POSITIVE THINGS happening at the end of the long MILDEW Tunnel....fingers crossed!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

It is George V's birthday today. He was every inch a libra, and easy for this scorpio to live with. He would have been 67 today. That is something good about dying young: you are always remembered as that 48 year old 'young' man. He will never age. Interesting price to pay for that privilege.

Everything has its price.

So, I spoke lots about knowing something Monday. But, Monday happened, and I am no more 'all knowing' than I was a week ago. A hygenist has been recommended: Of course, I had that appointment set up 10 days ago and decided to defer with my insurance claims experts. I forgot one detail in my naivete and in being quite frankly: OVERWHELMED. Insurance companies are you friend as long as you keep paying the premium. However, once you file a claim, that insurance company becomes your adversary.

How silly of me.

I love my 3 comments on my Blog. I really like getting them, particularly if they are positive. perhaps: only when or because they are positive.......

but, why would someone posit an anonymous comment? Why shouldn't I have the same privilege to know who I am reading, as they do when they read my blog? Hmmm. keep cheering me on "anonymous"... but, remain still curious on why anonymous?

That being said: I know I am perceived as being strong. Perhaps that is true. Perhaps that is part perception. It doesn't matter. What matters is that EVEN STRONG people want to feel like it is OKAY to NOT FEEL STRONG, or to NOT BE STRONG for a few moments in time.

I haven't a clue on why I am feeling overwhelmed, but know on some level: i am out of my depth and comfort zone. When, on the rare occasion that happens: there is good reason for my 'overwhelmedness'.

Had a great dinner with my friend John (George V's oldest childhood friend) and his lady, Meg. She is my new friend and a dear lady. She is beautiful, darling, bright, articulate, NICE, as she is from OHIO. They make nice folks in OHIO. Saw their 'condo' on the beach: quite wonderful and easy to beach walk. ground floor...... mostly rennovated for an OLD Siesta CONDO. The furniture all looked too big, too dark and too bulky- too many animal prints and too much brown and olive green. Color so impacts me, and lack of it usually depresses me. It was a bit 'matchy' matchy. I am so NOT a matchy matchy kinda gal.

Hopefully, we will go swimming in the Gulf today! That is my plan and fantasy for a perfect day.

I did get some GREAT NEWS. POSITIVE. UPBEAT NEWS! A high powered agent who does NOT take on new writers, has agreed to read part of my manuscript, thanks to my MENTOR, David. He did some sweet-talking to his old pal, the agent.... and it is because of his faith in my project, that I was honored with his CHEERING my work on, and it is because of HER respect of him, that I am being given this opportunity.

This could be BIG. If she doesn't go wild and crazy over my manuscript- she has a wonderful sphere of influence, and might point me in the right direction. David was EXCITED about that news, so that too, is meaningful. Thank you AGENT, and thank you DAVID.... fingers crossed.

Smiles for this Sunday,

Judy

Rainy days and Tuesdays

Tuesday, September another something or other day 2013

Rain. Thunder, Rolling growls in the gray skies. Thick bulbeous rain drops. Far too many in some areas of Siesta Key, where the water had WAVES in it! Cars were stranded in front of the Public Beach!

I thought to myself: OH NO! Not this. I am NOT GETTING STRANDED! Luck would have it as a good story line in my life of late: I turned around and went the back roads through Siesta Isles and to my purple palace. Mildew Manor.

I waited 3 hours for the arrival and finish of the men who were 'assessing' the work to be done to CLEAN my house. They were a contradiction: doom & gloom about getting into my house in the next couple of months..... but LOVING all the details of the house. So, I was flattered amongst feeling a bit overwhelmed. The flattering took much of the sting out of the 3 hours. I was even helping them MEASURE the house with them. Of course: with our MASKS ON !

I had a dentist appointment today. Now you know that I would be dreading that! It can't be anything good: after all I have lost 3 teeth this summer. No surprise there. But, to hear the doom and gloom and to see it in writing was just another nail in the coffin of GOOD THINGS this week.

I have a good attitude, as I know that there is a beginning and an end to these challenges. But, my good attitude might have an expiration date. Not sure.

