Culture comes in many forms

I am sitting here at the ridiculous hour of 7:09 am after taking Freeb to the airport. You can't beat a $39 fare, but sheesh, Ft. Lauderdale is far when the flight is at 7:10 am. Ahh well, that's what friends do. She came to down to visit me and was the consummate house guest. She has set the bar very high folks. You're all going to have to meet and exceed it! Not only did she take me to dinner and do all those sorts of things, she completely took charge of my lack of decoration if the apartment. She unpacked all of my photos and artwork. She laid them around the apartment with suggestions of where they should go. She then went to the ultimate step of implementation and hung them for me. Anyone can lay them out. Heck, I could have lived in that stage for a month or two. But no. She actually put them on the walls. Excellent. I am now decorated. Maybe not finished, but 100% farther than I was.

She also reorganized, rearranged and declutterized some things. At first when I got home from a work meeting, I was just surprised. You all know me and my complete and utter lack of poker face. Hey... where's such and such? Why is that there?... but then it dawned on me that there was a plan and quite a bit of work had gone into all this. She doesn't believe that I like almost all of what she's done, but I do. Someday I'll figure out why I am so change resistant. Maybe its my reptilian layer. Maybe its not.

Anyway, I now have culture in my apartment in that its finally starting to look like a home. My home. Rather than a corporate rental apartment.

After a day of hard work, we went to dinner (my treat this time) and went to hear Azar Nafisi, author or Reading Lolita in Tehran and her new book, Things I've Been Silent About. She was wonderful. She spoke from notes, but really spoke to the audience rather than just reading passages from the book. She talked about why she wrote it. Its "birth certificate." or how it came to be. But she also talked about the celebration and importance of imagination and thought. I loved it. She suggested we stop watching all those talk shows which tell us what to think and give us the analysis and get out there and read, think for ourselves, talk to each other about ideas and imagine what could be and what should be. It was really wonderful, moving, funny, compelling and a great commercial for reading. Many of you have heard me on my soapbox wondering about the death of communal activity and interaction with each other. Theatre is one of the few things we still do together. Engaging in a single evening of theatre, but doing it as a group each bringing our own pasts and presents thereby making that performance different from all others because we were there. She suggest a similar idea about books. Sure, we read them individually, but she says that through books, strangers and strange places become intimate strangers and then offer the opportunity for us to share them. Together we can share OUR experiences of those books which will still be unique to each of us because of what each of us brings to it. My past and present will have me read and interpret a book differently than you do just because we're different. My version of the hero may look or sound different than your but it doesn't lessen the book any, in fact. It only makes it stronger.

She had fascinating things to say about culture and what defines it. Does the Iranian government and its policies represent Iranian culture? Do US president's represent American culture? Is that fair? I am intrigued by the idea of small acts of rebellion. Each day, each and every one of us decides how to far to go -- or not -- to change the world or make an impact. While on the Metro yesterday, Freeb and I saw a young man eating breakfast. It was McDonald's pancakes or something. While there is a no-eating policy on the train, he was politely consuming his meal with a knife and fork. When he was done, he methodically put it all back in the bag, opened the window of the train, and tossed it out. I was stunned. I watched the whole thing in slow motion. Should I have said something? Could I have? Oh sure, we all worry these days about some violent response, but I was on a train full of people. I was totally safe. If I don't comment, am I complicit? This is a question that Nafisi asks. Or rather states. She says we are all complicit. An interesting concept since I did feel complicit. I felt cowardly that I'd missed an opportunity. Oh sure, its easy to be outraged quietly and to Freeb, but what good does it do if we don't rebel or speak up? How does it keep it from happening the next time?

I am on a fairly strict "no book buying" policy so I didn't buy the book, but Freeb did. She said I could read it before I mail it off. Excellent.

Last week I went to hear a Jamaican lesbian poet named Staceyann Chin. She doesn't have anything published yet but when she does, I highly suggest you all look her up. Actually no worries, you'll probably get it as gifts. I loved her. She was funny, irreverent, serious, world conscious and much more. She also spoke of her writing as a way to bear witness and change the world by giving voice to issues and occurrences that just can't be ignored or allowed to go unchallenged. she had me doubled over in laughter with a story that was about her first period and her "learning curve" on feminine products but was really about her fundamentalist grandmother and her emotional and almost physical abuse of the grand kids.

To the right is a picture of Chin performing the courtyard of Books and Books.

When I got to Miami I was stunned by the lack of culture. But I was so wrong. There is a definite lack of culture here as I knew it or was accustomed to experiencing it in DC. But there is no lack of culture here. First of all, I have never lived in such a diverse place. I am doing my best to begin my study of Spanish. Its not easy here as they speak so quickly and with such poor enunciation that one can't even hear where the words begin or end. If you ask them to repeat or speak more slowly, 90% will switch to impeccable English. So if culture is food, people, clothes, then I am surrounded by culture very different from anything I've ever known. If culture refers more specifically to arts and literature, the literature side has grown exponentially for me. Books and Books is an independent bookstore located right here in Coral Gables. They present authors and poets and music almost every night of the week. The majority of it is free and even when it has a charge, like when I went to see Annie Leibovitz, they'll credit the cost of the ticket to the purchase of a book.

