Good Friday Morning,
I am re-emerging after two years of scarcity and privacy.
I have been told that there are folks who miss my verbal meanderings. That is meaningful.
I have recently been told that I need to write. I was told that I need to write a "NOVEL"- to expand my imagination beyond the memoir I have scripted. In other words: I need to expand my writing horizons and so I am beginning here. I thank him. I call him "Mirage Man". That vote of confidence was welcome and so, you might reap the benefits of his 'nudge'.
I am still wishing a literary agent who would love to find a publisher for my manuscript: "Good Mourning". That was an attempt at begging for any help that might come my way.
Today is a transition day: and it is June 4th, 2018.... and so it begins.
I am sitting in my kitchen overlooking the awe inspiring vista provided by Lake Como. The sheer vertical angle of the snow capped mountains jettison from the blue, grey and shimmering waters which arrive via melting mountain tops of pure and beautiful snow. Fresh and refreshing. The birds are prolific and are continually singing and chirping away to create a beautiful symphony that only nature can provide. Hourly, the church spires ring their bells in celebration of life’s hourly happenings. It is a music that fills the heart... no matter what religion or spirituality one claims. It is a way of keeping track of the daily passage of time, of life’s routines ... in a manner which has been part of this village for centuries. I am swept up in the routine and the sounds of Italian living and I feel filled.
I have spent the past week in quiet solitude while I have read two books, listened to Pavarotti and Friends on my stereo, and watched some saved TV shows on my devices which include: The first episode of BARRY which was recommended by Mirage Man and stars Henry Winkler and is about a paid assasin, watched a documentary on Natalie Wood’s death or was it murder? and also included the romance of “Harry and Meghan” for good solid ‘kissy face-huggy bear’ fare.
I am slowly getting into the Italian life. The village held a wonderful fest to commemorate the ALPINI soldiers who defended the lake during WWI and WWII: a parade with feathers in their caps, a marching band and a display of 90 years of soldier’s gear. There is a WWI bunker still here with the most stellar view of the lake... and is fascinating. This tranquil spot seems in contrast to imagining that this was the center of war where Mussolini was captured and killed before being transported to Milan to ‘hang’ in proof of his demise.
I have been part of this village since 1989.... 29 years. My kids grew up here in summers as this was our inviolate family time. My husband died on the lake as a result of a moped accident: quite ironic for a race-car driver! And, I have formed another family community in addition to Sarasota, where I can to flourish in speaking Italian and in stretching my mind and my expand my perspective. I offer a peep-hole into American ways and this exchange is beautiful and bountiful.
Happy Monday.
I’ll be chatting
Judy
Monday, June 4, 2018
Monday, March 23, 2015
A last hooray
March 23, 2015
I have thought about this for awhile.
I am abandoning my blog as I feel violated by it.
It was used to try to get me in trouble with the local tax appraisers office.
I fear that in the future, I might say something that will naively get me in trouble. It also points to when I am in my home and when I am in Italy….. or when my house is empty and vulnerable.
I have been quiet also because I have had family… and children challenges. It was so invasive in my life, that it would have had to have been the center of my Blog. And, yet….. I was unable to communicate because I didn't want to violate my children's privacy.
And so, I am compelled to ask you readers to look for my book to be published…. . And, if any of you know anyone, please help me. You can email me: judyveale@gmail.com
I can use all the help and thank you in advance if it is forthcoming.
I thank you for your loyalty and the enthusiastic support I have received.
Warmth, smiles and a sincere appreciation of you,
Judy
I have thought about this for awhile.
I am abandoning my blog as I feel violated by it.
It was used to try to get me in trouble with the local tax appraisers office.
I fear that in the future, I might say something that will naively get me in trouble. It also points to when I am in my home and when I am in Italy….. or when my house is empty and vulnerable.
I have been quiet also because I have had family… and children challenges. It was so invasive in my life, that it would have had to have been the center of my Blog. And, yet….. I was unable to communicate because I didn't want to violate my children's privacy.
