Pumpkin lined path home
Memories like a warm knife
Slice frosty orange sky
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Do Not Disturb
His body begins to stir softly,
Awakened by the inevitable alarm
Each stroke of the bong sounds louder
Until it becomes impossible to ignore
With a sudden jolt
He turns it off and away from her
Falls out of bed
The silence between them restored
Her body melts into the warmth
Left in the memory foam by his body's impression
She falls back to sleep and dreams
For ten blissful minutes more
Awakened by the inevitable alarm
Each stroke of the bong sounds louder
Until it becomes impossible to ignore
With a sudden jolt
He turns it off and away from her
Falls out of bed
The silence between them restored
Her body melts into the warmth
Left in the memory foam by his body's impression
She falls back to sleep and dreams
For ten blissful minutes more
Sunday, September 11, 2011
New Found Land
Peeking out of the shadows
I find my hidden self
On the bottom shelf
Forgotten and broken
Back in a corner
Lie in wait
Heart desire's tug
On mended sleeve
Dust off laden grime
Of regret and lost time
Let go of strife
Come join the circle of life
Heavy burdens lift
Carrying unopened gifts
Wrapped in string
Grab the brass ring
Balance on pointe crystal slippers
Dance where the light is better
Bend, stretch, reach, leap
Sparkle in new found land
I find my hidden self
On the bottom shelf
Forgotten and broken
Back in a corner
Lie in wait
Heart desire's tug
On mended sleeve
Dust off laden grime
Of regret and lost time
Let go of strife
Come join the circle of life
Heavy burdens lift
Carrying unopened gifts
Wrapped in string
Grab the brass ring
Balance on pointe crystal slippers
Dance where the light is better
Bend, stretch, reach, leap
Sparkle in new found land
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial Day
It's the start of a four day week-end The best beaches are always open in San Diego, back east Memorial Day was the official open of summer. When my then two year old daughter saw the ocean for the first time, exclaimed "The pool's open" will celebrate her nineteenth birthday at the beach. Wherever you celebrate this Memorial Day, take a free moment to say "Thank you" to those men and women and their families who sacrificed their all, so may we enjoy our freedom.
If you have a free hour, celebrate the life of our ancestors and relatives at Memorial Services all across the country, names will be read aloud. The Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Washington, DC where the names of 58,267 servicemen (and 8 women) are inscribed is an emotional shrine. Just a short distance from the wall are bronze statue of" The Three Soldiers" identified as White, African and Hispanic Americans.If you have a free day, The Vietnam Memorial created by local artist and world renowned bronze sculptor Tuan in Westminster, Calif. is unique. An American and a Vietnamese soldier stand side by side above the words Duty, Honor and Sacrifice. The American and South Vietnamese flag (6/2/1948-4/30/1975) wave in the wind behind them. Although the Fall of Saigon was 36 years ago, Tuan, vividly recalled the date 4/30/75. "I was eleven." he said. I did the math quickly in my head- he looks much younger that his years. I wondered was he one of the 500 thousand rescued by helicopter that day?Tuan lives in Orange County where (according to 2010 census,) 400 thousand Vietnamese descendants live. He must have a very large studio. The larger than life statue of Saint Therese of the Little Flower (my patron saint and namesake) must weigh a ton.He explained even hollow bronzes are very heavy. Yet Tuan's creations defy gravity, the one I referred to was attached by a foot to the pedestal. She appeared (on point and even had wings) almost weightless, uplifting visually and emotionally."That's the goal. he smiled.
"I got it.” I thought, although I didn't know his story at the time of the unveiling of "Humanity." I read the accompany poem, to get a hint of the inspiration behind the drape of his newest piece. Tuan says "writing" is the least thing he likes to do.
"My art speaks for itself" It is emotion for the eye. He finished "Humanity" four months ago, and is already thinking of the next piece, but it remains for thousands of college students as an inspiration piece to write essays. He wasn't revealing about what the project, only that he must do art- to live."Art is my passion" Tuan declares.
He has been following his passion since he was fifteen, but at the time I didn't or never will comprehend his circumstances. He was born into wealthy family but in a moment in time privilege turned to poverty and worse- imprisonment after an escape attempt failed. It was there he picked up modeling, literally. Tuan worked the clay from the dirt floor into the likenesses of those including his captures of a concentration camp with bare hands. Eventually his talent helped him come to America, ( boat refugee in 1989) and received formal art education in Pasadena. We are fortunate he did, as he is fortunate to reunite with his octogenarian father and hasn't children of his own, enjoys his sister and her children. Crisis builds character and genius and unites us all. "Humanity" will be on display at Monarch Galleries in La Jolla.
