Absent-minded

It wasn't until 6:21 am this morning when I went to get my purse to leave for work and noticed the strap to my camera hanging out of the side pocket did I realize that I had completely forgot to post my daily contribution to the blog; ugh! Well, this was a learning experience for me on how this simple blog has had an effect upon my life. Through this blog process, I have already become more observant well I shouldn't say more, I should say have become observant because really I have been told that I am not an observant person; I tend to be focused more on thoughts on the "what's next" then my own surroundings but through this blog, I have learned to stop and notice the here and now. And...through this as well, I have learned to forgive myself. So, instead of berating myself about how forgetful I am, I forgave myself and made a choice to accept that these things happen and it's ok; I look back at yesterday and think after working 10 hours in front of a computer screen, driving home in freeway traffic, cooking dinner for my family, bathing my 22 month old grandson and washing the dirty dinner dishes that I was in the "now" and that forgetting to post will happen maybe from time to time and that it is ok; so I move forward guilt free.

Street Chess at Union Square

These street chess games have always fascinated me.

One person sets up the game and then waits for someone to join them.

Maybe someone they've met before. Maybe a complete stranger.

United by their love of the game.

Cool.

Angel in the Fence

I've always known that I'm not the only one who visits the Trash Heap. But I figured it was mostly just kids, kicking things around, spilling out the contents of paint cans, breaking glass and mirrors. But today I was surprised to find that someone else sees this stuff as special.

When I first saw this cement head, it was in the dirt, amongst the broken bricks and scraps of wood. I wanted it, but decided to leave it be.

 Now I'm so glad I left it.  It has taken its place - an angel watching over my Trash Heap.

Hawaiian-style Pineapple Bread

'onolicious.

broke 'da mouth kine good.

true story.

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

I have boxes and boxes of old and broken jewelry. Last November, I met a nice woman who made new pieces out of old. I offered her a look-see through my boxes, to take whatever she thought she could use, and she agreed to make me something from my favorite broken brooch. I love the necklace she made for me, but the problem is that I've fallen out of the habit of wearing any jewelry at all. I was afraid that I would put down this nice piece and then forget about it, never remembering to put it on. So I hung it from my bedside lamp. I thought that it would be easy to spot, and easy to remove from the lamp and place around my neck. But then I noticed how great the lamp wore it, and I added the bow tie. I do notice it. It makes me smile every day. I smile remembering the new friend who made it for me, and smile seeing how happy my lamp looks wearing it.

Bird on a wire

Enjoying the dry weather before the storm.

No More Cold Noses

When the weather is cold I often mention (ok, I complain to anyone within earshot) that my nose gets cold. But I mean really cold. So cold that it gives me a headache. Everyone thinks it's pretty funny and many people have offered ideas. The most popular idea was sticking a hard boiled egg on my nose, yolk removed. I've considered trying the egg idea; I'm that miserable when my nose is freezing.

Now, there are many reasons why I think my sister is super. And today she made me think so again. Today she gave me a present:

My sister knitted a nose warmer for me!

Garden Godzilla

This guy happily posed while taking a sun bath on our stairs; actually, it just might be a female since this larger lizard kept trying to impress her by doing push ups on the stair and then would get real close and try to get frisky or so it seemed but she wasn't about to be bothered during her sun bathing except to pose for her close-up. 

typewriter #1

Garden Blooms

First signs of spring; oh, how happy these make me.

3 very different men standing on a corner in NYC's Greenwich Village

Seriously.

This is a REAL photo taken this afternoon of

3 very different men

(although maybe they're actually quite similar)

standing on street corner in NYC's Greenwich Village.

It's like

the Village People for the new millennium.

The Jolly Jug

I love old signs.

But this one makes me a little crazy. Besides being weather-beaten, broken and faded, nothing in it matches. Nothing makes sense.

Who is that goofy guy in the green bow tie with yellow polka dots. Is he Jolly Jug? And why is he wearing a crown? Because of the "honored sandwiches?" But a crown makes him majestic, not honored. Maybe he should have a gavel, like a judge (Your Honor Jolly Jug, sir).  My son says I over-think these things. Hmmm . . . perhaps he is right this time. But for sure, no over-thinking about it, this sign does not make me yearn for sandwiches from the Jolly Jug. Ugh.

But on the other hand, just imagine how fabulous this sign could be if someone restored it. Suddenly, all the inconsistencies would just make it that much more charming.

A Perfect Place

I had grand plans to go to the museum today. But instead these cool-looking cement blocks called out to me. So I spent the day in the yard with grand plans of trying to find the perfect place them. Never did find the perfect spot, but I did pull a million weeds, plant some sunflowers, rake up some leaves, trim some chili pepper plants, and generally enjoy a sunny day.

Emergency Precautions

Comforting to know that it's here at work just in case...

Superette in Washington Heights

Freeway clown

The end of the 710 freeway brings all sorts of "solicitors"; Orange vendors, peanut peddlers, flower sellers, homeless vets, real estate agents (yes, I've been handed a business card from a real estate agent) but today was my first freeway clown; did a little juggle for me; asked how his photo came out and was happy for my monetary thank you. Who knew the freeway could be so entertaining.

Just A Goofy Lemon

Just a goofy-looking lemon

Flavor of the month

I visited a coffee shop in Queens today.

The flavor of the month is Raspberry Mocha.

I prefer plain, unflavored coffee.

Straight up--no sugar, no milk.

Strong enough to rip the enamel off of my teeth.

True story.

Self expression

As I was coming home from my Tuesday evening pool night, around 8pm, I noticed this hand made sign posted expressing one neighbors frustration; that's one way to make your point.

What To Do With a Blue Rocking Horse?

I wish I could figure out a good enough excuse to drag this home from the trash heap!