tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75214734756733407162024-03-20T04:44:03.428-07:00Global Dancer WanderingCome and join me as I meander through space and thought, all the while dancing...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-42109692800721935662017-04-06T12:01:00.001-07:002017-04-06T12:01:47.146-07:00A Little Bit of Spain in Philly- dancing with fansSo it' s been a while since I've danced flamenco. I took many classes when I lived in NYC, including some that were at the legendary Fazil's on Eight Ave. where the building practically shook from the reverberations of the dancers' "golpes" and "tacones" on the old wooden floors.<br />
<br />
I even spent a couple of weeks in Grenada, Spain at <a href="http://www.carmencuevas.com/">Escuela Carmen de las Cuevas </a>where we danced in caves and practically lived and breathed nothing but flamenco and the scent of orange blossoms for two full weeks. So heavenly.<br />
<br />
I found a little flamenco here in Philly, but a broken shoulder from an ice skating accident( vow to self: stick to non-slippery surfaces), forced me to slow down a bit. After recovering with a little belly dancing with <a href="http://www.habibastudio.com/">Habiba</a>, I re-discovered tap and found hip hop, both at <a href="http://www.koreshdance.org/">Koresh</a>. And little by little, flamenco became a distant memory.<br />
<br />
But now there's this new studio <a href="http://www.soundspacephilly.net/">Sound Space</a> on W. Girard Ave, and I got to revisit flamenco in a three day workshop with the lovely Almudena Serrano from Seville, Spain. Now, I'm a little rusty- it's been a lot of years...and I didn't know we would be dancing with fans. In all my years of study, I never once danced flamenco with a fan, but there are different teachers and different styles, so with a borrowed fan, I jumped in.<br />
<br />
It was a bit like a comedy routine, because I couldn't make my fan do all the things the other women in the class could do. Clearly, they were more experienced. But, having thrown myself out of my comfort zone more than a zillion times, I followed my own rules- Stay in the room. Keep practicing and eventually you'll get it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rFTEfqVfTuLvnyLnLQIEKKQ3-EkFZqkjtXvdOO1NvtStd9g7KhomtuDGNjjHX0s-lCLju2RTROUMYmOAr_DTu-X3V2lg43-2f-VjcGRvPF1Trcf3tg7DAEIA13Kn37fFc7cyV922cWA/s1600/IMG_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rFTEfqVfTuLvnyLnLQIEKKQ3-EkFZqkjtXvdOO1NvtStd9g7KhomtuDGNjjHX0s-lCLju2RTROUMYmOAr_DTu-X3V2lg43-2f-VjcGRvPF1Trcf3tg7DAEIA13Kn37fFc7cyV922cWA/s320/IMG_2712.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was so motivated after the first day, that I took a little hike in the rain the Chinatown to get a couple of fans to practice with( getting a fan from Spain would have taken too long). And I've practiced, but I'm not smooth.<br />
<br />
And of course, getting the footwork and moving the fans at the same time requires coordination that needs more than a three day workshop. I had forgotten how much I loved this visually beautiful dance. And how it is a true dance of both femininity and power.<br />
<br />
So, I'm feeling the need for more flamenco. I'll keep you posted.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-62601436262897355072016-09-18T10:31:00.000-07:002016-09-18T10:31:21.332-07:00Dancing With AFib- 3<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It has a mind of its own."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's what Dr. Wonderful says of the Afib. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's for sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So a couple of weeks ago, after giving a client a strenuous <a href="http://dragonflyhealingarts.com/">lomilomi </a>session in a hot room, I treated myself with a visit to <a href="http://salonvanity.com/">Salon Vanity</a> for cut and color by my magical stylist. I was peacefully relaxing, while Lori Ann, with the magic hands, was touching up my roots, when all of a sudden, there it was- AFib, arriving unceremoniously while my hair was dripping with dye.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a good look, I thought.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I vowed to myself, that if I had to go the ER this time, it would be after the color process was at least finished! So, I didn't tell anyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just quietly </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">took the little pill that slows down the beat, and let my hair become beautiful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I realized no ER trip would be necessary,even though my heart was still out of step, I decided to make my way to my next scheduled stop- <a href="http://hillaryclinton.com/">phone banking for Hillary</a>. I mean, I'm dedicated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a few blocks to the location, and walking felt weird. Not like I was going to faint or pass out. Just weird. When I stopped,I felt better, so I took my time, stopping when I could.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I knew that if I got to the location, I'd be fine. And I was. Once I sat down and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">started making calls, the weirdness of my heart beating out of time seemed to melt into the distance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Distraction is a good thing, I'm learning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, it took four hours, this Afib with its own mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when it stops, also, with no warning, it is like the chest takes a deep breath, and ahhhhh. Back to normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who doesn't love normal?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-82100445641668156992016-09-12T06:58:00.000-07:002016-09-12T06:58:40.124-07:00Dancing with AFib- part 2Even though Dr. Wonderful told me I could keep dancing, it took us a bit to work that out.<br />
<br />
