I woke up this morning at around 6:00am. My condo apartment faces east, so when the eastern sky begins to lighten up, I wake up. I do not have shades or curtains by choice, so my sleeping patterns are governed by the natural cycle of the four seasons in the Northeast section of North America. Sun is up??? Odds are I am up as well. Today was no exception. The sky was a bit overcast, but no precipitation , but then....about an hour later, it started.
Started quietly, that is...a gentle rain hitting against the window, but enough to cause me to abandon my plans for an early morning at the gym. The gym is only around the corner, but I have to go up and down a flight of stairs over the local train, so I just made an excuse to stay in and hunker down. But soon the snow was flying. At first it was a pretty sweet flurry with a gentle wind that made it swirl lightly around the roof deck clinging to the now frozen rements of the summer potted plants I neglected to remove. Soon the snow was clinging to the cold wrought iron balcony railings making its presence felt in the delicately curved circles and curves of its utilitarian design giving it a dollop of what looks like snow-inspired whipped cream topping.
But then it intensifies in strength. A pall of greyish white descends over the harbor; I can no longer see Brooklyn. Soon the bridge disappears. The freighters and cargo ships anchored nearby are no longer visible, and the fog horns begin their solitary moaning in a rhythmic call and response pattern. The cars on Bay Street become fewer and fewer and their headlights become muted and blurred in the uncontrolled tumble of larger and gloppier snow flakes. The snow seem to crash into vehicles as they wind their way down to the ferry terminal. The pair of pigeons who normally perch briefly on the roof deck wall are huddled close together cooing and searching the quickly shrinking horizon for their other aviary companions, but there are none in sight.
So life here is slowing down at a winter pace forced upon us by nature and time of year. Yesterday I was thinking of what to plant in the containers I keep up here. Today I called to make sure the cab I need to my trip to the airport will be here tomorrow The news of yet another winter storm is floating through the airways, and contrary to most around here, it is making me smile.
And that is because I am leaving the cold for another warmer place. Leaving tomorrow for Los Angeles and then on to a cruise on the Pacific to Hawaii, something I have wanted to do for quite some time. And even though these plans were several months in the making, it seems this is the perfect time to spend in the sun. I will come back with a better attitude, I promise.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
"Remember, man that thou art dust....."
I then began to describe the concept or "Ashes to Go" that was emerging in various Episcopal and Lutheran congregations across the nation. With such a warm and fuzzy reception, I figured my suggestion had fallen on decidedly deaf ears.
An hour later, as I was getting ready to retire for the evening, I got a call from Father Chuck. "That was the most exciting thing I have heard at any Liturgy Committee meeting," he said. "Get more information. We might do that."
So I got the information, and despite Chuck's penchant for worrying, "What if we get arrested?", he asked. "So we call our attorney and the local newspaper; you will get your picture in tomorrow's edition, and they will let you go. Bring your purple stole it brings out your eyes," was my flippant reply.
We headed out for the terminal in Saint George at 6:45 am with Hal, our intrepid lay reader, and June, Administrative Assistant for the local Lutheran Church, for the first of what has now become an annual event. We distributed ashes to 280 people that day. Father Chuck insisted we wait for "one more boat" and "one more boat" until my feet became sore and then numb. And we were hooked on "Ashes to Go".
Today marked our fifth year; we imposed ashes on 396 foreheads before the rains hit. June and Hal are still with me. Chuck died unexpectedly in 2015. I like to think that he is standing next to me being the one worrying about all things that might happen, making sure that nothing does happen. Gene, a candidate for ordination to the Diaconate in the Episcopal Church, has been on board for several years. I do enjoy teasing him when the cops, sanitation guys and other city workers offer him a quick, "Thanks, Padre!" Most of them are still not sure about me, but I often get a nod and tip of the hat as "Sister"....which I am, just not a nun/sister.
