By the way… July 31, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger.1 comment so far
I’ve decided to move to New Hampshire!
Life is really exciting for me right now.
Woot Woot!
Details to come 
Observe the noise. Spew in silence. July 29, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Music, Philosophy.1 comment so far
You know how there are things you know about yourself, but it’s only when you pay attention to them they really exist? Sometimes I blow up or get really emotional, and then on the come down I say to myself, “You know how you get, so why do you let yourself get like that?”
I hate having this conversation with myself. For every moment I consider myself a logical thinker, there are five moments when I know I’m just an emotional retard.
So lately, I’ve recognized these conundrums I’ve been putting myself in and deciding that I’m going to catch them before they happen. For me, that means being vocal in silence and then shutting my mouth in the noise.
I had two synchronous moments a few weeks back that prompted the same idea. One moment was during the Ani DiFranco concert. I realized that even though it was very loud in the arena with the live music and the crowd’s reaction to it, I was personally having a moment of silence. There was a stillness coming from within while I was in this environment. The other moment was while listening to a new song that contains the lyric, “An uncomfortable silence can be so loud.” That line struck a chord with me because it’s so damn true.
Anyway, I realized how the two moments related, and it uncovered something that can help me in my emotional moments of madness: Observe the noise. Spew in silence.
The natural New Hampshire! July 25, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Family, Health and Well-Being, Travel.3 comments
Finding a more natural (and healthier) routine July 23, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Environment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.2 comments
(image courtesy of crytalinks.com)
Even if my stay in one place is no more than four or five days, I’m finding that I will develop a routine in some way. What I’ve enjoyed most about being on vacation is not having to get up at a certain time every day. I feel like I can take my time getting up. No one is expecting me to do anything. It feels great.
During this freedom with my time, I’ve discovered my own natural biorhythm. I feel like I’m listening better to what my body is saying to me. I wake up late and go to sleep late. It’s natural.
I’ve diagnosed my problem with mainstream working America and it’s that I don’t fit into its schedule.
I let my body sleep as long as it needs. I stretch and walk, and have been doing a little hiking up here in New Hampshire too. When I want to write something, I write it. I don’t try to compartmentalize the things I want to do into time slots. I just do things when I think about it.
I think it would be better for me, and for the people around me, if my time wasn’t controlled by someone else. Now, I just have to figure out how to do that successfully. Suggestions?
Fun times in New Hampshire! July 20, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Family, Lifestyle, Travel.2 comments
Friday was an eventful day! Brenda, Cody and I strolled to downtown Concord for “Market Days.” Basically, Main St. is converted into a street market full of food, retail and activity booths. We decided to make a pit stop in an Italian bistro for some fruit salad. Afterwards, we roamed a couple of stores and I was happily surprised to find some really good metaphysical, hippie spots. New Hampshire definitely has its own California vibe for sure!
Concord’s “Market Days”
Concord’s capitol building
We found a baby snow hat and decked the little man out. He’s such a good, happy baby! What a ham!
After strolling Main St., we dropped off Cody with his grandmother and decided to meet Mike, Brenda’s husband, for drinks downtown. On the way back home, we were invited to a house party, so grandma agreed to take the kid for the night! We made a pit-stop at her house to fill her up on food and diapers. While we were there, Mike let the dogs out and a skunk decided to spray them (more like soak them) with its funk! When they came running back into the house, the smell was so intense, I had to leave and sit in the car.
Mama finally gets a night out for fun!
NettyD cruisin’!
A rare moment of rest for a working daddy.
A career-path or a just a hobby? July 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle, Millennials, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
Growing up American, I’ve definitely felt the pressures to live “the dream.” From the age of about 19, however, I realized that this “dream” really is a crock of shiz. I began to notice early on that the people who worked ridiculously long hours, sacrificed their family ties, and who started to rack up clothes in their closets they didn’t even realize they had, not only seemed unhappy, but also really c-r-a-z-y!
