Utilizing Sketch Pad app

Christmas tree and garland

NY Public Library

NYC

Daily Quote Pt3: “Share your love and kindness any way you can. Lend a hand, understand, smile and know even a small kind action can create a beautiful reaction." – Dr Jo Anne White

Daily Quote Pt2: “If you want to be average, do what others do. If you want to be awesome, do what no one does.” – Alexander Den Heijer

Daily Quote: “Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran

Daily Quote: “Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.” – Amelia Earhart

PERSONAL NEWS #297

Nov 2^nd, I headed into Manhattan for a 1-hour volunteer orientation at Bideawee animal shelter.  Afterwards, I took a taxi to Grand Center Station to meet up with a school chum from our Pound Ridge days.  Robin and I had a great afternoon hanging out at The Highline, West Village, Bus Stop Café and Greenwich Village.  We caught up on news and gossip.  It was an enjoyable time.

Nov 3^rd, after getting a much-needed manicure, I watched the NYC marathon in my hood before they hit the halfway point on the Pulaski Bridge.  Later on, I joined my friend Wendy in seeing the wonderful film “Harriett”.  I highly recommend this film.  After the film, we had a delicious dinner at Nanoosh near Lincoln Center.

Nov 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Nov 7^th, after work, I attended the annual BFP “Pathmakers to Peace” event at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights.  Worked with the other BFP fundraising committee members on assisting the event and it was a successful evening.

Nov 8^th, after work, I joined some friends [ie: Pauline, Deborah and Margaret] for a tasty dinner at Royal Siam Thai restaurant.  Conversation was diverse, interesting and informative.

Nov 9^th, after taking care of some errands and laundry, I headed into Manhattan for the HP Avada KedavRock 2019 hosted by my friend Irvin.  It was great fun and the antics were hilarious.  Afterwards, I headed down to the Manhattan Theater Club to visit with a friend and see some of the play “Height of the Storm”.

Nov 12^th, after work, I attended Leanna Renee Hieber’s latest book launch at WORD in Brooklyn.

Nov 14^th, worked late at the office due to company board meeting. At home, I jumped on a fun phone call with a friend in Canada.

Nov 16^th, I hung out with a friend to see the excellent film “The Good Liar”, and have a tasty lunch at Nanoosh.  Afterwards, we parted ways, and I did some holiday shopping at Pottery Barn.

Nov 17^th, I participated in the “NYC Underground Subway Tour” from City Hall on up to Grand Central Station.  The fun and informative tour took 2.5 to 3 hours.  Afterwards, I walked over to Bryant Park to check out the holiday booths.

Nov 19^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting, which was productive and interesting.

Nov 20^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist discussion meeting.

Nov 21^st, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Nov 23^rd, after doing some errands, I headed into Manhattan to attend the enjoyable “NYC Friends of Tolkien” meetup at the Rail Line Diner.  Afterwards, I leisurely strolled to the Bowery, and joined the “Ultimate Greenwich Village Ghost Tour”.  Our guide was my friend Leanna and she provided us with a wealth of interesting stories.

Nov 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

Nov 28^th, for the 13^th year in a row I volunteered with Project FIND and assisting homebound seniors.

Nov 29^th to Dec 1^st, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for the holiday weekend. Friday and Saturday; we were busy with errands, chores, hair salon, groceries and dining out. Had to leave early on Sunday, as a snowstorm was heading our way.

Daily Quote: “Just one smile, immensely increases the beauty, of the universe.” – Sri Chinmoy

Daily Quote: “Celebrate your unique self! Be grateful you are like no one else, a beautiful flower unto yourself!” – Dr Jo Anne White

 NYC Underground Subway Tour

November 17th

School Chum and I

Hudson Yards

Nov 2nd

 Columbus Day Weekend

Upstate NY

Hogwarts Hufflepuff Teacher

Halloween at the Office

 Pookie and I

Ashokan Rail Trail

Catskills NY

 Different Views

Ashokan Rail Trail

Catskills NY

October 26th

Celebrated my Birthday

October Baby

PERSONAL NEWS #296

Oct 1^st, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Oct 2^nd, after work, I had a follow-up appt with my internal medicine doctor in my hood.

Oct 5^th, after taking care of assorted chores and errands, I was happy to see the super of my apt bldg stop by and attend to the pressing concerns in my bathroom.

