Friday, December 31, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Congratulations Romania for proving that. like Ukraine, you do have a functioning democracy.
And congratulations Bogdan, for having had a candidate with the courage to fight for democracy and for being part of the democratically elected cabinet!
In a democracy, if fraud is suspected in an election, a re-vote happens (as opposed to timidly begged/media ignored recounts).
I feel like the butt of a cosmic joke.
And congratulations Bogdan, for having had a candidate with the courage to fight for democracy and for being part of the democratically elected cabinet!
In a democracy, if fraud is suspected in an election, a re-vote happens (as opposed to timidly begged/media ignored recounts).
I feel like the butt of a cosmic joke.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Check the family group website for new pics of Eden and Noa. Ho to photos link, page 2. Clicking on the photos (twice) will give you larger versions.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Subject: Twas The Night Before Yuletide
'Twas the Night before Yuletide by C.C. Williford
'Twas the night before
Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! the earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
"What happened?" they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
"What caused the earth's shudder? What caused her to shiver?"
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone's perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
"My name is Gaia," the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
"I've come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet . . ."
"I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn't filled with fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that's mulled or other hot brews."
"There aren't any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles' glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?"
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
"Come, my children," she said, "Let's play."
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered 'round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun 'neath the tree's finery.
They were just reaching home when suddenly it came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
"Happy Yuletide, my children," she whispered. "Good night."
'Twas the Night before Yuletide by C.C. Williford
'Twas the night before
Yuletide and all through the glen
Not a creature was stirring, not a fox, not a hen.
A mantle of snow shone brightly that night
As it lay on the ground, reflecting moonlight.
The faeries were nestled all snug in their trees,
Unmindful of flurries and a chilly north breeze.
The elves and the gnomes were down in their burrows,
Sleeping like babes in their soft earthen furrows.
When low! the earth moved with a thunderous quake,
Causing chairs to fall over and dishes to break.
The Little Folk scrambled to get on their feet
Then raced to the river where they usually meet.
"What happened?" they wondered, they questioned, they probed,
As they shivered in night clothes, some bare-armed, some robed.
"What caused the earth's shudder? What caused her to shiver?"
They all spoke at once as they stood by the river.
Then what to their wondering eyes should appear
But a shining gold light in the shape of a sphere.
It blinked and it twinkled, it winked like an eye,
Then it flew straight up and was lost in the sky.
Before they could murmur, before they could bustle,
There emerged from the crowd, with a swish and a rustle,
A stately old crone with her hand on a cane,
Resplendent in green with a flowing white mane.
As she passed by them the old crone's perfume,
Smelling of meadows and flowers abloom,
Made each of the fey folk think of the spring
When the earth wakes from slumber and the birds start to sing.
"My name is Gaia," the old crone proclaimed
in a voice that at once was both wild and tamed,
"I've come to remind you, for you seem to forget,
that Yule is the time of re-birth, and yet . . ."
"I see no hearth fires, hear no music, no bells,
The air isn't filled with fragrant smells
Of baking and roasting, and simmering stews,
Of cider that's mulled or other hot brews."
"There aren't any children at play in the snow,
Or houses lit up by candles' glow.
Have you forgotten, my children, the fun
Of celebrating the rebirth of the sun?"
She looked at the fey folk, her eyes going round,
As they shuffled their feet and stared at the ground.
Then she smiled the smile that brings light to the day,
"Come, my children," she said, "Let's play."
They gathered the mistletoe, gathered the holly,
Threw off the drab and drew on the jolly.
They lit a big bonfire, and they danced and they sang.
They brought out the bells and clapped when they rang.
They strung lights on the trees, and bows, oh so merry,
In colors of cranberry, bayberry, cherry.
They built giant snowmen and adorned them with hats,
Then surrounded them with snow birds, and snow cats and bats.
Then just before dawn, at the end of their fest,
Before they went homeward to seek out their rest,
The fey folk they gathered 'round their favorite oak tree
And welcomed the sun 'neath the tree's finery.
They were just reaching home when suddenly it came,
The gold light returned like an arrow-shot flame.
It lit on the tree top where they could see from afar
The golden-like sphere turned into a star.
