Eat Man Drink Water: A Blogger's Slog Around the Hudson Valley

Taking it Slow

2009-07-17T01:11:00.004-04:00

The flight was great. Alanna was great. I have been enjoying my laid back time here, Megan and Dole cooking for me, and playing with the kids, meeting more of their friends.

The weather here is crazy, going from 77 with cloud cover, to over 90 when it shines in between the clouds. I haven't felt weather this warm since the last heat spell in NY...was it in May?

The storms here are strong, stronger than I care for. Thunderstorms are severe, viciously throwing bolts about the flat landscape. Tornadoes blow through more often than I care for. Dole said to me: "if you hear hail, head to the laundry room". "Why?" I asked. "Breaking glass?". "No" replied Dole. "Tornadoes". The week or so before one touched down on base, and the strong winds tossed their glass topped table and chairs about; miraculously the glass survived.

It is a strange place, this military base. A canon shoots off every day at 5, followed by the distant sound of lone horn floating over the rolling hills. Periodically rounds of ammo are heard from the range, and helicopters are seen moving back and forth; I still hear them as I type.

I can't drive here unless I apply for a temporary permit, I can't shop at anything save for the food courts on base. The housing is modest, the lawns carefully groomed, dotted with the toys of children, driveways filled with an interesting array of cars and trucks.

I am the foreigner here, with my Long Island accent, sometimes doing yoga on the lawn. But I am always welcomed, often with southern hospitality. A drink, a bite to eat, and kindness.

I'll keep NY however, where the temp these days rarely hits 90, tornadoes are a rarity, and severe thunderstorms pale in comparison to what visits here. I'll take the snow and the "rudeness of NYers" (though I beg to differ on that), as it is home, and what I know and love.

Photos of a window by Gate B11 at the Albany Airport....which also has wonderful rotating art shows...ah New York.

Patti O Traveler

Packing it In

2009-07-14T22:21:00.003-04:00

Wow..I am really behind on blogging. Being a full time grandmother has changed my whole routine dramatically. But the time given to her was time well invested, and when I get back I will be back into my creative mode and paint and write on a regular basis.

We fly back to Kentucky tomorrow morning...an 11:23 flight out of Albany, arriving in Kentucky around 4. One two hour lay-over, perfect for a bathroom break and lunch with Ms. Alanna. I am well prepared, with coloring books, stickers, crayons, notebooks, raisins and pretzels in my carry-on. '

I cried a few times today, thinking about bringing her back. We have settled into a comfortable routine, even finding friends her age to play with.

It has been an incredible experience, to spend so much quality time with her, at a point in my life where I am mellow, stable, have enough money to do what we want. Larry and I nurture and give her lots of life experiences. It doesn't hurt that I have the summers off, and that Larry has lots of vacation time that he has taken to spend with us. We have the time to give her one on one or TWO on one attention, something parents can't always do, especially with other young children.

In observing and thinking about life these past few weeks with her, I don't know how parents survive parenting, having a relationship, and taking care of their own needs in order to stay sane. It is such a delicate balance and juggling act, while learning what it is to be an adult.

I will be in Kentucky a few days to help Alanna adjust back into home lift, to see the fabulous little Randy who will be 1 very soon, and spend some time with my daughter and her husband before the long spot of time sets in where we don't see one another.

Photo by Larry, (Alanna's first sparkler) who has made a lot of pictures in the last few weeks. This photo is so magical.

Ms Patti O Grandma

Life is a Carnival

2009-07-10T10:50:00.003-04:00

I have been having problems posting every day. Sometimes my morning is absorbed by Alanna, and honestly, by the end of the day, I am wiped and too tired or uninspired to write. It is a reminder of how much parents give up for their children/grandchildren....

I have however, been reading, flying though at least a book a week. One of my recent reads have been Water for Elephants, a mesmerizing well researched novel about life in the circus during the Depression.

I have never been to a circus, but do visit it's sister sidekick, the Carnival, which comes to our city every year. A friend of mine told me she won't take her grand kids to a place where people that put your kids/grand kids on ride are the very people you would avoid on the street.

I beg to differ.

Yeah, the carnies are an odd bunch of people. Many rough, toothless, struggling folks, weathered by cigarettes, booze, and a life of constantly moving. They are survivors. It might not be the life we choose, but they are people still the same, and deserve respect, love, and kindness as does the person who sports a Cartier watch and drives a Jaguar. Larry has been photographing the carnies over the years, and gets topmost respect when one of them recognizes him. He has given them a few fab photographs, which have pleased them immensely, one guy saying "this is the best photo that was ever taken of me".

The Glass Castle, an autobiography written by Jeanette Walls, is about poverty, alcoholism, the epitome of a dysfunctional family, survival, and acceptance/love. The book was intense, and is a true story, and the irony is that it opens with the author who is well off, riding in a taxi, and at a stoplight sees her mother digging in a dumpster in NYC. Ashamed, guilty, and overwhelmed, she heads back to her apartment to calm herself down. She calls her mother, meets with her, and it is through that turn of events, that she writes the book, which frees her.

It is a difficult read, but instead of being depressed, I was uplifted, as the author found a way to come to terms with her past, still love her family, and claim a joyful life of her own. I realized that we can either be victims or be strong. After years of being a victim of my past, I have found to focus on and embrace the strengths that came out of the struggles, and live life with joy, rather than anger and sorrow.

I am currently reading some historic fluff, not very well written. If it doesn't get better, I will abandon it for something more worthy of my time. I would LOVE some book suggestions from my readers......!!!! On my list are two books written by local writers who are friends of mine, one of which takes place right here in the Hudson River Valley. Just waiting for that extra 15% off coupon from Barnes and Noble to grace my inbox or mailbox.

Patti O Reader

Innocence

2009-07-08T22:09:00.003-04:00

I have laid low the past few days, spending time with Alanna that has been wonderful for us both.

I broke away for a hair appointment with Lois, after which we jetted off to catch a quick Cosmo before a movie in Red Hook. Tuesday is 4.00 night there, so we were bound and determined to see SOMETHING.

