In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Forever Young.”
Bonaparte and I were walking through Nordstrom’s the other day when I spotted the most beautiful dress. I’m telling you, this dress spoke to me.
This dress also spoke to a couple of celebrities who are younger, thinner, and more leggier than me!
Yeah. Definitely younger!
It said:
“Hello Cathe!” “Come over.” “Feel me”. “Take me in your arms and caress me and walk to the fitting room and try me on”. “I shall be yours.” “I am the kind of little black dress that you adore”. “Simple with a rather subtle white lace collar and cuffs—the kind of dress that a woman who has worn uniforms for years loves….”
I was in a trance. Really. I was!
Oh beautiful Ted Baker dress, you had me at the white lace collar!!!!!
Bonaparte knew what I was thinking—he saw that glazed look. He knew I was going to grab that dress. But before I could even reach out to grab the hanger, he tapped me on the shoulder and said to me:
“Cassie!” “Ou cannot try zhat dress on.” “Pu’ eet bek”. “Ou ahr too ol’ to wahr eet.” “Em sorry, Cassie—eez jus’ too short for a womahn of ewahr ahzh.”
Translation: Cathe. You cannot try that dress on. Put it back. You are too old to wear it. I’m sorry Cathe, it’s just too short for a woman of your age”.
His words hit me like a quick, sharp slap to the face. I had an emotional welt.
When we got into the car I teared up and told him that I wanted to be young forever.
The reality is, I can’t be young forever.
When I arrived home I took a good look at myself. My legs are not taut the way they were when I was young. My knees are growing crepey. My thighs are a bit flabby and the blue tint of lined veins are starting to surface.
I’ll tell you, the best fake tan cannot disguise the marks of age that my legs have acquired. The short, short dresses are a thing of the past for me. But WHY do designers not create more youthful looks for women over 50–or 60????
The dress was so short that even with black tights and over-the-knee boots, I would look like I was trying to recapture the days of my youth—and I have to admit, it wouldn’t really look that great. It would look like a costume.
That dress was so short if I bent over my “origin of the world” would be in full view! (Google Gustave Courbet’s painting “The Origin of the World” and you’ll know what I’m talking about!)
I realized two things after that little trip to Nordies.
The first is that I’m sad that designers only make cute dresses geared to youth. Had Ted Baker made the same dress in various lengths, I definitely would have purchased it if it just grazed the middle of my knees. I may be older, but I like my dresses at a shorter, not below-the-knee length.
The second realization is this—I may be older, but my spirit remains youthful. My spirit and my thoughts will always remain youthful. I never want to shut my mind and spirit off to anything new and exciting.
Would I drink from the Fountain of Youth if I had the opportunity?
I may partake in a little sip of the youth’s “eau de vivre”!
I wouldn’t drink—but I most definitely would take a sip or two–if only for my spirit!
Are you like me? Do you love documentaries the way I do? There’s nothing like a great documentary (Or as Bonaparte calls them “document-AIRzzz“) to give you a peek into the world of photography, food, other cultures—just about anything!
Documentaries bring out the nerd in me. They feed my appetite for curiosity downright nosiness!
So do you also love music the way I do? I need my daily dose of music—it’s my drug of choice! So many types of music—and so much history. Music is a pleasurable form of education!
Doctor Atypical60 says a daily dose of music makes you happy! I’m back to my dosage of Roots Music! This collection is great!
Yesterday I had the best of both worlds by watching a GREAT musical documentary “This Ain’t No Mouse Music”.
It’s on Netflix. Trust ME–if you get the chance you MUST watch this. If you love music you HAVE to watch this–it is EPIC greatness!
This Ain’t No Mouse Trailer –Check out Ry Cooder!
The film follows the search for the elusive Roots music and other indigenous music that add to the gumbo of our American music scene. This search is led by Chris Strachwitz, the founder of Arhoolie Records.
Chris Strachwitz with Mance Lipscomb in the early days. I got this photo from Texas Monthly. I love the look on Strachwitz’s face–he’s beaming with happiness. I would be too if I had met Mance Lipscomb!
If it weren’t for Chris Strachwitz, there is a good possibility much of this music would go unnoticed and fade away into oblivion except for those who still play these jewels within their own regional locales.
Watching Strachwitz literally resurrect our roots musicians is a musical miracle. Honestly, I don’t know if he discovered or “re” discovered many local musicians from the various regions of our country, but he sure did collect an awful lot of great ones.
James Brown may be the Godfather of Soul–but Chris Strachwitz is the “Godfather of American Roots” music! I snapped this picture while watching the film!
Among them, Mance Lipscomb, a local South Texas blues singer who was an important part of this film. He, along with a young sharecropper, Yank Thornton, wrote a song, “Tom Moore’s Farm”, which Lipscomb recorded for Strachwitz. Lipscomb’s request was that the song not be played until after Lipscomb died. He was afraid of what Tom Moore would do—Moore had a huge plantation and wasn’t very kind to his workers. Years later another blues singer, Lightnin’ Hopkins recorded the song changing the name “Tom” to “Tim”. These recordings are an amazing piece of history—you can hear how badly people were treated through both men’s voices and through the song’s lyrics. The singing is pure and stripped down. True soul—which makes it all the more beautiful.
Lightnin’ Hopkins and Clifton Chenier.What I wouldn’t give to have seen these two play some live music–I wouldn’t be able to sit down!
Forget the glitz and over produced country garbage that hits the top 40 charts these days. The old timey country music—the naked songs, stripped of the glamour, are the ones that can be very moving. These songs have feeling and heart. You can hear the pain and anguish and it goes directly through your skin and past your bones and rests in your soul. There is a sad and almost eerie quality to many of the songs—but they are just so wonderful to listen to that you are completely mesmerized and placed into a musical trance.
THIS is as glitzy as it gets! No lasers, no fireworks on stage–just musicians and their instruments!
The film also includes a plethora of information about Arhoolie records, the record company Strachwitz created. Arhoolie is a collection of incredible CD’s—many that you can purchase online. Trust me—I already ordered a few. If you love Roots music, you will adore this record company!
I felt like a kid in a candy store when I went onto Arhoolie’s site. Oh. My. Godfather of American Roots Music. I cannot wait to order more music! The link to their website is below. Go have a look-see–you’ll go nuts!
A bit of trivia here. Remember Woodstock? Remember Country Joe and The Fish’s song “I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag”? Strachwitz was the first to record the song. And—after he gained publishing rights to the song, he later paid Country Joe for the song’s royalties!
WTF has happened to music with a social message? Where are the anti-war songs today? We need the hippie era back. We need bands like Country Joe!
The film also focuses on the different types of regional music like Mexican, Bluegrass, and the great music of Louisiana.
Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil was a good part of this documentary as well.I could listen to him all day too!
And this is where the film got me! It’s been years since I have been in Louisiana. New Orleans in particular. I still cook up a mean Gumbo—it’s become a family staple. I can whip up a fantastic crawfish etouffee and for dessert the best bangin’ pralines this side of the Mason Dixon line. And while I used to cook all those delights on a regular basis, the Cajun music would be playing in the background. And I would grab the kids and we would start dancing around the house! The music DID that to us!
MEAT! The “Boucherie” in Cajun country is a perfect excuse for music, dance, drinking and eating. Why did I never have reason to move down to Louisiana? I’m coming back in my next life as La Jolie Brunette this way I can enjoy!
But—my Louisiana music had been “resting” on a shelf downstairs.
Seriously–who does not want to be a part of THIS? Get me a plane ticket and I’m gonna be a part of the band–I’ll sing my heart out!
It’s been a while since I dusted my Cajun cd’s off and played them. I’m listening Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys “Deux Valses A Wayne Perry” as I write this. Luckily and fatefully, watching this movie made me take those cd’s out and listen to them again!
Cajun/Creole music is a part of American Roots music, but those musical roots come from France—in particular, Brittany. The music of Brittany, Breton, comes from the Irish…and the roots branch out to parts unknown.
Bagad Lann Bihoue–Totally French and yet Celtic at the same time–and may I add this guy looks an awful lot like Wilson Savoy of “Pine Leaf Boys”!……
…and the music of Brittany (Breton) stems from Irish Traditional Music, here John Wynne (Yes. He’s my cousin and a fine musician!) leads a master class!
Cajun runs the gamut—sad songs, happy songs, songs about heartbreak and love—it’s all there!
As painful as the blues are, Zydeco is happy and fun and carefree.
