents, Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara were favorites of mine in the 60s. They did stand up. Lots of comedy bits about she being Irish Catholic and he being Jewish. And later they went on to do separate work. Jerry's being, most notably, Seinfield and King of Queens.
When Ben came along his work was different. Edgier from the get go. While many of my friends thought "There's Something About Mary" was in bad taste and crossed a line, I thought it was very, very funny. And, as the movie ended, it became clear that every character was good. I liked that.
I did not like "Meet the Parents." Spending two hours seeing somebody being humiliated isn't my idea of fun. Still I didn't think it crossed a line.
In considering the movie "Tropic Thunder" we knew it was a comedy and that the plot was about a group of self-absorbed actors who set out to make an expensive war film in Viet Nam - where they end up encountering real bad guys. Clever.
We also knew that there were fake trailers prior to the movie. Clever. We didn't know they would be so disturbing. They were offensive to me but still didn't cross a line.
The movie started with lots of fake bloodletting but it's a movie within a movie. I got it.
What crossed the line for both of us was when the director, a character that the audience had gotten to know a bit, was blown up. Ben Stiller held his head up on the end of his rifle and drank blood that was oozing from his severed neck.
Ben and the other spoiled, clueless actors were not supposed to know that this was their real friend and director - but we, the audience, knew. And several of the mostly male audience sitting around us were laughing.
This is where, to me, a line was crossed - big time!
Thank goodness it was Tuesday so we'd paid only 75 cents to get in.
***
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Oldies and Birthdays
Birthday season is beginning. There are an unusually large number of birthdays in the fall and, especially, in December.
My birthday is in December and it's a special one.
This morning we had birthday cake and coffee in my Sunday school class because Mrs. Oldie, looking beautiful, will be 89 years old this week. Her son and wife are visiting from across the country. They've celebrated her birthday almost every day since they've been here. A smart thing to do. Today they treated all of us.
Yesterday Mrs. Oldie looked even better because when we met them at Panera's for breakfast, she was wearing her Chanel suit because she thought it was Sunday. A nice contrast to the sweaty runners and the usual early morning crowd.
Even though I express a little frustration occasionally, there are no words to explain how much I love my oldies.
They are fragile now but when I first met them, he was always the smartest person in the room and she, in her quiet, unassuming way, was the nicest and best looking. Come to think of it, she still is.
Mr. Oldie and I are backing different presidential candidates. Yesterday at breakfast I asked him why he felt the way he did. He gave me a very thoughtful, reasonable response. (I don't agree with him but he made sense.)
And, yes, he had his 3 eggs fried in butter delivered to our table by the cook.
I hope Mrs. Oldie has a good birthday week - and many, many more.
***
My birthday is in December and it's a special one.
This morning we had birthday cake and coffee in my Sunday school class because Mrs. Oldie, looking beautiful, will be 89 years old this week. Her son and wife are visiting from across the country. They've celebrated her birthday almost every day since they've been here. A smart thing to do. Today they treated all of us.
Yesterday Mrs. Oldie looked even better because when we met them at Panera's for breakfast, she was wearing her Chanel suit because she thought it was Sunday. A nice contrast to the sweaty runners and the usual early morning crowd.
Even though I express a little frustration occasionally, there are no words to explain how much I love my oldies.
They are fragile now but when I first met them, he was always the smartest person in the room and she, in her quiet, unassuming way, was the nicest and best looking. Come to think of it, she still is.
Mr. Oldie and I are backing different presidential candidates. Yesterday at breakfast I asked him why he felt the way he did. He gave me a very thoughtful, reasonable response. (I don't agree with him but he made sense.)
And, yes, he had his 3 eggs fried in butter delivered to our table by the cook.
I hope Mrs. Oldie has a good birthday week - and many, many more.
***
Get Out the Vote
Yesterday, after having breakfast with my oldies and their children who've come to visit, my boyfriend and I took part in a "Vote Early" walk.
It was a gloriously beautiful day. We met a few hundred other people, including some friends, at the appointed place and walked 1.1 miles in the most beautiful village in the world. We carried American flags and balloons. The police kept us safe but there was really no need because people in cars and other pedestrians were happy to see us.
