Make America WHAT again?

As I sit here in Atlanta enjoying the Christmas Holiday with our family, I can’t help but watch the news, and who is still dominating it--the man with the hair.  Every time I see that silly cap (which he doesn’t seem to wear much anymore), I think about what his little mantra really means?

 It is a very sad commentary on this country when we realize that he has gotten this far with his inflammatory and bullying tactics against almost everyone who disagrees with him.  Some of the things he is proposing are so preposterous that it is almost an insult to any rational person, that he is still proposing them, and so many seem to agree. “Send them back, build a wall, schlonging, (or whatever that word is), ahead in the polls, tremendous, everyone is my friend, I have hired many of them, she went to the bathroom, that face, drug sellers and dealers?” Why not show some of your wife’s “modeling” pictures?

I believe that there are those who would put anyone there who s the complete opposite of MY POTUS.  When the rhetoric says take back out country, it does not take a rocket scientist to realize what that means.  To the disgruntled, I say, get over it.  There is a new world order.  The days of the good old boys are over.  Ask any of the so called entitled men who cannot get over it.

 The voters do not look like they used to look.  The ones you considered dumb, are not so “dumb” anymore, as a matter of fact, they never were--it was your perception of them.

I imagine that there are those who agree with every single thing he is saying.  Do they know that if he saw them outside of his limo in New York, he would try to shoo them away.  He probably would never have interacted with 90% of the people who attend his rallies.

Yes, it is Christmas, and this is my Christmas Rant!

Paris or The World

I was becoming increasingly annoyed as I read post after post complaining that all of the FB profile pictures with the French flag superimposed on them, was wrong.  Although I did not do it, I was not bothered by those who did. Most people who were bothered, thought that when bad things--massacres, and other things, happen in other countries, no one cares, no one superimposes a flag over their picture for those countries.

Humanitarian, and citizen of the world that I am, I am usually aware of what is happening all over the world--good and bad.  It is incumbent upon us all to make wrong right when we can, and to care about our fellow-man wherever they are.  It is not about a FB profile--who cares what flag is superimposed, if no one is actively doing anything but “blowing smoke.” It does not matter what we complain about, if we are not actively doing anything to change the world.

 Those complaints are almost as petty, in my humble opinion, as the discussion about Starbucks cups. Just as it is more important to know what is INside of a particular “CUP,” it is also important to look beyond flags. Some have talked about France, the Colonialist, but believe me, if we looked at Colonialists and Imperialists, we would really cover our faces with flags.

One of the best examples I saw was someone with a world map with his face within that map--at least, that shows his concern for the entire world.  If the events in Paris (one of my favorite cities), can somehow bring to the forefront what is going on in the world, then so be it.  We all know that anything can happen anywhere, and if there is injustice for one, there is injustice for all.

So, let us get beyond flags and cups, and actually DO something about the world as we see it.

Yes, IT IS Race!

The incident in South Carolina has reminded me, once again of the totally disgusting disregard for Black life.  I do not believe that a white child would have been treated in this manner.  I am still  upset that a Black male teacher, stood in front of the class, and did NOTHING to save this child.

First of all, he should have known something of her fragility, and even if he did not, it was incumbent upon him to step up.  He is not my kind of man, period.  I still say, she is a child, and the teacher and the “security” officer were adults.  This was a phone, not a weapon.  A former student said, if a parent and into that classroom, and did that, they would be in JAIL, still.  It seems to get worse every day.

I don’t want to hear anything about “playing the race card,” because IT IS WHAT IT IS.

I am becoming more and more annoyed when I hear people say, it is not race.  One thing I have learned upon the election of our POTUS, and that is, IT IS RACE, and until people can admit it, and discuss it, and do something about it, we will remain in the dark ages.

Just because it is race, does not make one a racist, if they recognize that it is what it is.  What is worse is when no one wants to see, and discuss the truth. It has always been race, but nowadays, more overt than I have ever seen it.  IT IS NOT JUST SOUTH CAROLINA  (the South has always been an easy target)--it is the USA period.

I am a child of the South, and am very familiar with Columbia, and believe me it is a reflection of the entire country.  It happens everywhere.

Yes, I am ranting, but this incident is so utterly ridiculous, and it tears out a piece of my heart when people are, once again, blaming the victim.  No child is hopeless!!!! It is the adults who make them feel hopeless!!!

The village begins in the home and the phrase “It takes a village” has become another catch all phrase for many of the ills of society.  The village has been broken for some time.  There used to be strong villages--I grew up in one.  Now, people barely know their neighbors, and are more concerned with THINGS, rather than PEOPLE.  When we see a need, we should try to fill it.  Where has our compassion gone how have we become so immune to the plights of others?

That is what I saw in that classroom, and it is part of a far greater problem.

