Being Ron

Having You As My Stepmom Was One Of Life's Greatest Blessings

2025-05-27T19:29:00.000-04:00

This post is two weeks late, but Happy Mother's Day, ladies! I hope you all had a wonderful day and know how much you are loved and valued.

As most of my longtime blogging friends know, I was gifted with two mothers - a birth mother and a stepmother - both who I greatly loved. One mother brought me into this world, the other guided me through it.

To this day, I still feel their presence around me and the effects they had on my life.

I have learned that "family" isn't defined by last names or by blood; it's defined by commitment and love.

In case anyone is not familiar with my childhood and birth mother, I shared this post about her two years ago and how that experience brought me to another level of healing and closure.

Today, however, I want to focus on my stepmother (Ann) who passed away in 2012.

I've been thinking about her for several months, missing her. Even though we were not biologically mother and son, she and I had a close and familiar bond. It's as if we knew each other right off the bat, like old friends. From the moment my father married her, I felt comfortable with her as the mother of our house. And it wasn't easy for her to marry into a family with three children who, after two years, were still grieving the loss of their birth mother.

My stepmother was much younger than my father. There was a 22 year age difference. When she married into my family, she unknowingly married into a great deal of "baggage". My father's side of the family was not the warmest in welcoming my stepmother. They did everything in their power to make it difficult for her. I have long ago disassociated myself from them. And to be perfectly honest, I like it that way.

And yet, on the other end of the spectrum, my birth mother's side of the family welcomed my stepmother with an open heart. They loved her and treated her with respect.

Being much younger than my father, my stepmother was almost a child herself. Therefore, she had no experience raising three children, let alone children who were not her own. So, she raised us by following her natural motherly instincts, and I'm here to tell you she did an AMAZING job.

My brother and I were on the phone not too long ago, and we talked about our parents and what it was like growing up. Both of us said that we wouldn't trade our parents for the world. Was our childhood perfect? No, of course not. However, I wouldn't change a single thing about it. And I sincerely mean that.

What was wonderful about my relationship with my stepmother was that we were so in tune with each other. We had a sixth sense of understanding our likes and dislikes. We were always very honest with each other when expressing our opinions. However, we instinctively knew how far to go by respecting each other's boundaries. She and I could strongly disagree about something, but it never moved into an ugly argument.

Growing up, my stepmother was well aware of what my interests and talents were, and she always encouraged them. At a young age, she knew I had a knack for photography, so she bought me my first Polaroid. She also knew that I enjoyed writing, so for my birthday, she bought me a desk and a typewriter. She also knew how much I wanted to pursue a theater career, so she supported my decision to move to New York City at 17 years old and attend acting school.

My stepmother loved animals and raised us to have respect for all God's creatures. Growing up, we had dogs, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters, bunny rabbits, and even ducks. My love and affection for animals stems from my stepmother. I immediately think of her whenever I'm in the park feeding the squirrels because she loved to feed the squirrels in our yard.

My stepmother laid the groundwork for me to believe I could do whatever I set my mind to and try new things. She had little confidence in trying new things herself because, in the period that she grew up, there were defined rules about what men and women could and could not do. So privately, I think she lived her desire to try new things through my desires. That's why she always supported me.

About two weeks before she passed, my stepmother phoned because she needed to talk about something. I could immediately tell, just from her voice, that something was bothering her. So I asked, "What's up?" She eventually said to me that before she died, she didn't want to leave this earth thinking that she wasn't a good parent and regretted some choices she had made in raising us. She even said, "Ronnie, I don't think I was a good mother." And I'm like, "WHAT?!?! You don't think you were a good mother?!?!?!"

I told her, "Yes, you're right, you weren't a good mother. You were an OUTSTANDING mother!" I also told her how incredibly blessed I was to have her as my mother and that she was a precious gift given to me after my birth mother died when I was only 5 years old.

During that conversation, she and I both wept, but we also felt a sense of peace. I wanted her to know that before she left this earth, there was no need to pass with any regret. Especially as a mother, she was the best!

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I found some family photographs of Ann and wanted to share them with you...

Here she is as a kid growing up in Germantown, PA. In the photo on the left, you can hardly see it, but she is holding a small dog...

With her brothers (Bud and Jim) on the Atlantic City, NJ boardwalk...

My stepmother with her mother and father (Ruth and Tom), and her beloved parakeets...

And to show you just HOW MUCH she loved animals, here she is at Disneyworld, kissing the Beast from 'Beauty and the Beast'...

My younger brother (Tom) and I, pictured with Ann...

I would like to conclude this post with a video tribute I created a few weeks after my stepmother passed away. She loved the song, Smile by Nat King Cole, so I used that song in this video. My longtime readers have most likely seen this, so pardon the repeat.

Please enjoy...

Spring Color, And Blooming Where You're Planted.

2025-04-29T19:52:00.002-04:00

Today, here on my blog, it's all about COLOR. And specifically, SPRING color.

As bipolar as the weather has been over the past two months, I'm surprised we had any spring color this year because it went from warm to cold and cold to warm every other day. It was challenging to figure out what season we were in, because the seasons couldn't make up their minds.

Luckily, I captured some colors, but it wasn't easy.

Each season brings with it certain visuals and feelings. Each season is significant because, I believe, they symbolize and reflect the different stages of life.

*Spring: associated with hope, rebirth, and the beginning of new cycles.

*Summer: represents abundance, prosperity, and joy, as well as the peak of growth and energy.

*Autumn: signifies change, reflection, harvest, and the transition from growth to rest.

*Winter: symbolizes rest, reflection, introspection, and new beginnings after a period of dormancy.

You'll notice in the above photograph that I included a quote from the fabulous Dolly Parton. It's a quote that rings true for me. I can't always change things in my life just because I don't like them. There are some things that, as much as I wish they were different, are there because I need to learn from them. Therefore, I gotta bloom where I'm planted. Life is not always about waiting for the perfect soil. And looking back, that was when I learned the most.

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Below, you will discover what spring looks like in Philadelphia this year...

Petit Jardin en Ville...

Last weekend, my dear friend Kelly and I got together for food, coffee, and conversation. I truly have the best time with Kelly because she and I are similar in that we like to allow the day to unfold organically. Other than planning a time and place to meet, the rest is spontaneous.

Our meet-ups wonderfully combine deep conversations and hysterical laughter.

My friendship with Kelly is something I cherish because we can be ourselves and have no expectations.

After spending the day with her, I always come away feeling recharged.

Thank you, Kelly...

That day, we stopped by Cherry Street Pier. We sat in an open-air garden under the Pier’s historic steel trusses...

I love this sign I spotted in Old City, positioned outside the store before entering. And that's because of all the shoplifting in Philadelphia. Trust me, I'm in retail. I see it all day long. It's gotten so bad that some stores require you to show your paid receipt to a security guard before exiting the store.

"Hi. If you steal from us, we will post your pics + vids on all our social media accounts" 💗...

🌸🌷🌺Hope you're enjoying spring, everyone!🌻🌼🌹

A Walk Through Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

2025-04-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

In 2015, I shared a few photographs of this cathedral in one of my photography posts. However, I would like to share a more in-depth pictorial spread of the most exquisite cathedral in Philadelphia - the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

I haven't been inside the cathedral in over 10 years, yet it never ceases to amaze me that whenever I visit, I have the same reaction upon opening the door and looking upwards. It takes my breath away. I feel both awed and humbled.

Part of that is because of feeling the reverence contained within the cathedral, and another part is because of its sheer physical beauty. The architecture (inside and out) is exquisite, magnificent, and absolutely glorious!

"The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia was built in the Roman-Corinthian architectural style. This style is a Neo-Classical variation of the Italian Renaissance."

Walking through the cathedral always feels as though I'm traveling back in time to another place.

In February, I posted the following photo of the cathedral's exterior. I was hoping to go inside and capture some photographs, but alas, it wasn't open. Lucky for me, when I went back two weeks ago, it was open.

So, please enjoy the exterior AND interior of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul...

The Great Dome (made of copper) atop the cathedral...

As you scroll through these photographs, look around and notice the incredible detail within the architecture. *Note: I took these pictures with my cell phone. The only editing I used was to crop them and sharpen a few...

Organ and choir loft...

To anyone who is not Catholic, this next photo is a confessional booth or confessional box, which is a designated area within a church where a priest privately hears the confessions of penitents. The priest sits inside the door, while the penitent kneels on either side behind a closed curtain...

Hope you enjoyed this pictorial walk, folks!

And for those who celebrate, Happy Easter! 💟

Let's Talk Some "Dirty Laundry" And Laundry Room Etiquette

2025-04-01T19:47:00.001-04:00

The one thing I now require when living in an apartment building is on-site laundry facilities.

When I lived in NYC, the apartment in the building my partner and I shared did not have laundry facilities. So we had to drag our laundry to a laundromat, which was a royal pain in the ass, especially during the summer months when the city felt like a pizza oven. I dreaded it.