So, if that were not enough to get my senses aglow: I drove south to Historic Spanish Point to attend a Board Meeting, which of course was cancelled as only one Board member showed: and ME, and I am NOT on the BOARD. That would not have been too bad, except that I have discovered during this rain that my car is no longer water proof!

Chalk up that detail in the myriad of details in life which need attending! Wouldn't seem problematic except we are now living in the RAINY SEASON in Florida! Lucky me.

Hmmm.

happy tuesday to you, too!
and a smile
Judy

Fairy Godmother to attend Tea Party with the TWINS alla Ritz, this morning!

Sunday, sometime in September, 2013

Hi

I am waiting till I know more on Monday afternoon, which allows me to relax and think no further than that. It is a gift of sorts. I can't worry today about an imagined plight. That makes no sense... leaving me in a state of   'indecision' or suspension, which seems comfy for the minute.

I am enjoying my cocoon in my daughter's home. It is a nice, safe place. I feel protected and hidden.

I took myself to the movies to see a great film "The Spectacular Now"... about self and young love.  The actors were wonderful and engaging and it was a perfect movie to see with a small popcorn filled with butter and half eaten.

I am the 'FAIRY GODMOTHER" to four beautiful FAIRY GOD-KIDS! The family is Jewish and there are no Godparents of such.... but, they wanted me in their family. Voila! I am the FAIRY Godmommy. They call me that. They know me as that. They will refer to me as that. It is very darling. Today, it is 'THE TWINS" annual Birthday TEA PARTY at the Ritz. They have been doing this since their first birthday. They are now SEVEN! A Blonde and A Brunette. Their names are "Madison and Alexandra". I wanted them to be named "Madison and Park".

They are beautiful and they suite their names perfectly, as a mommy would know.
I get to feast on tea sandwiches, yummy deserts.... and oh: tea, too!
Best, I get to see my Mary, Carol, Racheael, Barbara, Emma and the twins! Ages 3 to 66.

All these strong, bright, articulate, nice, caring, well traveled women who love their family and friends..... a bounty for me this morning!

I will quickly search for an appropriate 7 year old TWINS birthday gift. I normally find something..... an inspiration hits! Hope that happens this morning. I'll let you know!

Smiles, from a sunny Sarasota this morning...
Judy

Got my vehicle back, got a GRANDY and DAD visit, and napped during afternoon rain: What a day!

Friday, September something or other, 2013

Hmmmm.

Hmmmm.

I will know more about how to procede with my mildewy home after my insurance appointment with the claims dude. It is now all an adventure, I am thinking as to I haven't a clue on what happens next really. I will approach it as a curiosity in bloom and a learning curve.

I went to see my 93 year old father yesterday. It increased his visitor log by 100% over the past month. Doubled his fan base with yesterday's breakfast visit. He looks good. In fact,he is the BEST LOOKING TOOTHLESS 93 year old I have ever seen.  My gene pool bodes well for me in some departments: I am thinking. He was delighted to see me. I am a female. I am younger. He LOVES MOST younger females. Not the FAT ones, though. He is so mean and superficial. Even today, at his most desperate: no teeth, can't really see, can't hear without his cochlear implant- and even that is sketchy....., walks with a walker, wears a diaper! I haven't seen him in 5 months, as I have been away.

Howard, my Dad asks at least 45 times: "How old am I?" I tell him. Each time, he is amazed. It is always ground-hog day at the memory unit of this retirement facility. Which, by the way is a FABULOUS place for him to be. THE BEST there is.

Then, my Dad asks me if I speak Italian.... at least 38 times.

Then, my Dad tells me "Judy, I want a woman!". LOUDLY, as he speaks as if he has NO COCHLEAR IMPLANT. Then, he says "I want a woman I can have compatible sex with". LOUDLY, at Breakfast!
The nurse's aid heard him and was laughing. My father asked her what was so funny and she said "I didn't expect to hear that this morning!".

To which, I turned to her and said "I am 62 years old, and I DID EXPECT to HEAR that come out of his mouth this morning! Now, how pathetic is that !"