Boudin, a strong Hurricane drink and Buckwheat Zydeco is sure to make your spirits rise!!!
Regional Mexican Music—Tejano music. Simple and pure—and the Mexican accordion definitely has a different attitude than the Cajun accordion. This is music that influenced Tex-Mex musician Joe King Carasco and others. It’s great party music—but many of the songs were about being poor and were geared toward the laborers and working class!
The regional Mexican music is beautiful–and had a great influence on many singers!
Another great thing about “This Ain’t No Mouse Music” was finding new roots musicians. Seeing and listening is learning!
No Mouse Music–just pure, raw, stripped down Roots music is what we need to listen to!
Pine Leaf Boys: Wilson Savoy, a member of this band is son of the famous Cajun musician Marc Savoy. It’s Cajun music with a bit of a youthful edge!
Pine Leaf Boys. Tell me the guy with the accordion, Wilson Savoy, doesn’t look like the guy above in the French military band playing Breton music!
Big Momma Thornton: definitely an influence on Elvis Aaron Presley. Her version of “Hound Dog” is bluesy and hits the heart.
Bit Momma Thornton had an even bigger voice! Check it out below:
No Speed Limit: Modern Bluegrass band that’s a throwback to old bluegrass. Amber Collins has a voice that could break glass—and I mean that in the best way ever!
This CD is on my list–I’m intrigued with Appalachian music thanks to “This Ain’t No Mouse Music”!
I also learned that the iconic Ry Cooder is alive and kickin’!!
Ry Cooder with Chris Strachwitz at the now defunct but wonderful Tower Records.
My point is this. You like music? Ever wonder where certain sounds and genre’s come from? Ever wonder what started it all in our country?
Here’s how strong the power of music is–Pine Leaf Boys in Uzebekistan! Man–music can create world peace!
Great clip of Pine Leaf Boys in Uzebekistan!
Take a step back. Focus on where it all began and where it all came about.
You’ll thank me for it!
Oh..and yes. I DO like mouse music too. I enjoy the happy-go-lucky poppiness of Abba, KC and his band of sunshine, Laurent Voulzy and many others. It’s just that I have a special fondness and love of the obscure roots music that adds to our diverse and wonderful America!
Today–I end this with Mance Lipscomb’s “Tom Moore’s Farm”. Listen–and feel the anguish and blues! It’ll move you! XOXOXOXO!! Seriously.
Hey. I know you will love today’s post! I’ve decided to make a regular posting about beauty from my alter ego “The Paupered Princess”. I’m gonna try to do this on a weekly basis. (TRY!)
While I realize that I am by far NO expert on the subject, I do have a few bits to add.
I’m 60 years old. This means that I do NOT possess the looks that I had 40, 30, 20, or even 10 years ago.
This is 60. I can’t hide anything–especially the scar below my mouth (the one where I literally bit through my lip from a bathtub accident)..but I work with what I have!
I have turkey neck.
Turkey neck, lines, spots, all the “character” that comes with age! I got it!
I have freckles and spots on my face.
I have wrinkles.
I have wrinkles…..and…
The only way I can get rid of them is to walk around like an overexposed selfie. I would look like a FREAK!!!!!! Really–I don’t want to lose face!!!
My mouth isn’t looking as “bee stung” as it was when I was younger—it’s looking more like fish lips.
This photo is by Richard Austin–but how did he know my lips now look like this??
I’ve even been mistaken for a “sir” when I left the house without makeup. Sad and humiliating but true!
Fear not. I know what my imperfections are and I know how to work around them.
I am wise enough to know that NO amount of beauty cream or skin products—including the new “Blur” products will turn back the clock and turn the skin on my face to that akin of a baby’s bottom. Ain’t gonna happen.
I was fortunate enough to try a sample of this. Fortunate enough in the fact I never had to waste the money. This is the biggest waste of money. It is nothing more than a renamed primer! It won’t make you look younger! It won’t erase the lines!
Botox and fillers are out of the question for me. I cannot afford them at this point in my unemployed life! Besides, if I could afford to have these injections, you had better believe I would find the BEST doctor to administer these drugs—I want to be subtle!
With all due respect to Jocelyn Wildenstein, I realize she is a great patron of the arts and animal rights, but this woman was absolutely beautiful before she reconfigured her facial features!
A surgical face lift would suffice—and there’s no way on the face (pun intended?) of this earth I can afford to do that right now!
So today, I’m going to focus on the most basic of my beauty products. The roots of what turn this old and decrepit (well, at least according to advertisers and cosmetics companies I’m decrepit!) woman into a half-way decent human being.
All these products are incredibly affordable too…so let’s play!
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser: This is my “Holy Grail” of cleansers. I refuse to take my makeup off with anything else. A 12-ounce jar costs about $11.00 and is worth its weight in gold. A little bit is all you need. Makeup and dirt literally “MELT” away. Wipe off well with a damp wash cloth and your skin is makeup free with no residue.
This is the greatest makeup remover of all time! As soon as I hit the bottom third of the jar, I run out to by more. It can be difficult to track down, but I’ve had great luck purchasing this at Bed, Bath and Beyond! It is affordable and a little goes a long, long way!
Water—H2O: OK. We all have to pay a water bill—so this beauty bit is included in that fee! Seriously. After wiping my face clear of the Albolene, I splash water on my face. First, I splash warm water, and then dry with a towel. Then I splash cold water on my face to close the pores—AND it just feels good. Also—drinking plenty of water is just healthy for both the outside and inside of your body!
Don’t forget the importance of water. It IS an essential beauty product!
Moisturizing Cream: Presently, I’m using Olay Active Hydrating Lotion. The cost? Around $6.00 at Walmart. I’ll use the “Equate” brand dupe most of the time which costs about $3.50 at Walmart. I switch between the two when I can’t find one or the other. Either way, BOTH ARE THE SAME! Both creams make my skin soft and don’t make my face feel tight—and that’s the goal. You do NOT need to spend a fortune.
This is basically the old school “Oil of Olay” but repackaged. It works just as well as any high end moisturizer!
Chapstick: I’ve written this before and I’ll write it again. Chapstick, at about a buck a tube, works just the same way that a “Blur” product will. I’ll swipe the old Stick of Chap on crow’s feet and around my mouth and it helps to fill those little lines in. Is it a miracle worker? Hell no—but it assists in the smooth application of makeup!
I apply the “Stick of Chap” to my crows feet. They still remain, but Chapstick fills in those lines just a l’il bit–AND is far less pricey than any “blur” product!
Sally Hansen Crème Hair Remover Duo Kit: Ladies—this is all about that friggin’ moustache AND the halo of fuzz that we grow with age. Do NOT tell me that hasn’t happened to you because then I will be very jealous and/or not believe you! (Just kidding—if you are not privy to this, you are lucky!). This remover does have a little vial of skin conditioner but I don’t use it. The hair remover is more important to me. I paid five dollars and change for this due at Ulta. It works. It works just as well as the wax job I get at the nail place, but truth be told; sometimes I’m just too lazy to drive down the street to get my lip waxed. Five minutes after applying, the hair is gone. But—I wash my face and HANDS like crazy after this. God forbid any gets on the TOP of my head—the hair I DO have left is too near and dear to me!!! I can’t lose any more—LOL!
Two recent purchases at Ulta. The Crème Hair Remover Kit by Sally Hansen is a must to have on hand when you just don’t make it to have your face waxed!
My impersonation of Santa Claus? NOPE! It’s my Beauty Cause!!! Gotta look like a girl again!
Bye bye lady whiskers!
Toppik: Speaking of the hair on my head…….Toppik is another one of my “Holy Grails”. The price has gone up to $24.95 recently, but with that price jump comes more product. A jar of this lasts me about 8 weeks. That’s about 12.50 a month. Believe me; this is priceless in terms of confidence and self-esteem!
As you can see, the shaker went from .36 oz to .42 oz. More of the stuff I need. Reminds me–I have a blow out tomorrow. I have to put this in my purse!
Note-these are just the basic roots of my beauty products. From these products I build. Some days I don’t even bother to wear makeup at all—but I still use these products. Other days I’ll just put a bit of makeup on and others—well, I do the whole shebang—but those are for my future Beauty Bits!
Random Inexpensive Beauty Masks: You can find these in any beauty aisle of any drug store or in Ulta or Sephora. I usually pick one up when I feel my skin needs a bit of extra love! Take a half hour to just sit and Zen!
