June 25th

Exactly 35 years ago today, I graduated from Fashion Industries HS in New York City. I can rememeber - it was a sweltering hot day and I was filled with anxiety as I got ready to make that march down the aisle to get my HS diploma.

I remember during the ceremony the music teacher getting booed and a student tripping as she walked across the stage to get her diploma, to which we all laughed. She laughed to, I imagined to keep from crying, because it was embarrassing, and I, if no one else felt embarrassed for her.

I wore a hideous white peasant dress that was simply too much fabric to say the least - it was floor length with long sleeves too much for such a warm day. A short sleeveless dress would have been more suitable for the occassion.

Afterwards, my mother took me and my siblings to the Hawaii Kai which was on 50th Street if my memory serves me correctly where we ordered food and drinks, got "tipsy" and had a great time.

While I was enjoying my day of gradution some 35 ago I could have never imagined I'd lose my mom on that same day 25 years later; not in my worse nightmare.  On the day she passed; my niece graduated from High School without knowing until afterwards that her grand-mother had made her transition. 

For these reasons June 25th will always be a day of bitter-sweet memories for me.  Today, makes 10 years my mom passed and it still hurts my heart that I had to lose her. I make it a point to have a nice day every June 25th in her memory.

Come this September, I will meet with high school classmates to celebrate 35 years since we graduated from Fashion Industries HS. Three and a half decades is a very long time and I'm sure we all have some tales to tell about what our lives have been like since we received our diplomas and headed out into the world to make our mark.  

No matter how painful, or hurtful some memories can be...one thing is for sure...life goes on. The best thing to do is hold on to the good, warm, happy memories and KEEP IT MOVING!

Lost...Well, not really

I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to stop losing things. Even worse, is thinking that I've lost something when I haven't, because my brain immediately goes into panic mode as I begin frantically searching for that thing I think I've lost.

Others are sometimes drawn into my chaotic world of lost things: like Saturday for instance.  I was on the boardwalk at Coney Island dancing to the music. Suddenly it came to my mind that I should get some video footage of the very senior woman also dancing on the boardwalk.

So, I take out my small "digital elph" and do about a minute of video footage. I walk back to the shade to put my camera back in my bag. It's resting on the ledge where the DJ spins the music.

I feel thirsty and decide it's time to get some H2O so my body can cool down a bit.  On the way back from getting the water my mind thinks about the camera and the only thing that comes to mind is that I had put it down next to the DJ stand and I keep thinking, "I must have left it there."

I'm also thinking, "I cannot live without my digital camera, and I really can't afford to buy a new one, not now."

I start to feel very panicky because I have a 2G memory chip in the camera, plus a battery that I had just bought and it was a sinking feeling that I might have to replace all of those items.

"You sure are some kind of goof-ball" I tell myself.

I even asked a few people if they'd seen my camera. Of course, people never see anything when you need them to.

I went and sat down on a bench to try and relax, there was no point in getting my self all worked up in this heat, the boardwalk was piping hot and if I didn't calm down, I could very easily pass out in the heat.

Not long after sitting down I felt the left pocket of my skort and felt my camera there, yahoo! I thought, I hadn't lost it after all and I felt so much better. The reason I'd forgotten I'd put it there, is because I'd never put it there before.

Unfortunately, that's how my brain is wired, if I put something in a place that I wouldn't normally put it, my brain forgets it, in which case that thing is considered lost. What a cruel trick the brain continues to play with our head.

We all know that things are never was really lost, we simply fail to remember where we've put them.

Memories of New York City

It's been so long since I've written on this blog that it took forever for me to figure out I had to sign in to get access. 

Well, living in NYC for the past year has been some kind of a whirl-wind experience.  I was born here, and I never knew being in the city could be this much fun.  My siblings and I thought we were being adventurous while we were growing up, and we were compared to the other kids that lived around our way.

When we were kids, if were weren't shopping with our Mom at her favorite store, Macy's in Herald Square,  we were at the yearly car-show at the Coliseum in Columbus Circle, Is that even there anymore?  I don't think so, I believe there's a Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck) there now.  Or, we were at Madison Square Garden to see the circus, Mom loved the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus.  I think I will go next year in memory of her.

We were all the time going to see Broadway musicals, like I remember my first Broadway musical was a play called "Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope."  We went to see that my first year in high school; the Fashion Industries HS in the fashion district.  There is now a Whole Foods right on the corner of 24th and 7th Avenue,  I would have gone all the way nuts if it had been there while I was in high school. 

We'd learned all the words to all the songs in that play and we never stopped singing them.  It was about people being stressed out about the world we were living in at that time.  I'm glad I got to experience it because it was a walk in the park compared to what's going on now.

