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waiting

Waiting can be a good thing, if we let it. I’ve read that when we’re waiting, we should simply be where we are, and not be anxious; that we should train ourselves to be in present time and observe the happenings around us, and not think of where we want to be, or the slowness of the line, or wanting to complain.

Recently I was uptown waiting for someone. No book or magazine in hand- nothing to dilute the moment- simply waiting and observing. A bus pulled up. People were standing inside the bus, and those who’d been at the stop got on and found a place in the bus. The bus was now crowded. But people were still waving their arms, running toward the bus, while carrying stuffed grocery bags, or heavy backpacks on their shoulders. Everyone who wanted to be on the bus was now on and off it went. As soon as it left, another bus came along; it was going in the same direction. The three passengers sitting in that bus looked quite comfortable. A mental note to self: before thinking of boarding a crowded bus, look around.

I’ve noticed lately that similar scenes happen in cafes and restaurants. A person walks into a favorite place for lunch. It looks so busy – really hopping – and s/he thinks there’s no way of getting a table. A few minutes later customers get up. leave, and suddenly there’s a choice as to where to sit. And the one wanting a table rushed out in a flash, looking for another place to have lunch. Ah, the rhythm of life. From observing and waiting a different way of doing things emerges.

“Dare yourself to “play games” with your day: watch, wait, listen; allow things to happen.” -Rolf Potts www.rolfpotts.com

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artificial sweeteners

I’ve been trying to get a handle on all the artificial sweeteners being used by consumers who think they’re merely using sugar substitutes. After reading ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS by Janet Starr Hull, Ph.D., C.N. Total Health Magazine www.totalhealthmagazine.com Volume 27, No. 1, and INDUSTRY DESPERATE TO PUT OUT THE ASPARTAME FIRE New Mexico, USA Could be First to BAN ASPARTAME by Dr Betty Martini, D. Hum Namaste Magazine www.namastepublishing.co.uk Vol. 8 Issue 3, and Dr. William Douglass’ Real Health Breakthroughs Newsletters, I understand what’s going on, and what’s going on doesn’t look pretty. If you value your health, you’ll want to know the complete story of artificial sweeteners .

Total Health Magazine gives a breakdown of “Which Artificial Sweeteners Should You Avoid?” and “What Are Safe Natural Sweeteners?” The Namaste article is excellent. Perhaps you’ll pick up an issue. Oftentimes we have to look outside the box to get the facts and understand what’s really going on. It’s been written, over and over, that artificial sweeteners are causing a big list of health problems, and that the list of victim complaints, (about Aspartame) “named 92 symptoms including seizures and death.” The EIB, Environment Improvement Board has been out there telling the whole fascinating Aspartame story, and doing something about it. It reads like a novel – politics, power, greed. It’s our life and it’s our amazing world, too. Let’s be responsible and enjoy it to the fullest. To read list of complaints: www.wnho.net/eibturner.htm

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the el quijote restaurant in manhattan

Have you been to El Quijote Restaurant at 226 West 23rd Street in Manhattan? It’s one of those places I’ve walked by many times, and had l not called my daughter Sumi to suggest dinner, it would have remained that way. Choosing a restaurant is always a matter of hmm, what will it be tonight, as your mind charges up and down Manhattan streets, attempting to remember the places you’ve been to, and all the restaurants you’ve read or heard about. This time was no different, except that when Sumi mentioned El Quijote, an instant message said, “El Quijote? Of course, why not.”

On entering to join the waiting line we felt the old world charm. You cannot make reservations for two, however, the wait was not long, and it gave us a chance to look at the take-out menu and observe the restaurant. The menu says, “This eatery is a place of dining history that dates back to 1930, the oldest Spanish Restaurant in New York City.” And that the owner, Manny Ramirez, “. . . was the first to establish his own fishing boats along the coast of Maine so as to offer generous portions with the emphasis always on FRESH.” And it was fresh; it was fun. The service and ambiance was pleasant and good. Perhaps you’ll want to try it, too. You might like it. Phone number: 212-929-1855 ~ Spanish, Seafood, Tapas

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the new haven line

Everything is different outside of Manhattan. But you know that. I wanted to go to Harrison, Rye, Hartsdale White Plains and other towns along the way to check out possibilities, sort of a quest to find the right place. I took the New Haven Line at Grand Central. A friend of a friend met me at the Harrison train station. We drove around Harrison and Rye and had lunch at her lovely home in White Plains. Over Jarlsberg and smoked mozzarella, turkey, tuna, cucumbers, and tomatoes, and a good cup of coffee, we discussed the possibilities of the walking towns. After lunch we took off and drove up and down streets, to the downtown areas, checking out the feel of these places, always slipping easily into the next town. The towns were charming, clean, but I didn’t see any fruit and vegetable markets with all the produce hanging onto the sidewalks. Every town had lots and lots of restaurants. Where are the wonderful markets I’ve become so used to? I asked myself

We went to White Plains www.whiteplainsny.com . I’d never been there. Nice place with a very alive feeling. Lots of development going on. It’s a good size city and offers Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and many other fine shops. There’s a residential building by Trump and many rentals and co-op buildings all within walking distance of the train station. And, of course, there are lots and lots of restaurants. We drove through rather quickly since time was limited; I’ll return to walk in the near future since White Plains is definitely a walking city. The towns, they were clean and had all the right things for good living. It’s the feel of a place; the connection, that I’m looking for, and that’s different for everyone. So, when someone asks, “Well, how was it?” it’s difficult to say because when you’ve found it, you know, it’s that simple and cannot be explained so easily.