Hey. I scared my dog, Chippy, with this look–but a face mask is a fun and relaxing Zen moment for your visage!
My point is this: you do NOT have to spend a fortune on skin care! Save the money for a dinner at a great restaurant or put the money saved to your travels!
BTW, this is how I look today after using the cheapo skin products and some makeup. The lines are still there, but I work around everything–and I’ll always be cross-eyed, but I’ve learned it’s ok–that’s what makes my looks way different and unique! OH..and I did my hair myself—on Sunday. Dirty hair looks good!
I’m going off topic (or shall I say “Toppik”) today with my music. I’ve been listening to Cajun music and I LOVE BeauSoleil. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Louisiana. Here’s “Lil Darlin”—because all Atypical60’ers ARE Lil’ Darlin’s!! XOXOXOXOXOO! Get up and DANCE!!!!!
What actually prompted me to go for the challenge is simply this.
I equate street art with graffiti. I’m not a fan of graffiti. Yeah. I know, it’s urban (and at this point in time suburban) art. In most cases, I look at it as a form of vandalism. ( I’m old school. I like my art to hang on a wall)
I’m so tired of seeing old subway cars being sprayed. I’m exhausted of counting the amounts of graffiti displayed along my ride from CDG airport to Paris Centre. I’m disgusted with seeing beautiful buildings and the less-than-stellar graffiti that adorns and ruins them.
It’s ugly. No. It’s FUGLY!
Wanna draw? Get a paper and crayons.
But I digress!
There IS a form of graffiti, if you will, that I’m rather fond of!. And it adorns a building in Cannes!
And here it is!! I. Am. So. Hip!!!!!
Alain Delon!!! Who says I don’t appreciate street art????? I made Bonaparte drive past this at least once a day when we were on the Cote d’ Azur this summer! Me-owwwww!!
Even better. Dalida’s duet “Paroles Paroles” with Alain Delon. His voice. Yum!
Bonaparte and I headed into Astoria this past weekend.
This view of the Brooklyn/Queens Expressway from the passenger side is looking mighty familiar these days!
We went to visit Roman at his apartment.
Lazy Mom was so excited to see her sons that she could not focus the smart phone camera too well. That wasn’t smart!
Jake came in from Brooklyn and all four of us headed out to a great brunch at “Sugar Freak” restaurant. I’ll get to that later.
What a forced smile! He’s basically saying”ANNOYING mom–get that camera away from me”!
Anyway, it dawned on me that I hadn’t made any baked goodies in a while. It’s summer. I hate—and I mean HATE to use the oven during the months of July and August. September also falls into the category of no oven as well because the September heat and humidity can be just as bad, if not worse than August. Believe me, I will use the oven during those months, but I scale down on—especially with my baking! Things start cooling down by September’s end. Gradually, I get back into baking with happiness and a passion with Christmas being my absolute pinnacle!
When the kids were young, I would bake during summer vacation and send all sorts of baked goods into their classrooms at the beginning of the school year. I’ve become extremely lazy and slothful during these empty-nest years!
Yeah–I’m pretty much slothful lazy mom–except unlike THIS sloth, I’m better dressed!
Late Friday afternoon I was stuck on the Schuylkill parkway. I was driving back from Philly and had a baking epiphany! And so I decided to make a pit stop at Wegman’s to get some ingredients to bake a nice big batch of cookies to bring to Roman.
I picked up some eggs, butter, chocolate chunks, pecans, and pretzels. I would compromise a basic chocolate chip cookie recipe and use my own add-ins.
Then something happened as I approached the line to pay. My slothful laziness hit me in the form of another one of my bright ideas!
I didn’t have to “BAKE” at all!
No siree!
I went back to the aisles until I found an insulated cookie sheet!
I purchased this GREAT cookie sheet. ALWAYS use the insulated ones–they make for more even baking and the cookie bottoms don’t get burnt!
Next, I went over to the paper goods aisle and purchased a roll of parchment paper!
Besides baked goods, parchment is GREAT for cooking fish and has tons of other uses. I’m never without.
I went home and proceeded to make cookie batter.
After breaking the pretzels in little pieces, and mixing in the chocolate chunks and pecans, I went into the pantry and took out white chocolate morsels to add to the mix.
The pretzels add that to-die-for saltiness to the sweetness of the chocolate chunks and white chocolate morsels. The pecans–they just add more texture and flavor!
I lovingly mixed sugar and eggs together. Added the vanilla. Added the mix of chocolates, pecans and pretzels.
Adding the eggs ……
…and the batter is complete. My willpower is always gone when a batter is completed. I cannot help serving myself a taste–or eleven!
Then, I scooped individual mounds of cookie onto my own Silpated cookie sheets. I popped the sheets into the fridge to harden the dough overnight.
Forgive me–this is corn cookie dough ready for the fridge. I forgot to take a pic of the chocolate chunk ones–but you get the idea!
Next morning I placed the mounds of dough into plastic zippy bags.
The dough hardens so that you can place the individual scoops in a plastic bag and freeze. No need to defrost before baking!
Cookie sheet, parchment paper, cookie dough in bags, and well-thought instructions that I wrote onto a sheet of paper made a great little gift!
I placed the cookie sheet, the parchment paper, the cookie dough and the instructions in a cute bag. Made a nice gift!
The more I thought about my creative thinking—the more I was giving her royal laziness a pat on my back!
Really—think about it. Had I baked 36 very large cookies, chances are half of them would have gone uneaten. THIS lazy way, allows my son to bake small amounts at random!
Bad a Boom!!! Or should I say Bad “Mom” A Boom!
Laziness aside, my point is that I could have just opted to “fuhggetaboudit” altogether and just wait till the cool weather returns. THEN I could complete the task and deliver the goods. But—there is always a solution and that solution can be turned into a positive thing—right?
Besides. Mothers are the busiest women on the face of the earth!
Back to brunch!
Astoria, Queens used to be known for its many Greek restaurants. Then something happened. Astoria evolved into a foodie haven—or heaven! There are great little restaurants on every street! It’s a great place—and since rents are so astronomically high in Manhattan, along with Brooklyn now becoming hip, chic, and the place to be, Astoria, as well as other communities in Queens are coming into their own.
Anyway, we are huge fans of Louisiana cuisine—especially Cajun!
My stellar photography skills–you CAN see the Sugar Freak sign under the awning–I just didn’t want to disturb the outdoor diners!
Sugar Freak is a very popular restaurant. I hadn’t waited on a line in ages. But the twenty minute wait ended in a great, GREAT brunch! Here are some photos of our meal for you to drool over!
We started out with Kir Royales (which were a great bargain at Six bucks.) AND we ordered Brunch Oysters. Oysters slathered in a delicious Hollandaise sauce with bacon. Again, I’m sorry that the oysters are missing from this pic, but I wolfed them down so fast! They were so delicious–I even slurped the sauce. Besides being a sloth, I’m also a pig!
I had the three poached eggs with Jambalaya. I’ve been to New Orleans many times and THIS Jambalaya was the best I’ve ever had!
Jake had the same as me, but with scrambled rather than poached eggs.
Roman had the Sugar Freak breakfast. Eggs. Grits. Boudin. Gravy and a biscuit! I tasted the grits and they were out of this world great!
Bonaparte went with the Eggs in Purgatory–poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with sliced baguette. Hey. He’s French–baguettes follow him around. The Eggs in Purgatory was “Heavenly”!
The service was the only area where I’ll add my constructive criticism. Our server was really wonderful. She took our orders, checked on us a couple of times, and thankfully, left us alone. My critique lies within the bussing staff—and I blame management for this. Please—and I beg you; do NOT clear the dishes off the table until EVERYONE is finished with their meals. Aarrrgghhh! That drives me batty. Nobody wants to be rushed. We are not staying in the restaurant all day. I realize management’s goal is to turn a profit, but diners do NOT want to feel pushed out. Tweak this little issue and you have one fantastic restaurant!
Even so, if you get the chance and are out and about in Queens try to make it to Sugar Freak—you’ll have a great time!
Take it from Lazy Mom–unbaked cookie dough and a trip to NYC’s Astoria make for a fun day!
XOXOXOXO!!! For some reason going to brunch brought back memories of years ago–when my friends and I would spend hours at brunch in NYC–and I was reminded of this great Michael Franks song “Eggplant”–it’s an oldie but Greatie!!!