My first "episode" happened right after a dance class. Well, it was also a sweltering, humid summer day and the air was thick when I walked out of the studio. I had probably not hydrated enough before class, and consumed a giant highly caffeinated iced coffee right before class.<br />
<br />
The good news about spending that night in the hospital, was that they did a lot of tests, and at age 63, I'm pretty darn healthy.<br />
<br />
The bad part was that my pulse had gone over 200 and the EMT's had to inject me with medication to lower it, in my apt. Hated the nasty stains on my new blanket, and they left a mess, but I love them- I really do.<br />
<br />
I'm here today writing because of those guys. Thank you . Thank you, dear EMTs!!<br />
<br />
So the next couple of "episodes" happened during dance class. I was taking a 90 minute tap class first, but the heart started to speed up and go out of rhythm in the second class- hip hop. Twice, I didn't make it through the warm-up.<br />
<br />
So, twice I took the meds that Dr. Wonderful prescribed, should I have another episode. It took some time for my heart beat to slow down but even longer for the irregular rhythm to stop.<br />
<br />
Dr. Wonderful, available by phone during both episodes, assured me that "eventually" the heart would go back to normal, and that I had the option to go to the hospital, where they could monitor the irregularity and get more meds.<br />
<br />
I preferred to wait. Patience has always been a challenge.<br />
<br />
We decided that half a pill before dance class might work.<br />
And it does!!<br />
Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
but the episodes are not gone completely....<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-88238821698667883402016-09-11T09:29:00.000-07:002016-09-11T09:29:45.317-07:009/11- Welcoming Angels<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was living in NYC on 9/11, way uptown, pretty far away from Ground Zero. It was almost 11 months since i had lost my daughter, Lisa, almost 19 years old, in a firey car crash along with her two friends, Sean and Amy. So I had already been living with shock and grief for a while.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was an almost perfect fall morning, until we heard the news. In my Yorkville neighborhood people starting spilling out of their apartments, lining up at hospitals to give blood, only to be turned away after waiting... there would be very few survivors who needed it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the days following, NYC was in shock.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a strange way, I felt like I could help, because I was experiencing my own personal grief- I wanted to help, but there was not much I could do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Sometimes the only thing that could be done was to move to the back of a crowded bus. A plane would fly overhead, and everyone would freeze. Another attack? Who knew?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost 3000 souls were lost in the attacks of 9/11. I thought then and still do now, that Lisa, Sean, and Amy, were Angelic Greeters for these new souls stepping into the next world. It gives me comfort that perhaps the 9/11 victims saw their smiling faces and felt their loving hugs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After death, only the love remains....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-18803557312170025542016-09-07T12:04:00.000-07:002016-09-07T12:04:26.651-07:00Dancing with AfibIt's been a while... a long while. And there's been lots of wandering!<br />
<br />
2 years ago, almost to the day, I had my first "episode" of AFib, atrial fibrillation, "an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating," which put me in the hospital overnight.<br />
<br />
How ironic! I mean, I'm all about rhythm- I dance!! I do tap, hip hop, tango, salsa...and more!! I even travel to libraries with a program called <a href="http://dragonflyhealingarts.com/">"Global Rhythms!"</a><br />
<br />
So how very strange to be feeling so out of rhythm.<br />
Strange and scary.<br />
This can't be happening to me, I thought<br />
But, it did.<br />
<br />
So, I now have a cardiologist. I'll call him Dr. Wonderful, because he is, because, when I saw him after my hospital stay, he said these words "You can keep dancing." In face he WANTED me to keep dancing. And so, he is Dr. Wonderful. And I am still dancing!<br />
<br />
The episodes have not completely stopped and in future posts, I'd like to talk more about the specifics of how they affect me and how, with my own research, and the help of Dr. Wonderful, I am better able to manage them.<br />
<br />
I would love for any other "Afibbers" out there, to share their stories. And I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions.<br />
<br />
Best,<br />
Roberta<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-41568244103997937162013-12-21T09:44:00.002-08:002013-12-21T09:47:02.270-08:00Wandering- on Facebook- super great link about dancing!! Must see<a href="http://www.upworthy.com/find-out-what-a-bunch-of-happy-smiling-fulfilled-people-are-calling-their-best-free-therapy?c=ufb1">The best video I've ever seen about dance!!</a><br />
<br />
Watch it,<br />
Then dance.<br />
<br />
Or dance,<br />
then watch it<br />
<br />
Or watch it while you<br />
Dance<br />
<br />
or just dance!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-8897065298544230302013-12-21T07:26:00.000-08:002013-12-21T07:26:27.071-08:00 Wandering NYC: LIttle Trees and the Density of Things
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
An a Capella group</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
steps over boots and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
around heavy coats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
to sing doo wop</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
on the C train, at 34th Street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doors open at 42<sup>nd</sup> Street,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are beats of African drums</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming from the platform,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which get quieter as the door closes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A man reading Bible verses</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has gotten on