And so, I am compelled to ask you readers to look for my book to be published…. . And, if any of you know anyone, please help me. You can email me: judyveale@gmail.com
I can use all the help and thank you in advance if it is forthcoming.
I thank you for your loyalty and the enthusiastic support I have received.
Warmth, smiles and a sincere appreciation of you,
Judy
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Sunlight and The Lightening
Sunday, Jan. 18th
It is such a glorious and perfect day in the universe: ready for all possibilities. Yesterday and this morning boast the kind of day where you are not cold, not hot, the sun kisses yours cheeks and it demands you be happy to be alive.
These are the days most cherished.
This week-end has had me teetering between total relaxation enjoying my backyard, my herd of tiny dogs and quiet on one hand and being social on the other hand. Went to my daughter's home, drank some vodka and smoked an entire 'purse pack' of 'light ciggs. Talking, dining al fresco, and hot tubbing outdoors in the fold of my family is another form of perfection. Until the morning after! The purse pack ciggs no longer looked 'dainty' or felt dainty.
Conversion back into being smoke free may be imminent. Doubt I'll make vodka free.
Last night I joined a dear friend and her twenty something son and a friend of his to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. It was so much fun. First of all: we have the best seats: FIRST row, directly behind the goal post… and being part of the action. A puck flew and hit really hard in front of my face in the plastic walls. I yelped and spilled my Bourbon everywhere. Seriously, cool. My friend also has passes to all the private special lounges where drinks and amazing food abounds. So, I am glad I arrived hungry. And thirsty. Tampa Bay Lightenings won in overtime shoot out. It was the first time I had seen that… although I was at the Tampa Bay Stanley Cup finals when they won in 2004! My girlfriend commented that the beautiful thing about hockey is that the spectator becomes lost in it. It is a wonderful diversion filled with energy, gliding, fighting and constant action. So, I had fabulous social therapy this week-end.
Even did yoga outdoors. Under the canopy with the sun glistening through the large Bird of paradise leaves.
Happy Sunday
Judy
It is such a glorious and perfect day in the universe: ready for all possibilities. Yesterday and this morning boast the kind of day where you are not cold, not hot, the sun kisses yours cheeks and it demands you be happy to be alive.
These are the days most cherished.
This week-end has had me teetering between total relaxation enjoying my backyard, my herd of tiny dogs and quiet on one hand and being social on the other hand. Went to my daughter's home, drank some vodka and smoked an entire 'purse pack' of 'light ciggs. Talking, dining al fresco, and hot tubbing outdoors in the fold of my family is another form of perfection. Until the morning after! The purse pack ciggs no longer looked 'dainty' or felt dainty.
Conversion back into being smoke free may be imminent. Doubt I'll make vodka free.
Last night I joined a dear friend and her twenty something son and a friend of his to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. It was so much fun. First of all: we have the best seats: FIRST row, directly behind the goal post… and being part of the action. A puck flew and hit really hard in front of my face in the plastic walls. I yelped and spilled my Bourbon everywhere. Seriously, cool. My friend also has passes to all the private special lounges where drinks and amazing food abounds. So, I am glad I arrived hungry. And thirsty. Tampa Bay Lightenings won in overtime shoot out. It was the first time I had seen that… although I was at the Tampa Bay Stanley Cup finals when they won in 2004! My girlfriend commented that the beautiful thing about hockey is that the spectator becomes lost in it. It is a wonderful diversion filled with energy, gliding, fighting and constant action. So, I had fabulous social therapy this week-end.
Even did yoga outdoors. Under the canopy with the sun glistening through the large Bird of paradise leaves.
Happy Sunday
Judy
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Minutiae within life on the beach
Wednesday, January 14th, 2015
It is a semi overcast day at the beach. The greens are a more forest color in cloud light and than sunlight, where they take on a more lime green hue.
