Magical Moment 542, "Not in Kansas (or Nebraska, or Texas)"

Not many people can say they're truly "from" New York. Almost everyone here has moved from another part of the world. But over time, you pick up on things and after about 10 years, you can call yourself a true "New Yorker" (or so they say).

Growing up in Nebraska, it was quite a culture shock when we first came here. After nearly 2 years, I've gotten used to certain things like, traffic, high prices, and rudeness. In fact, when my husband and I took our first taxi ride, our destination was on Houston Street (pronounced hows-ton). Eddie, being from Texas, kept pronouncing it like the city, Houston, TX (Hugh-ston). The cab driver got so frustrated and could not understand what we were saying. Eventually, we figured it out though and made it to the location.

Upon my best friend, Deb's visit this week (also from Nebraska), I'm reminded of just how strange it can be here.

Her first night in town, we took her to the upscale restaurant where I play piano. When she asked the waiter for water to drink, he replied "Tap, sparkling, bottled, or mineral?" The look on her face was priceless. She began to stutter and had no idea how to answer, so Eddie jumped in for her, "Tap."

The next day, she had a hair appointment at a salon in Chelsea. I played for an event there a few weeks ago, and they gave me a gift certificate for a free haircut (normally worth over $100), which I let Deb use. She had trouble hiding her shock when she walked in the front door to be greeted by a 12 foot grand piano in the entry way, and a table of complimentary pastries and mimosas.

I think that was about the time she made a "We're not in Kansas" remark. Nope, we're in New York City.

Magical Moment 620, "Lilac Garden"

Eddie and I visited the Lilac Gardens at Ringwood Manor in New Jersey, a pristine and beautiful state park with 8 species of lilacs and several varieties within. We went on a rainy afternoon, which turned out perfect because the rain stopped for us when we got there, and began again as soon as we left. It also decorated the plants with gorgeous rain drops, adding to their beauty. And now for a quick game of "Where's Elizabeth?" And "Where's Eddie?" ~~Have a great weekend! ~~

Magical Moment 625, "Thailand - the Elephants"

Needless to say, my favorite part of our Thailand vacation, was our week long volunteering at Elephant Nature Park ! The logging industry was banned in Thailand in 1989, leaving thousands of elephants unemployed. These elephants are now used for tourism. You may have heard of elephant shows featuring the animals playing soccer or painting pictures with their trunks. They are no doubt amazing to watch, but the sad truth is that these elephants have gone through a series of torture and abuse to "break their spirit" by their trainers. This short clip is very hard to watch, but it will give you an idea of what the elephants in captivity in the country of Thailand go through. The only elephants in Thailand who do not endure this, are the very few baby elephants who are first generation born in "safe captivity" at places like Elephant Nature Park. Every other elephant at this park has been brutally abused. Some have been blinded by their owners, le...

Magical Moment 613, "Monstera Deliciosa"

First of all, congrats to Jayne from Suburban Soliloquy for winning the CD give-away! And thank you to all who entered! ~~~ There are always discoveries to be made at Thomas Edison National Park, where my husband is a Park Ranger. My favorite building on the property however, is the old Greenhouse, which is kept up by a local volunteer garden club. In just 7 years, they've re-created the original beauty as it was years ago in Thomas Edison's Day. There are plants from all over the world, cultivated and cared for, with the patience that only a true gardener can possess. I am no gardener, and I've never had a green thumb. But the Greenhouse is so special to me, that I wanted to offer what I could to help out. There is much to be learned in the world of gardening! The newest discovery I learned of, is a plant called Monstera Deliciosa. It's a tropical plant that can grow up to 20 meters high and produces a muy deliciosa fruit. One of these fruits fe...

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