Oh boy. I just cannot begin to tell you just how busy the past few days have been for me.
I have been to HELL and back. I’m not talking about being stuck on the Belt Parkway either!
Believe me–stuck in traffic on the Belt Parkway is ONE version of hell on earth!
I interviewed Satan. Oh yes I did!
Anne Rice may have interviewed the vampire, but I got to interview THIS guy!
OK. You know how my bestie Hipster Jesus judged Josh Duggar for sexual molestation.
Josh did the dirty with his SISTERS and a family friend!!! Remember how Joshie falsely and arrogantly begged for my Hipster Jesus’ forgiveness. Remember how all those Duggar Humpers prayed too? You think my Jesus is a freakin’ moron?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Nobody puts MY Hipster Jesus in a corner!
All that praying to be forgiven made things worse. Joshie—our little real life Weepy the WeeWee, is at it again!!!
Actually, for some reason, I doubt Josh Duggar’s wee wee is weeping! But then again, if he caught some sort of disease……….
He’s a member of “Ashley Madison”!!! Ashley Madison is a site where married men to go cheat on their wives!!!! Can you believe this?
Mr. “Family Values” doughboy is at it again. This time he’s a cheat!!! What a great example of hypocrisy!
Josh Duggar, who, along with his Duggar litter, family, freak fest, cult pontificates about “family values” and who blames GAY people for destroying the sanctity of marriage, CHEATS ON HIS WIFE!!
He also loves Porn!!! Oh. I’m not talking food porn either, I’m talking naughty schoolgirl porn!!
Look at those DuggarMale faces! Joshie must be showing them naughty porn pics! Ewwww. John David, to the far left, has the creepiest expression on his face! The others just look stunned, scared, and some appear to be quite happy!
There is just so much to soak in here. The Duggar Family who *cough* all live “Godly” lives and quote the Bible (which, by the way is a man-made story book), and Psalms—you know, those writings with numbers like “Paul 13.1”, all judge others’ behaviors and condemn anyone who doesn’t live by their ideology. (Maybe mommy Michelle teaches her homeschooled pack of wild animals, pod, litter, brood math with those Psalm equations!)
Michelle and the younger Duggars make signs.
Making signs. Boy, Michelle Duggar must be teaching her advanced displacement class!
But getting back to Joshie. His family released a statement last week—but then edited it.
Anyway, in the first statement, Josh blamed Satan for his naughty actions!
At least Flip Wilson joked about blaming the Devil! Joshie was serious!
Imagine that! Josh didn’t even own up to going on line and registering for Ashley Madison and he didn’t own up to looking at naked ladies doing very weird stuff on the net. In fact, Josh also has a fake Facebook page and is friends with girls who look like jailbait.
So anyway, back to Satan.
This was too enticing for me. I mean, I’m pretty much an equal opportunist!
I feel bad that the Duggar and their fake Christian fund-a-mental-ist ilk actually have the nerve to use my Hipster Jesus as an excuse to hide behind whilst spewing hatred and bigotry.
Boy–this family really loves to blame everyone else but themselves. How true these words are!
I also felt so bad for Satan because Josh actually pointed the finger at him and blamed that little devil for the dirty filthy deviant sicko actions he carried out! I HAD to find out for myself just what Satan thought of this little pudgy sex machine!
It was a tough task to undertake, but I did it! First off, I had to call Hipster Jesus to get his permission to make the trip to Hades.
You really didn’t think I would go to Hell on my own–did you? I wanted permission first!
Hipster Jesus told me it was ok to do so. First of all, Jesus is very busy figuring out how he’s going to try to get those dirty politicians to just leave him alone. Jesus also explained to me that he’s got so much weeding out to do with the spirits. He further explained that sometimes it really is difficult to distinguish between the really good souls and those who are just so phoney!
Hipster Jesus sometimes has a hard time weeding out the good from the evil! Case in point! Josh is evil–Jeb is….well, he’s just plain ol’ dumb but the jury is still out!
He also told me to suggest to Satan that he start digging a bit deeper as he’ll be sending tons of spirits down for a meet and greet!
I felt really bad for my Hipster Jesus. He’s working overtime to handle prayer requests. He’s upset because he hardly receives any prayers of thanks!
Guilty as charged! Oh..I’m no angel, but I will thank my hipster Jesus for all that I have!
His instructions to me were to wear red so I would “blend”. He also said that Michael the Archangel would be accompanying me because he didn’t want any funny business thrown my way by Satan. I was further instructed to walk down to the sewer at the end of my street at midnight. Michael would be waiting for me and would bring me to the underworld.
Michael the Archangel would be accompanying me. Apparently he’s one of the few who actually intimidates Satan so he would be my protector!
I dressed appropriately. My red J. Crew Tippi sweater, my red J. Crew Flouncy skirt and my red slut heels were the perfect ensemble. The only issue was that I may have been really hot and sweaty since this outfit was more of a winter one. But—a serious journalist must do her job!
I dressed in red but was concerned about the heaviness of the fabric! Oh well, I’m a dedicated journalist and I suffer for my craft!
Michael looked great! He’s such a character! He miraculously changed up his look so that he resembled John Travolta’s role of him in the film “Michael”. He said it was to appear more human!
Seeing Michael the Archangel like this, I just wanted to start dancing with him to “Chain of Fools”–just like in the movie–but I had serious work to do!
After meeting at the sewer, off we went. In a flash, I was at the entrance to Hell!
Boy, was it hot! Now why I know why they call it an inferno! When the door opened, there stood Satan, flames at his feet.
It made me wonder if Michael Flatley had been visiting—after all, one of his shows was named “Lord of the Dance—Feet of Flames”!
I dunno–I’m seriously wondering just WHERE Michael Flatley got the “Feet of Flames” idea? Has he been visiting someone????????
I was somewhat shocked when Satan and Michael exchanged pleasant greetings. But as Satan made a motion for me follow him, he explained that even though they may not agree on everything, he and Michael and Hipster Jesus do have a mutual respect for each other. I thought that was nice.
It’s true. They don’t agree on anything. But they need to work together to weed out and separate the good from the evil!
It was also quite shocking for me to be led into Satan’s air-conditioned office! Again, he explained that I was not the first human to visit and interview him and visitors just need a more comfortable place to speak with him. Then he laughed and told me that even he sometimes needs some cooling off time!
Satan’s office! Who knew? Thankfully for my sake it was cold as a fridge!
What follows is the transcript of my interview. I have made this exclusively available to my friends because it is really important for me to see that people really understand the mind of truly evil people like Josh Duggar and his family and their fake Christian peers.
ME: “First of all, I would like to thank you for allowing me to interview you”. “Would you like me to call you Mr. Satan, or is it permissible for me to refer to you as “Sate”?
SATAN: “Cathe.” “This is Hell.” “You don’t have to be so formal; Sate is fine”
ME: “Ok. Let’s Begin”. “I’m sure you are fully aware of Josh Duggar’s recent actions—what, with his membership to Ashley Madison and his obsession with porn and other dirty delights…” “But, what bothers me is that his family made a statement in which Josh blamed YOU, Satan, for his sins of the flesh.” “A short time later the statement was edited”. “How do you feel about being blamed—are you annoyed”?
SATAN: “That’s a good question”. “It bothered me a lot that Josh placed the blame on me!” “He’s an adult and he needs to own and take responsibility for his actions.” “Listen—I don’t tempt anyone!” “People know the difference between right and wrong—it’s called a conscience” “All too often people make decisions that are both wrong and downright evil and the weakest links blame me because they are too cowardly to own up to their actions”. “The only time I truly tempted anyone was when Jesus was in the desert for those forty days–and I wasn’t really TEMPTING him–I was just messing with him” “Jesus is a strong dude–he paid no attention to me”
ME: “Ok. I get what you are saying”. “However, many people are saying that had Josh Duggar had been raised outside of the Quiverfull or whatever cult Jim Bob and Michelle belong to, Josh wouldn’t have been so suppressed and he would have also been taught that certain actions are wrong…….”
SATAN: (interrupting)”…Hold on Cathe—let me say something” “EVERYONE has an innate sense of what is right and wrong—no matter how they are raised.” “Let me give you an example: Remember when you were 13 years old? You shoplifted a lipstick from a five-and-dime store. When you got home, you were behaving rather quietly and your mom asked you if you were ok. You told her you were. Then you went upstairs to your bedroom and started crying because you felt bad that you not only stole the lipstick, but you lied to your mother” “Do you remember what you did next?”