The old crone just smiled at the beautiful sight,
"Happy Yuletide, my children," she whispered. "Good night."
Monday, December 20, 2004
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE!
Tonight we continued the celebration of the longest night - ate "black foods", opened presents. Tomorrow morning, the sun returns - we'll have yellow foods and go on the roof to sing to the sun.
We've been celebrating the Halcyin Days for a week now - by trimming treees, making wishes and a whole bonfire/carol singing in the garden last night.
Happy hollidays to you all!
Tonight we continued the celebration of the longest night - ate "black foods", opened presents. Tomorrow morning, the sun returns - we'll have yellow foods and go on the roof to sing to the sun.
We've been celebrating the Halcyin Days for a week now - by trimming treees, making wishes and a whole bonfire/carol singing in the garden last night.
Happy hollidays to you all!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
NOA IS THE NAME OF ILINCA'S NEW BABY
and we have pictures here -plus more at the photos link on that page
and we have pictures here -plus more at the photos link on that page
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Toma's pictures are here
If you go to the photo link on the left, you can see thea and 2 pics of Toma . remember, clicking one more time on the pic enlarges them.
If you go to the photo link on the left, you can see thea and 2 pics of Toma . remember, clicking one more time on the pic enlarges them.
ILINCA'S SECOND BABY - DUE TOMORROW MORNING
That's Israel time - so it's tonight here!
also:
TOMA is Sandra's and Adrian's baby boy name
As they live these days with Cati she gets to enjoy him up close and personal.
She is also enjoying Thea ans both sets of parents who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and very, very happy!
That's Israel time - so it's tonight here!
also:
TOMA is Sandra's and Adrian's baby boy name
As they live these days with Cati she gets to enjoy him up close and personal.
She is also enjoying Thea ans both sets of parents who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and very, very happy!
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
HAPPY FOURTH TOOTH MAYA!
The lower left front tooth was dislodged tonight. great exhilaration ensues, we performed the toothie dance, put the sticker on the mouth poster, recorded the event...Later on, Maya became sad and cried: "I still want to be a kid...."
The tooth fairy just put a quarter under the pillow after removing the tooth - not easy job as she was holding the pillow tightly.
The lower left front tooth was dislodged tonight. great exhilaration ensues, we performed the toothie dance, put the sticker on the mouth poster, recorded the event...Later on, Maya became sad and cried: "I still want to be a kid...."
The tooth fairy just put a quarter under the pillow after removing the tooth - not easy job as she was holding the pillow tightly.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SANDRA & ADRIAN"S BABY BOY!
Still waiting for a name - and a picture. Here's Cati's message:
Inca fara nume, baietelul Sandrei s-a nascut dumunica seara (va fi petrecaret ?), tot prin cezariana.
Probabil miercuri vor veni acasa, pana atunci si eu sunt mai mult la spital cu ei.
cu drag, Cati
Sarutari de la toti
and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORON!
Still waiting for a name - and a picture. Here's Cati's message:
Inca fara nume, baietelul Sandrei s-a nascut dumunica seara (va fi petrecaret ?), tot prin cezariana.
Probabil miercuri vor veni acasa, pana atunci si eu sunt mai mult la spital cu ei.
cu drag, Cati
Sarutari de la toti
and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORON!
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
HAPPY BIRTH DAY THEA IULIA!
Cristina and Bogdan had their baby today. Here's the message from the happy grandma:
A nascut Cristina azi dimineata. Cu o zi inainte de programarea la cezariana a vrut monstrocica sa iasa si atunci s-au dus la spital. Are 3kg350 si 51 de cm si e foarte caraghioasa si draguta. Probabil ca o cheama Thea Iulia.
Pup
A picture can be found at the Mishpuha yahoo group - here
Cristina and Bogdan had their baby today. Here's the message from the happy grandma:
A nascut Cristina azi dimineata. Cu o zi inainte de programarea la cezariana a vrut monstrocica sa iasa si atunci s-au dus la spital. Are 3kg350 si 51 de cm si e foarte caraghioasa si draguta. Probabil ca o cheama Thea Iulia.