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the hudson river towns

Yesterday a friend and I took the Metro-North Hudson Line at Grand Central. Garrison, NY was the destination to check out rental possibilities. We asked the conductor if he knew of Garrison. He said, “There’s lots of trees there.” That didn’t help much. However, a stranger sitting across from us with a love of the Hudson River towns picked up on our conversation with the conductor. She began telling us a little about the history of Peekskill, Garrison, Cold Spring www.coldspring.com , and Beacon www.escapemaker.com/ny/beacon/beacon.html . She said that since 9/11 more and more people have moved to the river towns. There’s a lot of creativity, many artists live there, and new galleries are opening up all the time. And she said that she’s been thinking of selling her Manhattan apartment and moving to Beacon and then traveling. I always perk up when I hear the word travel. It’s a magic word to me. You, too?

The stranger’s name is Mary. And Mary with a delightful way about her, gave us a new way of looking at the river towns. She was on her cell phone for awhile; I didn’t know she was gathering more information until she handed me a card with names to call if Garrison was the place of choice. Nice! As we continued to talk about the towns, the day’s itinerary got shifted. Garrison, it was noted by Mary and the conductor, was not a place to be without a car. Final talk about Garrison ended with, “It’s a beautiful place if it’s the lifestyle desired.” Thoughts of Garrison were eliminated. We would get off at Cold Spring or Beacon. Some semblance of a plan was forming thanks to Mary in the know.

We decided to get off at Cold Spring. Beacon was a stop away should we want to see it later in the day. Cold Spring is a charming town with very friendly and helpful people. We asked a lot of questions from people we met while walking along the streets, and they freely gave their time to answer. I was beginning to feel like a reporter. People from Manhattan never quite get over the friendliness and helpfulness of people in other areas. This is not to say Manhattan is not a friendly place, it’s just to say it’s not as friendly. However, there are big exceptions, Mary being one of them.

Cold Spring has lots of large houses, antique shops, craft places, restaurants, a library, a bookstore, a lovely inn, and whatever is needed for a cozy lifestyle. It’s a quiet town; it’s a clean town, and we were told that on weekends it’s a town busy with tourists. Going to new places makes you think of new possibilities and the many different lifestyle choices. Thank you to those people who shared their experiences yesterday. It was most pleasant. And a big thank you to Mary who I’m sure goes through life helping strangers along the way.

“Afoot and lighthearted I take to the open road, healthy, free, the world before me, the long brown path leading wherever I choose.” – Walt Whitman

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city bakery

If I had an eating establishment, I’d want it to be City Bakery in Manhattan – just as it is – not a thing would I change. City Bakery opened its doors for the first time on 16th Street near Union Square quite a few years ago. It was a small, narrow, cozy place. Its loyal customers waited patiently to get to the food and the cashier. Then it moved to 3 West 18th Street, Union Square, Ph.No:212-366-1414, and is bigger and better than ever. www.thecitybakery.com

This is a place for people who want lots of tasty, fresh vegetables prepared by chefs who know how to cook them, it’s a place for dessert lovers, and chocoholics, hence the small Chocolate Room downstairs, and to the right of the Chocolate Room is the perfect machine for whipping up a delicious cup of hot chocolate. In the back is the salad bar and cooked veggies, big platters of fish, big platters of chicken, sandwiches, soups, homemade pizza, a fruit bar, and there’s more, all prepared with the best ingredients, and with a little twist on what you’d expect from the way food is prepared elsewhere. Whatever comes out of City Bakery’s kitchen is excellent. And the coffee is very good.

It’s a busy place. And now it’s a big place with lots of seating upstairs and downstairs. If it looks crowded with no place to sit, look again, someone is usually just getting up to leave. Not to worry. I’d find this place wherever it is; it’s too good to miss.

Have a happy Valentine’s Day. It’s a sunny day. Enjoy.

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eckhart tolle, a new earth – pages 199 and 200

In Eckhart Tolle’s book, A NEW EARTH, on pages 199 and 200 under the heading “IS THAT SO?” he relates a story which explains beautifully and succinctly what living in the present moment is all about. The next time you’re in a bookstore, walk over to the section where A NEW EARTH is and pick it up. Choose a quiet corner and turn to page 199 and begin reading. How I wish I could be with you when you do – if you do. www.eckharttolle.com

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red light winter

There are people in our lives who think they know what’s best for us (we do the same, but that’s another story). Sometimes these people don’t listen to us, but are ready with advice. We can often let that advice go because it’s our inner sense we want to learn to listen to. It will tell us things we need to know. Things about ourselves that are not based on analyzing or guesswork. We ask questions; we listen and trust, and begin to realize that there’s another way-so many other ways-to be in this world. Our relationship with our inner sense will run deep and be authentic the more we rely on it and trust it. When we get very clear on this the fun begins because we don’t have to live in a small world designed by others. We can learn to hear the whisperings of our own heart.