Even when I lived in Orlando and rented various apartments for the 15 years that I was there, not one of them had on-site laundry facilities. However, back then, I used to take my laundry to a wash-and-fold service once a week that charged $1.25 per pound. I would pay anywhere from $10.00 to $12.00 per service.

Since moving back east, the two apartment buildings I've lived in had on-site laundry facilities.

The one where I currently live has a nice-sized laundry room with 20 washers and dryers. They also have three washers and dryers for heavier items, such as comforters and rugs.

What I love about the washers and dryers in our building is that they don't require COINS to operate. Tenants now use a debit card that we can reload to activate the washer and dryer. It's so much easier than using coins.

Here's a picture of my card...

When I Do My Laundry -

I know this sounds crazy, but I like to do my laundry very early (4:30-5:00 AM) on Tuesdays. No one else is in the laundry room that early, so I can wash, dry, and fold two loads of laundry in a little over an hour. I don't dilly-dally; I get it done fast.

Note: I NEVER do my laundry on the weekends because EVERY tenant in the building is in the laundry room on those days. That's another reason I prefer having off during the week and working weekends. I like that I'm on an opposite schedule than the rest of the world, who traditionally works Mon-Fri, 9 to 5, and then have to do all the things on their weekends that I do during the week.

Here is a similar photo of what our laundry room looks like...

The building I live in has 25 floors and 250 apartment units. Because Philadelphia is a heavily populated college town, I would say that more than half the tenants in my building are college students. And college students, mostly, are interested in one thing - PARTYING. And they pretty much occupy all the apartment buildings in this city, regardless of how luxurious and costly because Mommy and Daddy are paying for them. And when you're in college, laundry room etiquette is the last thing on your mind.

And speaking of laundry room etiquette, here is a sign in most laundry rooms, which might as well be invisible because no one seems to READ it...

My Two Pet Peeves -

I've gone down to the laundry room countless times, only to find laundry in both the washers and dryers that have been sitting there since the day before. And I know that to be true because the clothes in the dryers are ice cold, and the clothes in the washers are still wet and smell like MILDEW from the depths of HELL.

Here, look...

My other peeve is people who don't clean out the lint trays after using the dryer. No lie, this is what some trays look like when I open the dryers. They look like someone sheared a herd of SHEEP...

In conclusion, I would like to show you my favorite laundry detergent. I love using a coupon from CVS and getting a discount because laundry detergent is so expensive, it's cheaper to buy new clothes.

Persil...

But I have a wasteful confession to make. Do you know how the lids on laundry detergents give diagrams of how much to use for medium, large, and extra-large loads?

Well, I NEVER follow those diagrams because I'm always worried there won't be enough detergent to clean my laundry.

Therefore, I do this...

I know, I'm OCD.

Wishing you a clean and lint-free week, everyone!

💖

Flashback To The 80s

2025-03-19T20:00:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of 80s music on Spotify and having flashbacks to a decade that I never fully appreciated because I never fully realized what an incredible decade it was. And I suppose that's because when you're experiencing a decade, you're not watching it, you're living it. It's only in retrospect that you appreciate all the wonderful gemstones within each decade.

Today, I would like to share bits and pieces from the 80s that I recall as being an integral part of its threadwork.

In the 80s, I was in my mid-20s and 30s. I remember it as a powerful time of personal growth for me. I learned so much about myself in the 80s through investigation and experience. I also had a lot of fun.

Please enjoy a flashback to the 80s...

I got my cosmetology license in the 80s and was working as a hairstylist. Trust me when I tell you that back then, hair was big. And when I say big, I mean BIG. So big, in fact, that people looked like they had been electrocuted with 765 volts of electricity. Also, LOTS of hairspray was used to make sure that big hair STAYED big. If you ever touched someone's hair back in the 80s, it was as hard as a rock. I used to refer to it as HARD-ON hair...

I miss Blockbuster. Yes, we can now stream movies through our computers, tablets, and phones. But for me, I miss the joy of walking into a Blockbuster and hand-selecting the films I wanted to watch. I was so sad when the last Blockbuster closed here in Philly...

Who didn't have a Sony Walkman? I certainly did. Back in the 80s, I used to jog. Therefore, having a Walkman was the ideal way to listen to music, which made jogging more enjoyable. At home, I had a big box of cassette tapes with all my favorite music...

Here are 10 vocal artists I enjoyed listening to in the 80s. However, there were many more...

And speaking of vocal artists, I remember seeing my first music video, a-ha: Take on Me on MTV. Back then, music videos were a new thing and everyone was SO in awe of them...

Aerobics and Jazzercise were very popular in the 80s. I took a few aerobic classes, but it didn't last long because I discovered that I did not like exercising with other people. I prefer to do it alone...

Do you remember when answering machines first hit the market for home use? OMG, I was obsessed with getting one and changing my outgoing message every other day. I would also call myself from work during the day and leave messages so that when I got home, I could listen to them LOL! I used to get so excited when I saw the little red light blinking on the machine because I knew it meant I had messages...

Popular TV shows in the 80s...

Clothing in the 80s was bright and colorful...

When cell phones were first introduced in the 80s, they were the size of a brick. Which is why they were called Brick Cell Phones. My boss at the time had one that he kept in his car. But few people had cell phones...

And speaking of cars, back in the 80s DeLorean's were the BOMB. My boss had one of those too. I remember him taking me for a ride and watching the doors lift to get inside. It was so cool! The DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films...

Swatch watches were so popular in the 80s. Lee Majors (from the TV show, The Fall Guy) did a few ads for the company. I remember going to Burdines (a Florida department store) and purchasing my first Swatch...

Does anyone remember Glamour Shots? I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I worked at one in our local mall. Back in the 80s, Glamour Shots were the rage - big hair, seductive shoulder exposure, and a soft-focus lens.

Glamour Shots was a popular portrait studio chain, known for offering a complete makeover and photoshoot experience, often in malls and department stores, and emphasizing a glamorous Hollywood-inspired style.

But OMG, the photographs were so HOKEY...

Hope you enjoyed my 80s flashback, folks!

🕐🕑🕓🕕🕗🕘🕙

*If any of you experienced the 80s, please feel free to share some of your memories.

The Art Of Stage Makeup

2025-03-05T00:00:00.005-05:00

Part of my training as an actor in New York City was learning the art of theatrical makeup, which differs from everyday makeup. Through theater makeup, I learned so much about contouring, highlighting, camouflage, and color theory.

Makeup was something that fascinated me. So much so that I became a professional makeup artist for stage, photographs, film, and as a rep for various cosmetic companies. In the early 80s, I went to cosmetology school and got my license.

Many people do not realize the importance of makeup when performing onstage. Not only does it make you feel more like the character, but it also allows the audience (anywhere from 350-1,000 seats in the theater) to see your facial expressions from a distance. That's why, up close, theater makeup looks overly exaggerated. But to the people sitting in the audience, it appears natural. For me, my makeup and costume gave me that extra something, which allowed me to become the character. When I looked like the character, I felt like the character.

Below, you will see some of my stage roles - the makeup I did myself. However, many talented people were an important part of these productions (directors, set designers, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, costume and wig makers). That's what I love about theater. It feels like a community. A family. You rely so much on each other to create the whole. The theater is like knitting an article of clothing. It requires each piece of yarn to create the final product.

My longtime bloggers have already seen many of these photos from previous posts, however, I added some new ones. I also cropped them larger so that you could see the makeup in more detail.

Please enjoy....

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Here I am (center), as The Wicked Stepmother in the musical, 'Cinderella', which I did at a professional children's theater in Orlando, Florida.

In this role, I had to do a complete transformation. And not only in makeup and hair, but also in body. The costume designer constructed a female form that comprised breasts, a bustier, hips, and a bustle that I put on before putting on my formal dress. I also wore tights, pantaloons and a petticoat. And of course, high-heels. I had the time of my life performing this role...

Backstage with (Rick) my talented wig and costume designer...

Emcee in the musical, 'Cabaret'.

The character of the Emcee in 'Cabaret' represents a complex mix of themes, including German nightlife, sexual freedom, and the rise of the Nazi regime. The Emcee is also a symbolic figure who comments on the political and societal atmosphere of 1930s Germany.

In this role, my makeup was primarily about contouring and highlighting my face so that I would look dark and sinister. What was really interesting about this character was that he was androgynous. In some of the musical numbers, I was male. And in others, I was female. In my dressing room, I created a written list that I taped to my makeup mirror to remind me of my costume and makeup changes throughout the show because I had a lot of them.

This photograph was from the final scene of the show, in which I looked as though the life had been drained from me. A skeleton. At that moment, I represented what Hitler was diabolically doing in Germany...

As Parpignol (a Paris, France toy vendor) in the Puccini opera, 'La Bohème', performed by the Orlando Opera Company...

Backstage during intermission as Mr. Smee in the musical, 'Peter Pan'. In this role, I blacked out some of my teeth. Here is Jim (Captain Hook) and me, touching up our makeup because we sweat it all off during Act 1.