Yesterday I had a most glorious massage, which is more like physical therapy, as I feel like I get the use of my body back. I require deep deep work, which would make most folks scream in pain. I require that force, I desire it, and I feel dreamy…. as I allow my body to give way and release under aggressive work. It is my refuge. I have never had any therapists…. and I mean from all over the globe that didn't declare that "I demand the most amount of effort than any other client". Oh surprise! Even in touch and massage- I am high maintenance.
Go figure!
Yesterday, en route to find puppy cookies, and stop at the UPS store…. I wanted to stop for Sushi. I kept wavering: and finally decided to have saki, sushi and silence at the sushi bar. Sitting in the outdoor section of the restaurant, I came upon a gal friend, and ended up: chowing down on her left-overs, and drinking a couple of bottles of hot saki.
It was glorious. Not hot. Not cold. Outside: socializing , impromptu. Life happening in little wee gifts of delight.
Came home and fell asleep after the nightly news. Living alone and working at home alone: hours become inconsequential. I can work at 2:00am as well as 4:00pm. No one to ask in the middle of the night "what are you doing?" or "why don't you go back to sleep". In that detail, I enjoy living solo.
Today, there will be a great luncheon at my favorite private club in Sarasota: It is the old Marshall Field estate and acts as the club-house. It has grace and beauty. I will be part of a group of folks doing 'brain storming' for a future fund raising event for Historic Spanish Point Museum. I love the collaborative process and the energy that can come from the process. I hope to feel stimulated today… and since I am best as an 'idea person', I might actually have a thought or two. But, I will try to remain somewhat un opinionated, as I don't want to be responsible for the fund raising event. I will let you know if my strategy of semi silence will actually be impactful.
Smiles for a great Wednesday.
Judy
It is a semi overcast day at the beach. The greens are a more forest color in cloud light and than sunlight, where they take on a more lime green hue.
Yesterday I had a most glorious massage, which is more like physical therapy, as I feel like I get the use of my body back. I require deep deep work, which would make most folks scream in pain. I require that force, I desire it, and I feel dreamy…. as I allow my body to give way and release under aggressive work. It is my refuge. I have never had any therapists…. and I mean from all over the globe that didn't declare that "I demand the most amount of effort than any other client". Oh surprise! Even in touch and massage- I am high maintenance.
Go figure!
Yesterday, en route to find puppy cookies, and stop at the UPS store…. I wanted to stop for Sushi. I kept wavering: and finally decided to have saki, sushi and silence at the sushi bar. Sitting in the outdoor section of the restaurant, I came upon a gal friend, and ended up: chowing down on her left-overs, and drinking a couple of bottles of hot saki.
It was glorious. Not hot. Not cold. Outside: socializing , impromptu. Life happening in little wee gifts of delight.
Came home and fell asleep after the nightly news. Living alone and working at home alone: hours become inconsequential. I can work at 2:00am as well as 4:00pm. No one to ask in the middle of the night "what are you doing?" or "why don't you go back to sleep". In that detail, I enjoy living solo.
Today, there will be a great luncheon at my favorite private club in Sarasota: It is the old Marshall Field estate and acts as the club-house. It has grace and beauty. I will be part of a group of folks doing 'brain storming' for a future fund raising event for Historic Spanish Point Museum. I love the collaborative process and the energy that can come from the process. I hope to feel stimulated today… and since I am best as an 'idea person', I might actually have a thought or two. But, I will try to remain somewhat un opinionated, as I don't want to be responsible for the fund raising event. I will let you know if my strategy of semi silence will actually be impactful.
Smiles for a great Wednesday.
Judy
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Walk on the beach, and a question of History
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
I have been a wee bit quiet, as there wasn't much to contemplate or to talk about. Or so it seemed.
