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Listen To Mikhail Baryshnikov
December 26, 2016
— 2 Comments
Bryshnikov speaks
I was at the Metropolitan Opera on the 4th of July, 1986, the day after Misha became an American citizen. He danced in the ballet Giselle, and leapt into the air with what appeared to be the greatest of ease, but was the result of a lifetime of training. He was young and stunningly talented. American Ballet Theater gave the people an outstanding show, starring the rock star, movie star, ballet star who came to us as a gift from Russia “with love”. The crowd went wild and threw hundreds of roses while giving a standing ovation after the performance. The audience showed how deeply his presence, and now his citizenship, was appreciated in New York. It was an exquisite moment in history to witness. He made his stage debut at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1967, featuring in a production of Giselle. He was born in Riga, present day Latvia. He was trained in ballet in Riga and St. Petersburg in his youth. He defected from the Soviet Union in 1974 after a performance of the Kirov Ballet in Toronto. He moved to New York and became the director of American Ballet Theater.
I was also lucky enough to see him on stage in Paris in the 1990’s when he was dancing to his own choreography in the White Oak Project. His leaping had been somewhat subdued, but he chose younger dancers for his company who could still hit the very high leaps. His own style had only mellowed and perfected itself then dancing his own creations. He has performed around the world with many different troupes. His talents and achievements are legendary. His training by and defection from the former Soviet Union made his gift even sweeter. Now his birth land of Latvia is voting to confer Latvian citizenship on their famous son. He has applied for it and the parliament is scheduled to take it under consideration. It would be ironic and odd if he were to need to defect to Latvia once his dual citizenship has been conferred.
Last week it was Prince Charles of the British monarchy warning us that he feels a 1930’s vibe. Now Misha tells us he is feeling a cold war. We should take heed, gentle readers. Experience and history are talking to us.
#WeekendCoffeeShare, Yuletide Edition
December 24, 2016
— 8 Comments
Inn of Gingerbread
Arizona Inn Dining Room
If we were having coffee today I would invite you to quench your thirst with some fresh grapefruit juice. Our ruby-red grapefruit tree is yielding fruit that we will harvest from now until March. It is bright red in the spirit of Christmas, and delightfully tart. Citrus season is generous, bright and cheerful. We have a calamondin tree which bears heavily all winter too. It is a very tart lime flavored small fruit. I am going to town by scenting the air with mandarin and lime oils in the gingerbread house diffuser. I am serving a selection hot teas and coffee for your drinking pleasure. I am even on a citrus jag with tea, loving the roiboos lemon cloud flavor. It does make me feel like I am on a cloud for a few minutes when I drink it. Help yourself to your favorite beverage, and you can feel free to add a splash of alcohol if you are arriving at happy hour in your time zone.
Here in Tucson it is 7:45 am and 46 degrees F. It will be warm and sunny all day, so soak up some rays and the beauty of the desert before you leave. We are going to the Arizona Inn, very close to home, for our Christmas Eve lunch. Our 1:30 reservation for the main dining room is the perfect plan for this couple. I am vegetarian and Bob is not. At home he has to keep kosher, which means no meat in the house. When he dines out he likes to have super excellent carnivore cuts. The Arizona Inn has fabulous selections for me, and outstanding dishes for him. He might eat a duck today, and that is fine with me. We are going there for the elegance, the service, and the superb cuisine. They will prepare and serve our dinner in a highly sophisticated style we just can’t replicate at home in our condo. We have no chef at home, and more importantly, no dishwashers. They never disappoint. They go over the top so we don’t have to make such an effort. I look forward to this traditional lazy holiday.
They will have a glorious flower arrangement in the center of the room, and a fire in the adobe fireplace. The Inn has all the trimmings for a fancy over the top holiday experience. All we have to do is Uber on over and enjoy the day. We take Uber when we want to cocktail, and we do plan to cocktail this afternoon. The car service adds an element of luxury our daily lives do not normally include, and that is fun too. Our driver will deliver us to the front door of the Inn, where the doormen (plural) will welcome us. We will take our traditional photos next to the decorated tree in the library before taking our table in the dining room. For me it is the best no fuss no muss way to celebrate this holiday weekend.
I have plenty of time this morning to hear about your holiday (or not) plans. What kind of celebration will happen where you live? Drop in on Diana to share your comments or a post of your own. Diana keeps the party going from New Orleans, but this is a world wide event. Share coffee with some very cool writers from all over the world. Cheers, all!
