July 31, 2006
I have been to Orlando 3 times, but all 3 I was sequestered to the hotel unable to set foot in Disneyworld. Two of those times were for business. One was to watch my sister graduate from Navy Basic Training. I bought passes for us for her week of R&R as a graduation present but I wound up sick as a dog from bronchitis and asthma. She went with her buddies instead, while I stayed in my hotel recuperating. Come to think of it, I've never even gotten a souvenir from there - t-shirt stand here I come!
Anyway, this is a surprise trip. My brother in law (who I trust implicitly and has been incredibly helpful and supportive even after my separation) is treating my son and I to this trip. He only told me when we're arriving and returning and nothing more. He won't tell me or his sister (who's also joining us) where we're staying, what the plans are, what we're doing... nothing, absolutely nothing. And for a planner like me it's murder. He has reassured all of us that everything is taken care of.
I've traveled before with them and I'm infamous for the over abundant amount of travel info that I bring with me –just in case weather or something else forces us to change plans. This time I've been told all has been planned so I'm not to worry or even to research this trip. This both adds to the excitement and my nervousness.
I mean, a ton of persistent questions keep coming to mind: is there a plan B & C for inclement weather; does he have a list of emergency aid/critical care places; has he scheduled a place where we can celebrate my son's birthday (the whole reason for this trip) and when will I be able to have some ME time so I can plan on getting together with my old co-worker and maybe a blogger or two. There's lots more questions but I won't bore you with how my mind works.
Instead, I sit here, trying to relax, living in the gratitude and appreciation of the blessing for such a wonderful gift. I mean how many people get a free, all expense paid vacation in there lifetime. So, thereÂ’s been no research, other than reading other travelerÂ’s safety tips, which were really an eye opener on theme park safety. Now, does anyone have any suggestions on must do items in Orlando? See, IÂ’m not researching, IÂ’m listening to suggestions. Heh, heh, heh!
BTW, I'll be picture blogging my vacation via my cell at Postcards from NYC and will also have access to blog's comments here. You didn't think I'd live this place ungarded did you!
Posted by: Michele at
09:33 AM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 510 words, total size 3 kb.
July 29, 2006
Earlier in the week I received a voice mail message from my mother summoning me to visit her this weekend. This after 5 months of not hearing anything from her and not getting call backs to my messages, nor my sister responding to my emails. She was busy she says, and my sister offered up lots of weak excuses to support her.
My family is the greatest source of frustration in my life. So why do I even bother with them? Maybe its because IÂ’m a dutiful daughter, or because I donÂ’t want to give up in case a miracle happens. Maybe its because they are the only people left in my life who I have history with or the only biological living relatives within a reasonable distance. To tell you the truth I really donÂ’t know. One thingÂ’s for sure, itÂ’s really amazing I have any self-esteem and positive outlook at all, coming from the family I grew up in.
more...
Posted by: Michele at
11:17 PM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 1079 words, total size 6 kb.
Even now, Saturdays is still all about movies. Now that I'm a single mom, I have no time to go out to the movies or do any of those things I used to do, so I do different fun things w/my son. Instead, the movies come to me via my widescreen tv & dvd. I look forward all week to Saturday night, so I can watch a good movie. My son and I have a ritual on Friday nights. Before going home, we pick up our take-out dinner and then go to the video store for each of us to get a movie. I love the classics, and now he's getting to the age where he can appreciate the G rated ones too. So we've watched a few together that he really likes and has seen a few times with me.
So it was no surprise to me when I took this quiz and got the results below.
This is oh, so true! BTW, I'm a huge Frank Capra fan and have seen almost all his movies. Hat tip to Windypundit!
Posted by: Michele at
03:57 AM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 313 words, total size 2 kb.
July 28, 2006
I've spent the last 24 hrs asking myself that question every spare moment I've had. I saw that AWTM gave her Beckham, the most brilliant soccer player on the planet. Then I ran into Oddybobo and saw that she gave him a NYC Firefighter and Leslie's Omnibus gave her some Beefcake. So just as I was about to give up the light bulb went on. That's it... that's it... NY Firefighters, Beefcake, I can give her an incredible cheesecake. I'll give her a very unique cheesecake photo she'll not soon forget, and might even pin up. I'm giving her something she can only find in NY, and to go along with that lucsious photo a very tall, very cool drink.
