MUSINGS AND AMUSEMENTS TO WELCOME 2025

Recently, my husband and I took a river cruise on the Rhine to visit the Christmas Markets. Some of my girlfriends asked if I actually meant to go on a Christmas Market cruise. The answer is a definitive YES. The markets and cities were magical, and this was a bucket list trip for me after watching so many (Hallmark) Christmas movies over the years and drooling over the exquisite markets. They did not disappoint! So, I have a few observations and musings regarding the cruise, the cities, the people, and most important, the local food at the markets. Here goes: MUSINGS 1) Cobblestone is incredibly tough to walk on when it's dry; forget how hard it is to negotiate when wet on rainy days! (it rained many days). 2) One should always bring a flashlight when traveling. Germany, France, and Switzerland get dark very early and with few street lights, it helps to carry a light, in addition to your phone flashlight. 3) Grafitti is EVERYWHERE. Especially in Cologne and Heidelberg, but throughout all of Germany, It is considered an art form and not painted over, as in our country. Often, (in my opinion) it detracts from the natural beauty of the buildings and parks, but generally, it is admired and welcomed. 4) It's great to have a pension! I had the opportunity to meet retired people with pensions who were cruising with us. There were teachers, principals, professors, administrators of colleges, judges, former CIA, federal government employees, etc. and these people were living the life! They had generous pensions, social security benefits, and all the time in the world to travel. 5) Much of the gift offerings at the markets are similar-if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Veer off and explore the cities-Cologne, Heidelberg, Amsterdam, Rudesheim, and Lucerne are beyond beautiful. So much to see, and do, and buy. 6) Man, do Germans love their Wurst! It is a staple in German Cuisine. It is eaten in the morning, afternoon and evening! There is bratwurst, knackwurst, leberwurst, currywurst, kohlwurst, etc. I could go on forever-there are 1500 varieties. They also love their beer and mulled wine to accompany the wurst. Every Christmas Market serves Wurst, beers, and mulled wines. 7) Every market we went to we indulged in the local food-all of it was delicious. My favorites: a)German Christmas Market Mushrooms(Champignons)in garlic sauce: ooh la la-deliciousness. b)Kartoffelpuffer-I love to say the word! It is an enormous potato latke fried from scratch and served with either applesauce or a garlic sourcream. This seems to be the most popular offering at the markets-the lines are long and for good reason. It doesn't disappoint. YUM. c)Flamkuchen-German skinni(est) flatbread pizza with onion, bacon, and cheese. The crispiest cracker-like crust can be done a zillion ways-if you don't want meat, order it with vegetables and cheese. Wonderful with a glass of crisp cold German wine. So incredibly fabulous. d)Fondue-They serve their fondue with potatoes and bread for the dipping. Just paste 20 lbs. to my hips. I literally wished I had a spoon to eat the fondue directly from the pot. Nothing beat sitting outside by the river with fur blankets looking at the twinkling lights of Lucerne and enjoying this local dish. You're on vacation. Live a little. Eat their wonderful cheeses, amazing chocolates, and fabulous wines. It's so worth it! AMUSEMENTS 1) The Split-two part wedding special. Dec 29. It should be coming to Hulu. The first three seasons are on Hulu now. A family of female divorce lawyers. Very Good. 2) The Agency-An undercover CIA is forced to abandon his secret life and return to London where the love of his life reappears. Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere-so easy on the eyes. But, I don't know WTF is happening. Hard to follow. HBO 3) Shrinking-All star cast with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford about a group of shrinks and their lives. Funny, touching, fabulous.... Apple TV. 4) Bad Sisters-A dark comedy about sisters being investigated for the death of their brother-in-law. Bingeworthy and enjoyable. Apple TV 5) Yellowstone-Season 5 just finished. Such a great series. You can't take your eyes off Beth and Rip. Who needs Costner? Rumor is there will be a spin off with Beth and Rip. Love this show. Paramount+. 6) Virgin River-Season 6 just ended. It's a sappy, soap opera type show, which I admit, I have indulged in every season. Mindless and sweet. Easy viewing. Netflix. 7) The Sticky-Jamie Lee Curtis and Margo Martin star in this series about a syrup farmer. Holds no interest for me. Prime. 