Inn of Gingerbread
Jolly Jolly Jingles
December 23, 2016
— 1 Comment
Santa horse
holiday decorating
holiday decorating
holiday decorating
I am taking this time so easy I can’t even believe it myself. We do not stress ourselves by including obligatory events in December, so our home life is without strain to complete or compete. We decorate a little, and I like to burn candles this time of year because the dark begins in the afternoon and seems like a cheery flicker in the dark. We celebrate not exactly any holiday other than the winter solstice, but are happy to join in the whole festive season. I drive less and shop very little because the crowds and traffic are not on my list of jolly things to experience. I buy a little more than usual in the specialty foods and booze category, but in general our consumption is normal in December. We certainly do not go wild. We like it quiet.
I am very lucky that the Tucson Botanical Gardens is right around the corner from home, so I zip over there for some outdoor nature time. It is also a winter treat to have the butterfly and tropical frog show at the gardens in the greenhouse. It is a gift the year around to be able to take a beautiful botanical break away from traffic and shopping and work. This is my idea of a jolly good time.
I consider my life to be blessed with ease and good health. I wish all my gentle readers a holiday week of gladness and good fortune. May you all be the merriest of readers in the jolliest of good company. God bless us every one.
orchid wreath
Trouble In Downtown Switzerland
December 20, 2016
— 3 Comments
Bellvue
Parade Platz
The sophisticated and cosmopolitan city of Zurich was the scene of a terrorist shooting at a mosque yesterday. I always admire Swiss tolerance, but know that recently they have been concerned about the immigration problems plaguing all of Europe. Zurich is my favorite city on earth, and Switzerland my favorite country. The form of government just thrills me because they leave decision making and almost all the taxes in the hands of local cantons. The arrangement is called a confederation. It was formed for the sole purpose of self defense back in feudal times. They speak 4 official languages, and typically don’t bother to learn the other three that are not their mother tongue. The exception to this rule is Romansh, a language that much resembles Latin, spoken by a few Alpine hillbillies. The Romansh speakers have to learn Swiss German to communicate with the outside world. I heard Romansh a lot when I first went to Gruadbunden in 1985. I found it easier than German because I studied Latin. It is now slipping into history, but a few pockets of speakers still use it, mostly in isolated villages. Localism is the theme and the heart of governance for the Swiss. They may have been thrust just a little too quickly into their own version of globalism.
I had some visitors last winter who teach school in Zurich. They teach German language, and speech pathology respectively. We talked about the changing attitudes toward foreign workers inside the country. The tensions they described did not exist when I spent time there. They took as many refugees as they possibly could and put them all to work. They created special businesses just to give them jobs. They are trained in language and job skills. Now the system has been strained to the maximum, and the population is changing. The strength of their currency and economy continues to be a magnet for immigrants from everywhere. My friends reported a large number of kids in school who don’t speak the language and become disruptive. They never had this kind of thing in classrooms in the past. It is a sign of some kind of breakdown.
The city of Zurich is the economic, but not the political, capitol. The nickname of the city is Downtown Switzerland because of the undeniable sophistication it has. These terror incidents can happen anywhere now, but I am shocked and dismayed to learn that a mosque was attacked near the main train station. It makes me very sad to know that even the Swiss are now living with this threat.
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers. Be A Chooser
December 19, 2016
— 2 Comments
choose cash
Many have commented on the year 2016 with great remorse and sorrow. We lost many great lives and some people also lost elections. The situation on the ground is restless and tense. Many are organizing protests and boycotts to show their disdain. Somewhere in excess of 41% of American registered voters did not vote in the presidential election. It is equally tragic to not have the right to vote as it is to not bother to use the right to vote. Our issues are bigger than the trivial excuses given for the status quo. We are on the verge of some political and economic changes of great proportion, in my opinion.
The phrase beggars can’t be choosers works for me in our political atmosphere because so many refused to make any choice. I hear a lot of loose talk about civil rights, freedom, and the run of the mill American token slogans about what we the people deserve or need to demand. If we could demand that our fellow citizens participate in our democracy we would be wise. Without participation, without any involvement with the political process the citizenry forfeits any right to equal treatment under the law. Protesting makes some kind of statement, but will not address the ignorance and lack of trust running rampant.
