Soul of the Vagabond

Monday, May 18, 2015

NYC DRIVING SHOULD BE A REQUIREMENT FOR ALL BEGINNER DRIVERS-WORLDWIDE

Since August, 2014, I have been working in NYC without a vehicle to drive to/from work. Other than walking from the subway to the studio [.9 miles=1.45km] during the winter in subzero weather and snowstorms, I fared pretty well. All kidding aside, not having a vehicle in the city is definitely the appropriate decision. The subway is the perfect way to travel other than the occasional taxi or bus. The subway is engineered to get you everywhere within walking distance of your end destination.

NYC Subway Map

During production, it was extremely difficult to coordinate 'roundies' to/from the subway station, for me in particular, due to my work schedule. I would arrive at work [inclusive of walking] between 7:07a.m.-7:40a.m. on average and leave, for the most part, after production has left for the night. [Can you say "work-a-holic?"] After production wrapped at the start of April, we were blessed with a vehicle to carry us through wrap. YAY! Let the adventures begin. Rather, let the driving nightmare begin!

Yes...driving in NYC definitely reels in the use of the 'creative' side of your brain. Basic driving rules don't seem to apply here that are the 'norm' worldwide. Specifically speaking, the white dotted lines separating lanes is completely disregarded. It's more of a free-for-all. Double and triple parking causing back ups between 7-9a.m. is par for the course causing cars to back up two-three lights back and/or blocking the intersection. The latter happens often enough that the city has put up signs indicating that blocking the intersection is a fine PLUS. Let's not forget about merging. Merging in NYC is simply cutting in front of someone enabling yourself to advance without so much as a look in the rear view mirror and is done just so matter-of-fact. Definitely don't even think about getting angry as it will get you less than NO WHERE!

If getting sandwiched between two giant trucks racing to get through a light isn't enough, let's not forget about the pedestrians who have the right of way. G-d help any of us in vehicles if we want to get through the light if there is 'walk' sign permitting the pedestrians their turn to cross the pavement.

The most recent vehicle adding to the debacle, if not already an issue is the messenger services; the bicycle. Nowadays, the bicyclists have their own lane. As a pedestrian, you now have to use extra caution so as not to get run over by a bicycle. Nightly, my head is constantly spinning 360 degrees ensuring/praying that the speed bump I drive over is nothing more than a speed bump; not a bicyclist or pedestrian who rides/walks aimlessly and without care in front of my vehicle.

Of course, this is all reversed, when, as a Pedestrian, I curse at the vehicles who get in my way when I have the right of way indicated by the WALK SIGN!!!

I won't even discuss parking. That's entirely another issue.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

SCOTCH TASTING FOR GIRLS Men's Style

Before our lesson in Scotch I had always thought of scotch as a disgusting medicinal alcoholic beverage in a little glass over rocks. And.... still do. Two fingers, you say?

The following are very basic and simple guidelines as given to us by an 'expert.' Keep in mind, the following instructions precedes three bottles of wine.

Step 1: NOSING

Gracefully pick up your glass. Appropriately tilt the glass and ever so slightly stick your nose just inside the rim with your eyes closed and deeply inhale the vapor. The tingle you feel becomes more noticeable with each 'nosing.' Lower glass. Pause.

Step 2: AGITATE AND NOSING

Leaving the glass on a flat surface [for beginners learning to master the hand holding agitation motion] swish around in a circular fashion allowing the scotch to swirl in a tornado-like motion. This process enhances the alcohol content during 'nosing.' Repeat Step 1. The aroma intensifies with the agitation motion as well as the inhaled vapor seeping deeper into the nasal cavity with a stronger sensation. Pause.

Step 3: TASTE and SWALLOW

Take a small 'taste', but do not immediately swallow. Let the scotch linger towards the back of your mouth simulating a gargling motion but do not gargle; thus, allowing the flavor to smother your taste buds while leaving your mouth slightly open. [not sure why]. THEN, swallow. Don't be surprised if choking ensues and a burning sensation hits the back of your throat. Pause.

Enjoy, right? No. HA HA HA HELL! 1-1/2 hours later a forgotten crucial part of Step 3 was let out of the bag.

To eliminate the gagging in Step 3 bring your mouth from the tilt backward motion to normal - THEN swallow eliminating the gagging and coughing.