8) No Good Deed-Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow. Three families competed to buy the same home, which they believe will solve their problems. I have to be honest-I couldn't stand listening to Lisa Kudrow. I had to turn it off. Netflix. 9) The Bad Monkey-Vince Vaughn stars as a former Police Dept. member turned health inspector trying to solve a case involving a human arm. Not for me, but people like it. Apple TV. 10)Dexter-Original Sin-An all star cast with Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, and Sara Michelle Geller. I haven't started this but remember liking the original Dexter. This isn't calling to me. Showtime. 11)Disclaimer-starring Cate Blanchette and Kevin Kline. Psychological thriller which I really liked. Very controversial-many hated it. See for yourself. Tidbit: Leila George, who plays the young Blanchette is absolutely stunning. Once married to Sean Pean; daughter of Greta Scacchi and Vincent D'Onofrio. I give it a thumbs up-worthwhile watch. MOVIES(additional AMUSEMENTS) 1) A COMPLETE UNKNOWN-Run, don't walk. Timothy Chalamet is incredible as Dylan and Monica Barbaro is fabulous as Joan Baez. Ed Norton and Elle Fanning are also exceptional. These are academy worthy performances and it is a beautifully crafted film. Do not miss this. In Theaters. 2) BabyGirl-Maybe crawl and possibly go, but with trepidation. Nicole gives a stellar performance, but be forewarned. This has tons of dominant/submissive sex throughout and at times, is extremely difficult to watch. I also didn't find her co-star Harris Dickinson that appealing which made it even a bit more challenging for me. Anyway, she will be nominated for an academy award for this performance. My advice: watch it at home-not in the theater! 3) The Brutalist-Coming very soon to theaters. Starring Adrien Brody. Escaping postwar Europe, Architect Lazlo Toth is commissioned to create a building by a wealthy client who recognizes his talent. Running time is 215 minutes with an intermission. Supposedly, a phenomenal masterpiece. Can't wait to see it. Pee before it begins! And bring snacks!! 4) The Last Showgirl-starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Directed by Gia Coppola. After a successful 30 year run, a showgirl needs to plan her future when the show closes. Anderson is receiving critical praise for her performance. Looks like it will be great! Coming soon. MOVIES(additional Amusements to watch at home) 1) Goodrich-AppleTV. Michael Keaton is wonderful in this touching movie. I loved it. So worthwhile. 2) My Old Ass-Prime. An 18th birthday mushroom trip brings a girl face to face with her 39 year old self. I liked it! Worth a look. 3) Fly Me To The Moon-Prime. All star cast: Scarlett Johanssson, Channing Tatum, Colin Jost, Woody Harrelson. Romance between a marketing executive and a NASA official. I watched it on the plane! It was cute. I recommend it. 4) Little Fish-Starring Cate Blanchette. It got good reviews but full disclosure: I fell asleep. It was sad and depressing and slow. Doubtful I'll give it another try. Amazon Prime. 5) The Fabulous Four-Ensemble cast: Midler, Sarandon, Spacek, Mullally. Friends travel to Key West to be bridesmaids to Midler. Absolutely horrible, but you might find it charming! Amazon Prime. 6) Maria-Suppposedly, an exceptional performance by Angelina Jolie portraying Maria Callas. Again, it didn't hold my attention and I fell asleep. Might try again but I'm not a huge fan of Jolie. See for yourself and decide. netflix. LOCAL RESTAURANTS I WANT TO TRY: Napoli-Montclair. Amerigo-Berkley Heights. Osteria Lk-Maplewood. ALL ARE BYO. BAUBLES FOR MY AMUSEMENT The jewelry line I'm coveting these days is Reza. Pretty and pric.ey. Bangles and Collars are exceptional worldofreza.com As the year of 2024 comes to an end, I am so thankful for my wonderful family, my amazing friends, and everyone in my life that helps me get through each minute, day, week and month-you all know who you are. I take nothing for granted at this point in my life. Every day is a true gift! That being said, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and growth. We must continue to be curious, to learn, and to grow. That's what will keep our bodies and minds young. Sometimes it's scary to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. But, we must feel the fear-and do it anyway! That's the definition of GROWTH. May we all continue to flourish, grow, and learn in the year 2025. Wishing you a year filled with HOPE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND PEACE. PEACE OUT-ONE B

