PERSONAL NEWS #119
Friday evening, March 2nd, I joined my friend BC and her son Harry for drinks/dinner at Dewey Flatiron Grill on 5th Avenue. We drank martinis, supped on chips/salad and engaged in enjoyable conversation. Afterwards we strolled over to Baruch College to see the play “War Zones”. Two of BC’s younger children [teens] were in the production. In the program, under the ‘director’s notes’ it states … “War Zones explores both literal and metaphorical wars. Some of the questions we have been exploring are: What is it about human nature that drives us to war? What is worth fighting for? How do we make peace? All the material is original, devised or written by the company.” There were 16 short skits [ie: Killing Fields, Blood Trail, Class Wars, etc] in the 1 ½ hour play and some of these were deeply moving. BC’s daughter Amelia had a monologue called “Memorial” that had her Mom in tears. If only our government politicians and lawmakers could hear what is on the minds of our youth. Would it surprise them? Would they work towards making a better country for the up and coming youth? Under the Bush Regime, I’d say they wouldn’t give a damn and only want them for cannon fodder in a war. Whether one has children or not, that is not the kind of future we want for them or anyone. Give them peace and security.

On Sunday, March 4th, I joined other NYDoP board and core team members for Strategy Day. Our group [ie: 14 in attendance] met for four fun, interesting and very productive hours in the afternoon. We worked on setting up new committees and brainstorming exciting ideas and activities for 2007/2008. I know I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … this Dept of Peace team is made up terrific, inspiring, warm and very caring individuals. I’m blessed in working with them.

Friday evening, March 9th, I joined my friend Cielito at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to view the Tiffany exhibit. We started off the evening at the Petrie Restaurant for some delicious dessert and catch up on news. [During the day, one is afforded a nice view of Central Park from the restaurant windows.] Then we were off to the exhibit on the second floor of my favorite museum in NYC.



The Louis Comfort Tiffany & Laurelton Hall exhibit was such a delight and so exquisite. The exhibit is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art until May 20th and is well worth the visit. Laurelton Hall [Long Island] was the Tiffany country estate in the early 20th Century and tragically burnt to the ground in 1957. Some of the architectural elements and interior features were salvaged. Tiffany also had collections of Japanese, Chinese and Native American works or art.

On Sunday, March 11th, I joined my friend Linda G and the Granny Peace Brigade in front of the Army Recruiting Office in Times Square at 3pm. It was a windy, chilly day in that area, but I managed to hold firm to the banner. [Photo below from AMNYC newspaper.]



The banner conveys a singular message [“We Will Not Be Silent”] and is a statement from The White Rose resistance movement in Germany during 1942. What applied then during Nazi Germany, applies now during the Bush Regime here in the US. From dawn to dust; starting on March 11th through March 16th, people of conscience began reading the names of the war dead. This included thousands of soldiers, journalists and Iraqi civilians. We bear witness to the tragedy and suffering. We honor the dead, since the Bush Regime will not and continue to ask more soldiers to die for lies. Be part of a growing resistance movement in this country. Demand an end to the illegal occupation of Iraq and say NO to an attack on Iran. Stop the endless war and bring all our troops home now. At 4:30pm Linda and I took our leave. Linda had her car and we drove to Carroll Gardens neighborhood in Brooklyn. Strolled along Court Street and ended up at Sweet Melissa’s for an early, leisurely dinner. I haven’t dined at this wonderful, charming establishment since 2001. Sweet Melissa’s desserts are terrific. So many cool, hip places to check out along Court Street and I haven’t done so since leaving Body Elite gym in 2003. It’s like visiting an old friend. This was Linda’s first time in visiting Sweet Melissa’s and she liked it. If the rents for apartments weren’t so high, I’d love to live in the area. Along tree lined Clinton Street, and other streets, there are many lovely Brownstones.

The following evening, March 12th, I attended the weekly Peace Circle at Mary’s home in Park Slope. Those attending were Joyce, Aaron, Nina, Mary and I. Lovely seeing Mary and Joyce again, as well as meeting two new folk to the group. I find the 20 minute mediation segment very soothing and also the sharing of thoughts/ideas. Left there about 10:15pm and due to subway troubles it took me over an hour to get home. NYC transit can be a pain in the buttocks at times.