ON LOSING A FRIEMD

Exactly one week ago, as I sat in my Sumi-e Class, I received an email from my friend Marge giving me the news that our friend, Bill Male passed the night before.  The two of us were planning to visit him that day, and were meeting after my class and her golf to drive to Leucadia to see him.  She wanted to make sure I knew before I came to meet her.  She had called our home, called on my cell  phone, which I keep on silent in class, and resorted to email.

Bill, the ultimate organizer, had told his caretaker to make sure to call us before we came up, letting us know that he would not be there. (that is is humor, and his style)

  My phone flashes a light when I receive an email, so I was alerted that I had one.  It was shocking still even though we knew that he was ill.  All of I could think about was calling my husband, packing up my stuff and going home.  I did all of that, got home a little after 10:30, got in bed, pulled the covers over my head, and stayed there for a few hours.

I have known my friend, Bill, for over forty years, and first met him when I began teaching at Morse. Even then, his wit and wisdom were both amazing!

He, Marge Cole ( who was also a teacher at Morse),and I celebrated each of our birthdays with a dinner at a restaurant. We have done that for many years. The last few times, we took our celebrations to his house, and were scheduled to see him on Friday around noon. There are no words to describe the hole in our hearts left by his passing.

We will miss him so much. However, he was prepared, had everything prepared, and is somewhere checking to make sure it will all be done as he would like--full of laughter and joy. I can still hear his laughter, replay his stories in my head, and smile with joy when I think of him.

 His presence will be felt from the tremendous influence he had on all of us who knew  him. Rest well my dear old friend.

RUSSIA: CABBAGE, CUCUMBERS, POTATOES AND CARROTS

Our two weeks in Russia was unlike any trip we have taken before. (I am also glad we are home now after the news about Syria).  I have been thinking about this blog for some time trying to figure out the best way to approach it.  I think I may just list the things  which I thought were interesting,

We visited Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy, Kizhi, Mandrogi, and St. Petersburg. I had never seen so many palaces,  learned so much history in a short time,  noticed and appreciated architectural styles, and in general, experienced an “out of the box” visit, different from what we usually experience.

PEOPLE

1.     Although I had been told this by two former students who had traveled to Russia, I was still shocked to have seen THREE people of color.  One, sitting on a bus bench, as I took a picture from a bus, another, taking trash out of a restaurant, and another young student rushing past us on an escalator to the subway (which, I might add, was the longest escaIator I had ever seen—in St. Petersburg.

2.     Upon first impression, Russians may seem rude, but I understand they are better one on one.  When  we  ventured out alone, we ran into no problems whatsoever, and everyone was very engaging and helpful.

3.     I have not been anywhere with such a lack of diversity.

4.      

WEATHER

1.     We were prepared for very cold weather and were surprised that the weather was extremely pleasant.  There was a light rain for a short while one day, and we used a jacket most days, but we did not need most of the warm weather clothes we took. Someone told us that Russia has eleven months of winter and one month waiting for winter. I cannot imagine being there in the winter.

2.     It is a great place to buy warm weather gear beginning with the fur hats.

LANGUAGE

1.     I took three classes in Russian while I was there.  I learned key phrases, but most of all, the language was demystified.  I carried a cheat sheet around with me most of the time.

2.     People in the tourist shops speak English, but not many people on the street.  As usual, when looking for an English speaker, we always look for someone young—they are more likely to speak English.  We only needed it when we were out on our own. Russia was isolated for a very long time. 

POLITICS

Everything is referenced by “Soviet Time,” and Present Time. Joke I liked—addressed to Putin:  “Mr. Putin, your opponent received 70% of the vote, but the good news is you got 80%.  Russia went from wooden plow to nuclear power under communism.  Like the book, Animal Farm, “All of the animals are equal, but some are more equal.
The main problem with communism was the lack of freedom, and Soviets could not travel abroad. Some appear to miss those days, however,  because education, was free, and housing was very very cheap.  However, there was low work efficiency because there were no incentives—everyone received the same salary no matter how hard they worked.

The land did not belong to the people, but the buildings did.

VODKA

“You cannot drink all of the vodka in the world, or kiss all of the girls in the world, but you have to try.”  Putin, however, does not drink. It is said that Russians rejected Islam because they forbid drinking alcohol(may or may not be true) Many binge drink—we were told that vodka is a terrible curse of Russia (Maybe it keeps people warm).

FOOD

 Cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and potatoes. 

SUCKS! I guess it is geared to keeping your body warm—the blinis were probably the best Russian food we ate.  It reminds you of a crepe, or a tortilla. The food on the ship reflected the food of the country, although we were able to have fish and fowl--the fish always had bones.