HOW TO MANAGE FAMILY DYNAMICS STRESS FREE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I hosted this holiday for 45 years and gave it my all every year. There was nothing more fun than getting my family together and celebrating how much we all have to be grateful for. As the years went on, a move from a home to a condo occured. We downsized. As my home grew smaller, my family grew larger. My daughters brought boyfriends, who eventually become husbands. They went on to have children and each year the day brought more happiness and new cherished attendees(my grandchildren)to our holiday table. I then decided to also host the next day to accommodate siblings, in-laws, college friends, nieces, nephews and may others. Two years ago, somewhat regretfully, slightly reluctantly, and somewhat relieved, I decided to turn over my hosting duties to my most capable daughters. I could no longer accommodate the quantity of people or do the quantity of work that it entailed. I still make 14 desserts and several sides so I haven't given up my role entirely-after all, what would Thanksgiving be without Gramercy Tavern Brownies, Three day rockin' rice pudding, and Emeril's chocolate bread pudding with fresh schlag? Inevitably, even families who have strong and loving relationships can hit snags at this time of year. The younger group (my daughters/their husbands) have lots to do: In addition to work and kids schedules, they now have also taken over the planning, shopping, cooking, and hosting. And the older generation must let go of the many roles we used to take on at the holidays. Now, being on the sidelines, personally, I feel a bit removed and a little sad. Maybe even invisible? In addition, many of our loved ones are now missing- In my case, my sister and her husband live in South Carolina, my parents, my husband's parents, and my brother-in-law have all passed. It's somewhat bittersweet. Your loved ones who are present need to understand, recognize, and empathize the difficult emotions the older generation might be experiencing. On the plus side, this year for the first time, I have my sister-in- law, brother-in-law and their children(whom I adore)! That makes me ecstatic! Yet, regardless of how much we all love one another, tensions do arise and expectations might not be met, and some eye rolling might occur! If someone pisses you off, don't respond right away-take a pause. Learn to disagree in a more agreeable way. Maybe ask the person why they made that comment and try to understand rather than be confrontational. Respect one another-let's veer away from politics for one evening, and keep your phones out of sight for the night. It's a lot of work to put this day together. Show your appreciation. In my personal experience, over the years, many of my loved ones find it entertaining to jest with me thinking that it's funny and I can handle it. So full disclosure, I can't. In that moment of jest, I actually feel disrepected and unloved. Instead, families should try to focus on the positives. Be thankful for the multitude of blessings we have right in front of us. Express gratitude and thanks to your family and friends for their support. Thus,the name, THANKSGIVING. With the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas, and the New Year, try and remember to do the following: BE KIND; BE GENTLE; BE RESPECTFUL; BE PATIENT; AND BE PRESENT. And, hopefully, you will have a stress free holiday season! PEACE OUT: ONE B

TURNING 70 ON THE WEEKEND OF TESHUVAH

In several weeks I will be having a major birthday. I can't believe the actual number-it is daunting! As it turns out, my birthday falls on the weekend of Yom Kippur, a time when we ask for forgiveness, atone for our sins, and ask to be written in the Book of Life. Rather than hyper focussing on the number I will shortly become, I started to examine some of the Al Chet prayers (44 of them) that we repeat many times throughout Yom Kippur services. My birthday should be a time of reflection, just as Yom Kippur is a time of reflection. Full disclosure, I am not a very religious person. I grew up in Westfield and attended the reformed Temple Emanuel led by the renowned Rabbi Kroloff. Rabbi Kroloff Bat Mitzvahed me and also married Jud and me. Yet, eventhough I am not religious, I fully embrace my Judaism. This milestone Birthday forces me to acknowledge that we do not live forever. We all must struggle to right our wrongs now, and apologize to those we have hurt. All of us seek to be forgiven-everyone is imperfect. We all make mistakes at one time or another. Part of being human is making mistakes and learning from them. And, then, learning to forgive ourselves while striving to do better. When one begins to look at the task of Teshuvah(repenting),it can be overwhelming. I want to examine just a few of the Al Chet prayers during this time of reflection. "For mistakes we have committed against you by having a hard heart." We can ask ourselves was I kind, compassionate, and loving when my family and friends needed me? "For