Afterwards we went to the park for a Family Fall Festival Party.
Later my boyfriend said that this was the first organized walk he'd ever done.
I told him he was fortunate because this was nothing like our Walks in the 60's where the policemen had dogs to keep us in line.
***
It was a gloriously beautiful day. We met a few hundred other people, including some friends, at the appointed place and walked 1.1 miles in the most beautiful village in the world. We carried American flags and balloons. The police kept us safe but there was really no need because people in cars and other pedestrians were happy to see us.
Afterwards we went to the park for a Family Fall Festival Party.
Later my boyfriend said that this was the first organized walk he'd ever done.
I told him he was fortunate because this was nothing like our Walks in the 60's where the policemen had dogs to keep us in line.
***
Friday, October 24, 2008
Everybody Hates Greens
I like greens. When I was a kid we picked dandelion greens, cooked and ate them. I know it sounds weird but lots of people did this. We may be getting back to doing this kind of thing if the economy doesn't turn around soon.
Later, when we moved south, I was introduced to mustard greens, turnip greens and kale. I love all of them. Occasionally I'd buy a big bundle of greens, wash and rinse them many times, boil them, then fry them in a bit of bacon grease.
They were delicious - I loved them but I was the only one - so I gave up on them.
In the weeks prior to my boyfriend showing up I went through many magazines in the evenings. I bought (from the library for a dime each) Bon Appetite!, Gourmet, Cooking Lite and others. Even though I rarely cook anymore, I love to look at recipes.
One night I found this dish that looked wonderful and it featured greens. The next night I was with friends and decided I'd have them over after my boyfriend arrived and make this recipe.
But first I thought I'd better feel them out about the "greens" thing. Two of them are from Alabama so I knew they'd love greens.
But nooooo! They didn't.
So we had them over last night and I replaced the greens with fresh spinach. Also made a few other changes (as I always do.) The dish was huge hit - as I thought it would be. It also fulfills my criteria of being a one dish meal that can be prepared ahead of time.
I know lots of people like to stand in the kitchen with their guests. I like to sit in the living room and drink a glass of wine with them and then have the dinner magically appear.
The recipe follows:
Dijon Chicken Stew
Smart Balance Omega Oil
PAM
1/3 lb. fresh ground pork sausage
2 cups sliced leek
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cups cubed pealed white potatoes
1 10 oz. bag spinach (Or 8 cups mustard greens, Swiss chard or kale)
Spray PAM in a big kettle over medium-high heat. Add crumbled sausage. Cook, breaking up sausage into tiny pieces until almost brown. Add leek. Saute until soft. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Spoon mixture into large bowl.
Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken in flour, salt and pepper, shaking off excess. Heat small amount of oil in pan over medium high heat. Add half of chicken mixture to pan. Cook 6 minutes, browning on all sides. Add browned chicken to leek mixture. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Add wine to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Combine 1 cups broth and 1 tablespoon flour, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add broth mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, 1-/2 cups water and mustard to pan. Bring to a boil and cook until 1/3 reduced and smooth.
Transfer sauce to a crock pot that has been sprayed with PAM. Add chicken mixture and potatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours or until potatoes are done.
While you're waiting, clean up the kitchen and take a nap.
Just before serving stir in the spinach. (If using greens, add after two hours.)
Serve in fancy bowels with biscuits.
***
Later, when we moved south, I was introduced to mustard greens, turnip greens and kale. I love all of them. Occasionally I'd buy a big bundle of greens, wash and rinse them many times, boil them, then fry them in a bit of bacon grease.
They were delicious - I loved them but I was the only one - so I gave up on them.
In the weeks prior to my boyfriend showing up I went through many magazines in the evenings. I bought (from the library for a dime each) Bon Appetite!, Gourmet, Cooking Lite and others. Even though I rarely cook anymore, I love to look at recipes.
One night I found this dish that looked wonderful and it featured greens. The next night I was with friends and decided I'd have them over after my boyfriend arrived and make this recipe.
But first I thought I'd better feel them out about the "greens" thing. Two of them are from Alabama so I knew they'd love greens.
But nooooo! They didn't.