KREMLIN

This means town encircled by walls. Kremlins are all over Russia (this was news to me)

MY GENERAL IMPRESSION

Although it was extremely interesting, it is not a place I would visit without being with a group.  Moscow is huge, and we would not have been able to see the small towns. I could never live there because of the weather and the lack of diversity. 

Everyone looks extremely serious, and very few people smiled.  I imagine during the “Soviet Time,” paranoia was rampant.  We saw the KGB building in St Petersburg, and it was very dismal and scary looking.

The dollar was strong, because the Russian economy is weak right now, so that was nice for purchasing things for our children and grandchildren.

A river cruise is really the best way to visit it in order to maximize what you may see.

You will see enough palaces and churches to last a lifetime—all magnificent.

The Hermitage is indescribable.

St Petersburg is a wonderful city.  Beautiful  canals  throughout, with a very European flair.  It was probably my favorite.  (It was also where I saw the three Black people).

We flew from San Diego to New York,  to Amsterdam, where we had a five hour lay-over before flying to Moscow.  It seems like an extremely interesting place--may be worth a look.  Flew home on Aeroflot to Paris, and when we got to the Paris airport, it was obvious that we were no longer in Russia--everyone was smiling!!!. Almost four hours to Paris, and then eleven hours to Los Angeles. Our luggage did not show up in San Diego when we did, but it was delivered the next day.  

The closing remark from our guide was that when we get back to our homes, we can say “Russians are bad, but not THAT bad.” :-)

                                               WAS IT WORTH IT?   ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

                                                               

I loved the tile detail on a church in Yaroslavl! I was so in touch with my artistic side on this trip.

The ‘New Tennis,” Serena, Serena!!!!

I was at first disappointed that Serena lost today, but upon second thought, she will always be a winner.  She handled the challenge with grace, and endured the endless questions about breaking the record.  I cannot even imagine the pressure she felt, but we all know that she has absolutely NOTHING to prove.  She is the best at the moment, and is probably the best there has ever been in women’s tennis.

Her power is unmatchable, and her rise in the tennis world was unlike any ever seen before.  No Junior tennis--no country club tennis, no fancy coaching when she began, nobody telling Richard Williams what to do or  how to do it. They were both taught by parents who never played tennis.

They played and learned  on the courts of Compton! Did it THEIR way, and in their own time.

 It is all pretty remarkable, that these marvelously gifted  young ladies, STRAIGHT OUTTA Compton, have had an unblemished career.  No scandals, no nonsense, pure focus on their games.

I admire them for their respect for  their parents, for their love for each other, and for what they have done for the game of tennis.

There is nothing I like to see more than role models who inspire others, just by BEING! They have remained who they are, they have excelled, they have set a new standard in a sport that had never seen not just one, but two women, so talented, so strong, and so “New tennis.”

Hold your head up High!!! No one can match what you have done.  Now that I think about it, I am glad that some of those who THOUGHT they would beat you DID NOT.  Your opponent did well, seemed humble, and amazed.

You are the Queen--actually You and your sister are the Queens--there is a new world Tennis Order because of the two of you.  I am proud!!!!!

LOVE, Not Just a Tennis Score!

I am so proud of Serena and Venus, too strong, young, Black women.  What a great job their parents have done, not just in terms of tennis, but in terms of teaching them how to always move forward.  It is a testimony that you can do whatever you want, in the manner that you want to do it.  All you need is courage and a magnificent village behind you.  Kudos to Serena and Venus, and to the entire family.  Now I am #teamserena for the rest of the tournament.  I am very edited that she, hopefully, will make history, just like our POTUS did.  Even if she doesn’t, she has nothing else to prove.  She is the greatest tennis player ever!!!1

Serendipity via Facebook

Since our daughter told me that I should have blogged this instead of posting it on FB (too long, in her opinion), I decided to follow her advice, although it remains on FB.  I really should extend my blog viewership, but for now, this is fine.

Talk about SERENDIPITY!!! One of our young cousins was on a FB post in which someone was trash talking about the Philadelphia Eagles. One of the posters was another cousin (but they had no idea they were related). Cousin #1 just clicked on the name of Cousin #2, and saw our family picture . (Although we are in the same generation, I am waaay older, and remember when his mother was born).
Yesterday, he inboxed me to ask me about the picture--and of course, as one of the eldest in the family, I knew all about it. He wrote a very inspiring post about the importance of family, and the rest. On this day, as you see in the post on my page, it has been a grand family reunion via FB. I have received friend requests from other family members, based upon the post, and my sister and I are able to further encourage the younger generation about the importance of attendance at family reunions. I am so inspired--our elders would be so proud. 
FB can be wonderful, when used properly. It is a wonderful day of re-connection. There was even a family member with a FB friend, and he had no idea they were related. Amazing! Thank you Rafeeq, for getting it all started. Amazing, what a simple picture (one I have seen all of my life) can do!!! Thankful that I listened well why growing up, Our branches are spread all over the country, mainly Miami, Central Florida, Philadelphia, and California, and through the magic of FB, all connected.