mistakes we committed without thinking or without knowledge." Do I carefully examine my surroundings and weigh what is right and wrong? Here the question of how do we deal with people who hold differing views from our own? This is especially relevant regarding the deep polarization and negativity of political parties in the last decade. We might react to an opinion we encounter either in conversation or in the media and think, how can any reasonable human actually believe something like that? We must try and temper our judgement and not admonish those for having a different view than our own. Maybe, just maybe, we can have a civil discussion to understand one another's reasons for their thoughts. "For mistakes we committed before you through things we blurted out with our lips." Do I think before I speak? Do I gossip, or engage in idle chatter or foolish speech? Do I elevate others with encouraging words? "For mistakes committed before you by degrading parents and teachers? Do(Did) I sometimes act disrepectfully to my parents? Do(Did) I recognize and appreciate how much my parents have done for me? Am I respectful of my teachers, and grateful for their knowledge and help? Do I give enough special attention to the needs of the elderly and empathize with their frustration in the aging process? "For mistakes committed before you by throwing off the yoke, which means refusing to accept responsibility." Am I reliable and dependable? Have I accepted family responsibilities and gladly assisted whenever needed? Have I said I am sorry for my actions? Birthdays and Yom Kippur force us to think about our journey through life, our past actions, and to always cherish our friends and family while also staying true to ourselves. It is a time to search our hearts once again and to banish anything that is displeasing. To DO BETTER and to BE BETTER. There is always room for improvement, no matter how old we are. Wishing all of you a Happy and Healthy New Year. PEACE OUT - ONE B

THE LAST VESTIGES OF CHIVALRY

Manners are extremely important. I often observe people and note that many men, women, and children are not respectful of others. This goes back to what we are taught at an early age from our elders. Originally, Chivalry started as a code of honor for Knights at war in the Middle Ages. The combination of qualities expected of an ideal Knight were courage, honor, courtesy, and justice. Later, chivalry was defined as a gallant and a distinguished gentleman. It was the honorable and polite way of behaving by men towards women. Is Chivalry dead today? I can tell you that my Dad and my Father-in-law were consummate gentlemen. I, too, am lucky to have a husband who is the ultimate gentleman not only towards me, but towards all women, and towards all humans regardless of their gender. Some examples of (his) chivalrous actions are: 1) Holding a door open. 2) Always coming around to my side of the car to open the door for me; and when raining, to open the umbrella for me and walking me to my destination. 3) Standing up when a woman approaches a table and not return to sitting position until they leave, or if they insist that he sits down. 4) Pulling out a chair for me at a restaurant and pushing me in. 5) Offering me his jacket when I'm cold. 6) Truthfully, if he had a cape, he would lay it down over a puddle so that I wouldn't ruin my shoes! 7) Helping me put on a coat or jacket, and then helping me to take it off. 8) Going to the front door to pick up a date (when we were dating). But often going to the front door to retrieve our friends for a night out (when we are driving and we go to pick them up.) 9) Always offering his seat on a train, a bus, in the airport, at a doctor's office, or while waiting to in the foyer of a restaurant to be seated at our table. 10) In the movie, the Intern, starring Robert DeNiro and Anne Hathaway, DeNiro explains to his younger colleagues why he carries a handkerchief. He doesn't use them, but he says "you never know when a women will need one." (My dapper and James Bond-like father- in-law,Jerry, ALWAYS carried a handkerchief!) Some may believe that chivalry is patronizing and based on misogynistic ideas. Why should we praise men for doing the bare mininmum? Nor should Women should not be considered delicate or fragile. Many parents might object to teaching their young sons to practice these chivalrous acts. My response to this is that we should be teaching BOTH our sons and daughters to be generous and helpful at all times. Practice kindness towards everyone: boys, girls men, women, and the elderly-EVERYONE. These acts exhibit common courtesy and decency. In essence, true chivalry is showing respect for others. I might add to this list that there is no need to use technology