Saturday, May 30, 2009

Scaredy Cat!


I LOVE MILO. HE IS ONE OF THE GREAT
BEAUTIES ON EARTH. I STARE AT HIM,
stroke his fur, coo in baby talk, let him see
me as no one else is allowed to. I know he loves me too,
because when I cry out "OUCH", as if I were a cartoon,
he comes running, eyes ever widening, and cries along
side me. It's a very spooky sound, and for a moment,
stops me in my tracks till I feel the pain again. Then
we both go back to crying together.
x
We all have great affection for the eccentricities of our
furry friends. Milo is 6, and I've had him hanging
out with me since he was 2 months old. All his habits
were basically formed with me. So what's this fear,
as if the Spanish Inquisition was at my door?
x
For instance...Every spring one of the maintenance
men who works in this building has to change
the air-conditioning filters. So once a year, for the
last 3, the really nice, polite Kristo comes to my door.
The instant the doorbell rings, Milo goes into a
Keystone Kops routine, shooting straight up,
bounding into a wall, scooting to the safest place
on earth..under my bed. Never to emerge.
Well not really, but the next 3 days are ruined for him.
x
Finally slinking out from under, his body elongating,
as cats mysteriously do, his head darting, he resumes
his normal life, but with a major change. In his mind,
Kristo, that lovely person, causes a trauma greater
than any other. So Milo closes the bathroom door,
securing himself in the sink, or under a low stool.
Then makes a pest of himself when he tries
to get out, meowing his demands to be let out.
Days are devoted to this routine, until the vision
of scary old Kristo finally fades from his mind,
only to arise again next year.
x
Lots of cats have insecurity issues, of course.
But I'll bet you dollars to donuts that Milo is the
only cat who makes a soup of his chow. Here's
the recipe, for later reference. I am the
enabler. First, I shake the chow into his bowl.
Then fresh water in the bowl alongside.
Milo enters. Cups his paw, scoops some chow into
the water, stirs a few times with his furry paw,
gently retrieves some of the soupy contents, chow
and all, and nibbles his entree' with great relish...
supplied by his imagination.
x
Not every meal is eaten this way of course.
Perhaps only for celebration. Like having
vanquished the spectre of Kristo.
x
x
x

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Sleepless...


XXXXXXXXSLEEP
X
All night long I am looking for sleep, my sleep.
Turning and pounding the pillow,
pushing to hollow it out,
making it bowl-shaped
to cradle my head,
as if my mother
had built a dwelling within.
x
She speaks tender words,
she hums a lullaby.
Yet fooled no longer by this twilight dream,
I turn and face Mecca,
a new trick, a fresh idea.
x
I will pave the road with blossoms,
adore any new spirit
who can seal my eyelids with weighty slumber,
x
and yet another quaint pretension drifts my way.
x
I used to know the champion of serenity intimately.
Gossamer winged, this sprite
took my nightly request for sleep
and lined up waiting dreams.
x
I pledge fidelity unending
if one god of slumber teaches me again
the steps I knew till now,
seemingly still hidden under my pillow.
x
Before I turn my head again
in ever petulant quest,
let me sleep.
x
Sleep,
before the dawn arrives with dazzling assurance
that I will have the furvor to arise.
x
x
x
c copyright / all rights reserved

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Fab!!


OH, KAT! OF POETIKAT'S INVISIBLE
KEEPSAKES...How totally great to be
sprinkled with fabulousness by you...
you sure know how to pass an award on,
one that you so deservedly have received!
x
Sharing and taking a bow alongside, "Lenorenevermore",
and "One Happy Panda" pleases me no end. In case
you've missed it, we are Bloggers who demonstrate
features of fancy and interest, we are captivating and unique,
and friendly as well. Ta da...
x
Thank you and congratulations to all!
x
x
x
Now I'm going to do a complete switch and dive
into a subject that couldn't be further away from
frivolity. I will say immediately that I am ashamed
and amazed at having encountered, in a rather
innocuous blog, an offensive, small minded and
downright bigoted point of view.
x
What's really difficult is that this is generally a blog
that I follow, usually presents creative ideas. Not
yesterday. I was just blind sighted by the totally
unnecessary insertion of a hateful remark, preceded
by a cowardly, "forgive me for saying this", and
saying it.
x
It's easy to remove oneself from a "follow" list.
Click, it's over. That's what I usually do in my
"real" life when I encounter a particular kind of
ugliness, especially with someone I hardly know.
Click. Good-bye. I feel that if you don't know by
now how really stupid you are, I'm not waiting
around to teach you.
x
Should I have confronted this person, pinned the
subject down, told them blog to blog what I think?
I just feel that too much anger would take over.
Maybe this will somehow drift on over, and blogger
will get it.
x
x

Monday, May 25, 2009

Lindy Hop !