there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The passengers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
keep their heads down</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
do not speak,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nor look at him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At 59<sup>th</sup>, I get off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peaceful sounds of</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Native American flute</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill the Time Warner Center</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hear it on the escalator</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Down to Whole Foods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It fades away to </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Folk pop mix</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the market,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bob Dylan’s
nasal raspy twang</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the background as</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I eat oatmeal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And drink organic coffee</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is less sidewalk </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this season,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2iwL9i3e-5H5fgPCBCvwCrEsxjuomWgsLcdfzonOd8O9ahjvB3XnVHFFa13lilJb-GUa1MIlGXMlhxT4gn0z_KDcCi4VA-kvQmhRmTWeMOqboZMgHtD04s3fT-1l6-7Jh4ITO5gy88k/s1600/littletrees1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2iwL9i3e-5H5fgPCBCvwCrEsxjuomWgsLcdfzonOd8O9ahjvB3XnVHFFa13lilJb-GUa1MIlGXMlhxT4gn0z_KDcCi4VA-kvQmhRmTWeMOqboZMgHtD04s3fT-1l6-7Jh4ITO5gy88k/s320/littletrees1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From 59<sup>th</sup>
to 74<sup>th</sup>,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walk through </div>
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Pop-up forests of </div>
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Christmas Trees</div>
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Piney scent</div>
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Mixes with aromas of roasted nuts,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And Freshly fried Falafel,</div>
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A siren cuts through</div>
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The after rush hour</div>
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Traffic on icy Broadway morning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The little trees </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Draw me in.</div>
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No more than three feet high,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These ones that fit in tiny</div>
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Spaces in</div>
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Manhattan places</div>
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Mini forests sit among the Giants</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Hello, little ones”, I think.</div>
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“I have had been intimate</div>
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With a few of your cousins,”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Back when I lived on E. 85<sup>th</sup> Street.</div>
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I brought them up to my 6<sup>th</sup> floor studio</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6ZtlndMlriLrlBDNbkhQFCWRzG00Vr1B3Wihaq0ateUzj4dTvmNNCBx0NAq5UzH4ZLJGh8IWIb8lTyimWOmo_n57Ab0tO3djZraMnxmAi3jj086Fd9FlC6pO-ToTsR7yi6qdSioy2E/s1600/littletrees2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6ZtlndMlriLrlBDNbkhQFCWRzG00Vr1B3Wihaq0ateUzj4dTvmNNCBx0NAq5UzH4ZLJGh8IWIb8lTyimWOmo_n57Ab0tO3djZraMnxmAi3jj086Fd9FlC6pO-ToTsR7yi6qdSioy2E/s320/littletrees2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barely reaching window, </div>
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Facing south.</div>
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Flashing mini-
lights, stars </div>
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And angels sat on gentle tiny branches</div>
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<br /></div>
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I do not linger,</div>
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In those street forests.</div>
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Only memories</div>
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Linger</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have come to dance,</div>
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And so I do</div>
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<br /></div>
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Soft gentle
indie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Music,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Piano</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And lilting, voice, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
for jazz class.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is sadness in the voice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soft slippers and bare feet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make brushing sounds on</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Polished surfaces</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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But downstairs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the room filled
with tappers</div>
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Stomp, slap, and flap</div>
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In unison</div>