We ended up seeing "My Sister's Keeper" which I thought was a light movie.

NOT.

I cried through the entire movie. By the time I left the theater I looked like I had smoked up big time. I ducked into my car, and drove home into a horrid storm, watching the light show over the mountains, wondering what town was being slammed with a severe thunderstorm, only to hear that 2" of hail and sleet landed an hour south of us. No surprise.

The movie was tough. Cancer in a child. Heart rendering decisions. Love.Desperation.Death. Healing. All too close for me, but yet on some level I need to watch such movies and garner what I can from them NOW, when I am strong.

Today was a double date with Lois, the twins, and Alanna. They played for hours together, and Lois and I just sat and watched, doing crossword puzzles, reading magazines, playing with the kids, with a view of the mountains and the occasional rumble of the Amtrak train along the river to break the silence of the woods and pierce the laughter and singing of the children.

Life IS beautiful..

Patti O Play

Two Wolves

2009-07-06T09:13:00.004-04:00

Larry and Alanna walking to the Sanctuary
A very LARGE pig
This goat lost a leg being hog tied

It's Monday, but it is still the weekend in this household.

Larry took four days off, today being the last one. Alanna has been thrilled to have both her grandparents home for four days, and it helps ME out a bit as I have been her caregiver during the day when he is working.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my grandchildren. But I am so thankful that Larry and I never did have a child together in our later years, 'cause simply, I don't have the energy for 24/7 kids, and man, it is very hard to make art. But we DO manage to have a lot of fun and we are full of tons of love and adventure, and that is what counts anyway.

One of our more interesting adventures this weekend was to visit the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, beautifully nested in the mountains of the Catskills in Willow. We wandered around the sanctuary for hours, in and out of fields and pens that held piggies (LARGE and small..the small not being so small either) goats, sheep, and chickens. Turkeys wandered the grounds looking for a rub down. Annie, the little goat kid, doesn't like to be in with the other goats, so she too runs around loose with the volunteers and visitors on the farm, testing out her little horns on innocent kids like Alanna, who was in shock the first time she was butted right off the picnic table bench. But like a friend on Facebook said, "she was left with marks, but no scars" as Alanna ended up befriending the little goat and playing with her, which included a few more butts.....

Surprisingly many of the rescues are out of New York City- from slaughterhouses, from animals found wandering the street...deserted by people who no longer can handle the cute little piggy or chickie they brought home after a bout of drunkenness, insanity, stupidity, or a little of bit of each. Some of the animals were missing limbs from being found hog-tied, one of the roosters had a broken leg. Some were not wanted, like the Silkie chicken, whose deformed feet made him undesirable as a pet or to use for anything but slaughter.

It was a visit that taught us about the mistreatment of so many animals, and I hope that it instilled compassion for animals in Alanna. Children have no idea where their food comes from, how it gets from farm to table, and I hope that by her seeing, petting, and giving love to these animals will make her more aware of what is right and wrong in the treatment of animals and people...

To conclude, this is one of the more profound forwards in my email this weekend. It says it all. Called TWO WOLVES:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people.

He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?

The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’

Patti O

Day 6..7..8...same rain different day

2009-07-03T20:31:00.004-04:00

It's not funny anymore.

Each day seems the same as the day before, and the day before that. Sun, then clouds, then rain and thunderstorms, more sun, then a repeat of clouds, rain, thunder. The grass never dries out enough to mow, and my basement smells damp and moldy. The driveway and my studio roof are growing beautiful green moss, as green as any I saw in Ireland. I don't know if I sport freckles, or mold all over my body. My allergies tell me that it's all mold. Anything is possible when you live in a rain forest.

Every time I put the top down on the VW, even if there is NO cloud in the sky, I am in it for a few minutes before a big dark cloud comes out of no where and rains on my parade.Up till today I have second guessed the clouds and remained dry. Then my luck ran out. One shower forced me to pull over and put up the top two blocks from home, the other appeared out of a sunny sky, with a handful of innocuous clouds dotting the sky, which were apparently saturated with moisture and decided to squeeze it out over my car.

As I type I sit in clothes barely dried out from sitting on a wet seat. I sport Medusa style hair. I have grown another appendage, called an umbrella. And my granddaughter says to Larry: "I think she's married to the weather box"."

I heard a rumor that the next few days will be dry. I hope it is true.

Tonight's photos are of the sun setting in my back yard. They remind me of a Magritte painting that I have loved since I was a teen called The Empire of Light, pictured here. And there was light, and it was all good.

Patti O Pond

Day #5 - It's a Zoo out there

2009-07-01T16:47:00.003-04:00

Our day started with a 10:30 am play date at the park which meant hot sweaty running around and then a visit to our little city zoo.

The "zoo" has been in existence for years, and thanks to some local support, keeps getting bigger. The animals look a bit rough in my humble opinion, though since I have not grown up on a farm, I am not sure if this is how all animals look anyway. One goat has a stiff leg that won't bend, one of the white deer has a tumor on it. A bunch of the birds have feathers missing on their backs, though I SUSPECT that it might be because the males keep jumping on them for some YOU KNOW WHAT. One of the rabbits is morbidly obese, the sheep is dirty, and the bull is over his hocks in mud as his entire pen is a mud hole (no wonder with all the rain). The llama is a pill, and I haven't seen it standing upright yet. The peacocks seemed well enough, as did some of the exotic birds. I wonder if these animals are rescues or rejects, but children of all ages still seem to enjoy seeing and feeding the animals.

We wanted to feed the animals, but some ruffians had stolen the machines, so we were empty handed. BUT you are allowed to feed them carrots, lettuce, spinach and POPCORN (Alanna was amazed at that) so next visit we will hit the garden.

Afterwards was a visit to the bagel shop, where I devoured my everything bagel slathered in cream cheese and butter. The digestive system is on the mend, and since my cholesterol is AOK, I figured why not.

The rest of the day was a wash-out due to heavy storms that deluged us with rain, and wind that tore down tree limbs and damaged by nearly 5' tall tomato plants. But the day gave us enough sunshine to enjoy it for a while, and a rainy afternoon gave me a chance to clean a bit and relax.