We met all kinds of folks: office workers, construction guys, Liberty Island Ticket hawkers, moms with kids in tow or babies in strollers, homeless street people seeking prayers for deceased family members, Buddhists enchanted by the ritual with ashes, and folks seeking a sacred moment and space in which to begin their work-a-day world. What these people, these children of the Living God, don't know, is that we, the ones charged with the imposition of ashes, a stark reminder of our common mortality, get so much more in our encounter with them. We meet the spectrum of humanity and see the face of God in everyone who anxiously waits for our reminder : "...and unto dust thou shalt return."
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Persisting.....
"She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted"
- US Senator Mitch McConnell
Well, yeah, Mr. McConnell. We do "persist". We women of a certain age who are just about fed up with what the "boys" did, have done, and think they can continue to do to the "girls", to us: to the strong, surviving, understanding, gracious, thoughtful, intelligent, caring, politically savvy, and overall competent women who think you are just plain arrogant/ignorant. We thought we had fought these fights in the 70's, 80's and 90's. I guess we were wrong. And I guess we got too comfortable.
I know that I was among those fortunate ones who were married to a loving man who supported our rights for equality. It did help that he adored his three children: two girls and a boy who we tried to raise in an inclusive and equal household. I remember fondly the day my son asked me to show him how to iron his own shirts. He wanted them to his specs, not mine. He also is the best cook of all three...sorry girls, 'tis true.
But really, gentleman ( I use that title lightly here), silencing one of the few women in the Senate? Give us a break, and get off your high horses, please. We can see through your mealy mouth excuses about "Article XIX"...19 in Roman numerals. It was a play by the "boys" who were uncomfortable that the "girl" was calling them out. Racism and sexism are still alive and kicking in the United States of America, and , unfortunately, in the United States Senate.
In my humble opinion, that is what defeated Mrs. Clinton. She was a competent, caring, intelligent and political savvy woman who would not ever win because the "boys" in charge decided she could not, would not, should not be in charge of the nation despite her resume. Her "equipment" was the wrong "equipment".
So now we have a "boy" in charge. A "boy" who is having a difficult time governing...and I am being nice here. What have we learned?
We have learned that we still have a long way to go, baby. And just FYI: I do not intend to be anyone's baby...just sayin'.
- US Senator Mitch McConnell
Well, yeah, Mr. McConnell. We do "persist". We women of a certain age who are just about fed up with what the "boys" did, have done, and think they can continue to do to the "girls", to us: to the strong, surviving, understanding, gracious, thoughtful, intelligent, caring, politically savvy, and overall competent women who think you are just plain arrogant/ignorant. We thought we had fought these fights in the 70's, 80's and 90's. I guess we were wrong. And I guess we got too comfortable.
I know that I was among those fortunate ones who were married to a loving man who supported our rights for equality. It did help that he adored his three children: two girls and a boy who we tried to raise in an inclusive and equal household. I remember fondly the day my son asked me to show him how to iron his own shirts. He wanted them to his specs, not mine. He also is the best cook of all three...sorry girls, 'tis true.
But really, gentleman ( I use that title lightly here), silencing one of the few women in the Senate? Give us a break, and get off your high horses, please. We can see through your mealy mouth excuses about "Article XIX"...19 in Roman numerals. It was a play by the "boys" who were uncomfortable that the "girl" was calling them out. Racism and sexism are still alive and kicking in the United States of America, and , unfortunately, in the United States Senate.
In my humble opinion, that is what defeated Mrs. Clinton. She was a competent, caring, intelligent and political savvy woman who would not ever win because the "boys" in charge decided she could not, would not, should not be in charge of the nation despite her resume. Her "equipment" was the wrong "equipment".
So now we have a "boy" in charge. A "boy" who is having a difficult time governing...and I am being nice here. What have we learned?
