Today’s Inspiring Quote from SGI Buddhist President Ikeda …. Life if full of unexpected suffering.  Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: “If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything.  You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along.”  That’s exactly right.  Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously.  We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us.  Difficulty can be a source of dynamic growth and positive progress.

PERSONAL NEWS #300

Feb 1^st / 2^nd … Visited Mom in upstate NY to help with shopping, chores, errands and dining out.

Feb 4^th, after work, I had a great time enjoying wonderful readings yesterday evening with NYRSF at Brooklyn Commons with Elizabeth Crowens and Teel James Glenn.

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

Feb 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour acupuncture session.

Feb 8^th, after taking care of many errands, chores, laundry and groceries, I got a much-needed manicure.

Feb 9^th, I hosted a Tolkien gathering at my apt, and invited several friends.  We enjoyed good food, drink, diverse conversation, readings of Tolkien’s LOTR and a singalong.  All had a good time.

Feb 11^th, after work, I jumped on a productive conference call for BFP fundraising committee.

Feb 12^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP board members meeting.

Feb 13^th, after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 15^th to 17^th, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries and dining out.  We also had breakfast on Monday with good friends of ours.  Had not seen them in months due to their health issues.

Feb 18^th, after work, I took care of my dry cleaning, and then I attended the SGI Buddhist discussion meeting / chanting in my hood.

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

Feb 20^th, after work, I got a much-needed pedicure.

Feb 21^st, after work, I got a much-needed manicure at a new salon.

Feb 22^nd, I joined a good friend of mine in visiting the NYBG and seeing the beautiful Orchid Show.  Afterwards we made some purchases at the gift shop before heading back to Manhattan.  Later on, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Feb 24^th, after work, I visited with a good friend who has done my taxes for 20+ years.  The outcome of said taxes did not give me joy L

Feb 25^th, after work, I had dinner with a friend to catch up on news and cheer her up.

Feb 26^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.  Today was also the first day of LENT and I gave up chocolate, muffins, scones and bread.

Feb 28^th, I volunteered with Bide-a-wee adoption day at the PetSmart near Washington Square Park from 10:30am to 3pm.  It was interesting, fun and got to interact with the doggies and cats.  We had many happy adoptions.

 Attended the NYBG Annual

Orchid Show

February 22nd

Daily Quote: “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley

Daily Quote … “The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” – Jimmy Carter

Daily Quote: “Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

 4th Annual Women's March

Freedom Plaza

Wash DC

 Assorted Views

of

Wash DC

PERSONAL NEWS #299

Jan 1^st, after taking care of many chores and projects, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 3^rd, after work, I attended the NYC Tolkien meetup to celebrate the Professors birthday at RailLine diner.

Jan 4^th, I attended the SGI Buddhist planning meeting / chanting in my hood.  After taking care of assorted errands and chores, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Jan 5^th, I attended an enjoyable dinner gathering at a friend’s home on the upper Westside of Manhattan.  Good food, diverse conversations and we played the board game CLUE.

Jan 7^th, after work, I attended the SGI Buddhist study meeting / chanting in my hood.

Jan 8^th, after work, I got a manicure from a new nail salon.

Jan 9^th, after work, I attended a fascinating Transcendental Meditation intro talk in midtown Manhattan.

Jan 11^th, after taking care of chores and errands, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 12^th, after taking down my holiday decorations, plus doing laundry, I joined a friend in Manhattan to see the film “The Rise of Skywalker”.  I really enjoyed the film.  Afterwards, we had dinner at China Xiang on West 42^nd Street.

Jan 13^th, after work, I attended the first meeting for the BFP Planning Committee.  It was at a member’s home and was very productive.

Jan 14^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting at a member’s apt and it was productive, and we met the new Project Coordinator.

Jan 17^th to 20^th, despite dealing with Sinus issues, I still had a good time visiting Wash DC for the long MLK weekend.  Stayed again at the wonderful Capitol Hill hotel and had a very nice suite.  Weather was cold and brisk with light freezing rain on Saturday during the awesome “Women’s March”.  [Rest of the time it was sunny and cold.]  In addition, I visited with a good friend out at the Tysons Corner mall for a tasty late lunch and then shopping.  On Sunday, I visited three Smithsonian museums and took their informative tours.  In addition, also visited some special exhibits and the gift shops.  On Monday, I visited Ford’s Theatre, and took the 2-hour tour, which was fascinating.  I headed back to NYC around 3pm on the Acela.  I was not impressed with the Megabus I took on Friday.  The ride took 5 hours and had cramped seating.