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx photo/ Ralph Gabriner/ 1980's

FRANKIE MANNING/ MAY 26,1914- April 27,2009
x
x
Frankie Manning was known as the Ambassodor of the Lindy Hop. The leading dancer at Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom, he revolutionized the Lindy Hop in the 1930's. He appeared around theworld with Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie,
Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington.
x
He performed in numerous films including Hellzapoppin. He was also highlighted in Ken Burn's documentary, "Jazz".
x
When the Swing Era ended, he took a job in the Post Office, where he worked for 30 years, until the revival of swing when he was rediscovered by a new generation of enthusiasts. Since then he has been teaching, choreographing, and performing around the world. In 1989 he won a Tony Award for "Black and Blue",and served as a consultant to Spike Lee's Malcom X. His life has been chronicled in many articles and dozens of programs.
x
In honor of his 85th birthday in 1999, he danced with 85 partners at the Roseland Ballroom, his name on the marquee, where he had been turned away in the 1930's because he was black.



xxxxx Whitey's Hopping Maniacs, at the Moulon Rouge, Paris, 1937

x

Frankie Manning died a few days short of his 95th birthday. He was planning on celebrating at a 5 day Birthday Festival in New York. Organizers have gone ahead with the schedule, set for May 21- 25, now his memorial.







Frankie Manning on tour
with Lucille Middleton,
in 1938


Steel/ Auckland
x
If you can, upload the Frankie Manning "Hellzapoppin"
YouTube video. To see him dance, oh my!!
I would if I could, but my computer is
now inhabited by gremlins!!
x
x

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Remembrance/ Memorial Day

XXXXXXXXJUDGEMENT DAY AGAIN: 9/11
X
Last week the trumpet sounded
its bereavement,
a piper unfolded Amazing Grace
as Clans paraded in their kilts
before the tapping drums,
shepharding widows and children
and the bearers of the empty coffin,
as if there were a body within.
x
The widow wants closure
after endless sifting of dust
and prayers to find a bone
that says, this was he.
x
Let's bury his blood,
stored away for when need be.
We'll drip it into a clear glass vial,
top it with a faceted crystal,
place it on a satin comforter,
seal the casket's lid,
so it remains at peace forever.
x
The place of rest
will bear his name on granite.
The widow has a spot to whisper now,
and the drop of red
that lies inside the coffin,
is safe
to never spill as blood.
x
x
from: Two Ghosts/ Poems



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Very Noir

xxxxx JUST ANOTHER LOVE STORY (2007)
Danish Language/ English subtitles
Director: Ole Bornedal
x
The title may lead you to believe that this is a cute
little sentimental movie. Nothing could be further
from the truth. What comes to mind is more like
a Danish Hitchcock, by way of Patricia Highsmith.
This is an intense story of betrayal, deception,
and yes, love.
x
Jonas ( Anders W. Berthelsen ) makes his living
taking pictures of homicide victims for the police.
Even this is routine for him as is his predictable
married life in the suburbs. He becomes involved
in a car accident. A young woman ( Rebecka Hemse)
is injured, taken to a hospital, is in a coma, recovers
as an amnesiac and blinded.
x
Jonas decides to check on the condition of the woman,
enters when her wealthy family are present, and is
mistaken for her boyfriend. He begins a pretense that
goes to an incredible level. Non-linear in style, this
film noir reaches back and forth with great intensity.
The cast is exceptional in this thriller, which is also
more than a bit of a dark comedy.
x
Great cinematography, great suspense. You won't
know what's coming next. This is a movie worth
searching for. I saw it on Netflix. I hope you have
a good source.
x
By the way, I read that this movie is going to
be remade in Hollywood. Well, you never know,
but catch it now, if you can.
x


