Happy Mother's Day

When I graduated from Penn, the furthest thing from my mind was motherhood. I entered a buying program with Gimbels, and began my journey of various jobs throughout the years. I moved on to being an assistant buyer for designer childrens clothes for clients in the south. I then went on to sell Petit Bateau to individual stores. And, then, when I became pregnant, I opened a jewelry company out of my house called Karat Patch (I still love the name). As the girls got a little older, I sold advertising for town guidebooks that were distributed to local realtors, schools, and colleges. I became an activities director for an assisted living facility, and finally, I acquired my current insurance license to sell life and health insurance which I have had for 15 years. As I mentioned above, the idea of raising children was the furthest thought from my mind. I hadn't given any consideration as to how to raise two beautiful, independent daughters. Truthfully, when I was growing up, my parents didn't encourage me to make my own way in the world; or to have a career, or to be independent financially. Noone took me to colleges for tours, helped me fill out the applications, or provided me with SAT courses. I was flying solo and had to figure it all out pretty much on my own. When I did become a parent, I took on the hardest job of my life.There had been no training for this. No college courses-I was winging it. I was now the CEO of my family, and my home. Not only was I a teacher, but I had manage the bills, the home repairs, the interior design, the planting and landscaping, the travel plans, the cleaning, and the meal preparation. Most importantly, I was in charge of these two precious girls. Caring for them and protecting them from danger became my most challenging opportunity yet. I couldn't or wouldn't screw this up! Parenting involves so much learning as you go. Sure there are how to books, but every child is different. You can think you do or say the exact same thing to siblings. One will see it as helpful, another will be insulted that you think they need help. And one will just say F--k ff and totally ignore you. Injuries are super challenging! You don't want to over react and scare the daylights out of them, but you certainly don't want to under react and land them in the hospital-it is a very fine line. Rushing to activities or school when you have more than one child is a dilemma too. School begins and ends at different times and often is at different locations. Activities and playdates interfere with a sibling's naptime. It can be a nightmare. And don't even think about when your taking a work call if you also have a job outside of the home. Another aspect of parenting is promoting individual interests and creativity. Encourage your children to embrace their differences and learn to accept others uniquenes and talents as well. They must show kindness and compassion. They must also understand they can't excel at all things, but they should try their best at everything. With sports, a parent needs to stress the importance of being a team player and how one should exhibit good sportsmanship. So, today I want to pay tribute to all the Moms out there. We all try our best, but we don't always get it right. There's lots of trial and error. Believe me, I have tried hard to shape my daughters into strong, intelligent, kind, independent women that handle careers and family seamlessly. They have both grown into mothers that I am so incredibly proud of. Sometimes they'll get it right, sometimes they'll get it wrong, sometimes they'll blame me, and sometimes they will feel grateful that I tried my best and now, as moms themselves, they realize that being a parent isn't an easy road to navigate. It's the hardest job we will ever have. But it is the MOST rewarding (And yes, sometimes it's thankless). The other day as I was watching the movie In and Out with my grandson, it occured to me that my role as mom was alot like the role of Riley, the preteen, in the movie. I, too, have experiemced those five major emotions in my role as a mom: there has been fear, sadness, anger, disgust. But, truly the protagonist of my emotions as a mother is JOY! There has ALWAYS BEEN JOY! There is no better experience in this world-Except maybe, being a Grandmother! Happy Mother's Day to my girls and all the Moms out there! Peace Out! One B

THE WHOLE WORLD STOPPED, BUT SOMEHOW WE KEPT LIVING

At the beginning of the pandemic last Spring, we mistakenly believed that the lockdown would last a few weeks, or at the most, a month. Initially, we welcomed the idea of spending quality time with our significant other; of organizing our closets and kitchens, and purging clothes and the items we no longer used or needed. Our homes sparkled! We felt a sense of great accomplishment. The lure of having unlimited time to create gourmet meals, bake sourdough bread, and learn the technique of braiding challah was enticing. To keep busy, when we weren't cleaning or cooking; some painted, others played canasta, bridge, poker, or mahjong online. Many of us binged shows on Netflix, read incessantly, or became full time home educators for our children. As Summer and the warm weather approached, we planned outdoor socially distant