ME: “Oh my God!” “Yes! I remember!!” “I went into my top drawer, took out a dollar because the lipstick was only eighty-nine cents!” “I got on my bike and rode back to the store and placed the dollar by the cash register!” “I made sure that nobody was near the register” “Then—the next Saturday I went to Confession. I was soooo upset that I did something just so bad!”
SATAN: “My point exactly!” “You had an INNATE sense that what you did was wrong” “You didn’t blame me and you didn’t sit in your room trying to justify your actions by pointing the finger at me either” “You didn’t kneel by your bed to ask God’s forgiveness while admiring that frosty pink lippie” “Instead, you rode your bike back to the store and more or less paid for the lipstick. You handled the situation by owning up to it in confession” “And I have to say, it almost hurt me that you were so upset about your actions but it proves that you realized you did wrong and you made right”. “I was defeated, but my point is that you KNEW the difference between wrong and right”
ME: (Eye rolling) “Yeah. Thanks for bringing THAT up”. “But I have to admit, I LOVED that lipstick. I’m glad I went back to pay for it—*sigh* the things kids do!!!”
SATAN: “The Duggar parents teach their kids wrong from right in a different way” “They confuse their children by raising them to think that dressing in a certain way is “sinful”.”They control their children by making them believe that kissing or holding hands or exploring a young person’s feelings—whether sexual or any other way is BAD.” “They have this odd belief that women should be subservient to man—what a crock of shit!” “They marry their kids off to other weak links within their community and you have an entire group of people who spread this ideology and it grows and grows and before you know it, they are spreading their beliefs like a malignancy”. “Look what happened to politics!” “Years ago religion wasn’t even MENTIONED in politics!” “There was a separation of God and State—and even I was separated from politics. People are bringing me into this and I don’t like it either—but I’m going off topic here. Back to Josh and his family….”
Hey Josh–you better watch your hands–that’s your daughter!
ME: “So, basically, Sate, let me get this straight—you’re blaming Josh’s money hungry parents for his actions?”
SATAN: “No” “I’m simply saying that despite the way Josh was raised, he definitely knows the difference between right and wrong”. ‘He admitted he did wrong” “He owned up to the cheating”. “He owned up to the porn thing and he owned up to that despicable and incestuous molestation” “What pisses ME off is that he blamed me for those actions” “It also pisses me off that he uses praying for forgiveness as another excuse.” “Pray. Forgive. Repeat the crime”. “He’ll have to answer to a higher–and lower power”!
SATAN: “I also want to go on record to say that the real “sin” that these people commit is the sin of vanity and greed” “This family (and all of those who believe their ideology) is so incredibly greedy”. “They have used Jesus as a platform to spew their hatred of gays, Catholics, and anyone who doesn’t share their beliefs.” “Listen—I’m not saying that there aren’t bad people within the gay community or there aren’t any evil Catholics—I’ve got a ton of pedophile priests down here.” “But these people pontificate about good, solid family values—and then Josh goes out and cheats on his wife that he knocks up every one or two years and has the arrogance to say that the gay community has ruined the sanctity of marriage?” “This guy is a dick and he will absolutely have a place at the very bottom of my club” “In fact, I’ve already got a deeper level dug—or should I say “duggared” for when he joins me!”
This is the picture of a joke of a marriage. There ARE no family values here–it’s all a lie!
ME: “Oh you funny devil. That “duggared” remark was pretty funny” “Nice to see you have a sense of humor. OHHH. I almost forgot—Jesus told me that he was going to have many more spirits to send to you so you really need to start digging more.” “He’ll be glad to find out you are one step ahead on that”!
SATAN: “Thanks. I appreciate that” “But it’s true—the more in the public eye this family became, the more arrogant they grew”. “Take that idiot , Ben, that Jessa married” “He truly believes he is some sort of biblical savior” “I know you are very upset with his Catholic bashing—and rightly so-but I love it. His arrogance and lack of humility guarantees him a spot here!” “The only reason he wanted to hook up with Jessa is that he wanted fame and he was manipulative enough to get through to that greaseball Jim Bob” “And let me tell you something else—Jessa is no angel” “She is as vain and arrogant as many souls that I hold in custody” “She’s more upset about losing money by not having the birth of their baby televised than she is about actually loving her child—you know I am not a fan of love per se” “She’s another one who will be welcomed here”
He thinks he’s a savior. She’s angry that the birth of their child won’t be televised. See those passports? TLC paid for their honeymoon. Cash cow is over–yet they still hate. Yup–a spot is opened for them..and not in Heaven!
ME: “So you don’t think the Duggar girls, or the family friend or Anna Duggar are victims of Josh’s crimes?”
His sisters never spoke out against him. All for fame and money. Their husbands are even more vile for not coming to the defense of these women!
SATAN: “Cathe. Are you related to Walter Cronkite or something?”
ME: “Nope—and I take that as a compliment”
SATAN: “You’re cute.” “As far as these women/girls being victims-yes. They were and are victims of heinous crimes, and I feel for the younger siblings of the families, and I ESPECIALLY feel horrible for the friend of the family who was molested– but—and here’s a big “but”. “These women could have spoken against Josh’s actions.” “Instead, they chose to allow their reality show celebrity and their lust of money and fame stop them from coming clean and admitting they were victims AND admitting their brother committed a crime.” “They chose to tell people that they were praying for Josh’s forgiveness and kept playing the religious and Jesus card” “It’s sad because there are a lot of uneducated people out there who truly believe that the Duggars and those false Christians just like them are true Christians.” “They aren’t true Christians at all–in fact, they are a hellofa lot like me” “By the way, I am keeping the friend of the family out of this–she needs her privacy.”
SATAN: “You know who the truest Christian on earth is?” “Francis—your new Pope” “I’ll tell you that man not only talks the talk but he walks the walk-the guy doesn’t have one evil bone in his body” “He’s a breath of fresh air—even for ME—and that says a lot!”
Pope Francis is THE leading example of a true Christian–possibly the ONLY example!
ME: “Oh. I don’t want to take up too much more of your time—besides, it’s almost morning and I need to get back home” “One last thing—lots of folks are talking about how sorry they feel for Anna Duggar—personally, I’m not feeling the empathy” “What’s you take, Sate?”
This once clinging-vine looks sweet, but she is as sour and nasty as that ham sandwich that was left in a locker for an entire school year!
SATAN: “I”ve read your opinion on this and I agree with you” “At first, she DID appear to be that needy, clinging vine of a young woman—almost like a hemorrhoid” “But, as she became more empowered through the fame and recognition of being a Duggar, she became rather full of herself and went on all sorts of social media to publicize her hatred of the LGBT community, Democrats and others who didn’t share her beliefs as well” “She’s just as guilty to stay married and raise her children in an emotionally and possibly physically abusive environment.”
SATAN: “Cathe, I just want to add one more thing, if I may.” “You mortals can be so hypocritical at times—and what I’m going to say goes beyond the fake Christian thing” “You are in a society that supposedly cares about children-you don’t want them abused in any way but yet, the authorities do NOTHING to protect kids from cults like Gothard or Scientology or Quiverfull for example” “Mortals will allow Josh and Anna Duggar’s children to live with a parent who has molested, yet those children will NOT be taken away from them” “There are so many people who are unable to have children and there are so many same-sex couples who would be great parents to those children and yet they are ostracized and stigmatized—it’s almost….well, EVIL” “I have nothing more to say except to keep diggin’!”
ME: “Thanks Satan. Hopefully this is the only time that I’ll be seeing you!”
SATAN: “Watch your road rage honey, and it WILL be the last time you see me!” “Now get outta here you little devil you!” “Tell Michael to give my thanks to Hipster Jesus for sending me so many souls—it warms my heartless!” “I gotta go. Beetlejuice and I are meeting for drinks!”
I was so excited to hear that Satan was going to hang with Beetlejuice. But I didn’t want to say anything for fear of repeating his name three times–you know where THAT leads donja???
Seriously! This was one heated interview! I hope everyone gets a better understanding of just how weak Josh Duggar is to put the blame on Satan rather than to own up to his own crimes, misdemeanors and misgivings! But—the entire Duggar cult is just as guilty—and the saddest thing is that there are people out there who think these vile people are “godly”. They aren’t—and there is a special place “duggared” for them!