Off to figure out how to save my business. I opened up my investment statement, and have lost 1/3 of my hard earned money. I keep saying over and over, "it's only numbers" and shoved it under a pile of papers.

Patti O Zoologist

Day #4. The Sally

2009-06-30T14:47:00.004-04:00

Each day I try and get another chore done - a chore, any chore which has been bugging me for a long time. I am great at starting lots of things, and then either getting bored with the project, or running out of time to finish it. Today it was the two bags of clothes to go to the Salvation Army which had moved three times to three different rooms before they got moved to the car where they lived for another three days.

They guy at the Sally knows me and probably wonders where the hell I get all this stuff? Bags and bags of donations. I have a friend and a sister who give me their clothes, and I go thru them, keeping what I like, and then packing off ones I don't, or ones that I am tired of in my own wardrobe. I try and be feng shui about it because these old houses don't have a lot of closets, and the attic is overflowing with BOOKS and PAPER LARRY, so off the clothes keep going. And folks, my donations are one of the few tax deductions I have left besides my house and struggling art business.

I go in there fairly often, both to donate or to look for an odd thing or two that I might need in the studio for some project. Hot plates, glass jars, old frames. I won't buy clothes there as I don't like the smell in there. I know, I am weird. But just ask my husband about my nose and he will raise his eyebrows and tell you that I should have been hired by the FBI for my sense of smell. (my kids hated it because I knew exactly what they had been up to in the party world).

In all my trips I never remembered seeing the candy machines near the door. But leave it to a 4 year old who is at eye level with the machines to find them. "Yes, of course you can have those jelly beans Alanna" I reply, and dig in my purse for some money. I flash back to being her age and a bit older, and remember all of the candy machines I stared at in my life and dared not ask for a coin to put in them. I think I spent most of my life yearning for things. Candy. Horse rides. Hugs. Boyfriends. Love.Guess it explains some of my hedonistic behaviors....

Because of my crusty eye syndrome, it was off to the Doctor's office where I learned that you can get a form of conjunctivitis from allergies, which is probably what I have. I got meds for both just in case, but can't wear my contacts. There are worse things. There Alanna scored scads of stickers and a lolly pop. Man, maybe I could pimp her out for stuff.

Karen invited us to the pool, where Alanna wore swimmies and waist floats and for the first time was not afraid to get her head wet when she jumped into the water. Ah, the joy of discovery and adventure.

It was my first time all summer in the water, and it was warmer than I had expected with all this rain. I bet if I had her all summer, she would be swimming by the end of it.

It has been a delightful time thus far with her. I get to be the parent I never was with my own kids, due to the lack of tools that I had when I was a single parent, and the stress of my life. Now I know what battles to pick, what not to worry about, and say I yes a lot more than I say no.

Patti O Sage

Day #3 - Working in the Garden

2009-06-29T09:33:00.004-04:00

After what seems to weeks on end of rain, we had a full day of sunshine.

As I sipped on my coffee, I took a walk out into the garden. I was amazed at how many weeds had taken up residence in the flower beds, and the purslane was having a feast in my center veggie garden.

Purslane is a member of the portulaca family that is edible. It can be used in salads, on sandwiches, in soups, stir fried etc. It is higher than any other green in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. It is a staple in many countries, but here we consider it a pernicious weed, and rip it out. (photo from Wikipedia btw..and I believe they are copyright free...hope so)

By early summer the spinach, cilantro, and arugula are done and gone to seed. I pulled out the plants, and since there are very few veggie plants left at farmstands to put in, I resorted to planting seeds again.

I had planted tons of seeds in little pots a few weeks ago, but they must have either been no good or rotted with all the rain. Not one sunflower, cucumber, or zuccini plant came up. I am now trying purple bush beans and will see how they go. In the meantime there are lonely holes in the garden.

Alanna helped with the planting, and was rewarded with a new sprinkler to play in.At her age it is so easy to amuse her and still get my work done. It will be interesting to see how she does when I want to paint.

Off to find out how to harvest and store my bok choy and swiss chard. I have an over abundance of them and don't want to waste any. Then to do chores...have a 2 pm doc appt as either I have the worst allergies in my eyes, or else I have conjunctivitis. My eyes itch, are constantly runny, sometimes stuck together in the morning. They feel irritated, though they are not red. Fortunately I have daily contacts so they are not infected, though I suspect I am going to have to buy all new eye makeup if I do have an infection, which sucks because I have good stuff...Body Shop and Aveda, and it isn't cheap make up. Well, might as well give myself a complete makeover, lol, I sure deserve one. Just as I get one body part back in balance, another one goes out.

So much for the 50+ stage.

Patti O Planter

Day#2

2009-06-28T11:10:00.004-04:00

I am now in the habit of writing my blogs in the morning, while leisurely sipping on coffee. Day #2's blog is actually written on the morning of Day #3....

My goal for this summer is simple: to heal my body, and work on my paintings. Healing will take on many forms. Rest. Reading. Doing things that bring me joy, whether it be weeding one of the gardens, or working on my house, or art. Eating well.Enjoying friends. And saying NO to stress - especially stress that can be avoided - the drama kind.

My morning routine is simple and comforting. I wake up when my body says it's rested. Now that guests are gone and I have my meditation room almost back together, I will meditate for 10 minutes before going downstairs to feed the cats, make my one cup of coffee, open up the screened in back porch and step out to feel the early morning air. I put on the weather box (which Alanna now asks to hear so that she can determine if it is a sprinkler or pool day) and stretch. By then the coffee is brewed, and I sit down form a dose of AM computer.

After that, it's all a clean slate to design the day ahead of me.

Yesterday my sister, her hubby, and two little children came to visit. Because I was prepared with a clean (for me) house, food, and toys, the rest was cake and I was really able to have quality time with all of them. The highlight for the kids, and for us, was when Peter blew up the giant bouncing castle and probably much to the chagrin of the infamous neighbors (house pictured in photo) who had to listen to the squeals of three children for an hour or so. (I figure I owe them 1,000 of hours of that or similar noise from the dog barking).