So here it is darlin', your presents: >>>>>>> more...
Posted by: Michele at
01:10 PM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 619 words, total size 4 kb.
July 27, 2006
BY 6:00am, when I woke up this morning, full power had been restored. Of course, they are warning residents that they grid is still fragile and may not hold during this upcoming heatwave [translation: don't by groceries 'cause if the power goes you can't say we didnt' warn you]. But for now I'm hoping I can break down camp and move back into the bedroom.
As for my health, no allergic reactions so far today. Part of that has to do with my co-workers offering to go out of their way to pick up my breakfast and lunch at an organic health food restaurant, a whole mile out of their way. To you it may not seem like much but when you do it on foot in 90F weather, well you have my undying gratitude.
Oh, and thanks to my blog bro Jon I figured out why I've been having so many allergic reactions. It's the Chemotherapy Stupid! Uh, that's me talking to myself. Last night while catching up w/Jon, he told me how the same thing happened to his "Love" during her first few rounds of chemotherapy. I tell you, I have a little angel watching over me! So, now that the power is back I was able to leave a message for my Dr. today so we could finally talk about this. YAY!
So I now want to thank you guys for keeping vigil with me and babysitting me for the past 2 weeks with all that's been going on. I really, truly and most humbly thank you for your support, words, visits, and emails. It really helped my spirits and it helped me cope! I send electronic (((((((HUGS))))))) to you all!
Update: To whomever sent me this gift.... they were beautiful and delicious and I thank you! (I chose the red rose one and shared the other). There was no card or note when they were delivered so I don't know who to thank. So this note will have to do. I LOVE CUPCAKES! They are the perfect small artistic edible gift AND they were in my favorite flavor - chocolate.
Posted by: Michele at
12:13 PM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 406 words, total size 3 kb.
July 26, 2006
I was over at Bou's reading about (her youngest) Bones' 9 lives yesterday and as I read, I realized the reason I had such a mental block in my CPR class the day before was because I was remembering how last summer I had to perform the Heimlich maneuver on my son and how I froze at first, trying to recall the CPR process.
He was the primary reason I signed up for a CPR refresher course. This incident was the second reason, and the 3rd was the fact that the adult I saved 6 weeks ago is trying to sue me for "malpractice". I should have let him die then, huh?
In reading Bou's post, I realized I really wasn't doing anything wrong because I was giving the right number of breaths and compressions, but in my head I was rescuing a child my son's age, and the age of the kid I had saved 6 weeks before. The problem was, in reality I had an infant dummy in front of me, which requires different positioning, approach, compressions and rescue breaths. Realizing that made me want to see if I could remember and perform the right rescue techniques on an infant correctly.
So I grabbed my son's panda bear to practice Infant CPR (which he left behind on Saturday) while visiting Mike (who is a retired NYC firefighter, our Building's Fire Safety Director and is certified in CPR training). So while in his office he suggested that in order to make sure I was focusing on the right age group I should close my eyes and envision an infant before me. Just then he was called away so encouraged me to go ahead and practice in his office.
A few seconds later Tom, Mike's Deputy Director, came in and stopped in the doorway. I opened my eyes just as I was removing my mouth off the bear's face. Realizing the awkwardness of the moment I opened my mouth to explain, but Tom held up his hand interrupting: "No... No.... No need to explain, you two obviously need to spend time alone, so I'll just be on my way" and with that he closed the door.
I sat there with my mouth wide open, embarrased beyond belief! This is something the Fire Safety Team will never forget. I can already see the email subject headline to the team: "Michele found making out with bear... Don't let this happen to you." Yes, that's how they're going to make sure that everyone knows about the new CPR guidelines and free classes.
A short while later, when Mike didn't return, I stepped out of his office to find everyone laughing at the sight of me with my bear in arms. Outwardly I smiled with them, realizing that it was Mike's practical joke. Inwardly, to quote Rosana Rosanadana (Gilda Radner's character on SNL): "I just wanna diiiiiiiiie!" Sigh!
It turns out that Mike restrained his laughter long enough to watch my technique and reassured me I was fine. I'm fine... good to know! [giggle]
Anyway, the 6 degrees comes from having learned the lesson from when I last saved a life 6 weeks ago. The chain of events started with the inspiration from my blog dad's post which led to me being equiped to save 2 lives. Same thing with Bou's post yesterday, it reminded me that I had to get my epi-pen refilled. Didn't want to go one more day without it because I was having mild allergic reactions to the different take out foods I was buying (due to the damned blackout). To make a gigantic story a bit shorter. I got my epi-pen refilled and picked it up on my way home. Last night, after putting my son to bed, I had my dinner. Later, I began to have what I knew would be a major allergic reaction and was forced to use my epi-pen.
