Another show highlighted how Fashion Week in New York was reflecting the same reserve. In both cases we can assume that it is a relatively modest change.

Despite the ‘nod’ to the dire reality of millions of individuals – ‘the show must go on’. After all, whatever the outward entertainment value it’s all business – isn’t it? And it means a heck of a lot of money for somebody.

We live in a divisive world that is reflecting more and more the chasm between the haves and the have nots. The slight acknowledgment from the haves that this is a ‘difficult’ time doesn’t mean a whole lot to the individual who is just trying to keep their family fed, clothed and with a roof over them.

It also highlights how the imbalance between the money spent on entertaining ourselves and what is used for necessary practical purposes is telling. Strange that while we are simultaneously being forced to face the results of bad business behavior we ache to turn it off and pretend that all is the same and the problems will just go away on their own.

The Oscars – showing us the money.

With so much negativity everywhere you look it may be hard to take in and enjoy what is one of the most wonderful aspects of creation – it’s renewal every year. Right now we have the windows open and the sounds of a softly lit afternoon are wafting in. It makes me feel very grateful.

Yeah, I really am.

This is it.

Now.

What? It’s the 6th already?

Shoot.

While we have had more than our share of experience of snow and ice from having lived in various parts of the country it has been wonderful, each year, passing some lovely, mild months that are more or less nominally ‘winter’ but are really just a cooler fall. This year has brought us a reminder of what it’s like to actually have to ‘dress up’ to go outside.

If for no other reason – it is a wonderful change to highlight what we usually have. It lets us know – to a somewhat lesser degree – what others are going through.

I am not my mother. The soup is possible but the baking…..not so much. Besides – when you live close to a number of wonderful outlets that do all the slaving for you – why bother, huh? But still…there’s that moment when the aroma of a freshly baked loaf of bread hits you that just about buckles the knees. Sooooooo, we decided to take advantage of a sale on breadmakers. Heard a lot of good things about them. Even me mom tried one and wistfully chimed in about how wonderful it would have been to have one when we were growing up.

Last night, hubby did the honors and inaugurated the machine. A lovely, sweet smelling, french style loaf. Yummmmmmmmm. Yes, I can get used to this. And so to the tune of “Matchmaker”…..here we go now

We wondered how high it would grow till it became an issue that merited attention. Apparently a few concerned citizens notified the city. But it wasn’t their concern that got action. Our street was on a parade route for a recent festival – so the city finally came by to take care of the eyesore.

If not for that factor – I wonder how long the junk would have rested there? And how many more people would’ve decided to tack on their discarded gems? Another visual manifestation of the apathy below the surface.

From brief conversations I have gleaned that she has two small children as well. The doctor says that they can’t do much about her foot but that it would be good if she could lose a bit of weight. So she’s thinking of joining the Y and she’s happy to find that they have a pool that she can bring her kids to.

What impresses me is that while things may be hectic, painful, and difficult for her circumstances – she is always pleasant to her customers and she is obviously an involved and caring mother. Noticing the general trend in the service industry for clerks to be abrupt and even rude at times – she stands out. You’ve probably run across someone like her in your travels too. Let’s hope they’re appreciated.

There is no doubt that our times call for clear heads. We need to do our best thinking, focusing on what is important and applying our energies to what is positive and upbuilding. And tho’ things at times may appear a bit ‘too’ interesting it is good to bear in mind that we are not the first generation to experience outrageous circumstances.

Where it will all lead is still unknown but I rather like the fact that it sounds so understated and British (dare I say) to describe them as ‘interesting’. Let’s not lose our senses folks – the best is yet to come.