It was a day so full of love in so many forms, and I tearfully said goodbye, telling my sister that we have to do this more. Such times are so important for the children, and as I get older, I embrace the time I have with my small family. Times like these are therapeutic and healing. And, when I flash back to the bad times, the times that were dark with abuse and lack of love or nurturing, I fast forward to the delightful times of childhood, or of adulthood, and focus of the memories of discovery, play, laughter, and sunlight, and I feel so much better.

To healing and the joy of family/friends.

Patti O Laughter

PS There is a battle going on over the day lillies. The deer like to eat them, and so do we. Alanna also loves them and I have to direct her to which ones she can eat so she doesn't eat a row of them, lol.

V A C A T I O N

2009-06-27T08:56:00.003-04:00

I started my first day of vacation by waking Alanna up a bit early and taking her to an art opening at 10 AM.

Yes, an odd time, but it was the unveiling of artwork purchased by the county for the Ulster County Rural Transportation building, which is normally only open to the public for meetings.

It was great to see my friends get commissions for a public space, and it is always delightful to see government investing in art, but I was a bit disappointed that all these wonderful paintings are hidden away from the public eye, especially since my tax dollars paid for it and I would love to have access to it.

The food was nice, I got to meet gallery owner James Cox (all these years I had never formally met him) and to see some of my artist friends who attended to support their fellow artists. It was a nice "wake up" to the day and I left quite cheery. Plus, I hooked up with a few people who have children or grandchildren and want to have a play date.

I had grand plans for the afternoon, but the constant heavy downpours and thunderstorms put a damper on the day as I did not want to drag Alanna around in the middle of it. So we picked flowers, cooked, cleaned, I put more cards in my Etsy store and did productive things like organize my "tupperware" draw and weed out the tops without bottoms and vica versa.

The final part of the day was a party in the "Ridge" with four other women friends. The ride there was beautiful; mist floating on the corn fields, embracing the mountain tops. Great food and company, always lots of laughs. I have committed myself to hosting a beer pong party soon for the girls as they have never played it. Isn't that nuts...a group of 40-50+ women playing beer pong. What has this world come to?

Sister is coming with her family for a day in the country. I hope the weather cooperates as we planned a day outside with the kids, a walk to a neighborhood party,and a visit to the playground to feed the animals. If it rains, we will have to figure out the next game plan with 2 four year olds and one very active 2 year old, in a non-child proofed house!!!

Photo was taking when I pulled off into a corn field to get the shot. Only thing is, I don't have a good zoom on my aging digital camera, and I did not get the shot I wanted. So in order to save it, I photoshopped it for the blog and for reference.

Off to get ready for DAY #2!!

Patti O Vacation

PISSED, REAL PISSED

2009-06-26T08:44:00.002-04:00

I am saddened by the death of Farrah and Michael Jackson.

But I am even MORE angered by the endless streams of jokes, nasty remarks, and judgments by people's comments on Facebook about MJ. None of the comments were made by MY friends, but by some of my friend's friends.

I don't know what happened with those children Michael slept with. Many of them, including some very famous kids, said it was all just like the family bed, where nothing but sleep went on. In many third world countries, entire families sleep in one room, as many cramming on the "bed" as can fit. And I can tell you for a fact that I teach kids whose extended families and friends sleep in large beds together in all kinds of configurations.

But that is chump change to the world. They aren't someone famous and rich.

I don't know what happened, and I am not to judge. He was an abused child, and who knows what the pressures of being a child prodigy star did to his young developing mind and ego. I would venture to say it wasn't good. If he loved himself he would have never done what he did to his face/body.

Instead I look at him with sorrow, compassion, pity. I hope he finds peace in the next life or reincarnation. I hope that people stop being so self righteous and leave him alone and honor him for what good he did in the world, and not for what he was never proven guilty of. As Chaska put it, "Besides, writing ugly comments as well as reading them, spreads the ugliness.".

If if he did do it, then he will have to deal with it.
And if that family lied to extort money, they too will have to deal with their actions.

And a word for Farrah....and the Burning Bed.
I remember watching that movie with my ex-husband.
It was intense, and it upset me greatly, but it also touched me deeply as I lived that life. At then end I quietly cheered for her and felt no pity for the man who drove her to that desperation. It was one of the few times my ex said nothing, and skulked up to bed, probably pissed that I watched a movie that gave me ideas.

Thankfully I escaped with my family to start another life all over again, though not without scars.

And when I die, what will some of the rumors be said about ME on Facebook as I lay cold in the morgue? That I yelled, screamed, partied, had to make some life and gut wrenching decisions which may have hurt others, broke hearts, smashed up a few cars in recklessness, moved on when others hurt me?

Or will they remember the good things I did, the art I made, the kindness and love that I gave to all who would receive it?

I guess it depends upon who you are.

Patti O Ranter

Mom?

2009-06-24T19:34:00.003-04:00

Today was my last full day of SCHOOL. (to the tune of SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!) Summer is officially here when I get up tomorrow morning and salute my house for the last time and head off for a few hours of work, collect 4.5 paychecks, and run to the bank. After wards maybe go out to lunch or drinks with the crew for a bit. Then pick up Alanna and play grandma for a few weeks and learn about life, time, and play through the eyes of a four year old.

Today no one was home, so I enjoyed the quiet for a bit. I stripped the bed in the guest room, as Julie will be in town in a week or two and I hope I get the honor of hosting her for as long as she needs/wants. I cleaned up the mess from dinner last night, and headed out to the studio.

The phone rang. "Mom?". "Yes", I automatically answer. "Uh mom, uh...". For a moment I panic. It is a little voice, and I cannot ascertain whether it is Alanna, or one of my kids calling after something really bad happening. "uh Mom, dad said to call you and he said it was OK if I..." "You've got the wrong mom" I tell him/her.

Silence at the other end.

"I am a mom, but I am SURE that I am not YOUR mom kid".
I refrain from saying "my kids haven't seen OR spoken to their dad in forever. You got a dad in your life? Lucky you, cause there are lots of children growing up without dads". But I stop and tell the kid: "hope you reach your mom, have a great day" and I hang up.

