ICE.

IMAGINE TAKING A LUMP
of carbon and transforming it into a
world class diamond. Antonio Bianco was a
diamond cutter, an artist of legendary skill,
who could accomplish this. Famous
throughout the world of rare gems, he
was known for his meticulous technique
and perfectionism. His co-workers knew
when he was nearly finished cutting a stone,
because he would start to sing opera.
x
Some of the stones he cut were famous
enough to be given their own names.

ANTONIO BIANCO / DECEMBER 26, 1951-
JUNE 15, 2009
X
He was known for his ability to look at a rough
stone and sense the diamond within. Major
investors flew him around the world, from his
home base in New York's diamond district,
when they were considering buying and
having a stone cut for them.
x
He was one of the few cutters of the
biggest stones, most of whom worked
in Antwerp. To visualize the size, a
5 carat diamond is smaller than a dime.
Most master cutters do not cut any larger
than 50 carats, the size of a quarter.
A 100 carat stone is almost unimaginable.
Bianco cut about half a dozen of those
stones. His most famous stones were
"Dream", and "Golden Star", both
yellow diamonds and "Flame", a pear
shaped white diamond. Each is worth
tens of millions of dollars.

XXXXXXXXXXXXFLAME
X
He said he could "hear" a flaw inside
a stone, by the way the grinder's wheel
changed its "song" as the flaw grew
close. He would spend months cutting
and polishing the stone till he could look
into its heart. The heat of the wheel
"excites" the molecules of the diamond,
which can alter its color. Bianco let his
diamonds rest till "they behaved
themselves again".

When he began
singing "opera", the stone was done.

x

Memorial

FROM THE DAWN OF YOUR BIRTH
To the sunset of your death
I honor you.
x
From the missions you completed
To your duties left undone
I honor you.
x
From the seasons of your being
Through the cycle of your life
I honor you.
x
May healing love reach you
From this moment
Till the end of time.
x
Silver RavenWolf
x
x

xxxMichael Jackson / August 29, 1958- June 25, 2009

xxFarrah Fawcett / February 2, 1947-June 25, 2009

x

x

xxXXXXXXXxxREST IN PEACE

Bad Hair Day.

THERE ARE DAYS WHEN THE
MIRROR SHATTERS
when you look into it. That's because
you're having a bad hair day!
That shiny, swingy mop of yesterday,
is but a memory today. That suave bob
has collected into a ball of Brillo.
No amount of ironing or blow drying will help.
Give in...return to the eighties! To BIG HAIR!
You know you want to, nothing was ever
more fabulous than Big Hair. It was indestructible.
And always alluring.

It's fun to get together with your pals, plan a day around doing each other's hair. As you can see, even the wind can't spoil the style!

Trust me when I say that you can go from this parched frizz, to the smooth glow of Carrie's locks, (see below). Now grab a brush, turn your head upside down, and tease away!!

Carrie says that it is very easy to achieve this beguiling style..she never uses a hairdresser! Standing in a brisk breeze, back comb your hair, grab an extra strong
hair spray, and these luscious curls should fall into place.

Cher knows. On those days when she too can't
do a thing with her hair, she cheats a bit! And is
telling you the truth now! She has a few wigs that
she uses in a pinch. How else could she display
those blond, red, black tresses? Bet she had you
fooled that this was her natural Big Hair!

Adorable Drew has an imaginary cartoon friend
that she takes with her everywhere. Can you see her?
She also has imaginary blond hair, with the dark
roots painted in. Some days she switches, but she
always teases. She's proud to say that her hair
never moves! Are you ready for the runway? You and your friends
can have careers as runway models, if the '80's ever
come back.
x
x
Please forgive the huge space to "comments",
far below, and bear with me. Formatting has
taken over, the TRANSFORMERS are here!!