Monday, May 18, 2009

Friendship


XXXXXXA TECHNICAL FRIENDSHIP
X
In creating this bloggy friendship,
I'm trying not to trip over twice told tales
of an earlier reflection.
x
I paint my authenticity
in shades of white lies
because I've learned that we all genuflect
to inspirational prattle.
x
I splash an agreeably vibrant perfume,
color my escapades a luxuriant hue,
magnify heroics
so that you'll unravel
the riddle of me
x
in my favor.
x
By stage-managing and sleight-of-hand
I'm preparing you to wave flags
in my parade,
to believe in my pluckiness,
laugh at my hilarity,
x
defend my copyrighted word,
x
even as I strive
to make whole cloth out of you.
x
x
x
c copyright all rights reserved
x

Friday, May 15, 2009

Premio Dardos

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxPREMIO DARDOS AWARD!
X
I am so pleased to accept the Premio Dardos Award from
Marty at Dark Star Discovery, a blog of depth and
great imagination. Thank you so much, Marty! I will
gratefully add this to my list. One can not have too many
awards. I joyfully welcome one more!!
x
This award values, as I do, the efforts made by the
Blogger. For me the literary, cultural, and artistic
attributes are joined by heart, mind, and humor,
to produce a Blog of merit.
x
I have a little list, on which I will place some Bloggers
names. If you accept the Premio Dardos, please post
on your blog the person from whom you received it.
Moi. And passing it onward is important. The number
could be as many as 15. I really haven't counted, but
it's up there. But do pass onward! And let the recipients
know that they've been chosen. I salute those listed.
x
I thoroughly enjoy many others for their wit and unique
point of view.
x
Karen/ Fortuosity
Phantasmagoria
Starlene/ Return to Myself
Aleksandra/ New Times Arrived
Kat/ Poetikat's Invisible Keepsakes
Natalie/ Musings from the Deep
Stiletto
Gaston Studio
Dominic Rivron
Kristin/ Eat a Pomme
Deedee, Cut Adrift
Melrose Musings
Wildeve


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Tribute

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxW.Eugene Smith/ Life Magazine
HONORE' SHARRER, American Artist,
July 12, 1920 / April 17, 2009
x
Honore' Sharrer, who recently died at the
age of 88, was known, throughout her
long career, for her exceptional use of color
and masterly command of detail. She is
seen in the photo, with her best known painting,
"Tribute to the American Working People",
a five part polyptych.
x
The painting is reminiscent of Old Masters
and Renaissance altar pieces. The oil
painting, which took 5 years to complete,
depicts a factory worker, surrounded by
scenes of people at a picnic, on a farm,
in a parlor, and in a schoolroom.
x
"Tribute" is in the permanent collection of
the Smithsonian Institution. Ms. Sharrer,
also an exponent of the Ashcan School,
developed, in later years, a style that evolved
into magic realism. Also a deep interest in
women's roles produced the paintings,
"Resurrection of the Waitress" 1984, and
" A Dream of Monticello", 1996.
x
Honore' Sharrer's work is also in the collections of
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of
Modern Art.
x
Her paintings are well worth the effort of viewing.
Unfortunately my computer was being stubborn
today. I apologize for the lack of paintings,
which I truly tried to include.
x
I acknowledge the information received from
The New York Times, May 13, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Timing

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTIMING
X
Waking up is worthy of note.
Seeing rococo hands
pointing to six twenty five,
even in the darkness
of Eastern Standard,
makes me wonder
x
how my body knows
to open my eyes
at the same time each morning,
x
when my deliberate mind
finds it tricky to keep
a planned rendezvous.
x
x
from: TWO GHOSTS/ poems




Monday, May 11, 2009

Therapy

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMe and my therapist !
x
AFTER UNDERGOING SUCCESSFUL
EYE SURGERY LAST WEEK, IT WAS
POINTED OUT TO ME HOW IMPORTANT
IT IS TO KEEP MY EYES MOIST.
DRY EYE SYNDROME, A MOST
UNCOMFORTABLE CONDITION, IS TO
BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
X
I am extremely fortunate to have been
provided with an accomplished therapist,
with whom I have already begun treatment.
The direct application of sea water,
instead of eye drops is such a "green" idea!
x
Pleased to say that I am thankfully reaping
the benefits of this advanced therapy.
Nary a dry eye in sight! Next visit will
introduce a whole new set of applications
that I am really looking forward to.
x
When asked, I am so happy to be able
to say that I'm doing well!
x

Friday, May 8, 2009

Hi Mom !

