You are currently browsing the monthly archive for July, 2007.
While walking through the park I ran into these bits of my past. Amazingly enough I mamaged to get myself into one. Without a doubt I’ll have a black and blue on each hip tomorrow, but I fit and that’s what counts.
A little boy and girl were having a ball swinging these empty swings. Their mom called them away, and I snapped a pic.
The Castle at Turtle Pond.
Looks like a case of Dolly Domestitis.
Dinners for today and tomorrow were prepared by noon, and I made a shopping list!
I’m even considering washing curtains and bedspreads.
Whoa - this is scaree.
How are all of you?
Every once in a while I go on a cleaning/organizing jag - today was every once in a while.
The bathroom was first on my list, and I hit it head on. Woke up feeling aggravated about nothing in particular, so the tub and sink got it good.
I ran three loads of laundry while I washed all the dishes and flatware.
Afterwards I rewarded myself with a lavender bubble bath in my now pristine tub. It was pouring out, but that didn’t stop me from loading my bag with pens and notebook and heading out.
I went to one of my favorite hideouts. A restaurant far enough from my neighborhood so I don’t see anyone I know, yet close enough to walk to and from. And they serve an endless soft drink.
I nibbled on a vegetarian pizza, drank ice tea, and worked on a list of small goals for myself. Writing things down always makes things more likely to happen for me. One of my goals is to give selling on ebay another crack.
On the way home I stopped off at Met Food, and found almost every item I needed on sale. Jackpot! Paid full price for milk, and my beloved unsalted Hotel Bar Butter. $5.98 a pound - but it’s worth it.
Now that I have a little extra time I want to start cooking again. Tomorrow I’m making my favorite spaghetti sauce with ground turkey, and a fancy tuna casserole. A sale on pasta played a big part in the decision 
Hope you all have a good Monday morning.
I rode out to Brooklyn to meet with best galpal for lunch.
We did some serious talking over our burgers.
It’s great to have someone to run things by when you need to.
Every brownstone in her area has a garden.
Some well-manicured, some run wild, but all are beautiful.
I took the F train back to Manhattan, and went to Bryant Park at 42nd Street off 5th to just hang a bit.
Now for a little bloghopping.
See you all soon.
The work of Richard Serra
Matisse’s Back I, Back II, Back III & Back IV
Fountain in the Sculpture Garden
In the DVD player: Going Shopping
Spent the last couple of days just walking around town taking pictures.
With stops here and there for writing breaks.
And a haircut.
The cut was an interesting experience. I usually tell the stylist; “just do your thing.” My hair is so fine and thin that they can’t do more than trim it with a few layers anyway.
The young lady who did it this time decided to keep it long in front and very short in the back. When I looked in the mirror it reminded me of how my mother wore her hair.
Most stylists play down my natural wave; this one played it to the hilt. My hair is twice as thick looking. Looks like she got herself a customer for life.
Well, time to put the batteries in the camera and get going.
Be back at you soon.
Frances
As seen on Manhattan Upper East Side - swanky, huh?
Manhattan’s Upper West Side - where I live!
As you know I’ve been helping a friend with their new store for quite a while now.
I didn’t make a salary, but I learned a lot about a whole new business.
Today is the last day.
The universe should be sending my next assignment along soon.
Until then I am off to IHOP for some pancakes, and then on to Blockbuster for some movies. I’m going to have my own little marathon tonight.
Peace.
Rain usually doesn’t stop me. As a matter of fact, it’s like nature is challenging me or something, so you’ll often find me out in hurricane-like conditions.
This morning I ignored the challenge, and decided to stay in for a while. I’m almost done with the laundry, and then it’s off to Starbucks with my notebook.
I’m still working on mindmapping, and found this really great site through a comment.
It’s all web-based, so you are not chained to your own computer. It also allows you to invite other users to collaborate on projects. I like it.
Time to fluff and fold.
Oh, here’s another pic from yesterday’s walk:
this adorable trio caught my eye and captured my heart this afternoon in Chelsea
I ate far more for breakfast and lunch than I should have.
Had fun connecting with members of the she who blogs group.
Kind of sorta balanced my budget.
Looked through the pictures friend Heart sent from his world travels. The man knows how to live.