So, I attribute to Bou, me being here amongst you today, because my cell was pretty low power last night, and the land line didn't work, so I couldn't call 911 or get an ambulance. All the pharmacies were closed as they were still out of power and if they had an epi-pen, well I don't think I would have used it as it might have gone bad in the heat.
Hmmmm, I wonder if I owe Bou something for having saved my life. I seem to remember there's a chinese proverb about that but I'm still under the effects of what my new, cute, temporary, physician gave me this afternoon and so I'm feeling no pain (and no memory to speak of right now). Just sitting here with a stupid grin on my face, feeling euphoric. I'm going to have me a damned good sleep tonight.
Well, I think I'm finished. I'm not going to re-read or edit this one. I think I'll just sit here and smile for awhile. YOu all take care now... ya here!
Posted by: Michele at
01:28 PM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 876 words, total size 5 kb.
July 25, 2006
Searched the Vastness for a something you have lost?
Have you strung your soul to silence? Then for God's sake go and do it;
Hear the challenge, learn the lesson, pay the cost.
-- Robert Service - The Call of the Wild
Strange ruminations are going through my head. But they are all I have in this darkness for company. So what is my lesson Robert? Have I not learned it yet or well enough? Is there more to come my way?
I'm very tired tonight. Tired and upset at coming to terms yet again that IÂ’m far and wide from the vision I had of where I thought IÂ’d be while I was growing up. Or is my dissatisfaction with life and self simply a convenient way to turn the focus off of the circumstances that surround me and which I can't control.
What I do know, is that it was a very long and challenging day riddled with occassional missteps and mistakes. It began at 7:30am with a Pediatric CPR refresher course in which I just couldnÂ’t get things right. Had a life depended on me this morning they surely would have died. Yes, this was a vastly different result from the life I saved last month. Go figure.
At some point in the afternoon I received a call from my boss, who pointed out the one little thing I failed to follow through on. Of course he did this while forgetting my current living circumstances and the fact that I alone did all the prep work and analysis for his meeting with the Governor, which made our firm shine. Instead he took that tone on my voice mail, the tone that told me that one F@#$ing thing was more important than all the analysis and positioning work I did this past month in advance of his trip.
My lovely afternoon culminated on the eve of day 8 without power, in a futile 6 mile search on foot for a store that might have carried anything that I could possibly buy to feed my son for breakfast and wouldnÂ’t spoil in the warm temps overnight. My blistered feet only added to the constant reminder of my failure.
As I picked up my son from summer camp, I came across the Power Co. Reps and the American Red Cross setting up their tables by the subway train entrance we had to use. As we passed by their tables my son broke away from me and ran up to the front of the line that was forming to politely ask for something cold to drink. As he felt the coldness of the water bottle in his hand, he lifted it up and looking to the heavens exclaimed: “Thank God… finally a ice cold drink!” While everybody smiled or laughed my little heart sank.
In that moment, I felt the heavy weight and successive accumulation of the entire dayÂ’s failures. As tough as things got for me when I was barely 17 and living on my own; as difficult as things can get for a single parent without support, as challenging as a professional job can be, I have never, ever, felt like a failure or disappointed in myself. A huge lump knotted in my throat for a good long while.
I know these feelings will pass, I know they are temporary and linked to this never-ending pervasive darkness that I find myself in, but damn if it isnÂ’t wearing on a personÂ’s soul. IÂ’ll take dealing with mice, snakes, zombies and spiders all day long rather than dealing with one more day in which I cannot: clean the dishes, do my laundry, take a hot shower and be able to rinse my hair, or make a really nice salad W/lots of FRESH VEGETABLES!
ItÂ’s not like I have never lived without power before. I did many, many years ago, as a relief worker in Mexico after a huge earthquake that killed thousands. I lived in dusty tent with no power and primitive facilities for almost 3 months without even a thought to what I was enduring. It takes the extreme awareness of a loved one dealing with deprivation which I canÂ’t fulfill, to finally bring down my spirit.