We have learned that we still have a long way to go, baby. And just FYI: I do not intend to be anyone's baby...just sayin'.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Meeting up in the Digital Age
In September of last year I decided, after talking to a few single seniors, to throw my hat into the ring and dive into an online dating site. I specifically chose one that was geared to those of us over the age of 50. I was heartened to see that one of my favorite writers had met a nice guy on the site I had chosen, and a friend had recently met someone who seemed like a good match for her on the same site. I was ready, or so I thought.
Over the past four months I have "met" several prospects. I have met them cyberly, an interesting phenomena. I have spoken to a select few on the phone, but have yet to take the "plunge" and meet one or two in person. There are a few prospects, so we shall see.
There have been several things that have struck me during this process, and I am willing to share them with you now:
1. If you are contacted by someone who is "really" a friend of the "real" person on the site odds are they are as "real" as Santa Claus. And if they ask for your email or phone to sent a message, remember that you are on a secure site for a reason, and get rid of them. Sometimes you can amuse yourself at their expense for awhile, but it is better to report them and block them from contacting you.
2. Distance is an issue. I have limited my contacts to folks in the Metro area. I am sure Huntsville, Alabama and Santa Clara, California are lovely places, but I am not going to spend my time in a long distance exchange of niceties. Just not my style.
3. If you admit that you are still married for whatever reason...and you can insert any mental distress or other illness here...and your spouse/partner is not responsive to you, don't expect me to be either, Buddy.
4. Give some thought to the photo you are placing on this site. First impressions are indeed lasting ones....'nuf said.
5. And talking of first impressions, the name that you decide to use tells more about you than you know. Some folks use initials and numbers. Other monikers give a fleeting reference to one's current or former profession. Others give a very clear message about what you are thinking or not thinking about. A cyber name like "Socraticsage" gives a nice glimpse into a thoughtful intellectual whereas "Hunglikebull" conjures up some disturbing visuals that are difficult to shake, or who would bother to respond to anyone whose "handle" is "IMPicky"?
So, there it is....you have to go into this with two things: a sure sense of self worth, and huge sense of humor...and the ability to take most everything with a grain or a full shaker of salt. More to follow.
Over the past four months I have "met" several prospects. I have met them cyberly, an interesting phenomena. I have spoken to a select few on the phone, but have yet to take the "plunge" and meet one or two in person. There are a few prospects, so we shall see.
There have been several things that have struck me during this process, and I am willing to share them with you now:
1. If you are contacted by someone who is "really" a friend of the "real" person on the site odds are they are as "real" as Santa Claus. And if they ask for your email or phone to sent a message, remember that you are on a secure site for a reason, and get rid of them. Sometimes you can amuse yourself at their expense for awhile, but it is better to report them and block them from contacting you.
2. Distance is an issue. I have limited my contacts to folks in the Metro area. I am sure Huntsville, Alabama and Santa Clara, California are lovely places, but I am not going to spend my time in a long distance exchange of niceties. Just not my style.
3. If you admit that you are still married for whatever reason...and you can insert any mental distress or other illness here...and your spouse/partner is not responsive to you, don't expect me to be either, Buddy.
4. Give some thought to the photo you are placing on this site. First impressions are indeed lasting ones....'nuf said.
5. And talking of first impressions, the name that you decide to use tells more about you than you know. Some folks use initials and numbers. Other monikers give a fleeting reference to one's current or former profession. Others give a very clear message about what you are thinking or not thinking about. A cyber name like "Socraticsage" gives a nice glimpse into a thoughtful intellectual whereas "Hunglikebull" conjures up some disturbing visuals that are difficult to shake, or who would bother to respond to anyone whose "handle" is "IMPicky"?