Pup
A picture can be found at the Mishpuha yahoo group - here
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Sunday, October 31, 2004
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
You are all invited to celebrate with us today at 4 PM at Dias y Flores Community Garden (13 street between A and B). We'll have treats, a fire, assorted ghouls and Victor and the Weiss Guys will perform.
You are all invited to celebrate with us today at 4 PM at Dias y Flores Community Garden (13 street between A and B). We'll have treats, a fire, assorted ghouls and Victor and the Weiss Guys will perform.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Swimming in the deep, Showtime!
Congratulations, Maya for her first deep water swim! She is very proud!
After the pool we walked to the Stuyvesant Cove where we saw Circus Amok again.
It was the same show I described here, but next to east River, with the sunset and a moon above and a delighted Maya and friends.
By the time it was over, Maya had the jumpies - she kept dancing on the big rock she and her friends were perched on. The band kept playing, soon one of the performers got all the dancing kids in the ring and lead them into a frenzy of tumbling, jumping, dancing - a second show was born.
P.S. In my recount of the Circus Amok from my NY Minute blog I mistakenly called the shitting, farting elephant Howard when his real name was Harold. I deeply apologize to anyone who was misled by this information.
Congratulations, Maya for her first deep water swim! She is very proud!
After the pool we walked to the Stuyvesant Cove where we saw Circus Amok again.
It was the same show I described here, but next to east River, with the sunset and a moon above and a delighted Maya and friends.
By the time it was over, Maya had the jumpies - she kept dancing on the big rock she and her friends were perched on. The band kept playing, soon one of the performers got all the dancing kids in the ring and lead them into a frenzy of tumbling, jumping, dancing - a second show was born.
P.S. In my recount of the Circus Amok from my NY Minute blog I mistakenly called the shitting, farting elephant Howard when his real name was Harold. I deeply apologize to anyone who was misled by this information.
CHANGING STORIES, TOOTH LOSER CERTIFICATE
As Maya and I are in the reading of the fifth Harry Potter volume, she made an interesting confession: "Sometimes I go back and change the story a little" It took me a while to get an example. In the end she accepted to write it rather than say it. The text is something like this:
"THE WAY I CHANGD THE STORE WAS INSTEAD OF HARRE TAKE IN THE SECOND DETENSHIN HE JUST WALKED OUT AND THER WAS A HOL ARGUMENT"
More fun to start now with book discussions.
As for the Tooth Fairy: Maya was very reluctant to part with her teeth (the whole "put it under your pillow and get a quarter for it". She decided that she'd stick with the teeth. So, the Tooth Fairy got creative and left on her pillow a NUMBER ONE TOOTH LOSER certificate that made her very happy.
As Maya and I are in the reading of the fifth Harry Potter volume, she made an interesting confession: "Sometimes I go back and change the story a little" It took me a while to get an example. In the end she accepted to write it rather than say it. The text is something like this:
"THE WAY I CHANGD THE STORE WAS INSTEAD OF HARRE TAKE IN THE SECOND DETENSHIN HE JUST WALKED OUT AND THER WAS A HOL ARGUMENT"
More fun to start now with book discussions.
As for the Tooth Fairy: Maya was very reluctant to part with her teeth (the whole "put it under your pillow and get a quarter for it". She decided that she'd stick with the teeth. So, the Tooth Fairy got creative and left on her pillow a NUMBER ONE TOOTH LOSER certificate that made her very happy.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Monday, September 20, 2004
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Sunday, August 29, 2004
My Correspondence with Jk Rowlings (Harry Potter author)
JK Rowlins posted on a fan site (Lexicon Forum):
Classicsquid592 - Aug 27, 2004 1:53 pm (#1459 of 1471)
Something will happen on Sept. 14th otherwise she wouldn't have shown it too us on her extra stuff page. I suppose that she will tell us what she has done at the studio afterward. I think that she has tecnically "written" all of the books but she shares my writing style and rewrites over and over until she is happy with it. I think that when she says that she is currently writing her book, she means that she has started with her first typed drafts. When I have written something, I don't even say that I have started until I have started typing. We have all seen JKR's prewriting and it would seem that she writes and rewrites until a point where she feels she is ready to start typing it out. This would mean that she has to type her first draft, edit it, type another draft and start editing it for publication. I think that she is currently about half way through or even almost finished with her first typed draft and has therefore not yet gotten around to editing her work. When she starts posing frustrated messages in her extra stuff page, we will know that she is trying to write her revised draft. I don't think she has any idea when she will be finished, we have seen no set pattern to the release of the books so far.