Oct 6^th, I headed up to Warwick NY to join a friend in attending the annual Apple Festival.  Weather was not the greatest, but we still had a good time.  Enjoyed some tasty food and purchased some art/craft goodies.

Oct 7^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Oct 11^th to 14^th, visit with Mom in upstate NY for the holiday weekend.  Helped with errands, chores, shopping and dined out for breakfast a few times.  Got a much-needed treatment at the hair salon. Also attended the annual Aviation Day at the local little airfield club near Mom’s house.  Got a 20-minute flight with a friend of the family and it was amazing.  Mom and I visited the Equinox Valley Nursery and enjoyed their delicious fresh, hot cider donuts.

Oct 15^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

Oct 16^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Oct 17^th, during my lunch hour I jumped on a BFP fundraiser conference call.  After work, I went to dinner [ie: Japanese place called Geibo] with a good friend to celebrate my birthday.

Oct 19^th, after doing shopping at Costco in LIC, I took care of several errands, chores and laundry.

Oct 21^st, I had lunch with a friend in the Wall Street area.  After work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Oct 22^nd, during my lunch hour, I had a much-needed acupuncture appt in the Wall Street area.

Oct 23^rd, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.

Oct 24^th, after work, I went to see the delightfully fun “The Addams Family” movie with a friend.

Oct 25th to 27^th, after work, I headed up to the Catskills for an enjoyable weekend visit with friends.

Oct 29^th, after work, I attended a monthly SGI Buddhist meeting in my hood.

Oct 30^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Oct 31^st, the annual Halloween costume event at work was a lot of fun.  I dressed up as a Hogwarts Hufflepuff teacher and received many nice compliments.

PERSONAL NEWS #295

Sept 3^rd, after work, I had a visit from our SGI Kent district representative to assist me with writing my “Buddhist Intro” for upcoming “discussion meeting”.

Sept 5^th, after work, I headed to Bryant Park to hang out with some friends at the weekly Thursday “tea party gathering and discussion”.  It was very enjoyable, and the tea and fresh baked goodies are delicious.

Sept 7^th, I went to see the film “The Lion King” in the cinema with a friend and then dinner afterwards at Ollie’s on 42^nd Street.  Enjoyed the film and the visuals.

Sept 8^th, after a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt, I headed into the city for dinner at PeaceFood Café with a friend who was visiting from Michigan.

Sept 10^th, after work, I went to see my beloved NY Mets play baseball against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citifields.  They won the game at 3 – 2 final score.  WooHoo!

Sept 11^th, after work, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP board members meeting.

Sept 13^th, after work, I headed to my fav MAC makeup store upgrade my products and get a demo.  It was fun.

Sept 14^th, after completing several errands and chores, I treated myself to a much-needed manicure and pedicure.

Sept 15^th, I spent the afternoon up at the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx on a lovely, sunny day.

Sept 16^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Sept 17^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Kent district discussion meeting, and I gave the “intro”.  It was great to have two fellow BFP members at the meeting for support.

Sept 18^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP fundraising committee meeting at Ken’s apt.

Sept 20^th, I had lunch with a friend of mine on Broad Street.  It felt good to sit out in the sunshine.

Sept 21^st, after completing many errands, I visited the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on a lovely sunny day.  Afterwards, I stopped by friends apt for tea, and a chat.

Sept 22^nd, I went to see the film “Downton Abbey” with friends and we loved the film.  Afterwards, I met up with acquaintances for drinks at PHD off Broadway.

Sept 24^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Sept 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

Sept 28^th, I took care of errands, chores, shopping at Costco and four loads of laundry.  Whew!

Sept 29^th, I volunteered with Brooklyn for Peace at the annual Atlantic Antic street fair.  Afterwards, I walked to Trader Joe’s to purchase groceries.

 Atlantic Antic

Annual Street Fair

Volunteered with Brooklyn for Peace

Daily Quote: “Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet.” – Maya Angelou

 Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Saturday / Sept 21st

Attended a NY Mets Game

Tuesday / Sept 10th

Sunday / Sept 22nd

Saw "Downton Abbey"

with Friends

 Visiting Bayshore on LI

Sunday / August 25th

Daily Quote: “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.” – Roy T. Bennett

Daily Quote:  “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt

PERSONAL NEWS #294

August 2^nd to 4^th, I enjoyed a three-day weekend getaway to Washington DC for arts and culture enjoyment.  [Some photos from the trip below]

August 5^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 8^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist Toso meeting in my hood.