As Patrone (a drugged-out saxophone player) in a bizarre one-act play by Sam Shepard entitled,'Suicide in B Flat'...

As the evil Barnaby (with cast members) in the musical, 'Babes in Toyland'...

In the French farce comedy, 'A Flea in Her Ear', I played Homenidès de Histangua, an insanely jealous Spaniard; paranoid his wife was cheating on him. I spoke with a Spanish accent in this role...

Isn't this a beautiful set?

These last three photographs are Halloween costumes and makeup I created.

I dressed as Norma Desmond from the movie, 'Sunset Boulevard'. My friends dressed as Aladdin and Jasmine. We had so much fun that night!...

Here I am as Pan (I apologize for the poor quality of this photograph)...

Pan was the Greek god of shepherds, hunters, and the wilds of nature. He was born with the legs of a goat and horns on his head, symbolizing his wild nature. A good friend of mine at the time made my hairy goat legs. She filled them with foam rubber to accentuate their shape. I used a liquid adhesive to glue more hair on my chest and chin, and then added the horns to my head. You do not know what a royal pain it was to use the restroom at the nightclub that evening...

One Halloween, I dressed as a grungy biker dude. The beard stubble and shadowing on my cheeks, under my eyes, and the little scar under my left eye were all done with makeup...

When I took my first stage makeup class in NYC, it included a Ben Nye makeup kit. This brings back such great memories...

⭐ Have a stellar week, everyone!⭐

Vegetable Puns

2025-02-24T19:48:00.000-05:00

As you all know, I'm vegetarian. Many people assume that being vegetarian is boring because it's limiting. But I assure you it is not. I eat a wide variety of salads, soups, and entrées.

Even from a very young age, I knew that once I got out on my own and could choose my food, I would no longer eat meat. In the 50s and 60s, families traditionally had meat and two vegetables for dinner. For lunch, a sandwich consisted of lunch meat, cheese, and either mustard or mayo on Wonder Classic White Bread. Sunday breakfast was always eggs, bacon, scrapple, fried sausage, and toast.

As you can see, meat was a HUGE eatery when I was growing up. And yet, it never appealed to me. Never. But as a kid, you ate what was prepared for you.

Protein -

Meat is not the only way to get your daily dose of protein. You can get it from other things, such as legumes, nuts and seeds, tofu, cheese, quinoa, and Greek yogurt.

I truly love veggies. It's as if they were ideally created for me because my body loves them too.

Today, I would like to share a few amusing puns. Most of them I found online, and one I created myself.

Enjoy...

Veggie Puns -

I don't get it. Why would they carrot all?

Damn! Looks like another guy beet me to it.

Peas, just kale me now.

I’ll let you know if any turnip!

Results romaine to be seen.

Do you have a restroom? I gotta take a leek...

I was going to share a vegetable joke, but it's too corny...

I conclude this post by sharing a salad I made a few days ago. I took everything I had in my fridge (cabbage, sweet potato, carrots, avocado, kale, sugarbee apple, orange bell pepper, sliced raw almonds, feta cheese) and tossed them into a large salad bowl, topping it with a Thai Style Peanut Dressing. I also took a portion of the salad and created a wrap with garlic hummus...

Yup...

Have a veggie good week, everyone! 💕

Please feel free to share your favorite vegetable(s)

*You will find a wide variety of delicious vegetarian recipes at Evergreen Kitchen

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures

2025-02-06T20:01:00.001-05:00

Hi folks! Today's post is all about pictures, can you tell?

I had so many images stored on my computer and cell phone, it was time to clear up some space by sharing them on my blog.

So, I apologize in advance for OD'ing you with pictures.

Feel free to scroll through them fast.

These are all city photographs from June 2024 through January 2025. Some I captured with my Canon camera, others with my cell phone.

Okay, and here we go...

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Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

Isn't the exterior stunning? The day I went there it was closed. It's normally open seven days a week. However, with Philadelphia's hefty homeless situation, the cathedral is only open on Sundays (for mass) because people just walk in off the streets and make it their home. I will say, though, the cathedral helps the homeless each month by offering meals that are set up on the side of the cathedral...

The next two photos are of the little chapel next to the cathedral - The Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament...

As I was leaving the cathedral, look what I discovered when I looked inside the manger. I immediately noticed that baby Jesus was not lying in the straw crib. I was shocked. I assumed someone walked by one day and had STOLEN him. Can you believe that?

Notice the face on one of The Wise Men in the back row (red arrow). He looks HORRIFIED that baby Jesus is gone.

Oh well, whoever stole him, I hope they remember something.

Karma's a bitch.

Especially when you mess with baby Jesus. A-men!

I love this red door...

If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you've already seen these next three photos of the steel and glass Comcast Center...

Don't the people walking on the metal beams look real?

And look at what some nice person did to this jewelry advertisement poster. Don't you love the carton of French fries on her forehead? And I think she looks gorgeous in that moustache, don't you?

And of course, what would Philadelphia be without its monthly riots?

Below, you will see a riot that occurred last June during Gay Pride Month. It started at about 8 PM and continued until 1:30 AM. There was complete pandemonium in the streets. Sirens, police officers, police cars, screaming, yelling, garbage can fires, helicopters flying above, and people jumping on cars that were stopped at the traffic lights. There was even a point when several rioters boldly ran over to the police officers who were just standing there and tried to attack them.

In Philly, what's wrong is right, and what's right is wrong. The city makes laws but then never enforces them. You can pretty much do anything you want in Philly. It's a free-for-all city.

I've renamed Philadelphia's tagline from — "The City of Brotherly Love" to...

Philadelphia — "It's a riot!"

The colors in this mural are so bright, vivid, and bold...

I did not see the bird flying around the tower atop City Hall until I downloaded the picture from my cell phone...

Okay, you will not believe this story. Do you see that ADORABLE dog with that ADORABLE face? Well, do you know what that ADORABLE dog did on the floor in a coffee shop?

He made a PEE PUDDLE.

ADORABLE...

Here are two then and now comparison photographs.

The Girard Trust Bank (left) is now The Ritz-Carlton (right)...

City Hall via North Broad Street

I tried to shoot my photograph from the same angle. Close, but not perfect...

This final photograph is of me and my dear friend Kelly. She and I went out one day and practiced with our cameras. Kelly has such a great eye for photography...

Thank you for taking the time to view my photographs.

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!💕

Crossing Paths With Actress, Donna Pescow

2025-01-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago, while surfing through videos on YouTube, I stumbled upon an interview that featured a fellow acting student (Donna Pescow) from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City back in 1974-75. At that time, Donna was in her second year, I was in my first. But I had the opportunity to see her exam plays that each of us would perform at the end of the year. And it was through these plays that the teaching staff reviewed and graded us. Donna was (and still is) a very talented and successful actress.

Here is a brief bio of Donna:

Donna Pescow (born March 24, 1954) is an American film and television actress and director. She graduated from New York's prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA). A year later, she was cast as Annette in the iconic film Saturday Night Fever (1977), which launched her career. For her performance, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress by the New York Film Critics Circle. She also portrayed Angie Falco Benson in the 1980s sitcom Angie, Donna Garland in the sitcom Out of This World, and Eileen Stevens in the Disney Channel sitcom, Even Stevens.

Here are a few photos from Saturday Night Fever (I was still living in NYC when they were filming this)...

Here is a scene from the movie where she dances with Tony (John Travolta). Please watch as much or as little as you wish. I just wanted to give you a glimpse into her dance scene with Travolta.

(The Bee Gees wrote and performed six songs for the movie's soundtrack)...

Shortly after, Donna starred in the popular Garry Marshall sitcom, Angie (1979) as Angie Falco Benson. Ironically, the sitcom was set in Philadelphia, where I was born and currently live...

Here is a clip from the show's opening theme song by Maureen McGovern. Some of you might remember this...

She also appeared on soap operas One Life to Live, General Hospital, and All My Children, where she portrayed Dr. Lynn Carson, the first lesbian character on a daytime serial until 1983...

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I feel very blessed to have not only crossed paths with Donna Pescow, but many other actresses/actors I either went to school with, worked with, met, and continue to admire. I also feel very blessed for my 30-some years in the theater. I learned so much about myself through the roles I played.

Throughout my life, people have asked me what my process is for acting. And the only thing I can say is that I memorize my lines, show up, step aside, and allow the character to move through me. That's how I do it.