So we had them over last night and I replaced the greens with fresh spinach. Also made a few other changes (as I always do.) The dish was huge hit - as I thought it would be. It also fulfills my criteria of being a one dish meal that can be prepared ahead of time.
I know lots of people like to stand in the kitchen with their guests. I like to sit in the living room and drink a glass of wine with them and then have the dinner magically appear.
The recipe follows:
Dijon Chicken Stew
Smart Balance Omega Oil
PAM
1/3 lb. fresh ground pork sausage
2 cups sliced leek
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup dry white wine
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cups cubed pealed white potatoes
1 10 oz. bag spinach (Or 8 cups mustard greens, Swiss chard or kale)
Spray PAM in a big kettle over medium-high heat. Add crumbled sausage. Cook, breaking up sausage into tiny pieces until almost brown. Add leek. Saute until soft. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Spoon mixture into large bowl.
Place flour in a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken in flour, salt and pepper, shaking off excess. Heat small amount of oil in pan over medium high heat. Add half of chicken mixture to pan. Cook 6 minutes, browning on all sides. Add browned chicken to leek mixture. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Add wine to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Combine 1 cups broth and 1 tablespoon flour, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add broth mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, 1-/2 cups water and mustard to pan. Bring to a boil and cook until 1/3 reduced and smooth.
Transfer sauce to a crock pot that has been sprayed with PAM. Add chicken mixture and potatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours or until potatoes are done.
While you're waiting, clean up the kitchen and take a nap.
Just before serving stir in the spinach. (If using greens, add after two hours.)
Serve in fancy bowels with biscuits.
***
Go Vote
For the last 40 years, as far as I know, I've voted in every election (no matter how small.)
Here in Florida we now have early voting for presidential elections. This started on Monday but, according to the papers and some scary word of mouth, the wait can be hours. As you know, Floridans are notorious for not doing the voting thing well.
I went to the county library yesterday, armed with my driver's license and cheat sheet. The line snaked out through the lobby. I said to my boyfriend, "Oh, no!" But I cued up.
What a surprise. It moved fast. Sort of like a line at Disney. People were happy and there were interesting things to look at along the way.
The volunteers were friendly and well trained - and there must have been 20 voting machines. No wonder the line moved fast.
The only glitch was at the end when I couldn't get my ballet sheet to go into the box. The worker helped me but in doing so, since I'd taken my sheet out of its folder, she could see who I voted for. I know her and I know I didn't vote for her guy.
She helped me anyway. With a smile. What a country! What a privilege to be able to vote.
***
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cess the Trickster
Over the weekend, at the invitation of some good friends, we took my oldies to lunch at a very high end retirement community. After lunch in the elegant dining room (jackets required) we toured the villas, apartments, pools, etc.
And one of the best things about this place is that they will drive you anywhere you want to go.
We told my oldies that WE were interested in checking out this place. I honestly wasn't trying to trick them. It's technically true. But I have a twenty year plan for staying in my condo and when I have to give it up my guess is that this place is a little too pricey for me.
Our time there was delightful. We were hosted by my friend's 96 year old mother who appears to be sharper than I am. So this place must do wonders.
But I could tell the oldies weren't buyin' it!
***
And one of the best things about this place is that they will drive you anywhere you want to go.
We told my oldies that WE were interested in checking out this place. I honestly wasn't trying to trick them. It's technically true. But I have a twenty year plan for staying in my condo and when I have to give it up my guess is that this place is a little too pricey for me.
Our time there was delightful. We were hosted by my friend's 96 year old mother who appears to be sharper than I am. So this place must do wonders.
But I could tell the oldies weren't buyin' it!
***
Are You The 10th Person?
I'm usually charged up after attending church. Last Sunday was no exception. My minister started a new series on "Strengthening Relationships." It was hard hitting and real. He was a mental health counsellor prior to the ministry and it often shows.
In Sunday school one of the members, as usual, taught. She's a psychologist. All of what she shared - plus the discussion - was excellent.
Following is one of her concepts:
- For every nine people who denounce innovation only one will encourage it.
- For every nine people who do things the way they've always been done only one will wonder if there's a better way.
- For every nine people who stand in line in the front of a locked building only one will check the back door.
When we walked out of church I felt like I'd just had an invaluable experience!