while socializing. We need to stow away our phones in social situaltions. While dining or chatting with others, there should not be a phone on the table or in your hand. You should focus on, and enjoy the people in front of you. Looking at your phone at these times is just plain rude and insulting. (Of course, there are exceptions: emergencies, baby sitter calls, etc.) Personally, I don't interpret chivalry as sexist. I very much appreciate good manners. Teach your children and grandchildren they can and should offer help to others regardless of gender. In your house, teach gender equality for all chores and for the occupations they can choose later in life. Both sons and daughters can take on domestic labor: do the laundry, fold the laundry, wash dishes, cook, vacuum, reset a fusebox, unclog a drain, change sheets or make a bed. And, children should also be confident in the knowledge that they can be anything they want to be. Most importantly, your children and grandchildren should understand that being a nice person means being respectful and responsive to others needs. DeNiro says in The Intern, "You're never wrong to do the right thing." Joke of the day: How is Coors Light like making love in a canoe? They're both f'---ing close to water. Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend! Happy Birthday Dani and Lily-love you to the moon. PEACE OUT-ONE B

TARGET THE TOXIC AND DEMAND BETTER

I have bit my tongue long enough. WARNING: My Republican friends-STOP reading now. I am about to give you an honest account of the political atmosphere we are witnessing (in the U.S. and in many other countries as well) on a daily basis. I am sure this blog will be offensive to some, and you will adamantly deny my words. So please, do not continue. On July 29, Peter Wehner wrote an insightful opinion piece for the N.Y. Times. Wehner, a Republican, was the former speechwriter for the administrations of three Republican Presidents: Reagan and Both of the Bush's. During those administrations, his party was anti-Russian, against authoritarian leaders, Pro-Nato, Pro-free trade, and liked legal immmigrants. Wehner has dedicated his life to the Republican Party and now feels this party presents the greatest political threat to our country and our democracy. When he worked for those three Presidents, he explains," Morals were an essential trait for political leaders and the President." He warns us that Trump's divisive rhetoric, incessant lies, and lack of morals will be the demise of this nation and the Republican Party for years to come. He further explains that Trump is a "personal political machine" and not a "traditional party political machine." He requires staunch devotion to himself and total loyalty and capitulation to himself. Thus, "he puts loyalty above electability". He uses intimidation, bullying, and coercion to distract from the real issues (which he NEVER discusses). He has successfully tapped into the resentment of millions of voters, but has done nothing to find solutions to their problems. He breeds hate, and instigates his followers to feed off their emotions of anger, their grievances, and vengence. The once Republican Party of "law and order" now adores a man who is a felon, who was found liable for sexual assault, and who promises(if elected President) to pardon the convicted (jailed) band of J6 criminals that attacked the Capitol and the Police. Trump was ahead in every poll last week, but he has sabotaged his lead. If anyone saw the interview with the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists), you would have been horrified. Trump was agitated, rude, racist, mysoginistic, and disrespectful to a room filled with exceptional journalists. He screamed self-serving lies at the three interviewers; he questioned if Kamala Harris is actually Black and said "we should look into it". Are we back to the playbook which questioned if Obama was born in the U.S. and now, too, he is questioning Harris's race, and if she actually passed the bar, etc.? If only he would discuss his policies and stop the unhinged distractions. I firmly believe he is uninformed in foreign policy, national issues, and women's rights. And, in order NOT to discuss real issues, he just chooses to criticize people at every turn. Watch out J.D. Vance-you may be next because you have offended so many women. Donald Trump is at a total loss on how to defend you. He will discard you, and turn on you, just as he did to his former Vice President, Mike Pence. If offending the Black population the other day wasn't enough-he then started railing on the Jewish community who didn't vote for him in the last two elections. He actually said, " A Jewish American who votes for a Democrat is an absolute fool." No