I’m soooooooo jealz that Sate got to hang with my fave bad boy, Beetlejuice! So how’s a bout a little fun with that crazy guy? “Dayo” from Beetlejuice! XOXOXOXOXOXOOO!
I’m so happy that I was “red” illy available for this interview–and I’m glad to be back on earth!
I also hope you had a hot weekend–but not as hot as mine!!!
Two days ago I drove out to Long Island. The reason was to attend a funeral for my Aunt Catherine, who passed away just shy of her 100th birthday.
These words pretty much sums it all up!
I, being the deeply shallow opportunist that I am, had visions of writing about the town I grew up in. I thought I would take photos of the beautiful lakes, drive over to the beach, snap more pics and just write about the memories of going back home. After all, I love Long Island and I love my hometown. The memories are beyond great!
But I changed up my mind.
Instead, I want to talk about family.
Not immediate family—but the aunts, uncles, and cousins that build the structure of family.
I’m afraid and ashamed that I haven’t been a great “relative” for many years. My own center of the earth was revolving around me. So many excuses: My divorce. My move from New York City to New Jersey. My move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. My anxiety (Yes—I’m actually guilty of using anxiety as an excuse. THIS time it’s ok to judge me!).
All this kept me from making even the feeblest attempt to connect with my aunts, uncles and cousins. My selfishness got the best or..should I say worst of me!
Even in death. Over the years I’ve lost many relatives. The older we age, the more we need to be faced that our loved ones will leave us. It’s a difficult realization, but it’s a fact.
Out of respect—I should have been more visible for many others. But I wasn’t.
We were planning to have a big party this coming December to celebrate my aunt’s 100th birthday. This was one event I could not wait to attend. It would give me the chance to see cousins I haven’t seen in years. It would give my now grown children the opportunity to meet cousins they never knew they had (A bit of background—my mother came from a family of 11 kids. I believe 2 died as children so it was basically 9 aunts and uncles. Two aunts joined the convent. All others married and had multiple children. That’s a lot of cousins. My cousins all have kids. That’s even more cousins.)
My mother and her siblings grew up in Howard Beach, NY. It was a small community within the confines of the New York City limits in Queens, NY.
All but one sibling moved out to Long Island in the early 1960’s. My Uncle Tommy and Aunt Millie stayed in Queens, on Centerville Street. It was a great house. Across from a city playground where, surprisingly, I have great memories of playing—even though I fell off the top of a sliding pond onto my skull. Thankfully, I am extremely thick-headed. However, I think I may have rearranged a few brain cells that day!
Anyway, my Uncle Tommy and Aunt Millie had the BEST finished basement of all time. Bar. Wood paneled walls. Their dog Checkers hanging out so chill. There were a lot of Gorman family parties in that house…
Aunt Millie and Uncle Tommy–these two kids had the best party house of all time!!!
Since all the other sibs in my mom’s family lived on the Island (for those of you who aren’t aware—Long Island is referred to as “the Island” for those of us who lived there. We also say “ON’ Long Island rather than “IN” Long Island”), and everyone was within close proximity, it wasn’t unusual to take a Sunday drive to visit relatives or have relatives visit our home.
Cousins would have sleepovers.
We hung out. Family was close. Family was friends.
This picture brings back fun memories but also touching ones–some of these great cousins are no longer with us! But we all enjoyed each other!
The family grew to be so large that instead of having parties at homes, we would have our family parties at the convent. Yes! Luckily, my aunts, Sister Thomas and Sister Josephine, ended up living at convents on the Island! (Which by the way, their given names were Eleanor and Catherine. We grew up strict Catholics—therefore we called them by their nun names!)
Uncle Tommy (another Tommy), Aunt Margie, Sr. Thomas and Sr. Josephine enjoying a quiet(?) moment–probably before Uncle Tommy started yodeling!
Those parties at the convent were wild! We drank. We danced. We laughed at and with each other. We poked fun at each other! It was all good great!!!
Then things changed. As our world became more transient, cousins moved away. Many moving away as far as California and others to Idaho and Illinois. Our children moved away. (yup–even to Arkansas!) Slowly, the family dynamics changed.
Some of the family continued to remain close—but many of us drifted off……….
Aunt Catherine’s husband, Francis, was my favorite uncle. He was so sweet and kind. My fondest memories of him were his being so touched at every family gathering that he would get teary-eyed. I also remember his hip replacement operation at NY’s Hospital for Special Surgery.
Uncle Francis and Aunt Catherine. I’m sure they are dancing up a storm as I write this! And they are happily reunited!
When I went to visit him, the first thing he did was lift his hospital gown up to show me the surgical scars—in all their glory! He was great. In fact, my son Roman’s middle name is Francis—named after my uncle!!
Catherine, his wife, was one of those women we all aspire to be. Not only did she live a long life, but she was one of those women whose demeanor was just so calm and nurturing. Every time I saw her, she always had a smile. ALWAYS! I honestly don’t think she was ever in a nasty mood!
The wake wasn’t one of those morose and maudlin events. It was more of a celebration of her life. So many old family photographs that I never saw before made me realize just how close and just how genetically gifted my aunts and uncles were. They were all so young and beautiful and handsome! Their faces were those of people who were happy and loved and cherished family. We stood around playing guessing games of “who is that”? We made bets—which is common in the family—on who was who.
We laughed and caught up with each other!
One of my cousins and I discovered we were total reality fans. I wish we lived near each other so we could watch together!
Yesterday, my sister and I attended the funeral Mass. It was beautiful because the priest gave the greatest homily in homage to Catherine. He was upbeat and celebratory. No fire and brimstone!
I wished for a fleeting moment that we had not been in a church for a funeral mass. Instead, I wished that it was one of the Masses we held before those parties at the convent.
The Masses where all my aunts and uncles were present. The Masses where all the cousins were younger and silently made faces at each other to see who could get who to laugh! The Masses where the men dressed and all the women and girls had to wear a lace mantilla on our head.
I was brought back to reality by the scent of incense as the priest shook the Thurible to bless my aunt’s spirit.
The spreading of incense brought me back to reality.
Before heading our separate ways, my sister, my cousin Danny, my cousin Jen and I discussed the possibility of holding a party.
I hope it happens—I mean the party. I want my family back. I want us to all be friends again. I want us to bring back close family dynamics.
One of the few family parties not held at the convent. This was taken over 13 years ago and we still talk about the great time we had!
We can make it happen. We have to make an effort to connect. I know I will try my best!
R.I.P. Aunt Catherine! You are now with Uncle Francis. And Aunt Margie, Uncle Tommy Lynch, Uncle Tommy Gorman, Aunt Millie, Uncle Genie, Aunt Eileen, Uncle Joey, Aunt Gloria, Sister Josephine, Sister Thomas, and my mom and dad, Germaine and Tommy ( Thomas is a very popular male name in our family. Just as Catherine is a popular girl name!!!).
I can tell you that my family is definitely giving Mary a good laugh! Hipster Jesus is whipping up a TON of wine too!
I have a strong premonition you are all making bets to see if we will have that party. I’m gonna bet we WILL have that party! Maybe later than sooner, but it will be an event!
Here’s to all our families! We only have each other for a short time–let’s all try to reconnect!
Here’s a song that should also have the lyrics “I have my cousins and aunts and uncles with me”. Sister Sledge! We are Fam-a-lee!!!
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Creepy.”
Sometimes, a photo or two or even three will speak a thousand words. This week’s Daily Post Challenge is the word “Creepy”!
Look what I found to describe that word!
Well, my little buddyroos! This is the creepiest man I’ve ever seen and read about. He condons child molesting. He thinks it ok that his own son molested his sisters and a family friend. What could be more Creepy?
What could POSSIBLY be more creepy than THIS mug?
THIS mug is more creepy–Actually, it’s kind of a creepy tie! This is the face of a Jesus-lovin’ incestuous sexual molester…
OK…So there’s MORE Creepy here! Yes. The Mother of the girls who were molested didn’t even try to help her own daughters. She actually made excuses for her creepy son!
IS THERE ANY THING MORE CREEPY THAN THESE IMAGES OF JIM BOB, JOSHIE AND MICHELLE DUGGAR?
Monday rolls around again—and I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend!
Come closer. I have something to tell you. Lately, my anxiety has been getting the best of me. Oh…it doesn’t stop me from writing or cleaning the house or taking Chippy out or doing what I have to do. But my anxiety stifles me from doing things I want to do.
