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It’s a Wrap! 

December 31, 2024

It’s Sunday, December 29. I am in my cozy, flannel PJs, sitting in my favorite chair drinking a double espresso as I begin to write my last post of the year, looking back on 2024. Music is playing, as it often is in our home. 

Palaces of Montezuma – Nick Cave 

January 2024 was a busy month. I was finishing up packing and preparing to leave my NYC apartment. I was sick for much of the month but still working hard.  Lover and I were also nearing a two year anniversary and heading up to the Urban Cowboy lodge in the Catskills to celebrate at the end of the month. Through it all I played “Palaces of Montezuma” by Nick Cave a ridiculous number of times on Spotify. I had fallen in love with the song.

American Pie – Don McLean 

February makes me shiver…. 

When Lover and I first became an “item” we would sing along to this classic. Occasionally, we still do. How can you not?

The Ballad of Billy the Kid – Billy Joel 

“From a town know as Oyster Bay Long Island”  

What was going on in March?

Well, I was getting used to being a commuter and living in a new space. I was now officially a Long Island gal. And it makes me very happy to say that I live in the same town as the King of Long Island – Billy Joel

The Whole of the Moon – The Waterboys 

“I pictured a rainbow, you held it in your hands….”

In April we were out in Greenport, NY celebrating Lover’s birthday, eating oysters at the Little Creek Oyster Farm and enjoying an overnight in an intimate farmhouse room at the beautiful Rose Hill Winery. That month it seemed we were listening a lot of the Waterboys.   

Now and Then There’s a Fool Such as I –  Hank Snow 

May was a month filled with sadness.

Richard Anson Brower Sr.

April 30, 1933 to May 23, 2024

Summertime – Eilen Jewell 

June: The start of the summer season in Sea Cliff. The beach is open, the shaved ice place is happening, and Memorial Park is the place to be for the nightly sunset.  According to Spotify, Eileen Jewell was in my top 5 artists for 2024, so this song seems particularly appropriate.

When the Levee Breaks – Robert Plant and Allison Krause 

July is always a fun time – beach, lobster rolls, and concerts.  We were lucky to see Robert Plant with Allison Kraus and Bob Dylan at Jones Beach.  Sadly we missed Willie Nelson since he was ill, but got to see his son, who sounds just like him. 

I had never heard this version of an old blues song song prior to the concert, but it really touched me.  Life sure is precious.  

Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver 

“To the place I belong, West Virginia, mountain mama.”

Near the end of August we had another road trip to West Virginia. It has been great to reconnect with my country roots.  

Wild God – Nick Cave 

We kicked things off in September with a birthday weekend on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. The word “Chincoteague” is said to be an Indian name meaning beautiful land across the water.  It is a very special place. 

One of my gifts was Nick Cave’s new album called “Wild God.” We have seen Nick twice and will see him again in April of 2025.  If you aren’t familiar with Nick Cave, I highly recommend giving a listen and subscribe to his Red Hand Files. 

No, he isn’t paying me, I love to share things that move me and he is one of those people.   

When I Paint My Masterpiece – Bob Dylan

And then there was October. For half of the month we were in Italy, living La Dolce Vita. We brought a little Bob Dylan along.  While enjoying Negronis and walking those ancient streets, it seemed everywhere we looked we there was another masterpiece. 

Shenandoah – Jo Stafford 

November is always time to give thanks and express gratitude and appreciation for our family and friends.  Love and gratitude to you all.  I would like to give a special shout out to Aimee at Dreams West. She and I met on August 8 (a significant day for meditation and manifestation) and weeks later I was getting ready to showcase my photography at Dreams West and I was on the books to host my first Vision Board workshop.  I am grateful for these new opportunities.  Let’s all always remember to Dream Big.  

This month’s song has no particular reason to be here except that I think it is quite beautiful. 

Somebody Stole My Santa Claus Suit – Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks 

I kid you not. Lover has about 3 days worth of Christmas music – songs from the ridiculous to the sublime – stored on his iPhone. And so, as of December 1st, the songs start playing in the house and in the car and keep playing until the end of the year.  