visits, scheduled dates to bring our own cocktails, and we ate meals at separate tables six feet from our friends and families. With the approach of Fall and then Winter, we perservered and stayed outdoors well into December, until we couldn't endure the cold weather any longer. Still undeterred, we then moved into newly redone garages with our scarves, hats, gloves, down parkas and portable heaters. We attended Zoom Birthdays, Baby Namings, Weddings, Thanksgiving feasts, Passover Seders, Funerals, and Work meetings. Cosmetic Surgeons thrived because it was the perfect time to tweak your unwanted whatever. Think about it, who would see you for the next several months? Exercise Equipment was all the rage; we could no longer go to the gym, and so the gym came to us. Some got into the best shape of their lives, because they finally had the time to exercise-they were no longer commuting to work at 6 a.m. and returning home at 7 p.m. While others ate more, snacked more, and ultimately, weighed more: the famous Covid 15! We replaced refrigerators, bought storage freezers, ordered new washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and hot water heaters because ours broke from so much use! Appliance stores had no stock being delivered, and there were 3 -4 month waits if you were lucky enough to even score a new appliance. As weeks turned to months and the months approached a year, our enthusiasm for staying at home and being isolated began to wane. Depression and Anxiety set in. The daily news of deaths and illness took its toll on our psyche. Fear of losing loved ones constantly infiltrated our thoughts. Feeling hopeless, We drank more alcohol, ate more edibles, popped more Xanax, and took Ambien to sleep. We called our therapists! Lawyers, too, were busier than ever. People were creating wills, and/or reviewing and updating their old ones. People who never considered a will until now were obsessed with getting them signed by tomorrow! Video visits with our Doctors were off the charts : We needed to discuss imagined or real Covid symptons, palpatations and chest pain, and moles that might be cancers. Then Winter turned to Spring, and here we are! A year later and thankfully, many of us are fully vaccinated. Our lives are slowly returning to a "new normal". Vaccinations have afforded us the luxury of hugging our parents, our children, and our grandchildren. We can actually now visit a Doctor in person. We have finally scheduled long overdue teeth cleanings, colonoscopies, mammograms, and EKG's. We can go to a restaurant, a friend's home, or the gym if we so choose to do so. Our children are returning to school and camp (albeit with many restrictions and precautions). Adults are going back to their workplace (if their job still exists). And yet, many of you have elected to give up your office space and still prefer to work from home. Many of you chose to retire. This year seems like a very bad dream. Ultimately, from a crisis you may discover some good, if you search hard enough. We learned to open our hearts to what really matters. We learned to live with fewer resources. We learned to cherish every moment and never take our health for granted. We learned to take more notice of the joys and kindnesses that do exist. We learned to relish moments of laughter and love. We have learned patience and resilence. We learned how to be better parents-how to balance the need to protect our children/grandchildren from danger, while allowing them to be young and free. We learned to NEVER give up hope. My wish for all the babies conceived and born during this crazy time, is that they never experience the anguish of a pandemic in their lifetime. You should know that you truly are cause for celebration! You are the greatest result of a year that was NOT great. My wish for the children who do remember this year, is that it will be a joyful memory for you. A time when you spent loads of quality time with your Mommies and Daddies who would have otherwise been out of the home at work. So, everyone it is time to drop the doughnuts and lift those dumbbells! Go back out into the world! Have fun this Summer and enjoy your friends and your family. "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering "it will be happier'....Tennyson PEACE OUT-ONE B

MOVIES AND SERIES 2021

You all know I binge tons of movies and shows. This is a list without any rhyme or reason as to order. I will try and be succinct, but there is so much to watch and discuss. So here goes! MOVIES I RECOMMEND Hillbilly Elegy-Netflix. This superb cast includes Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Directed by Ron Howard. True Story about a Yale Law Student who leaves his Kentucky hometown, but is torn between his family history and his own future. Somewhat manipulative, but worth a watch. Sound Of Metal-Amazon Prime. Riz Ahmed and Dakota Johnson. Story about a drummer who loses his hearing. A powerful movie that addresses deafness, addiction, and events that can alter your life forever. One Night in Miami-Amazon Prime. An excellent movie with fabulous acting. The story follows the night of Feb. 25, 1964 when four famous black men discuss the civil rights movement after Mohammed Ali defeats Sonny Liston. Loved this. Promising Young Woman-Rent On Demand. All star cast. It's a thriller/comedy that deals with sexual assault. Carey Mulligan is academy award worthy in this role. Warning-it's not easy to watch! But it is very good. Ma Rainey'a Black Bottom-Netflix. This is Chadwick Boseman's last performance before his death. Exceptional acting by him and Viola Davis. Great adaptation of August Wilson play. Very enjoyable. Sylvie's Love-Amazon Prime. A touching romantic movie with great music as a bonus. A beautiful love story. Our Friend-To Rent. This is a true story about a friend who chooses to put his own life on hold while helping his best friend care for two daughters and a dying wife. I am not going to lie. This is horribly depressing, but the acting by Jason Segel is astonishingly great. Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson are excellent as well. Powerful and heartbreaking, but very well done. The Wilde Wedding-Amazon. Although Rotten Tomatoes panned this, I enjoyed this movie about a retired movie star who is about to embark on her fourth marriage. The cast is fabulous: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Patrick Stewart, Minnie Driver and many others. If you are a Malkovich fan, this is such fun to watch! The Half of It-Netflix. A well done movie about the only Asian student in Squahamish, Washington. It offers themes of isolation, homosexuality, friendship and love in a beautifully written movie. I really liked it. The Trial of Chicago 7-Netflix. Powerful. Great acting. Aaron Sorkin directs this movie about the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Mesmerizing and one of Sorkin's better projects. OK-STILL BORED? NEED MORE MOVIES TO WATCH EVEN THOUGH THESE AREN'T FIRST RATE? NEXT TIER.... Fundamentals of Caring-Netflix. Paul Rudd becomes a caretaker for a disabled teen. They embark on adventures and a true friendship forms which leads to hope for the both of them. Good enough, so invest the time. Rebecca-Netflix. A decent remake with an interesting cast. Armie Hammer, Lily James, and Kristin Scott. All the more interesting with the current cannibalism and affair rumors swirling around Hammer! Definitely held my attention. The Assistant-Hulu. Julia Garner(Ozark) is brilliant in this film about an assistant at a film production company and the unfair and immoral treatment she receives from an abusive male boss. Hard to watch and slow, but she is amazing. Forty Year Old Version-Netflix. Not for everyone. This has gotten a lot of good press. A semi autobiographical story about a fledgling playright who reinvents herself as a rapper. Never Rarely Sometimes Always-HBO MAX. A teen is faced with an unplanned pregnancy and needs to travel across state lines for an abortion. Thought provoking and emotional. Fatale-Rent. Thriller with Hillary Swank and Michael Ealy. Swank is a police detective who seduces Ealy. An intricate psychological tale. Keeps you guessing the entire time and holds your attention. Scary! The Boy Downstairs-Amazon or Hulu. The main draw here is Zosia Mamet. After living in Europe, she moves back to NYC and unknowingly rents an apartment in the same building as her ex boyfriend. Slow, a bit boring, but I stayed with it. DON'T BOTHER WITH THESE UNLESS YOU ARE VERY BORED......SKIP IT!! Holidate-Netflix. Two single strangers make a pact to become each other's dates all year long so they don't have to spend special occasions alone. Lame. Palm Springs-Hulu. Kind of like Groundhog Day. Two wedding guests relive the same day over and over again. Insufferable! Midnight Sky-Netflix. Even George Clooney couldn't save this sci fi movie about a scientist in the Arctic who needs to contact a space crew that are returning home to find a strange global castastrophe. Slow and boring. I needed Nespresso! MOVIES I HAVEN'T SEEN BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING: Nomadland-Hulu 2/19. Frances McDormand. Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Homeless woman travels America in search for work and is living hand to mouth. McDormand is always first rate. Palmer-Apple TV+ 1/29. Released prisoner and ex high school football star returns home and tries to put his life back in order. Justin Timberlake stars. Music-in movie theaters and on demand on 2/12. Kate Hudson stars in this movie which is co-written by Sia. It has been stirring up controversy due to Sia's portrayal of Autism, and her responses (on twitter) to the criticism. French Exit-Netflix 2/26. Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges and Tracy Letts. A socialite moves with her son from New York to Paris after her husband dies. The Soul-Disney+. Animated film about a middle school teacher who wants to reunite his body and soul after they somehow become separated. Supposedly good for kids over 5 and adults too. Getting rave reviews! WE ALL KNOW WHAT'S COMING NEXT-NOT IN THE MOOD FOR A MOVIE? BINGE A SERIES AND OF COURSE, EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.... Bridgerton-Netflix. Period piece during the Regency era in 'England. All I can say is Rege-Jean Page! He,alone, is worth the watch. A sight for sore eyes....Season 2 coming this Spring. *****THE GREAT-Hulu. I am going out on a limb here! This is a bold declaration! This series is the best that I have watched in several years. It's clever, quirky, fun, well written and a complete hoot. Loved every second and was so sad to finish the 10 episodes. Elle Fanning plays Catherine the Great in 18th Century Russia. Beyond Fabulous. Hope you love it as much as I did. The Surgeon's Cut-Netflix. Similar to Lenox Hill, this four part docuseries profiles four brilliant surgeons from around the world and their innovative procedures. Excellent. Call My Agent-Netflix. A fictional Paris talent firm showcasing the agents and their famous clients. The famous French actors actually play themselves. Entertaining and fun. I Especially emjoyed the Paris scenery in the background scenes. Pen15(penis-get it?)