Big Apple

After almost seventy two hours in the city, my brother and his friends have managed to do more than I in six months. Guggenheim, Central Park, Coney Island, aquarium, Times Square, off-Broadway show, Chinatown, Strand Bookstore...don't think I'm entirely derelict: I've made it to at least a slice of those things. But I remain in my pajamas, my brain muddled by working ineffectively and sllllooooowwlllly. This is not how I intend to spend my days, but this is what happens to me when trying to decide exactly what to say about education, or farmers markets, or whatever the writing topic may be. My body grows restless, but at least my mind runs all about.

Thank goodness oh best beloved and spring break are arriving soon. I do vacation heartily. At least that is the consolation.

I have five jewels...

A poem my mother wrote about us years ago. She sends it for our Valentine wishes.

Jewels

The ocher sun spreads glitter everywhere.
The turquoise sea provides a priceless mine.
I have five jewels in a family chest.
They sparkle sapphire eyes and topaz hair.
So beautiful and valuable--I'm blest.
They form a precious crown for me to wear.
These children ornament a mother queen.
I watch them glisten, shimmer, shine. I know
This wealth grows richer, fuller though unseen.
True treasure lies in lives that give and grow.
Such gems come from a Jeweler above
Who cherishes and treasures stones with love.


--J.E.V.

one giant leap...

10:02 p.m. I do believe, thanks to the loud roar from someone's apartment down the street and the ringing churchbell, that the Giants have just won the Superbrawl. Oh thank you, thank you. My fellow New Yorkers will not be so grumpy tomorrow.