So, there it is....you have to go into this with two things: a sure sense of self worth, and huge sense of humor...and the ability to take most everything with a grain or a full shaker of salt. More to follow.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Melancholy Christmas Carols
This is the time of year that is kind of warm and fuzzy with snowflakes, candy canes, jolly white-bearded guys in red suits, angelic cherubs and cuddly shepherds singing sweet carols of Christmas. But not all of the tunes written for this season are happy, slappy , sappy songs. Some are rather melancholy and somber with a hint of irony. The list is not too long, but here are a few from my collection of off-kilter, but relevant Christmas tunes..some not quite carols that have spoken to my soul at one point or another during my lifetime:
1. "The Coventry Carol" dates back to the 16th Century and is part of a play remembering the slaughter of the Innocents during the reign of Herod during which the Christ Child escapes to Egypt with the Holy Family. It is set as a lull-a-bye sung by the mothers of the slaughtered children to the babes they will hold no more. How is that for melancholia?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIvH5GdY4JE
2. "Gabriel's Message" is a Basque folk tune and 13th century carol that came into the English lexicon in the 19th century. It recounts the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary by the Angel Gabriel that she would bear the Savior, the Son of God. It also echoes the opening of the Magnificat, one of the canticles used in Morning Prayer. Sting's recording is probably the most familiar. I do like this one, but I am a sucker for any Sting tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF2BzUDeTkY
3. "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" was written by English poet Christina Rossetti in response to a magazine that wanted to publish a Christmas poem. After her death, it was put to music and placed in the Anglican hymnal...so the Episcopal church included it in theirs. I happen to like this one quite a lot. It just speaks to me, even though I find its theology a bit simplistic. But, that is another discussion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4
4. "I heard the Bells on Christmas Day" was written in 1863 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow after receiving new that his son was seriously injured in a battle during the Civil War. It was first called "Christmas Bells' and was actually written on Christmas Day. In its entirety, it references events that happened during the war that impacted Longfellow's thoughts. At the end, the bells bring hope for peace...a sentiment we can still relate to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccHLJ7J84k4
So, there they are. I am sure you have your favorites. But I think I need to end this on a lighter note, so I am including a link to my new favorite Chanukah song that I heard at a recent concert. It is sung in Ladino, a dialect spoken for centuries by Sephardic Jews living in Spain and along the Mediterranean. It is called "Ocho Kandelikes"; I hope you like it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h3u88wLrAQ
Thursday, December 15, 2016
New for the Holidays
Here we are again, Christmas is upon us, and, if you are like me, there are things that rest in your holiday DNA that just seem to jump out year after year. My "must do" list includes putting candles in the window (now I use the flameless ones); arranging oranges and walnuts in bowls, preparing hot chocolate with peppermint sticks and gobs of freshly whipped cream, setting up the crèche with the magi in transit, and in homage to my Scandinavian in-laws, simmering glogg based loosely on Uncle Ole's recipe: aquavit or rum with raisins, blanched whole almonds, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel mixed with hearty red wine. There have been variations of this basic recipe over the years with many debates and annual rivalries, but the spirit of the "spirit" of the Christmas Spirit was always accompanied by the smell of warm glogg on the stove.
So, our familial traditions were always a mishmash of Northern European traditions: Irish, British, German and Swedish melded with the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holidays...a cosmopolitan celebration of mixed messages: blue and white Chanukah lights with dreidels, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and chocolate coins covered in "gold" foil; Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells on the streets in Manhattan by Macy's; the decorated shop windows along Fifth and Seventh Avenues; the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and Belmont; the smell of roasting chestnuts near the Rockefeller Center Tree; the decorations at St. Patrick's Cathedral; the Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet; the decorated trees at Lincoln Center and Wall Street...these all mix together to make this time of year a great time to be in the city that never sleeps.
Over the past few years I have had to adapt my holiday activities to my new lifestyle as a downsized single adult. I went from my parents' house to living with my late spouse in various apartments and houses. I now essentially have a space of my own which is smaller than the space that could hold 30 to 40 people for a party or other gathering. So, you adapt. December 23rd will find me with cousins in Connecticut for a holiday gathering. I show up with a good bottle of wine and assorted gifts for kiddoes and have a wonderful time. On Christmas Eve after the family service at my church, I take my immediate family and others to dinner at my favorite restaurant. I have given up wrapping lots and lots of presents and take the kinder and grandkinder to a NYC event of their choosing. This year they chose to return to that New York staple: the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall complete with dancing Santas and high-kicking Rockettes. Christmas Day itself will be low-key. Lunch at my son's with the newest grandchild and others for an informal gathering. New traditions for a new chapter of life.