***
In Sunday school one of the members, as usual, taught. She's a psychologist. All of what she shared - plus the discussion - was excellent.
Following is one of her concepts:
- For every nine people who denounce innovation only one will encourage it.
- For every nine people who do things the way they've always been done only one will wonder if there's a better way.
- For every nine people who stand in line in the front of a locked building only one will check the back door.
When we walked out of church I felt like I'd just had an invaluable experience!
***
Monday, October 20, 2008
Power Move
A few weeks ago a close friend told us about an interesting encounter he'd had with an angry woman. I'd forgotten the details so yesterday at dinner I asked him to repeat the story so I could tell it to you. Here it is.
He and his wife pulled into a restaurant parking space. Apparently he'd inadvertently pulled into the spot that somebody else had her eye on because when he glanced in his mirror a furious woman was giving him a long, public obscene gesture.
My friend and his wife (actually one of my Power Rangers so she's more than a friend) entered the restaurant. As they were standing in line, he said, "Gee, I hope she doesn't come in here."
At that moment she charged through the door. He looked at her. She angrily turned her back on him.
What should he do? He was innocent. She was making an ugly, embarrassing scene.
Not knowing what to expect, he walked back to where she was standing in line - and apologized. He told her he didn't see her, didn't mean to take her spot but he guessed he had so he was sorry.
She melted. She wasn't angry any longer. She was sad. The details of her really rotten day came tumbling out. They ended up having quite a conversation.
Then he bought her lunch.
***
He and his wife pulled into a restaurant parking space. Apparently he'd inadvertently pulled into the spot that somebody else had her eye on because when he glanced in his mirror a furious woman was giving him a long, public obscene gesture.
My friend and his wife (actually one of my Power Rangers so she's more than a friend) entered the restaurant. As they were standing in line, he said, "Gee, I hope she doesn't come in here."
At that moment she charged through the door. He looked at her. She angrily turned her back on him.
What should he do? He was innocent. She was making an ugly, embarrassing scene.
Not knowing what to expect, he walked back to where she was standing in line - and apologized. He told her he didn't see her, didn't mean to take her spot but he guessed he had so he was sorry.
She melted. She wasn't angry any longer. She was sad. The details of her really rotten day came tumbling out. They ended up having quite a conversation.
Then he bought her lunch.
***
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thanksgiving Recipes
The following recipes were taken from the October 13th "New Yorker" magazine.
THANKSGIVING RECIPES
from the U.S. Treasury Department
Rare-Treat Potatoes
Six sweet potatoes
One can crushed pineapple
Your retirement account
Mix everything together. Bake until the account is completely melted.
Cranberry Surprise
Two pounds cranberries
One cup stock certificates,
torn into teeny bits
Cinnamon and sugar, to taste
Cook until everything is softened.
Serve.
Turkey Stuffed with
Seven Hundred Billion Dollars
Large turkey
Seven hundred-billion dollar bills,
crumpled
Place the crumpled bills inside the turkey. Roast until all that remains is a pile of ashes.
Enjoy!
***
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hard Times Lesson
Last night when my boyfriend and I were eating popcorn and playing cribbage we started talking about when we were kids and we'd send away for cool stuff.
He told me about his Captain Midnight watch. I told him about my Tom Mix decoder ring with the secret compartment. Actually the ring stood about half an inch high so the compartment wasn't much of a secret.
But we were both thrilled with our purchases.
Here's how kids did it back then. We saved box tops from cereal containers and saved the small amount of money that was required. It took a long time to save enough to order the prize. If moms were smart they didn't allow the tops to be cut off until the cereal was gone.
With enough tops and the cash we mailed them off and waited six weeks to receive the prize. There's no way of explaining the excitement of finding your very own decoder ring in the mail.
This process helped teach one of the most important lessons we human beings can learn. One I tried to teach my children as well.
Delayed Gratification!
My son used to say when he wanted me to buy some big ticket item, "Is it because we don't have the money or are you just saying no?"
My reply would always be, "It's because we don't have the money but I hope I would love you enough to say no even if we did."
This is a little different message than the flat screen TV commercial that, to my amazement, is still being aired in these perilous times.
I want it all. I want it all. And I want it now!