-Hulu. This is definitely not for many of my friends. It is a comedic series based on middle school's awkward social situations. The ups and downs of middle school life-which for me was the worst time ever! I totally loved this series, but it's not for everyone. Don't say I didn't warn you. Lovesick-Netlix. Twenty something Dylan finds out he has Chlamydia and must contact all his previous relationships to tell them he has a sexually transmitted disease. Funny, emotional, and clever. By now, I am hoping many of you have received your first (and possibly your second) Covid Vaccine. Spring is around the corner and although we will definitely continue masking, maybe we can be a little less stressed; a little more hopeful; and a lot more social. I can't wait to chat with all of you in person about everything we have watched. In the meantime, please stay safe and well. Happy Valentine's Day! Peace Out-One B

GULLIBLE LEMMINGS

The other day while taking a walk with my husband, he used a term I had not heard before. He was referring to the protesting thugs destroying the Capitol (and the millions of Trump supporters who believe his lie that he won the election), as "gullible lemmings." When I looked this term up, it described gullible lemmings as "not only believing the villain(s) (Trump), but actively trying to help them. They aren't Mooks or Les Collaborateurs, just regular citizens being what they think is a Heroic Bystander. If the villain is persuasive enough, everyone in the village, town, city, country, or any other kind of community will support them." For the past four years, we have listened to Trump tell lie after lie and most Republicans were not brave enough or principled enough to stand up to him, to call him out for his bigotry, to reprimand him for his lack of empathy, and for his delusional rants. They were complicit and therefore, just as much to blame for the insurrection that occured last Wednesday. It was more important for them to retain their base than to tell the world the truth. "Somebody had tipped the American continent like a pinball machine and all the goofballs had come roling to LA (substitute Washington) in the southwest corner. I cried for all of us. THERE WAS NO END TO THE AMERICAN SADNESS AND THE AMERICAN MADNESS." Jack Kerouac sums up Jan. 6th perfectly. So many quotes pertain to the insanity, the dishonesty, the ignorance, and bigotry that this country has endured for the past four years. I feel the need to vent and to share before we hopefully, regain some peace, kindness, empathy, and morals that will be reinstated into the Whitehouse on January 20th. Won't it be nice to not have Trump dominate every waking minute of the news? "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine." R.E.M. "We will all remember for the rest of our lives where we were on January 6th when Trump held America hostage." Oliver Markus Malloy Just as we all remember where we were when President Kennedy was shot, or when the World Trade towers went down on 9/11. The difference here is that our own President incited this insurrection. His rally and his words were the direct cause of five deaths, and the mass destruction of the Capitol building. Trump, his son, and Giulianni have blood on their hands and are directly responsible. Ironically, Trump has dumped Giuliani and now refuses to pay his legal fees. He has cast him aside because he no longer proves useful. Why is this not a surprise? 'Most people seem to get bored easly when havng an easy life, and need to feed on drama and conflicts to feel alive. They are like vampires and zombies, that feed on the anger of others. The flesh and blood is replaced here by life energy. Now, the main point here is that toxic woman and toxic men do make us sick. With a mentally sick person in our life, you can't make plans for the future. It's impossible to make plans when teaming with people that are too obsessed with conflicts and selfish needs And hopefully, there will come a time when such individuals are segregated from society and put in mental hospitals. (Robin Sacredfire). Mar a Lago is a bit like a mental hospital, don't you agree? Albert Einstein said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." At this minute, there are unpricipled Republicans who still believe Trump can change, that he shouldn't be impeached, and that he will go quietly and there will be a peaceful transition. Not happening.... Einstein also said, that "the measure of intelligence is the ability to change." He's incapable. Trump is also a true egotist= "a person of low taste, more interested in himself