Now, it is important for all of us to understand that we are celebrating real miracles. For our Jewish friends, it is the miracle of the Festival of Lights; a time for new hope and revitalization. For we Christians it is the miracle of the Incarnation: God made man. The beginning of our salvation story. So, Come let us celebrate together; gather with friends and family; enjoy old traditions or start new ones; blend and bend and dance and sing together: Let the Earth rejoice!
A very Swanson Christmas
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So, our familial traditions were always a mishmash of Northern European traditions: Irish, British, German and Swedish melded with the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holidays...a cosmopolitan celebration of mixed messages: blue and white Chanukah lights with dreidels, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and chocolate coins covered in "gold" foil; Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells on the streets in Manhattan by Macy's; the decorated shop windows along Fifth and Seventh Avenues; the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and Belmont; the smell of roasting chestnuts near the Rockefeller Center Tree; the decorations at St. Patrick's Cathedral; the Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet; the decorated trees at Lincoln Center and Wall Street...these all mix together to make this time of year a great time to be in the city that never sleeps.
Over the past few years I have had to adapt my holiday activities to my new lifestyle as a downsized single adult. I went from my parents' house to living with my late spouse in various apartments and houses. I now essentially have a space of my own which is smaller than the space that could hold 30 to 40 people for a party or other gathering. So, you adapt. December 23rd will find me with cousins in Connecticut for a holiday gathering. I show up with a good bottle of wine and assorted gifts for kiddoes and have a wonderful time. On Christmas Eve after the family service at my church, I take my immediate family and others to dinner at my favorite restaurant. I have given up wrapping lots and lots of presents and take the kinder and grandkinder to a NYC event of their choosing. This year they chose to return to that New York staple: the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall complete with dancing Santas and high-kicking Rockettes. Christmas Day itself will be low-key. Lunch at my son's with the newest grandchild and others for an informal gathering. New traditions for a new chapter of life.
Now, it is important for all of us to understand that we are celebrating real miracles. For our Jewish friends, it is the miracle of the Festival of Lights; a time for new hope and revitalization. For we Christians it is the miracle of the Incarnation: God made man. The beginning of our salvation story. So, Come let us celebrate together; gather with friends and family; enjoy old traditions or start new ones; blend and bend and dance and sing together: Let the Earth rejoice!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Take Responsibility, Already!
While watching a cable news network a few days ago, a lead story about the role that "fake" news articles played in our recent national elections was aired. In this short "spot", one of the cable news guys interviewed a normal looking man who lives in California. Now, what makes this particular man a bit unusual was how he supplemented his income. He wrote what he happily described as "fake" news stories deliberately designed to deceive. He admitted that the "header" to the story was an almost exact replica of the "header" used by a well known and well respected online news network.
He admitted writing a completely false "news" article that slandered and besmirched the reputation of one of the candidates for President of the United States. He claims to have earned about $8,000 for the piece that was seen by over 1.5 million people and passed on by 500,000 of them.
He claims that this might be something he should not have sent out, but took no personal responsibility for his decietful actions.
Don't get him wrong, he was happy to finally talk to someone from a "real" news organization, but wondered aloud why they had not been investigating this kind of behavior before the election was over. No one stepped in to stop him, so he just went along his merry way creating false stories about people and getting financial reward for reeking havoc and openly lying. Gee whiz, he knew it was wrong, but no one knew he was doing it, so he just continued to do it because he got rewarded for behavior he knew was wrong...and, just so you know...it was NOT his fault. No one stopped him; no one called him out, and no seemed to care. In his mind that made it okay for him to act badly. Shame on him.