August 9^th, during my lunch hour I enjoyed hanging out with a friend on Broad Street.  We chatted about MistiCon events and costumes.

August 10^th / 11^th, I visited with my Mom in upstate NY for the weekend.  Took care of errands, shopping and dined out to Benson’s twice.  Weather was lovely and comfortable.

August 13^th, during my lunch hour I had a yearly appt with my eye doctor.

August 14^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 16^th, after work, I enjoyed a delicious dinner with a good friend at PeaceFood Café to celebrate her retirement.  Afterwards, I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase “Avengers – Endgame” on DVD.

August 17^th / 18^th, I took care of many errands and chores over the weekend, plus grocery shopping and laundry.  On Sunday, I got a much-needed manicure and pedicure, and started crocheting a baby blanket for a friend’s daughter.

August 19^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 21^st, after work, I attended a productive and informative BFP PEJ committee meeting.

August 22^nd, after work, I headed to Bryant Park to hang out with some friends at the weekly Thursday “tea party gathering and discussion”.  It was very enjoyable, and the tea and fresh baked goodies are delicious.

August 24^th, I attended the annual BFP PEJ committee potluck picnic in Prospect Park.  Weather was lovely and felt like an early autumn day.

August 25^th, I headed out to Bay Shore on Long Island to visit with my friend Yvette.  We had a lovely time out at the marina, lunch at Nicky’s and some shopping before I headed back to the city.  Weather was lovely.

August 26^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

August 28^th, after work, I jumped on the monthly BFP Fundraising committee conference call.

August 29^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist planning meeting in my hood.

August 30^th to Sept 2^nd, I visited with my Mom in upstate NY for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Daily Quote: “Leaders fail when they rely on their title for respect.” – Matt Beeton

 MistiCon Pro-Photos

Baroness von Huffledor

Saturday / July 20th

PERSONAL NEWS #293

July 2^nd, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.

July 4^th, office closed for the holiday.  I enjoyed a delicious Sushi lunch with a friend in my hood. We caught up on news. Volunteered as usher with another friend at the Broadway play INK in the evening. Excellent play, which closes this Sunday, so get your tix now. Afterwards, I joined a few friends for dinner before heading home.

July 6^th / 7^th, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries, antique shopping, and farmers market and out to breakfast with friends.

July 8^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

July 9^th, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  Then home to jump on a BFP AC Committee conference call.

July 10^th, after work, I jumped on a productive BFP fundraising committee conference call.

July 11^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist meeting in my hood.

July 13^th, after getting a much-needed manicure, I headed into Manhattan to join a friend at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the CAMP costume exhibit, plus the sunset views on the roof garden.

July 14^th, after taking care of errands / chores, I did some shopping at Costco, and then a much-needed pedicure.

July 15^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

July 16^th, after work, I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  Then headed uptown to meet with a friend for dinner and handle alterations of HP school robes.

July 17^th, after work, I attended the delightfully fun off-Broadway musical PUFFS with other members of TGTSNBN.

July 20^th, I headed up to Tarrytown on MetroNorth for the wonderfully delightful Harry Potter convention called “MistiCon” at a hotel.  The horrible heatwave was brutal over the weekend, but I staying in the air-conditioned hotel from 9:30am to 8:20pm.  Wore two different Hufflepuff costumes throughout the day and utilized a friend’s hotel room as my changing area.  Did some shopping at the crafts fair, sat in on some panel discussions, pro-photos taken by Babs, and chatting with many friends / acquaintances.

July 21^st, I headed back up to Westchester County to visit with friends of the family in Pound Ridge and then Candlewood Lake in CT.  I took the remainder of my father’s ashes to spread around “certain parts” of Pound Ridge and Candlewood Lake.  The horrible heatwave was still with us and it is supposed to let up around Tuesday.  Many memories from my youth in visiting my old hometown and hanging out at Candlewood Lake.

July 23^rd, after work, I went to the monthly SGI Kent District Buddhist meeting in my hood.

July 25^th, during my lunch break I had an appt with foot doctor for continued treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.  After work, I attended a fun watercolor Meetup session near Madison Square Park.

July 27^th, took care of many errands, chores, shopping, laundry and hired the services of a new housekeeper [Rani].  I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session [4pm] with Eric at the apt. In the evening, I watched the sunset at a pier in my hood and enjoyed the lovely breeze.