I took a might fine walk on Siesta Key Beach the other morning. As it is only a 2 minute walk to the beach, it seems a pity that I don't do it more often. I normally want to swim, but it is a bit nippy for this Florida old babe. I also feel 'exposed' after my squamous cell nose cancer appeared on my face. No more convertible top down. No long walks in sunny sand and beach. This was my first beach walk in 2015 and I did it with a dear friend: my yoga teacher. He has gone through some health challenges, but his energy and lean long legs swift movements always seemed to leave me in the 'dust' so to speak. Not now. It shows me that even the most healthy folks age. I love my yoga friend. I love his point of view, his calm and his subtle humor. I walked the hour with him at my back. We speak of life, while we note how 'alive' the beach is in terms of changing landscape constantly. The beachfront is a movable feast. Certainly not a passive participant on the spinning of our earth.
I had dinner with my 'first born' and my grand-babies the other night. They are 2 & 5 and sooo sooo cute and darling. They are like a movie…. I can sit back and just watch and be entertained. It is always wonderful to be in the fold of a young, happy and active family with curious hands a chubby toes!
Went to see "Selma" yesterday. I found it interesting, as an American history teacher. It was a bit too long. I was 13 when the march happened. It was not an era where the news blasted its way into our lives as it does today. Color TV was coming into vogue and there were three T.V. channels and we felt overwhelmed by the choices. The race issues were not a part of my world, growing up in Manhasset.. partly because of naiveté and ignorance. Jimmy Brown comes from Manhasset, and he always came to the PBC (Police Boys Club) kid football annual dinners. I am the only girl with two older brothers: so, yes… I was at those dinners. I never gave race a thought. Not a negative thought. Not a positive thought. Race was an invisible thought. I grew up with a Black nanny "Lily Mae", who was huge and loving and smelled. I loved her when I was young.I was mean to her when I was in puberty. But, I was a hurt and hurting pubescent, and Lily paid the price. Yet, her softness, perseverance and sweetness weaved its way into my consciousness…. to the point that my daughter's family nickname is "lily". Unknowingly, and in my unconscious heart, I have named my little girl after this formidable nanny who loved me despite my tantrums.
God Bless all those folks who had to suffer in order to get the right to vote with dignity. I feel so privileged to have the right to vote, and feel for all of those who have been fighting that fight for me and all minority populations within our USA over the centuries.
It is 'je suis Charlie'. 'i am Selma'. 'I am a Berliner' (JFK)
I have been a wee bit quiet, as there wasn't much to contemplate or to talk about. Or so it seemed.
I took a might fine walk on Siesta Key Beach the other morning. As it is only a 2 minute walk to the beach, it seems a pity that I don't do it more often. I normally want to swim, but it is a bit nippy for this Florida old babe. I also feel 'exposed' after my squamous cell nose cancer appeared on my face. No more convertible top down. No long walks in sunny sand and beach. This was my first beach walk in 2015 and I did it with a dear friend: my yoga teacher. He has gone through some health challenges, but his energy and lean long legs swift movements always seemed to leave me in the 'dust' so to speak. Not now. It shows me that even the most healthy folks age. I love my yoga friend. I love his point of view, his calm and his subtle humor. I walked the hour with him at my back. We speak of life, while we note how 'alive' the beach is in terms of changing landscape constantly. The beachfront is a movable feast. Certainly not a passive participant on the spinning of our earth.
I had dinner with my 'first born' and my grand-babies the other night. They are 2 & 5 and sooo sooo cute and darling. They are like a movie…. I can sit back and just watch and be entertained. It is always wonderful to be in the fold of a young, happy and active family with curious hands a chubby toes!
Went to see "Selma" yesterday. I found it interesting, as an American history teacher. It was a bit too long. I was 13 when the march happened. It was not an era where the news blasted its way into our lives as it does today. Color TV was coming into vogue and there were three T.V. channels and we felt overwhelmed by the choices. The race issues were not a part of my world, growing up in Manhasset.. partly because of naiveté and ignorance. Jimmy Brown comes from Manhasset, and he always came to the PBC (Police Boys Club) kid football annual dinners. I am the only girl with two older brothers: so, yes… I was at those dinners. I never gave race a thought. Not a negative thought. Not a positive thought. Race was an invisible thought. I grew up with a Black nanny "Lily Mae", who was huge and loving and smelled. I loved her when I was young.I was mean to her when I was in puberty. But, I was a hurt and hurting pubescent, and Lily paid the price. Yet, her softness, perseverance and sweetness weaved its way into my consciousness…. to the point that my daughter's family nickname is "lily". Unknowingly, and in my unconscious heart, I have named my little girl after this formidable nanny who loved me despite my tantrums.