They also have a really lovely cafe -- both indoors and outside -- which serves really good food. Sandwiches, salads, good soups, etc. Since I am on the no book-buying thing... I try to support them by visiting the cafe often. I believe wholeheartedly independent bookstores but more importantly I believe in books in general. I love to browse and feel the books and to find that something you never set out to find.

So come visit, check out my newly decorated apartment, have lunch at Books and Books and we'll take in a reading or appearance while you're here. But don't forget to grab a book or two for the plane. Because if we won't fight for imagination and thought, who will?

Nature continues

One of the things I love about the blog is the feedback I get. While there aren't many comments that are left actually on the blog -- comment away! all are welcome -- I always hear some feedback and I love it. My favorite was this last post when my sister Rachel told me that there are peacocks in Moorestown NJ. I don't doubt her at all, but I sure never saw any. I never saw peacocks running around wild like this until I started visiting friends in Florida. What do they do in the winter in NJ? Seems a bit cold for them up there and since they really hop more than fly, that's a heckuva migration track for the winter. Hopping to warm weather? Tiring... I heard from more than one person that I was sheltered living in DC and that there were plenty of Jewish "markers" around, I just wasn't travelling to the right places. That's cool too. Okay so it turns out I've led a sheltered life. That's okay, cause it all means I'm learning new things. That's what Hannah's Big Adventure is all about. My next goal is to have a coconut, hacked open by machete, and drink the fresh coconut milk. Maybe next weekend.

So let's talk orchids. They're everywhere here and very reasonably priced. They are so beautiful. I'm addicted. I showed you a few that I bought to start my Max garden on the patio. Okay so I've bought a few more. I need to stop. We all know that I have a bit of shopping addiction when I get going. For those who helped me pack up the house can we say socks, tablecloths, etc. Anyway, at least these are so nice to look at. I'll be a bit sad when they're not blooming but at least they'll be green.

Now that Ellie is engaged. Oh, wait. That's big news. Ellie, daughter of Janet, et al. has gotten engaged and now wedding planning has taken over Janet's life. Much to the dismay, sometimes, of all around her -- including Ellie!!! No, seriously, Janet will be very good at this. But I digress...

In good NOW fashion Janet has formed a planning committee. You aren't asked you're just drafted. She's approaching this whole think like a NOW action. Seems sensible. We know how to do them. So off we went to look at a couple of venues. One was an orchid farm. How pretty. That's where I got into trouble. But who can resist? Here's the bride-to-be taking photos to show her groom-to-be.
But look at all those flowers!!!! A lot of those hanging ones are called Vandas. They are "air" orchids. they don't have dirt, the roots just hang in the air. I bought one of these pink ones below.


This is one of the freakier ones. One that looks like a face. Or is it like and O'Keefe. hard to say but very cool.





I'll send more orchids later. Have to get them off my camera as opposed to the phone camera. The next place we went was called Cauley Square. Looked interesting with a few shops, a tea house and a place where you can hold special events. While waiting to talk to a staff member, Suzanne took me to one of the shops that was known for having raccoons living on the roof. She wasn't kidding. I still think that mammoth monster that lived in our backyards on Capitol Hill was bigger but these were plenty big and many of them!!!


Here are two of them. One looking at me, one from the rear. Then a woman from the store cam out and threw a cupful of something up on the roof. And then there were more.


I count at least four up there... could be more.

Then there was the Bougainvillea. I think I spelled it right. A very pretty red flower that climbs and grows and grows. Nancy tried to get me to buy one for my balcony and let it go all along the rail... but that seems a bit crazy for now. Maybe another time. I'm going to let the orchids have center stage for just a bit. An herb garden, however, might be in the offing. But I digress.

Finally, I'll leave you with another sky photo. I was sitting in front of my building waiting for a ride and this was in front of me. I am missing DC these days with all its inaugural frenzy -- so the flora and fauna, the beautiful skies and the good weather are keeping me distracted. And pleasant distractions they are. Except that its actually turning cold this week. Actual cold. Not exaggerated weatherman kind of cold. They are calling for a low of 40 degrees for tomorrow night. Even I can't mock the Floridians on that one. I'll have to take a jacket out with me. And I guess no flip flops... but we'll see. That might be asking too much!!!Happy inauguration to all! Here's to peace and prosperity to ALL in the next eight years. Sorry, I just assumed. If Bush got eight, well, shoot.....