He had a girlfriend for a second with whom he attempted to become frisky! He says, LOUDLY, "She is UGLY". So, I am now telling Howard.... my father....that he needs to be more specific when asking for a woman. He must say "I want a PRETTY, SKINNY woman".

I think he has an inflated sense of self.... which I am not sure how well it serves him at this point in his life.

He said that I didn't seem to empathetic with him about the fact that he hates it there. I said that what I could do for him is to VISIT him. That is my gift to him. I can't do anything else about anything else. Actually, my visits to him are for my GRANDMOThER, his mom- who was my savior, from an angst filled pubescence.
She took me traveling and made me into a travel junkie. And gave me a sense of self! She gave me that bar.

Got my car last evening. Did some work for some travel clients. Took a nap, along with Carlyle. Good lazy in-sync family energy. And... visited with 'my first born'ASTRID'" and her baby, "FIN". He is so cute. He is so sweet and cherubic looking, filled with michieveous laughter... he kept flicking his tongue at Curry, to beg for kisses! And, then he would just giggle. I love my baby grand-son, as I am Pip and Fin's GRANDY. (Pip is 4. Fin is 1) So, I got to visit with Astrid, which is always like 'coming home'.... and I got to get some lovin' on FIN. How good is life!

Onward and upward. I am having a movieaholic attack! I just satiated my Thai food, my SUSHI, BBQ palate pleasers.....this past week.

smiles and happy weekend
Judy

The universe may be sending me a message

Hi

I have been silenced: caught off guard and almost speechless.

I spent the last week at my son's home in the Berkshire Mountains. Verdant greens, vertical greens, rolling hills and country roads. The leaves just beginning to FALL for FALL. .... and just turning those glorious shades of reds, oranges and bright yellows. Just lovely and oh so different from Florida: flat, linear, concrete. Green and blue of the sky and water. Also beautiful. Fills a different part of the soul.

Didn't do much but 'hang' with George.... shopping at thrift stores for vintage clothes that he is in need for he is costuming a local movie. It is fun to watch him 'cull' the racks. I am slowly and elementary beginning to comprehend what kind of organizing must happen for each scene of a movie. The details are staggering, really. I also helped him begin to organize his workshop at Simon's Rock College: costume warehousing. Spend a day with George's college friends: and his God daughter, Kennedy- who is just 3 and too cute. White spun golden hair with locks of ringlets. Sweet, transluscent and innocently whispy.

Enjoyed my days with George. With George and Carlyle. And, with George and his new best friend. What a privilege!

I was hesitating about coming home. After all, if not: it wouldn't have taken me 2 weeks to accomplish what I could have done in a twenty four hour day! I took a most prolonged circuitous turn from Milan to Sarasota. But, a good one!

So, my first 48 hours in Sarasota arrival on Monday evening didn't bode well as a welcome, BENVENUTO.
1. There was no electricity
2. There was no water
3. The car battery was dead, so I couldn't even get into the vehicle.
4. There was mildew everywhere.... 5 weeks without air/conditioning!
5. There was mildew in my car.
6. The motor service folks couldn't jump my car because the key to the trunk didn't open the trunk.
7. I was told that it was not safe for me to be in my home
8. I was told that it would take over a month to clean my home
9. I was told that it would cost more than $10,000 to clean my home
10. My car had to be towed to the auto repair
11. I needed a new battery. Got one
12. I turned on half of the electric. The other half, I waited a day for an electrician to arrive and JIGGLE the outside breaker box. After 40 years in the same house: I NEVER knew there were breaker boxes OUTSIDE my house. The 'LICENSED" Jiggler : oh, yes: electrician..... jiggled long enough, all of my electricity now works.
13. I have water.
14. My car is getting de-mildewed.
15. I LOST a THIRD TOOTH on SUSHI! Gummy bears AND Sushi? What wimps my teeth are!
16. I had the second one replaced back into my mouth.
17. I have been told that my insurance will cover the $10,000 cleaning bill.
18. Still no word on when I can get back into the house.
19. I was home-less, until my daughter took me 'in'.
20. My daughter is a saint: I am using her home, her car, her telephone.....Her boyfriend is great, too.