Albeit, I can definitely tell the difference between the smokiness of one brand versus the smooth lighter flavor of the other. The lesson proved successful. Granted [more like, thankfully] there were just two different Scotch brands to 'taste.' I cannot imagine enduring a scotch party with 8-20 men all bringing their own bottles to the tasting. It goes without saying I will definitely vault the knowledge of the preceding information. However, I will stick to wine tastings in the future.

Wine and scotch tossed with a mix of delicious food in-between can only lead to more intensifying craziness, right? Yes, is the answer. Following food, drink and dancing, and the 'brilliant' scotch lesson, the fabulous idea of sledding was brought to the table. Fabulous idea! Midnight sledding in the backyard. With my white cashmere dress, boots, mink coat and fur headband, we took turns [6 runs] throwing ourselves down the hill on a tube. No trees were hit! Bonus! Yet no one made it over the ramp entirely. I'm guessing you need to be 6-10 years old to accomplish that.

Thank you, for a great evening! Food, drink and sledding. May I never take another sip of scotch.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD ART EXHIBIT

Sharing what I did on a blustery winter afternoon. (All images were taken with permission from the artists.)

Artist: Claudia Venditto

Artist: Ronda Cilento

Artist: Angelo DeSista

Artist: Claudia Venditto

Artist: Angelo DeSista

Artist: Claudia Venditto

Artist: Ronda Cilento

Artist: Angelo DeSista

Artist Claudia Venditto

Artist: Angelo DeSista

Artist: Ronda Cilento

There are many more to view. The artists are available for commissioned pieces, as well. Interested parties can contact Claudio Venditto, Blue Door Studios, Cranston, RI, 401-383-5050.

I bought two. :)

Saturday, January 3, 2015

2015-GET RID OF THE GARBAGE

Happy Happy NEW YEAR - Worldwide!

This year, I have actually made a resolution that I want to keep - GET RID OF THE GARBAGE! That's right! Get rid of the garbage! Weed out all the extensive stress placed upon you unnecessarily on a daily basis that makes your brain hurt; seriously.

Upon ringing in the new year, globally, there are resolutions [self promises/suggestions] are made with good intentions; yet, how many are actually kept-Kept even for more than 1 week, if at all, after said out loud to oneself or open forum. Whether going around the 'linner' [meal between lunch and dinner-a family favorite of mine on Sunday's] table and stating your resolution of intention for the year or quietly to yourself in private is normally a simple suggestion of a truth or concern that needs to be done, but quickly forgotten.

People who know me know that I have absolutely NO WILLPOWER, but this year, I am truly going to make this happen - GET RID OF THE GARBAGE - Don't think it, DO IT!

It's been a difficult year both work-wise and personal. At this point in my life I am far too old to be living with this much stress. With regards to work, I know I need to continue to work since I have college tuitions to pay and more investments to make for my pending retirement phase, but I definitely do not need the extreme amount of stress that comes with my career. No, not a career, but job. A career to me is something to seek as a sought choice, not one that has befallen upon you to earn a paycheck. Am I wrong? And, personal stress, I definitely need to eliminate because - - - - who needs that in addition to work stress!!!!!!! UGH!!!! Double the angst!

There you go. My short simple wish to everyone for a Happy and Healthy New Year! YAY 2015!

GET RID OF THE GARBAGE - Don't think, DO it!

xo

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

UMBRELLA'S HAVE NO OWNERS

That's right. Umbrella's have no owners. A topic of discussion this morning en route from the train station to the studio. Without listening to the weather report for the day I grabbed my umbrella from it's safe haven corner behind the door on my way out to start my journey to work. A brief thought of the downpour I heard at 5-ish a.m. initiated the last minute thought. At that point, it didn't occur to me that it would be the last time it would be attainable.

Thousands of umbrellas are bought daily. Thousands are lost or left behind daily. The travels of an umbrella can be exciting [figuratively speaking, of course]. They are left in taxi's, restaurants, trains, schools, offices, etc. One leaves the umbrella behind and someone else can pick it up. Imagine, if you would... A woman grabs her umbrella and runs into the coffee shop to order a coffee in the morning.

China's Umbrella's - flickrhivemind.net

Putting the umbrella down for a mere second is the initial mistake. Sprinkling cinnamon on the specialty coffee and running out the door while leaving the umbrella at the condiment station is a 'gift' for the next umbrella guest. SCORE! The next person sees the forgotten umbrella, looks around the coffee shop for the rightful 'owner,' then takes the opportunity and picks it up for it's next venture of the day. Onward to the subway station. And so on, and so on and so on...