(question) Has anyone discussed the meaning of the moon-shaped tea leaves at the bottom of her teacup? And when will she clean that cup its disgusting!
to which I replied:
Boris the Bewildered - Aug 28, 2004 7:04 am (#1461 of 1471)
Classic, you are not being that Squidward we've been warned to look for in chat rooms, aren't ya? ;-) And, forget the cup, keep writing!
She wrote back:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classicsquid592 - Aug 28, 2004 11:32 am (#1462 of 1471)
I'm working on it Boris and thanks for the advice. I've gotten a bit behind these past two weeks due to posting in this forum. I might even cut down on my visits to the Lexicon in order to get another chunk in. Thats the way I tend to work, big chunk here, big chunk there. I may even try the writing-in-cafe method. Love your icon by the way.
I replied:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boris the Bewildered - Aug 28, 2004 10:28 pm (#1471 of 1471)
Classic, this Sponge Bob fan would be heart broken if you left, although the Harry Potter fan doesn't know what to say...As Squidward wrote on the bomb pie he offered Sponge Bob, "Well, here you go"
It all starts
this page - click "more" to continue
JK Rowlins posted on a fan site (Lexicon Forum):
Classicsquid592 - Aug 27, 2004 1:53 pm (#1459 of 1471)
Something will happen on Sept. 14th otherwise she wouldn't have shown it too us on her extra stuff page. I suppose that she will tell us what she has done at the studio afterward. I think that she has tecnically "written" all of the books but she shares my writing style and rewrites over and over until she is happy with it. I think that when she says that she is currently writing her book, she means that she has started with her first typed drafts. When I have written something, I don't even say that I have started until I have started typing. We have all seen JKR's prewriting and it would seem that she writes and rewrites until a point where she feels she is ready to start typing it out. This would mean that she has to type her first draft, edit it, type another draft and start editing it for publication. I think that she is currently about half way through or even almost finished with her first typed draft and has therefore not yet gotten around to editing her work. When she starts posing frustrated messages in her extra stuff page, we will know that she is trying to write her revised draft. I don't think she has any idea when she will be finished, we have seen no set pattern to the release of the books so far.
(question) Has anyone discussed the meaning of the moon-shaped tea leaves at the bottom of her teacup? And when will she clean that cup its disgusting!
to which I replied:
Boris the Bewildered - Aug 28, 2004 7:04 am (#1461 of 1471)
Classic, you are not being that Squidward we've been warned to look for in chat rooms, aren't ya? ;-) And, forget the cup, keep writing!
She wrote back:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classicsquid592 - Aug 28, 2004 11:32 am (#1462 of 1471)
I'm working on it Boris and thanks for the advice. I've gotten a bit behind these past two weeks due to posting in this forum. I might even cut down on my visits to the Lexicon in order to get another chunk in. Thats the way I tend to work, big chunk here, big chunk there. I may even try the writing-in-cafe method. Love your icon by the way.
I replied:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boris the Bewildered - Aug 28, 2004 10:28 pm (#1471 of 1471)
Classic, this Sponge Bob fan would be heart broken if you left, although the Harry Potter fan doesn't know what to say...As Squidward wrote on the bomb pie he offered Sponge Bob, "Well, here you go"
It all starts
this page - click "more" to continue
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Mother's Day Proclamation, penned in Boston by Julia Ward Howe in 1870:
Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise all women who have hearts,
Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears
Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy
and patience.
We women of one country
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.
From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says, "Disarm, Disarm!"
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice!
Blood does not wipe out dishonor
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the
summons of war.
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the
dead.
Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to
the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of
Caesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of
nationality
May be appointed and held at some place deemed most
convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions.
The great and general interests of peace.
Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise all women who have hearts,
Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears
Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy
and patience.
We women of one country
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.
From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says, "Disarm, Disarm!"
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice!
Blood does not wipe out dishonor
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plow and the anvil at the
summons of war.
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the
dead.
Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to
the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of
Caesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of
nationality
May be appointed and held at some place deemed most
convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions.
The great and general interests of peace.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS IN THE FAMILY
My own little family treated me with chocolate brownies aith sour cherry and a balloon that says Happy Mother's Day. Yesterday, maya's school had a science fair where i got a button with a pic of Maya and i and maya made a kite on which she wrote "Happy Mother's Day".
We are now going on the roog to fly it.
Tonight, we join Bobbie, Pipa and Erica for a Mother's day
dinner in China town.
My own little family treated me with chocolate brownies aith sour cherry and a balloon that says Happy Mother's Day. Yesterday, maya's school had a science fair where i got a button with a pic of Maya and i and maya made a kite on which she wrote "Happy Mother's Day".
We are now going on the roog to fly it.
Tonight, we join Bobbie, Pipa and Erica for a Mother's day
dinner in China town.
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Wonderful, important news
Before this year will be over, there will be 3 new members of the family:
Sandra and Adrian are expecting
Bogdan and Cristina are expecting
Ilinca and Uzi are expecting - Eden will become a big sister.
Of course, the grandparents, mami and tati (Dorina & Costel) are expecting for their new grandkid even more! ;-)
Hooray for all the moms (and grandparents, and cousins) - be well, enjoy - and we are waiting for news.
Before this year will be over, there will be 3 new members of the family:
Sandra and Adrian are expecting
Bogdan and Cristina are expecting
Ilinca and Uzi are expecting - Eden will become a big sister.
Of course, the grandparents, mami and tati (Dorina & Costel) are expecting for their new grandkid even more! ;-)
Hooray for all the moms (and grandparents, and cousins) - be well, enjoy - and we are waiting for news.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Thursday, April 01, 2004
First branch in flower, snow drops
Maya and I were going to hang our martisor threads to the first branch in bloom as ever. In the past, it used to be a cherry tree on our street. Today, it was one of those yellow flowered bush (forsythia? what's the name? galbenele?) which we saw coming out of our garden. Sure enough, we have one on our lot. So, when we went to make our wish, I discovered one more sweet surprise: 2 snowdrops (ghiocei) just in bloom! I had planed to put some - but didn't get around to it. But the garden, once again, gave me a wish!
Maya and I were going to hang our martisor threads to the first branch in bloom as ever. In the past, it used to be a cherry tree on our street. Today, it was one of those yellow flowered bush (forsythia? what's the name? galbenele?) which we saw coming out of our garden. Sure enough, we have one on our lot. So, when we went to make our wish, I discovered one more sweet surprise: 2 snowdrops (ghiocei) just in bloom! I had planed to put some - but didn't get around to it. But the garden, once again, gave me a wish!
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Happy Spring everyone!
maya and I balanced some eggs on the bathroom floor - not easily, since the real equinox happened here before 3 AM. Then we sang 2 songs - one we made up and "Vine , vine Primavara"
It feels nice - since yesterday morning was still snowing - it snowed all last week! It's nice now, and the entire mishpuha is heading for the peace demonstration.
maya and I balanced some eggs on the bathroom floor - not easily, since the real equinox happened here before 3 AM. Then we sang 2 songs - one we made up and "Vine , vine Primavara"
It feels nice - since yesterday morning was still snowing - it snowed all last week! It's nice now, and the entire mishpuha is heading for the peace demonstration.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Maya's birthday paty - part II
The preparations went like clockwork until about 1/2 h before the appointed time.
Tania called and had a nice conversation with Maya. My computer - which we thought repaired, started ticking again...I decided to ignore it, spoke with Tania as Maya happily bounced her balloons. Suddenly, one popped and Maya started crying ("what will we do now? We won't have them for all the kids) Victor went out so I couldn't leave to get another, the computer was ticking and freezing...
I decided I didn't care, Victor came and started working on the computer for the nth time, I got another balloon...
From that point on, everything went perfectly. Kids showed up, ate , sang , played all Maya's instruments along with Victor...We played "pin the tail on the donkey"
After that we went on the roof and installed the pinata.