I think a good long hot bath and a good nightÂ’s sleep will help me get a new perspective and start fresh again tomorrow.
Maybe if I end with a picture of tonight's sunset, that might help start my night anew too.
Update: I just got a a wonderful email with a picture from my favorite group of guys, Babylon Renegades if you will, who made me laugh heartily, cry intenselly and smile endlessly all in one letter. Yes Sgt, you are a handsome group of "Mothers"! And you're right, I am grateful not to be dealing with desert spiders!
I will share the picture with you once I get permission from these great and brave men! Somehow they always manage to give me what I need ; )
Permission having been granted, I share with you my favorite men in the whole world. They are an awesome group of guys who always seem to have the right timing! This picture is one I had asked for long ago. It includes one of my faithful correspondents who is no longer with us. Lt., I got to know you through your letters and learned to highly regard and admire you through the words of your men, especially young Crpl Eddie, who admired you so much. Know that you will be remembered and will always remain in my heart!
Posted by: Michele at
01:48 AM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 956 words, total size 6 kb.
July 24, 2006
There's a wonderful quiet echo in the silence that surrounds me. From the park across the street I can hear the hushed whispers between lovers. These are intermingled with the smiles and laughter of others and the sounds of generators working overtime in the distance.
In the cloak of darkness these lovers profess promises they hope to keep. The weight of which will be truly felt and tested tomorrow and in the days to come.
As I sit by my darkened window, barely seeing their outlines, I wonder where they'll be tomorrow. I wonder if their permanent embrace is a way to create their own world and blocking everything around them from entering their conciousness other than their loverÂ’s presence. I wonder if in the light of day they will still feel the closeness they experienced in that long embrace? I wonder if they would still look lovingly into each otherÂ’s eyes if they truly knew each otherÂ’s flaws and fears? As she lovingly caresses his face, the question that remains is will her love stand the test of time and distance, or will it be as fleeting as her time on that bench.
Posted by: Michele at
11:44 PM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 210 words, total size 1 kb.
July 23, 2006
To quote Bones (BouÂ’s youngest): I would just die from the cold! Especially without the right gear. I hate even cold air conditioning in the summer. But all I need to make sure I donÂ’t freeze to death is 2 sub-zero sleeping bags (one for me and another for my son) and a solar panel pack with multiple connectors and capable of storing/converting enough solar power to run a heater in one room for a few hours, a laptop and a cell phone (the last 2 are essential to my mental stability and well being as a Gemini). Yesterday I briefly tested out a solar powered laptop backpack and a solar power charger (loaners from a colleague at work) . With it I was able to come home and set up my broadband and briefly get online (the pack needed to be charged before using it extensively). ItÂ’s now charging, while IÂ’m using my laptopÂ’s own battery to tap this out. If you see this post it means that I successfully charged the solar panel and was able to set up the wifi to get online and post.
The first time I used solar panel chargers was in 2000. I was living in the Philippines, and working as part of the advance team for setting up wi-fiÂ’s in remote areas, with little or no electricity, With the solar panels charging I would also use/charge my satellite phone and laptop.
Spurred on by the fear of dying a cruel frozen death, I did some research and discovered yesterday that with the right solar panel kit I would be able to run a heater for a few hours in the dead of winter. I also came across a solar panel charger for my Treo and found a Hurricane Solar Survival System, for both Bou and VW. If I discover any other interesting solar products, like a solar powered air conditioner (admit it, it makes perfect sense, especially in the South), IÂ’ll share it with you.
Posted by: Michele at
05:52 PM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 492 words, total size 3 kb.
July 22, 2006
As we begin Day 6 of this Blackout I submit for your amusement, a few cute pictures of how Queens residents have coped with the heat and lack of electricity.
This horse was so hot in the 100+ weather on Wednesday it led its rider, a sergeant in the NYPD, to a drink. It was so hot Wednesday (105F) I did consider throwing myself into the fountain, clothes and all, after the horse finished drinking and walked away.
"NO, I still can't hear you!!!!" That's what I thought as I saw this Verizon employee taking a break. He had been inside a sweltering man hole for hours Thursday morning repairing telephone cables which were burned by underground electrical fires. "Can I interest you in a wet t-shirt contest?"
Sprinklers, fountains, parks and rivers are my favorite places for cooling off. I think this kid would agree. Except, that since the water pipes are buried deep beneath the ground, the water is cold as heck! So after I cool off, there's no going back in for me!