To add to this year’s holiday merriment, my good friends Michelle and Marybeth joined me mid-month to experience Sea Cliff’s 3rd Annual Wassail Day.  

We got a fine tree and decorated it with joy, of course while listening to endless Christmas tunes.  

Diamonds are Forever – Shirley Bassey

And then something magical happened on Christmas Eve: A toy helicopter landed in our apartment and it led me to a box with a beautiful diamond ring. 

We look forward to quietly celebrating the New Year with a nice family dinner and our annual NYE tradition to ring 2025 with Sport Murphy’s musical podcast. 

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.  May the new year be filled with much love, light, and laughter all year long. 

For those of you who have been reading my posts since January 2024 – thank you for following along.  I truly appreciate the encouragement and support.  More to come in 2025.  Stay tuned.  Xo, T

PS – Follow the link below to listen to a Spotify playlist of all the songs of 2024:

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Matches and Memories 

December 28, 2024

A few weeks ago, as I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across a post from my friend Chris who shared a story that included matches from the famous Coffee Shop that once took over the corner of 16th Street and Union Square West. 

As soon as I saw those blue and yellow matches it struck a chord and I quickly went to get my container filled with matchbooks I’ve collected. Sure enough, I still had them.  Even though I met Chris years after he worked at the Coffee Shop, we both had that same little piece of NYC memorabilia. 

Most of the places that fueled my NYC energy are – sadly – no longer in existence.  In the early 90s I worked downtown. The city was very different back then – there wasn’t a Walgreens or Chase bank on every corner – instead there were more brick and mortar stores and old mom and pop places. 

As I rummaged through my blue glass container with that overwhelming smell of sulphur in the air, each match book I touched sparked a memory.  

There were the many magical moments at the Greatest Bar on Earth and maybe too many Friday night margaritas at El Teddy’s in Tribeca. I could almost taste the yummy  pancakes and hear the click of flutes filled with mimosas as we toasted another Sunday jazzy brunch at The Cupping Room. 

For a moment I felt that I could hear my feet walking on the crunchy floor filled with peanut shells at the Louisiana  Community Bar & Grill on Broadway and Houston.  I remember ordering my first flight of wine at The Soho Kitchen and Bar and I thought that was the coolest thing.  And oh, those nights dancing on the chairs after dinner at Boom on Spring Street followed by late night singing and dancing to 1970s hits at PollyEsther’s in the East Village. I can still feel the beat from the tambourine. We were having the time of our lives. 

The one book of matches that wasn’t in the pile was my all-time favorite, Lucky Strike in Soho.  I think I took all my friends and even my Mom to Lucky Strike.  That’s what I loved about Lucky Strike; you could spend hours sipping cappuccinos, a leisurely lunch or just a glass of wine, but what I especially loved was a steak frites dinner with a bottle of wine or two, simply talking about the meaning of life. 

I was introduced to Lucky Strike in the 90s when there was a line to get in – it was worth the wait – there was sense of excitement as we walked through the doorway and that velvet curtain parted and we entered an intimate bar filled with people drinking, eating, and laughing. But the real fun started around the midnight hour. We always ended up dancing the late night hours away as the DJ, tucked in a corner, was happily spinning records. For me, this place encapsulated my New York City. 

Every matchbook has a story and I cherish all the memories. Now, when I see the blue Chase sign instead of the vibrant bright red “Coffee Shop Bar” sign that once lit up Union Square West, I smile and pause for a moment – I am glad there are places I’ll remember even though most have gone. At least I have these matchbooks to spark my memories. 

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La Dolce Vita 

December 12, 2024

It was my sixth visit to the magical land of Italy.  I was super excited to share my love of Italy with lover.  And now it is official: He is in love as well. 

For me La Dolce Vita – the sweet life – is about savoring the beauty and joys of life.  Good food, laughs, and the simple things. 

Twenty years ago, traveling in Italy with my good friend Dina, sipping champagne on the Amalfi coast, a stranger at a nearby table said “Prada bags come and go but the memories you will create here will last a lifetime.” Perfect.