Yes. That would be me. It is still very possible to be a positive person, and be pretty laid back, but still suffer from anxiety!
Anxiety makes me not want to leave my comfort zone.
Anxiety leads me to overreact to the simplest little mishaps—like when a hard-boiled egg won’t peel properly and I become ridiculously upset!
If that darn hard-boiled egg doesn’t peel smoothly, my anxiety level rises to the heavens!
It’s just hard for me right now to chillax!
Bonaparte is more than well-aware of this and so, he decided, suggested, insisted that we take a day trip to the Shore on Saturday.
He packed the car the night before. We dropped Chippy off at Doggie Day Camp. I made sure my legs were shaved and we were off to Stone Harbor!
The closer we get, the calmer I become!
I grew up always close to the beach. Before moving to Long Island, we lived in Queens, NY—and were just minutes away from Rockaway Beach. My childhood memories both with my family and my Aunt Terry of the times spent at Rockaway are nothing short of wonderful!
Rockaway Beach, NY., remains one of my favorite beaches of all time!
After the move to Long Island, summers spent at Fire Island, Robert Moses and Jones Beach were nothing short of spectacular. Days spent body surfing and sun tanning and evening concerts at Jones Beach were the makings of summer magic. I would not trade those summers for anything in the world!
Whether by ferry, or by bumming a ride across the bay on a friend’s clam boat, Fire Island was a great place to spend summer days!
I spent many evenings as a teen here. I really miss those summer outdoor concerts at the beach!
Even during my years of life in Manhattan, summer weekends were spent enjoying the sun in Long Beach!
Even as a Manhattanite, the beach–was always within reach! (I’m waxing poetic!)
And as much as I love the beaches on the Cote d’ Azur, the East Coast beaches, with their wide expanse of soft sand and scent of salty sea breeze will always bring me to a state of total relaxation and calm.
The wide soft sandy beaches of the East Coast are the best!
Our “Jersey Shore” beach of choice is and has always been Stone Harbor. Stone Harbor is a cute and quiet little community.
You can’t get lost here–this water tower is a great landmark–and most likely comes in handy for all the single young people who have been spending time at the bars! Even after a night of drinking–you just cannot lose your way home! You will always know where you are!
Check out the ad on the left. The sidewalk sale. It’s epic–prices are slashed to nothing. Except it always seems to rain on the weekend of the sale!
The drive there takes about an hour and a half, but we’ve got our routine down pat. Hit the road by 7:30 AM and were beach side by 9 AM!
Isn’t this great? The road leading into Stone Harbor is empty! That’s my kinda traffic pattern!
Its nice because we get to see the undisturbed wetlands!
Houses across the bay as we drive over the little bridge…
A couple of shops on the downtown strip…
…and we’re parked in our favorite quiet spot!
I love the calm of the beach early in the morning before the crowds arrive.
We’re here!
The narrow path leads to the beach. That’s Bonaparte ahead, carrying our equipment!
The occasional runner will pass by. You can catch a glimpse of the few people who come down where the water meets sand—making the sand sturdier so that those who chose to can exercise at the ocean’s feet.
I love the view of an almost empty beach!
I love standing where the ocean breaks. Especially when the murkiness dissipates and for a few moments the shallow water is clear.
I could spend hours like this–trying to spot the faster-than-light speed of the little guppies…
You become aware of the schools of guppies swimming speedily past your feet only by their needle-thin shadows cast by the sun and the tiny bubbles following them as they disappear into the Atlantic. When we were kids, we would get our sand pails and catch the guppies as they swam into the pails–and YES, we did empty the guppies back into the ocean!
I just could NOT resist! My love for guppies may not have created Bubble Guppies, a children’s cartoon show–but look! This Bubble Guppie’s name is Oona!! I had the name first–OK????
The sound and the visions of the ocean breaking into different directions is hypnotizing and mesmerizing. I could, if I didn’t get burnt, stand there for hours just listening to the crashing of the waves and watching the water’s rhythmic movements —as if in a trance!
I love the different patterns the water makes as it breaks into the wet sand!
My feet are so happy–so’s the rest of me!
These days I have to spend more time under the umbrella to protect my skin. (I don’t want any more skin cancer!) But it’s all cool. The umbrella offers me respite in the intense heat. It’s also easier to read under the umbrella.
I will allow myself those few minutes, covered in sunscreen, to lay out in the sun. It just feels so good! And BTW, I don’t care HOW old I am, I’m STILL wearing a bikini..it’s more comfortable!
Bonaparte’s favorite position at the beach. It’s his nap time. Actually, I think he just pretends to be napping so he doesn’t have to listen to my constant ramblings!!!
You just KNOW I can’t go ANYWHERE with out SOMETHING by J. Crew! We’ve had this beach towel for years–but check out the cushion under the towel. Bonaparte carries this cushion to every beach and every pool. Seriously. He can’t just throw a towel down on the sand–and he doesn’t like a chaise either. He needs his cushion!
See this madras tote? J. Crew! I ordered it about 8 years ago. They had me at “madras”! It’s the best beach bag of all time. Holds a ton of stuff! I got the chair on a “end-of-summer clearance at Target. I think it was around ten bucks!” Remember–ALWAYS buy beach essentials at the end of the summer–you will save a fortune!
Beach passes!
Speaking of reading….the beach is the one place where I completely enjoy escaping to and getting lost in the pages of a great book. As I sat under my umbrella, I finished “Me Before You”, a tearjerker supreme—of love, devotion and heart-breaking devastation. JoJo Moyes really knows how to tell a story!
Jojo Moyes is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! She tells a story in it’s simplest form–not being overly descriptive. I love that!!! No BS–she gets to the point. Lancaster’s a great writer–but so much better when she writes about herself. Her novel was just not interesting. Sorry!
I also brought another book with me to read. Jen Lancaster’s “Here I Go Again”. I’m a huge Jen Lancaster fan. And I love the books she writes about herself. The books about her are laugh out loud funny and something we can all relate to. However, this novel of hers was just so …. chock full of cliché’s, predictable—even from the first few pages, and downright boring. I could not get past the first two chapters.
No big deal.
Instead, I sprayed an entire can of sunscreen on my body, took my chair and headed down to the Ocean’s edge, joining Bonaparte watching the activity in this small section of the vast Atlantic.
Bonaparte–just like Napoleon, he stands as regal as an emperor! Is he waiting for his ship to come in? No. He’s looking for dolphins. Hey–he is? OK? He doesn’t have to look at women in bikinis when he has ME! Right?? Hahahahahaha! Soon he will sit at water’s edge to get a closer look at the dolphins he so adores!
We dragged these chairs down to the Ocean’s edge.
We spotted Dolphins playing around. Small boats daring to come as close to the swimmers as possible as though to tease! Jet skiers were showing off their water sport savoir faire! Sea planes flying low enough to allow us to squint an eye and cover our forehead with hand-as-visor in order to read the advertisements for restaurants, bars, and automobile insurance floating in the air!
Bringing the chairs down to the water is also quite refreshing on a hot day!
Observing families with young children brought back memories of Jake, Roman and Oona at Long Beach—and those first summers of learning to love the sand and sea!
The simple act of sitting down on a chair, feet inching their way into the coolness of the wet sand, catching a breeze and enjoying the fresh ocean air had an incredibly calming effect on me. I could feel the anxiety lifting and in its place I had a feeling of contentment and happiness!
My umbrella says it all!
I was as happy as a little clam! The beach is a great cure-all when you are feeling down or anxious or stressed!
I was so relaxed, calm and content that the traffic on the way home didn’t bother me.
We stopped at a produce stand on the way home and picked up some Jersey tomatoes to enjoy with dinner.
Nothin’ like a Jersey tomato cut up, heavily salted and dipped in Mayo!
This is total produce porn! Look at those eggplants!
I may be anxious—but I’m one lucky woman—thanks Bonaparte for a most enjoyable day!
From the top of my empty head to the tip of my pedicured toes–I had a great day!
XOXOXOXO-One of my favorite summer AND Beach Boy Songs.” All Summer Long!!!” So beachy!
I’ve been faced with a challenging question. Am I “Patriotic” to my country?
I like to think of myself as a modern “Lady Liberty”!
I’m an American. Yes. I AM patriotic—but in my own way.
Many folks I know—especially those of the “conservative” and “republican” ilk seem to think I’m a liberal person who absolutely hates these United States of America due to my social views.