Tonight's photo is of one of my studio mascots. She is an early American portrait painting, oh, jeez, 1700-1800's I would guess. Given to me by Julie as she has a horrible tear in the canvas, but she knew I would give her a place of honor. She and my other mid 1800's charcoal sketch sit sentinel on my walls looking out to the door of the studio. I figured if any one looked in and saw these two faces, they would freak out and run.

They may be long dead, but their spirit lives on in my studio, the haven for discarded and forgotten portraits and photographs of those who have long passed to the next realm.

Patti O Ghost

Father's Day at Olana

2009-06-22T21:09:00.005-04:00

For a Father's Day adventure, Larry was to choose a destination.

No.1, located somewhere in the Berkshires, was a botanical garden. Too far for the time that we had. We had to be home early enough for the once-happy-free-range-hormone-free chicken to go in the oven so that we could eat dinner at a reasonable hour.

No 2, was Olana. That always excites me as I can NEVER had enough of Olana, home of Frederick Church, of Persian and Italian architectural foundations. A few of my paintings are of the view from Olana, and each set of digital photos that I take on the road is a story unto its self. Light changes, the river changes, as does the color, the clouds, the flora. Me. My camera.

This visit I took some unusual pictures while exploring the properties of photographing against glass, shooting into Church's studio. No flash used of course. Straight on gave an eerie quality through the glass, back and at an angle provided me with three layers; the landscape, the photographer and the inside of the studio. Pictured here "The Ghost of Frederick". The other, "Petra", is named after the painting that you can see on the wall.

We explored a few of the back roads on the trip there, Larry obliging me as I wanted to shoot the Catskills in the rain storm. At one point we drove to the river where the road entered a factory, there was a private road which led to a few houses, and the railroad tracks a stones throw away.

I climbed up on the crushed stone to the tracks, and took a few shots. I felt a strange connection to it as I did while photographing from the bi-plane. Or was it a strange thrill. Whatever it is ...there are vibrations and inspirations which produce art.

The end of the story...I made that wonderful dinner at the end of the day, but Larry got very sick and could not eat. The good news: Megan, Dole, and Ross got to eat what I cooked. The bad news: when Larry was able to eat later, there were no left overs.

So tonight I cooked him another wonderful dinner...to make up for it.

Patti O Shooter
(all photos copyright....and taken with a Canon Powershot A75. I love that little camera. It has served me well, and still not quite ready to die on me.

TAGGED... aka More About Moi

2009-06-21T10:22:00.003-04:00

I have been tagged again, possibly because my readers know how I love to do these, and talk about myself. Sometimes I think this whole blog adventure is a bit narcissistic. I do a lot of talking about myself.....but perhaps the one difference is that I hope to reach others, to show the universality of joy, pain, illness, and struggle. I hope that I touch someone, make them laugh, think, or feel that they are not alone...... so here you are...a touch of hedonism....

The rules:
1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people.

What is your current obsession?
Lately due to health issues, it has been what to eat, and how to keep my body and mind healthy. Avoid stress, get rest, eat right and be happy. When I am not doing that, I am putting my energy into my next body of work.

What is your weirdest obsession?
Oh I have had an obelisk obsession since I was a child. It is a Freudian thing, and I dreamed that they would come to strike me dead. It has been the basis of several art works, and the image still haunts me. I have photos/print/publications on the subject.

What are you wearing today?
at this very moment, a pair of spandex running pants, a purple t-shirt, a short hoodie sweater, and socks. That will change in a bit.

What’s for dinner?
Father's Day dinner menu is still in the process of being created. But the plan is quiche and salad for brunch, and then a once free range happy roasted chicken, blue rosemary roasted potatoes, braised swiss chard, salad. Perhaps vanilla ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream for desert.

What would you eat for your last meal?
If I knew it was my last meal, I am not sure that I would have much of an appetite. BUT I think a bottle of champagne, some kind of fabulous salad, Filet Mignon, lobster, a baked potato slathered in butter and sour cream, maybe some corn or carrots, and a fab NY cheesecake with raspberries and sauce drizzled over it. And some Gran Marnier or Drambuie for a night cap.

What’s the last thing you bought?
Larry's Father's day gift and I can't tell right now in case he reads this before I give it to him.

What are you listening to right now?
Larry sitting on the floor with Alanna, making things with her plastic block while Alanna sings.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
anywhere with a fabulous view as I would have my paints and a glass of wine in hand and enjoy every moment of that hour.

Which language do you want to learn?
Hmm...a toss up between Italian and French.

What do you love most about where you currently live?
The Catskills are magical, beautiful, and inspiring

What style is your current home decorated in?
it is a conglomeration of antiques and objects passed down from family,bought at yard sales, flea markets, shops, given as gifts, and also art and objects d'art made by Larry and I, and collected from others.

If you were a time traveler what era would you live in?
I like modern amenities, but I would love to live in the 1800's, at a time where travel may have been long, but not impossible - so that I could see the world before the industrial revolution hit, and we started making tourist attractions out of anything possible. Oh, and of course I would be very rich.....and travel with my paints.

What is your favorite color? THIS IS THE QUESTION THAT I CHOSE TO OMIT.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
I have a pair of jeans that I love to paint in. I wear them out from time to time..they are a bit raggedy. Also I have a v-neck t-shirt (the one I have now) that I bought in Provincetown in the surplus store that is long, sexy, and makes the perfect companion to the painting jeans. These are my comfort clothes......

What were you doing ten years ago?
Having a continuous nervous breakdown because I had 2 out of control teens.

Describe your personal style?
definitely my own person...a mix of chic and bohemian, sexpot and slug.
Think that covers it all.

If you had $300 now, what would you spend it on?
I would put it away for my Cape Cod Vacation. I am saving every nickel and dime so that we can eat out, go on a whale watch...etc.

What are you going to do after this?
Clean a bit, maybe weed or go for a ride. Make sure that my husband has anything he wants. He has been so good to me in all my bad times, that I can't do enough for him today, and every day.