And now, eight years later, my opinion about this hasn’t changed at all. And I’m glad.
Having said this, though, I am encountering hurdles when it comes to deciding exactly what I want to do as my contribution to the world. I have read many new-age books that stress the importance of the laws of attraction, and that life and its purpose will be revealed to me. Basically, I shouldn’t try to control my destiny. I believe all of this to a point, and feel that it explains why people who do try to control their destiny are so unhappy. But there are still parts about the concept I struggle with.
So far, what has been revealed to me in this life is that I’m very good at one thing: dancing. I’ve also discovered that I have a passion for writing and expressing myself. For me, these two activities have always been more about escape and release. But, if the universe has given me these skills does that mean I’ve been given an assignment of some sort?
My dilemma is that I’m afraid that if I turn my hobbies into my career, I will start to dislike them. By not doing what I’m good at, though, am I throwing away what I’m really supposed to contribute to the world?
Hmmmm.
I want to be a baby again. July 17, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Lifestyle, Theories and Thoughts.4 comments
CODY ALEXANDER TUCKER
Hanging out with a six month old has been really interesting and fun. I find myself watching him constantly, trying to figure out what he’s thinking. I’m interested in what excites him and what catches his attention. I’m jealous of the time he gets to sleep and how many times a day he eats. I’m also jealous of the things he doesn’t know because he doesn’t have any responsibility.
I don’t want the responsibility of figuring out my life right now. I’m still stumbling through the idea of reconciling the cynic and the optimist and how knowledge affects both. Today, I want a mind devoid of knowledge. I want to be a baby again. Hmmph!
New York Pics: Days Two and Three July 16, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Alright folks, it’s time to see loads of pictures from my weekend in NYC. (Scroll down for Day One pics). First off, I just want to thank my home skillets Joy and Jeff for hosting me and showing me a good time. Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps…
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER!
DAY TWO
Joy works in the advertising industry and it just so happened that Latina Magazine invited her to an event at the Westin Hotel in Times Square while I was visiting. It was a free day of beauty services open to the public and hosted by the magazine and other sponsors. Because of Joy’s hook-ups, we were able to cut in front of HUNDREDS of crazy latina women and be one of the first to get our pretty on! On our way out, we were given a bag of swag. Yeah, I know, I’m cool.
Publicity, Publicity, Publicity!!
The nail technicians were only allowed 10 minutes to do each woman’s nails!! Yikes!
The contents of the swag bag! I love that the hair products were all about “anti-frizz.” Ha!
After the Latina Magazine event, we hopped on the subway uptown to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). The top floor was a Dali exhibit, but they didn’t allow pictures, so I just took a picture of the entrance. After that, we worked our way down the six floors of years of art. This was the only thing I wanted to do while I was in NYC. I had the time of my life.
Dali and his ’stache – now that’s art people!
Magritte’s “The Menaced Assasin”
Jasper Johns’ “Target with Four Faces”
Monet! I couldn’t get the whole thing in the shot. It was divided into three panels and extended over an entire wall. AMAZING!
Joy and Picasso’s “Woman’s Head”
(Notice the “security guard” in the background. Is he working or people watching? You decide.)
More Picasso! I love how the teenage boy got in the shot. Art within art, no?
Yes, that’s Picasso’s “Three Musicians” LOVE IT!
What’s up, Warhol?
This piece was titled, “Little Girl.” It’s hanging on a barbed wire from the ceiling. Anyone care to interpret?
A piece by the feminist, Ree Morton.
A general view of one of the strangest rooms in the media gallery. Notice the mannequin standing in the left corner. That piece was titled, “Stand in the corner and be ashamed of yourself.” It doesn’t get more American than that folks!
I like big butts and I cannot lie…
This piece was titled, “Wrist Corsage.” It’s hard to see, but there is a picture of a little girl in the top left corner. It’s a juxtaposition between innocence and sexuality. This was my favorite piece. Many critical thoughts about my role as a woman came up while looking at this.