Take the day to reflect among the basic elements; earth, air, water, fire, wood and metal, and those who fight on foreign lands for the universal theme of freedom and democracy.
If you have a free hour, celebrate the life of our ancestors and relatives at Memorial Services all across the country, names will be read aloud. The Vietnam Veteran Memorial in Washington, DC where the names of 58,267 servicemen (and 8 women) are inscribed is an emotional shrine. Just a short distance from the wall are bronze statue of" The Three Soldiers" identified as White, African and Hispanic Americans.If you have a free day, The Vietnam Memorial created by local artist and world renowned bronze sculptor Tuan in Westminster, Calif. is unique. An American and a Vietnamese soldier stand side by side above the words Duty, Honor and Sacrifice. The American and South Vietnamese flag (6/2/1948-4/30/1975) wave in the wind behind them. Although the Fall of Saigon was 36 years ago, Tuan, vividly recalled the date 4/30/75. "I was eleven." he said. I did the math quickly in my head- he looks much younger that his years. I wondered was he one of the 500 thousand rescued by helicopter that day?Tuan lives in Orange County where (according to 2010 census,) 400 thousand Vietnamese descendants live. He must have a very large studio. The larger than life statue of Saint Therese of the Little Flower (my patron saint and namesake) must weigh a ton.He explained even hollow bronzes are very heavy. Yet Tuan's creations defy gravity, the one I referred to was attached by a foot to the pedestal. She appeared (on point and even had wings) almost weightless, uplifting visually and emotionally."That's the goal. he smiled.
"I got it.” I thought, although I didn't know his story at the time of the unveiling of "Humanity." I read the accompany poem, to get a hint of the inspiration behind the drape of his newest piece. Tuan says "writing" is the least thing he likes to do.
"My art speaks for itself" It is emotion for the eye. He finished "Humanity" four months ago, and is already thinking of the next piece, but it remains for thousands of college students as an inspiration piece to write essays. He wasn't revealing about what the project, only that he must do art- to live."Art is my passion" Tuan declares.
He has been following his passion since he was fifteen, but at the time I didn't or never will comprehend his circumstances. He was born into wealthy family but in a moment in time privilege turned to poverty and worse- imprisonment after an escape attempt failed. It was there he picked up modeling, literally. Tuan worked the clay from the dirt floor into the likenesses of those including his captures of a concentration camp with bare hands. Eventually his talent helped him come to America, ( boat refugee in 1989) and received formal art education in Pasadena. We are fortunate he did, as he is fortunate to reunite with his octogenarian father and hasn't children of his own, enjoys his sister and her children. Crisis builds character and genius and unites us all. "Humanity" will be on display at Monarch Galleries in La Jolla.
Take the day to reflect among the basic elements; earth, air, water, fire, wood and metal, and those who fight on foreign lands for the universal theme of freedom and democracy.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Champagne Snow on a Beer Budget
On St. Paddy’s Day the beer was green and dry as Champagne snow fell on the playground to the rich and famous .The morning after, I boarded a jet and stepped out into Aspen, where the core party was just getting started for the 11th annual Bud-light Spring Jam, two weekends in March 18-20 and 25-27. Broken Social Scene, winner of Best Alternative Artist and Album of the year, kicked off the first of three free concerts.
The third week in March brings spring, but because school schedules were scattered, I felt I had Aspen to myself. The top environmentally green mountains run in Colorado are Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain, these plus Snowmass are connected by free buses. You can ski all four mountains with only one lift ticket. There are special deals on lift tickets, ski rentals, food and last minute lodging. Ajax, another name for the base of Aspen Mountain, is the place to people watch by day, but under the lights crowds watch in awe as top competitors jumped 40 feet at the annual Kick Aspen Big Air Event.
The air filled with music and cheer and the aroma of three college staples; beer, popcorn and pizza, which stimulated my appetite. We climbed the steps to the second story brick building of New York Pizza. I asked, Roger, the owner if he imported NY water.
“No” Roger replied proudly, It’s straight from the tap” We drank tap water and ate pizza by slices so big I folded mine over like a sandwich. They offered a variety of fresh vegetable and meat toppings fresh from the oven.