So ... the moral of the story is this: I have been waivering on how to procede to the next stage in life. This has made the 'separation' a much more palatable prospect. That is my message and my 'take away'. The angst of taking that first step: was usurped from me in a most fortuitous way.

That is today's story , and I am sticking to it!

Smiles back at ya!
Judy

Losing teeth is not a good weight loss regimen

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Awakening to a misty morning in the Berkshires, with an abundance of trees, evergreens and rolling verdant hills (that are called mountains)

The first night here, I chewed on a Haribou GUMMY BEAR. One gummy bear. One chew: and out came a tooth. A GUMMY BEAR! Aren't they supposed to be 'innocent'? So, yesterday had me finding a dentist (actually a friend up here in the Berkshires) and I was able to salvage the tooth.Yeah for small favors- as I crumbled a tooth in Italy a month ago while using my teeth as a tool to open a plastic bottle of shampoo! At 62, I learned my lesson- teeth are not TOOLS, they are 'chompers' for food and NOT Gummy Bears.

Georgie worked at Simon's Rock College, as he teaches costume design at his alma matter. Owned by Bard College in New York, Simon's Rock is a very cool institution indeed. It is the only and FIRST college to be a college for "younger scholars"- an "early college", as they take kids who have completed their 10th grade and accept them into college. Therefore, all the students are from 16-20, and the 450+ of them go to college with their social peers. These are bright bright 'out of the box' kids who don't love the high school experience and want to continue their education in a different setting. A great example of an 'out of the box' student is the fact that the COHEN brothers: Ethan and Joel went to Simon's Rock (of "No country for old men" of movie "Fargo"- the list goes on and on)

That left Carlyle and I to navigate Great Barrington: starting with THAI lunch. It has been 5 months since I have had Thai food, and love love love the coconut soup. It was total palate pleasure and a delight to have my daughter all to myself. Went shopping for food.... and then were joined for dinner with George. A PALEO meatloaf. It was super good. Followed by the funny movie "A BIG WEDDING" with Diane Keaton, Robert DeNiro, Susan Sarandon, Topher Grace, Katherine Heigl and Amanda Siefried: I laughed and enjoyed my time with my kidlets. In George's bed... sprawled out.... eating delicious (seems like an oxymoron) gluten -free chocolate chip cookies. They were so good: I had 4 of them. After 5 months of different kinds of sweets, it was total YUM.

Today, Carlyle leaves for Sarasota- and I will have had just TWO SWEET DAYS with my two babies. However short- it was a total mommy's delight!

I must always remember it is about the BOUNTY, not the LACK which is important.

Hoping that yours is a grand Wednesday,

Smiles and keep clicking. Tell your friends, too! please.

Judy

Choo Choo to Western Mass.

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

Hi,

I am in Monterey, Mass.... a stone's throw from Great Barrington in the Berkshire Mountains. 20 minutes from both the Connecticut and New York state borders. There is a darling GENERAL STORE here in Monterey, with divine home made goodies and the look, smell and feel of a wooden store from the 50's. Nostaglic and handy dandy.

The air is cool, almost COLD for this Floridian gal. Took Amtrak train from South Boston on the LAKE TRAIN which continues to Chicago overnight. It was like an old time experience, with the conductor paying attention to your requests and needs. They sell blow up pillows and a blanket for the overnight journey for $8.00.... for those who do not book an actual bed on board. They were friendly and solicitous which makes for a cruise on land kind of experience (albeit, no water and no free food included) It took almost 4 hours via rail to arrive in Pitsfield, MA.... where a car would have taken half that time. It only made 4 stops, but was a leisurely way to travel, sleeping most of the way and reading long ignored PEOPLE magazine.

Watched the hiney picking NADAL and Djokovic last evening in a most exciting US OPEn tennis final. Didn't watch the end, as my kids preferred watching The Next Top Drag Queen on television.
The judges were Pamela Anderson and Jennifer Tilly among others! Television has certainly changed since SKY KING and Penny.

I had a tooth fall out from chomping on a Haribo GUMMY BEAR! Really? So, I might be in persuit of a dentist today. It is great being with my two babies - no longer babies, but forever in my heart: babies of mine. It has been far too long since I had both of them together. I knew it would be this way- as they grew and have lives of their own, but always seized the opportunity to have them close for as long as I could in ITALY for the summers.