***
He told me about his Captain Midnight watch. I told him about my Tom Mix decoder ring with the secret compartment. Actually the ring stood about half an inch high so the compartment wasn't much of a secret.
But we were both thrilled with our purchases.
Here's how kids did it back then. We saved box tops from cereal containers and saved the small amount of money that was required. It took a long time to save enough to order the prize. If moms were smart they didn't allow the tops to be cut off until the cereal was gone.
With enough tops and the cash we mailed them off and waited six weeks to receive the prize. There's no way of explaining the excitement of finding your very own decoder ring in the mail.
This process helped teach one of the most important lessons we human beings can learn. One I tried to teach my children as well.
Delayed Gratification!
My son used to say when he wanted me to buy some big ticket item, "Is it because we don't have the money or are you just saying no?"
My reply would always be, "It's because we don't have the money but I hope I would love you enough to say no even if we did."
This is a little different message than the flat screen TV commercial that, to my amazement, is still being aired in these perilous times.
I want it all. I want it all. And I want it now!
***
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
An Afternoon's Fun for 75 Cents
Since we're trying to watch our pennies like everybody else we decided to check out the discount movie theater close to my house this afternoon. I had not been there since it was transformed after the new state of the art stadium theaters made these older theaters call it quits a few years ago.
What a surprise. The theater has been remodeled, is clean and comfortable. It shows second run movies, i. e., just a little older than first runs. The cost is $1.50 per ticket but on Tuesdays it's 75 cents.
We hadn't planned to see a movie right then but one of the six choices was just starting so we paid our money and walked in.
We saw a movie than neither of us would have chosen to see in any other circumstances.
We saw The Mummy 3, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
What fun! I laughed out loud all the way through. The photography was breathtaking. I could see it again with the sound off.
I have no idea who all of these actors are, except for Brendan Frasier, but they were beautiful, had good skin and could withstand multiple killings without getting mussed up.
Maybe we'll go back next Tuesday and see "Hancock" or "Get Smart." At 75 cents it's worth a shot.
***
What a surprise. The theater has been remodeled, is clean and comfortable. It shows second run movies, i. e., just a little older than first runs. The cost is $1.50 per ticket but on Tuesdays it's 75 cents.
We hadn't planned to see a movie right then but one of the six choices was just starting so we paid our money and walked in.
We saw a movie than neither of us would have chosen to see in any other circumstances.
We saw The Mummy 3, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
What fun! I laughed out loud all the way through. The photography was breathtaking. I could see it again with the sound off.
I have no idea who all of these actors are, except for Brendan Frasier, but they were beautiful, had good skin and could withstand multiple killings without getting mussed up.
Maybe we'll go back next Tuesday and see "Hancock" or "Get Smart." At 75 cents it's worth a shot.
***
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Our First Home
During my 44 year marriage to a Methodist minister this is the first and only home we owned until we bought our retirement condo.
In 1970, two years out of seminary, we lived in a lovely parsonage in Fort Lauderdale. Then my husband went from being the associate pastor at a large downtown church to starting an urban ministry.
There was no parsonage. After a short time in an apartment we bought this little bungalow close to downtown. We had three small children, including one in diapers - and one on the way. We lived there for seven happy years.
A couple of days ago my two sons were in Ft. Lauderdale for a meeting. One of them took this picture with his cell phone from the car. He was astounded that the entire house fit into the frame.
We enclosed the carport to extend the tiny living room. The family room in the back held our big dining room table where we had all of our meals. If we had tried to eat in the dining area we would have had to do it in shifts.
What is an urban ministry? We started with the two of us in a downtown storefront office. Seven years later there was a small paid staff of highly qualified people and hundreds of unpaid staff and volunteers - including a dozen full time VISTA Volunteers (domestic peace corp.)
We were community organizers - and proud of it.
All the while we lived in our little bungalow, a few feet from the elementary school, in a safe neighborhood full of kids. My older son has happy memories of this home, My younger son (the one who took the picture) doesn't remember it at all.
***
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Do
You may remember my hair routine. Wash, mousse, brush. Repeat daily.
But on Tuesday my hair was a mess so I dropped into a hair place. While waiting I looked at one of those hair magazines that have names for all the "Do's." The "Stephanie" or the "Rachael," etc.