one should be targeted for their beliefs-you can be pro Israel, disagree with Netanyahu, and be a Democrat! Trump also agreed with an interviewer that the second gentleman, Doug Emhoff is a "crappy Jew." This type of dialogue is hateful, antisemitic, and toxic. So, in addition to offending Women who don't have children, he has offended the Black and Jewish communities as well. Keep going Mr. Trump-you have successfully isolated many woman, many Blacks, and many Jews-who will be your next target? America deserves a leader who tells the truth, and who understands our differences are what define us. We deserve the freedom to vote, to be safe from gun violence, to read whatever we want and not to ban books , to love whoever we want to love, and equally important; we deserve the freedom tp choose what we do with our bodies. There is no place in this world for hateful rhetoric. We must Demand Better. Enjoy the rest of the summer! You may need heavy doses of Xanax.... PEACE OUT ONE B

DIVERSIONS AND DISTRACTIONS

If there was ever a time in our lives when we could use a diversion, it is RIGHT NOW! Neither candidate has the mental acuity to lead our country. Can we all admit and accept that Biden and Trump do not have the ability to reason, focus, or recall information at optimum speed? Enough said! So, I have comprised a list to keep us sane through all this insanity. Let's start with a list of restaurants I want to try in New York and in New Jersey. I have not had a meal at any of these, so I cannot vouch for the cuisine. Alice Restaurant-126 W. 13th Street. It's an Italian seafood and lobster bar located in the basement of a historical brownstone. Blue Willow-40 W. 56th Street. Refined Asian serving dim sum, noodles, cool cocktails. Cathedrale-112 E. 11th street. Dramatic dining room serving French-Mediterranean food. Frenchette-241 West Broadway. French bistro open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Meduza Mediterrania-657 Hudson Street. Varied Mediterranean options-looks great! The Milling Room-446 Columbus Ave. Lovely space serving American fare. There's a tavern/pub also. Montes-97 Macdougal Street. Old World Italian. Neighborhood restaurant that's been there forever. Grumpy waiters and great for families! Osteria 57-57 West 10th. Serving pastas and fish for dinner. Also serves brunch. In the heart of Greenwich Village. San Sabino-113 Greenwich Ave. West Village Italian Seafood by chefs from Don Angie. Tough to get a res. Semma-60 Greenwich Ave. Southern Indian food getting accolades. Third Kingdom-21 E. 7th Street. Vegan and the focus is on mushrooms! DRINKS And SNACKS Le Rock-45 Rockefeller Plaza. Not worth going for dinner, but a fun place to stop in for a drink if you're near Rockefeller Center. Upscale vibe. Delmonico-56 Beaver Street. Always great Steak, but the bar has amazing drinks and you can eat at the Bar. John Georges Tin Building-96 South Street. Amazing food court concept with many Restaurants, Bars, and shopping. Stop in for a nibble and a drink! Bonito By The River-190 River Road Edgewater.Spanish, Greek, and Italian falavors. Great cocktails and outdoor dining. Cantina 46-88 U.S.46, Ridgefield, NJ. Drinks, Mexican Food, Steaks, Fun. Tommy's Tavern and Tap House-823 NJ3 Clifton. This is a chain that I am very interested in trying. Comfort Food, Cocktails, and TV! WHAT'S ON MY READING LIST? All The Colors of Dark-By Chris Whitaker. Story about a pirate, serial killer, beekeeper, etc. I'm reading it now and like it! Remarkably Bright Creatures-By Shelby Van Pelt. I already read this! LOVED-so charming. You'll laugh out loud and smile till the end. Martyr!-By Kaveh Akbar. Addiction, guilt, grief, martyrdom are some of the themes. Bear: A Novel-By Julia Phillips. A story about sisterhood and also the mystery of animals that live among us. Night Watch-By Jayne Anne Phillips. Winner of the Pulitzer for Fiction 2024. Mother Daughter Story set during the Civil War. The Friday Afternoon Club-By Griffin Dunne. The son of Dominick and the brother of Dominique writes a compelling memoir. GREAT REVIEWS. Absolution-By Alice McDermott. Two American women try to help the people of Saigon. A Calamity of Souls-By David Baldacci. A racially charged murder case in Southern Virginia in the year 1968. Yellowface-By R.F. Kuang. Juniper Song didn't write the book she claims she did, and she's not really Asian American! Sounds interesting. TELEVISION-YOU KNOW I DON'T SLEEP SO I'VE SEEN MOST OF THESE! THE BEAR- HULU.One of the best written shows ever. Young chef in Chicago. EILEEN-HULU. Anne Hathaway. Thriller/mystery. THE IDEA OF YOU-PRIME. Anne Hathaway. Romance/Comedy. LITTLE STEVEN-HBO MAX. Documentary about Stevie Van Zandt. DIANNE VON FURSTENBERG:WOMAN IN CHARGE. HULU. Documentary on Dianne Von Furstenberg. I AM: CELINE DION. PRIME. Documentary on Celine Dion and her current health. FANCY DANCE-APPLE. Lily Gladstone (from Killers of the Flower Moon) is the star. A FAMILY AFFAIR-NETFLIX. Nicole Kidman, Zac Ephron, and Joey King star in this movie. DIVORCE IN THE BLACK-PRIME. Tyler Perry's newest flick released today! AND LADIES IF YOU WANT TO TRY OUT SOME NEW MAKEUP: Try Augustinus Bader -The Rich Cream. 