I believe that to improve the lives of Americans across the country we need to involve everyone. Choosers are not beggars, but since we passed up that option we will go around with begging bowls for years. We beg to fill the political party coffers once more to begin this process of electing our leaders. I don’t think this is a positive way to remedy our problems. If we involve and engage with our community right where we live and act with discernment and ethical will we can make positive change. End this begging, whining, complaining, and ragging on “the other side”. Go to work learning what you can to be able to make a real choice. Make choosing a priority to replace judging. Make smart decisions about the food you eat, the entertainment you consume, the content you read, and the contacts with whom you associate. Decide to pay with cash rather than build up interest debt. Free yourself from that burden so many carry. Choose wisely, choose constantly, and choose with care. Exercise your right to choose with discernment, and refine that ability.
choose wisely
Weekend Coffee Share, Mermaid Edition
December 17, 2016
— 12 Comments
hair flip
If we were having coffee today I would tell you how I ended up teaching a holiday session of mermaid camp for a lovely young lady. Some of you have noticed that my blog is officially named mermaidcamp, and may have wondered why. Sit down by the wood stove and put your feet up on the ottoman while I serve you a hot cup of tea, coffee, or holiday cheer. Tell me about your week while I prepare for my young student’s arrival later this morning.
Last week at a holiday gathering a friend told me she thought about buying her 9 year old daughter a mermaid tail for Christmas. I told her that being a mermaid is about so much more than just a tail, and since the child is not a strong swimmer yet it may prove dangerous. I have seen people buy expensive costume tails for kids without thought to how strong one must be to swim dolphin kick. It is no joke. First one needs to be able to handle flippers, then flippers with feet and legs close together. These steps take time and practice. Very few adults swim the butterfly stroke well because it requires strength and coordination. I tried to convince her mom to outfit her with a merskirt..a tail free costume that clearly indicated life under the sea. She is an excellent seamstress and costumer who can craft a really custom look for her daughter. I was able to gift her a big load of sequin fabric for the mer skirt project in return for an agreement to skip the tail this year. The tail is awkward and hard to construct, but a merskirt is whatever you make it. Real serious professional mermaids, such as Cate Vail of Sirens Photography in Reno, respect the merskirt. The mermaids up there are sometimes connected to Burning Man, so they take costuming very seriously. I was lucky to be invited to a fundraising fiesta in Reno where I met many very cool mermaid personas. The real key is never cut your hair.
mermaids of Reno
mermaids of Reno
mermaids of Reno
mermaids at Atlantis
If we were having coffee I would tell you how one thing lead to another and before long I had decided to take on the task of essential education a mermaid needs before owning a tail. This morning my little pupil will be at my house while her mom sews her merskirt back at her house. We will be preparing lunch with a mermaid theme, doing some art work, and chalking her hair. We have Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson cued up on Alexa so she can read to us while we work. We will learn all the words to “Under the Sea” by Sebastian the Crab for Karaoke performances later in the day. When the parents come back in the afternoon we will wow them with our deep knowledge of Neptune and his realm, and some mermaid themed appetizers. I am pretty sure this will be more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Stick around if you want me to chalk your hair. I am hoping this will lead to a sincere desire to be in the Tucson Parks and Recreation synchronized swimming program next summer. The program is excellent, and I believe she would have a great time. First things first…costuming and initiation, then some serious practice on the swimming skills. That is how we make mermaids, one child at a time.
Thanks for visiting me today in Tucson. Drop by Diana’s blog to read, write, or shuffle through this week’s offerings. We thank Diana for keeping the good times rolling every weekend.
Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX
December 13, 2016
— 1 Comment
There are many “worst” Christmas songs. Esquire says it’s “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney and Wings, a “song whose awesome black hole of musicality is almost powerful enough to suck the life out of everything McCartney did before,” while Paste and the Daily Dot counter with “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” which,…
via Stephen Colbert And Norah Jones Have Written The Worst Christmas Song Ever — Real Stories – UPROXX
El Tiradito, Tucson’s Sinner Shrine
December 12, 2016
— 1 Comment
We had a houseguest over the weekend who was starting a long car journey to Michigan. I took her on a miniature guided tour of Tucson Saturday afternoon. We stopped at the venerable Arizona Inn, near home, to visit the Christmas tree, the croquet court, and the elegance that is the Inn. Next stop was the U of A Poetry Center. My guest was delighted at the chance to read for about 45 minutes in our fabulous environment dedicated strictly to poetry. She found some great poets, and so did I. From there we travelled to my favorite, often overlooked, art in the city, some forged metal window guards by Tom Bredlow , a Tucson blacksmith of great skill and artistry, that depict the desert animals. Bredlow is now a total recluse who continued a legacy of Raul Vasquez. Tom even purchased some of his tools when Raul passed away. He continued to hammer out super fine metal art that graces the city. These window guards are in the Barrio Viejo de Tucson, looking right at home.