It could lead to a love story for Hallmark! The woman who left the umbrella at the coffee shop is pursued by the man who finds in next in hopes of returning it to the rightful owner out of the kindness of his heart. Low and behold.. the 'meet cute.' Of course, there is the happy ending.

Following this conversation, I've decided I never need to buy another umbrella. If I am without one day during a downpour I can simply run into a coffee shop and... 'pick one up.'

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

GIRL CODE: A SISTERHOOD NOT TO BE BROKEN

I'm not quite sure that writing about GIRL CODE is not breaking GIRL CODE, but here we go.

GIRL CODE [referred to as GC from now on]: Plain and simple is the sisterhood that women share that shall not be broken. Or, not? What prompted me in writing about this sacred topic is that recently I experienced the loose lips of a 'girl' friend who sorely broke our confidence. She betrayed my trust after my flatly saying to her that I was about to tell her a story requiring GC. Yes, I actually used the phrase, 'Girl Code' as if I needed to firmly ask for the utmost silence [as if I were still in high school] which should simply be a 'given' with a friend. 24-hours later I received a text from a 4th party indicative of the fact the trust had been broken. She had immediately, and without hesitation, from my understanding, hung up the phone with me and went on the phone with the next releasing the confidential story from my lips to hers to the next and so on and so on. [Oh, for clarity, the story I divulged involved me. I was not gossiping about someone else.] Immediately following the circle back to me I immediately confronted her and confirmed, in fact, it was her lips that spewed the betrayal. I won't divulge the future existence [or none] of our friendship, but sadly, it's definitely broken.

With all of that said, I went to a beach fest the following day inclusive of 9 women with a 20 year [or so] age span. I brought my notebook to take notes. With all the women in attendance and situated in their beach chairs I posed two questions. 1. What does GC mean to you? 2. What would you do if GC is broken?

Well! I cannot tell you what can of worms these two questions opened. It was a full day of discussion. Periodically, I left the 'circle' to jump into the ocean, fetch more Sangria [ :) ], or eat. Upon returning I found the women still discussing the issues of the code. We discussed others who had been affected by 'broken' trust; whether being the actual cause or the victim. Apparently, GC is strong on all levels. It extends beyond the simplicity of confidence. Not that confidence is by any means, simple.

Don't be fooled by age. GC affects girls and women of all ages; from youth to the old and wise. I'm not sure when it actually begins and/or ends [if ever]. I do know that my daughters, when they were teenagers, experienced wrath and drama, the good and the bad, of GC. Furthermore, my mother and her friends have their drama, as well. There is no escaping GC. It surrounds all women whether invited or not. The bottom line is that it's a part of our makeup. Men; beware. You all are just bystanders. [Stand by. There maybe an addendum to this topic.]

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

FOR THE LOVE OF G-D WHERE ARE YOU RITA!

Let's just clarify that I was raised a nice Jewish girl. However, nowadays, if I even glance at a synagogue as I drive, walk, or run past, it's a miracle. Without getting too detailed of my faith, beliefs or convictions, I haven't yet figured out what I believe; but, it's not aliens, Jesus as someone to pray to for guidance [although, I do believe he was a real person], the catholic church, at all with the exception of a few good stories just like the old Jewish Testament-fables or feeding Buddha after noon [?].

With that said, I am missing my St. Rita's medal. Yes, this nice Jewish girl wears, holds or carries a St. Rita's medal; if I can find it. She is the finder of lost souls [that's my interpretation and it works for me]. Currently, she is lost. I can't find her and it's driving me insane. Good thing I am back to purging my house. Perhaps, as I toss and rummage through drawers and boxes she will appear offering me instant gratification.

During two years of a painful period in my life I couldn't seem to get out of a psychological 'funk.' I tried everything to make me feel better. Therapy. Disaster. The therapist ended up crying; hence, the end of the therapy. Exercise. Too thin I was told by my family, but I felt fit. Running, pilates followed by bike riding. Perfect. If I could only do that now. Gave it up and gained weight from eating too many Mrs. Fields chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that nowadays I bake and ship to everyone else. Baking and cooking are definite forms of calming therapy for me.