Chin Up!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXGustav Klimt / 1862-1918
xx
xx
xxxxxxxxxxxLADY WITH A FAN
X
I've cruised through menopause,
replaced it with metaphors,
which I always prefer
to a scrawny simile.
x
The heat and sweat
that seethed within my dreams
has weakened to a dribble.
x
Now I am a cooled down Aphrodite,
wafting breezes with my pleated fan,
waiting for you to catch my drift.
x
I'd rather be the fire that you seek
to melt the snow on your boots,
x
than the brushwood waiting
for a match to strike,
hoping that the kindling will ignite.
x
x
x
c copyright/ all rights reserved

Three Poems

xxxxxxxxxxOLD GIRL
X
Cat is grown old,
and black fur
has new depths of grey
that catch
a drop of water
she splashes
from the chipped Wedgwood.
X
X

xxxxxxxxxxEXCUSE
X
I trip
running across the bare floor
as a splinter catches my heel
and I call out
x
Don't leave
because I am hurt.
X
X


XXXXXXXCOFFEE BREAK

X

The bone china cup

tips over

spilling tan coffee

x

into a puddle

that looks like Jesus

x

x

X

Post script:

All of these poems were written at least three years ago.

Already published in my book of poetry, "Two Ghosts".

No pictures attached. Just now, while browsing for some

appropriate pictures, you can imagine my surprise when

I stumbled upon the photo of the spilled coffee. Now how

can that be, ready made? What a confluence of energy!

Drawings.

A GOSPEL FROM CANTERBURY, 1000 AD,
OF ST. MATTHEW. The Pierpont Morgan Library.
x
x
An exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
of medieval drawings, "Pen and Parchment:
Drawings in the Middle Ages",
is surprising in its diversity,
attention to line, and perspective.

The vitality and spontaneity, and of

course spirituality, are to be seen in

this presentation, from 9th Century

monasteries to the 14th Century

French Court. The realism of line,

the color and gold leaf were

mastered by skilled artists and

draftsmen, talented precursors

to the Renaissance.

Drawing of th Evangelist John, from the
Corbie Gospels. Ink rendering of a facade of Strasbourg Cathedral.
About 1260.

Eleventh Century French codex, the Maccabees

pursue their enemies. Leiden University library

Drawing by Opicinus de Canistris, 1296-1354.

Cleric trained in the art of illumination and

cartography. Vatican City.

Thirteenth Century English artist, Matthew Paris,
portraits of the Madonna and Child and two images
of Jesus. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

Illustrated copy of the plays of the Roman, Terence,
St Albans, England. Bodleian Library, Oxford.

x

x

Click on photos to enlarge.

Looking...

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxRENUNCIATION

X

I pull aside the morning curtain.

My childhood face floats by,

stares back and drifts,

x

lost without a beating heart.

x

Watch that little soul pour down the cliff,

a waterfall spilling out to cure the drought.

x

Her center gone, mislead

by those whose words deceived,

she learned to weave an ornate tale,

x

then settled like dust

in the evening shadows,

clutching a spray of conclusions

until

x

the noon day sun,

spun by time,

comes into sight

to give me strength,

x

makes it possible

to stand in ruby slippers,

to own the place my feet will tread,

x

be friends again with perception,

and wave good-bye to things that pass.

x

x

c copyright/ all rights reserved

x

x

Afternoon At The Museum

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxROYAL CROWN
X
THIS WAS THE DAY THAT
YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO
MEET ME ON THE STEPS
of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Remember? Afghanistan:
Hidden Treasures from
the National Museum,
Kabul. Now you remember!!
x
So where were you? There I
was, clutching my red rose,
so you'd spot me...Well, since
you couldn't make it, I'll tell
you all about it.
x
As I previously mentioned,
the exhibit celebrates the heritage
and rescue of precious treasures,
thought to have been stolen or
destroyed. Thankfully saved and
gathered, organized by the National
Geographic Society, and the National
Gallery of Art, Washington.
x
Upon entering the exhibit, bright
lights find a huge Corinthian Capital,
limestone, 145 B.C. Found
at Ai Khanum.
Turning, one sees a fragment of a
glass bowl, clear, beautifully etched,
2200-1900 B.C. found at Tepe Fullol.
Next, a ceremonial plaque of Cybele
and Her Chariot, from the 3rd century B.C.,
shimmering with a gilded silver,
as if it were in the sunlight.
x
An impressive Hemispherical Sundial,
limestone, large enough to sit on.
145 B.C., the fragment was actually
calibrated for Ai Khanum's Northern
Latitude.
Amazingly preserved, a tiny bone
statuette of a Nude Female,
6 inches tall, as detailed as if
it were life size. Ai Khanum.
x
There were a number of fish-shaped
glass flasks, well preserved, used
as perfume bottles, which were
popular throughout the Roman Empire.
I would wish to have one of these,
just to dip into some seductive scent.
There was creamy alabaster dish,
with a Ram's head handle, Roman
tableware, used for offerings of wine
during ceremonies.
Dozens and dozens more spectacular
pieces, huge and tiny, gilt and glass.
x
One of my favorites is shown above
in the photo. A Royal Crown, gold,
having belonged to a Princess, has
a remarkable and practical property.
It can be collapsed, taken apart into
6 separate sections for easy travel.
And then put together again,
when the Princess wishes.
x
If this extraordinary exhibit finds its
way to your neighborhood museum,
run, do not walk...