In Case You're Interested Links -

*Notable American Academy of Dramatic Arts Alumni

*Donna Pescow's Careerbiography

*Donna Pescow interview - Talks About Her Experience In Saturday Night Fever

*Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack

You're Not Going To Believe The Rental Price For This Studio Apartment

2025-01-22T20:16:00.001-05:00

Before reading this post, I highly suggest that you all sit down, fasten your seatbelts, read your crash manuals, and brace for impact. What I am about to share will shock the hell out of you and make you feel as if you're falling from the sky.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, the cost of living (both essentials and non-essentials) has gotten so out of hand that I frequently shake my head and say to myself, "Is this for REAL? Are they asking $7.99 for four rolls of toilet paper? Are they asking $3.49 for ONE avocado? Are they asking $1.85 for one medium-size bell pepper?" Back in late November, I walked into Barnes & Noble to see if they carried Barbra Streisand's biography/memoir, which they did. However, do you know what the price was? FIFTY DOLLARS! And besides the price tag, the book was so thick and heavy, I'd have to hire a moving company to get it out of Barnes & Noble and into my apartment. Sorry Babs, I love you and all, but I refuse to spend that kind of money on your book. I'll wait for the biopic.

But wait, it gets worse.

MUCH worse.

Last month, while walking through Fairmount, I passed by a tall building I've seen many times before, but never really noticed until then. On that day, I looked up and saw the name of the building (Fountain View), and discovered that it was an apartment building for senior citizens. And since I always leave myself open to the possibility of moving, I took a picture of the building and then Googled it when I got home because I was curious to find out the pricing for seniors. Many of the apartment buildings I've inquired about over the years charge seniors a monthly price based on their yearly income. Therefore, each senior pays a different price. I've applied to three different apartment complexes for seniors in the past year and have been accepted by all three. However, it's just a matter of waiting for an opening, which could take a year or more.

One great thing about the state of Pennsylvania is that it takes care of its seniors, offering a free travel pass on all public transportation, adjustable housing/rental costs, and weekly discounts at retail stores. And trust me, even though I still work (part time) and receive my Social Security every month, I remain very conscious about the money I spend and how much I save. I live comfortably and wish to keep it that way. I would say that I'm pretty good with money. And I owe that to my years as an actor, having to juggle my finances because I never knew when my next acting job would manifest. I'm used to living with the unknown.

Anyway, getting back to the apartment building...

When I got home and found Fountain View (a luxury senior community) online through their website, I immediately searched for the monthly price of a studio apartment.

Here is a photo taken of the building...

Nice, hu?

Yes, that's what I thought.

Here is a screenshot I took of the layout of their studio at 429 square feet...

I have pretty much lived in studio apartments my whole life and thought the floor plan they offered was nice (but normal) for a studio. Most studios are anywhere from 300 to 500 square feet.

Okay, now are you ready for the price?

Are you sure?

Promise you won't scream?

As I scrolled down the page and saw the monthly starting price, I first thought I was looking at the price for a weekend getaway to a premium resort in Bali, or a Chanel designer handbag. But NOT a monthly rental fee for a studio apartment.

Can you believe this?

$3,780.00???????

That's probably why it states on its website: "Welcome to Fountain View at Logan Square, a senior living community designed for those with a taste for the finer things in life."

Ummmmm....no thank you. I'll pass. A little too "fine" for my wallet. LOL!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Have a fabulous weekend, y'all! 💚

We FINALLY Got A Snow Day!

2025-01-08T19:46:00.001-05:00

Guess what?

We FINALLY got snow!

When I woke up Monday morning and opened the mini blinds, I immediately started jumping up and down and clapping my hands as if I had just seen Santa Claus. It was SNOWING!

I took a quick shower, moisturized my face and body, dressed in my winter attire (including my snow boots), and walked to Trader Joe's to grab some groceries. When I got there, I felt like I was one of only a handful of people in the store, so I did my shopping and got out in less than 10 minutes.

When I returned to my apartment, I made a delicious avocado and veggie wrap with hummus and sprouts before heading back outside to take pictures.

FYI - back in December, I treated myself to a new cell phone because I had my other one for a little over three years. Not only was the battery losing power quickly, but the phone was getting so slow. Also, the touch screen hardly worked. I had to tap many times before it would respond.

I found a Motorola Moto G 5G on sale on their website. I got the phone AND the protective case for only $183.00 and FREE shipping. They delivered it in only two days. Like my previous phone, I purchased it unlocked and transferred all the data myself.

One great feature on this new phone is the camera. I liked the camera on my other phone, but this one is much better. It's got many more options when you're in manual mode.

Below are some photographs I took that day. The temperature was in the low 20s with gusty winds. We got 4-5 inches of snow. And I spent 2 hours outside, enjoying every single minute!

❄❆❄❆❄❆❄❆❄❆❄❆

Here's one of my very favorite furry park creatures...

Independence Hall...

The following three photos I took while walking through Society Hill. I love the old Colonial-style homes...

Aren't they beautiful?

Yes, I was BEYOND happy, excited, bonkers, and euphoric about finally getting snow.

Can you tell?...

And here is a brief clip...

❄❅❆ Happy Winter, Everyone! ❆❅❄

P.S. I just saw on the weather report that we're getting more snow on Saturday!

I Am So LOVING My Chunky Knit Blanket I Got For Christmas!

2025-01-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or did Christmas fly by so fast that you missed it?

I woke up the day after Christmas and thought, "Wait...did we just have Christmas or was that something I dreamed?"

And for the first time, Philadelphia took all its Christmas decorations down the following day. In previous years, the city left them until the day after New Year's.

Being I'm in retail, I worked a lot of extra hours before Christmas. I worked Christmas Eve until 5 PM. But I didn't mind because I actually enjoy helping clients pick out gifts for their family and friends, as they (primarily men) run through the store in a panic because they waited until the last minute, saying to me, "Why are you out of everything I need?"

I want to say, "DUH....take a guess!?!"

Men and women shop so differently. Women shop in advance. Most men shop at the last possible second.

I don't know whether I mentioned this last year, but I changed jobs. I'm still in the beauty industry, however I no longer work for a retail store. I work for a specific brand as one of their field brand reps. And I love the job because I don't work as many hours as I used to, yet earn much more money. The company I currently work for approached me last year and offered me the position. It's a great job because I travel to different stores each week and experience a change of scenery.

My boss is such a fabulous lady. She doesn't micro-manage me or pressure me. She lets me do my thing and trusts that I will get the job done.

I feel very blessed.

And speaking of blessings, my dear longtime friend, Diana (who I wrote about here and here), mailed me a Christmas gift she made with her own hands. Diana is so creative. Back when we lived in Orlando, Florida, she used to make the most gorgeous wreaths from fresh herbs. Not only were they beautiful, but they smelled heavenly. She also had the cutest cottage house that had such a welcoming warmth because of the way she decorated it.

This year, Diana made something for me I am in love with. She made me a chunky knit blanket. In case you've never heard of them (like me), here is an article and short video on The History of the Chunky Knit Blanket.

Today, I would like to show you just how much I am enjoying it.

Here is a photo of Diana and her precious son, Nico...

This is the blanket and how it came wrapped inside the box. See how creative she is?...

Here is a close-up of the stitch. This picture makes the yarn look much lighter than it is, which is a rich, dark gray...

And here is me enjoying my new blanket. It's so snuggly and oh-so-soft. Last week, we had about five days of freezing (which I love) weather. So, I wrapped myself in the blanket and savored its coziness...

Thank you so much, Diana! 🩶ya'!

P.S. And Happy New Year, everyone!🍷

CelebratingThe Colors Of Christmas

2024-12-16T19:58:00.005-05:00

Even though I've been in retail for over 30 years, I still get excited this time of year. Yes, retail overly commercializes Christmas, no doubt. However, despite that, what I love about Christmas is how you can feel a shift in people's energy. They smile more. They seem more friendly and considerate.

My enjoyment of Christmas is a direct result of how my parents always made the holidays so special for us. I feel so blessed to have had my parents as my parents. I miss them dearly. However, I can still feel them around me.

*a photograph taken of my father and mother during a New Year's Eve party...

Both my mother and father made our home fun, festive, and magical. Between the decorations and LP Christmas records that played on our console stereo, our home felt like a Christmas wonderland. It was so much fun that when Christmas was over, we'd experience a letdown, especially when it came time to take down our Christmas tree in the living room.

One tradition that stands out for me was decorating the bay window in our living room with snow spray and stencils. Does anyone remember these?....

Over the past two weeks, I took photographs of colorful Christmas decor, inside and outside the city, that caught my eye.

Please enjoy...

When I was at work last weekend, these amazing acapella singers came into the store and sang a Christmas song. They sounded incredible!...

One of my favorite coffee spots in Old City. I love their holiday painted window display...

Four reflections of myself in this photograph...

The property manager of my apartment building likes to decorate for the holidays. This arrangement is one of many in our lobby...

An office building Christmas tree...

I would like to conclude this post with a photograph of my favorite UK makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge, who I've been following for over 13 years on YouTube. What I admire most about Lisa is that she shares makeup tutorials that are easy to follow and that anyone can use; not just makeup artists. I've learned more about makeup from Lisa than I have from anyone else. She's absolutely brilliant! And she's also a sweetheart.

Here she is wearing her very own gorgeous classic red lipstick that is perfect for the holiday season. This color is one of four in her tutorial: 4 Ways to Wear Red Lips...