The post our cousin, Rafeeq wrote on FB :

As African Americans we often think about the tragic stories associated with our lineage, but through it all there are dignified stories of royalty, invention, triumphs, strength and love. I recently came across this image of an old Negro family; my family. Seated are William and Martha Meuse surrounded by their children. Held in her father's arms is Lottie Permenter (my Great Great Grandmother). She was born in the Kissimmee, FL area on August 26, 1886. She passed away 108 years later on February 15, 1994. I remember going to visit "Mama Lottie" when I was younger but I have never seen this photograph before. It's amazing how much history and information is presented in a single image. It is imperative that we honor the sanctity of the ties that bind.

Coffee, Tea, or Milk

If you know me, you already know that I don’t drink milk, never have. I stopped drinking sodas last summer because I finally realized that they could not possibly be good for me.  It takes me a long time to make up my mind to refrain from doing something, but once my mind is made up I can quit cold turkey.

This past Saturday, I had a unique beverage experience as I visited Marlene’s Tea and Cakes, in Carmel Valley, with a group of young ladies from Morse’ class of l980.  There were sixteen of us, decked out in our hats ( I borrowed mine from a 96 year old friend--Jacqui’s grandma, Madea) as we enjoyed  the exquisite atmosphere created by the owner, a Morse graduate, and member of the class of ’80, Marlene DeCastro Spawton. Marlene, though trained in computer software, is realizing her long time dream of owning a tea house.  It has been a little over a year that it has been open.

There were two types of teas,  beautiful china, flowers, gifts for each of us, wonderful service, and delicious food.  The interesting thing  about the food, is that, everything was tiny, and gorgeous, yet we were all full when we left.  We were also given to go boxes--my husband was ecstatic with the beautiful desserts I brought him.

Interestingly enough, I do not drink tea.  However, I drank mango tea, and the black tea which was offered.  I now think that tea is better in its natural state, without any sweetener.  A little like life, now that I think about it. But, as usual, I digress--that could be a blog unto itself.

On top of it all, our organizer supreme, Susan Roe, brought her dad’s Oregon jam for each of us, along with two beautiful momentos of the day.  I love doing something new--and I had never done this before, even when we were in Asia and there was tea as far as the eye could see.  We brought back sooo much for our tea drinking daughter, but none for this lady.  I will have to re-think it all.

Then, today, I met Renata  Sahagian, from the MS Society, with whom I often have coffee at Starbucks. We discuss travel--she has been everywhere, and just have lovely conversations about everything.  She is the person in charge of the Elite Feet category of fundraiser, and with the help of generous friends, I an in that category.

  I am not a Starbucker either (it is the alcohol of this generation), although I do like the CEO.  I ordered my no frills coffee (which embarrasses my daughter when I go with her), the smallest, regular, coffee. HOWEVER, following Renata’s advice, I added cinnamon.  I saw all of the things which could be added (I had never noticed before), and cinnamon was one.  I asked her, and she said her parents always add that because it is good for high blood pressure (and probably other things).  Lo, and behold, to my surprise, it was fabulous.  Perhaps I will keep some cinnamon in the car to add to my $1.00 McDonalds coffee, which is my coffee of choice.  So, I learned two new “drinking” things within three days.

Coffee, Tea, or Milk? So far, just coffee, plus cinnamon, and tea at beautiful tea houses!

Playground Bully

I can’t believe that politics has become one “candidate’s” playground where he can bully anyone he wants.  It is amazing to watch the disparaging remarks about anyone who is not “nice” to him.  Really? One thing we know for sure, money really is not everything, especially when you think it is.
I continue to shake my head at a grown person who is no better than a bully on any playground in America. Arrogance, and intimidation will not take anyone very far.

Nothing Since April? My, My!

My goodness, I can’t believe that I have not blogged since April.  I guess I become so enamored with so many things, that I moved this down my priority list.  I am sure I have had plenty to discuss.  Let me see, where shall I begin?

Spent a month in Atlanta with our daughters and their families as we awaited the promotion of one of our grandsons.  It was a wonderful trip and the girls had so many things planned for us.  We even spent our anniversary in a magnificent suite at the Hyatt in downtown Atlanta.  OMG, we even had a double door, a dining room, and full kitchen.  There was even a television IN the bathroom mirror.  Perhaps some of you are used to that but it was quite new to us.  We immediately asked the girls to bring all of the grands to stay with us because it was waaay too much room for just the two of us.  They were thrilled, and also thrilled that there was a food court and shopping center connected to the hotel.  We never left the premises for three days.