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Metal on wood,</div>
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Percussive,</div>
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Drumming with
our feet</div>
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Deep bass
guitar</div>
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Plays jazz solo,</div>
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Our rhythms syncopate</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With it</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And together we become</div>
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the </div>
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Music</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then, two flights down</div>
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with clomping boots on</div>
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ancient steps</div>
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<br /></div>
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Cross the street and </div>
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back to screeching</div>
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Subway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4pzBKE1E2OuYRLxZ5-_esRldbWEgQ_8O5itba2uvEHW3MT-TWCm6MYpDp5jFbBOInuif9vOzY8dZIXhfkAYx2PEtKg2b4CWcwQ159cf3wc1jdkMCv1M6FSvaGO9fWhJaLNUl4Pu-r6U/s1600/manwithbass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4pzBKE1E2OuYRLxZ5-_esRldbWEgQ_8O5itba2uvEHW3MT-TWCm6MYpDp5jFbBOInuif9vOzY8dZIXhfkAYx2PEtKg2b4CWcwQ159cf3wc1jdkMCv1M6FSvaGO9fWhJaLNUl4Pu-r6U/s320/manwithbass.jpg" width="240" /></a>On the #1 at 72<sup>nd</sup> Street</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A man with covered standing bass</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
waits,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
then</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
gets off at 66<sup>th</sup>,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lincoln Center.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I imagine his deep rich sound</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he plays in an orchestra there</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or maybe a jazz band.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I wait at 59<sup>th</sup> Street</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the C</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hear, I think, tapping.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Could it be?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, a man </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Has set up planks of wood</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where he does cramp roll turns</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And maxi fours</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With gusto.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Penn Station,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
34th Street</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is
soulful blues </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And haunting electric guitar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few notes of each, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then out to the street,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where heading west,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The city noises cars, and horns </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And underlying din</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Begin to wane</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 10<sup>th</sup> Ave</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is peace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Peaceful city</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How strange</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is stillness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out here in the western edge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between 11<sup>th</sup>
and 12<sup>th</sup>,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Almost to the river</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where there is lots of sky</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Silence,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I wait for the bus </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To take me home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-77036851897520404542013-12-15T06:05:00.000-08:002013-12-15T06:05:49.979-08:00A Wanderer's Prayer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A prayer for this wanderer…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To The Universe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wherever I find my feet,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let them connect to the ground</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjs8bGnSJDimz34sc734RnvIA4VcWG4wi2aZ-0CvkUzdk_R1HflYnBTznUNZtZ-XCbm7QFKxCVGGNoOFUO14U8zMponCcRivYC0YQvENMBslF1xFjMFDn-hEBiBYGn3dTBl-08OPL05Y/s1600/wandprayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjs8bGnSJDimz34sc734RnvIA4VcWG4wi2aZ-0CvkUzdk_R1HflYnBTznUNZtZ-XCbm7QFKxCVGGNoOFUO14U8zMponCcRivYC0YQvENMBslF1xFjMFDn-hEBiBYGn3dTBl-08OPL05Y/s320/wandprayer.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So I know where I am standing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let my eyes find beauty around me, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even when there does not appear to be any.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let my mind be open to new experiences.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And view old experiences from new perspectives</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me honor and respect other cultures, other countries, and
