Watch the Carole King video below. Can you name all of the movies in order? One has me stumped. Is it A Star is Born or Funny Girl? The rest I could name immediately. Can you?
I put this song up in honor of our Earthquake yesterday. It lasted a good thirty seconds here.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Summertime
Yesterday began with the sun and ended with the sun, but poured rain all the day long.
Went to a meeting in the early morning. Returned home by Noon, and helped Peter put by strawberry jam. 12lbs of berries equals 14 pints-- all the jars lined up like soldiers on my breakfront. Double dollop on toast this morning. The berries are a deeper red this year, and oh so juicy. This is the first gift of Summer.
I took all the berry caps out to the rabbits. White rabbits wearing rings of red around their mouths. The baby bunnies are growing fast. When I turned to walk back to the house, I saw a very large skunk, with the most glamorous coat, looked like Cruella DeVille's hair, wandering in the side yard, eating something , maybe slugs. The ducks had just passed through that area and were feasting on something with equal relish. I watched the skunk for a long time. It seemed to float over the yard, undulating black and white. Then, I worried about the presence of a skunk. They like eggs and would make short work of our hen and her clutch of eggs. We have to worry about opossums, raccoons, and skunks-- all have clever hands and can get through any latch, or wiring. Uncanny, really. And capable of total destruction.
Today is going to be very warm and sunny. Need to return to my weeding duties. Maybe put in a few hours before it gets too hot.
Time to get busy. . .
Went to a meeting in the early morning. Returned home by Noon, and helped Peter put by strawberry jam. 12lbs of berries equals 14 pints-- all the jars lined up like soldiers on my breakfront. Double dollop on toast this morning. The berries are a deeper red this year, and oh so juicy. This is the first gift of Summer.
I took all the berry caps out to the rabbits. White rabbits wearing rings of red around their mouths. The baby bunnies are growing fast. When I turned to walk back to the house, I saw a very large skunk, with the most glamorous coat, looked like Cruella DeVille's hair, wandering in the side yard, eating something , maybe slugs. The ducks had just passed through that area and were feasting on something with equal relish. I watched the skunk for a long time. It seemed to float over the yard, undulating black and white. Then, I worried about the presence of a skunk. They like eggs and would make short work of our hen and her clutch of eggs. We have to worry about opossums, raccoons, and skunks-- all have clever hands and can get through any latch, or wiring. Uncanny, really. And capable of total destruction.
Today is going to be very warm and sunny. Need to return to my weeding duties. Maybe put in a few hours before it gets too hot.
Time to get busy. . .
Monday, June 21, 2010
Weekend Round-up
Went to The Rochester Jazz Festival on Saturday night. Saw James Hunter's Band and bought his newest release: Kick It Around His music reminds me of the movie The Commitments. Soulful-bluesy sound that gets your body swayin' It was so warm Saturday night. The heat of the day hung on the streets. Thankfully, no rain for the concert goers. After listening to Hunter's set we walk around a bit and went in to RoCo (Rochester Contemporary) to see the 6X6 exhibit. Over 5000 pieces displayed. Quite impressive how the artists interpreted the 6X6. It's a tremendous fund raiser for the gallery. All of the artwork is $20.00. A red sticker means they've been spoken for; a tag means you can purchase the piece, or pieces. I really like a lot of the "spoken for" art work. (Missed opportunity) But there are others. Need to go back and spend a bit more time there looking.
Have written several six sentence stories. Sent one, "Desire," to Six Sentences, and it was published online last week. Had wonderful feedback. It's an intriguing form, creating a story in six sentences. Interesting too, I realized that several of these stories are about the same characters and I wondered what would happen if they were "linked." Would each section stand on its own as well as inform each other? Would it be snapshots of these characters, like a photo album? Would the bigger story be told, and would some of that story rely on white space?
I think certain details make you look closer at the narratives. Going to pursue this a bit.
Finished a poem yesterday:
"June's Salvation"
It's been perfect weather. Gardens are growing gangbusters. Finished weeding the main garden on Saturday. Some green beans the size of eyelashes. Need to check today. Some may be ready to pick. Saw a small yellow squash too.