🎄🎅🤶💝 Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🤶💝

-------------------------

Christmas Movies I Enjoy:

Touching -

Comedies-

Classics-

-Miracle of 34th Street

-The Bishop's Wife

-It's a Wonderful Life

Change: I Switched From Verizon To T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

2024-12-04T20:16:00.001-05:00

Internet Service Backstory -

The apartment building I live in is exclusively wired for Comcast. And since I loathe Comcast because of their INSANE prices and the way they think they RULE the world, I refused to use their service. Therefore, the only other option I had was Verizon. However, since Fios was unavailable in my building, I succumbed to Verizon DSL.

That's right, you heard me correctly.

For the past 23 years, I've been using DSL, which is only half a step up from Dial-up service. I felt like Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. It was so bad that many times while watching a movie, it would buffer. Not only that, the service would knock me offline constantly, so I had to reboot the modem which was a royal pain in my arse.

But I put up with it because I didn't think I had any other options.

Also, guess what I was paying for DSL service each month. Are you ready for this?

$100.98!

And that was because I was paying for not only internet service but a landline phone as well. And for a phone that I NEVER used. DSL requires that you be connected to a phone line.

My New Internet Service Search -

For the past several months, I've been searching for a different option and decided to look into the possibility of going with Wi-Fi internet. And I wanted one that was reliable, fast, and available in my area. But most importantly, much less expensive.

I looked into Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

After watching a bazillion YouTube videos on each one, I chose T-Mobile 5G Home Internet.

I purchased the service (which included a gateway) online rather than in-store because if I did so, they would waive the $25.00 activation fee. In addition, it qualified me for a $150 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard promotion.

Signing up online went smoothly. The gentleman who helped me (Jonathan) could not have been more patient, kind, and efficient. He informed me that I would receive the gateway in 3-5 business days. It only took TWO days!

Setting It Up -

I had heard over and over again how easy and quick it was to set up service. They all said, "It will only take 15 minutes to set it up." One YouTuber even claimed,"It was so easy to set up that my 98-year-old grandmother completed it in less than 5 minutes!"

Yeah....RIGHT.

After trying to connect my desktop computer to the Wi-Fi for over 45 minutes, I decided to call customer service. But before doing that, I did everything I was instructed to do, via the app.

I got a technical support guy who kept saying to me, "Oh it's so easy to set it up. You simply plug it in and it will AUTOMATICALLY connect your devices."

Oh, really?!?!

By the way, don't you love how IT people talk to you like you're an IT person as well? They seem to have little patience for anyone who doesn't understand IT. And I'm thinking, "Why would I call you if I understood IT?!?!"

Anyway, after trying everything on his end to correct the issue, he came up with another way to go at it. Now mind you, my cellphone device had no problem connecting to the Wi-Fi, it was my desktop that had the issue.

Come to find out that my desktop Wi-Fi would not accept the name and password that was printed on the back of the gateway. Therefore, I had to go in and create a new name and password. Oy vey!

But that seemed to do the trick. It connected!

My Feedback On The 5G Home Internet -

I have to say, besides the issue in getting my computer to connect to the gateway, the process was not bad. As soon as I got online and started visiting various websites, I could immediately tell how much FASTER the service was compaired to my DSL. It felt like I was flying over the internet. And no buffering while watching a movie.

And guess what? It's only $55.00 per month. It would have only been $50.00 had I signed up for auto-pay, which I never do. The gateway was included. Unlimited data. No contract. And no price increase.

Here are a few photos.

The box...

I placed the gateway right next to a window. I'm on a very high floor, so I get a strong signal...

And here it is on my desktop computer...

So far, so good! I'm VERY happy!😁

Goodbye DSL! Hello 5G Home Internet!

Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone! 💕

Expressing My Freedom Of Speech

2024-11-20T12:06:00.012-05:00

Preface: This post involves the topic of politics. Please know that if this is something you don't care to read, I will understand. Also, don't feel the need to comment or share who you voted for, or even if you chose not to vote. This post is not about debating or defending why I voted the way I did. I'm not here to change your mind, nor will my mind be changed. This post is simply an expression of my freedom of speech.

----------------

My Views On Politics -

I rarely post about politics on my blog. And if I have, it's only been a few times. However, this past presidential election affected me deeply.

I will start by saying I'm neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I'm a registered Independent. I don't vote for a party; I vote for the person and the issues they address. People automatically assume because I'm gay, I am a hardcore, straight-down-the-line Democrat, which I'm not. And that makes me very unpopular with the gay community. But that doesn't bother me because I've always been secure in my identity and see myself as part of the whole human race community.

I'm also neither liberal nor conservative; I'm both. I'm liberal about some things and conservative about others, and I believe that most people are that way.

---------------------------

About This Election -

I almost didn't vote in this election because I wasn't thrilled with either candidate. However, about two months ago, I began feeling more and more that I needed to take an interest in both contenders because if I didn't like the results in November, I would think I didn't do my part.

As many of you know, I haven't watched "the news" in over three years. Therefore, before voting, I only watched each candidate speak at their rallies and whenever they were interviewed, to get an honest sense of their game plans before mainstream media edited and slanted their words.

Around mid-October, I finally decided who I would vote for.

Mind you, Philadelphia is a VERY, VERY, blue city. They wear their blueness as proudly as their Eagles and Phillies T-shirts. Therefore, leading up to election day, there were people out on the streets, walking up to everyone, asking if they had plans to vote, all the while wearing Kamala Harris shirts and pins. Our city was plastered with posters and signs that read Harris/Walz. So yes, the city of Philadelphia voted for Harris.

However, not all of us did.

As I'm sure you can tell by now, I voted for Donald Trump.

Yup, a GAY man voting for Trump - "Hissssssssss!" But since the election, I've spoken to other gays from Philly and NYC who voted for Trump as well. And they did so with no hesitation.

-------------------------------

My Thoughts And Feelings About Donald Trump -

Do I think Donald Trump is perfect? Hell no! Does he lie? Hell yes! But there isn't a politician in this world (Right or Left) who doesn't lie or is without dirty laundry. There were moments during Trump's first term when I wanted only to scream, "Would you PLEASE shut up and stop talking!" "And would you PLEASE stop acting like a bratty little boy when you don't get your way!" Yes, Trump has a MASSIVE ego.

However...

It's his ego that makes him who he is and why he fights with such unending drive, determination, and force as a president.

Even after an assassination attempt, he still moved forward. Nothing stops him. He's fearless.

Does he act that way because of his ego? Yes, of course. But he also acts that way because of his love and pride in America. Underneath all his egotistical and verbose exterior, I see a soft and kind heart in Trump. He will simultaneously fight for himself and the American people. Without a doubt, I can tell that he loves this country.

I realized a long time ago that I don't have to like someone's personality to admire them for the good they do.

That's how I feel about Donald Trump. At times, he truly irritates me. But he also makes me feel safe and secure.

I voted for Trump because he says what he thinks and feels. I wasn't looking for someone who was politically correct and polite. I was looking for someone who's not afraid to upset the apple cart and get things done. And right now, that's exactly what America needs.

I don't believe for one second he hates gays, or blacks, or Asians, or legal immigrants, or women, or Latinos, etc. However, what he does hate is anyone who fucks with America. And so do I. I'm sick and tired of this country and its people being used, manipulated, and treated with disrespect. And not only from the outside, but from the inside as well.

---------------------------------

The Day After Election Day -

One week out, I had a strong intuitive feeling Trump would win this election. Yet I also knew that anything could happen.

When I woke up Wednesday morning, I made myself a cup of coffee, sat down in front of my desktop, and then Googled who won the presidential election in 2024.

And when I saw the results, I broke down and cried. I cried from relief, and I cried from pride in America and the American people who awakened from a deep state of woke, came together, and took back their country. Black, white, men, women, young, old, Latino, Asian, Amish, and even people who in the past didn't vote for him, voted for Trump this time.

He didn't just win. He won HUGELY.

And I am beyond happy that he won back Pennsylvania because I love this state and am proud to be a native.

What also touched me were the comments I read on the internet for days and days after the election, by people from all over the world who congratulated America for electing Trump. I don't think I ever realized how many other countries are dealing with the same issues as America.

Here are some of those comments:

"Every country needs a Donald Trump. I'm from Ireland and we are crying out for someone of his caliber to take over here and clean everything up."

"BRITAIN NEEDS A DONALD TRUMP TO FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS AND OUR FREE SPEECH."

"The US public has scored a massive victory for common sense and rationality. To my American brothers and sisters, I salute you and I thank you. Britain is in a dark place at the moment, but you have given us a guiding light to move towards."

"The Indigenous people of Britain 🇬🇧 welcome Donald Trump. Thank you, AMERICA. 🇺🇸"

"I'm a 20-year-old dude from the suburbs of Philly and I am a PROUD Trump voter. Thank you to all who did their part. Here's to the future of America!"

"I'm an Australian and I've been more invested in the US election than the state election we just had. The world needs Trump more than ever."