TO LITTLE MOTHERS DREAMING AND
BIG MOTHERS ALREADY THERE, HAVE
A LOVELY DAY OF CELEBRATION! C'MON,
HOLD HANDS AND GET SMOOCHY...
x
Last year, the gift, a box of candy, beribboned
like a Maypole, started to speak to me. The
candy said, "I belong to the category of bliss.
Special grouping: chocolate. Now your small
desires can be indulged".
x
And they were.
x
This year, a ripe peach would be just fine !!
x
Also, my first year without my Mom...but we'll be waving
at each other. Wasn't it an interesting life we had together?
x
x
x
c copyright all rights reserved
x
x
XXXXXXXXHAPPY MOTHER'S DAY




Thursday, May 7, 2009

Here's Looking At You...

FRIENDS, I OWE YOU MUCH IN THE WAY
OF THANKS AND GRATITUDE FOR YOUR
PRAYERS AND SUPPORTIVE WORDS AS I
HEADED TO MY EYE SURGERY.
x
OF COURSE I CREDIT THE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME
IN NO SMALL PART, TO SURGICAL SKILL.
I NEVERTHELESS WAS ABLE TO VIEW, IN THE
OPERATING ROOM, A LARGE CLOUD OF BLOGGY
ENERGY THAT TILTED THE BALANCE IN MY FAVOR.
X
I'm sure that you're curious about the procedure
itself. As you can see from the extensive selection
above, I had a rather large choice. I thought that
for the placement of my third eye I should choose
an ethereal pale blue, a touch of heaven right in
the middle of my forehead. As I look into the mirror,
that seems to have been a wise choice.
x
Next, for the eyes in the back of my head, I requested
of the surgeon to choose colors that wouldn't clash
with my blond hair. That would blend surreptitiously
beneath a pony tail, an up-do or a bob. Splendid all
around.
x
Now, for my normal day to day vision, I'm happy
to say that I've gone from a point of view that
was clear as mud, to an expansive, harmonious
mudless path.
x
Again I must thank you all for helping
me to achieve this Nirvanic(????) goal!




Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Another Step...

WELL, I'M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD!
OF SURGERY, THAT IS. HERE I GO AGAIN...
Just a little adjustment to my baby blues,
third time in a year...they know me there
by now, at the Hospital of 20/20! I have
my own monogrammed hospital gown,
my own red slippers.
x
At the end of it all, I expect to be able to
connect the dots a bit more swiftly. And
when someone waves to me, I will gratefully
wave back.
x
And very soon, I will do the blog trot again,
dancing along to the rhythm set by your beat!!
x
"See" you one and all in a minute, and I will be able to
read the small print!!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Ghost Hunter

DR.HANS HOLZER/ January 26,1920- April 26, 2009
x
INVESTIGATOR OF THE PARANORMAL,
died at his home in New York City at the
age of 89.
x
A renowned parapsychologist, he was the author
of more than 140 books on ghosts, extraterrestrials,
and witchcraft, but also brought his eclectic taste
to the writing of several plays, films and musicals.
His most famous investigation was the notorious
"Murder in Amityville", (1979). He is credited with
the phrase, "The Other Side", and coined the term,
" Ghost Hunter", which was the title of his first book
on the paranormal, published in 1963.
x
He earned a masters degree in comparative religion,
and a doctorate in parapsychology. He called himself
a scientific investigator of the paranormal.x
x
And he was a mentor to me. We met because fate
drew a road map. Coincidence.
x
And because he'd heard about me. And I
of course knew who he was. He called me, about
ten years ago, or so. We're not talking about dating,
of course. We're talking about research.
x
He was a learned gentleman and it was a
privilege to know him. The scope of his knowledge
was impressive, and I'm very glad that fate saw fit to
bring us together.
x
Now here comes the funny part. I was
ultimately featured in one of his books, and I can't
possibly tell you which one, because then my
cover would be blown! But isn't it nice how many
different kinds of friends we can have?
x
So forgive me for being so elusive...hmm, maybe
mysterious. But what do you expect from someone
who's blog is called .....?
x










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