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
forged metal by Tom Bredlow
Our final destination on the tour was El Tiradito. I had given her a couple of milagros carved from jet to make offering/wishes along her route. The tradition of wishing on this spot is deeply rooted in the history of Tucson. This popular shrine is in use since the 1870s. It stands on what was once part of El Camino Real, or royal road to Mexico City. Padre Kino himself was once walking on this exact location, giving it a connection to the Spanish conquest in the 1600’s. The legend surrounding the shrine is a story of a doomed love triangle and murdered lover who could not be buried in the Catholic cemetery due to his sinful final state. The murdered man was supposedly buried under the stoop of his lover’s house, where she built a shrine. Juan Oliveras is the only sinner to have his own place on the National Historical Register.
El Tiradito
El Tiradito
El Tiradito
Today is Virgin of Guadalupe Day, 12 December, the day Mexico celebrates the day of its patron saint. Before the Spanish conquest Mexico had a female deity protecting it. Tonantzin was on the job since prehistory as an Aztec goddess. Her history and tradition is preColombian. She is, and has been, the local female deity for centuries. Our friend went to Mesilla, New Mexico on her first stopover after leaving us. The nearby village of Tortugas is the site of one of the oldest Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations in this country. She is being fully initiated by our local Enchantment before heading north into the snow. Her mystical as well as her physical journey is now blessed by both Tonantzin and Juan Oliveras. Nice benediction.
Weekend Coffee Share, Embracing Darkness
December 10, 2016
— 7 Comments
#WeekendCoffeeShare
Welcome to the coffee party. I am glad you have the time to drop in for a cup of coffee, tea, or good cheer. If we were having coffee today I would invite you to stay for a while to tell me what is up in your life. We have a very festive table set for your visit today. I just whipped up some cranberry rhubarb sauce, and am sipping on my new favorite tea, roiboos lemon cloud. In the back yard I am grilling up eggplants and a very large batch of green chiles I picked up at the produce bonanza this morning. The selection this week ( We get 60 pounds of produce for $10) was small, but the quality very high. Nothing says Christmas in Tucson like perfect green chile, so I filled the box to the brim. We brought home watermelons, green peppers and eggplant too. I enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to use/ and or give away all the fresh vegetables before they rot. There will be sour cream enchiladas, chiles rellenos, and some chilaquiles later today. Stick around if you like Mexican food. I made great tomatillo/jalapeño salsa last week that is outstanding. We like it spicy around here.
If you are not fond of Mexican food we have great leftovers from an impromptu party we threw this week. I made an English Christmas Pudding, which created discussion, which in turn lead to a weeknight party with great old friends. One of our guests lives close enough to walk over, and has vast experience with pudding like this. His family has a traditional holiday pudding called a puzzle pudding, which they inherited from their ancestors in Wales. I made one with apples and rum raisins, and served it with great quantities of whipped cream. We partied on homemade spinach artichoke dip, crudités, olives, and cheese fondue while sipping hot spiced cider. It was perfect for our low key style. We had a great time catching up with our friends, and the effort was minimal.
As we head into the darkest days of the year I am going extra dark next week. I have an appointment to receive a light treatment at my dermatologist’s office that is kind of tedious. It requires that I stay at the office for about 2 hours, which is not so severe. After the treatment I must avoid light of all kinds for about 3 days to ensure proper healing. It is even contraindicated to sit by a window inside the house. I have rolling shutters downstairs, so I can effectively create a black out inside. While the rest of the world rolls by I will spend three days 18-21 December in total darkness binging on television and hopefully doing some writing and art. I may do some cooking, but am feeling kind of finished with holiday meal preparation. I am accentuating the winter solstice for full effect. I have candles, essential oils, and fancy red robe to dress up like Mrs. Santa Claus. I will be going into deep cover. I hope to emerge refreshed and ready for a brand new year. I wish you all a happy Saturnalia.
I appreciate the chance to share coffee and more with this group of talented writers. Stop by Diana’s blog to read, comment, or post your own coffee stories. The group is welcoming and intelligent. We welcome your point of view.
Green Chiles
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 Is Greenery — TIME
December 8, 2016
— 1 Comment
The Pantone Color Institute has spoken: at a time when it seems everybody is in need of some hope, the bright “greenery” should help provide some as the 2017 Color of the Year. The idolized color authority announced its choice of the shade Pantone 15-0343 (generally called “greenery”) on Thursday. Pantone chooses a color each…
via Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 Is Greenery — TIME This is the green that will lead 2017. Greenery will sprout in the spring of the year, bringing brightness, merriment and cheer. Despair not, lose the fear. Pantone Color Institute is here to perk up our year.
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