The kids took several turns whacking it, but no luck. I went inside and got my two Bush chickenhawk patches and scotch taped them to the pinata. And then I declared the grown ups turn
It wasn't a perfect arrangement - Bush's face fell off with each whack. Or maybe it was, come to think of it.
Wendy, Priscilla's mother ( a Clarkie) was like a force of nature: "This is for the Iraq war!" Whack!
This is for the gay marriages! "Whack! "This is for 9.11" Whammo!
Soon the candy was pouring and the kids were picking them in their goody bags.
We had some amazing birthday cake, the kids ran around some more on the roof, then everyone went home.
Unlike the previous years, this time I allowed myself to just enjoy the party with everyone else and I had as much fun as Maya did.
The preparations went like clockwork until about 1/2 h before the appointed time.
Tania called and had a nice conversation with Maya. My computer - which we thought repaired, started ticking again...I decided to ignore it, spoke with Tania as Maya happily bounced her balloons. Suddenly, one popped and Maya started crying ("what will we do now? We won't have them for all the kids) Victor went out so I couldn't leave to get another, the computer was ticking and freezing...
I decided I didn't care, Victor came and started working on the computer for the nth time, I got another balloon...
From that point on, everything went perfectly. Kids showed up, ate , sang , played all Maya's instruments along with Victor...We played "pin the tail on the donkey"
After that we went on the roof and installed the pinata.
The kids took several turns whacking it, but no luck. I went inside and got my two Bush chickenhawk patches and scotch taped them to the pinata. And then I declared the grown ups turn
It wasn't a perfect arrangement - Bush's face fell off with each whack. Or maybe it was, come to think of it.
Wendy, Priscilla's mother ( a Clarkie) was like a force of nature: "This is for the Iraq war!" Whack!
This is for the gay marriages! "Whack! "This is for 9.11" Whammo!
Soon the candy was pouring and the kids were picking them in their goody bags.
We had some amazing birthday cake, the kids ran around some more on the roof, then everyone went home.
Unlike the previous years, this time I allowed myself to just enjoy the party with everyone else and I had as much fun as Maya did.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Maya's birthday party - part one
A Birthday and a funeral
As the class was about to go to the park, they discovered that the class's hamster died. So, off we go, birthday cookies and hamster in the box for a party and a burial.
I told her teacher that it's actually a good thing - Maya had been having fears of death lately - and this is a good way to deal with it.
So we gave cookies, Victor played his guitar with all the kids around it as the teacher took a shovel in another corner of the park where she dug a hole.
The weather had turned colder with clouds and sunshine alternating fast - but the wind kept its promise to Maya.
So, at one point, kids, teacher, box, guitar moved to the park of the park where the funeral was going to start.
Victor kept it cheerful with some nice songs - "I'm gonna miss you when you're gone" with the kids singing along. Then the kids spoke - mostly saying : "You were a nice hamster" - with one long memory girl adding: "But I didn't like when you bit me"
At the end I reminded Maya her Halloween ghost song so she soloed in "I'll fly away, hate to say good bye but I'll fly away"
We left for home - not a minute to soon - since I noticed that some kids were crying....
We came home where Maya is excitedly waiting for the opening of their roller blades box (Victor had to go get wire cutters for that !)
As for the weather - as the party ended - turned shitty. Cold, cloudy - I can see the snowing prediction happening now.
A Birthday and a funeral
As the class was about to go to the park, they discovered that the class's hamster died. So, off we go, birthday cookies and hamster in the box for a party and a burial.
I told her teacher that it's actually a good thing - Maya had been having fears of death lately - and this is a good way to deal with it.
So we gave cookies, Victor played his guitar with all the kids around it as the teacher took a shovel in another corner of the park where she dug a hole.
The weather had turned colder with clouds and sunshine alternating fast - but the wind kept its promise to Maya.
So, at one point, kids, teacher, box, guitar moved to the park of the park where the funeral was going to start.
Victor kept it cheerful with some nice songs - "I'm gonna miss you when you're gone" with the kids singing along. Then the kids spoke - mostly saying : "You were a nice hamster" - with one long memory girl adding: "But I didn't like when you bit me"
At the end I reminded Maya her Halloween ghost song so she soloed in "I'll fly away, hate to say good bye but I'll fly away"
We left for home - not a minute to soon - since I noticed that some kids were crying....