15ml is $96 buckaroos-it's not cheap! And my newest obsession is: Il Makiage Power Lift Anti-Aging Collage-Boost Priming and Plumping Cream $66.00 Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation. $45.00 Nemat Amber Fragrance Oil Or Nemat Egyptian Musk Fragrance Oil $17.00 at Ulta. So slather on the Bader moisturizer, apply the Il Makiage primer, and then the luscious foundation. (Buy the foundation blending brush for $45.00). Then, Dab your wrists with Amber fragrance and go out to one of those fabulous NYC restaurants. And, whatever you do, DON'T turn on the news!! STAY COOL! PEACE OUT-ONE B

ENDINGS CAN BE NEW BEGINNINGS

Recently, I've been feeling blue. I guess it all began when I was watching my two youngest grandchildren (boys) graduating from their respective nursery school programs. They are now on their way to kindergarten in the fall. Then, we celebrated my eldest grandson's twelfth birthday, right before he and his (almost) ten year old brother departed for sleep away camp. The grandchildren who are too young to attend sleep away now leave the house at 8 a.m and return at 5 p.m. All good things, right? Especially, for the parents who get a bit of a break for the next several weeks. It makes me a little sad though-I miss them! I recall when each of these kids started Nursery and were hanging onto their parents and shedding a tear. Or, was that their parents who were crying?! In fact, I remember leaving my mom for kindergarten and how clingy I was; and of course I remember my two little daughters doing the same. There were plenty of tears and worries coming from both the children and the parents. But, as we all know, by the end of Nursery school, the kids are proud and happy and excited to move on. I am reminded as I age, that we don't have forever. Change is constant-nothing stays the same. Our children grow up, go to school, go to college, move out, get jobs, and often have their own families. Letting go is hard-it all goes by so quickly! Rabbi Leder, former Senior Rabbi of Wilshire Boulevard Temple in L.A. says, " that all of life involves separation; every departure is an arrival; and finally, that endings can also bring new beginnings." All of this is so true, but sometimes it's hard to let go and allow your loved ones to move on. We all love the comfortable and familiar, but we must be able to continue to grow. However, it's a bit of a conundrum. If you are lucky enough to have your health, and have your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, and your parents around; it can be hard to create the proper balance. One needs to focus on what stage of life you are in now, and examine what you priorities should be. If you care about someone, tell them and show them. Don't push it to the backburner for another day. My parents are no longer alive, and often my thoughts haunt me. Was I a loving daughter? Did I do enough for them while they were here? Did they feel loved and appreciated? Could I have done more? But, thankfully, my husband, children, and grandchildren ARE here! So I try to find the balance of giving them space and showing them how much I cherish them. How can you show your love? Keep in mind it's different for each relationship. Different strokes for different folks. And for my children and grandchildren, the same issues plague me-do I do enough? Do I show them how much I love them? Do they appreciate me as much as I do them? How can we show the ones we love how much we care? Some Acts of Love I think are crucial: 1) Words of Affirmation 2)Spending Quality Time (put your phones away-focus on one another) 3)Acts of service(do the laundry, shop for groceries, clean a room, drive a carpool, babysit, take the garbage out, do the dishes, run errands, check in on them) 4)Grand Gestures-treat them to something special: a nice meal, a special few hours together, a great trip, a piece of jewelry or art, a sporting event or concert) and 5) Physical Touch. Don't wait! "SHOWER THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE WITH LOVE, SHOW THEM THE WAY YOU FEEL, THINGS ARE GONNA WORK OUT FINE, IF YOU ONLY WILL." (JAMES TAYLOR) Remember, the quote from my favorite movie: "LIFE MOVES PRETTY FAST. IF YOU DON'T STOP AND LOOK AROUND ONCE IN A WHILE, YOU COULD MISS IT." (FERRIS BUELLER) Enjoy the summer! PEACE OUT-ONE B