than me." (Ambrose Bierce) He is also a bigot, ignorant, greedy and a buffoon. "Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs. We should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." (P.J. O'Rourke) "NO DIVINE BOVINE! The clumsy creature currently inhabiting the White House is a distinctly dangerous animal. Part boneheaded raging bully, part dastardly coward showing signs of advanced mad cow disease. Neither of good pedigree nor useful breeding stock, there is essentially very little of substance between the T (bone) and the RUMP, except of course for an abundance of methane and bullshit. It's high time brave matadors of you to enter the bullring, withh nimble step and fleet of foot. Bring down this marauding beast once and for all. A louder cheer you will not hear from Madrid to Mexico City,from Beijing to Brussels, from London to Lahore, from Toronto to Tehran and ten thousand cities in between." Alex Moritt A change will come. Our country has always had hope and resilence. "The sun never quits shining. Sometimes clouds just get in the way." Unknown "It is during our darkest moments that we must focous to see the light." Aristotle "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm nt the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one." John Lennon So here we are - 7 days away from a new beginning. I am rejoicing. I cannot wait! If you have gotten through the rant of this blog and "If you're reading this...... Congratulations, you're alive. If that's not something to smile about, then I don't know what is." Chad Sugg Be well. Stay safe. PEACE OUT! ONE B

I REMEMBER WHEN

After this horrendous year, I have recently been reminicing with fond memories of years past. I REMEMBER WHEN: I spent $50 a week on blowouts for my hair. Now I spend that on Covid Rapid Tests, so I can gear up in PPE and visit with my mom in her assisted living facility. I REMEMBER WHEN: The only "things" in cages were the animals at the zoo. Now we see the horrendous sight of children at the border separated from their parents. I REMEMBER WHEN: Television is what we used to watch all day in our pj's on a "snow day". Now I watch t.v. in my sweats much of the day because everyday is just like a snow day. No more gym, no more errands, no more visiting friends, no more playing with grandchildren.... I REMEMBER WHEN: A snow day was the ONLY day you worked from home! I REMEMBER WHEN: My weekly grocery order was $100. Now my weekly order exceeds $300. I REMEMBER WHEN: Cashmere gloves were "de riguer" to keep our hands warm. Now we don rubber gloves to keep the nasty virus at bay. I REMEMBER WHEN: At home tests were ept pregnancy tests. Now they are the coveted $30 covid tests (coming soon to your local pharmacy). I REMEMBER WHEN: Immigrants were our grandparents and they were welcomed into the U.S. with open arms, because they would make our country stronger and brighter. Now they are shunned by cement walls at the borders. I REMEMBER WHEN: Creating and preparing an interesting home cooked meal was something I looked forward to. Now I can't stand to be in the kitchen one more second. I REMEMBER WHEN: Air Filters were used to remove cooking smells. Today we use them to be safer from air born covid germs. I REMEMBER WHEN: Waiting at the restaurant bar for an hour until my table was ready was annoying. Today I yearn for that long wait and socializing with strangers for any amount of time! I REMEMBER WHEN: Friends and Family Discount meant 25% off at Bloomies. NOT pardoning murderers, tax evaders, convicted inside traders, and convicted felons. I REMEMBER WHEN:I REMEMBER WHEN: A snow day was the ONLY day you worked from home! I REMEMBER WHEN: My weekly grocery order was $100. Now my weekly order exceeds $300. I REMEMBER WHEN: Cashmere gloves were "de riguer" to keep our hands warm. Now we don rubber gloves to keep the nasty virus at bay. I REMEMBER WHEN: At home tests were ept pregnancy tests. Now they are the coveted $30 covid tests (coming soon to your local pharmacy). I REMEMBER WHEN: Immigrants were our grandparents and they were welcomed into the U.S. with open arms, because they would make our country stronger and brighter. Now they are shunned by cement walls at the borders. I REMEMBER WHEN: Creating and preparing an interesting home cooked meal was something I looked forward to. Now I can't stand to be in the kitchen one more second. I REMEMBER WHEN: Air Filters were used to remove cooking smells. Today we use them to be safer from air born covid germs. I REMEMBER WHEN: Waiting at the restaurant bar for an hour until my table was ready was annoying. Today I yearn for that long wait and socializing with strangers for any amount of time! I REMEMBER WHEN: Friends and Family Discount meant 25% off at Bloomies. NOT pardoning murderers,tax evaders,convicted inside traders, and convicted felons. I REMEMBER WHEN: Christmas Day meant a 4:00 p.m. movie followed by a delicious Chinese feast with my children and grandchildren (and every other Jewish family in America). I REMEMBER WHEN: New Year's Eve was spent dining and drinking with my dear friends and toasting each other at midnight before we made our way back home. Hop

It's Been a Minute, or has it been an hour, a day, oh actually it's been 9 months.....