God Bless all those folks who had to suffer in order to get the right to vote with dignity. I feel so privileged to have the right to vote, and feel for all of those who have been fighting that fight for me and all minority populations within our USA over the centuries.
It is 'je suis Charlie'. 'i am Selma'. 'I am a Berliner' (JFK)
Thursday, January 8, 2015
An old sweater, the potential of new air conditioning and mind trips
Thursday, January 8, 2015
It was a wonderfully nippy day in Sarasota…. in the 50's F. I love being a wimpy Floridian. I wore a cashmere sweater, bought 25 years ago at Benetton in Menaggio. And, an italian scarf- always around my neck when it is cool outdoors. Not that I went outside today, except to bring in the garbage. But, I was dressed and ready if the spirit grabbed me.
I have actually been doing travel work. Had an air conditioning dude in to give me an estimate. He loved my home on the beach. It is different. After all- a deep purple house is a bit off the radar of chic.
He liked that it was unique.
Been working on trips to Lisbon, South Africa and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. I get to travel in the largesse of my imagination without ever going outdoors. What a world I live in. Frequent flyer miles accrued in the bounty of my travel fantasies.
Part of me was firmly planted in the earth's plain… with A/C challenges, and the other part of my mind got to play in the stratosphere of total fun around the globe.
I am exhausted and finally need to leave my nest perched in front of the monitor
Smiles…. and warmth- as always
Judy
It was a wonderfully nippy day in Sarasota…. in the 50's F. I love being a wimpy Floridian. I wore a cashmere sweater, bought 25 years ago at Benetton in Menaggio. And, an italian scarf- always around my neck when it is cool outdoors. Not that I went outside today, except to bring in the garbage. But, I was dressed and ready if the spirit grabbed me.
I have actually been doing travel work. Had an air conditioning dude in to give me an estimate. He loved my home on the beach. It is different. After all- a deep purple house is a bit off the radar of chic.
He liked that it was unique.
Been working on trips to Lisbon, South Africa and the Gili Islands in Indonesia. I get to travel in the largesse of my imagination without ever going outdoors. What a world I live in. Frequent flyer miles accrued in the bounty of my travel fantasies.
Part of me was firmly planted in the earth's plain… with A/C challenges, and the other part of my mind got to play in the stratosphere of total fun around the globe.
I am exhausted and finally need to leave my nest perched in front of the monitor
Smiles…. and warmth- as always
Judy
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
2015- fifteen years after the millennium, and the beginning of a new season
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
I like writing 2015. It seems an easy number. Yet, I must admit that the number represents 15 years past the millennium. It is almost a generation past the turn of the century. It is a chunk of time. Yet, it seems like only last week that we were worried that all the computers were going to crash. The Y2K challenge. The universe keeps turning, despite our craziness over minutiae.
As long as I am wondering about minutiae…. who ever remembers the first 15 years of history of any century? Have you ever thought about the 'history' between 1900 and 1915? Did anything happen during those years? How about 1800 to 1815? Can you think of anything significant between those years?
Things in history seem to happen in years AFTER the first decade of any century. Or, so it seems.
Lincoln was killed mid century. Kennedy was killed mid century. World Wars happened after the first decade of the century. Even the war of 1812 happened after the first decade of that century.
Hmm.
