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  1. I am grateful to those who made my birthday special.  Thank you to Jessica and David for taking me out to dinner the night before my birthday.  Delicious Thai food and a glass of wine.  So yummy.

    The day of my birthday was paperwork day at my job, so I was able to go 
    in later.  When I arrived, there was a gift on my desk from Mindy Levokove and a birthday bottle of wine from Frida.  Then in the back room, there was much food. 

    That evening, though two friends wanted to be with me, I asked if we 
    could do it the next evening because I was still working on the slice of memoir I would be sharing in a show the next night – “What Were the ‘60s Really Like?” 




    The show was really good, and I was proud of my contribution.  My creative process seems to include driving myself crazy, high stress, painting myself into a corner.  And somehow, I birth a piece of writing I like.  Whew.

    So Judy and Bob came to the show at Cornelia Street Café the evening 
    after my birthday.  Afterwards, we went out to celebrate my birthday.  I didn’t have to get up early the next day.  That is another gift.  Judy gave me a book that seems quite unique and interesting.  The card came with a picture frame.  Very unique and pretty.  Bob gave me a toaster oven! 


    The next day was my son’s birthday.  I went over to where he is living with his father and delivered a gift and expressions of my love.  It was cold and raining.  So grateful that Bob and Illona did me the favor of driving me there and back.  Otherwise it would be 4 buses round-trip.


    I’m not in financial shape to celebrate the other holidays much.  I hung a decoration on my door that I made last year with pine cones, glitter, and ribbon.  I plugged in some lights that I had never taken down from the window since last year.  I guess you can assume I won’t be winning any good housekeeping award.




    If you would like to check out things I am doing and come surprise me:



    • ·        Thursday, 1/18/2018  8:30pm Funny Underground Comedy Krew at Broadway Comedy Club, NYC



    • ·        Friday, 1/26/2018  6pm 4 Horse Poetry Reading at Cornelia Street Café, NYC  $10 includes a drink 




    • ·        Friday, 2/2/2018  6pm Laughin’ Matterz TV at Manhattan Neighborhood Network, NYC





    • ·        Saturday, 2/17/2018  8pm Days of Wild at Starving Artist Café on City Island, Bronx, NY  This is a magnificent music show where I will be doing a comedy set during a music break.  No cover; $10 food minimum (delicious food)


    Have a safe new year's, people.  Hope to tickle you in 2018!









  2. As an actress, I've played a "hooker" in a few films.  Before you get all excited, I am not a hooker; I just play one in some films.  These are not porn films, just stories where a character (or several) is a hooker.  When I was asked to be in Hectic Knife, I was glad because it was a paid acting gig and I worked with nice people.  The most uncomfortable thing I had to do was wear high heels.  The film is getting attention which is encouraging.  Below is a short teaser where I appear twice for a few seconds.  The only hooker-ish thing I'm doing is standing outside and trying to make some a-hole feel like I'm impressed with him.  One doesn't have to be a hooker to have had that experience.




    This Friday, December 22, 2017 (the day after my birthday) at 6pm, I will be part of a happening at Cornelia Street Cafe on Cornelia Street in the Village.  Only $10 which includes a drink.  It is the final episode of a series of shows called, "What Were the '60s Really Like?" produced by Kathryn Adisman.  I'll be sharing a slice of memoir.  Come experience poetry, prose, and songs from that time.  If you want to make it a dinner date, the food is very good.




    Hanukkah is over.  Enjoy Christmas if you celebrate.  Be safe.





  3. Good Stuff in the Midst

    Tuesday, December 12, 2017




    It's been a challenging couple of weeks -- internally and externally.  However, in the midst of it all, good things go on as well.  Thank God.  

    I am newly in the role of being on a professional development committee.  The committee consists of three.  We were all coming from different places.  However, we knew how to share.  Together, we conducted a successful professional development session that teachers enjoyed (not just tolerated for the two hours of pay).  There was something for everyone (that includes reading and writing teachers, math teachers, and ESOL teachers).  Teachers left with smiles and thanking us.  I love when my students leave class that way, and I was happy that teachers left that way as well, feeling nourished in some way(s).  I felt proud of myself and the committee and how we functioned without necessarily being like-minded on every point.  In the end, we all felt pleased.  

    I took my class and myself on a guided tour of the current exhibit at the Lehman College Art Gallery.  It is free and such a treat.  




    The woman who gave the tour was very informed and passionate, so it was great.  The gallery tends to have exhibits that are really exciting.  I know most of my students have never had such an experience, so it's exciting to see their reactions.  And for myself, if it weren't for class trips, there are many places I may have not gotten to yet.  I felt that way as a parent as well.  My son and I went to many places that I may not have gotten to otherwise.  That includes Radio City Music Hall.  My son and I saw Pokemon Live.

    Anyone who might feel enticed by this, I will be part of this wonderful happening.  (Not a comedy show.)  I will read a slice of memoir.  There will be poets, prose writers, songwriters, musical segues, and good vibes all around.  This will take place at the Cornelia Street Cafe on Cornelia Street in the Village on 12/22/2017 at 6pm.  Train to West 4th Street, and you are around the corner from the place.  $10 includes a drink.  Great food if you are having dinner.  It will be the night after my birthday.  



    Produced by Kathryn Adisman; hosted by Ellen Mandel;  poster above by Su Polo.