Jan 21^st, I went to the City MD Urgent Care down the street from my office.  Definitely dealing with Sinus issues and the doctor prescribed meds.  The visit to urgent care was quick and efficient.  After work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 22^nd, after work, I joined two friends at a nice Middle Eastern restaurant on West 13^th Street for good food and diverse conversation.

Jan 23^rd, after work, I checked out another nail salon in my hood, and got a proper “special” manicure.

Jan 24^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist Kent district discussion meeting.

Jan 25^th, after taking care of errands, chores and laundry, I got a much-needed pedicure.

Jan 26^th, after taking care of assorted errands and chores, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Jan 28^th, I had lunch with a friend, and after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Daily Quote … “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou

Daily Quote Pt2 … "When feelings rise up, acknowledge them. Decide how you want to be. Surf, float, flow, make the feelings work for you seamlessly. Enjoy the ride." -- Dr. Jo Anne White

Many topics have greatly fascinated me over the decades.  [Knowledge and learning is a never-ending process.]  To name a few topics … WW1, Napoleonic Wars, Regency England, Crusades and European history / royalty.  In addition, the occasional “spiritual or religious” topic in books have intrigued me.  I am currently in the middle of reading three different books.  On a side note, I am quite content within my SGI Buddhist faith. I have no wish nor desire in swinging back to the Catholic faith.  I am a peace loving individual and just stating a humble fact.

1] The Buddha in Daily Life by Richard Causton

2] The Templar Treasure at Gisors by Jean Markale

3] The Essential Gnostic Gospels by Alan Jacobs

Daily Quote: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” – Simon Sinek [Start with Why]

Daily Quote Pt2: “So women, 18 to 118, when it is time to vote, please do so in your own self-interest.  It’s what men have been doing for years.” – Michelle Williams

 Enjoying the Holidays

2019

PERSONAL NEWS #298

Dec 3^rd, after work, I did volunteer computer work at WCW office in midtown Manhattan.

Dec 4^th, after work, I jumped on a monthly conference call for BFP Fundraising committee.

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

Dec 6^th, the annual office holiday gathering / event was held at Dave & Busters in Times Square this afternoon.  Afterwards, I stopped by my old office at 5 Times Square to chat with ex co-workers.

Dec 7^th, after taking care of assorted errands and chores, I headed into Manhattan to meet up with a friend.  We went to see the entertaining film “Knives Out” and then dinner afterwards at Ollie’s on 42^nd Street.  I also finished decorating my apt for the holidays.

Dec 8^th, after taking care of assorted chores, I did my monthly shopping at Costco in LIC.

Dec 10^th, after work, I did volunteer computer work at WCW office in midtown Manhattan.

Dec 11^th, after work, I participated in an informative and productive BFP board meeting.

Dec 12^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.

Dec 14^th, after taking care of errands, I headed into Manhattan for a NYC holiday adventure and shopping.  GCS holiday market, MTA mini train show, NY public library and Bryant Park holiday market.  Watched my favorite Scrooge movie [DVD] with the excellent Alastair Sim in title role, plus “Sound of Music” on the telly.

Dec 15^th, I had a much-needed manicure and pedicure, plus a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Dec 17^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.

Dec 18^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.   Then attended the productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting at members apt.

Dec 20^th, after work, I had dinner at Westway diner with my friend Wendy.  Celebrating the holidays and the beginning of my vacation week.

Dec 21^st, I did my “mentor / volunteer” training at Bideawee for dogs and pups.  Even got to take one of dogs [Bud] for a quick walk and gave him some treats.

Dec 22^nd, I did my “mentor / volunteer” training at Bideawee for cats and kittens.

Dec 23^rd to 26^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for the Christmas holiday.  We visited my brother and sister-in-law on Xmas Day.  Weather held up nicely while we did many errands, chores, groceries, donated items to CLR, dined out at Bensons, etc.

Dec 27^th, got a much-needed manicure at a new salon in my hood.

Dec 28^th, I took care of many errands, chores, laundry, groceries and cleaning apt.

Dec 29^th, I hosted a dinner gathering at my humble apt, and invited several close friends.  Everyone had a good time, enjoyed tasty food, and diverse conversation.

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