At the end of the day, what really matters most are the experiences we create.  Sometimes they are extraordinary, but most times they are those ordinary moments that touch your soul. 

As lover and I wandered around Venice, getting lost in its maze, we stumbled upon the Grand Canal in all its glory and we watched – each with a gelato in hand – the gondolas making art as they glided by. 

Ah, Venice. 

Certain places arouse that feeling that everything is okay in the world and with Venice you begin to feel as if you are in a dream. With another twist and turn, we opened the door to the legendary Harry’s Bar and – luckily for us – there were two open seats. Our bartender, dressed in a white jacket and tie, was furiously busy making a plethora of their famous Bellinis, and so we ordered two.  As we raised our glasses, we thought for a second that we may have seen James Bond.  

I love to find places that are off the beaten path. Chioggia is a hidden gem about an hour or so from Venice proper. As the local fishermen disembarked from their early morning rounds they quickly filled up all the canal-side establishments, enjoying their morning beer. We tagged along, opting instead for espresso.  It was hard to hear each other over all the Italian chatter, but we didn’t mind at all being the only tourists around. 

After an amazing lunch featuring local seafood, we spent the day roaming around and found the perfect place to enjoy a Negroni.  With each sip, we listened to the puttering sounds of the Vespas and bicycles driving by, surprised – at first – to see cigarettes dangling from the lips of many of the riders.

Italy is a place where all your senses come alive!  Strolling along the streets of the coastal town of Bari, with the aroma of garlic permeating the air, kids singing and playing, and the many nonnas outside their homes kneading away making their famous Orecchiette pasta, was just the beginning.  

One of my favorite scenes was at the top of the hilltop village of Santa Severina. As the sun peeked through the fairy-tale castle, we spotted two olive-toned men enjoying a glass of wine with their little bowl labeled “Snack Time.” There was something so sweet about that little bowl. 

Oh, and all the amazing paintings and ancient history. 

As we searched for the oldest pizzeria in Naples, our senses were in overdrive while trying to follow the GPS. We didn’t know where to look, the streets were filled with all sorts of characters, and with each new turn there was graffiti, churches, hanging laundry, and – between the mix of vespas driving by and italian words being spoken – it made for a musical entertainment. 

We arrived at our destination and our taste buds were in delight with each bite of the thin soft crusted Neapolitan pizza and that mozzarella that just melted in your mouth.  Yum! 

Next stop, Roma. Something profound happens when your feet hit the cobblestone streets of Rome, the same streets where the great names of the Roman Empire also once walked. From the Tiber River to the Spanish Steps, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon, everywhere surrounded by the many fountains in all the beautiful Piazzas – it is simply a spectacular place.

One morning we were out and about before dawn and were lucky to get an almost private viewing at the Spanish Steps. With the sun rising, we enjoyed a cappuccino and had our little moment on the stairs before crowds started to fill the streets. 

Roma is flavorful, sexy, and self-assured in an unassuming way. Kind of like the Negroni! 

Cheers to the sweet life! 

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A potpourri of things

September 30, 2024

A mash-up of sunflowers, turning 55, and trying to be still.  

I am not going to lie. For the past couple of months I have been struggling with turning 55.   Maybe because I spend too much time on zoom and see all my wrinkles. I don’t think we were meant to look at ourselves this much. The world we live in focuses so much on the outer part it is very easy to get caught up in the daily craziness.  

Here’s a little excerpt from my daily thoughts over the past few months.

I can only be my best self, and if that means I can’t do all the things I did in my younger days, that’s okay.  I loved those days, they made me who I am today.  It is important to love the good moments, embrace the bad ones, but not hold on to them.

Be at ease with nature and know that this is a process.  I have always cared for my body and mind and as nature changes and evolves, with grace I must follow suit.  