We came home where Maya is excitedly waiting for the opening of their roller blades box (Victor had to go get wire cutters for that !)
As for the weather - as the party ended - turned shitty. Cold, cloudy - I can see the snowing prediction happening now.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
Monday, March 01, 2004
Happy Martisor Day Ladies
Thanks to Cati, maya and I are wearing ours. I am hoping Maya will get questioned and will tell the story at school.
Today I started a Family discussion group at Yahoo.
It is at this link Please go there and join (registering with yahoo may be involved - no big deal)
Thanks to Cati, maya and I are wearing ours. I am hoping Maya will get questioned and will tell the story at school.
Today I started a Family discussion group at Yahoo.
It is at this link Please go there and join (registering with yahoo may be involved - no big deal)
Friday, February 27, 2004
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Monday, February 16, 2004
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Back from Central Park
It was a wonderful ride for Maya and only a few toes lost to frost bite for us.
Glad we went, happier to be home.
First thing Maya said this morning: "I looked out the window! The snow is short! I think we can go to school!"
Well, I had to disappoint her, so the trip to Central Park was to make up for it.
It was a wonderful ride for Maya and only a few toes lost to frost bite for us.
Glad we went, happier to be home.
First thing Maya said this morning: "I looked out the window! The snow is short! I think we can go to school!"
Well, I had to disappoint her, so the trip to Central Park was to make up for it.
It's snowing. We are on our way to Central park where the City will provide sleds and hot chocolate for all kids who cannot go to school (closed today).
Maya is kvetching about the hair combing: "Every morning the same thing"
Me:"I have two alternatives for you: we can do it in the evening or cut your hair"
"But then it would hurt me in the evening. And I don't want my hair cut"
Victor: "You are lucky. In my time, they didn't have conditioners"
Me: "In my times, they didn't ask me if I wanted my hair cut"
Maya: "I am glad I was born at the right time"
Now, on to Central Park!
Maya is kvetching about the hair combing: "Every morning the same thing"
Me:"I have two alternatives for you: we can do it in the evening or cut your hair"
"But then it would hurt me in the evening. And I don't want my hair cut"
Victor: "You are lucky. In my time, they didn't have conditioners"
Me: "In my times, they didn't ask me if I wanted my hair cut"
Maya: "I am glad I was born at the right time"
Now, on to Central Park!
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
HAPPY HOMECOMING DAY TO ME!
22 years ago I arrived in NYC on a cold sunny day. The moment I set foot on the sidewalk, I knew I belonged here. I must have lived here in another life - or I watched enough movies filmed here - because every little detail seemed familiar.
And I had never lost that enthusiasm for my city. No matter where I go, when I return and see the skylone I have the same sense of joy washing over me as I say to myself: "Er she goes"
May the next annyversary be spent in Washington DC in general celebration!
22 years ago I arrived in NYC on a cold sunny day. The moment I set foot on the sidewalk, I knew I belonged here. I must have lived here in another life - or I watched enough movies filmed here - because every little detail seemed familiar.
And I had never lost that enthusiasm for my city. No matter where I go, when I return and see the skylone I have the same sense of joy washing over me as I say to myself: "Er she goes"
May the next annyversary be spent in Washington DC in general celebration!
Thursday, January 15, 2004
First snow and sleighing
We had snow before, but this one stuck and maya had asked for a sleigh before. So Victor went through the storm today and got her a "spinner" . It's like a frisbee - big enough for a kid to sit in. So, a very exited Maya and I went to find a hill - and did, not far from home. Maya had a blast! Told everyone around that it was her first time and she learned 3 lessons:
1. That the little kids doing this the very first time need to give themselves a little warning: it is a little bit scary in the begining" The second lesson was about being harder climbing uphill and I am afraid I forgot the third one.
She told me she found one dollar in the snow. "Did you pick it?" "No"
Another kid goes down, picks it and hands it to Maya. "I don't care that much about money" she answers. I thank the kid and tell him that it's his find now and everyone, including his parents is very happy.
We end the day with a hot chocolate with whipped cream.