The words to the theme song went like this...

I laid back on my handle-less couch and told him what's frustrating me,

he said "the trouble with you is you can't cope" and he asked me for a

fifty dollar fee...He said  "don't bother her, she can't cope."

After our first Broadway musical we were all the way hooked, then there was "Your Arms Too Short To Box With God" and  "Pippin" starring Ben Vereen, for which my sister and I was relegated to SRO (standing room only) we didn't care for $10. we were happy to stand for 3 hours.  The singing and dancing was simply fabulous.

If it wasn't a Broadway show we were going to; it was City Center to see the now world famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Dance Theater of Harlem.  Tickets were cheap, cheap, cheap in those days and it wasn't that long ago.  The good ole 70's is when it was.  We loved going to concerts at Madison Square Garden, again cheap tickets.  We'd seen, the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Ohio Players, The Isley Brothers, Queen with Freddy Mercury and the list goes on and on.

Nowadays, I'm like a tourist in the city, because there were so many things I didn't get to see as a child.  Now, that I'm older, I'm more interested in the history of New York City, it's many monuments, museums and parks.  As quiet as it's kept, New York City has 1700 parks and Central Park is not the largest one.   

I will talk more about New York City, it's parks and monuments in the future.  I will do my best to write more often.  I don't know why I don't because I really enjoy it and living in a city where there's never a shortage of stories to tell, I should have no excuses.

Purple Rain in Prospect Park

The perils of New York City

Father Demo Square

Today is a bea-u-ti-ful day in New York City unlike yesterday and the day before which was downright cold if you ask me.

I saw in the paper yesterday that Michelle Obama was at the Met for a gala event.  There she was sitting on the podium looking as glamarous as ever like it was a bright sun-shiny day.  I thought to myself, "does that woman ever feel a chill?"  Obviously not.

Yesterday, I headed into the city for several reasons to take care of business, to attend part two of a meditation workshop that was too much fun.  I'll write about that soon, but later.

I decided to stop at a little park located at 6th and Bleeker Street called Father Demo Square.  Since it was breezy I knew I wanted to sit in the sun because it was too chilly in the shade.  I asked someone if I could share the bench he was on and he was happy to oblige me. 

The thing about NYC is - no matter how much you try and shrink from the craziness- it has a way of finding you.  So, we're sitting there soaking up the sun and I'm just sitting still trying to meditate and here comes someone screaming into a cell phone who decides to sit right next to us.

The screamer tried to shield his conversation from us and realized he was sitting in a quiet zone.  First, he tried covering his mouth with his hand to mute his voice, then he leaned forward on the bench as if that would help.  Finally, he got up and strolled away to which I said under my voice..."I'm glad he left...yikes! 

All I'm saying is "there should be cell-free-zones just like there are smoke-free-zones in New York City."

An evening in the city

The other night I was in the city and got off the train at 14th and Union Square where a man was selling beautiful coats for $10. each right in front of Whole Foods.  I don't know if they were stolen or he'd gotten them from a cleaners or what have you;  all I know is- I was very cold and needed something to keep me warm.

I had the best french fries at a little diner on the corner of Broadway and 9th Street.  The waitress was very nice and attentive and was given a very generous tip for her enthusiasm.

It was my intention to go to St Peters Church at 54th and Lexington to attend the memorial for David "Fathead"  Newman who'd passed away a short time ago.  I knew that it started at 7p, but an 8:45 appointment kept me from getting there on time.  I figured it would just be getting started at 10p, ya know... winding it up to jam all night in his memory.

I'm not sure what time it was when I got there,  but the musicians were all packing up and leaving as I arrived.  The young lady at the front-desk said "for the first time jazz musiciains started and ended on time."

I intend to go back to St Peters because apparently they are a "jazz church"  spreading the word of Christ through Jazz.  It has an interesting history and the building is stunning.

It ended up being a good day in the jungle and getting a cashmere coat for $10, was simply, the icing on the cake.

What I hate about living in New York City

First of all, there are too many people crammed onto this island known as Manhattan.  Walking down the street is tantamount to walking a gauntlet and between the people texting, talking on their cell and those who will not walk on their right - you're walking at your own peril. The last time I checked this is a right-wing society and the rule of the road is - stay to the right and pass on your left.  What's so hard about that?

A few weeks ago a young lady was run over by a city bus because she was talking on her cell while the bus was making a turn - which means she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.  All these "hi-tech" items we seem unable to live without can be fatal.

I have seen people exiting a store or a restaurant, totally oblivious to the fact that other people are around and running smack dab into them and they just keep walking - without so much as a sideways glance.  I just want to scream at the top of my lungs - WATCH IT, damn are you blind?