Finally, I called my Irish Catholic sister-in-law and asked her where to get a St. Rita's medal. Following her laughing fit, she picked me and took me to a Catholic trinket shop. Wall to wall religious paraphernalia. Literally. I walked to a case on the counter and saw my options. I bought the least expensive silver medal. What a beauty. Believe it or not, wearing this medal around my neck instantly made me feel at ease. I need her now, but can't find her. She probably rests with other Jewelry I have hidden for safe keeping and now can't find those pieces, as well. Dilemma.

What do I do. I know!!! I pray to St. Anthony! Another G-dsend. Trust me. He works. My friend, E, introduced me to St. Anthony several years ago. St. Anthony finds lost things. E swears by the mystery of St. Anthony. She told me several stories of miracles for her own needs. Lost diamonds in the snow [2x], keys and other items. Of course, I have used St. Anthony in the past. However, I have not been able to get him to help me find St. Rita. Perhaps, the two saints clash and are unable to work together. Perhaps, I have to step higher to find a Saint. Who knows, but, I need her now. Please send her back!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

HAPPY B'DAY TO ONE OF MY FAVs

Happy Birthday, George! Happy 73! Thank you, for rockin' my world for my decades of musical pleasure! Parliament is one of my favs and will continue until I surpass your 73 years of artistry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuyS9M8T03A

In honor of your special day I already played 'Atomic Dog' at high decibels from my office. One of my youthful assistants asked me WHO I was playing that was vibrating my walls. Guess what homework assignment has been handed to him. Quiz tomorrow.

bow wow wow yippy yo yippy yay

Monday, July 21, 2014

I AM A MEAT-A-HOLIC

Hi. My name is Robin. I have a problem. I have a big problem; a TEXAS sized problem. I am a Meat-A-Holic.

Texas beef - absolutely mouth watering. The savory flavor, tenderness, essence as it passes through my taste buds just makes me quiver from head to toe with each bite.

Clever

Since May I have indulged, rather over indulged, in beef inhaling as if it were a sport. It has become a drug for me. I want to eat it everyday. I just can't seem to get enough. Even when I am full I need to take that last bite to the point of engorgement and distress. Ordering an 8oz, 12oz, or 14oz specials [the latter few being breakfast and dinner for the next few breakfasts/dinners] is part of my current 'norm' and doesn't prevent me from masticating the final scrap.

Nothing tastier than grilled steak

I know this is crass [before reading the next part of the sentence take heed especially to a vegan] but I think the beef is so fresh it's as if Chef brings the cow in from behind the restaurant 20 minutes prior to freshly appearing on the plate set in front of me at the table. There is Wagyu, Texas Akaushi [from Yoakum, TX] and Tomahawk Ribeye steaks to name a few. The latter, of course, is listed on the menu without a price. Similar to lobster on the east coast, the Tomahawk is listed simply as - market price. Truly a delicacy.

To think I was instructed by my doctor, following kidney stone surgery in March, not to eat more than 4oz of meat per day and no salt. I am all but inhaling it intravenously. And, by meat I mean, fish, chicken and/or beef. Beef, of course, being the worst offender. With that said, this past weekend, and guilt semi settling in, I have begun a minimal detox program. Let's see how long that lasts! Everyone who knows me can confirm that I have no willpower with respect to giving up something I enjoy! G-d help me if I ever have to give up chocolate.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

ARTWORK ROCKS AUSTIN'S WALLS

Throughout the city limits of Austin lines artwork of all colors, sizes and shapes on buildings, stone walls, drainage pipes and more. The artwork is constantly changing and being updated. This morning, I saw an 8-year old with his own can of orange spray paint at Graffiti City expressing himself amongst the great artists of the city. Age does not dictate art.

GRAFFITI CITY - behind the Goodwill on Lamar

Don't forget to tag your work!

It's not all about the art of graffiti. My favorite is a mural painted on the side of a building just on the West Side off 11th Street at a cafe called, The Victory Grill. According to Cliff, the manager, two artists from NYC came to town and spent two days, rather nights, painting. What began as a day project turned immediately to evening work It was was one those 100+ degrees of heat, so they came back at night, set up lighting and started painting. Two nights and then done. Gone. Bye bye. Images are just below, but excuse the boxes, chairs and other objects in the way, as it is a place of business and I was doing an impromptu drive by.