Once upon a time, I didn’t know which fork in the road to take. I picked up my small plant and brought it into the bathroom with me. The two of us sat on the floor and I talked (it’s okay to laugh; I’m laughing too). I told the plant everything that was on my mind and in my heart. And it listened. And slowly I became clear about certain things. My plant was the right vehicle to begin the trust with my inner sense. We find the right vehicle when we’re ready to try a new way, and possibly not before.

“Our remedies in ourselves do lie which we ascribe to heaven.” -Shakespeare

“The more faithfully you listen to the voice within, the better you will hear what is sounding outside. Only he who listens can speak.” -Dag Hammarskjold

Why did I start thinking about this? I saw a play last Saturday called Red Light Winter at the Barrow Street Theatre at Greenwich House in Manhattan www.newyorktheatreguide.com/offbroadwayTheatres/greenwichhouse.htm . Adam Rapp is the playwright/director. I thought it was engrossing. Actors are amazing. If I were any one of those three actors in that play I’d be totally wiped out in a week’s time. I heard that the New York Times didn’t give it a glowing review. It’s freeing though to not criticize the playwright and the actors and enjoy it for pure entertainment. The desperate situation of three people and their apparent inability to change anything in their lives is an interesting story. In the real world that’s the way it is for many of us; it’s a common thread, and translates into entertainment in a play.

It would have been interesting to hover about and listen to the comments of the people as we trailed out of the small theatre. There was lots of chatter, but I was unable to zero in on any specific conversation, except to hear one person say he had expected a different ending. I’m not sure why I thought that a strange comment. I mean, the playwright decides the ending. Why should it be different? Comments like that are fun to listen to as long as you can hover long enough to hear the full conversation. Ah, why did he expect the ending to be different? I’ll never know. Perhaps it’s just as well I couldn’t hear other comments. Because not only would I be thinking of the play; I’d also think about the comments, and that could get rather confusing.

I’ll say nothing more except that watching Red Light Winter made me see how easy it is to feel lost sometimes, and when that happens the bigger picture slips into the background. A relationship with our inner self can prevent this from happening.

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where to start . . . .

What a cop-out, city boy. I feel you know more about the nitty-gritty of Manhattan life than I do. I’m sure your bike, roller blades and friends took you to places I know nothing about. But, okay, since you buttered me up, I’ll give it a whirl. Where to start? It’s not gonna be easy, but here goes. Lots to do here. You can’t really go wrong, because just standing outside people watching is pure entertainment. I suggest that your friends buy a copy of New York www.nymag.com and Time-Out New York www.timeout.com/newyork magazines before coming to the Big Apple. Both are excellent and will have current listings of galleries, museums, plays, restaurant, clubs, special events – there’s enough in those pages to keep your friends busy for weeks, if not months.

I’ve got to put a quote here, because that’s what I do, “I don’t want to hurry it. That itself is a twentieth century attitude. When you want to hurry something, that means you no longer care about it and want to get on with other things.” – Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” – Robert Pirsig www.robertpirsig.org

Part of the Manhattan experience is to get out and mingle. And there are many ways of doing this. The weather’s been sunny and warm. It’s perfect for walking and to get the pulse of the Big Apple, you have to walk. If you want, take taxis late at night, but use public transportation and your feet other times. First buy a weekly Metro pass from a subway clerk. It’s a real bargain at $24 (ask the clerk for subway and bus maps too). A monthly pass is available if staying longer.

Next, your friends have to decide what they want to cover in the time they’re here. What’s important to them? Do they want to focus on museums and galleries and go clubbing at night? Are they interested in zeroing in on a particular Manhattan area becoming thoroughly familiar with it? Do they want to take the tourist route and visit the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Stock Exchange, Times Square, the department stores, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, Tribeca, meet Patience and Fortitude, (the NYC library lions), play the restaurant game for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snacks? Shop til they drop? Perhaps sign up for a few mini courses at the Learning Annex? Which way to go? That’s the question.

Tell me more about your friends, Michael. We can custom make their trip. But, ah, their experiences – that’s something entirely different. We don’t want to interfere with that. Once they get to the big Apple, spend a few hours walking, step into its rhythm, the excitement and fun begins entirely on its own.

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strangers passing by

When walking along the streets of a big city or small town, you notice, if you’re not in a hurry, the expressions on the faces of the people you pass. The many different expressions are sweet, sad, determined, peaceful, tense, angry, kind, happy, depressed, compassionate, anxious, strong, tormented, loving, etc. Sometimes someone will pass whose energy shifts yours. It takes only a few seconds. When this happens you feel happier. It’s wonderful to experience. These people are special.