I asked for a wash, trim and style. As the young lady (20 years old) and I chit chatted I regaled her with my love story, including the fact that I was meeting my Boyfriend at the airport that night.
She got excited and said, "Let me give you a special do!"
"Fine."
So she moussed and sprayed and even put big rollers on my very short hair. It ended up with these long bangs separated off center and plastered down, with the big hair behind that. Nice, but a bit too much for me.
Yesterday morning just before I washed it out and just after looking at my Newsweek magazine I had to finally admit what I had suspected all along.
She gave me a Sarah Palin do.
***
But on Tuesday my hair was a mess so I dropped into a hair place. While waiting I looked at one of those hair magazines that have names for all the "Do's." The "Stephanie" or the "Rachael," etc.
I asked for a wash, trim and style. As the young lady (20 years old) and I chit chatted I regaled her with my love story, including the fact that I was meeting my Boyfriend at the airport that night.
She got excited and said, "Let me give you a special do!"
"Fine."
So she moussed and sprayed and even put big rollers on my very short hair. It ended up with these long bangs separated off center and plastered down, with the big hair behind that. Nice, but a bit too much for me.
Yesterday morning just before I washed it out and just after looking at my Newsweek magazine I had to finally admit what I had suspected all along.
She gave me a Sarah Palin do.
***
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Seeing Things in a Different Way
Remember the 1950 movie "Born Yesterday" staring Judy Holiday who always played a dumb blond but outdid herself in this movie? She won an Academy Award for it.
The story, written by the great Garson Kanin, has Judy as the girlfriend of a mobster played by Broderick Crawford. He thinks she's so dumb that he hires a journalist, played by William Holden, to tutor her.
Holden is frustrated. She can't even read. Then he discovers she can't see. She needs glasses.
After that everything changes. They both discover she's really smart. She starts looking at her life and the life of the thug she's been living with.
In the end Judy and William get the goods on Broderick and his corrupt Washington insider buddies and have them sent to jail.
Judy and William live happily ever after.
To me, this story has many applications.
In a sense, it could explain the Christian word "conversion." Nothing had changed for Judy on the outside but when she put on the glasses everything looked different. The change was inside her. For the first time she could see things for real.
I've been thinking about the movie "Born Yesterday" and our current world wide mess.
Maybe it's time for us to put our glasses on and start seeing things in a little different way.
***
The story, written by the great Garson Kanin, has Judy as the girlfriend of a mobster played by Broderick Crawford. He thinks she's so dumb that he hires a journalist, played by William Holden, to tutor her.
Holden is frustrated. She can't even read. Then he discovers she can't see. She needs glasses.
After that everything changes. They both discover she's really smart. She starts looking at her life and the life of the thug she's been living with.
In the end Judy and William get the goods on Broderick and his corrupt Washington insider buddies and have them sent to jail.
Judy and William live happily ever after.
To me, this story has many applications.
In a sense, it could explain the Christian word "conversion." Nothing had changed for Judy on the outside but when she put on the glasses everything looked different. The change was inside her. For the first time she could see things for real.
I've been thinking about the movie "Born Yesterday" and our current world wide mess.
Maybe it's time for us to put our glasses on and start seeing things in a little different way.
***
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Winners and Losers
The CEO of Lehman Brothers went before congress yesterday.
As Ricky Ricardo used to say, "He had some 'splainin' to do."
The collapse of Lehman Brothers is seen by many as the start of the domino effect that's currently being felt around the world.
Our congressional leaders were questioning Mr. Fuld about the personal compensation being taken home by Lehman Brothers executives even while the company was imploding.
It seems that, over the last few years, Mr. Fuld has personally taken home 500 million dollars.
That's $500,000,000.00.
He took a while to dispute that figure and said he thought it was closer to 300 million dollars. But, still, that seems like a lot of money to me.
***
As Ricky Ricardo used to say, "He had some 'splainin' to do."
The collapse of Lehman Brothers is seen by many as the start of the domino effect that's currently being felt around the world.
Our congressional leaders were questioning Mr. Fuld about the personal compensation being taken home by Lehman Brothers executives even while the company was imploding.