Tourists

YESTERDAY, BROWSING AND
PUSHING DUST ALONG NEGLECTED
BOOK SHELVES, I CAME ACROSS A
memory jogger. Is it possible that such
a time existed..when a book, "Europe On
$10. A Day", by Arthur Frommer, was
actually published, actually popular?
x
I'm not going back to the early 20th
century..I'm holding a rather heavy tome,
the 1979 edition of, "America's most popular
money saving guide". I remember being
quite grateful to have had someone pave
the way up and down those stairs, helping
me to take the proper (cheap) steps to
a fun filled, whirlwind trip to EUROPE!
x
Random selections will be chosen.
I'm curious to know if any of these hotels
and restaurants are still in operation,
and how present prices compare to those of
1979.
x
LONDON RESTAURANTS: Soho..big splurge-
The ASIA INDIAN,44 Frith Street,
(chicken curry) $3.75.
THE MUSEUM TAVERN, opposite the British
Museum, hot plates/steak and kidney pie/
mashed potatoes..$1.50. PUB at BOLTON
HOTEL,326 Earl's Court Road, pub lunch:
.50 cents to $1.50.
HOTELS: ST.GEORGE HOTEL, 46 Norfolk Sq.,
$9.61, single with breakfast. LONDON
MUSICAL CLUB, 21 Holland Park/ full board,
$8.64 a day. THE SUTHERLAND, 90 Sutherland
Ave., $8.65 per day.
x
PARIS RESTAURANTS: LE DROUOT, 103
Rue de Richelieu, $ 2.50 full meals,
vegetables, cheese. GRAND RESTAURANT
ST. MICHEL, 10 Blvd. St Michel, prix fixe:
$2.08...
HOTELS: HOTEL RACINE, 23 Rue Racine,
single/$ 15. (this is Paris!) Highest rated!!
HOTEL des BALCONS, 3 Rue Casimir-Delavigne,
double(with breakfast), $11.
x
Could go on..looking for time machine..
will adjust more than prices. Which
actually seem to add up to more than
$10.a day. How did I do it? Memories!
x
x
Happy Birthday to Jon, my lovely son..
can still see your funny little face at birth
time..look at you now!! How did you get
to be so terrific?
Good luck, good love, good karma..

The Seasons

"SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER...and SPRING"
2004
X
This beautiful drama, directed by Kim Ki-Duk,
is set in an idyllic valley in Korea. A tiny
Buddhist monastery floats dreamlike on a
lake, surrounded by trees, where an
Old Monk and a Young Disciple live.
x
The five seasons represent the chapters
in the Young Monk's life. Each section
begins with the opening of an ornamental
wooden gate on the shore, a timeless
ceremony, as is a doorway within the
monastery, a symbol of constraint.
x
They never go beyond the surrounding
forest. One day in Summer, an adolescent
girl is delivered to them to be healed by
Old Monk. The tranquility is interrupted by
the awakened desire between Young Monk
and the girl. The beginning of conflict, of
violence, of lessons to sustain Young Monk
for his entire life. Ceremonial doors are
disregarded, the craving of attraction has
a persistent impact. Young Monk carries
another burden as a reminder of his
childhood cruelty.
x
This is a film that is visually timeless,
full of breathtaking poetic images.
The path to redemption is approached with
the most stunning beauty. A fable of the
seasons of life.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Floating Monastery
x
x