-------------------------------

I would like to conclude this post by reiterating what I shared at the start. I will not debate or defend my presidential choice because, like all Americans, I have the freedom to vote for whomever I decide and for whatever reasons. And if you feel the desire to unfollow or unfriend me for my choice, so be it. I am no longer keeping my political opinions to myself, just because it's not in sync with the people who are permitted to say whatever they want.

Yes, I know many Americans are unhappy with the outcome of this election. And so much so that they have dissociated from friends and family members because they voted for the opposite candidate. And this has been on both sides. However, there have been several times in past elections when I was unhappy with the outcome. Yet, I knew there was nothing I could do to change it, so I accepted it and moved on.

Several days ago, I met up with my good friend, Kelly, who did not vote for Trump. What I love about our friendship is that she and I can disagree on things but we also allow one another to have our own opinions without getting into an argument. She and I had an open, calm, and honest conversation about not only our choices, but what we also saw as the "pros and cons" of each candidate.

As I sat across from Kelly, I thought to myself, "This, right here, is why I love America. As Americans, we have the freedom to express our ideas and opinions without fear of government retaliation, censorship, or legal action."

And frankly, that's the way I want it to remain.

It's That Time Of The Year - "Fall Clothing"

2024-10-21T18:51:00.001-04:00

Autumn always makes me think of the movie When Harry Met Sally.

Not only is it my all-time favorite romantic comedy, but I also love how the movie takes you through all four seasons but highlights autumn and winter, my most-loved.

While living in New York City, my ideal thing to do once autumn rolled in was to take long walks through Central Park. Lucky for me, I lived only half a block from Central Park East Side.

Central Park was one of my cherished spots in Manhattan because in a city composed primarily of buildings—small, large, and huge—the park was my escape into nature.

Besides the cooler temps and cozy, comfy foods, I also look forward to fall clothing. I have always felt that clothing is much more attractive than little or no clothing. And to me, I think fall wear is sexy.

Two things I love about fall clothing:

- warm, rich, earthtones.

- layers and textures

Some of my faves...

Fall clothing for kids...

And for pets...

🍂🍁🍂🍁 Hope you're all enjoying this season!🍂🍁🍂🍁

I certainly am...🧡

Things I've Learned In My 69 Years

2024-10-02T14:48:00.003-04:00

Today, I turned 69. And to be honest, outside of a few physical things that have naturally changed over the years (such as having to get up in the middle of the night 400 times to urinate), I still feel like I'm in my 30s.

I remember getting ready to turn 30 and talking to my father on the phone one day, and I said to him, "Gosh, Dad, I cannot believe I'm going to be THIRTY in a few days. I'm getting old!" He chuckled and said, "Yeah? Well wait until you turn 67, like me, and then tell me how old you are."

Back then, 67 sounded ancient. But now that I'm moving through my 60s, I don't see myself as old. I still feel like I'm 20, 30, 40...

So, I guess it's true what they say about aging.

Today I want to share four things I've learned in my 69 years. Mind you, I have learned much more, but I'm only listing these four because they are at the top...

1) Trusting my gut (intuition) -

Throughout my life, I've learned the importance of trusting my gut. And as I've gotten older, I have learned never to second-guess it. I also learned that intuition comes quickly. It's a feeling that tries to get my attention by saying, "Please, Ron, get out of your head and listen to your gut." And do you know what? It's never wrong. Trusting my gut prevented me from getting into some very negative situations. And it also directed me to some wonderful opportunities I would have missed had I not listened to my gut.

2) Learn from my past, but don't live there -

I'm a firm believer that nothing in my life happens by accident. I have no regrets. Good or bad, I wouldn't change a single thing about my past because it gave me the knowledge to live in the present. Every so often, I need to revisit my past and process certain moments to be reminded of what they taught me. However, it's important not to remain there.

3) The world will see me exactly how I see myself -

I learned this lesson at a very young age. I discovered that what is most important is how I see myself. And in doing so, that is exactly how the world will view me. I was very different than most kids. But when I finally embraced all I was, the world ironically embraced me. I know that sounds very simplistic, but I found it true. How I feel about myself is a form of "energy." And that energy permeates throughout the world and can be felt by others.

4) Make plans and be prepared. However, be willing to stay open to how it plays out -

My time in theater taught me this lesson because when you perform onstage, live, it's important to make plans, be prepared, and show up. However, in theater, you have to be willing to stay open and see how it plays out. Much like life, I can do everything possible to prepare for things. But, I have to remain open to spontaneity as well. The theater was an excellent lesson in remaining adaptable, flexible, and living in the moment.

--------------------------

Yes, aging is inevitable. But that doesn't mean I have to get old.

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I'd like to conclude this post by saying how grateful I am for my life and the variety of paths I've traveled. I'm also grateful for all the opportunities I've had to grow and learn from. And lastly, I am immensely grateful for my parents, who brought me into this world and gave me life!

My mother and me in 1955. I was only two months old...

Have a great rest of your week, y'all!💕

'Tis The Season For Some Pumpkin Lovin'

2024-09-23T20:04:00.002-04:00

Now that autumn is officially here, I can post about my pumpkin obsession.

Yes...I 🧡 pumpkins.

I love them more than my own life.

And since Trader Joe's started carrying 2024 seasonal items (including pumpkins) last week, I decided to get a head start by purchasing DOUBLE and TRIPLE of everything. I acted like one of those selfish people during the COVID lockdown who purchased multiple packs of toilet paper and paper towels in fear of running out.

As with every year, when I walked into Trade Joe's that morning, I immediately caught the aroma of cinnamon spice in the air. When I spotted the baby pumpkins, I began clapping and jumping up and down. And then I instantly picked one up and kissed it. Yes, KISSED it!

That's when all the other customers in the produce section slowing began inching away from me.

I had so much fun that day walking around the store, talking to myself, and deciding what to purchase.

Here are a few things I picked up on Day 1...

The hand soap smells HEAVENLY. I bought eight baby pumpkins. Four of them I gifted to various people I work with, and the other four I placed around my studio apartment. Over the next six weeks, I will definitely be purchasing more...

I purchased three bags of these...

Two bags of these...

And two of these...

Here is a bell pepper I purchased because it resembled a baby pumpkin...

This is Riverwards Produce in Old City. I LOVE this place. They offer produce and much, much more...

As you can tell, they love pumpkins as much as I do...

I have already unshelved my Dutch Oven and started making autumn soups. Below is a collage from one of my favorite food blogs, where I get so many tasty recipes - the blog is called Love and Lemons.

🍁🍂🍁🍂 Happy Autumn, Everyone! 🍂🍁🍂🍁

***Oh, and here's a BONUS I'd like to share with you. This photograph will give you a good idea of how trashy Philadelphia can be. I spotted it while walking home from Old City a few weeks ago. These two items were sitting directly in front of an Italian pizza restaurant by the front door. It makes you want to go inside and order food, doesn't it? Yum...

Lucky for me, I had to pee. So, I used the toilet and then took a quick bath. 😂

9/11 First Responder, Captain Billy Burke

2024-09-10T03:29:00.004-04:00

Can you believe it's been 23 years since 9/11?

To me, it seems like only yesterday.

I was in New York City on July 26th of 2001, six weeks before 9/11, and visited the South Tower observation deck with my boss from Florida, who had come to New York to see her family.

Here are two photographs from that day...

Like all of you, I clearly remember where I was on September 11th and how I felt watching it unfold.

9/11 is something I will never forget. Nor do I ever want to.

I moved to Manhattan less than a year after the Twin Towers were complete, so I hold a sentimental connection to them.

Even now, 23 years later, I still get very emotional whenever I watch a documentary on 9/11.

I have visited the 9/11 Memorial many times, and every time, moved to tears. With each visit, it felt as though I was peeling away another layer of grief.

Throughout the years, I've discovered new findings about 9/11 that focus on different aspects, such as the survivors, those who witnessed that day first-hand, the family members of those who perished in the towers, in the planes, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA.

However, what has had the most impact on me are the documentaries focusing on the first responders of 9/11. They are the true heroes, many of whom died while saving others.

Today, I would like to focus on the first responders...

My inspiration for this post came from watching a YouTube video featuring Christine Ebersole, an extremely talented actress/singer with whom I attended acting school in 1974-75.

In the video clip, Christine shares a touching story of how her life was deeply affected by First Responder Captain Billy Burke after being asked to sing at his memorial service at St Patrick's Cathedral. She never actually met him, yet Christine was profoundly touched by his spirit.

She was transformed from fearful to fearless.

Captain Billy Burke-

A native New Yorker, he was born on March 9, 1955, and grew up in Plainview. He was the second of six children. From his perspective, he was born to be a firefighter. He was the son of a deputy chief in the NYFD. Yet his father did not want his children to follow him into his profession. Retired at age 64, he was worn down by smoke and stress. Yet Billy dreamed of fighting fires since childhood and he would always remember what his dad taught him about what to do in a burning building: get the civilians out and then take care of your men. He saw this as the family code even as two of the world’s tallest buildings collapsed.