Then we have the tourists from everywhere, all around taking pictures, staring at buildings, gawkings and bumping into everybody - it's like a three-ringed circus.  And, who are those people walking with their heads to the ground as if they won't eventually run into someone or something? 

I've been here for nearly five months and I have yet to get on a subway without some obnoxious person getting in the same car I'm in and  driving me crazy.  Then we have the iPods that aren't quiet at all - I hate iPods and can't understand why they're so loud and every other person on a subway is wearing one.  

Another thing I find particularly annoying riding the subways in New York City - is a person being in a two-seater with their worldy possessions spread all over and making no attempt to shuffle them around so another person can have a seat.  That is so rude.  I am the consumate "bag-lady" and I always move my things if the train is bummed rushed at a station - I make room for another person to have a seat - it's the humane thing to do.  

New York City is a cesspool, 57th Street where the fashion world meets Madison Avenue is unbelievable - there's trash everywhere.  One morning I saw Conan O'Brien walking down 57th Street looking like any ordinary New Yorker - angry. I don't want to to be one of those angry New Yorkers...mad just because.  I keep asking myself "what is everybody so angry about?"

After  living for 20 years in Atlanta, it feels like culture shock to be back in New York and it is  a jungle out there.

Next time, I'll talk about what I love about New York City...as quiet as it's kept there's plenty to love about it.

Christmas in New York City 2008

My first Christmas in NYC in many years was spent attempting to walk up 5th Avenue beginning at 34th street.  It was a lovely day to be Christmas in the most famous city in the world.  The temperature was high in the low 50's and that's a heat-wave compared to the 19 degrees we'd experienced on Monday of this week.  Even Letterman had to pay homage to the frigid temperature..."10 ways to know it's really cold outside" and the word "cold" was an understatement to say the least.

From the looks of the crowd it was very hard to tell it was Christmas in the city.  The more I walked the more congested it became.  By the time I reached 50th and 5th it was so crowded and congested I could barely move.  St Patricks Cathedral sat on the corner and I thought to myself...why not?  In I went into St Patricks Cathedral for the first time in my life.  There seemed to be a million people in there milling around, lighting candles, taking pix, kneeling and praying.  I thought "what are all these people doing here on Christmas Day?"  They were all there for Christmas Mass in Spanish...of course...duh.

I found a seat, made myself comfortable and stayed for the 4 o'clock mass.  it was a nice way to unwind from the hustle and bustle on the street which was pure chaos.  I'd already lit a candle for the only person I will ever light a candle for - my Mother.

I then headed over to Rockerfeller Center to check out their fabulous tree.  And what a wonderful tree it was.  In all my years of living in NYC that was absolutely the closest I'd ever gotten to the tree.  Of course, the cabillion people milling around didn't help any.  I could not believe how many people were everywhere, walking in the street, blocking traffic, bumping into each other and guides screaming "top of the Rock, tickets for sale."  It was all overwhelming to say the least, but fun all the same. 

Rhythm Revue Dance Party

On Saturday April 25th 2009 I went to the best dance party ever at the famous Roseland Ballroom on 52nd Street in New York City.  I had so much fun,and I danced myself into a stupor.  I did some dance moves I did not know that I could do.  The music of the "rhythm revue" is all about the 60's, 70's and 80's. 

Felix Hernandez who hosts two radio shows from those decades on Saturday from 10-2p on WBGO 88.3FM and on KISS 97 Sundays from 12n-5p.  He is the master-jammer from those bygone years and that's 30 years of fabulous love songs, dance songs and plain ole feel good music.  He also spins for the "rhythm revue parties."

People were on the dance floor singin', dancin' and cuttin' up like there was no tomorrow.  There was a woman in a wheelchair - obviously having the time of her life.  Roseland is a huge venue, perfect for an event such as this.

At 1:30a, is when the 'Electric Slide" takes place - the worlds largest if you ask me.  I hate the electric slide and will not do it.  I've always felt it's a dance for people who, simply, cannot dance.  

By 1:30a I had been dancing for 2 and a half hours straight, so I said "okay take a break girlfriend or you will not be able to walk when this is all over with." 

I headed to the balcony for a rest, then, I decided to look over the balcony railing as the electric slide was played and what I saw was simply amazing.  It looked like a sea of people turning, sliding and dipping in unison and it blew me away. 

I'm sure that this single event should be in the "Guiness Book", if for nothing but the efforts of that many people getting on a dance floor, at the same time, making the same dance moves and making it look easy and fun.

They did the slide to the "Electric Slide" and Marvin Gaye's "Got To Give It Up" and it was too much fun just watching.  I called it a night after they played my all time favorite dance party song which is "Love Is The Message" by MFSB.