It has just started to rain buckets outside. Dreary. Perhaps it will inspire an early morning nap.

Hope yours is a wonderful Tuesday. It is election day in NYC for mayoral race.  I am a New Yorker, but I must say that it is a strange list of candidates who are vying for that position.

Smiles,
Judy

Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Boston

Monday -9-9-13, September 9th, 2013

I have been away from a computer and the ability to be verbal alla the keyboard. Martha's Vineyard is a gritty Nantucket.... offering a less monochromatic version of New England's beautiful and bountiful islands.

Saw the BUTLER movie.... and as an American History lover- enjoyed the portrayals of the presidents. IE: Robin Williams playing Eisenhower, John Cusak playing Nixon, etc.... . It was an interesting panorama of one person's view of history. I particularly found it interesting that Black folks were the servers at the White House even through Reagan's administration- and that they were paid LESS than their White counter-parts.... even in our recent history.

I stayed with a longtime friend and neighbor in her family land... being a part of seeing her create a new homestead, steadily and in phases. Her home is charm personified with a sweet coziness that a cottage requires. Fresh hewn branches arch from floor to ceiling to create a division between bedroom and living room, and adorn the corners of the roofline outdoors. There is nature inside and out- giving the allusion of greater space, as the outside is part of the interior space.

I was compelled to visit my Sarasota friend and neighbor and spent more time with her in the three days in Martha's Vineyard than I do when in Sarasota, just two doors down from me. My girlfriend grew up on the island, and is an ISLAND GAL through and through. The sense of history - of hers and of Martha's Vineyard is fascinating. Great stories: like the one where her mom ordered their first cow from Macy's in New York. From the fifth floor.... delivered to Martha's Vineyard via a truck and a red carpet which the cow walked on to get arrive at their home. Today, her bedspread in her new cottage also comes from Macy's: over the 4 decades- cows to bed coverings, compliments of Macy's store!

We went swimming in Great Plains pond- refreshing and cool...... and in the Atlantic by South Shore beaches. Lying on the beach, I could feel the huge tug of the tides and waves- rushing into shore, and then driving the water back out to sea. The pull of the earth's forces was magnetic. We watched as two little twin two year old boys darting along the shore with their father, taking hundreds of tiny steps to stay up with their father's large stride. Each had a floppy hat and were a picture that was all too darling, and classic. We went to the Martha's Vineyard museum, which was interesting- a home from the early 1700's....including grave stones from treasured chickens in the 1800's... connecting us with pre-Revolutionary history to the present. We went to the thrift shop, had lunch at a friend's home in Oak Bluffs ( that darling gingerbread area of Marth'a Vineyard and the first Black resort in the USA) We went out on an oyster farming boat and cruised into Edgartown Harbor at sunset, which is New England charm at its best. I saw the oyster farms and learned that oysters must be constantly cleaned as they take 14 months to grow into maturity and into the size that our palates will devour. Watched lots of US OPEN and talked. Always talking! Girlfriends are great that way. Took my showers in the outdoor shower, which is always an awesome way to become clean. And visited friends in Vineyard Haven- a complete and wonderful three days.

Have been in Boston for the past couple of days. I saw my mentor- who is excited about my next phase to get my manuscript published: the ever tough QUERY letter to solicit agents to rally around my book to be. David, is a darling 80+ year old man who is my fan and my cheerleader, among others. But, there is something so special about David and his all too cute and tiny wife- Jeanne. She and I are both alums of the same school, albeit a few decades of difference. They both inspire me. It is true affection for them that warms my heart.

Have also been visiting an old friend... from 40+ years ago: reconnecting and realizing that there is an easy flow after 40 years, is a treasure. It is another great connecting circle in life, that is reassuring and refreshing. Another gift to celebrate.

Today, I will take the train from Boston to western Mass to see both my kids. I have not been with both George and Carlyle together for over a year and am looking forward to having both my babies with me, again.

