A couple I know and whose doings I see on FB have been dealing with a tumor in the wife's brain for some years now.  A portion was excised before Brian had become sick, and she had been receiving radiation and various other treatments since.  She and her husband have come back from a 'Round the World sailing trip that they took in 2013, and she ( Read more... )

It began with chill
winds rattling window panes;
Chroma closed the day.
The conductor of colors
made a splendid show for all.

Phantom Tollbooth, anyone?

Click to view

Picked up contributor's copies at the Astoria Bookstore this afternoon.

I am published! That
is my name there, on the list
of contributors!
Yesterday's bruises don't seem
to hurt nearly as much now.

The stunted maple
at the west service entrance
wears a flame-red crown.
Today's storms may well quench the
tree on fire that did not burn.

The Bach Cello Suite No.1 - Prelude can do wonders for blood pressure, I am almost morally certain. Hearing it in the subway, by someone who knows what he is doing, is one of priceless things you can get for a donation.  There were lots of dollar bills raining down into the open case at Mr. Zheng's feet ( Read more... )

The advertising execs at Cover Girl have a puzzling ad campaign this fall.  They've got a product tie-in to the upcoming movie Catching Fire with a Capitol (their spelling, not mine) line of cosmetics.  Lots of glitter and glow are involved, with colors usually not found in nature or outside of an exotic orchid house.  I have no problem with the ( Read more... )

I am impressed with Embark NYC.  Written on my iPhone's Note pad, transcribed here before going to bed.

How did we ever
function without subway apps?
This is amazing!
I get to the platform, and,
lo and behold, the train's there!

Old lady totters
to her bench, bag of walnuts
in her weathered hands.
Furry rivers ripple down
from the tributary trees.

The red leaf contrasts
brightly against the pavement.
But I'm late for work.
I know I'll regret that I
had not stopped to pick it up.

The artist's name is Caesar Passée (I'm guessing Haitian), and I was lucky enough to hear him on the 6th Avenue stop of the L line today.

Few things soften blows
of life's setbacks like steel drums
on subway platforms.
Cuban, Brazilian, and--Bach!
Gladly parting with dollar!