After getting all nerdy on art, we decided to meet Joy’s cousin Viviene and their friend Patrick for dinner and drinks at the “Boat Basin Cafe.” On the way there, we happened upon Bhangra dancing in Central Park!! The redhead in the green shorts and white top was waaaaaaay into it. I couldn’t believe she was barefoot in the Park. I hope she got a good foot scrubbing after this!
“The Boast Basin Cafe” is an outdoor restaurant located at the very end of 79th street with a view of the Hudson. The wait to be seated by the water was over an hour and a half! Because we were tired, and were in need of ice cold pina coladas, we decided to settle for the more interior seating. Everyone there was in the 25-35 age group. I observed the scene heavily and began to think about what it must be like as a wealthy, young urbanite. I won’t bore you here with my thoughts on the matter. Maybe another day.
NettyD and Joy oi oi !
Joy and her cousin Viviene, who is a dentist.
And now, DAY THREE
I woke up Sunday morning and after a quick chit-chat with Joy and her BF Jeff, I took the subway from Brooklyn to Times Square – again. This time I was meeting my aunt and my two cousins. It was great to catch up after so many years. They didn’t let me take pictures, so that’s all I have to say about that.
On my return to Brooklyn, Joy, Jeff, his cousin and I made it to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the last day of the Murakami exhibit. Murakami is an amazing Japanese artist. Some of his stuff impressed me more than exhibits at the MOMA the day before. Check out the madness!
This craziness greeted us in the lobby while we waited about a half hour to get tickets.
These two sculptures were facing each other. On the opposite walls were large pink and blue canvases with white splatter all over them. The room was titled, “Milk.”
The beauty of Murakami…
Jeff, Joy and Murakami
I stole these next three from Joy. (Thanks for that oi oi !)
Outside of the museum there was a really cool urban lawn. Sundays in New York
We headed back to Brooklyn Heights after that, and decided to enjoy the festivities of Bastille Day! Technically this French holiday is celebrated on the 14th (which was the day after), but I guess Sunday worked better for everyone since they didn’t have to work! Smith St. was turned into an outdoor festival full of French food stands and merchandise. A piece of the street was even sectioned off and covered in sand so that attendees could play petanque (sort of like Bocce Ball). Culture, Culture, Culture!
We happened upon a skateboarding competition. Really exciting!
Playing petanque!
Roof deck party overlooking the madness on the street!
Happy Bastille Day!
One last shot of the Brooklyn Bridge. (oh, and Joy looking very tired and hungry). I love New York. I can’t believe it took me so long to go back, but now I plan on spending many weekends up there over the next year or so. Happiness!
I made it to New Hampshire! July 15, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger.2 comments
I finally made it to New Hampshire and am hanging out with my God-son, CODY!!! YAY! Oh yeah, and my best friend Brenda too It was a crazy weekend in NYC, so I have lots to post. Right now, however, I’m borrowing a PC to write this brief message. Once I configure the internet onto my MAC, I’ll be able to download all the pics from the NYC extravaganza!!
So far New Hampshire is great! A stark contrast to the city, for sure. The topography reminds me of California. Bren and the gang live pretty far out of Concord. I hardly have phone service, and there is no Wi-Fi! Something tells me, though, that it’s probably a good thing for me to “disconnect.” Now that I’m going to be here for a month, I can feel myself dropping my shoulders and phasing into a more reflective, spiritual phase. I’m sure I’ll have lots of philosophical ideas to write about.
I love everyone!!!
A programming note July 13, 2008
Posted by NettyD in From the blogger.add a comment
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am having a blast in NYC! Yesterday I had an amazingly fun day and have LOTS of pictures to post. I don’t really have a moment to write and share about it, but as soon as I can I will.
This morning I’m meeting my aunt and cousins in Manhattan for brunch. Haven’t seen them in like 5 or 6 years. So excited!
Stay tuned!