Embedded

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Ceramic Artist- Ryszard Stryjec
x
x
XXXXXXXSAND IN THE SHELL
X
It's a speck of sand that's crept into my shell,
that I'm trying to spit out
to cough up.
What places this dust in me?
Am I to be torn,
to be hurt by a floating dot?
x
I heard a rumor that this is the launch
of a life inside
that pulls and scratches and embeds
till here it is,
this phantom from my previous days,
before redemption or good deeds could save me.
x
Eat me up, let's see who will survive this wound
where a tiny pearl yet to swell
whispers I am the return,
just as you are the carrier.
x
This life in a bubble,
shielded from the plague,
later believes it's a feather,
x
floats away
from bonds
that tie a knot,
that stops the blood.
x
x
x
c copyright/ all rights reserved

And The Killer Is...

SOME PEOPLE ARE
ACTUALLY LOOKING
FORWARD TO LAZING
IN THE SUN, SPLASHING
IN TUMBLING WAVES
THIS SUMMER.
BUT I LOOK FORWARD
TO A DIM ROOM,
A CHILLY HUSH,
A CLICK OF THE "ON"
BUTTON ON THE TV,
AND THE RETURN,
AT LAST, OF
"MASTERPIECE MYSTERY".
A bold move indeed to feature my
three favorite detectives. We also
serve, who stand and wait.
I've held my breath long enough,
and now, my reward....




June brings the return (PBS, June21) of "POIROT"
David Suchet returns in the first of two new
Hercule Poirot stories. Was he not born to play
this role? Great actors have portrayed Hercule, but
no one has elevated a brow with more panache.
xx
xx


In July, MISS MARPLE returns (PBS, July 5).
Julia McKenzie, (below) succeeds Geraldine McEwen,
who was quite sly and clever as Miss Marple,
and who succeeded the one and only
Joan Hickson, (above) as Agatha Christie's elderly
detective. Who could dither and solve great
mysteries as she? It remains to be seen if
Julia McKenzie fills the bill in four new installments.
But with Joan Collins appearing, surprises galore
may be in store!

xx
xx

Inspector Lewis bending over the deceased Inspector Morse.
Morse, played by the late, peerless John Thaw, will never be
replaced. I say so. But Lewis, played by Kevin Whately has
moved on to a series of his own. Heart and soul, plus the
analytical pulse that beat within Morse.

Morse and Lewis, reflected in Morse's red Jag.
x
x

INSPECTOR LEWIS, (PBS, August 30).
Four new episodes of the "Inspector Morse"
spin off, starring Kevin Whately, looking much
older, wiser, and worried. It has been said
to be better than "Morse". Just a whisper
campaigne. Do we have to go that far?
x
x
x


A mystery of my own.... The Blogging Mystery!
During the past week I've had great difficulty
getting my post to appear. Many pleas to help
are sent to Blogger, and voila..just as I'm giving
up, hours later...there it is. Will today be successful?
Holding my breath!!! Perhaps some of my fav
detectives will step forward with a solution.....

Exhibit

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Headdress/Pendant/ Gold, Turquoise
x
I JUST RECEIVED AN INVITATION
to the exhibition:
"AFGHANISTAN, HIDDEN TREASURES
from
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, KABUL."
X
AT: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM of ART,
N.Y.C.
x
Meet me on the steps in front of the Museum
on Wed., June 17, 2009, at 1:00 PM. I have an
extra ticket. It will be fun. How will you know
me? Red rose in lapel, of course!
x
from the invitation :
x
Ancient Afghanistan, at the crossroads of major trade
routes, was home to many civilizations of Asia, where
countless artistic influences mixed. The exhibition
celebrates this heritage, and the rescue of the precious
treasures, thought to have been stolen or destroyed.
Highlights are: gold vessels from the Bronze Age,
architectural elements and sculpture from Ai Khanum,
Indian style ivories, Roman glass, items traded along the
Silk Road, inlaid gold jewelry and objects from the tombs
at Tillya Tepe.
x

By the time the Taliban were driven from power

in Nov. 2001, The National Museum of Afghanistan

had lost two-thirds of its collection of 100,000

artworks and artifacts. Etched into the sandstone

of the Bamiyan Mountains are the remains of the

colossal Buddha of Mamiyan that stood for 1500

years. The Taliban required several weeks of

bombings to finally crumble the monuments, which

they saw as an affront to their religion.

