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Showing posts from February 9, 2011

Magical Moment 376, "My 'Texas' Ranger"

I’m used to a man in a uniform. Eddie and I met in the Army and he’s remained a soldier either full or part time ever since. I suppose the tan and green Army Combat Uniforms have become sort of hum drum for me, probably because I also had to wear them 5 days a week for 4 years. Nothing makes you feel less feminine than putting on a clunky pair of combat boots, men’s size 8, every morning. I guess when I’m wearing the same outfit as a guy, I don’t see it in the dreamy-fantasy like way that other people view a man in a military uniform. Now Eddie has a new uniform and I’m doing a double take when he goes to work every day. Button up, collared shirt with a necktie, and bulky because of the bulletproof vest he wears underneath. A leather holster around his waist with a nightstick, handcuffs, and 9-millimeter pistol. A brown, wide brimmed hat that sits straight as a ruler across his forehead. He is…a National Park Ranger. I went to visit him at work on the night shift, where he protects

Magical Moment 375, "Life in Rosy Hues"

Eddie asked me a few days ago, "What do you want for Valentine's Day?" I thought about it for a minute, then realized, we don't normally make a huge deal out of the holiday. So I offered this reply, "To be swept of my feet." Confused and slightly defeated, he nervously asked, "Have I ever swept you off your feet?" "Yes." "When?" He demanded. "When you proposed....the second time, no the third time." Disclaimer, you're about to read some cutsie, cheesy, romantic stuff, so stop here if you're not that kind of person (actually don't stop cuz I have a great video at the bottom, so at least watch that!). You see, Eddie proposed the first time, and I said yes. But since we've been married, he has proposed at least 2 other times, just to let me know he still feels that way. The "third proposal" was the most involved. We had been married for 3 years and went on a whale watching tour in New Eng

Magical Moment 374, "Couples in Love"

In honor of Valentines Day, I've been carrying my camera around with me all day, snapping shots of couples in love. When you stop and take time to notice, they're really everywhere! This one is my favorite A Valentines date on a romantic roof top. They've been together since October. The winter storms have only made them stronger. Aw, so tweet! Together for years, and they still have a spice in their relationship. They like to cuddle. What? How'd that get in there? Oh well, guess it works with the theme! Happy Valentine's Day!

Magical Moment 373, "Fart Whistle"

Isn't one of the perks of being an Aunt, getting all the fun and none of the responsibility? Now, it's different than grandparents because grandparents have to maintain some kind of moral compass, structure, or discipline. When I'm visiting my 2 little nephews, one of my great pleasures is instigating their mischief and watching the consequences unfold as the other adults in their life gain back control.  Once, I was completely astounded when Ethan who was barely 3 at the time, began calling his mother by her first name. It was such an odd, shrill sound coming from the small boy that it stopped me in my tracks. He over-enunciated every syllable and consonant so that it sounded something like, "Ra JEEEE nuh?!" (Only, an octave higher of course). I burst out laughing so hard that it startled him a little, and then gave him all the encouragement he needed to keep it up. I suppose it didn't help that I began imitating him between bouts of laughter and struggles

Magical Moment 372, "Tiny Dancer"

Somewhere in Chelsea, I played the song, "Tiny Dancer." I was saving this song because it's always a crowd pleaser and so I wanted a good location. Turns out, I couldn't have picked a worse one. Everything started out fine until the traffic around me completely stole the spotlight. That's New York for you anyway. I guess you'll get a good sense of it...well, what it sounds like anyway. Enjoy! For more videos from the Play Me, I'm Yours project of 2010, click here .

Magical Moment 371, "Underground Smile"

The subway car was packed with rush hour commuters, far below the sunlight and color that crept its way into a long, glum winter streak. A lucky few found a seat, but most stood, clinging to the metal bars as the train jerked its way uptown. A man lost his balance and fell into another’s lap. There was no ‘excuse me,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ or, ‘ are you okay?’ No one else even turned their eyes from their folded hands, iPod, or magazine. The cold, biting wind seemed to have stripped away the kindness that day. The garbage on the ground must have cluttered their manners. The same vacant stares and straight-mouthed faces sat side by side, but wore different coats. At the midtown stop, the doors opened, and like a rush of water making its way through a narrow tunnel, the crowd pushed through the sliding doors onto the platform. It was one man’s only chance to do what he’d been thinking about since Union Square.  This was his stop, and the girl he’d been watching since he boarded, remained in her

Magical Moment 370, "Knowledge is Power"

Remember the old Schoolhouse Rock song, “Knowledge is Power?” As I get older, I appreciate this little ditty for more than just its catchiness. It actually has some meaning to it. Hindsight is 20/20, right? When I was 5, I didn’t know that it’s impossible to get my eyes stuck when I crossed them, like my parents told me. So, I was scared into a certain behavior due to my lack of knowledge. If only google existed back then. I would have typed in the question, discovered the truth, and been free to cross my eyes whenever I wanted. This concept has been pretty helpful in other aspects of life, ranging from the obvious day-to-day matters, to the controversial and urgent. Believe or not, after college it took me a while to learn that I have to pay attention to what my paychecks say. As reliable as the Army is, sometimes Uncle Sam makes a mistake (gasp!) and I had to make that right. It’s easy to be on autopilot and trust without question. And sure, I would have been fine , but not the bes