A Step back in Time well Played

I admit it gets a little hum drum hanging out with three teens and the pets while managing work and the household demands- so when I learn of a free cultural event that piques my interest I try to get out. This evening Ossining Public Library showed a classic silent movie called Grandma's Boy starring Harold Lloyd. For this occasion the film was accompanied by two talented and inventive musicians, Donald Sosin on the piano and Joanna Seaton who provided vocals and sound effects.

Sitting in the darkened auditorium I was grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this memorable film along with the live contributions of such wonderful players.

Joe Q.

Okay, it's always a certain boost to see one of my photos reproduced in a publication as notable as The New York Times. The subject, Joe Queenan, lives nearby and has written many books and articles for major publications. I took this image quite a while ago and he ended up using it for his author photo on the book jacket of his latest offering, One for the Books. (You can read The Times review here. ) He's a bright and entertaining guy, especially when you keep your exchanges focussed on his favorite subject. I'll let you guess that one.

A chill indoors and out

On top of the cold of winter, and things that require attention and the ever present to do list, we awoke this morning and knew from the chill that the furnace was not humming along in its usual fashion. We checked the oil tank and discovered it was low, and I arranged a last minute delivery, but still, even with plenty of oil to meet our needs, the furnace clicked on only to shut itself off. So, we huddle by the fire with an Alfred Hitchcock movie, and the girls are under their covers fighting off the frosty air, as we wait for our beloved furnace mechanic to come and bring our heating system back to life. I heard a piece on NPR the other day about residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Sandy and are still without heat. I have a rough idea now of how hard that must be to bear. One day of living in a house where the temperature indoors has hovered at 50 degrees reminds me of how lucky we are that things mostly work as well as they do.

It's that Cold

No, not the one when you sneeze and feel insecure without a box of tissues nearby.  It's the cold of frigid winter temperatures and eyeballing the outdoors with the "I guess I can if I have to" sort of resolve. Transitions are the hardest- that first blast of icy air, the pain of starting up a car and waiting to feel your body unclench from the plunge into the chilly atmosphere of a parked vehicle. Still, there is the sight of the frost inside our windowpanes glistening with the sparkle of sunshine- a reminder of the magic that can reside in the most unexpected of places.

It's all a matter of your point of view

I'm trying to be truthful

I'm trying to maintain the best outlook

I'm trying to disregard the forces that make me sad

I'm trying to look at the big picture

I'm trying to find things that are positive

I'm trying to relax when adversity overtakes me

I'm trying