other customs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me always remember that I am a guest wherever I go</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me be kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me be open to new friendships along the way,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But also be smart and safe on my journeys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me make wise choices</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or learn from the ones not so wise.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hlsBuRv8RIFM_32gwNeFi0T2_DHzBMIXibOQ1dF3T4OXMypubCA8MxUPOg45i-bPo60JHMx4jGnxsxqZmJm6nubuwffwwrsGY9vQj4BqXLcttpAmydgbgzQqe3pui5xF_yl8MXWo2WQ/s1600/centralpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hlsBuRv8RIFM_32gwNeFi0T2_DHzBMIXibOQ1dF3T4OXMypubCA8MxUPOg45i-bPo60JHMx4jGnxsxqZmJm6nubuwffwwrsGY9vQj4BqXLcttpAmydgbgzQqe3pui5xF_yl8MXWo2WQ/s320/centralpark.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me learn the language of another country</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And try a new food,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me dance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me dance<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wherever I go</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Whenever I can</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me learn a new dance or a new step,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or practice and perfect one that I know</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me find new partners and teachers along the way</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And take from them many lessons</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me give</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me teach</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me share my gifts </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SjCSFubfwqtWkdBYa3KPAd4QN7FBxM9YxK_3lvMuwI6HS-IvMeRwvKmkglM3J_zpFMHm46YEvbCGgG-hs0W6OUXz6XFufc1phWPOSRErfMy9AYspbM2TgffINxOdyZXxZ8mqOiCcGMM/s1600/tangostreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SjCSFubfwqtWkdBYa3KPAd4QN7FBxM9YxK_3lvMuwI6HS-IvMeRwvKmkglM3J_zpFMHm46YEvbCGgG-hs0W6OUXz6XFufc1phWPOSRErfMy9AYspbM2TgffINxOdyZXxZ8mqOiCcGMM/s320/tangostreet.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me not take myself too seriously.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me play</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me laugh</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let me laugh at my mistakes, my humanity</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And the humanity of others</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And marvel in the perfection of our imperfection</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-84107019540420299592013-12-13T13:45:00.001-08:002013-12-15T06:06:31.855-08:00Wandering And Dancing, NYC<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday
I did a little dancing at <a href="http://www.stepsnyc.com/">Steps on Broadway </a>on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The first time I
went there the entrance eluded me. I thought I was going crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With<a href="http://www.fairwaymarket.com/departments/upper-west-side-cafe/"> Fairway‘s</a> fruits and vegetables
filling up most of the block. it is not surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marked with 2121, but set back a little, it appears to be a
delivery entrance, but it’s not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take
the elevator or walk to the third floor and enter Dance Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Immediately, there is energy, movement, and music. Dancers in all
stages of dress and undress sprawl in hallways, stretching limbs, waiting for classes to begin or
recovering from ones just completed. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pn_vrydGM-v0zv72jvzo_UIjxBEQFvhg-dMGY6yE86-Eqd3ZqbOJc55aMK9H2xUypxvDPTkRlo76aMGHR6ELd9B4r_4g-cHqyXTB9kxFMiR0nhIhrsI61WZqVlO_ghHTyAoEZnlKr-s/s1600/stepsonbr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Pn_vrydGM-v0zv72jvzo_UIjxBEQFvhg-dMGY6yE86-Eqd3ZqbOJc55aMK9H2xUypxvDPTkRlo76aMGHR6ELd9B4r_4g-cHqyXTB9kxFMiR0nhIhrsI61WZqVlO_ghHTyAoEZnlKr-s/s1600/stepsonbr.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
am right at home in the dance studio with its hardwood floors and smooth
surfaces, mirrors, and ballet
barres .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dancing
since the age of 8, I have never stopped. Styles, steps, and rhythms have
changed, but my love for the dance has deepened over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Less
technical, I have become more expressive, sacrificing the big fancy move for
the emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With
multiple classes on two levels, starting at 10 AM and going into the evening, 7
days a week, there are always too many choices at Steps. On any given day there might be
a dozen or more each of tap, and ballet, in addition to various other tempting
choices like contemporary,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>jazz, hip hop, and theater dance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
maximize my infrequent NYC dance days, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take two classes back to back. Today it’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an Advanced Beginner Contemporary Jazz
class followed by Advanced Beginner Tap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tap
is one of my main interests these days. As I kid I took classes, then returned
to the dance some years ago when I was a teacher directing and choreographing
my school’s production of “42<sup>nd</sup> Street.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amazingly,
20 years later, it is all coming back to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">\<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jazz class was decent but
uninspiring. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 3 times as old
as many of the students, I was fine in the warm up, which lasted a full hour.