It seems that, over the last few years, Mr. Fuld has personally taken home 500 million dollars.
That's $500,000,000.00.
He took a while to dispute that figure and said he thought it was closer to 300 million dollars. But, still, that seems like a lot of money to me.
***
Love in the Time of Flu Shots
When I was having my annual physical this morning my doctor told me about three times that she wanted to give me a flu shoot. Each time I told her, no, I've signed up to have one tomorrow at my church.
My doctor is an excellent diagnostician, is thorough and bossy. I like that. She has absolutely no time for small talk. I don't really mind that but sometimes I like to make her laugh.
The third time she mentioned the flu shot I replied by saying:
"My boyfriend's flying in tonight and we're going to do something very romantic tomorrow."
At that she broke her "no small talk" rule.
She said "Oh?"
"Yes, we're going to get flu shots together."
She allowed as how, yes, that was romantic - and she stopped bugging me about getting one today.
***
My doctor is an excellent diagnostician, is thorough and bossy. I like that. She has absolutely no time for small talk. I don't really mind that but sometimes I like to make her laugh.
The third time she mentioned the flu shot I replied by saying:
"My boyfriend's flying in tonight and we're going to do something very romantic tomorrow."
At that she broke her "no small talk" rule.
She said "Oh?"
"Yes, we're going to get flu shots together."
She allowed as how, yes, that was romantic - and she stopped bugging me about getting one today.
***
Fashion Statement
This morning I had my annual physical. No big whoop!
But since I didn't have breakfast prior to blood work, I stopped at the service station next to the medical office afterwards for coffee and an oatmeal cookie. I sat in my car to eat them because it was freezing in the station - and I could listen to classical music on NPR.
So next to me pulls up this car with two young African American men inside. I was totally fascinated by their wardrobe when they got out of the car. Really decked out from top to bottom. But what I noticed most was their pants. One guy's belt was literally wrapped under his bottom. His bottom was covered by bright red underwear (I guess.) Walking into the store seemed to be quite an engineering feat.
Several counties in Florida, and other states now have "baggy pants" laws so that you can actually get arrested for wearing this get up.
How did I feel about it? Like I said, I was fascinated. But I wasn't offended. They were totally covered up. I could have been a little jealous because their clothes looked to be more expensive than mine, but otherwise it seemed to be just a fashion statement.
I wanted to lower my window and compliment them on their look but then decided that having an older white woman in an older Camry say that she enjoyed their clothes might not be a compliment they would appreciate.
***
But since I didn't have breakfast prior to blood work, I stopped at the service station next to the medical office afterwards for coffee and an oatmeal cookie. I sat in my car to eat them because it was freezing in the station - and I could listen to classical music on NPR.
So next to me pulls up this car with two young African American men inside. I was totally fascinated by their wardrobe when they got out of the car. Really decked out from top to bottom. But what I noticed most was their pants. One guy's belt was literally wrapped under his bottom. His bottom was covered by bright red underwear (I guess.) Walking into the store seemed to be quite an engineering feat.
Several counties in Florida, and other states now have "baggy pants" laws so that you can actually get arrested for wearing this get up.
How did I feel about it? Like I said, I was fascinated. But I wasn't offended. They were totally covered up. I could have been a little jealous because their clothes looked to be more expensive than mine, but otherwise it seemed to be just a fashion statement.
I wanted to lower my window and compliment them on their look but then decided that having an older white woman in an older Camry say that she enjoyed their clothes might not be a compliment they would appreciate.
***
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Life as a Movie
I love "redemption" movies. One of my favorites was 2001's "Life as a House." A more recent favorite is "The Painted Veil." These are not religious movies. They're both "R" rated.
In "Life as a House", George, played by Kevin Kline, has totally lost sight of his dreams. He should have had a big Loser sign on his forehead. He's estranged from his ex-wife and son, lives in a shack and works at a job he hates. Then he gets fired and learns he has terminal cancer.
But.
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
So he decides to tear down the shack and, with the reluctant help of his son, build a house. Yes, the house is a metaphor for his life.
I promise that if you rent this movie you will love it and it will give you some insight into your own life - and even make you feel grateful in this crazy time in which we're living. Ditto for "The Painted Veil."