Never a dull moment in NYC, especially when there's a blackout. On Thursday, it was still too hot to go directly home after work, so I took my son to a park not far from us. While my son & I were relaxing, dipping our feet in the fountain, this gentleman gave me a show, that made me quite...uh... nervous. Luckily he stopped stripping at his BVD's before getting into the fountain.
I guess after seeing the above you could say that New York was going to the dogs. Well, the picture below proves it! The dogs were so fed up with being hot they took matters into their own hands. It was a good thing there were no Con Edison men around, I dare say these dogs would have bit them in the ass if there were. See, my blog sis isn't the only one that can do cute doggy blogging!
Well, that's it for me. I'm leaving work soon, where I've been hanging out and cooling off with my son, making sure his asthma doesn't kick up. Were headed out in a little while to go to the movies and dinner afterwards. No going home until this humidity eases up a bit or we're both dead dog tired ; )
Posted by: Michele at
01:35 PM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 474 words, total size 4 kb.
July 21, 2006
"The blackouts were at their worst on Wednesday, when 10 of the 22 feeder cables that supply the area with power were down simultaneously. The temperature had hit 100 degrees in the neighborhood the last few days.
Consolidated Edison spokesman Chris Olert said the power company didn't know why things went wrong.
"Chances are fair, but not firm, that it was heat related, but right now that is just a hypothesis," he said.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg demanded that the utility investigate and deliver a report on the cause within two weeks.
That is little consolation for residents who have lost all their food, must continue to sleep in hot apartments, and still have no guarantees as to when power will be back."
This video clip features what's going on, the cover-up and the comments of one of my neighbors (baby in arms) who lives down the street from me commenting on the situation.
Posted by: Michele at
10:04 AM
| Comments (2)
| Add Comment
Post contains 176 words, total size 1 kb.
July 20, 2006
It has finally begun to cool off here thanks to some storm off the east coast. Unfortunately, the heat has already taken it's toll on residents and has destroyed a portion of the Queens power grid.
The Human toll: People have had strokes, have developed heat stroke, a number have been involved in car accidents (right outside my windows) and those who have medical issues have had existing conditions exacerbated by the heat.
Infrastructure damage: Apparently, six to eight blocks of main feeder cables started to melt yesterday morning as crews were trying to fix the power outages. Con Ed crews say literally blocks and blocks of wires just started melting. In addition, TV Cable fires and man hole covers blew out also affecting all cell and telephone phone service in the area, as well as all air transportation in & out of LaGuardia Airport.
What this means for me is dinner by candle-light (not bad) and no treo blogging (that's sad). In addition, I just found out this morning that power won't be fully restored till Sunday as they have to re-construct the grid. It's no longer repairable. Yes, that's right, that would make it 6 whole days without power. The highest temps it will get over the next few days is 85F degrees, which will be tomorrow afternoon. Fortunately, my job is in Manhattan and 95% of Manhattan still has power, so that's where I will be (with my son, if power isn't back up at his day camp).
Actually, that's where I'm posting from today. I was able to to return to work (with my son) when water was restored to us. I don't think my co-workers would have appreciated my fragrance otherwise.
My son has been slowly fraying around the edges. The total darkness makes him very scared and apprehensive and he's been acting out as a result. My patience is somewhat low because of the heat and from the constant nausea that had been setting in from just eating and drinking hot foods. I have a permanent dull headache from lack of caffeine which I hope to soon correct. But I keep reminding myself he's only 6 and so far that's helped.
All traffic in my area has been redirected past my bedroom window and it's no longer quiet and tranquil. Instead it's horns constantly blaring and lots of car accidents (which have included pedestrians) because without street lights it's every man for himself. So sleep has been non-existent for those 42 hrs. The battery operated fan is relegated to my son, so that he can at least sleep comfortably.
I overheard a neighbor say that living in our building was like living in Beirut. It doesn't even compare to that. If this is what my neighbors think about our situation now, what will they do in 40 to 60 years when the current supply of oil runs out? I really believe we've become overly dependent on oil and we really need to begin developing alternative forms of energy on a mass scale, including returning to nuclear energy as an option.
Posted by: Michele at
01:33 PM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 533 words, total size 3 kb.