Balance

xxxxxxxxBALANCE
X
Sorrow plummets down to the ocean's floor
where sightless creatures need only mouths
to strain the salt
from what they devour,
x
and panoramic vistas can never be explained
to a universe pushing
against a surge of light.
x
Seeking an answer in a cave of darkness,
pivoting to open and close my skin,
x
will I receive a clear balance
on the scales of justice?
x
No longer buoyant, I sink,
pour my tears into a cup to mix with the sea.
x
Who can tell which is my salt?
x
For all the sorrow in the deep
can't be perceived
by beings blind from the outset.
x
x
c copyright all rights reserved
x
x

For Sale

AMERICAN INNOVATION /
WINNING AND LOSING:
GENERAL MOTORS
XXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXPINK CADDY IN NEW ORLEANS/ Bob Dale
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
x

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx1976 COUPE DE VILLE
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx1953 OLDSMOBILE / Edward Levy
xxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx1959 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD/ Tom Bottoni

xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx1972 CORVETTE / Joe

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

THANKS TO: THE NEW YORK TIMES

6/2/09

x

HITCHIN' A RIDE!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blank!

BEING TOTALLY BLANK TODAY, I'M
ALLOWING MYSELF TO BE RESCUED
BY THE IMAGINATION OF OTHERS.
THIS IS OKAY BECAUSE VERY KIND
FRIENDS OFFER SOLUTIONS, NOT ONLY
to me, but to all who wish to participate.
Sometimes I get tagged, sometimes I
tag myself. So it goes. THANK YOU,
NATALIE, "MUSINGS from the DEEP",
for being an enabler!
x
Rules:
1. Use the first letter of your name to answer
each question.
2. They have to be real and true.
3. If the person before you had the same first
initial you must use different answers.
4. You can't use any word twice, and you can't
use your name for the boy/girl name question.
CHEERS!!
x
1. What is your name? xxxxxLYN
2. A four letter word. xxxxxxLIKE
3. A boy's name? xxxxxxxxxxLANCELOT
4. A girl's name? xxxxxxxxxxLUCY
5. An occupation?xxxxxxxxxxLAP DANCER
6. A color?xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LEMON YELLOW
7. Something you wear?xxxx LIPSTICK
8. A food?xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LASAGNA
9. Something found
in the bathroom?xxxxxxxxxx LILAC LOTION
10. A place?xxxxxxxxxxxxxx LAREDO, TEX.
11. A reason for
being late?xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx LOLLY GAGGING
12. Something to shout?xxx LOOK OUT!
13. A movie title?xxxxxxxxx LAURA
14. Something you drink?xx LATTE, LOTS OF MILK
15. A musical group?xxxxxx LED ZEPPELIN
16. An animal?xxxxxxxxxxxx LYNX
17. A street name?xxxxxxxx LUDLOW ST., NYC
18. A type of car?xxxxxxxxx LAMBORGHINI
19. A song title?xxxxxxxxxx LOVE IS A MANY
SPLENDORED THING
20. A verb?XXXXXXXXXXXXX LAUGH!!!!!
X
Feel free to fool around with this!!
x
Which brings me to a site I just discovered,
plinky.com, on line since January, that exists
to inspire us. Altruistically speaking, how
nice of them to offer inspiration to us when
we draw a blank. When we can't think of a
thing to post. They daily prompt us with
challenging and interesting questions. Lots
of folks comment. It's humorous and since I
sometimes have nothing on my mind but "duh"
they allow us to forward it all to our blogs.
Or all the other places we find ourselves.
Imagine lifting an idea? I like that!
Ever expanding universe..glad to be part of it.
x
x
x