That’s me! Many of my political remarks may sting others like a bee–and I have a lot of “uh-oh” moments–but it doesn’t mean I’m NOT patriotic!
I am a proponent of
Marriage Equality for all! Oh yes I am. WHO has the right to judge who people can love? WHO has the right to judge who people can marry and (hopefully) spend the rest of their lives together with? Note to those who oppose. Mind your own stinking business. If you are not a proponent of this equality, go about your own daily lives and accept others the way you were taught to. Be kind.
You love who you love–you marry who you want to marry. What happened to our melting pot of a country? The melting pot means everyone!
Equal Pay for Women: Women work just as hard, if not harder than men. There is no reason a woman should not be paid on the same scale as her male counterparts. Listen—how many men these days are the actual “bread winners” (a medieval term, if I must say so myself) of their families? Due to the rising costs of medical insurance, higher education and housing, more and more women are out in the work field—AND these same women go home to manage their households AND are responsible for most of the childrearing, which, BTW, is a non-salaried job! Don’t even get me started on this.
Women work just as hard if not harder! We deserve equal pay–if not more!
Raising the Minimum Wage: Not everyone in our great country has had the opportunity to receive a college education. In addition, many grown adults who have lost jobs and cannot find reemployment–especially due to age, bigotry and lack of education, end up with jobs that pay minimum wages. How can these hard workers support a family let alone themselves? The cost of housing has skyrocketed over the years. The cost of groceries has skyrocketed. In fact, the friggin’ cost of living itself has risen dramatically. Everyone deserves to re-enter through the door of the endangered species of the middle classes. Don’t look down at those who have minimum-wage jobs—instead raise their pay rate and raise their self-esteem! This is America-dammit! Everyone should be treated with respect and paid at a better rate!
Is THIS the new look of housing because people can’t afford anything better due to low minimum wages? It’s a sad state when a home is something only the wealthy can afford.
Lower Military Spending: This one really gets some people going. Why—I’m glad nobody I know who disagrees with this has never had stones in their hands or my fish-belly white, freckled skin would be black and blue! My J. Crew schoolboy blazer would be a filthy mess! Oh—and please let’s not even go into how messed up my hair would be.
You see, I don’t think our troops need to be stationed throughout Europe. WWII ended years ago. OK? There is wasted money in this!
Instead, lets’ use that war-monger money to help the troops who have come home instead of spending it on future military use. There are thousands upon thousands of soldiers who have come home to these United States that they DEFENDED and are treated worse than animals. These men and women—especially the wounded ones need to be taken care of—and should be by the government instead of donations from private tax-payers. If the military is going to spend—spend it on those who came home.
How about lowering military spending for the future and concentrating on distributing the funds to wounded warriors like this brave soldier? Our wounded troops deserve better when they come home!
Because of these views—I have been told I am NOT patriotic. Isn’t that funny? I want the best for my fellow Americans—but I’m unpatriotic!
Trust me—I’ve actually had a relative tell me I am so unpatriotic that I should move out of America. To that I asked “Have you ever been to Normandy, France to pay homage to our fallen American soldiers?”
Yes—that’s right “Unpatriotic” little me has been to Normandy—and it was the most moving visit I’ve ever made. It was overwhelming to go to the cemeteries and see the incredible amount of headstones of those who died for our freedom and the freedom of others.
I would say that a trip like this to Normandy is just a tad more patriotic than a trip to Disneyworld–and trust me, it isn’t more expensive!
Free Medical for Every American: Another sticky subject. I’m not talking Obamacare either. As an unemployed American, I was forced into “Obamacare”—and if I didn’t go that route, I would be fined. Nice thing to do to an American! That being said, I now have a healthcare program which I pay into, but I still have to pay out-of-pocket expenses because my annual skin-cancer check is not covered as the health insurance I have will not pay my dermatologist. The only winners in this Healthcare situation are the INSURANCE COMPANIES. When will people wake up? If our taxes were raised MINIMALLY, then everyone would have affordable healthcare!
These words are so correct!
I’m called a “pinko commie” for this. Dare I use the “s” word either? I mean REALLY, do people not realize that our public school system is a socialist program? Also, pink is NOT my favorite color—and I am certainly NOT a “commie”! Can I be referred to as a “navy blue with contrasting lime green humanist” instead? Those colors are far more flattering on me!
Honestly, these colors are SO much better on me than “pinko”!!
The Right to Higher Education Without Going Into Debt: Why is a college education turning into an elitist movement? I have a daughter who literally owes the equivalent to a mortgage in student loans! Wanna know why? Because the banks are allowed to be legal loan sharks! The amount of interest paid to the banks on student loans is a disgrace!! Politicians are so afraid to spank the hands of the banker—I guess it’s because the politicians are sleeping in a cash-strewn bed with them!
And I get a chuckle from the one-percenters who feel that if someone cannot afford the price of a respected university then community college is the way to go. Yes. For the first two years a community college can be a help—but continuing on, a university diploma is needed. Get off your high horses. Every child deserves the right to a college education. Regardless of their financial situation. Perhaps administrators’ salaries should be lowered. Or the banks can hand out interest-free loans to students.
My daughter, Oona, at U of MD graduation. The amount of interest she has to pay to the loan-shark bankers is disgusting. If she didn’t have the high interest rate, her loan payments would be much more affordable! She wasn’t smiling this brightly after sending off her first student loan payment!
Separation of Church and State: Since when did our America become a religion? Really, this confuses me to no end. There was actually a time when religion and state were completely separate! Can you believe it? Jesus did his job—and politicians did their jobs. And never the two shall meet. Until the religious righties sidled their way into politics! Guess what? I’m Catholic. That is my religion. I don’t care what your religion is. Just keep ALL man-made religions out of politics. The two don’t mix.
My BFF, Hipster Jesus came to me again. I had nothing to offer him to drink, so he whipped up some wine out of nowhere! Anyway, he was venting to me. “Why can’t these people leave me out of politics?” “Don’t they realize I have other issues to take care of–like getting others to be kind and respectful?” Poor guy–we need politicians to just be politicians!
OK–maybe a bit NICER than him–but wait! House of Cards IS based on today’s politicians who all have personal agendas and don’t really care about “We The People!”
Regardless of my different views, I AM patriotic.
When I stand at attention to pledge to our flag, I pledge to my country instead. My heart warms. My eyes sometimes become misty. I am proud!
I don’t wear my patriotism on my sleeve. Instead I try to be patriotic in my actions.
I don’t need to display something like this on my person. It looks vulgar!
I try to treat others with respect and kindness and equality.
I try to be a diplomat of sorts when I travel internationally. I am polite and respectful and strive to make a good impression not just for my country but for my country’s people.
I attempt to make a good impression on my visits abroad! I’m a nice broad abroad!
I don’t take my freedom for granted—I realize that I am lucky to have it…
And…I vote! Yes. I vote. To me, voting is the most patriotic action that I can make. You see, many fellow Americans don’t vote. They have excuses like…
Yes, lazy person with excuses! Your vote DOES count!
“Why should I bother? ” The jerks are just gonna win anyway” Really? Only a true jerk would think that way! Yeah, a jerk MAY win–either way, the person you vote for may or may not win the election. You will be able to complain with glee because you will be validated because you voted!
“I don’t have time to vote” Oh. I see. And HOW many reality TV shows did you have the time to watch this week?”
“My vote won’t count”. This is the most lame-brained excuse. Yes. Your vote WILL count—and will add up with the many other votes of people who use that same excuse!!!
And the most amazing thing is, these people who are too lazy to go out and vote are the ones who complain the most!
Hey. Guess what?? I LOVE and LIVE to complain (and it isn’t because I’ve become French by osmosis). Therefore I am validated in any complaint I can make about the government because I did my patriotic duty to vote!
So yeah—my patriotism may not be the norm—but I’m still patriotic.
Hmmmm..My red slut shoes, with navy skinny jeans, a white T-shirt and a Navy Schoolboy blazer are MY red, white and blue of choice!
Red “Walk of Shameless Patriotism” Shoes
Blue Skinny Jeans….
A Navy J. Crew Schoolboy blazer and a white tee shirt make for an every day patriot ensemble! So subtle and refined–yet so….American Beauty!
I’m one bangin’ hotly dressed Patriot!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!! Remember–we all may not agree with each other politically or anyway else–but the fact we can express ourselves freely–well, we are a lucky bunch of people! Be kind and respectful..and humorous even when disagreeing! It’s all good!