July 18, 2006
Don't know how extensive this loss of power is, will let you know in a bit. Need to go make calls to check on my elderly neighbors and look out the windows. I hear lots of police, firefighters etc. So far only car lights are on. Will investigate, and conserve my battery power for updates.
Update: treo blogging - still no power almost 12 hrs later. Power Co. says it will take at least 24hrs to restore power. so we're sitting in the living room trying 2 rest from sleeplessness due to heat.
all trains in nyc are affected. at least I'm well prepared & have enough emergency supplies to stay put.
Urban scenes of desperation in high temps are not pretty. I'm focusing my energy on praying for a breeze.
Update: It's been 24 hrs without power. Water was finally restored at about 4:00pm. I had fortunately stored enough water for cooking, rinsing and toilet flushing (oh joy!). Anyway, I'll be treo/cellphone/picture blogging at blogger as it's easier for me to blog directly from my cell: POSTCARDS FROM NYC
Posted by: Michele at
11:48 PM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 237 words, total size 1 kb.
,
I came across this beauty while cleaning out files in my old computer (click to enlarge). I took this many moons ago on a hot summer night very much like tonight. I was living in the East Village at the time and normally when I couldn't sleep I'd do one of 3 things: go running, go clubbing or go take pictures. That evening I was restless as it was too hot to sit in my apartment (my AC wasn't working so well) and I set out meandering through the streets of Manhattan to see what images I could capture in the waning sun. That night I walked from my apartment all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge, just over 5 miles, because her beauty drew me to her.
While there I thought I should cross over to Brooklyn since the night was young and the cool breeze off the bridge beckoning sweetly. Halfway to Brooklyn I turned around to look back and saw this beautiful image of contasting shapes and lines that it was almost as if the picture was set up by itself. Since then I've taken pictures from and of that bridge in a thousand different ways. Many people come to NY to visit and never get to see her this way. I figured I'd post it here for all of you to see how beautiful she is close to 200 years later. In this picture I can really see what Walt Whitman and other poets saw in her. I can also understand why a foreign investment group would want to buy her. The question now is, should we sell, lease or keep her?
[Cross-posted at Postcards From NYC]
Posted by: Michele at
08:00 PM
| Comments (1)
| Add Comment
Post contains 284 words, total size 2 kb.
July 17, 2006
The expanded entry will have details as to whom, said what, when, and where, so that you can be factually informed as to where they believe this new war is headed. I'm sure some of the statements will be eye opening to some of you. You will definitely not see any of these statements in the MSM.
more...
Posted by: Michele at
10:56 PM
| Comments (1)
| Add Comment
Post contains 1394 words, total size 9 kb.
July 13, 2006
Since last night I've been wondering how it is that soldiers deal with this?
more...
Posted by: Michele at
01:22 PM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 389 words, total size 2 kb.
July 11, 2006
Posted by: Michele at
04:06 PM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 268 words, total size 2 kb.
July 10, 2006
Unable to sleep last night I trolled through the blogosphere and visited many wonderful bloggers. I saved some of my favorite sites for last. Among them was this little refuge in the woods created by RSM. His posts have a way of helping my stress melt away, bringing me back to a time and place where life was sweeter, slower and more care free than it is today.
Unfortunately, his post made me really long for the uncomplicated warmth and beauty of my childhood surroundings. Ironically, though IÂ’ve lived in many places, they were mostly rural settings that fueled both my spirit and imagination. In France, I lived not far from the Versailles Gardens where aesthetic beauty in nature was elevated to an art form.. Sicily offered a rough rocky terrain with luscious green hills to frolic in and the pervasive sweet scent of the ocean no matter where you went. In Peru I lived halfway up the foot of a range that lead into the Andean Mountains. In Mexico City I sat on a porch within view of some incredible Aztec ruins.
All of these places touched history, and in their own way they touched and influence me. But of all the places IÂ’ve lived, none was sweater or more dear than my grandfatherÂ’s cabin in the woods. It was originally a shed that he would escape to when the kids were too much or the demands of a husband and father got to be too demanding for him. A quiet retreat in a world in which he had no say or control. A place of his own! When he was older and grandma had passed, he had a sturdy cabin built to live in its place, and to exhale his last breath in. RSM brought that peaceful environment of a lovely rustic setting back to me, and suddenly I was longing more than ever to visit with my grandfather and go pretend fishing with him at the creak way behind his cabin.