The girls and I did one of those paint and drink things, and that was quite an adventure.  We were all so proud of our creations, and it was interesting to see the process.  I had heard of people who had done it, but I wasn’t quite sure how it worked.  We all painted the exact same things, with the exact same instruction, but each person’s picture was different.

Brought the grands back with us, from Atlanta,  for their six weeks’ stay in San Diego.  That is always a wonderful time for us, and I imagine they love being here as much as we love having them with us.  The past two summers have been incredibly easy, now that everyone is growing up.  The boys, 17, and 14, are very, very helpful.  I even let our Eagle Scout grandson act as the lifeguard at our pool--now that was really a stretch for me, but I had to remind myself each day, that he is l7 (wow, how did everyone get old so fast).  The youngest, at 4, is a real trooper.  She can hang with the older ones, and they all act like sisters and brothers rather than first cousins.

Our theme for this summer was “Fun and Fitness,” so we did everything from family yoga classes to walking up Cowles Mountain (Ok, I didn’t go all the way up).  I was so grateful that some of my former students did some of the activities with us.  I have a tremendous village--one even took them to the barber shop (owned by a former student), just to help out. I am so grateful for my lovely, and helpful friends. When one friend door closes, another opens immediately!

After the time with us, we flew with them to New Orleans, the site of our family reunion. The day we flew was a very busy day--we started in Point Loma with a ceremony for a former student, who was being promoted to Commander of a ship, then to ComicCon, and from there to the airport.  A former student met me at our house at 6 a.m. and drove us to the promotion, the Con, picked up Mr. O, and we met them in front of the train station, after a trolley ride from the Convention Center, and then to the airport.  We arrived in NOLA at 12:30 A.M., but the parents were there to meet us at the airport.  It was a wonderful reunion (our daughters were the chairs, with Kama in the lead), and it gives me joy to know that our grands are getting that experience.  I was shocked at the lip sync contest when we saw them perform. They were so good.

Home,  after all of that, and two weeks of hibernation, and another of semi hibernation. I have been busy catching  up with breakfast and lunch dates, but for the most part, being unproductive.  I am back in the swing of things. I broke my finger while in Atlanta, so I have not done yoga--wanted it let the finger   heal and get stronger, but I will resume tomorrow.

 Winter is on its way, and I will begin my winter activities, which will include my pursuit of art, no matter how bad I continue to be--I find it soothing and uplifting.  Also trying to get started on the fourth book--Meeting with a friend this Wed. who will keep me on track--I always have to have a schedule, otherwise, I become distracted with so many other things I love.

Off on a travel adventure in September, and we are looking forward to the trip--somewhere fascinating which we had not previously thought of visiting.  Anxious to visit Cuba again--so glad that we went before it becomes a Starbucks, McDonalds, Kentucky Fried,  and Cruise mecca.

So, freetirement continues to be wonderful--nothing like having the time to do what we want, spend time with those we love, get rid of those who have aggravated us, live, travel, love, create, appreciate, and enjoy.

Drawing BIG

One of the many things I am enjoying in my freetirement is my Art Group of five ladies.  Our teacher/muse is a sparkling 88 year old fantastic artist.  Last week at our gathering, we worked with color, and I decided to draw a Mallard, which I loved so much that I posted it on FB.  I loved it because I remember when I only drew stick figures, and if I drew something that flew, it didn't look like it could take flight.  The wings did not look like they could propel anything anywhere.  When I finished this one, I felt like I should have also drawn a birdhouse because it looked like it could surely fly.

When our teacher looked at it, she was amazed--the first thing she said was "Now you Draw BIG!" She reminded me that I used to draw everything little.  If I drew a person, a flower arrangement, or anything else, it was always small.

Ironically enough, it was the same thing my Sumi-e teacher told me a few weeks ago.  I bought some very big paper in China--there you buy it by the sheet, rather than a full tablet, as we do here.  It was so big, that I only bought a few sheets.  I decided to use one of the sheets to paint (can't remember what it was), but the painting was very big.  Sensei (that is what some call our teacher) was shocked, and said "Patricia, you painted BIG." It was a good painting too, and even I could see that it was.

I think that now I paint BIG, because my confidence has become BIG!  I had never thought of that connection before until a FMOS (former Mrs. O student) brought it to my attention.  Our confidence makes us live BIG, love BIG, help BIG, enjoy BIG, praise BIG, and of course, draw and paint BIG.

It took me six years to draw BIG, but I never gave up--always knew that I could do so many other things, and that I was learning to draw for my own self satisfaction (which is the reason I do most things), and had nothing to prove to anyone.  It is always freeing to have the confidence needed to do new things--things which are seemingly out of our range.  Drawing has let me know that nothing is ever really out of our range if we are doing it for the right reason.  So, I continue to "DO BIG" in all areas of my life!

GO BIG or go home.