On a warm evening under a full mega moon the conditions were perfect for a walk along the meandering Rio Grande Trail. It was so quiet you could hear rush of the water and wild coyotes howl in the distance. Across the street is The Aspen Art Museum, opened daily, except Monday, admission is always free.
In the center of town, The Wheeler Opera House with gilded period detail and splendor of the 1880’s is world renowned. Art and Culture is the center of Aspen year round: symphonies, ballet, literary and comedic events. We listened to great comedians compete at the Laff Festival on a free night. Window shopping is always free at the Couture Houses; Gucci, Prada, Dior offer customers the best in the west and latest fashion, while consignment shops offer the best prices for past season clothing. Browsing the unique boutiques, upscale hotel gift shops and art galleries you will find good prices on luxury items and museum quality pieces; art, fur, jewelry and wine.
I walked into the atrium lobby of the Hotel Jerome in time for high tea. I sipped from a china cup while my eyes drank in the elegant wall coverings and the opulent antique furnishings. I couldn’t help but notice John Stamos’ look-a- like. He offered gift certificates to anyone with a valid driver’s license to take a test drive. I got off the settee, behind the wheel of a Lexus, and drove miles out of my comfort zone upon rugged terrain on Smuggler Mountain (popular uphill climb of the locals.)
High above the finery of town, I spied apparatus frozen in rust and ice and time, remnants of an abandoned ore and silver refinery and breathtaking mountaintop views.
My heart was pounding from the detour. The driver handed me a $30 gift certificate to be used at the hotel and adjoining J Bar and restaurant, he said “You earned it.” I slid out of the SUV and into a different era among the memorabilia lined walls of Boogie’s Diner.
Although it had been twenty years since I saw him, I recognized him in a Baltimore minute. You may remember the character Boogie in “The Diner.” 1982 movie, but I remember him as my boss (founder of Merry Go Round, once named Fortune 500 best places to work.) Aspenites honored Lenny “Boogie” Weinglass, just 72 hours prior, at a businessman’s luncheon at Jerome’s.
The Aspen Club & Spa is the second largest in Colorado. Inside the Art and Craft inspired building they offer weekend morning yoga classes to the public. This brought a sense of community and the instructor gave individual attention to all. Free/Donation suggested.
On Monday Night the Caribou Club served “The Deadliest Catch.” For only $45 a four course meal at one of the best private clubs in America. One catch: membership for the week will set you back $500. (Makes you wonder what the lifetime members paid.)
Little Annie’s, named after a mine, is famous for hamburgers and popular with locals and families for thirty-five years. Bud beer and a shot is still only $3.50. Suddenly I felt younger (or was it the after effect of tequila at high altitude) to toast my birthday on the first day of spring in Aspen.
A month into spring, on April 19th, seven inches of snow fell on the mountains. While there’s plenty fresh powder, conditions are better than ever for skiing, the talk of town has turned to new summer event. The Quizno’s Pro Challenge, 600 miles through the Colorado Rockies will be America’s equivalent of Tour de France is scheduled for August 22-28, 2011.
The third week in March brings spring, but because school schedules were scattered, I felt I had Aspen to myself. The top environmentally green mountains run in Colorado are Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain, these plus Snowmass are connected by free buses. You can ski all four mountains with only one lift ticket. There are special deals on lift tickets, ski rentals, food and last minute lodging. Ajax, another name for the base of Aspen Mountain, is the place to people watch by day, but under the lights crowds watch in awe as top competitors jumped 40 feet at the annual Kick Aspen Big Air Event.
The air filled with music and cheer and the aroma of three college staples; beer, popcorn and pizza, which stimulated my appetite. We climbed the steps to the second story brick building of New York Pizza. I asked, Roger, the owner if he imported NY water.
“No” Roger replied proudly, It’s straight from the tap” We drank tap water and ate pizza by slices so big I folded mine over like a sandwich. They offered a variety of fresh vegetable and meat toppings fresh from the oven.
On a warm evening under a full mega moon the conditions were perfect for a walk along the meandering Rio Grande Trail. It was so quiet you could hear rush of the water and wild coyotes howl in the distance. Across the street is The Aspen Art Museum, opened daily, except Monday, admission is always free.