In the case of this unwise writer, no one died as a result of his bad behavior.
This, unfortunately, is not true of another more tragic event in the news. The deaths of 36 in a fire in a warehouse that was being used in ways inappropriate to its design or purpose.
The owners are recorded crying and wailing in front of TV cameras. The husband cried when he realized his children could be removed from this obviously unsafe household; the wife protested that they did not have the financial means to correct violations that they knew existed, so they just did nothing. One of their illegal tenants blamed gentrification for seeking housing in an unsafe sub-divided building; she had been, in her description "pushed out" of the housing market in two other California cities, and thought it a reasonable idea to join in the "artistic community" that was renting space form the owner who knew people were living in the space under less than ideal situations. They collectively blamed the local police and fire department for not citing their many violations and shutting them down, thus preventing the horrendous loss of life caused by a fire in a space with inadequate means of egress. No one called them on the violations; they knew their were problems; they did nothing to correct the problems; people died as a result. Shame on them.
As a society, what have we devolved into here? No one seems to want to take responsibility for their ill-advised or just plain bad choices. We have all made bad choices. Some were small ones ( I did so love those brown leather boots I bought years ago, but boy, did they hurt my feet); others are much larger with larger implications: the road not taken; the job turned down; the opportunity missed. But one thing remains constant. Owning our errors, our mistakes, our foolish choices will only help us to become stronger and more complete people. If one cannot do this, one is permanently stuck in a state of arrested development that will block personal growth into full and responsible personhood. And shame on us all.
He admitted writing a completely false "news" article that slandered and besmirched the reputation of one of the candidates for President of the United States. He claims to have earned about $8,000 for the piece that was seen by over 1.5 million people and passed on by 500,000 of them.
He claims that this might be something he should not have sent out, but took no personal responsibility for his decietful actions.
Don't get him wrong, he was happy to finally talk to someone from a "real" news organization, but wondered aloud why they had not been investigating this kind of behavior before the election was over. No one stepped in to stop him, so he just went along his merry way creating false stories about people and getting financial reward for reeking havoc and openly lying. Gee whiz, he knew it was wrong, but no one knew he was doing it, so he just continued to do it because he got rewarded for behavior he knew was wrong...and, just so you know...it was NOT his fault. No one stopped him; no one called him out, and no seemed to care. In his mind that made it okay for him to act badly. Shame on him.
In the case of this unwise writer, no one died as a result of his bad behavior.
This, unfortunately, is not true of another more tragic event in the news. The deaths of 36 in a fire in a warehouse that was being used in ways inappropriate to its design or purpose.
The owners are recorded crying and wailing in front of TV cameras. The husband cried when he realized his children could be removed from this obviously unsafe household; the wife protested that they did not have the financial means to correct violations that they knew existed, so they just did nothing. One of their illegal tenants blamed gentrification for seeking housing in an unsafe sub-divided building; she had been, in her description "pushed out" of the housing market in two other California cities, and thought it a reasonable idea to join in the "artistic community" that was renting space form the owner who knew people were living in the space under less than ideal situations. They collectively blamed the local police and fire department for not citing their many violations and shutting them down, thus preventing the horrendous loss of life caused by a fire in a space with inadequate means of egress. No one called them on the violations; they knew their were problems; they did nothing to correct the problems; people died as a result. Shame on them.
As a society, what have we devolved into here? No one seems to want to take responsibility for their ill-advised or just plain bad choices. We have all made bad choices. Some were small ones ( I did so love those brown leather boots I bought years ago, but boy, did they hurt my feet); others are much larger with larger implications: the road not taken; the job turned down; the opportunity missed. But one thing remains constant. Owning our errors, our mistakes, our foolish choices will only help us to become stronger and more complete people. If one cannot do this, one is permanently stuck in a state of arrested development that will block personal growth into full and responsible personhood. And shame on us all.
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