What are your favorite films?
Films that inspire deep thought, emotion, passion, and laughter. Dr. Zhivago, the English Patient, Reds. Little Miss Sunshine. Something About Mary. House of the Spirits. Oh and period pieces such as The Dutchess, Elizabeth, The Other Boleyn Girl (mostly for the visuals)

What inspires you? My friends, nature, a good brain. Adventure. Trips to a gallery or museum

what doesn't? ignorance, cruelty, anger, violence.

Your favourite books?
I love to read. The TIme Traveler's wife. Water for Elephants, A Long Way Gone, Snow Falling on Cedars, historical fiction, biographies..... art books.

Do you collect anything?
I am trying to STOP collecting. The older I get the less I want. I wish I could convert Larry on that. I did collect old illustrated books, antique paper and prints, pine cone elves and santas, bottle brush trees, and those little cardboard houses made in Japan, put out at xmas time. And art books and art supplies. But little by little I am giving away and selling, keeping only the most important pieces for now.

What makes me follow a blog? Sadly, I don't have the time to read a lot of blogs. But those I do read must be written with feeling, intelligence, humor, compassion. And I do love photos on blogs....of art or the person's life. It helps me feel more connected. I have met several amazing people through Facebook and Blogland, and I know that I will someday get to meet them in person. Interestingly enough, I don't follow any men's blogs.

What was the most enjoyable thing you did today?
Spend loving time with my granddaughter and husband, not feeling that I have to do anything but create a fabulous atmosphere filled with love for them.

And my question? What are you doing to make the world a greener place?

in accordance with Rule #2, i tag:

Dawn
Loel
Dana
Megan
Judy.

In order to fill the obligation for more people, perhaps I will post to Facebook.

OFF to decide how the day is going to play out.

:)

Patti O Weeds

And the rain falls...

2009-06-20T17:11:00.004-04:00

The Peppermint Patch
The Anal Expulsive Side Garden

The Swiss Chard Alanna and Randy

We have had so much rain that the seeds I started for my next planting have either rotted, or else the sun hasn't been strong enough to get their little heads to pop up out of the dirt. I am frustrated as they are cucumbers and zucchini and should be in the ground by now, and I have nothing but trays of dirt with puddles.

Of course the rain and the occasional break through of the sun has made my garden lush, as well as the weeds, and our lawn which is looking pretty out of control. I should be out weeding in between showers, but somehow I can't find the energy to do it.

Patti's Peppermint Patch is flourishing, and have discovered the delight of a large pot of fresh peppermint tea to sooth my irritated stomach, which was very upset with last night's debauchery. I cooked up more bok choy and made a huge salad out of the greens still left in the garden. The arugula is past its prime and is nearly 3' tall, and the spinach looks like it is going to seed too. I have a ton of swiss chard and need to figure out how to freeze it for the winter. What to do with a ton of swiss chard I ask, besides share it?

This weather makes me tired, sluggish, and I can't get up the energy to turn the heat on in the studio to work. I have more art work to hang on the walls in there as I picked up cards and art from BECKON, a store downtown Kingston which sold my work. They raised the rent, forcing Maryanne to find another venue. She is hoping to open both a gallery/shop in Saugerties in the fall. I have never had so little business..store closes, my client has not ordered cards in a very long time, so I am trying to make some bucks selling supplies/art, but with little $ coming in. I can't even sell my more valuable things on eBay, because the market is flooded with people's things who are in the same boat, or much worse.

Pics are of the garden, and of the grand kids; another good reason why I find it hard to find time to write.

Excuses, Excuses

2009-06-17T23:09:00.002-04:00

I have been a bad girl.

Last night I played the infamous beer pong game with the kids and their friends for a bit. I only lasted a few games as I really can't drink, but I was dying to play this generation's "college drinking game" - a very different game from some of the college games I played at their age. It was fun playing with youth half my age, and was honored that they even WANTED me to play. I made sure I did not wear out my welcome, and graciously slid back into the house for the last few games. Besides, it was dark and the mosquitos were out.

I told everyone to leave and continue their partying at 10:30 PM so I could go to bed. I heard Meg and Dole come in at 1, then at 3 AM was woken up by a wild animal screaming - either due to copulation or to death ( or was it copulation - then death, or death then copulation--not sure how that works in the animal world) Just as I got back to sleep I heard the baby crying at 4 and 6. I had a rough time getting up to go to work and resorted to drinking coffee which THANKFULLY did not wreck my stomach.

I had fully intended to come home and nap, but before I knew it I had another "get together" at my house which entailed take-out sushi, and then had to spend and hour or so booking tickets to bring Alanna back to Nashville in July. I found it cheaper to buy 2 one-way tickets, than to buy a round trip ticket. As I was booking and rattling out airport codes, Megan says: "travel much mom?"

I have ignored my painting, ignored my blogging, and spent time with family and friends. In the end that is what counts anyway as I relish the time spent with my daughter, getting to know her husband more, and cherish to fabulousness of those beautiful children they have.

Off to bed........as I write at 11:30 PM, the rotten neighbors are screaming at each other so loud that I can hear them through the walls of two houses. Even Alanna asks "what ARE they doing Mimi?". I tell them that they fight a lot and don't have very good manners. She asks if Larry and I fight like that, to which I reply "not usually". With wide eyed innocence she says: "mommy and daddy argue too. Mommy yells, daddy forgives her, but mommy yells at him anyway." Larry and I chuckle, roll our eyes, and I remember that I too did my share of yelling and arguing....but I have better tools now. Those secrets, I won't tell....especially not to a 4 year old.

patti o party

Why Women my age should NOT have babies

2009-06-15T19:02:00.004-04:00

I have read about women a bit younger than myself who go through extraordinary measures to have babies. Personally, I think they either must have tons of money to hire a nanny, a big family to help them, or they are just plain crazy. After one afternoon with a 24 lb 10 month old, I am convinced that there are reasons that younger women should have the babies.

I am a type A personality. I can multitask, work full time, run a few businesses, show art, garden, socialize etc., but only a few hours with a baby nearly put me under the ground.