Billy, the Captain of 21 Engine, was in the North Tower with his crew as the South Tower fell. His crew kept calling, “We got to get out, Cap.” His answer?

“You guys go ahead; we’ll meet at the rig.”

Billy disappeared to search another floor, making a final sweep for those in need, the helpless who might have been trapped; a citizen in need of a fireman, while his crew made it out before the North Tower also collapsed.

His body has never been found.

I dedicate this post to Captain Billy Burke, and all the other brave men and women first responders, who fearlessly put their lives in harm's way to save others. They exemplified unity.

Please know that you are greatly appreciated, loved, and forever remembered.

💕

*In case you're interested, here is the link to the video with Christine Ebersole. It will touch your heart deeply.

*More about Billy Burke from his sister.

Thankful For Michael J. Fox

2024-08-28T18:35:00.000-04:00

My inspiration for this post comes from my longtime blogging friend, Debbie@Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who posts Thankful Thursday each week.

So, thank you, dear friend! 💕

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I believe that Thanksgiving Day is something we should celebrate every day of the week and all year long. I've also read that gratitude produces endorphins, which are natural opioids that can help relieve pain and boost happiness. And I've got to say that from my own experience, I found that true. I believe that gratitude feeds optimism.

The more thankful I am, the better I feel overall.

So, before I get out of bed in the morning, I take a quick minute to remind myself of how wealthy I am - body, mind, and spirit. And as I move throughout my day, I have the intention of sharing that wealth with others.

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I've always had tremendous admiration for people who have had extreme adversity in their lives and want to know how they moved through it.

Those are the individuals from whom I seem to learn the most.

One of those people is Michael J. Fox...

Michael J. Fox -

Michael won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his work on Family Ties. In 1988, he married his co-star, Tracy Pollan, and they welcomed their first child, Sam, a year later. During his 20s, while filming Doc Hollywood in 1991, Michael developed a tremor in his pinky finger. A consultation with a neurologist revealed a surprising and devastating diagnosis: he had young-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). He was only 29 years old.

Michael kept his illness under wraps for many years and worked steadily. In 1995, he and Tracy had twin daughters, Aquinnah and Schuyler. In 2002, Michael returned to series television in ABC’s Spin City. The role won him another Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. During the series’ third season, Michael realized that he could no longer hide his Parkinson’s, which prompted him to reveal his diagnosis to the press and general public. After one more season of Spin City, Michael retired from full-time acting to focus on advocacy and fundraising for Parkinson’s disease.

Last year I watched the documentary, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, and was not only touched but also deeply inspired by how Michael took what happened and turned it into something that allowed him to move forward with determination and grace.

If you haven't seen the documentary, I highly recommend it. I've watched it twice. What's incredible about the film is that it's not the slightest bit depressing. It is uplifting, humorous, and honest. You come away feeling empowered.

It's a love story too.

What touched me the most was how his wife, Tracy, stood by his side from day one and has been with him ever since. Their relationship exemplifies true unconditional love.

Michael's family...

Michael and Tracy today...

Thank you, Michael. You an inspiration!

*Links:

-Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

-The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research

-Michael J. Fox Instagram

-Tracy Pollan Instagram

No Offense August, But October Is More My Type

2024-08-19T20:01:00.002-04:00

As most of you know, I am not fond of summer.

However, even people who love summer have mentioned that they find the heat and humidity hard to handle this year. They too are looking forward to autumn.

Besides the oppressive heat, this summer has been rough for me. There is something "off" about it. The overall energy seems chaotic and tense. Instead of people being happy about summer, they seem much more impatient and argumentative. I've witnessed more screaming matches on the streets, and more horn honking and bird-flipping than I ever have. Even though I don't like summer, I can usually move through it without bitching and complaining. However, this year it's been extremely challenging. Maybe it's because I live in a heavily populated city, but I find myself dreading the thought of mingling with bumper-to-bumper people. When I'm not working or running errands, I am hibernating indoors. I find it too hot to do anything else.

This is why I look forward to spending more time outside, once autumn rolls in and brings cooler air. I long for the day when I can finally wear a turtleneck and a jacket.

For me, my senses (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch) are immeasurably affected by the fall season. Ironically, although autumn is a time when things are dying, I personally feel more alive.

Therefore today, I would like to share a sneak peek into my favorite season; anticipating the sensory delights that come with autumn.

Hope you enjoy!

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

These first two photographs are of Yardley, PA., which I plan to visit come autumn...

I found this list online and 💛'd it...

Autumn is cozy soup season...

And pumpkin bread with coffee season...

The aroma of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg...

I could live in this house...

Autumn in Japan...

Fall Foliage in Upper Black Eddy, PA...

Yup, I can't WAIT for autumn...

Happy Pre-Autumn, everyone!

🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

The RISING Cost Of Food (And Other Things)

2024-08-05T20:02:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you have all noticed the INSANE escalation in food prices when you go to the grocery store each week, right?

I certainly have.

I'm only one person, so it's not like I have to purchase food for a partner or family members, but I can even see how the cost of food has climbed Mount Everest.

I usually shop (at Trader Joe's and Mom's Organic Market) twice a week. I don't have a lot of space in my studio apartment kitchen, so I have to purchase in small amounts and shop more frequently. I sincerely don't mind that because I like my food (which consists primarily of vegetables) fresh. For instance, if I make pesto pasta with broccoli, I will purchase fresh broccoli and basil that day. I shop very much like a European.

I used to spend about $35.00 each time I shopped, which totaled (for the week) around $70.00, which is not bad at all, considering that I eat my meals at home.

HOWEVER...

Now when I shop, I've noticed a steady increase every time I go to the store. The increases were between 2-3 dollars for each product. Currently, I spend anywhere from $52.00 to $56.00, which totals over a hundred dollars each week.

And that total doesn't include personal products such as: shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and paper goods, which have gotten SO FREAKING EXPENSIVE. While shopping for toilet paper at Target a few weeks ago, I discovered my favorite brand (Scott) had increased to $6.99 for FOUR rolls. That's when I started collecting leaves from the trees in our parks and thought about using them as toilet paper.

LOL!

Oh, and speaking of Target (which used to be my go-to store for great prices), I spotted a medium-sized bag of pretzels that had a price tag of $8.99. For PRETZELS!!!!

Lately, I find myself walking away from products and saying aloud, "There is no way in HELL I will pay those prices!"

Yes, the economy in this country is a total wreckage. And it's been that way for many years. However, I believe companies are simply jacking their prices (price gouging) and blaming it on inflation.

Isn't it something how when COVID hit in 2020, companies were kind, compassionate, and fair towards the people of this world? However, now, they are back to being self-serving and greedy. It seems to take a catastrophe to humble people. But how soon they forget.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun (and possibly depressing) to recall the price of food when I grew up in the 60s. Yes, I know prices are all relative to various decades, and what was less expensive back then was consistent with the average yearly income. But I still think essential food was much more affordable. As a kid, I remember grocery shopping with my mother and recalling how the cart was always filled to the brim, top, and bottom.

1960s -

*Note: Grade 'A' Large Eggs for only .79. Today, in Pennsylvania, a dozen eggs cost $4.52

*Note: A tube of Colgate toothpaste for only .99. The toothpaste I currently use (Crest) is $8.99

*Note: No, I didn't smoke cigarettes in the 60s, but my mother and father did. And yes, a pack was only .35. Later in life, I did smoke (for almost 40 years). And by the time I quit (in 2015), cigarettes were up to $8.00 a pack. I'm so glad I no longer smoke, both in money and health.

*Note: A can of Campbell's soup was .09. Today, a can is anywhere from $1.99 to $2.50

*Note: Beverages - Coffee, Pot - only .35!? A 12 oz. coffee here in Philly (before tax) is $2.45-$3.15.

McDonald's Prices 1965 (by the way, one of my first jobs was working at McDonald's)

*Note: $11,900 for a home?!? Today, you can't buy a car for that price

Oh, and before cellphones, this is how we blocked calls in the 1960s...

Have a faaaabulous week, everyone! 💕

*Please feel free to share things you've noticed that have increased in price.

Experimenting With AI Photography

2024-07-17T20:06:00.002-04:00

What is AI Photography?

"AI photography refers to a form of photography that utilizes artificial intelligence to either generate new images or enhance existing ones that mimic real photographs."

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For the past two weeks, I've been experimenting with AI.

I enjoy trying new technology, although AI is not exactly new, it's been around for a while. However, lately, it is something I'm seeing more and more people using (especially on Instagram), so I was curious to try it myself. But I've got to be honest, my initial response was unfavorable because the photographs I saw on Instagram looked too perfect and unreal.

I often edit my photographs before publishing by cropping them, sharpening them, and even enhancing the color at times. I think of editing as an artist using brushes and paints when they create a piece of art. So, I'm not against using AI for editing as long as it looks natural.

After searching online, I found a free AI-generating website to experiment on.

Here are the images I created (and please look at them closely)...