This creak is where he and I idled many an afternoon in quiet conversation. ItÂ’s where I dozed many a hot lazy summer day, sitting on the roots of a 200 year old tree, nestled in an opening someone had carved in its trunk, while I let my feet dangle, barely touching the water with my toes, as I swung them back and forth. As I grew older, on hot sticky days IÂ’d cool myself by submerging my fully clothed body into the water, sitting cross-legged on the rocks on the creak bed while I let my arms float gently beside me. I would sit so still, that from time to time, small fish would lightly kiss my arms in an attempt to see if I was food worthy.
The water was so crystal clear I could see dead leaves and tiny mollusks scampering about at the bottom of the creak that would somehow find their way there during hurricane season. The water was cooled by the deep dense shade of the canopy of trees and densely covered limbs that surrounded this bend in the creak.
One afternoon, after being away for almost a year, I visited the creak only to find my grandfather had hung a cotton canvas hammock between 2 sturdy limbs that leaned over the creak. It hung low enough over the water to keep you cool on a hot summer day, and high enough to keep you dry. IÂ’ll never forget the scent of sun-scorched cotton mixed with my grandfatherÂ’s perspiration which I noticed as soon as I lay down in the hammock It was a place I felt sheltered and protected from the changes that were happening in my life. It was my own refuge against the demands of the world. It was there I ran to and cried when IÂ’d get the call from my parents telling me when they were going to pick me up.
It was in that hammock that I plotted with my diary how I would run away into the mountains, so I could never be found and still live close enough to my grandfather to visit him regularly. At the end of that summer, when we relocated back to NYC I knew it would be a very long time before IÂ’d return.
Sometimes at night, instead of reading to my son a bed time story, I tell him tales of a little girl and her best friend Raif, who went on incredible adventures, and single handedly fended off her enemies and protected her fort with her wit and her bravery. She also managed to live off the land with just a swiss army knife, some rough twine, a big old sling-shot (that was sometimes to big for her hands) and an old canteen to keep her well in her travels. All of which she carried in a faded old green knapsack that been given magical powers by the warrior who possessed the bag before her.
After reading RÂ’s post, and my son seeing his pictures, heÂ’s made me promise weÂ’d visit that creak to see if that little girl still lives there. I dare say, if we look hard enough I believe we will find her!
Posted by: Michele at
10:32 PM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 885 words, total size 5 kb.
July 09, 2006
I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday and say I'm sorry that I missed your call when you were in Georgia visiting with Zonker & RSM. I really would have loved to have been able to talk to you. But I'll just have to console myself with reading about your exploits through the blogosphere as you travel.
I for one am glad that you're back safe & sound and wielding one liners all over the place once again. The wonderful stories I've read from our blog family are enough for me to put you on my list of "People I'd Like To Meet Someday". Your exploits are legendary, at least as Zonker & Eric tells them. Actually, I now don't have to worry that my son freaks out at the sight of spiders or snakes and runs. If you do it, then so can he! So, when you went away this last time I wondered what incredible exploit was taking you away for so long time and on such an odd route. I tried all possible ways of discovering your true secret mission this last trip and finally I bribery won out. In fact, it helped me get photographic evidence of your true mission - that of auditioning to be in a music group. But of all the things I learned about your sooper sekret trip, the one thing that puzzled me (and your cousins from Gainselville from which I got this picture of your last night there at about 4:00am), is why in the world you strapped your mike there? (scroll down)"
Dude, I did not know that was one of your life long dreams... to audition for Bare Naked Ladies that is. If that's your dream, I hope it comes true! Of course I wonder if it has anything to do with turning 39, 'cause 39 is just 4 years into middle age... for men that is. Well, if its mid-life crisis, that's okay too. I subscribe to the philosophy of live and let live, so if it makes you happy then I'm behind you all the way. Well, you know what I mean. Anyway, I hope this year is full of dreams come true for you!
Before I forget, please let me know where I should send your birthday present", as you can see one for every mood. In the meantime, I'm sending you a virtual hug and a wish that today is a wonderful day, Happy Birthday Joe!
Posted by: Michele at
12:01 AM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 426 words, total size 3 kb.
July 07, 2006
more...
Posted by: Michele at
03:32 PM
| No Comments
| Add Comment
Post contains 367 words, total size 2 kb.
105 queries taking 0.1106 seconds, 311 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.