We had snow before, but this one stuck and maya had asked for a sleigh before. So Victor went through the storm today and got her a "spinner" . It's like a frisbee - big enough for a kid to sit in. So, a very exited Maya and I went to find a hill - and did, not far from home. Maya had a blast! Told everyone around that it was her first time and she learned 3 lessons:
1. That the little kids doing this the very first time need to give themselves a little warning: it is a little bit scary in the begining" The second lesson was about being harder climbing uphill and I am afraid I forgot the third one.
She told me she found one dollar in the snow. "Did you pick it?" "No"
Another kid goes down, picks it and hands it to Maya. "I don't care that much about money" she answers. I thank the kid and tell him that it's his find now and everyone, including his parents is very happy.
We end the day with a hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Friday, January 02, 2004
About that New Year
And us girls got this card from Victor
Dorina wrote me about the nice party they all had for New Year's eve with a segue the next day for the leftovers. She wrote that eventhough there was more conversation than dancing unlike previous New Years Eves, they did dress nicely, used silverware, didn't pick their noses nor did they belch! Let's hear for our non-dancing, but civilized mishpuha in Israel!
Cati sent us the wishes from Romania.
To all of you, have a very, very happy one, and share the joys with us!
And us girls got this card from Victor
Dorina wrote me about the nice party they all had for New Year's eve with a segue the next day for the leftovers. She wrote that eventhough there was more conversation than dancing unlike previous New Years Eves, they did dress nicely, used silverware, didn't pick their noses nor did they belch! Let's hear for our non-dancing, but civilized mishpuha in Israel!
Cati sent us the wishes from Romania.
To all of you, have a very, very happy one, and share the joys with us!
Thursday, January 01, 2004
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY!
Last night we all watched the ball dropping in Times Square on TV and saw the fireworks in Brooklyn (fom Bobbie & Pipa's terrace).
This afternoon we gathered in the garden where a bonfire was already going. Victor had his guitar, Erica brought hers and the fiddle too. Bob, the garden artisan was stoking the fire with Maya and a little boy helping by throwing leaves, Victor and Maya made a huge bag of popcorn wich we brought along and Maya was filling cups and offering everyone (including passers by in the street).
Tim, and Jeff were doing vocals with Erica and Victor, Fran brought along some Taittinger champaigne and cheese - so I am pleasantly tipsy as I write this. Dolores was meeting everyine and receiving compliments dor her sculptures. Bob showed us his little secret magic garden (behind the door in the back of our garden). Not many plants now in December, but statues and little surprises in every corner - a trully magical place.
Carolyn was planning a better Solstice ritual for next year with me. Someone had made a New Year's resolution to buy a pack of cigarettes (since she'd been smoking other people's) so I enjoyed some Rothmans with my champaigne (still not smoking, still enjoying it once in a while)
As I was watching everyone doing their favorite thing, the clear feeling envelopped me: I am in the right place, at the right time, and this is going to be an amazing year for everyone (well, at least everyone decent).
So, once again, to all of you,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Last night we all watched the ball dropping in Times Square on TV and saw the fireworks in Brooklyn (fom Bobbie & Pipa's terrace).
This afternoon we gathered in the garden where a bonfire was already going. Victor had his guitar, Erica brought hers and the fiddle too. Bob, the garden artisan was stoking the fire with Maya and a little boy helping by throwing leaves, Victor and Maya made a huge bag of popcorn wich we brought along and Maya was filling cups and offering everyone (including passers by in the street).
Tim, and Jeff were doing vocals with Erica and Victor, Fran brought along some Taittinger champaigne and cheese - so I am pleasantly tipsy as I write this. Dolores was meeting everyine and receiving compliments dor her sculptures. Bob showed us his little secret magic garden (behind the door in the back of our garden). Not many plants now in December, but statues and little surprises in every corner - a trully magical place.
Carolyn was planning a better Solstice ritual for next year with me. Someone had made a New Year's resolution to buy a pack of cigarettes (since she'd been smoking other people's) so I enjoyed some Rothmans with my champaigne (still not smoking, still enjoying it once in a while)
As I was watching everyone doing their favorite thing, the clear feeling envelopped me: I am in the right place, at the right time, and this is going to be an amazing year for everyone (well, at least everyone decent).
So, once again, to all of you,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