Try not to get caught up in what 35 once looked like.  Remember, fighting against it only makes matters worse.  My advice to me for this coming year is to embrace the grace within and care for my inner self.  Ultimately that is where the peace is, so be easy with yourself because when you are in conflict that is never a good thing.  Stop this fighting with yourself and don’t try to change what is and move forward with harmony and balance and let those cells vibrate and shine out.

I do think it is helpful to be truthful to ourselves even when the truth feels uncomfortable because then we begin to process it.  

Lover and I are off for two weeks of La Dolce Vita on our Italian Sojourn.  Finally in my 55th year I am trying something new…packing light.  

I hope I have the right shoes! xo,

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September 11, 2024

September 11, 2024

It is hard to believe that it has been 23 years since the terror attacks.  We can all recall vividly that beautiful morning with a sky as blue as blue and how quickly it turned into a nightmare.

We all have our stories of that day. Some lost loved ones, some had to escape from the burning towers or surrounding areas, some were brave heroes, and others watched from a distance as our beautiful city crumbled and thousands of beautiful souls were taken from us.  We will never FORGET all those who perished on that horrific day. 

Some of you know my personal story. I lost Chris that day. I was very angry for a long time. In December of 2007 I had a meltdown,  a complete meltdown which I like to think of as my breakthrough.  I finally got help and started my journey toward truly healing.  My heart broke that day like thousands of others and it has taken decades to heal. 

I have always talked about the pain of losing Chris but not for my love of those towers. For years I thought, “How can you mourn buildings, they’re just buildings.” Yet those two sparkling towers had once filled this 6 year-old kid with hopes and dreams. I fell in love with the towers and with their consuming energy. They could be felt even if you had never been to NYC.  They dominated a skyline that said, “Anything is possible.”

How could a new building, a replacement, ever compare? I thought that I could never fall in love with the Freedom Tower. But through my camera’s lens I did indeed fall in love with the new tower and the changed skyline. (Not to mention the years of therapy  that helped make it possible.)

A few days ago, in search of another photo, I came across this one taken on September 11, 2016.  I was with my friend Ashley that evening. We didn’t have plans to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge but something seemed to call upon us and so we did. It was a crisp night as we walked towards the tribute lights. I don’t really know how to explain it but there was this sense of peace surrounding us.  We didn’t have to say much to each other on the bridge. Oddly, it wasn’t very crowded.  I could hear these lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel:  “And the vision that was planted in my brain / Still remains / Within the sounds of silence.” 

It was after midnight when Ashley and I walked home as we shared our 9/11 stories.   It had been a long time since I felt a strong connection with the city. That night something shifted in me.  

I am glad that we have these tribute lights to reflect each year. We must Never Forget. 

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A little slice of heaven 

August 11, 2024

Piccola fetta di paradiso 

As the lightning bugs blink around a painted sky and the kids line up at the local shaved ice place, we often find ourselves sitting on the porch sipping a limoncello in the twilight hour.  I have to admit that I am a bit obsessed with our porch.  After living in a studio apartment for almost 30 years, being able to sit outside at anytime of day seems like a little slice of heaven.  (Along with having a washer/dryer.)

One of our favorite things to do is watch the sunset over at Memorial Park, also known as Sunset Park.  Which is just a hop, skip, and jump from our place. Talk about a little slice of heaven. It’s great to see so many people of all ages gathering around each night to see this spectacular star make magic, with the help of the earth. 

Some nights it is a sailor’s delight and other nights the clouds hang around and are perfect for a poet’s eye. I have been lucky to capture some beautiful images. There were a couple of nights when I only had my iPhone and was upset that I didn’t get the perfect shot. Lover reminds me to enjoy the moment – I try : ) 

Friends have asked me if I miss the city life and, honestly, I really don’t miss it.  I enjoyed Manhattan for many decades starting from when I was 6 years-old and my Dad arranged through a friend for me to sit in the captain’s seat and pilot the Staten Island ferry.   When I saw that skyline, it was love at first sight and so it was that I fell in love with the city. Manhattan will always be a part of me.  But around 10 years ago while in the mountains of Montana (check out my Big Apple Big Sky post) something was awakened in me and my heart opened up. A new chapter had started.  Over the past decade and especially during the Covid lockdowns I – like millions of others – spent a lot of time alone. It was during that time that I knew for certain that eventually I would leave the city lights. What I didn’t know then was that I would find love, too! 