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When creating an image using AI, you type in what it is you would like to see. You can be as specific or as general as you wish.

(AI - spooky castle on a hill at night, moon, cloudy sky) *I like this one because of its Gothic imagery. It reminds me of Dracula's castle!

(AI - winter, cozy house covered in snow) *I love the house, but I think the snow on the ground and the trees look fake.

(Original photo I took myself)

(AI Edit) *personally, I prefer the orginal. It's got more texture.

(AI - male angel with wings and a robe hovering over a city) I LOVE this one because of its mystical imagery.

(AI - sacred temple in kyoto, japan, cherry blossom trees) *I really like how the temple generated, but the people standing on the stairs and the cherry blossom tree in the background look "off".

(Original photo I took myself)

(AI edit) *I prefer the original. In the AI edit, it eliminated the William Penn statue atop City Hall. It also changed the cloud formations.

(AI - One World Trade Center, New York City) *I like how this was generated because, unlike the others, it is the closest one to looking real.

One of my favorite musicals is Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim. It's a brilliant dark musical satire - a tale of love, murder. and revenge, set against the backdrop of 19th-century London. And although it sounds like something you might initially think, "Why on earth would I ever want to see a musical with a storyline like that?", it's actually quite funny. The two main characters are Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd. So, I decided to create an AI-generated image of each character.

(AI - musical sweeney todd, mrs. lovett, sweeney todd) *this one I LOVE!

My final AI-generated image attempt was to create my idea of an attractive man. I created one with dark hair and the other with gray hair, both of them with brown eyes, facial hair, and light to medium skin.

Here is what AI generated for me - *I think they are both quite attractive. However to me, they don't look real. Particularly the hair and skin.

And this is the issue I have with AI-generated photos. There is something artificial about them. But I suppose that's why it's referred to as Artificial Intelligence.

My Final Thoughts: I think the only time I will use AI in the future will be if I want to create an image that is intentional imaginary. But for editing my photographs? No. But I'm glad I tried it.

Any thoughts on AI?

In case you're interested, here is the AI image generator website I used: CGDream. You can either upload your photos and edit them, or you can generate a completely new photo/image by allowing AI to do it for you.

Thanks so much for stopping by, folks! Have a great rest of your week! 💕

*Great article about AI Photography: What is AI Photography, and is it Photography?

My Love Affair With Scotland

2024-07-01T20:24:00.000-04:00

For the past eight months or so, I've been having a love affair with Scotland. And yet, I've never been there or given the country much thought. However, for some strange reason, many of the movies I've been watching (old and new) have been set in Scotland, revealing how ruggedly gorgeous it is.

In fact, there were moments when watching a film with the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, I got emotional and teary-eyed. There is something extraordinary not only about the physicality of Scotland, but also an energy that goes straight to my heart.

Scotland is how I envision heaven to be.

Here, take a look at its spectacular landscapes...

I love sheep. They look like large cotton balls with four legs and have the sweetest little faces...

Scottish Highlands in the fall...

Kilchurn Castle...

The Catholic Church of St Mary and St Finnan in the Scottish Highlands. So exquisitely GOTH...

Eilean Donan Castle...

These next two photographs are of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland...

Isn't the historical architecture breathtaking?

The town of Portree...

Glorious sunset over the Scottish Highlands (River Sligachan)...

Heavenly, isn't it?

In case you're interested, here is a link to a delightful video I discovered on YouTube that highlights the reunion of Ewan McGregor and his brother, Colin, in A Brothers' Guide to Scotland. It will give you a clear picture of the gorgeous Scottish Highlands.

Ewan and his brother Colin look so much alike. I adore their Scottish accents.

Ewan expressed something at the end of the video that sums up Scotland perfectly. He said:

"I think whoever made the world started with Scotland and got it right!"

And I agree!

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Have a terrific week, everyone! 💕

Are there any places in the world you feel particularly drawn to?

*all photos found online

Skincare Recommendations & Tips

2024-06-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

*This is not a sponsored post

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Today, I would like to share a few skincare recommendations and tips that I've discovered throughout my time in the beauty industry and found them very useful.

Hope you will too!

Washing Your Face -

Always use lukewarm water when washing your face. Extreme hot or cold water expands and contracts the capillaries, and over time, will break them, causing redness - particularly around the nose and cheek areas. People with rosacea or eczema should especially know this.

Wash your face twice a day - once in the morning before applying any skincare and makeup, and then again at night before your nighttime skincare routine. A lot of my clients ask, "Why do I need to wash my face in the morning when it's clean?" And I tell them, "Your bed pillow breeds bacteria as you sleep. So, it's important to give your face one quick wash, preparing it for your skincare products."

Some of my favorite face washes are here, here, here, and here.

Using Face Exfoliants -

Do not use physical exfoliants on your face. They are too abrasive and can cause damage. Use only AHA/BHA or enzymatic exfoliants. They are much more controlled and gentle. The two exfoliants I linked to are my absolute favorites. They are highly effective, yet very gentle.

Do not over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is more than enough. Most clients exfoliant way too much. They assume more is better. And it's not. Over-exfoliation it can strip away your skin's natural barrier responsible for keeping the bad stuff out (pollution, irritants) and the good stuff in (water, oils).

Pain Means Gain -

I kid you not, many clients I assist tell me, "Whatever you recommend, I want it to BURN and HURT, because that way I know it's working!" And I tell them, "No, that does not mean it's working. It means it's too much." And yet, do you know what they always say? "I don't care. Give me the most severe product you have. I can take it. I'm tough!"

It continually blows me away how clients psychologically believe that something has to hurt to be effective.

I used to work with a woman who believed that pain means gain. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, but she and I had a completely different approach to skincare. Therefore, I would refer all those "hurt to work" clients to her. When I was first trained in cosmetology school, I was taught skincare in the European way, that you treat your facial skin as if it's a delicate piece of tissue paper and be GENTLE. The woman I worked with believed that skincare had to feel as though you got hit by a Mack truck and dragged 10 blocks. Then, and only then, did she believe something worked.

I used to call her The Dominatrix.

Sunscreens: Physical Versus Chemical -

Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I've tried both chemical and physical sunscreens, and I much prefer physical.

The chemical sunscreens not only irritated my skin but also my eyes. I perspire a lot when I'm hot, so the chemical sunscreens would sweat their way into my eyes and burn like HELL.

Physical sunscreens have come a long way. They no longer feel heavy on your skin or cause a white cast. They are now much more sheer, but still very effective.

They're also better for people with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, and acne-prone skin.

The bottom line is that physical sunscreens are better because they act as a wall between you and the sun.

Some of my favorite mineral sunscreens are here, here, here, and here.

Skin Bruises -

One thing I noticed as I reached my 60s was how easily my skin bruises. And I don't have to bruise my skin hard for it to create a mark like this (not a photo of my arm):

Why Does This Happen?

As we age, our skin gets thinner and we lose some of the layer of fat that cushions our blood vessels and protects us from injury. Also, our blood vessels become more fragile. Both things mean we may get more bruises, even from a minor bump.

So, in case anyone reading is experiencing this, I would like to share what works for me to speed up the healing process.

I use a homeopathic cream from the company Boiron that is quite effective. It's not only great for bruises but also cuts, scrapes, chafing, minor burns, sunburn, and dry skin.

This light cream soothes and moisturizes, while the active ingredient, made from fresh Calendula, heals.

I always keep a tube in my backpack so that if I'm out and about and bruise my skin, I can immediately apply it. I will often apply it to my cuticles and lips during the colder, winter months. It's one of those things that I always have handy, just in case I need it.

It has a light, natural scent I find calming.

How to use: I apply it 3-4 times a day and usually see a reduction in the bruise within a few days. Be consistent. You can't just use it once and expect the bruise to be gone.

I've seen nothing work as well as this cream. I highly recommend it. And be sure to get the cream, not the ointment or gel.

Extra tip: Before applying the cream, apply a cold compress on the bruise. This helps with any inflammation and swelling.

In Conclusion -

Don't Believe Everything You Read And See On TikTok and Instagram -

Be very careful when reading things on Instagram and TikTok, promoting skincare, makeup, and haircare. Understand that these people are receiving free products and/or getting paid to promote those products. That is why they're called influencers. Do your own research and don't believe everything that's plastered all over social media.

When looking for a product in-store, find a beauty advisor you fully trust before making a purchase. Get a sense of whether they are genuinely assisting you to find a product to match your need, or just selling you something to meet their daily goal.

FYI -

Here is an article and video from CBS News Boston about how kids all over TikTok and Instagram are sharing their skincare routines, and while many of these brightly packaged creams, lotions, and serums are harmless, dermatologists say most of these expensive products just aren't necessary. Influencers as young as 9 years old are promoting products.

Trust me, I see this every day that I work. And what surprises me is why the parents allow it.

Just remember, social media is both positive and negative. Use discernment before purchasing.

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Hope you found this helpful and informative!

*Please feel free to ask me any questions you might have about skincare in your comments. I will be more than happy to respond. Thank you! 💕