On Sunday, Peter and I went canoeing on the pond. It was wonderful, gliding around, looking at the water irises and into the water which changes depth quickly. Small fry, not sure what they were. Peter saw some pan fish, and both of us saw grass carp. We scare two ringed neck ducks from the cattails and the red winged black birds were frantic, flitting back and forth-- definitely telling us to go away.
The baby chicks arrived on Saturday. They're so adorable. I love how they're so active, then suddenly doze off, standing up. Their beaks collapse into their chests, then down into the wood shavings-- ker-plunk.
Restaurant Recommendation:
John's Tex-Mex on South Avenue. Very Yum and reasonable on the summer budget.
Well, this week is going to be busy. Hopefully strawberry pickin' today.
Have written several six sentence stories. Sent one, "Desire," to Six Sentences, and it was published online last week. Had wonderful feedback. It's an intriguing form, creating a story in six sentences. Interesting too, I realized that several of these stories are about the same characters and I wondered what would happen if they were "linked." Would each section stand on its own as well as inform each other? Would it be snapshots of these characters, like a photo album? Would the bigger story be told, and would some of that story rely on white space?
I think certain details make you look closer at the narratives. Going to pursue this a bit.
Finished a poem yesterday:
"June's Salvation"
It's been perfect weather. Gardens are growing gangbusters. Finished weeding the main garden on Saturday. Some green beans the size of eyelashes. Need to check today. Some may be ready to pick. Saw a small yellow squash too.
On Sunday, Peter and I went canoeing on the pond. It was wonderful, gliding around, looking at the water irises and into the water which changes depth quickly. Small fry, not sure what they were. Peter saw some pan fish, and both of us saw grass carp. We scare two ringed neck ducks from the cattails and the red winged black birds were frantic, flitting back and forth-- definitely telling us to go away.
The baby chicks arrived on Saturday. They're so adorable. I love how they're so active, then suddenly doze off, standing up. Their beaks collapse into their chests, then down into the wood shavings-- ker-plunk.
Restaurant Recommendation:
John's Tex-Mex on South Avenue. Very Yum and reasonable on the summer budget.
Well, this week is going to be busy. Hopefully strawberry pickin' today.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Benefit for Oscar
A Benefit for Oscar
Weds., July 14th, 2010, 6pm-8:30pm
Rochester Contemporary Art Center • 137 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
www.rochestercontemporary.orgPlease join Oscar and his loved ones for a family-friendly evening to include:
- An encore showing of RoCo’s 6×6x2010 exhibit*
- Silent Auction/Raffle for items and services from local businesses and artisans**
- Opportunity to win an iPad
- Oscar’s artwork for sale
- Music by Margaret Explosion
- Art activities for the whole family
- Light snacks & desserts
*Four nights after the official closing of this exhibit, over 3,000 remaining artworks in the 6x6 format will still be on view from local, national, and international artists.
**Items/services for raffle or auction will be provided by: the Dryden Theatre, the Record Archive, Mayer Hardware, Molly Branch Acupuncture, Towpath Bikes, Evolution Pilates, In Touch Massage Center, Chi Wah Salon, Java's, Tap & Mallet, Palmers, Sara Silvio Jewelry and many more!
The funds raised from this event will help provide Oscar with an accessible home.
Please note: check or cash donations preferred.
Parking is available on side streets but also in the East End Garage (free after 5:30 p.m.) located at 475 E. Main St. (with additional entrances on Scio St. and Swan St.)
“On December 31, 2009, our then 14-month-old son, Oscar, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, type II. SMA is a genetic disorder that will prevent Oscar from ever walking, cause him to progressively get weaker and ultimately compromise his life expectancy. He’ll need an accessible home in a school district that supports children with special physical needs. He’ll need advanced assistive equipment and whole health services not covered by insurance. In addition to providing for Oscar’s needs and overall well-being, our goal is to share our acquired knowledge and raise community awareness of SMA and disability issues.”