Walking around my new neighborhood, among the beautiful flowers,  I often find myself “sunflower dreaming.” There are many twists and turns in the square mile of Sea Cliff and I love discovering new views, new wild flowers and the many unique pieces and places. Instead of my Dear New York, I have started a Dear Sea Cliff and I look forward to capturing the town of Sea Cliff through my lens.  Because it truly is a little slice of heaven. Or, as the Italians would say, Piccola fetta di paradiso.   

Check out my Instagram @tleetracy to follow along. 

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The morning has gold in its mouth

July 3, 2024

‘Il mattino ha l’oro in bocca”

I was not born an early riser.  For most of my life, I have hated getting up in the morning. But somewhere along the way, I changed. 

I have always admired people who got up at the crack of dawn. I have wanted to be that person but often have heard people say, “You are either a morning person or you are not!”

As I grew older, entering adulthood, not much changed, I dreaded getting out of bed. The struggle was real.  I would stay in bed to the very last second while all the time having a back-and-forth discussion with myself…it will only take me 12 minutes to get ready…I won’t wash my hair…. I can put on make-up on the ferry.  I would come up with any excuse to stay horizontal just a little longer. Why did I make this process so damned difficult? 

My friend Lori was once burdened with the responsibility of being my 4am wake up call before a morning flight. I not only hung up on her several times, at one point I told her to go on ahead with the trip without me.  Thank god she was persistent because I might not have enjoyed a wonderful week on a crystal blue beach, drinking margaritas somewhere in Mexico.

Once I even passed up on a job interview. I couldn’t possibly interview for a position with an 8am start time, so I gracefully declined the interview. (As luck would have it, the girl who accepted the later position soon changed to the earlier one.  In the end, I interviewed and accepted that later position. I should add that those scheduled work hours were soon thrown out the door. Twenty-eight years later, after many long days, occasional tears shed, and an abundance of laughter, Cindy and I are still good friends.) 

I often wonder how different our lives would be if Cindy would have accepted and kept that later position. Perhaps it was not just luck. Perhaps this was meant to be and this was the start of my slow transformation into a morning person. 

I began the process of getting out of bed early with the help of Tony Robbins. I purchased an audio tape program of his called “Breakthrough”.  I was determined – once and for all – to get over my dread of getting up. I had things I wanted to do: Take yoga classes, take photographs, write, and simply enjoy stress-free mornings. 

Tony Robbins teaches that “not taking action” can be more painful than “taking action.” I began to think of the struggle of getting out of bed as “painful,” keeping me from the things that would bring me joy, once vertical.  

So when that buzzing sound came around to wake me, I changed that conversation I had daily, with myself …if I don’t get up how will I feel and if I do get up how much better will I feel?  It was a simple technique of using pain and pleasure instead of it using me.  And slowly, I did change.  

It has been over a decade since I have implemented Tony’s technique and now the idea of staying in bed feels wrong. It may not be in my DNA, but I have discovered a love for the morning.  It is a special time and I am grateful for the many joyful things that come right before the dawn, It is no longer an ordeal.  

I had plans to write about how I am no longer on my own island (maybe next month) but early this week, chatting with Lover, I said, “You know some of my best shots were taken at dawn.”  I used the phrase “the early bird catches the worm” and sarcastically said “you know that one right?”  Being a true morning person, he understood. The next morning while reading during my morning commute, I came across this Italian phrase “Il matting ha l’oro in bocca” which translates as “the morning has gold in its mouth.” You know how I like things to connect, so I immediately took out my journal and started writing about my struggles with getting up early.

I like the idea that the morning has “gold in its mouth” much better than catching a worm.  I look forward to finding much gold in my morning endeavors.  

Never forget you have the power to change.