We Must Always Keep an Open Heart

Today began with a breakfast date at 7:00 A.M. with a good friend.  We solved the problems of the world in our two and a half hours of conversation.  We talked about how who we are is formed so early in life, and perhaps because of the power of those experiences, even in old age, and with those living with dementia, the long term memory is the one which remains.  We shared lines from poetry which provided poignant examples for some of our conversation topics.  My friend, a poet, also had original lines for almost everything we talked about.

After breakfast, I met with my art group of five women, I have grown to love over the last four years we have been together. What a diverse and powerful group of women, all united by a love of art. The past two times we have met, we have drawn nothing, but have enjoyed our conversations so much that that overshadowed our artistic purpose.  However, we did master the ART of conversation.

 It is so nice to share reflections among the five of us.  Our eldest, mentor, and teacher, is an 88 year old.  We learned something new from her today (we probably already knew it, but it was re-emphasized).  We learned that we should never close our hearts--there is always time to learn something new about relationships, even when they relate to our children.  We think we know them best, we watch them grow, we see them change, but even then, there is always something else to know, see, and experience with them which will give us immense joy.  How wonderful is it to live long enough to see the almost complete evolution of our children--to understand them better, to finally get it, to feel joy from their joy.

The utter joy we saw in the eyes of the 88 year old we love so much, was so heartwarming.  It was a lesson in how we  have to always keep an open heart, willing to accept, appreciate, embrace, adjust, and most of all LOVE, no matter what.

When Work is Not Work: Reporting for My Female View Broadcast

Covering the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament, featuring Serena's return, after fourteen years, was a highlight of my freetirement years.  I say no to a lot of things I have been asked to do since I free tired, and am  very good at saying no.  When I say yes, it has to be an experience with which I am enamored, either because it is new, something I have never done before, or I find it somewhat intriguing.  In this case, it was all of them , new because I had never acted as a reporter before, and intriguing, because the very thought of being there in a role other than spectator was fascinating.

I was not in the least disappointed.  Spending time in that press room with all of the professionals, I did not at any time feel that I was a first timer.  I have found that most things in life are far easier than people would have us believe.  I felt quite at home, knew that I could write, and it just fit in with my genuine curiosity about how things work.  It was interesting to see the lack of people of color in the room--it is just in my nature to observe those kinds of things.  There were representatives from all over the world, representing all kinds off media, and obviously, many of them "travel the circuit," and they  know one another.  Yet, I did not feel like an "outsider" at any time.  I think having confidence in oneself is one of the greatest qualities a person can have, because you can feel comfortable wherever you are.

We did not have our individual work stations, but were seated in comfortable high chairs, facing the "center court," the only court in stadium 1.  We were able to see the entire stadium, and were also able to walk outside and sit.  The room was soundproof because we could not hear anything going on outside, although there were television monitors everywhere.

Our job (my partner, Shana) was to go into the interview rooms when the players finished their matches. There was an announcement made letting you know when a player would be available.  We filled out several sheets, one for each player, we wanted to interview.  They pretty much stuck to those sheets, although you could go in the room for any player they called.  We initially thought we would do one on one, but that was only on the very first day of the tournament when they had "open access" day.

The interview room was about the size of a classroom.  The player was brought in by a "handler" who said "Questions for …." Then anyone could ask a question--the ones I found most fascinating were the ones which were not tennis related.  "You travel with your dog?" "What makes an opponent great?" Loved the answer to that one "You would have to ask her parents." "How does it happen that a tennis player has a partnership in a bass fishing store?"  It was quite something to see the players up close and personal--the room was never full, even for the heavyweights.  They all look quite different from their demeanor on court.  They were very engaging--probably had heard most of the questions a thousand times, and very gracious.  I changed my opinion of some, based upon this experience.

I took notes the old fashioned way with a small notebook, and typed them all up when I got back to the hotel.  There were transcribers in the room, and the transcripts were made available.  I noticed that some of the media people relied on the transcripts, but English teacher that I am, I preferred my own notes.  I understand that the transcripts are always available on the website.

Watching the matches in person, I noticed that the balls come harder and faster.  The grunts do not sound nearly as irritating as they do on television.  The views from almost everywhere in the stadium are very good (My husband was sitting in general admission opposite from me, and aside from the sun, it was a great seat--of course, he found shady places to sit).  The area where the players sit with the umbrella is a lot smaller than it looks on television.  I loved seeing the camera which moved across the court suspended by a wire.