-Sally Bonn & David Merulla
Visit the Oscar-Go Facebook page if you'd like to RSVP to the event - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=107010302679935
This event is made possible by generous support from Rochester Contemporary Art Center.
www.rochestercontemporary.org
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday Rant
Worked for six hours in the front garden, weeding the bean rows (Blue lakes, purple green beans, pinto, red, white, cranberry, lima). Three wheel barrels full of tender weeds-- the first harvest. Saw some tiny, tiny green beans-- they will be ready in a few days, so I better keep my eye on things. My arm are sunburned ( I did have sunscreen on). Slathered myself in aloe. This morning I'd like to go back out and finish a few more rows. It's raining, a soft gentle rain. I'm drinking my second cup of coffee and thinking seriously about it.
When I garden, I think about our environment. My hands in the dirt. My hands stained green-brown from the weeds. I'm so distressed about the Gulf Coast. The millions of gallons of oil spewing into the ocean. Still spewing. The arrogance of BP, cutting corners to make a profit, and how they got "around" the regulations. I keep thinking of all the wildlife, the thousands of animals affected by this-- another oil disaster. We have birds on our farm. Free-ranging chickens and ducks, and they spend so much time forging, which is what all the coastal birds are suppose to do, but how can they concentrate on eating when they're preening oil from their feathers, ingesting it two ways-- through their bills and skin-- A double dose of poison. I hope BP is duly punished for their negligence. The fines should be more than what it's going to take to clean up the mess. No deals, either. This is serious stuff. If they wiggle out of paying the fines, then we will know the truth about our government. We need to speak up about this. Buying a bottle of Dawn isn't going to be a cure. BP has to find a solution to cap that oil leak NOW. It's been days. We have to think of the health of our environment. We're being very foolish, not paying attention to this. What boggles my mind is they're dragging their heels to cap it off.
Why aren't they working on fixing the leak? Why isn't the news covering this?
When I garden, I think about our environment. My hands in the dirt. My hands stained green-brown from the weeds. I'm so distressed about the Gulf Coast. The millions of gallons of oil spewing into the ocean. Still spewing. The arrogance of BP, cutting corners to make a profit, and how they got "around" the regulations. I keep thinking of all the wildlife, the thousands of animals affected by this-- another oil disaster. We have birds on our farm. Free-ranging chickens and ducks, and they spend so much time forging, which is what all the coastal birds are suppose to do, but how can they concentrate on eating when they're preening oil from their feathers, ingesting it two ways-- through their bills and skin-- A double dose of poison. I hope BP is duly punished for their negligence. The fines should be more than what it's going to take to clean up the mess. No deals, either. This is serious stuff. If they wiggle out of paying the fines, then we will know the truth about our government. We need to speak up about this. Buying a bottle of Dawn isn't going to be a cure. BP has to find a solution to cap that oil leak NOW. It's been days. We have to think of the health of our environment. We're being very foolish, not paying attention to this. What boggles my mind is they're dragging their heels to cap it off.
Why aren't they working on fixing the leak? Why isn't the news covering this?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June: Strawberries, So sweet, so juicy, you need not a pinch of sugar
'Tis the season . . . Soon Shakespeare in the park and fresh strawberries. Going to pick baskets of berries for jam and short cake and plain eating, one plump berry after another. I love summer's fresh fruit.
Once strawberry season starts, then cherry and raspberry and blueberry. We put by jars upon jars of jam in the summer. The whole farmhouse swells with the sounds of kettles bubbling. On winter mornings, the fresh jam makes all the difference.
It's a beautiful day today. Could be a perfect day for berry picking, or weeding, maybe both.
Have to catch up on my poem a day. Once again, my writing schedule was interrupted by daily living.
We had a graduation party here on Sunday, which was great fun and a pleasure celebrating Peter's accomplishment. Now we're eating leftovers. Macaroni salad is a bit of a mystery. It's like a magic bowl-- it never seems to diminish, and we've been diligent. It may take several days.
Pick a bouquet of roses yesterday. I love having fresh cut flowers in the house. Makes me feel rich.
Time to begin the day. . . .
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Good News!
Writing log update:
Micro fiction: "Desire"
Poem: "No Stars Tonight"
Working on play.
Good News! Stay by Allie Larkin
Went to Allie Larkin's first book signing yesterday at Barnes & Noble Greece-Ridge Store.
She had a great turn out for the event. She was so happy, and I loved listening to her read a scene from the novel. Wanted her to read more, so that was the hook. Bought the novel, of course, and had it signed. Was surprised and touched that I was listed in her acknowledgments. Thanks, Allie!