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Coffee, a Cry and Creativity at Campground

June 9, 2024

On May 17th,  I met up with Sara Hosey – an author and the host of the creating writing class that I participated in at the Sea Cliff library back in March – for a coffee at the Campgroup in Sea Cliff.  Campground is a place known for craft beer and craft coffee and a fun place to take a seat or perhaps pitch a tent. 

I was almost going to cancel after an insane week in the office. But I needed to take a break and could spare 45 minutes to meet up with a new friend.  I took a deep breath and after a short moment of gratitude considering all the positives around me, out the door I went.   

She and I quickly got to chatting. Not too far into our chat, a wave of emotion came over me along with a few tears that slowly began to trickle down my face.  I tried to resist but the emotion was real. 

I said, “I am so sorry. I am not the kind of person that shows up for coffee and brings along drama,” and quickly explained that I had had a stressful few weeks. With compassion, she just said to “go with it.” And so I did.  

As I wiped away my tears, I glanced at my phone and saw a response from a text from Lover. Earlier I wrote,” I am exhausted, I mean I don’t know how much more my brain can handle,” and his response was “try to relax and enjoy the new friendship.” I read this out loud to Sara and she thought it was sweet. As did I.  

Exhale.

I recently heard Jerry Seinfeld say, “Does anyone ever look back and say ‘I wish I had spent more time at the office?’” That struck a chord with me. It astonishes me to think that I’ve worked more than 37 years at the same place.  Am I getting too old for my job?  Or is it time to start a new career? Or perhaps both? 

My mind is sharp and I can still multi-task like a mad woman, but I continually question myself. Is this what I should be doing and for how much longer? Any time that word “should” comes in – it  isn’t a good sign.  If I were doing something I loved, would I feel this exhausted and mentally drained? It feels like I have been on a roller coaster for years at my job, yet I keep staying on for another ride. I’ve maintained my balance, managing to find time for a life outside of work and to balance my many creative endeavors. But lately – this idea of getting old – hit me. I am not 25 years old. If I do want to start a second career, it’s time that I step it up. 

I recently sorted through a chest filled with old journals which included over 20 years of dating, grieving, and aching to be in love, along with a consistent message of wanting to write and tell stories, whether it be via prose or photography.  It was so exhausting reading through them that I started to take some of the journals, immersed them under water, and then ripped them to shreds before tossing them into the garbage.

It was always the same theme and the same story line.  I have probably been fantasizing about writing for almost as long as I was fantasizing about falling in love.  

The love has arrived. Now I am finding myself as a creative person. These little monthly essays are part of that process. They help.

“What we resist persists” the wise Carl Jung once said.  Ain’t it the truth. I have worked through many obstacles in life but this feels different. It is fair to say that I have stayed with the familiar for a very long time and that a feeling of comfort has kept me feeling safe. It is time to be honest and say that I am fearful. There. I am putting it on paper.  

After the coffee with Sara I came back home. I had a work call. I felt mentally drained. I could barely make a sentence, but I pushed through as I have for the past 37 years and then I let things go.  Maybe I needed to shed a few tears to welcome my new life with Lover in the quaint town of Sea Cliff and the many creative possibilities that lie ahead.  I am glad I didn’t resist those tears. They are a good reminder to have patience, to be persistent, and stop this damn resisting. 

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Something about Nothing

May 2, 2024

Jerry Seinfeld did an entire show about nothing and it was a great success.  Since it is one of my favorite sitcoms, I thought I would give it a try and write about nothing.  

Is life made up of a whole bunch of nothing moments? We can think of nothing moments as nothing but I think, instead, that they are something!  

Why did we all find it so funny watching the Seinfeld crew waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant? Or when they couldn’t find their car in the parking garage?

Because we can all relate.  Lover and I once lost our car at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  We walked around for at least 20 minutes with perspiration dripping from our faces, going from lot to lot, clicking the car keys with the hope that one of the grey Honda CRVs would light up. We kept at it, wandering around in circles, and at one point a kind lady pulled up and offered to drive us around. Embarrassed, we politely declined and continued on our search until we finally found the right car.  