In the center of town, The Wheeler Opera House with gilded period detail and splendor of the 1880’s is world renowned. Art and Culture is the center of Aspen year round: symphonies, ballet, literary and comedic events. We listened to great comedians compete at the Laff Festival on a free night. Window shopping is always free at the Couture Houses; Gucci, Prada, Dior offer customers the best in the west and latest fashion, while consignment shops offer the best prices for past season clothing. Browsing the unique boutiques, upscale hotel gift shops and art galleries you will find good prices on luxury items and museum quality pieces; art, fur, jewelry and wine.
I walked into the atrium lobby of the Hotel Jerome in time for high tea. I sipped from a china cup while my eyes drank in the elegant wall coverings and the opulent antique furnishings. I couldn’t help but notice John Stamos’ look-a- like. He offered gift certificates to anyone with a valid driver’s license to take a test drive. I got off the settee, behind the wheel of a Lexus, and drove miles out of my comfort zone upon rugged terrain on Smuggler Mountain (popular uphill climb of the locals.)
High above the finery of town, I spied apparatus frozen in rust and ice and time, remnants of an abandoned ore and silver refinery and breathtaking mountaintop views.
My heart was pounding from the detour. The driver handed me a $30 gift certificate to be used at the hotel and adjoining J Bar and restaurant, he said “You earned it.” I slid out of the SUV and into a different era among the memorabilia lined walls of Boogie’s Diner.
Although it had been twenty years since I saw him, I recognized him in a Baltimore minute. You may remember the character Boogie in “The Diner.” 1982 movie, but I remember him as my boss (founder of Merry Go Round, once named Fortune 500 best places to work.) Aspenites honored Lenny “Boogie” Weinglass, just 72 hours prior, at a businessman’s luncheon at Jerome’s.
The Aspen Club & Spa is the second largest in Colorado. Inside the Art and Craft inspired building they offer weekend morning yoga classes to the public. This brought a sense of community and the instructor gave individual attention to all. Free/Donation suggested.
On Monday Night the Caribou Club served “The Deadliest Catch.” For only $45 a four course meal at one of the best private clubs in America. One catch: membership for the week will set you back $500. (Makes you wonder what the lifetime members paid.)
Little Annie’s, named after a mine, is famous for hamburgers and popular with locals and families for thirty-five years. Bud beer and a shot is still only $3.50. Suddenly I felt younger (or was it the after effect of tequila at high altitude) to toast my birthday on the first day of spring in Aspen.
A month into spring, on April 19th, seven inches of snow fell on the mountains. While there’s plenty fresh powder, conditions are better than ever for skiing, the talk of town has turned to new summer event. The Quizno’s Pro Challenge, 600 miles through the Colorado Rockies will be America’s equivalent of Tour de France is scheduled for August 22-28, 2011.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A Dame In This Dress
Locked outside of my own doing
Hasty May Day,
Heart idling wildly in chambers
Riding upon silver steed
Hiding a dozen red long stem possibilities
Behind the ocean's back
Beckons the Green flash
Turn the key
Hasty May Day,
Heart idling wildly in chambers
Riding upon silver steed
Hiding a dozen red long stem possibilities
Behind the ocean's back
Beckons the Green flash
Turn the key
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Venture from the Road
I know the road
Like the back of my hand
I want more
Beautiful motherland
Look before crossing
Obedient daughter
From the Eastern sea shore
To thirsty desert sand
Empty arms open wide
Fingertips comb the stars
Searching the Western sky
Reign of Tears
In watchful silence
I held your hand
Gently, not tightly
You call me your right arm
I will take the reigns now
It's ok to go without harm
April sky darkened
Your tears fell frozen
On freshly mowed lawn
A thunderous clap
In a yellow glow
We let go
Like the back of my hand
I want more
Beautiful motherland
Look before crossing
Obedient daughter
From the Eastern sea shore
To thirsty desert sand
Empty arms open wide
Fingertips comb the stars
Searching the Western sky
Reign of Tears
In watchful silence
I held your hand
Gently, not tightly
You call me your right arm
I will take the reigns now
It's ok to go without harm
April sky darkened
Your tears fell frozen
On freshly mowed lawn
A thunderous clap
In a yellow glow
We let go
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Prosperine
SpringDark curls of ivy cling
Upon an ancient wall
Till the musky earth!
Heed mamma’s call !
Beauty blushes with longing
In a gown of green
Red rubies ripe for giving
Held tautly within reach
Lips the color of pomegranate
Taste it, bitter and the sweet
Swallow your pride
Forsaking sleep
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