Hi everyone, It seems incredible that with all this time on my hands and so much time being spent isolating and indoors, I haven't written a blog in a while. But with the holidays approaching, we have the need to purchase Chanukah and Christmas gifts, the time to shop online, and the vacation days to binge movies and programs. Not surprisingly, I have long lists of ideas of gifts to shop for, and many suggestions for shows and movies to keep you busy on cold winter covid days. I will jump right into the product list! FOOD GIFTS goldbelly.com-they offer anything from bagels, to ribs and steaks, to desserts. You can purchase food all from the MOST exceptional purveyors. You cannot go wrong with a present from goldbelly for anyone who is a foodie. Nuts.com-customize your own tray if you want. Or jut pick your favorite fruits, nuts, or candy. Everyone is happy to have these snacks! In the Mix by Joanna-now creating some very cool Chanukah and Christmas options. Joanna does beautiful cookies. Check her out. Good Vibes Cookie Company-Check out the Rock the Bells cookie box! The cookies appear to be painted with very pretty crystals. It's a lovely idea for Xmas. No SIX DEPOT(sixdepot.com)-if you prefer ground coffee (not the pods), then this company offers many amazing varieties in whole bean, drip, expresso and french press. This is the real deal. Also they offer great teas. Reasonable price and a great gift for coffee aficionados. Nueske's Bacon-Who doesn't think bacon makes everything better? This company has fabulous breakfast baskets or many individual specialty bacon gifts! Great to wake up on Christmas morning to this enticing smell! Murray's Cheese-You can choose from the cheese of the month subscription to a multitude of gift baskets that include cheese, meats, crackers, olives, etc. Another terrific present that people love, and is great for cocktails! Three Babes Bake Shop-Supposedly the pie to buy is their bourbon pecan pie. They are based in San Francisco, so make sure to order soon! PRODUCTS THAT ARE MY FAVS Little Weirds-Book by Jenny Slate. $15.99 on Amazon. Can't describe it-just buy it! Scrabble Go-the new and updated version of the world's most favorite game. Will occupy you for hours. Brookstone digital frame-$69 on Amazon. Great for grandparents! You can upload many photos of the grandkids and they have exhibit a multitude of pics in one frame. Awesome! (but only if you do the setup before presenting it!) Mini projector by Apeman-$69.99 on Amazon. Home projector so you can watch a movie on a large wall or outside. Might be a fun experience for your kids and their friends. Grab the popcorn! Anne Sisteron Sunburst Necklace-annesisteron.com. This neckalace just makes you feel happy! But, All jewelry makes me feel happy! The mini is $825 and the larger is $1535. Choose from white or rose gold. I think the the white looks cool. Monica Rich Kosann Compass Jewelry-monicarichkosann.com. All of us could use some guidance and direction during this scary time. Her compass charms, pendants, and earrings are very pretty. I especially like the blue enamal ones. Priced from $395-$8,000. Suzanne Kalan-suzannekalan.com. Her baguette jewelry is the bomb. If you want to go for the big bucks, check out her large eternity bands! Love her look. Funky and classy. Ana Luisa Dome Ring-analuisa.com. The brass dome ring is perfect for your second or middle finger. As a fan of Pommelato's Iconica ring ($2360), this brass ring bathed in 14k gives me the same feel and it comes in sizes 4-12, and it's just $59. It's a great accessory. Reading Eggs Junior App-readingeggs.com. This app is a great way to help your little ones read. It's fun and engaging with lots of activities and games. With the covid era, and kids hanging home more this is a lifesaver for parents. I reccomend it highly. Jenni Kane clothing-jennikayne.com-great easy to wear clothing. I especially love the everyday sweater which comes in tons of colors and stripes. $145. Her oversized cardigans are fabulous too. Dudley Stephens clothing-dudley-stephens.com. They make a super warm vello fleece top in many styles. Personally, I like the Greenpoint turtleneck because the length comes to the hip as opposed to their Park Slope style which is a bit shorter. Beware-most colors are sold out! I would size up if you are unsure. $158. Great for the outdoor socially distant visits with friends and family. (shout out to Dani!) MOVIES AND SERIES TO BINGE DURING THE WINTER MOVIES An American Pickle-HBO MAX. Seth Rogen stars. A cute distraction. Story is about an Orthodox Jew who is preserved in pickle brine for 100 years and wakes up in NYC in search of his great grandson, also played by Seth Rogen. Super Intelligence-HBO MAX. Melissa McCarthy and Bobby Cannavale star in this silly flick about super intelligence selecting the most average person on Earth to study. Wasn't my thing, but it just might entertain you for a few hours. Boys In The Band-Netflix. Nice remake of the original movie. Great Cast: Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, and Andrew Rannells. You remember the 1968 movie when a visitor interrupts the evening party being hosted by a group of gay men. Very well done. Happiness Season-Hulu. Kristen Stewart and Daniel Levy. First ever Lesbian rom-com. Not a great movie, but I am desperate for