The next "Rhytm Revue Dance Party" and the final one for the season will also be at Roseland on Saturday May 30th and I'm sure I will be there once again to dance myself into oblivion.  If you love to dance, to great music - this event is not to be missed. 

Must Read After My Death

When I'd read that this film makes "Revolutionary Road" look like a tea party - I knew I had to see it.  So, on Wednesday February 25 2009, I planned my evening to go see it at the Quad on 13th Street in New York City. 

It's odd how a film can be viewed and parallels from our own live can be drawn from it.  This film based on true events and real people was made from home movies, along with audio tape recordings along with a dictaphone used in chronicling the married life of  Allis, her husband Charley and their four children - a girl and three boys.

Early in the film, dysfunctions in the family are made evident when Allis mentions to her husband that daughter Anne is exhibiting signs of desparation regarding the opposite sex"...because he's the only boy who will pay her any attention..." is what she says in a shrill voice.  The boys at the same time, have several problems between them - two of them being over-eating and dyslexia which was never diagnosed.

Dad and father Charley - hardly at home thanks to a job that took him to Australia and other far away places for long periods of time; had extra-marital affairs while he was gone and was more than candid in letting his wife know about them via the audio recording exchanges.  At one point he admitted to his wife that he'd told the other woman that he loved her.  Adding insult to injury he wanted Allis to like the other woman and even had the other woman sing a song for Allis. 

Movie-My Bloody Valentine in 3D

I like fun which means I enjoy going to see senseless slasher flicks on opening night.  On Frday January 16, my friend Otis and I braved the coldest night in the history of NYC to go see "My Bloody Valentine."

For me, it will be most remembered as the first film I've seen in 3D.  There are familiar faces in the movie, but nobody  I can recall by name.  The acting was bad to say the least, and there was the usual gratuitous sex for a slasher movie.  The NYC crowd attending this viewing laughed like it was a comedy.  So, be ready to laugh.  I jumped and screamed at one point with flesh and a pick axe that appeared to be coming out of the scream right at me.

In a nutshell, the film is about an evil spirit that inhabits someone who goes on to wreck havoc in a dusty little mining town 10 years after an accident in a mine.  Some of it is quite predictable - people walking around saying hello, and screaming someones name at the top of their lungs.   All that energy could be better used to haul ass - especially once it is realized - there is something wrong here. 

It is definitely for fans of the genre and not for the faint of heart.  It is gory and very bloody.  The 3D effect simply intensifies it all. It's like being up-close and personal at the scene of the crime.

Revolutionary Road

I cannot in recent memory recall a time when so many movies opened on Christmas Day.  I had a dilemna...what should I go see this year that would be thoroughly entertaining?   There were literally a ton of films to choose from "Valkyrie" with Tom Cruise, "The Spirit" with Samuel L and the gang, "Marley and Me" which looked sweet, "Seven Pounds" with Will and his posse,  Brad Pitt in his Forrest Gump-like "...Benjamin Button", and the list never ends.

After all the trailers, reviews and enthusiasms I decided to go see a film I thought would be close to my heart.  Afterall, it's a whopping $12.50 to see a movie in NYC compared to a measly $5. to see a first-run film in Atlanta...believe it or not.  I could not afford to spend my hard earned money frivilously on a bad movie.  Revolutionary Road seemed to me to be the most worthwhile movie to take a chance on...and it did not disappoint.  

It was fun watching Leonardo DiCaprio and his "Titanic" co-star Kate Winslet acting like a married couple with all the ups and downs of matrimony.  Leo can cry better on cue than any male actor I've ever seen.  He is so good looking  and seems to be aging nicely.

I could feel April's(Winslet) anst regarding making a giant leap to an other country after being caught up in the rat race and the drudgery of doing the same thing day in and day out.  She was able to persuade her husband to make the move overseas..what man wouldn't when he didn't have to worry about working once he got there. 

At the beginning of the film Frank(DiCaprio) has a tete-a-tete with a young co-worker and I wondered  how that affair would unfold.  His wife did not find out about the affair by accident or because she went snooping or even suspected.  The affair is found out because he (Frank) tells her.  She asked the same question I did, "so why did you tell me?"

The performances are powerful and the guy who played Joe the son of Kathy Bates' character, although considered a lunatic he was the one person who actually got it.  Why is it the people we deem as crazy seem to understand things for what they really are?  I think it's because they choose not to ignore the huge elephant in the room wearing high heels.

Revolutionary Road was riveting and for a NYC crowd the audience seemed to be paying attention and not gabbing like they usually do.  It was well worth the price of the ticket and I think I made a wise choice.