Nature abounds

While my friends and loved ones are freezing up north I constantly amazed by the weather, flora and fauna of my new home. The weather is by far the best calling card of this city. Every day I come across new sights that just amaze this city kid. Yesterday we took a trip up to Boca to meet with some folks. It was nice, very well off -- you could tell -- but really if I had that much money I'm not sure I'd want to be so close to my neighbors. Those houses were smack dab on top of each other. Now while they had NO view to speak of from the sides, I must say the view out the picture window to the back was quite spectacular. I assume that was the golf course of the country club that was back there but first was an amazing pool of the likes I had only seen on my favorite HGTV. The pool was irregularly shaped (as in not a rectangle or oval) with exquisite landscaping all around and coming right to the edge and hanging over the pool. Very beautiful. The meeting was okay but the house and view was much better. I would have taken a picture but it seemed gauche to snap a person's house....

But here's something I found in the parking lot!!!

I'm told these are cactus flowers and they were funky. Very spiky and pretty all at once. Cool.

Then there are the peacocks. They live wild in Janet and Nancy's neighborhood. It is getting towards mating season and if you've never heard peacocks mating.... its quite the sounds. Sort of like a grown woman being attacked. That's the thought I had when I first heard the noise. Its terribly disturbing.

But the peacocks themselves are so bold and used to humans. They barely move out of the way when you drive down the street. Or rather, their street. I finally saw some with their tails spread last mating season but somehow never managed to get pictures. I am more determined this time. Here are a few... not my best work yet but I assure you, I'll get it sooner or later!!

Here are a few to amuse you....

This first couple are just general. One is of a peacock sitting in a tree. If you really look you can see the blue of his chest and the tail hanging down. It looked cooler in person but he wasn't in the mood to cooperate. They hop pretty well. I'm not sure about actual flying.... but they sure do get around. Sometimes they hop up on the screen surround of the pool.... and on a bad day they fall right through!

And a full fan tail display. Not for me of course, but I was a lucky on-looker. This time through the fence... next time -- FULL ON!

Now here's a whole different thing. The full moon the other night was just spectacular. This was a hasty shot from my car so its a bit fuzzy. But it gets the point across. Anything framed by a palm tree, especially a full moon, just catches my eye. There is something so special about the sky here. Maybe its what Elliott talks about when she refers to the open expanse of sky in the midwest. Since there are no hills or mountains anywhere to speak of.....there is just sky as far as the eye can see. The clouds, the colors. It makes for good watching. Add the beach on and well, I'm just a sucker for a pretty picture I guess. So next time there's a full moon... you look up, I'll look up and we'll both enjoy!

Max Memorial Post

Well its a sad day in my world. Today I had to take Max to the vet and put him down. I knew he would tell me when it was time -- and just like all the other animals, he did. He gave me a few scares along the way but this morning -- or really last night, it was all very clear. Max has been having seizures since July 4th. I'm trying not to take this as some kind of omen as that's when I really starting talking to Nancy about coming down here. Or maybe it is an omen, one chapter ending and another beginning. who knows. Good thing I'm not a huge believer of those things.

Anyway Max starting having seizures back in July. Completely flipped out the cat sitter. I had never seen one and didn't understand how scared she must have been. When I came home, I took Max to the vet but he didn't do it again and we didn't know what the problem was. Fast forward to October as I was packing to leave for Miami I finally saw a seizure with my own eyes. Very scary stuff and it leaves you feeling very helpless. Luckily he seemed sort of unfazed by having them. He would be completely wiped out for a few minutes then go and get some food. Every time. Go and have a munch afterwards. He seemed to like his new apartment and lying in the sun. I would joke that Max had finally retired to Florida.

Fast forward through a lot of detail much of it just not necessary for proper discussion, Max was having more seizures -- sometimes two or even three a day. Sometimes days would go by without my seeing any at all. Max and I had a little rebirth in our relationship with this move. Truth be told I never thought he'd make the trip. I was prepared for that to happen before I left. Then I just needed him to get here. Then once we were here it was a like we found each other again. Max started following me around everywhere. Not just in the annoying under your feet kind of way but also just wanting to be where I was. He even came into the bathroom while I showered. Slept on the floor by the bed, etc. And all of a sudden a real cuddler. We would sit together in the evening on our new couch. Sometimes he liked to check out the balcony but mostly he was happy to sit inside in a patch of sun. I have a bunch of those fleece throw blankets and he had his spots around the house. His favorites.

Last night was a bad night was almost non-stop seizures. I knew it was bad but had no clue what to do other than to sit with him. Max has always been a vocal cat - seriously talking to me on many many occasions. He never meowed. He howled, sang, yodeled and multiple combinations. Last night the poor boy mad sounds I could never have imagined. He took his Jurassic sounds to a new level. I can only hope he didn't wake the neighbors. I finally went to sleep and fully expected to find that he had passed away in the night. Sadly that hadn't happened to off we went to the vet today. I started a little balcony garden today. It will be my Max garden.

So raise a glass, tip your hat or just spend a moment

So raise a glass, tip your hat or just take a moment and think about my kitty. He was an old boy who lived a good long life. I figure he had to be 20 years old. I am comforted by the thought that he's off somewhere playing with Maggie the amazing and fierce chihuahua, Rosie the sweetest little baby fathead there ever was and his old friend Zooey who used to look out for him and pave the way through their adventures. Have fun you guys. Look out for each other. And keep an eye out on me too.