I picked up Randy from his other grandfather.
I had to take the Honda today as I would have NEVER fit anything in my Eos.
I loaded:
1 pack and play
1 portable high chair
1 walker
1 box of baby food
1 large diaper bag
1 large backpack full of clothes
1 misc. bag.
I car seat
1 24 lb baby.

When I got home I left the baby in the car as he was temporarily smiling and took all of the above into the house and up one flight of stairs.

I ran out of steam and laid down on the driveway before I could summon the energy to carry said baby into the house.

I tried to put him into the walker, but he put up a fight, so I put him down on the floor of the living room and played blocks with him while preventing him from eating the little balls of cat hair and ants that were marching past him.

When he got bored, I managed to put him in the walker and gave him little snacks to hold him while I prepared his dinner. In a short time he threw said snacks all over the floor (which meant more ants) and I quickly started feeding him the real food.

After he was done he started screaming, so I got him a bottle, and summoned all my energy to sling him on my hip to go up the flight of stairs.

Then there was the diaper change which made him REALLY MAD and he proceeded to try and rip off the new diaper.

I got his head stuck in his shirt while trying to get it off which made him scream even louder. I finally freed his head, which is 4 times the size of the opening on the shirt, and put his jammies on.

He was tired, as his eyes were purple and rolling in the back of his head, so I put him down with the bottle which he promptly finished and then screamed his head off. I quickly made a few more ounces, which when given to him, would have been thrown directly between my eyes if his aim was better.

I tried to rock him, I tired to sing to him, I tried to stroke him, which only made him madder, sweatier, and scream louder. His window faces the house with the dog, and I hoped that they heard every bit of it, especially since one of the teenage girls is pregnant.

I left him to cry his head off as there was nothing else I could do, but not before taking his photo to blackmail him with when he is older.

After 15 minutes of screaming, blubbering, and sobbing, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

I promptly made myself a vodka and tonic and slid down into a chair, wondering how I EVER did it with 2 kids by myself.

I am waiting for the 4 year old to arrive - an age which is much easier to handle, even when she accidentally poops in her pants while on the playground which I discover as she climbs into the EOS.

Soon Megan and Dole will be back, and I will collapse into my bed, hug my pillow, and be GLAD that I am grandma, not mama!

Patti O Grandmother

To Play...

2009-06-14T22:09:00.004-04:00

I had my four year old granddaughter for the day, so life today was slow and mellow.

She had fresh made juice for the first time.
We picked flowers in the gardens and I showed her how to arrange a vase.
We took photos of one another. She did tonight's portrait of me - set the scene and how I should sit.

She went shopping with Larry for groceries while I took the car to the car wash and spend an hour cleaning it up. (Convertibles are high maintenance. The leaves and road dirt and pollen make a mess of the inside!)

I rested for a bit, then we went to the park to see the peacocks, and play on the playground. We met new people, and Alanna made friends with a girl her age.

I made dinner and she ate all her shrimp, rice with saffron that I hauled back from Spain, and even the stir fried bok choy with sweet red peppers.

To end the day:
A huge homemade chocolate chip cookie.
A Sponge Bob Bubble bath.
Two stuffed animals,
A tuck into bed, kisses goodnight.
She was in heaven.
So was I.

Patti O Play

Definately Slogging

2009-06-13T21:17:00.004-04:00

Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY
Heading up Route 28
Heading into Woodstock
Heading back home in the storm.
(PS...did not finish this last night due to bad thunderstorm...so I am finishing up to post now, as the sun is shining through the French windows of my sun porch)

Energy level low, along with the atmospheric pressure.
Health in the yellow zone, hovering on the line where it becomes orange.
I eat carefully today, and sleep a lot.

I am angry.
The house is a mess.
It is the weekend.
There are openings and parties.
And the market, and shopping, and gardening.
And painting.

But I must listen to my body. Being able to do a few things is better than being able to do nothing.

So I must rest.

Later afternoon, the sun was shining strong, and I rolled myself out of bed to go to a few of the openings. I had already decided not to go to any of the three parties I was invited to. But a nice ride in the 82 degree sun in the lovely evening light was enticing, as well as seeing a few of my art friends.

As soon as I hit the road, the darkness rolled in. The storm gathered, and I wondered if I would make it to Woodstock before I got the roof back up.

Photos of my ride into the maelstrom.

I went to the Center for Photography opening and met some of the new interns and artist in residence, and then off to Vargas.

Perhaps it was the head I was in, but I left pondering where I fit in---in this art life I have chosen. Openings are not my favorite, and it is such a struggle to get my art into shows, never mind sell it. And then the self doubt and critical voice creeps in from time to time when I look at others art and wonder "what am I doing here? Do I belong here?" At Vargas, while standing under the umbrella of the big question mark, I leave and am swallowed up by darkness and fog.

Later on following my post on Facebook, Woodstock Ross reminds me - its about passion and exorcising demons. Thanks for the reminder Ross. The rest doesn't matter.

Patti O Muser

photos of the ride up to town....

Colorectal Surgeon Song

2009-06-12T21:52:00.002-04:00

Today was a bit of a backslider, or should I say, a back sider. Ate a few things in the past 24 hours that my body did not take well. A reminder that I have to really watch what I do. Oh but it is soooo tiring, this two long months of being unwell and having to make serious diet and lifestyle styles. And in addition to the colitis, my acid reflux is breaking through the Prevacid.

I saw the doc yesterday and she gave me the diagnosis of cologenous colitis. One of the more unusual forms of colitis, usually found in women 50-70. Not much info on it, can go away on its own, or can be a lifetime affliction. Causes possibly a virus, bacteria, or an auto immune disorder.

Mine was serious, lots of inflammation and blood throughout the colon. Excess collagen is found in the large intestine interestingly enough. So that's where the collagen in my face has gone to....I wonder if somehow I can..... oh, no, forget that thought!

List of problem foods: fatty foods, lactose, non-Tylenol products, caffeine.

As Annie has reminded me, I must keep my immune system strong, and keep stress to a minimum.