These nothing moments may not be among the most amazing moments in a life; the thrill of going on an African safari or the exhilaration of a first skydive. But these everyday, ordinary moments have a way of staying with you. Author and researcher Brene Brown wrote, “In many instances, we equate ordinary with boring  . . . ordinary has become synonymous with meaningless.”  But she also found that the memories that most people held most sacred were the ordinary, everyday moments.

Here are a few sacred moments from my life.

When my friend Lori and I shared a ski house back in the early 90s, we had a fireplace, one that could easily have been a substitute for a sauna. The heat made us both a bit woozy. After waking up from a heat-induced nap I blurted out “Hey, Lori did you know there are multiple ways of spelling ‘Helen?’”.  Thirty years have passed and we both still belly laugh about this moment.  And by the way, there is only one way to spell “H-e-l-e-n.”

One Sunday, at a church service, during one of those grim weeks after September 11th, my friend Bridget and I found it impossible to hold back our giggles when we both realized that Marla Maples was in the pew directly in front of us and that even she had noticeable underwear lines.  This was like the time that Elaine left the PEZ dispenser on the chair during a piano recital.  It wasn’t the time or place for a belly laugh, but the distraction was welcomed.  

And then there was the time that Michelle, Marybeth and I were trying to launch one of those paper Sky Lanterns.  I’m not sure what we were thinking trying to ignite a match with the wind making so much noise that we could barely hear each other as we yelled out “hold this part down,” “no, hold this part down.” But we were determined. We continued to yell “block this side and then strike the match” and after many failed attempts, we finally got a flame.  As the little lantern brushed the sand we exclaimed with excitement as we thought it was at last a “go.” But it had other ideas, like bursting into flames.  The three of us began chasing after it running against the wind in many directions to catch it.  If only there had been a camera to capture this moment of ordinary. 

Me and my work pals have shared many nothing moments. There was the time when I mistakenly thought that LMAO meant “Leave Me Alone Now” That evening, at a work dinner, a colleague asked me, “Why did you stop answering my instant messages?”  “I thought you wanted me to leave you alone,” I replied.  It was a wonder we were able to finally place our food order amid all the laughing. I am now more proficient with acronyms but now and then I still wonder when Cinco de Mayo is.

I love these nothing, ordinary moments; they are the essence of life.  If you have any nothing moments to share, please drop a line in the comments.  Perhaps I can read them over a margarita on Cinco de Mayo! 

We can’t have a month go by without a little something Italian.  There is an Italian phrase Dolce far Niente that translates to the sweetness of doing nothing.  Today, April 30th, I took the afternoon off to do nothing and came up with this little bit of something to write about. And it was sweet!

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Let’s celebrate spring

April 7, 2024

The clocks move ahead, nature begins to wake up, and the earth returns to a place of balance where the day and night are in total alignment.  Did you know that the word “equinox’ comes from two Latin words meaning equal and night and that it marks the two times each year when day and night are the same length in all parts of the world.  

A time of new life, renewal and rebirth and – as the Italians say – “renascita.”  The flowers begin to bloom, the days become longer and, in general, we feel happier, more in balance, and ready to plant new seeds.  

On March 21, I took a creative writing class at the Sea Cliff Library which helped to reanimate some old seeds that I planted a few years ago.  

I started to create a story called The Adventures of Polly Pennecamp. I shared a little taste with the group and I would like to share with you all.  

Polly and her pals go on an adventure to unlock the secret portal on the Third Level at Grand Central Terminal.  In order to unlock the portal, they must solve many puzzles and riddles starting with the secrets of the whispering walls. They encounter many odd characters and obstacles along the way, but that doesn’t stop them. Their curiosity and determination stay the course and it pays off when they piece it all together and enter the mysterious Third Level.

The past few weeks – with everyone talking about new beginnings – I heard this message in yoga class: Connect your curiosity.  

I hope to connect my curiosity and dig deeper into my creative story and get this story to blossom.

Perhaps it will blossom while I sit, surrounded by spring flowers and new growth, on the porch.

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