It's a thrill seeing dreams realized. Can't wait to read the book.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Weekend Tidbits
Poem a day title update:
"Keeping an Eye on Things"
*
Yesterday dropped copies of Within Reach off at Lift Bridge Books. Bought a new academic planner, and it was on sale. My lucky day. Met Sarah's new baby Gemma at the store. So adorable. Both look well.
*
Went to a Red Wings ball game last night. The Wings had scoring spurt and I really thought they were going to tie the game. Alas, it ended 5-4, and at that very moment, big fat raindrops started to fall. Big crowds at both stadiums last night. I would really like to see a soccer game. I've tried to get tickets in the past, but wasn't ever successful. Maybe this year.
*
Scheduling readings and workshops at colleges this fall. Three college classes will be adopting Within Reach for the Fall semester. Thank you!
Thanks to all who have bought copies of Within Reach too.
*
Today I'm at the George Eastman House at a workshop meeting; then, off to a retirement party.
Time to begin this busy day . . .
"Keeping an Eye on Things"
*
Yesterday dropped copies of Within Reach off at Lift Bridge Books. Bought a new academic planner, and it was on sale. My lucky day. Met Sarah's new baby Gemma at the store. So adorable. Both look well.
*
Went to a Red Wings ball game last night. The Wings had scoring spurt and I really thought they were going to tie the game. Alas, it ended 5-4, and at that very moment, big fat raindrops started to fall. Big crowds at both stadiums last night. I would really like to see a soccer game. I've tried to get tickets in the past, but wasn't ever successful. Maybe this year.
*
Scheduling readings and workshops at colleges this fall. Three college classes will be adopting Within Reach for the Fall semester. Thank you!
Thanks to all who have bought copies of Within Reach too.
*
Today I'm at the George Eastman House at a workshop meeting; then, off to a retirement party.
Time to begin this busy day . . .
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Getting closer . . .
Poem a day update:
Titles:
"Apricot Tree"
"This Forgotten Hour"
Finished 2 characters/2 pages play "Lost Track of Time." This has gone through a lot of revisions. Working on the longer play every morning. It's coming along.
Bad news/good news:
Toodles, our wise-guy cat, that came to us, like a pirate, hence the Peter Pan name, has some sort of accident Sunday night or Monday morning, and dragged himself from wherever he was to
hide under the porch. We took him to the Vets , and the good news, he has a broken pelvis, which doesn't require surgery or a cast, but 6 weeks of R&R. Can I keep a pirate cat quiet for six weeks? We'll see. But so far, so good. I really like this cat. So glad he will heal up and be right again. I'm sure he has lost several of his nine lives.
Finished a residency yesterday. We had a "working" party, and the hour flew by. For those who want to know the snack: juice boxes and Teddy Grahams, individual packs, variety of honey, chocolate and cinnamon-- a big hit! A lot of talent among those third graders. I had a lot of fun with this class.
Now I have to put together several anthologies. Once that's complete, I'm done for the school year. Time to read, paint, garden (weeding now till September), write.
More later . . .
Titles:
"Apricot Tree"
"This Forgotten Hour"
Finished 2 characters/2 pages play "Lost Track of Time." This has gone through a lot of revisions. Working on the longer play every morning. It's coming along.
Bad news/good news:
Toodles, our wise-guy cat, that came to us, like a pirate, hence the Peter Pan name, has some sort of accident Sunday night or Monday morning, and dragged himself from wherever he was to
hide under the porch. We took him to the Vets , and the good news, he has a broken pelvis, which doesn't require surgery or a cast, but 6 weeks of R&R. Can I keep a pirate cat quiet for six weeks? We'll see. But so far, so good. I really like this cat. So glad he will heal up and be right again. I'm sure he has lost several of his nine lives.
Finished a residency yesterday. We had a "working" party, and the hour flew by. For those who want to know the snack: juice boxes and Teddy Grahams, individual packs, variety of honey, chocolate and cinnamon-- a big hit! A lot of talent among those third graders. I had a lot of fun with this class.
Now I have to put together several anthologies. Once that's complete, I'm done for the school year. Time to read, paint, garden (weeding now till September), write.
More later . . .
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