Read my bloglines subscriptions to see what my online buddies are up to.
Didn’t do Saturday Photo Hunt today; the topic is tiny, and I couldn’t find a thing in any of my albums. I had dozens if it had been HUGE. Next week’s topic is creative - hopefully I’ll find something for that one during tomorrow’s photostroll.
See you all in a bit.
Took Thursday off and went to see Evan Almighty with Jersey friend.
It wasn’t just lots of laughs and great special effects; the message behind it made me teary eyed.
Then again those 20 second TV commercials where someone calls his mom just to say I love you make me cry too.
Just call me Ole Waterworks.
When I got home I watched a couple of DVDs I rented: Factory Girl & Deepak Chopra’s Seven Laws of Spiritual Success.
Factory Girl is the story of Edie Sedgwick and her days at Andy Warhol’s Factory. I’ve read quite a bit about the lovely Edie and the Factory over the years and wanted to see it. It was quite provocative, and Sienna Miller was dead sexy as Sedgwick.
I read something about mind mapping quite a while back.
And like most pots left on the back burner it eventually came to a boil.
Today I suddenly wanted to learn all I could about the subject.
I even downloaded a software trial.
So what are your new projects?
It was Sunday evening and I wanted to see a movie.
As I looked over the multi-plex’s offerings I asked the ticket lady what people were saying about Joshua
”That Johua is one scary kid.”
“Sold”
Creepy kid(s) movies have always been high on my list. Favorites include The Omen, Omen II & the original Children of the Damned.
The film was nominated twice at Sundance and won for cinematography.
It’s got this shot with a video camera kind of look that makes everything seem very real.
The movie was shot right in my neighborhood, and I recognized every single street scene.
The school Joshua attends in the film is one my where my daughter’s church used to rent space.
In one scene Joshua is at the Pond in Central Park playing with a remote control rental boats. It was boat 61 which I took a picture of recently when I was in the area.
It’s really strange to see so much familar in a movie - especially one like that.
Because I’m telling you Joshua is a one a scary kid.
Woke up this morning, and just said no
Spent the last hour and a half visiting a bunch of blog buddies, and will be meeting best galpal for dinner in the Village later.
Time to go take some pictures!
When I get back I have to tell you about the movie I saw last night - Joshua
Everyone enjoy the rest of your Monday.
Internet Cafe
Washington Square Park
Peach Cupcake
I do all my blogging from two computers, and every once in a while I want to see what my world looks like on a different screen.
So after a totally yummy buffet lunch and two, yes count ‘em two, Maharaja beers I decided to drop by the Internet Cafe for a blogging break.
The little Asian lady who runs it doesn’t waste money on air conditioning or lights. But she does have several stratedgically placed and surprisingly quiet fans that do a good job. And no use complaining - the only English she admits to is:
this is your start time
2 dollars first fifteen minutes
Thank you very very much
She also knows how to say any amount of money in English **wink wink
So let me run around and see how my sites look.
Thank you very very much
This technicolor rodent appears outside of businesses that don’t comply with union regulations.
I love the taste and aroma of a banana so ripe it’s speckled.
One of these days I’m going to fall over taking one of these!
As I stood waiting for the elevator at Penn Station I noticed myself reflected on a big metal pole.
The cool thing was I was about 10 sizes smaller!
I had to turn off the flash and snap a pic.
Let me edit that a bit:
When it rains hard in the ‘burbs I open the door. If I did that home in Manhattan my view would be of the garbage room door. In the ‘burbs the scent of wet grass and other growing things wafts in - I like it.
I’ll be heading back to the city in just a few minutes. I’m taking tomorrow off. So my schedule includes a trip to the pool, an iced chai at Starbucks where I’ll write on my NEO for at least a couple of hours, and then lunch out with a friend. It’s gonna be a great day.
I joined something called Stumbleupon; my screen name is coffeebarchick.
Any of you on it?
Ciao for now.
Hubby got me a summer membership at a nearby gym. I was actually a member for quite a while, but in the last few years I just haven’t made the time. The place has an indoor pool, whirlpool bath and a steam room. My back, right hip and leg have been giving me hell, so today I let the water jets pound away at these nagging areas. A long steam followed by a just right temperature shower completed Project De-Stress. The goal is to do this at least four days a week, because not only does it reduce the stress, but I ‘m more conscious of what I eat for the rest of the day.