 One of the friends I met when I went into the hotel lobby each day around 5:30 a.m., told me that the French Open's stadium is the most intimate, and there are wires and cords everywhere.  She and another lady, who worked for Nike, were my early morning companions.  The Nike lady is in charge of tennis and has worked there for over ten years, and had played tennis at UCLA. She knew all of the players, and mentioned them as if she were talking about a good friend, but not in an arrogant way.  She said Serena is a diva, and deservedly so. Said she is very, very nice, and if you see her in a restaurant, she will talk to you when she finishes her meal :-).  The other lady, from Maui, is also a tennis buff, and has attended every Grand Slam.  I think it is so wonderful when you can follow something about which you are passionate.  They were my early morning tennis pals--we exchanged names, even though the possibility of us ever meeting again, is very slim, but then again, who knows?

The hotel was the press hotel, but I was told that some of the players were there too, although I did not see anyone I recognized.  I am sure that a lot of the houses are rented for this tournament because it seems as if all of Palm Springs was full of tennis enthusiasts.  The restaurants, and the streets of Indian Wells were full, but only when matches were not in session.

I stayed up later than my usual 7:00 bedtime in order to get my "copy" done (getting the lingo down), and to just rehash the day with my partner and husband.

Some work is work, and other work is LOVE!

Saturday at Indian Wells for My Female View Broadcast

Today is our day or real work, and we drove to the Tennis Garden at 8:45, followed our very good directions to parking lot J an took the shuttle, a full sized bus, which held 48 people, to the West gate of the garden.  We were greeted very warmly by the volunteers manning the lobby area, and were taken to the big lockers to leave anything we wanted there. We were escorted by one of the ladies.

There were televisions in this area which showed what everyone was doing, including where players were practicing.  I accessed the app for the BNP in order to be able to access everything on my devices. Someone I talked to told me that he would put it ion all of my devices, and told me that there is all access internet, with no password needed. Upon asking him what the Z meant on his pass, he informed me that he is in charge of all of the WiFi--he was certainly the right person for the job.

We then went upstairs to the press area, wher Sharon gave us a grand tour of all of the work stations, the press viewing area which is right at what I would call center court, in stadium one.  There are nin courts here so there are matches taking place at different times of everywhere. My years of watching tennis is finally paying off. I know that love is not just on a Valentine's Day card.

There is press here from all over the world, as evidenced by the foreign languages I hear. As I write this from my perch, I am looking out at the Brengle Panetta match in stadium 1. There is also an outside seating area for press just outside my window. Oh my, I could get us d to this pr ss thing.

We will probably be here all day and into the Djokovich's night match. I will probably saunter over to a few more stadiums throughout the day to see Townsend later, Azarenka, Keys, and others. I also want to see Federer's doubles later this afternoon.

TYL (talk to you later)

An Indian Wells Adventure

What a joy to represent My Female View Broadcast as a reporter at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the Paribas Open Tennis Tournament. Former Student, Gina Robinson, who co-produces the show, invited us(Shana Butler, and I) to take part in this great adventure since she neither or her partner could not make it. No, never even entered my mind--I don't think she even knew what a tennis buff I am.

We had a wonderful drive from San Diego--left at 9:30, and even with construction traffic, made it in good time with just one bad direction by me, the navigator. For the most part, it was a straight shot. Shana was a wonderful one handed driver, since she had an accidental fall, yesterday, and broke her wrist. Soldier that she is, she sucked it up, and carried out her commitment. I have to love a committed woman, but she also knows I would have never let her live it down (her words)

We decided to head straight to the Tennis Garden, instead of the hotel, in order to pick up our credentials. We had directions on exactly how to get to the "pick up" parking lot, went there, parked and headed to the credentials bungalows. My husband, also came along, and he sat at a shuttle stop to wait for us. The credentials area, staffed primarily by volunteers, was quite pleasant indeed. I spoke to one lady and she told me that this was her l4th year volunteering at the tournament. They were all quite nice, and facilitated the process quickly. We had our pictures taken, received lanyards with our press badges, and began to feel very official. We then went to our hotel, which could not be any closer--about four miles from the Tennis Garden.

We are anxiously looking forward to tomorrow when our reporting begins. It is the first time in ten ears that Serena Williams has played in this tournament and she will play in the night match tomorrow night. We will cover the morning and the evening matches.

Grateful for this opportunity.

Friends

I am a member of several groups on FB, and one of my favorites is BEO. It is a group of people who wake up early in the morning, and each day one of us posts a word for the day (WOD), and sometimes, we post a WWOD (Week-end word of the day). It is a random group of people put together by a friend and me because we were always sending FB inboxes early in the morning. Each person has the opportunity to get on the calendar, which is posted for each month--that way, we all know what day we have to post. The words are posted early in the morning or late at night for the East Coast people.

Our word today was friend, and I was surprised that I wrote more than I usually write on the words, so I thought I would share it here:

Friendship is something I take extremely seriously, and I think I am a very good friend. I am usually loyal, there when you need me, and am brutally honest with those I consider my friends. The trouble is, that I expect the same from those I call friends. When I am betrayed by someone I consider a friend, it is over, forever--not a hate thing, just a "You are out of my life" thing. Friends will forget you when they find a man--I find that amusing since I have had a man for 46 years, and he has never kept me from a friend--real men don't do that, and real women, would not allow it. Some folks don't even know how to be a friend--it all starts with knowing exactly WHO you are. FB has taken "friendship" to an entirely different level.