The choreography was okay until we started to go down on the floor and that’s
when I took my leave to get ready for the tap class, the main event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
like to be inspired. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With
a more diverse population, tap was way more exciting. Gotta give <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cudos to the “senior” member of the
class, pushing 90, who, wearing her “Keep on Moving” tee shirt, held her own. I
want to be her when I’m in my 80’s!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inspiring
us with great jazz and challenging rhythms, instructor and performer Lynne
Schwab sees and hears all mistakes and cares enough to take time to help
students improve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
love a good teacher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Full
of endorphins, I hopped on the subway at 72<sup>nd</sup> Street for the first
leg of my journey back to the Bolt which brought me home to Philly. While waiting for my next connection at 59th Street, I happen upon this tapper. Sweet!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzcGu2FmxyF0nc9z3wzFEwAfJhyXnUFjT40c_BmHbcIs1hxgzCaTL5ywSE9O0ttHkDfPw4VZs5FUWeFUQRXiA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is always more dancing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-75500309790610902012013-12-10T15:27:00.000-08:002013-12-15T06:05:14.795-08:00Wandering-Philly "The Lie I Sometimes Tell"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a lie that I sometimes tell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told it last
night. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had wandered over the Walnut Street Bridge,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the <a href="http://www.worldcafelive.com/">World Cafe,</a> for my favorite Monday
night jazz jam and happy hour.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I never get tired of the view from the bridge, one of the
most beautiful places in the city if you like lights, and I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfS7pq3B22t5LGz0zi3pFVw3dvNkWN3HSJHrN4anXxh3t4AD3x6dwWP6tk0o3cbclz_r3ad9uiDoC8KKCK3Q8DeDMSCS0NhLtZ6ofByhYN2fjHq12DMRx9pFn5fbt8bkC_r20x1tXvGY/s1600/walnutbridg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfS7pq3B22t5LGz0zi3pFVw3dvNkWN3HSJHrN4anXxh3t4AD3x6dwWP6tk0o3cbclz_r3ad9uiDoC8KKCK3Q8DeDMSCS0NhLtZ6ofByhYN2fjHq12DMRx9pFn5fbt8bkC_r20x1tXvGY/s320/walnutbridg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a little
disappointed when I found out that the jazz was cancelled. But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the monthly <a href="http://firstpersonarts.org/">Story Slam</a> would begin a
little later, so I settled in with some red wine and caught up with my fav
bartender, Robin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The theme for this month’s story competition was “Liar Liar.” I told my lie, not as a story, but just in
conversation at the bar, while contestants were entertaining us with their
escapades.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While waiting for the start of the event, I chatted with one
of the organizers. He invited me to be one of the three judges for the night,
to which I agreed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I could judge right from my seat at the bar, just
shouting out my scores, when requested. Perfect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So that’s where I told the lie, to a complete stranger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“How many children do you have?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is seems a simple question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said “One”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truth is I have two children. One here in Philly and one
on the Other Side., which is what I tell you once I get to know you better<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or if I think there’s a chance that I
will see you again. I lost Lisa in a car accident 13 years ago when she was
almost 19. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And because that is way too much information for a stranger
trying to be entertained at a lively event, I lied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lied to the person next to me, while I was judging stories
about lies. The irony was clear. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tell this lie to keep things simple. After all these
years, it is still not easy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But Story Slam was great with lots of laughter and a
truly outstanding winner! I had fun judging, and for the most part, we three judges were close in our evaluations. I got booed once for giving a low score on the final contestant. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took it like a woman!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I handed in my score card and had a peaceful walk home back over the bridge.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcYEcRvRnd4uvTqwVDT1RJV48gUc0mG7J4GXFZsvdrkZiounORw8Yv2uNEF_IJTvAiSkuFS-MsiC8En_8t7VLLjraodunzs_68df-SbFVw8BihuZQ0wFiu-BrIwU7gfwHkuLk277cdZ8/s1600/storyslam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcYEcRvRnd4uvTqwVDT1RJV48gUc0mG7J4GXFZsvdrkZiounORw8Yv2uNEF_IJTvAiSkuFS-MsiC8En_8t7VLLjraodunzs_68df-SbFVw8BihuZQ0wFiu-BrIwU7gfwHkuLk277cdZ8/s320/storyslam.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10741881418891023287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521473475673340716.post-64627576985020357132013-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:002013-12-15T06:03:46.905-08:00NYC Wandering-To Cronut or Not?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dark chocolate,