Happy Monday,

Smiles
Keep clicking! Happy US OPEN Men's Finals

Judy

The GRAY LADY

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

As I stepped from my gray shingle Nantucket cottage-ette into the soft cool breeze of Tuesday morning, I knew why Nantucket is called "The GRAY LADY", as there is a soft white haze and mist in the sky. Not blue. The Whiteness blends into the gray shingle homes with their oftentimes white trim and except for the abundant flowers and verdant soft green of the grass: is monochromatic. The hydrangeas in all colors from white to blue to a deep mauve, mixed with fragrant roses, and sunflowers pop in backdrop of the grayness and give a sense of life to the visual palate. The soft breezes are allowing the long stemmed flowers to dance and sway.

I am enjoying my GIRL TIME. Easy. My girlfriends are nice, and interesting women: well read... lovers of books, actually- well educated and well traveled, with big hearts and a sense of the adventure of life, while all the time being grounded in family and love of children. It is a wonderful mix. They are also tennis lovers, so we have been animated in watching Nadal scratch his ass, and sniff his hands upon each play. Of course, my friends are also gourmands: loving to dine, which we do all so well here in Nantucket. Yesterday, we feasted at the Westmoor Club outdoors in the midst of looking at the green grass of a croquet game, flanked by huge pots of petunias. Such grace at the Gray Lady.

Today, we intend to be 'cultured' and go to the Lighthouse Basket Museum to see where the ever famous and dear wicker basket purses with ivory carved tops originated. Perhaps, we will also manage to see The Butler movie. I am having a movieaholic attack from lack of seeing a movie in four months.

Tomorrow I depart to visit another dear friend and neighbor from Sarasota on Martha's Vineyard... so more Americana alla island living is in my future.

Smiles for this tuesday, and thanks for clicking onto me.

Judy

Monday, Labor Day, September 2, 2013

Awoke in my little gray shingle cottage... all cozy and under a deliciously fluffy feather eiderdown and turned on the Today Show, which is my American ritual while stateside. I spent 4 months with little or no news... and this morning's show had a wrap-up of summer's most noteworthy stories. The Cliff NOTES version of staying current, albeit- not at all current.

I have both feet on American soil... but part of my heart remains in Lake Como, as always. When Carlyle and Casey were there: there was a full moon, which when I think about it even today, makes my heart soar. Of course, there was a full moon in the states, too. But the full moon was illuminescent , glowing with what appeared like glitter. The air was clear and the moon moved across the lake and over the mountains. Arising early in the morning to take the kids to the airport: the moon was still shining with a huge GLOW, as the sun was rising in the sky. The circle of the earth and the cycle was stunning and took my breath away. It is a sight I will long remember.

Having a few days prior to my departure and after the kids left was lovely. I could slowly pack up the house and my luggage, and nest upon leaving so that my return whenever it would be will be will be seamless and feel 'new'.

My girlfriend, Kirsten from Venice arrived for a few days prior to departing the lake. She is a new widow: and we could talk about her husband, death and a new way of living - contemplating that there is always LIFE after DEATH. Italians do not speak of death and new life. They just refer to the dead as "POOR Umberto" or POOR George or POOR whoever died.

Kirsten went paragliding, bike riding and we had the most special of evenings. One night, I had Alessio and some other dear friends come for a dinner with Kirsten. The friends are folks she has met over the years of visiting and have become part of her circle of admirers. Alessio brought his guitar. Another friend made Pizzoccheri.... and Kirsten sat at Alessio's feet and sang along with his stunning guitar playing. It was one of those evenings where you feel BLESSED. It was easy, beautiful and filled with soul and the simple flow of energy of long time friends. Another evening, we went to FeFe's home (Alessio's wife) and had a GIRL'S evening, which is not a usual thing in Italy. FeFe cooked, which is always a treat, and there was easy banter among 5 single women and FeFe. Girl talk- is the same and different all over the world. It always includes a few minutes of MEN talk: whether determining if men are redundant, a pain or if they are 'missed' in the scheme of life.

As my mind wanders back to Nantucket... the girls and I will go 'shopping' and perhaps go to a museum or two. A little bit of culture and history among the delights of girly pleasures.

