iHave been bereft of words...

Well, well...It's been awhile. Since way last year, in fact. I've recently discovered more people read my blog than I even knew and so I'm behooved to update it. That being the case, guys, how about posting comments?

I've been busy. I have had the honour (yeah, I am American but such an anglophile and cousin of Canada that the Queen's English is my default) of creating artwork for the first 2008 Presidential Democratic debates, held in Orangeburg at the end of April. I even got to attend same. The whole thing was such an amazing experience. Again, I was honoured to be a part of it.

I've had quite a few new projects that are either finished or still in progress. That in addition to my constant and esteemed regular clients, and I thank you all most profusely. I have had the opportunity to stretch my creative wings in ways that have been appreciated and lauded.

Manhattanville College, my old alma mater, is hosting my 25th reunion this September (no! she's not THAT old. [or, jeez, I thought she was the same age as Methusela]). I have looked up some of my old college buddies and it has been so great re-establishing friendships. I hope to make it up to Mville for the reunion in September.

Brigitte Bardot, my beautiful calico cat who was the embodiment of a soulful Bronx woman (she was in fact from the Bronx), left this earth for Kitty Heaven on January 19th at the age of 18. We waited a few months and invited a new kitty into our midst. His name is Biggie. He's a grey, long-haired BIG cat with a BIG heart and lots of purriness. He is teaching Yoda (our 6 year old black cat leader of the evil empire) bad habits, like stalking the wild pan of risotto on the burner.

July has been and is The Month of Maine. Do you know that this is truly the most paradisical place in the United States? I was just there last week, in the Bangor area, which was new for me. Whilst Greenville was sweltering in the 90s, I was basking in the glow of a bonfire in 50 degree weather. The greenery and the skies are amazing. We got over to Bar Harbor for a day trip so I did get to catch some of my water (I miss my water, y'know). The end of the month will be the Free Family celebration on the coast. Water crashing against rocks...nothing like it in the world. Tidepools with really cool and gross things growing in them. I can do without the seal watch or the puffin watch this time around. At least, we can pay attention to the marine report this time...last time there was a hurricane out in the Atlantic and the choppiness was apparent but we went anyway. An hour and some vomit later...nope...waters need to be smooth as glass if you want me to go this time around. Otherwise, I will be happy to sit outside Shaw's Wharf and feed the seagulls french fries.

Speaking of french fries, I have finally decided to accept the fact that I need to lead a wheat- and dairy-free life. I've been flirting with unhealthy eating (flirting? How about an all out affair) for years, since Dr. D'Adamo told me I needed to stay away from the stuff (that was 1990, do the math). About a month ago, I felt terrible for a few weeks. Since I have cut out the wheat and dairy, I do feel so much better. Trying to tell an allopathic doctor about these allergies is almost hopeless. Doctors 'round here have had the response of "tests for celiac disease are not always reliable." Which usually means that there is not a medication to treat it. I've known that changing my lifestyle will improve my health, my immune system, all that. I've known it for many years but have not integrated the lifestyle nor synthesized the information. Now I know that the difference remains between feeling great and feeling like crap. It was a lot easier to eat the turkey wedge (see: Yonkers jargon, page 7) than leave off the roll. It was hard to finally decide that I would never eat another piece of Ray's Original (the Sixth Avenue one, and don't you forget it). It is, however, empowering to learn that I can be even more creative with recipe development. My new quest is to create the ultimate loaf of artesian gluten-free bread. Wish me luck.

There has been some incredible new music out. Mavis has a new album with a powerful and persuasive message, and her voice is a comfort and inspiration to me in all ways. McCartney's new album is so good I can almost hear Linda in it. Neil Young's Live at Massey Hall is great. But the most incredible work I have experienced all year is my son's. He can write songs and lyrics that are so inspirational that my heart is overfull to bursting with admiration and pride. I can't write more because his work is so far a private affair but hopefully there will be more to write in future.

In the middle of last week's Maine trip, my friend Bill and I had a brief stopover in NYC to see Michael and Harry. It was all too brief but so good to see them and hang out at their digs in Tudor City. The weather was amazing...low 70s, nice breeze. Walking up Second Avenue in that breeze was comforting. Just walking the streets of NYC always feels just right to me. As long as it's the streets and not the super-sanitized Times Square area. Yes, I am now a tourist too but hell, give me the hookers and the SROs from before someone took a Swiffer to Midtown. Luckily I didn't get to encounter that part of the city and could feel my old haunt (back in the old days, I worked at 866 UN Plaza, so it's like old home week there for me) like it is supposed to feel.

I am furthermore committed to continuing my quest to be more green in my life. Thank you Al Gore for the great concert and bringing more awareness to the forefront, and Melissa Etheridge for that great message of "what happened to us?" Think about it...I was taught back in the early 70s as a schoolgirl (that sounds awfully Mrs. Crabtree, does it not?) that we needed to conserve. Weren't you? And why did we ever think that our resources would last forever in a wasteful environment? Did we not learn anything from those who went through the Depression, those of our Greatest Generation? Aren't we more resourceful and creative than any other humans that have lived on this planet in the past? I think it takes more creativity to determine another way, a better way. Status quo is comfortable, but doesn't serve anyone in the long run. This is not another fad, this whole being green and carbon footprint thing. It's our lives at stake. It looks stylish and faddish right now but I think the packaging this time serves the purpose to enlighten and to make people pay attention.

Okay, enough of the soapbox. You may not agree with my rantings...and that's....okay. It's what makes our planet and our discourses so fascinating sometimes.

That's it for now. I hope I've caught you all up. Please let me know what you think. I have more to say but precious little time to say it. I do have more to say on the Yonkers 10705 post (there was Part 1 so it follows that there will be a Part 2, etc.). I will endeavour to write more frequently. I am glad to hear some of you enjoy these posts. Have a lovely week!