champagne, and gold dust. These are the seasonal and festive ingredients for
December’s “Cronut.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had never heard of the “Cronut” and maybe you haven’t
either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But judging from the size
of the line in front of this little unassuming bakery in SoHo, NYC, this
“little slice of heaven” must be worth the wait.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmtgNWIddPkFdEZIaSM3PxR1p4P4vnBIHOtBUbI3Cy9zONgzORtTxNn0zaIaFB_xTlKvjTW0A9Fy3c_4PNZp0C7bOkaTHKB3vmRrLAxT7QaRH3RQ385DqmSgBntt9S19B9ULPL9zKZ4o/s1600/bakery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmtgNWIddPkFdEZIaSM3PxR1p4P4vnBIHOtBUbI3Cy9zONgzORtTxNn0zaIaFB_xTlKvjTW0A9Fy3c_4PNZp0C7bOkaTHKB3vmRrLAxT7QaRH3RQ385DqmSgBntt9S19B9ULPL9zKZ4o/s320/bakery.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not strange to see lines in NYC: New Yorkers are great
at waiting in lines for busses, museums, and movies, but Saturday mornings in
SoHO are usually quiet, stores and galleries opening around 11AM.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hopped off the <span id="goog_1446482323"></span><a href="https://www.boltbus.com/">Bolt Bus<span id="goog_1446482324"></span> </a>from Philly on a bland corner of
Sixth Ave. in TriBeCa. Later I’d be traveling to Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn for my
face-painting job, but now, it was time to explore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I meandered meditatively on mostly silent brick-lined
streets, a few merchants setting up their wares in front of cast iron
buildings. Later, holiday shoppers would fill up these narrow streets.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I saw the line.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, of course, I got on the end</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s where I got my introduction to the “Cronut,” described
as a “croissant-doughnut hybrid, ” which takes almost three days for full
preparation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastry chef Dominique
Ansel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>started selling his trademarked
yummy treat in May 2013, with a monthly flavor. For the opening months they had
rose vanilla, lemon maple, and blackberry lime. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But for December, they brought in the chocolate (66% dark),
the champagne, and the gold dust.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqZSmFZa-OZvG934vl8lsYvVUjwrC01TcKhSTl08e7zl2-mp4YvJlz2APE68TgPCFwUAKoPdFBrMNqUvmOBWcgQO_eJIqTnH62Spuy9ev4aOcpFoP28GTfe3O7Hysse_ohnlqiOlXWgM/s1600/cronut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqZSmFZa-OZvG934vl8lsYvVUjwrC01TcKhSTl08e7zl2-mp4YvJlz2APE68TgPCFwUAKoPdFBrMNqUvmOBWcgQO_eJIqTnH62Spuy9ev4aOcpFoP28GTfe3O7Hysse_ohnlqiOlXWgM/s320/cronut1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which explains why this line was still going strong on a
Saturday morning just before 10AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The line begins more than two hours before the bakery’s scheduled
opening 8AM M-F, 9AM Sun) and there is no indication that this craze or faze or
obsession is slowing down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe these pastries are just darn delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At $5.00 each (plus tax), they must be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there were rules: rules about the line and rules about
how to eat them, all neatly displayed on a sign at the front of the line. I had
never seen so many rules for a bakery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was reminded of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. Now, I really wanted to
try one. The suspense was profound. And I had become part of a group, a
happening, a movement!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujn9sG-UxvOtz0vY22Ct_3Zntol7w0RW43HIHzELhmqVhSBmqkVAD5-GFGHDXH4DBWaWJLe3z5j6A9f24X1ZMi8-r_ZRyRW-Lho16XBM1lX8C9eP2FYoU2EbLzxJqMI2yJ0ZQ2PBrH6o/s1600/cronutrules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujn9sG-UxvOtz0vY22Ct_3Zntol7w0RW43HIHzELhmqVhSBmqkVAD5-GFGHDXH4DBWaWJLe3z5j6A9f24X1ZMi8-r_ZRyRW-Lho16XBM1lX8C9eP2FYoU2EbLzxJqMI2yJ0ZQ2PBrH6o/s320/cronutrules.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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I could taste the chocolate swirling around on my tongue,
the champagne warming me instantly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was chatting with my line mates, my new life long friends,
someone from the shop came out to make the dreaded announcement that they’d
soon be running out of the coveted product for probably the last half of the
line. There were groans of disappointment, including my own, when I realized I
wouldn’t have a chance to sample this delight that day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last count there are 22 more days in December- that means
22 more days to attempt to fill my mouth with this heavenly concoction… that’s
until the new flavor for January is unveiled. What could it be?? I’ll keep you
posted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dominique Ansel Bakery</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
189 Spring Street</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
212-219-2773</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://dominiqueansel.com/">http://dominiqueansel.com/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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