Oh here’s a laugh for you.
Click this link to find out how your screen’s cursor really works.
Give it a bit of time to load, and then move your cursor to the center of the page. When a circle appears move your cursor around - you’ll laugh. When you stop the cursor - you’ll laugh even more.
Waving at you from a New York so hot you could fry eggs on the sidewalk,
Frances
Yesterday my Jersey friend and I hit the mall at Pavonia Newport in Jersey City, NJ.
Malls are scarce here in Manhattan; they do much better in the outer boroughs.
We had late lunch at a restaurant near the mall; we were in a tablecloth and silverware mood. The waitress was so nice, every restaurant ought to have someone like her around. And I had Bananas Foster for dessert. Yes, I know that’s roughly a bazillion calories, but I just had to have it.
Part of our plan was a movie and we saw an exciting one: Live Free Die Hard
Two hours and ten minutes of mind blowing special effects and lots of bang bang kapow.
Matt Farell is adorable as a super geek.
In between the meal and movie we checked out the stores. I got two t-style tops at Macy’s. One a hot pink batik with a bright orange-yellow flower - very 70’s. The other is a very basic grey that can be dressed up or down.
Of course my camera was with me. Here’s a couple of shots - the rest will be my Wordless Wednesday.
I usually post memes at my meme blog - The Meme Section.
Creative writing ones live at blogforth.
This is one special, because Jennie tagged me.
Participants:
1. Make a list of 8 random things about yourself and/or your life on your own blog.
2. Tag 8 other bloggers leaving a comment on their blog with a link to your post
1.) I am one of life’s true pedestrians. I’ve never been on an airplane, can’t ride a bike, can’t rollerskate, can’t skateboard, can’t ice skate and don’t drive.
2.) I got married in a jogging suit and Nikes. When our daughter got married, we did a church wedding and dressed to the nines.
3.) I’ve seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show over one hundred times.
4.) I hate having my picture taken so much, that I did not allow photography when I got married. Hey, I know you would have loved to have seen the jogging suit and Nikes. I did pose for pics at my daughters wedding, but when the pictures were posted online none with me were included.
5.) I always carry at least two sometimes three cell phones; each of them is from a different carrier.
6.) I never lie about my age or weight.
7.) I must have a blanket around me when I sleep.
8.) Three teddy bears, one toy gorilla, and a Chuckie doll live on my bed.
My friend is returning this evening, so 84 hour weeks officially end today.
Insert a sigh of relief here that could be heard in three states.
I didn’t do Thursday Thirteen yesterday, because I didn’t realize yesterday was Thursday until today when I realized it was Friday so that meant yesterday had to be Thursday, right?
One look at the above clearly indicates the writer needs a bit of a rest.
Think I’ll have some ice cold grapefruit juice while it’s quiet around here.
Catch you all later.
Looks like everyone is taking off this week. I’m not surprised; it’s what usually happens with a mid-week holiday.
Sunday Day Off went well. I saw Ratatouille; imagine a movie that actually made you want a rat in your own kitchen. And of course, they advertised the Ratatouille video game before the movie. Hey they wanted to make sure the kiddies knew about it; parents might want to hustle out of the theatre before the closing credits.
Did some photostrolling as you can see in my previous post.
And even bought myself some new kicks - neato Nikes with blue trim.
I redid my blogforth header with one of yesterday’s pictures (not shown here); what do you think?
See ya later.
How are all of you?
It’s so nice to have a whole day of whatever I want ahead of me.
I scratched laundry off my list first thing this morning; I’ll be off on the 4th, so I’ll so it then.
Rented an interesting movie on the IFC channel: Pierrepoint. Albert Pierrepoint was England’s most prolific hangman. Quite a few hangings take place in the film, but Pierrepoint’s sense of calm and compassion keeps them from becoming gory money shots.
Time to get myself dressed and out the door. I’m actually going to meet a friend for a - movie. And of course some shopping and lunch and chat will be part of the mix.
Everyone enjoy your day.
Be back later.
Peace.