People actually believe that FB friends, are really friends--I have to remember, that in many ways, FB is not real ( excluding this group, and others I like) . I don't even like to hear people say, I don't have friends, I have associates--what in the heck does that mean? You are either a friend, or you are just someone I know.

What I really detest is folks who say they know me, or I am their friend, and I either don't know them, or barely know them. I don't know why I am irritated by that, but I am. Anyway, I believe that old friends, with whom you have history like those with whom I grew up, are irreplaceable, but we have to leave ourselves open to letting new friends enter our lives.

An old lady told me a very long time ago, to make sure that your friends are in ALL age group, because, as life goes, those in your group, and older will pass. I hope that my true friends know that they can lean on me, and I can lean on them.

Some friends are only there for a season, and as we know, seasons change.

"A Ball, A Racket, and Hope

I was so impressed when I heard Serena include these word in her speech today. What humility, what simplicity for such a gifted athlete. It was a thrill to see her win her 19th Grand Slam, but more than that, it was a joy to watch her and Venus grow into the women athletes they are. Close sisters, with different styles, one lean, one thick. Heir parents did it their way, protected and supported them always. Serena said it was the first slam without a parent present, but she knew that they supported her and she credited tgem for everything she has become.

Sometimes people think they need riches, or some other external stimuli for happiness and success. What is more important, is having someone who believes in you, coupled with a belief in yourself. Most times, I life, all it takes is a ball, a racket, and hope. That is what we concentrated inthe past before others tried to define what we needed. In the last, poor people rarely thought of thems lves as poor because they were rich in family, just as Serena stated. Everyone was in the same boat, until someone told them they were poor,and defined them as such. The Williams' parents never bought into that, and trained their daughters better than any tennis academy could have.

I never want to forget that all it really takes is a ball, a racket, and HOPE,

The Randomness of the Dollar Tree, and Life's Trees

Wow, I did not realize that I had not written a blog since Thanksgiving. We were very busy over the holidays with eleven people in our house. It was marvelous having our entire primary family with us, and of course, having the grandchildren is always a treat. We had not celebrated Christmas in our home for five years, interrupted by our Thanksgiving cruises. We are so grateful for the love our children and grandchildren continue to show us as we march up this aging ladder.

This past Thursday,after my yoga class, I went to the Dollar Tree store to buy cards (they have the BEST cards, some two for a dollar, and others one for a dollar. I had told my husband my itinerary (as we both always do), and he met me there--how sweet). As I was getting ready to check out, I noticed that they had an entire rounder of Mardi Gras themed items. That is the theme of our Family Reunion, this summer in New Orleans. I took pictures of everything there, and when I got home, I called our daughter (the chairperson), and my sister to find out if I should by things. Of course, they said yes, so the next day,after my brush painting class, I hurried back to the same store, and spent almost $100.00. It would have cost three or four times that much at a regular store. I bought decorations, masks, centerpieces, horns, coins, glasses (eye), and everything else that looked useful. Today, I went to another Dollar Tree, and they had different things, so I bought a view more there.

The thing about the Dollar Tree, is that it is very random. You never know what you might find, and you never know how long it will be there. You have to have the spirit of carpe diem, each time you enter the store. It is the same at my favorite 99 Cents store. I am a part of a FB group, called VOF (Vegan on Friday), and each time I am in those stores, I am looking for something vegan--surprisingly, I found canned vegan vegetable soup at the 99 Cents store, once again a random find.

It occurs to me, that the randomness of those stores, parallels the randomness of life. So many friends are becoming ill, and passing away, that it reminds me of how random illness can be. One day well, the next day sick. It is the ultimate lesson to us of how we control nothing. Loss is probably the most difficult thing as we climb the aging ladder, but once again, it illustrates the circle of life.

Last week, I was asked to speak at a memorial service, but the interesting thing, is the person is still alive, but counting her days. She even read what I am going to say, and found joy in that. That was not random strength--that was something deep within her which gave her the courage to ask, as well as the courage to read. She told me she wasn't freaked out, but clearly I was. I have written and given many speeches, but never one like that. The words came easily to me in the middle of the night, I got up, and made notes--then I could not go back to sleep. The next day, it took less that five minutes to write what I would say. I find it so easy to do that for someone I love-I never have to write, what one of my friends calls my "In Between The Lines Speech." Her illness just randomly came upon her, and her courage, in the midst is quite something.

Carpe Diem--seize the day, both in our lives, and in the Dollar Tree Store!