something to watch! Rewind-Amazon Prime. Documentary about a child who discovers through home video all the sexual abuse that occured within his family. You may remember, Howard Nevison, the prominent Cantor of Temple Emanuel in NYC. He was just one of the three brothers who abused his nephew, the filmmaker. Harrowing, mesmerizing, and important to watch. Let Him Go-a rental starring Kevin Costner(my favorite) and Diane Lane. Following the death of their son, a couple leaves their ranch to rescue their young grandson from a mob-like family living in the Dakotas. Scary, entertaining, and I liked it. But, it is more of a made for tv movie than one that was released for the cinema. SERIES Queen's Gambit-Netflix. An orphan with an addiction problem becomes the greatest chess player in the world. I am sure most of you have watched this (62 million households in the first 28 days), because it is getting so much buzz. While it is compelling and charming; and a series I recommend, I wasn't as enamored as the rest of the world. Industry-HBO. Streaming now. A series about International Finance. Having a hard time getting into it, but taping it for a later attempt. The Crown-Netflix. I binged the new season in one day. Always interesting and great. Gillian Anderson as Princess Margaret, Emma Corrin as Lady Di, and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret were my favorites. Dash and Lily-Netflix. Another undeserving 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. A romance ensues base upon a notebook being passed back and forth with clues. Very mediocre. The Undoing-HBO. For my money, the best series I've watched in months. Unpredictable plot and superb acting by Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant, and Donald Sutherland. Was so sad when it ended. The Flight Attendant-HBO MAX. Rosie Perez and Kaley Cuoco (from Big Bang) who is really fantastic as a flight attendant involved in a murder. Opening episode is the Bomb and not what you are expecting. So far, I'm loving it. A Teacher-Hulu. Stars Kate Mara as the teacher who engages in an illicit sexual affair with her student. Mara is amazing in this trashy and juicy series. A great distraction during Covid isolation. Euphoria-HBO. Season 2 isn't out, but there is a special covid episode streaming now on HBO MAX. Zendaya won the emmy award for lead actress in a drama for her role as Rue. She is phenomenalthis girl can act. Keep your eyes out for season 2 coming soon. The Surgeon's Cut-Netflix Dec 9. Haven't watched this docuseries yet. Follows four prominent surgeons performing innovative surgeries. Can't wait. Eater's Guide to the World-Hulu. Maya Rudolph narrates this series. If you are a true foodie, this is the series for you. Plan your next trip based on the food you want to experience- will it be Mexico, L.A., New York, Costa Rica.....the world is your oyster. So enjoyable to watch. Yellowstone-was originally shown on Paramount. Now streaming on Peacock if you have it. I have touted this show for three seasons. As I mentionged earlier, Costner is my most favorite! He stars as the patriarch of a complicated family of ranchers. Great ensemble cast and very worthwhile series. Kelly Reilly plays Costner's daughter and she rocks! Season 4 returns in June, 2021. So binge these 3 seasons now. Let Them All Talk-HBO MAX 12/10 Release. Waiting with bated breath for this! A transatlantic cruise with Meryl Streep, Dianne Weist, and Candice Bergen. I can't imagine a better joy ride. And so my friends, I figure we have until May/June until we meet once again in person. This will undoubtedly be another long winter for all of us. They say patience is a virtue. What is the actual meaning of this expression? Well, it means it is a valuable character trait to be able to wait for something without becoming frustrated. Unfortunately, I did not inherit this trait from either of my parents! I am especially cognizent of this fact while waiting for a Dr. to enter my examining room and he(she) is running 45 minutes behind; or waiting 20-30 minutes for someone to take my drink order (in pre-covid days when we frequented restaurants). But presently, I am trying patiently to await the Covid Vaccine so that I may enter my daughters' homes and be able to once again hug and kiss my children and grandchildren; so that I may enter my mother's assisted living facility so that I may kiss her and comfort her before she dies; so that I may make a few more wonderful trips before my body doesn't want to travel anymore; so that I am able to enjoy my golden years doing joyous activities (oh, how I long for a Yankees game or a museum or a movie theater) with my husband; and finally, so that I may experience my cherished friends in person and socialize once again. I know this day will come and truthfully, I am more hopeful now that Joe Biden will be our new President. If nothing else, he has already exhibited his extreme patience during these last several weeks. He has shown the country that patience is not his only virtue. He is also kind, calm, empathetic, and intelligent. So, I hope we can all emulate his behavior and character. And soon, this time in our lives will be a memory that we never forget. But, it WILL be a memory. Please take care, stay safe, mask up! PEACE OUT-ONE B

Mr. Trump, where is your "rachmanus"?