Good thing school is ending soon.

Oh and thanks Annie for telling me that this disease may have almost killed your friend. A reminder that one should not ignore such things.

Hope you enjoy the video.

patti o bottom

They're HERE!!!

2009-06-10T22:51:00.003-04:00

A quick post as I have spent most of my day after work with my kids and grand kids. Drinks, pizza, a trip downtown to try and see the boats come in from the Hudson, (no parking that was convenient with 2 little children), ending up at the local ice cream place for dessert, one of our favorite past times. Larry used to take Megan to Mickeys all the time when she was pregnant, and now 5 years later, we keep the tradition.

Megan, her husband, and kids are in town from Kentucky. Dole is back from Afghanistan, and happy to be reunited with his family and friends, and back in NY for a few weeks.

Megan has already informed me that the second she or the children are woken up by the barking dog or the screaming family who owns the dog, she will get military Kentucky on them and be at their doorstep. Whoa baby, I don't envy them having to deal with her. Whereas I fear of confrontation unless forced into a corner, she is dead ass aggressive if she needs to be. Imagine a cross between Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts showing up at your doorstep with an AK-47. (She did win a sharp shooter award from the Army when she was in Germany)

This is going to be an interesting 2 weeks, lol.

Patti O Conflict

And Thus the Day Went.........

2009-06-09T21:08:00.004-04:00

Tough morning to get up as it was dark, raining, and I could hear the distant rumble of thunder crawling towards me as I stirred in my bed, thick with the remainder of dreams and distant memories of the night before.

I did my meditation in bed, and stumbled downstairs to make my juice and check my email.This was one morning where I really needed a cup of coffee to wake me up. In this state I juiced, but forgot to put the glass under the nozzle, so I juiced all over the counter and the floor before I realized what was happening.

In the craziness of now being late because I was cleaning up the mess, I forgot to take all of my meds which included my Pepto Dismal, which is supposed to keep me from going to the potty TOO many times in a day......

And thus the day went.

School was crazy. I won't discuss it here (saving it for the book) but kids went nuts, we had to lock down the classrooms and deal with a few incidents on hand. I seemed to be one of the few adults who was keeping their cool while the world was a dust storm around them. In keeping my cool, my students kept their cool, and we hung out in the dusky classroom working on various projects.

I came home to work on the house as Megan and her family are staying here tomorrow night, which meant mopping floors, doing laundry, cleaning and folding towels, cleaning up plaster. In the middle of it all some man comes knocking at the door selling magazines. He was from Chicago working with a program that takes people out of inner cities and gives them jobs around the country selling mags. Sounded legit enough, but I did not need any more magazines. Instead I donated some money to be used to give magazines to various local organizations.

He was from Chicago, and was trying very hard to be polite and proper. I gave him what I had in my wallet (sans a few dollars for lunch tomorrow) and wished him well.

Was he legit, or was he scamming? He had an honesty and simpleness about him, and gave the info as straightforward as he could. If he was a scammer, he still had a good heart....and if I can't give 15.00 to a brother.....then what good am I.

Painting was done on a snowy school day, where hardly anyone was in school. I found an oil painting by an 1800's artist (whose name eludes me) in a magazine, and I copied it in watercolor. One of my better studies...done on a grey day.

Patti O Muser

A New Read

2009-06-08T20:57:00.002-04:00

I started a new book, "Water for Elephants". I was immediately engrossed, and I wonder what my fascination is for things like HBO's now defunct series "Carnival" (too weird for the general public?) and books like these, especially when I have never been to a circus.

I have gone to the local police carnival for 25 years, and watched it change year after year. Larry has photographed many of the carnies...and talks easily to them. They have let him into their little world year after year, especially when he gives them fabulous 8 x 10 photos of them. It is a strange world, one that has been captured by the likes of Mary Ellen Marks and others.

Off to read more. Perhaps it is through the imagination of others that I can live such a colorful life, and also by throwing in an adventure or two of my own. My ride in a plane that was built to be part of a side show 80 years ago has fulfilled my adventure quota for this week. Maybe.

patti o flyer

The Big Surprise

2009-06-07T21:35:00.002-04:00

I woke up early, but decided to finish A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beal. Not light Sunday morning reading; more like a autobiographical true horror story about the civil war of Sierra Leone in Africa, and of the recruitment of young boys as soldiers.

It is a heartbreaking story, and in the end there is a happy ending for this one young man. But it is the ghosts of his story and those who still live the horrors of war that is etched into my being.

Larry and I spent the early part of the day "working the land", our small plot of city soil that we will own in about 10 years. I am determined to keep my soil well conditioned and able to provide us with organic eating from spring to fall. I look forward to eating the crops as each comes into season and there is great satisfaction from doing the work and being able to be reap the benefits.

After a shower, I settled in for a bit of Sunday paper read time. I hear a commotion at the door, someone's voice saying JUST GO IN, and Larry and I look at each other quizicallly. Who would tell their kid to just walk in someone's house? I open the door and stare at this blonde haired, blue eyed Shirley Temple for several seconds, in shock that this child looks uncannily like my granddaughter, who is in Kentucky.

"Mimi it's me!" she says. I close my mouth which has been hanging open and ask: "how did you get here?". She looks at me, confused, and says: "Mama's car!"

They were supposed to be here Wednesday, so this was shocking for me. Two seconds later in comes my daughter, son-in-law, and my blond haired blue eyed heart breaker of a grandson, resplendent in chub, one tooth, and a great big grin that says: "I can't WAIT to get a hold of the cats!".

They stayed for a bit, long enough to take Alanna for a ride with the top down, and show her how the car worked. She sported a pink baseball cab just to use in the car, and grinned ear to ear.

They are here for a few weeks visiting family before they head back. I am keeping Alanna for a few weeks after they leave then flying back with her. School will be letting out, and I will be letting out the kid in me. In my crystal ball I see the water park, the zoo, swimming, movies, parties, play dates, museums, and lots of art time together with her. Oh, and I might have to break my non-dairy fast now and then for the ice cream and bagel parties!

patti o mimi