July 30^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

 Baroness von Huffledor at MistiCon

Saturday / July 20th

Tarrytown NY

Daily Quote:  “If you want to understand any problem in America, you need to focus on who profits from that problem, not who suffers from that problem.” – Dr. Amos Wilson

Daily Quote: “Creating a mission statement or mantra and setting personal and professional goals can boost confidence and empower you. Confidence is being certain about the truth; knowing and appreciating one’s own abilities through that truth. To be certain of something you should feel comfortable and knowledgeable. Goals that include opportunities to learn, challenge comfort zones, inspire creating, connecting with supportive others, and promote inner happiness build confidence, which empowers individuals to accept and celebrate their unique qualities.” – Dana Buchanan [professional assistant]

This month I celebrate my 2-Year Anniversary in joining and becoming a practicing Nichiren Buddhist.  Many thanks to Veronica in gently guiding me in that direction.

Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo … The essence of Buddhism is the conviction that we each have within us the ability to overcome any problem or difficulty that we may encounter in life.  This inherent potential is what we refer to as the Buddha nature, a state of life characterized by limitless courage, wisdom and compassion.

The founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, or Siddhartha as he is sometimes known, expressed this law of life in The Lotus Sutra where he revealed that all people, without exception, possess this Buddha nature and are inherently worthy of respect.

If you wish to learn more, go to http://www.sgi-usa.org/

 Visited the Homestead

Upstate NY

July 6th / 7th

Daily Quote: “A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down, and if they can’t, they lay down beside you and listen.” – Winnie the Pooh

Daily Quote: “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs

Daily Quote: “To build a strong team you must see someone else’s strength as a compliment to your weakness, not a threat to your position or authority.” – Christine Caine

PERSONAL NEWS #292

June 3^rd, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 5^th, after work, I had a doctor’s appt with my internal medicine chappy.

June 6^th, during lunchtime, I had a much-needed acupuncture appt.

June 8^th, I volunteered with BFP at the annual Brooklyn Pride festival on another lovely spring day.  BFP tables at the street fair every year and we did well.  Afterwards, I headed into Manhattan to visit a friend who is making HP Hogwarts school robes for me.

June 9^th, I volunteered as bartender with BFP at their fundraiser and member appreciation event on Atlantic Avenue.  The loft space was amazing; views from roof terrace were lovely, good food / drink and music provided by the Veronica Nunn Trio.  Afterwards, I again headed into Manhattan for a fitting of my robes for HP cosplays.

June 10^th, after work, I joined two friends in seeing “Avengers – Endgame” for a 4^th time in the cinema.

June 11^th, after work, I jumped on the monthly BFP Arts and Culture Collective conference call.

June 12^th, I had lunch with a friend down on Broad Street, and caught up on news / gossip.  After work, I jumped on a productive and informative BFP board member conference call.

June 13^th, later in the evening I had a lovely phone conversation with a longtime friend on the west coast.

June 14^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 15^th, after completing assorted errands, chores and shopping I joined a good friend to see the film “Men in Black International” at the cinema.  The film was good fun and we enjoyed it.  Afterwards, we had a light dinner at a diner.

June 16^th, I signed up for a Costco membership, and then checked out the store in LIC.  Fascinating experience, leisurely strolled about the place and purchased some items.  Due to its location, I had to take Uber Pool there and back.

June 17^th, after work, I went to B&N to purchase some DVDs, one of which was “Captain Marvel”.  Then strolled over to the SGI Buddhist Center for some chanting and meditation.

June 18^th, during my lunch break I had a foot doctor appt.  After work, I went to the monthly SGI Kent District Buddhist meeting in my hood.

June 19^th, after work, I jumped on a productive BFP fundraising committee conference call.

June 20^th, I had lunch with a friend whom I had not seen in a year, and it was great catching up on news.

June 21^st to 23^rd, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries, farmers market and out to breakfast.

June 24^th, after work, I attended the productive and informative monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.

June 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

June 27^th, marks my 2^nd anniversary with EA position at the BCF.  After work, I had an appt with my foot doctor for treatment and therapy.

June 28^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

June 30^th, I hosted a dinner gathering with several friends at the apt on a warm, sunny summer afternoon into evening.  Good food, diverse conversation and company.

Me and Margaret

Dinner Gathering