Happy Labor Day,

Smiles, as always
Judy

tucked away in Nantucket

Sunday, September 1, 2013

I have taken a couple of weeks off: to just live and experience without thought on how to express all the wonderful little marvelous details that sweep across my senses daily. I will try to recoop some of those moments throughout the next few days.... expressing them upon reflection, giving them a bit of a different flair.

Today, I am in charming Nantucket Island with two dear sweet gal friends of mine. This trek up to the northeastern US- is becoming a tradition among us... making this the third consecutive summer we have been here together. My friend Ann has a home and MeMe and I are privileged to soak up the stone streets, brick sidewalks, flower boxes, the smell of the cool fresh Atlantic air, and of course a few "DARK and STORMY" beverages along the way. Yesterday, we went to Madeket and ate at the local hangout "Millies".... dining on fabulous fried clams and tartare sauce. Fresh, not frozen. And, we watched the US OPEN on television- seeing Giorgi from Italy beat Wozniacki (sp?) Giorgi is darling and I am always for the underdog. The evening of our arrival had us sailing out from the harbor on a 1920's wooden exquisite yacht called "THE BELLE"- having appetizers and more Dark and Stormy's. Getting into the local culture includes the local specialty, which I am eager to embrace. In Italy: it is pizzoccheri, negroni... and on Nantucket: it is Triple eight vodka and lobster rolls.  There were some colorful characters on the sunset cruise, including the boat, itself. Graceful lines, beautiful mohagany wood, cool breezes collectively made for a perfect evening.

I arrived in Nantucket in a circuitous route, which I loved. I flew at midnight from Milano to Reykjavik, Iceland, arriving at my hotel at 4:00am. I am not sure why I was stunned that it was FREEZING, as it is called Iceland after all- and NOt  SUNNYland! But, I was stung by the wind whipping its frigid air about me. Silly me. I stayed at the Blue Lagoon Clinic hotel, situated half way between the airport and the capital city. The hotel hallway was a perfect interpretation of the 'nickname' of Iceland: which is the land of FIRE and ICE. One side of the hallway had walls of dark charcoal colored lava. The other side, was etched glass- which looked like frozen ice. When I awoke in my bedroom the next morning at 10:00am... I looked out my window- with a view that resembled a dark and mossy moonscape. Simply breathtakingly weird, stark and dramatic. I had the stopover to primarily treat myself to a WATER MASSAGE in the hot, and bright light blue thermal waters. It did not disappoint. The massage therapist had me horizontal on what looked like a yoga mat, while floating in the water. Then, she put a water soaked (of course) heavy towel over me, keeping me toasty warm. I felt like a wet taco enveloped in squishy shell. My face was exposed: it felt like snow was trickling down upon my cheeks... although it was not snow- just the cold dew of the windswept day.
While floating, she massaged each part of my body, as if I was on land. At the end of each part, she took the mat and as if making a bed.... shook the mat as if it was a sheet being put on a bed. I was part of the wave. It was just sensual and lovely. And, I would make that circuitous route again! It was an easier transition to adjusting to the time differences and made the trip seem 'shorter'- although it took an extra day.

I got stopped at the border when departing and got into trouble, as I had been gone for more than 4 months. The maximum visit to the European union is 3 months every six. So, my name is now in the worldwide computer network. She was a mean customs gal: saying to me, "If this had happened in the USA, you would be in prison". I said "but I am leaving now!" I hadn't a clue that there was a limit to a stay... which seems counter intuitive to the economic health of Europe: because the end result was spending money in Europe. But, it is always the details in life that can boggle one down.

After four months away, I craved: a steak, hamburger, sushi, lobster and thai food. I satiated my hamburger craving... and will go through my bucket list in the next few weeks. Yum. So, American!

I have found a translator for my manuscript: to translate it into Italian. It is a young gal who read it and is very excited to work on it. I know that it is a big deal, and the enthusiasm is so welcome.

The wind is allowing the trees to sway and the hydrangeas to bend along with the long stem fragrant roses.... the grass is like velvet underneath bare feet- unlike the stiff Bermuda grass of Florida. The graying shingles of the houses with  all colors of window shutters, make this little piece of Americana a treasure.

Happy Sunday, and keep clicking- please

smiles
Judy