I am in the throes of finalizing a trip to South Africa that I have created for a family. I love South Africa and I adore planning a 'once in a lifetime experience'… for people. This trip took me as much time to plan, as it will for the travelers to do the trip! I have lived through it vicariously and with each decision made to optimize the varieties of experiences that South Africa offers: walking, evening and elephant safariing, hot air ballooning, visit to a local school…and evening in an outdoor tree-house, and in tents, of course. I have been working on this trip for over a year… and it is almost ready to be launched.
I have also have a revelation about my home. I had been sad in this beautiful home by the beach. It is far too large for one person and was created to have life and living within its walls. It seemed a dying home, and I had lost interest in it and all the work and attention it involves. I was 'so over it'. I started looking at other places to live. I have been poking in and out of apartments, condo's, homes to see what the new season in my life would look like. Every time, I came back to the idea that I would like to create my home, only smaller. But, I know my home. I know the nuances. I live in a bomb shelter with every wall and ceiling made from a foot of poured concrete. What isn't concrete is glass. So, I have arrived at a different point of excitement. I have put my home on Airbnb, and have it rented for a few weeks. After all, I am gone 90 days each year in Italy. I have primped it up, and fixed up all the thousands of tiny little things that have broken over the 30 years…. tiny, annoying things. I landscaped it, black topped the driveway, painted the doorways which had become yellowed in a sad way. I am so happy, as my home is alive again and will be the host to so many memories for families in the future- much the same way that Italy does for families. It makes me feel like a 'dream merchant', as my husband used to call me.
It is a sunny, cool and crisp Sarasota January morning. I am ready for the beginning.
Warmth, smiles,
Judy
I like writing 2015. It seems an easy number. Yet, I must admit that the number represents 15 years past the millennium. It is almost a generation past the turn of the century. It is a chunk of time. Yet, it seems like only last week that we were worried that all the computers were going to crash. The Y2K challenge. The universe keeps turning, despite our craziness over minutiae.
As long as I am wondering about minutiae…. who ever remembers the first 15 years of history of any century? Have you ever thought about the 'history' between 1900 and 1915? Did anything happen during those years? How about 1800 to 1815? Can you think of anything significant between those years?
Things in history seem to happen in years AFTER the first decade of any century. Or, so it seems.
Lincoln was killed mid century. Kennedy was killed mid century. World Wars happened after the first decade of the century. Even the war of 1812 happened after the first decade of that century.
Hmm.
I am in the throes of finalizing a trip to South Africa that I have created for a family. I love South Africa and I adore planning a 'once in a lifetime experience'… for people. This trip took me as much time to plan, as it will for the travelers to do the trip! I have lived through it vicariously and with each decision made to optimize the varieties of experiences that South Africa offers: walking, evening and elephant safariing, hot air ballooning, visit to a local school…and evening in an outdoor tree-house, and in tents, of course. I have been working on this trip for over a year… and it is almost ready to be launched.
I have also have a revelation about my home. I had been sad in this beautiful home by the beach. It is far too large for one person and was created to have life and living within its walls. It seemed a dying home, and I had lost interest in it and all the work and attention it involves. I was 'so over it'. I started looking at other places to live. I have been poking in and out of apartments, condo's, homes to see what the new season in my life would look like. Every time, I came back to the idea that I would like to create my home, only smaller. But, I know my home. I know the nuances. I live in a bomb shelter with every wall and ceiling made from a foot of poured concrete. What isn't concrete is glass. So, I have arrived at a different point of excitement. I have put my home on Airbnb, and have it rented for a few weeks. After all, I am gone 90 days each year in Italy. I have primped it up, and fixed up all the thousands of tiny little things that have broken over the 30 years…. tiny, annoying things. I landscaped it, black topped the driveway, painted the doorways which had become yellowed in a sad way. I am so happy, as my home is alive again and will be the host to so many memories for families in the future- much the same way that Italy does for families. It makes me feel like a 'dream merchant', as my husband used to call me.
It is a sunny, cool and crisp Sarasota January morning. I am ready for the beginning.
Warmth, smiles,
Judy
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