Yesterday I was in a lunch/discussion group. I mentioned the "House" movie. A couple of other people had seen it and felt the same way I did.
Then a person whom I admire very much told this remarkable story:
In 2000, her daughter, who lives in Santa Monica, California, was helping to get a library started at her children's school. They had no building and no books. She learned that the house that had been built for a movie there had recently been disassembled and stored. She asked that it be donated for the library and reassembled at the school.
It was the house from "Life as a House."
Later that year the movie premiered in a little theater in Santa Monica. The proceeds were donated to the library.
So that particular house isn't just a metaphor. It will live on forever in the hearts and minds of the children who read the books they discover inside.
Remarkable!
***
In "Life as a House", George, played by Kevin Kline, has totally lost sight of his dreams. He should have had a big Loser sign on his forehead. He's estranged from his ex-wife and son, lives in a shack and works at a job he hates. Then he gets fired and learns he has terminal cancer.
But.
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose.
So he decides to tear down the shack and, with the reluctant help of his son, build a house. Yes, the house is a metaphor for his life.
I promise that if you rent this movie you will love it and it will give you some insight into your own life - and even make you feel grateful in this crazy time in which we're living. Ditto for "The Painted Veil."
Yesterday I was in a lunch/discussion group. I mentioned the "House" movie. A couple of other people had seen it and felt the same way I did.
Then a person whom I admire very much told this remarkable story:
In 2000, her daughter, who lives in Santa Monica, California, was helping to get a library started at her children's school. They had no building and no books. She learned that the house that had been built for a movie there had recently been disassembled and stored. She asked that it be donated for the library and reassembled at the school.
It was the house from "Life as a House."
Later that year the movie premiered in a little theater in Santa Monica. The proceeds were donated to the library.
So that particular house isn't just a metaphor. It will live on forever in the hearts and minds of the children who read the books they discover inside.
Remarkable!
***
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Leaving the World a Better Place
Paul Newman was among a hand full of celebrities who genuinely understand what it means to leave the world a better place.
It's what I want to do. It's what I feel called to do.
Some of us have our own Paul Newman stories. One of his "Hole in the Wall Gang" camps for kids who are seriously ill is not far from where I live. I know some of their stories.
Many years ago my husband sat on a dais with Paul during a long but important rally. Mr. Newman amused himself by peeling, slicing and eating oranges. (A good thing to do when you're trying to influence Floridians.)
But this morning I heard what is now my favorite story.
I awaken each morning at 6:30 A.M. to National Public Radio. Sometimes I hear things when I'm still half asleep so they mingle with my dreams. This is an excellent time to hear a Paul Newman story.
A neighbor of his in Connecticut was being interviewed. He explained how the Newman's neighbors treated he and Joann like everybody else so the Newman/Woodward couple was able to move about freely.
Shortly before his death, Paul, looking ravaged by his illness, took his wife to a concert. The neighbor and his wife were seated next to them. When the lights dimmed, Paul took Joann's hand and held it throughout the entire performance.
How did the neighbor react to this? He reached for his own wife's hand.
We'll all miss you, Paul. You were a class act.
***
It's what I want to do. It's what I feel called to do.
Some of us have our own Paul Newman stories. One of his "Hole in the Wall Gang" camps for kids who are seriously ill is not far from where I live. I know some of their stories.
Many years ago my husband sat on a dais with Paul during a long but important rally. Mr. Newman amused himself by peeling, slicing and eating oranges. (A good thing to do when you're trying to influence Floridians.)
But this morning I heard what is now my favorite story.
I awaken each morning at 6:30 A.M. to National Public Radio. Sometimes I hear things when I'm still half asleep so they mingle with my dreams. This is an excellent time to hear a Paul Newman story.
A neighbor of his in Connecticut was being interviewed. He explained how the Newman's neighbors treated he and Joann like everybody else so the Newman/Woodward couple was able to move about freely.
Shortly before his death, Paul, looking ravaged by his illness, took his wife to a concert. The neighbor and his wife were seated next to them. When the lights dimmed, Paul took Joann's hand and held it throughout the entire performance.
How did the neighbor react to this? He reached for his own wife's hand.
We'll all miss you, Paul. You were a class act.
***
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