The Yiddish word rachmanus is loosely defined to mean compassion,empathy,mercy and pity. Rachmanus rules have played a major role in the JCC Maccabi Games. Some of the rules cited for these games are: Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be a good loser and a gracious winner. Make a positive difference. Refrain from actions that many cause injury to others. Lead by example. In the past four years, Trump has showed no inkling of rachmanus. To ANYONE. EVER. But, when he got the virus, I thought to myself-NOW. NOW, he will finally understand the tragedy of 210,000 deaths in our country. NOW, he can relate to the 7.5 million cases in the U.S and what a horrendous virus Covid is. NOW he will understand the need for more testing, the need for more ppe, and the need for more contact tracing. AND, Finally, he will comprehend the need for social distaning, for isolating for 14 days when you exhibit symptoms or test positive, he will understand the importance of wearing a mask, and he will tell the people of the U.S. that it is imperative to be diligent at all times when leaving their home. It would become crystal clear to him that he was totally wrong about this being exactly "like the flu". In the past four years the sum of deaths from the flu did not total over 200,000! And, we have a vaccine for the flu. He would have an epiphany now that, he too, is now sick with Corona. He would pontificate that we DO need to listen to the scientists. He would realize his life, his wife's life, and our lives depend on it. BUT NOOOOOOOOOO-this man cares about noone. Instead, he gathered up his secret service (while being treated with 3 drugs in the hospital and while he was extremely contagious) to chaffeur a joyride in order to wave to his supporters. That was not showing rachmanus. How does he not protect the lives of the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting him and his family? Did you know he came late to the debate last Tuesday and therefore, did not get tested at the Cleveland Clinic? He was probably contagious at that point. Is that showing rachmanus to the Biden's, Chris Wallace, the audience? Did you know that Trump's family also went maskless at the debate despite the state health guidelines mandating masks? How is that showing empathy and compassion? Rather, it shows a total lack of kindness and respect for others. Noone seems to be discussing the Trump fund raiser in Bedminster,N.J. The President's decision to attend that event despite his known exposure after Hope Hicks tested positive for Covid was appalling and horrifying. He literally put the entire staff and 200 supporters in danger. The club should be shut down for 14 days. Children of these supporters are being asked to remain home and not attend school.Don't even get me started on the Rose Garden debacle for Judge Barret. At the minimum, 11 people now have Covid from that event. Which brings me to the question: when was Trump's last negative test? How long has he been contagious? His behavior has been reckless. He has callous disregard for human lives. When he returned to the White House last night and removed his mask, I thought I would just pass out. Is he delirious? He is supposed to be isolating for 14 days. Instead, he had someone get close enough to him to apply makeup and then he summoned photographers so that he could have a photo op. I was literally watching an Orange Evita. Don't cry for me! Cry for him. Trump had the opportunity to turn this around, to be a positive leader, to show compassion and empathy for what this country is experiencing. He refuses to allow the CDC to perform contact tracing for the Rose Garden Event. Why? He is now blocking the FDA from testing the vaccine for two months to ensure it is safe. Why? Because he doesn't care about human life. He solely cares about being reelected. Evidently, his Jewish son in law, Jared, hasn't informed him of the meaning of rachmanus. Maybe Stephen Miller will enlighten Trump! But,it's doubtful. PEACE OUT! ONE B HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY WILL!