Meeting Robert Redford and other wonderful adventures

Growing up in the 70's Robert Redford was a big deal.  In 2017 he still is and that is why when he walked into the theater on Saturday evening he created a stir.  During the intermission for Sunset Boulevard (great show--Glenn Close is wonderful as the whole cast is) I wanted to go and meet him but my best friend Marianne would NOT let me out of my row. "Sit on your hands." she kept telling me--knowing if I did--I would be silent. 

So, after the show he was still in his row and sat while the theater emptied out. Taking my time I watched people look at him but no one walked up to him. I would be one of the few who did. And you know what?  He shook my hand firmly and smiled at me when I told him I was a writer.   He was so nice. We discussed how important writers are and thanked him for the film festival he started decades ago.

One minute he gave of himself and made this woman very happy.

Now, the week before I prayed to meet someone famous such as Barbra Streisand who would be sitting in front of me at the theater. 

Now on to getting sponsors for this blog.  

Being grateful everyday-here are a few from my list

These are the Cadder Sisters.  I met Barb (in red) at my first job out of college at the local newspaper.  Barb was sitting at a large desk and answering phones from 2-8 every weekday. I was working from 4-8 selling subscriptions to the newspaper.  The next day after meeting we found out our moms worked together at the local bank in the 1950's...three decades before we met in the 80's. 

Jeanne (she will kill me for this photo with her eyes shut) was the middle sister who helped me with all of my boy troubles and helped me get over my loss when my best friend started dating my guy (the one I took to Barb's wedding) to Ed.  We were all lost when he died in Dec of 2015.

Ann--the blond on the right is the eldest sister and is so kind to me (the others are too--kindness you don't see in many people now) --I can remember her telling me when my mom was yelling at me for something I hadn't done and she asked, "Leslie, how can I help you?" She invited me for the rest of my life to share Christmas with them.

These are three friends I can't live without and I dont!. We spend holidays together and just enjoy each others company and I get to see what having three sisters are like and how they all get along and work out their differences. 

Love these three women! You are on my list of grateful!

Dear Media: (Except Fox)

Dear News Media (Except FOX)

Whatever you need from this journalist graduate (University of Bridgeport 82) you got. I am so proud of Chuck Todd, and Jake Taper for speaking out for us. Speaking out against a lie is the best way to keep our country safe. Lets hope our elected officials are not greedy and will keep us safe.  But how do you keep yourself safe from your own kind?  I was always amazed at a leader who hurt his own kind-his own people. But now with this new year and new president we will see that in action--God, I hope not!

I'm very proud of Chuck and Jake.  But, you know Rachel Maddow has been doing it for years.   Media people, if you need anything, ask.

Love, Leslie

Tossed out of Target for political discussion- trump supporter wasn't.

On Saturday I had my list of items to buy from Target. But first I had to return the crockpot that didn't have a timer with it. As I was waiting in line, I began talking to an older woman and We were discussing Hillary,

When this guy to my left said, "oh you don't want to know who I voted for." And he told me that Medicare, social security Medicaid will not be touched. But obamacare will be gone and he was thrilled because he is paying 16,000 dollars a year for health insurance. 

I started to ask him questions, are you sexist? Racist? I was being helped when I was asking these questions. Yes, I'm loud. Especially when I needed batteries for my hearing aid...one of the many things on my list. 

At one point during this convo, I heard someone say, "they are discussing politics."  I thought it was a weird statement, but in retrospect maybe it was to say, they are only discussing politics...no need to get upset. 

The guy was talking and of course I had had it, so I called him a fucking ass and as I was leaving the service area to shop...which is why I go to Target...I was stopped by Dan. He must be the manager, or someone who wanted us to know he has a penis.

i was then told that I needed to leave the store. I was also told I needed help. In fact Dan was telling  me, I need help, lots of help. He put his hands on me and asked if I wanted him to call the cops. I said Yes...but he wouldn't. He just forced me out of the store by walking so close to me and stopping me from shopping. 

I have called corporate, ask target and put it on FB, pantsuit nation and now am waiting to see the video tape and a phone call from Target. 

Nothing happened to the Trump supporter. 

No Mess Breading Your Chops

I am teachiing myself to cook. I've watched many a cook bread the meat and it looks like a mess to me. So, I decided to bread the meat in my sink.  Yes, it was clean and I used two shallow bowls. I put the egg in one and the breading in the other, as the picture shows.  My idea contained the mess and made the breading easy. 

After cooking the pork chops for 30 minutes, they were gobbled up instantly---another great meal added to my cooking options.

Using Color to Get Organized---An Example

In every situation around your disorganized home, you can always find something that is organized.

Today while driving around my city,  I saw how the blue sign advertising lawyers showed exactly where their offices are-using only color! You have to figure it out! The sign matches the office door ...isn't that incredible? 
Loved this! You can see organization in many ways-and steal the ideas for your home.

Same color on sign to indicate where to go.  Use color when you need to organize like with like. 

The Tree

The tree invited admiration with arms outstretched, standing tall.  It was the fullest, most abundant tree we had ever seen.  Fragrant hints whispered throughout our home.  Even though the Balsam Century’s post was our front living room, every nook and corner was aware of the presence of the tree.  Each ornament, twinkling, shining, placed with care amidst the branches and needles seemed to represent the blessings of our year.  Safely kept, nestled securely in its arms.  My joy this holiday was overflowing.

The call came on a usual day at a usual time.  The ring gave no hint of the news it would bear.  Grandmother had fallen, again.  At 89 years of age with a worsening case of dementia, surgery was not an option to address the bleeding on her brain.  Life was slipping from her fragile body.

A distance of one thousand miles separated us.  I was left without the comfort of holding her hand and so sought solace in the many cherished memories of my dear grandmother.

Summers spent poolside with brown sack lunches, gentile reminders to show kindness to delicate pool animal floats, and strict drip inspections before being allowed inside the century old Victorian styled home.  Autumn brought school and tenured wisdom from my school teacher grandmother, “Be diligent and obedient.”  Winter was a wonderland of sweet treats, a Christmas tree in every room, toy trains tooting around each one, and family.  Spring bloomed full of Cherry Blossom trees lining the streets and homemade Chinese food cooked in a wok.  Like the seasons, Grandmother was boundless with creative imagination.

Strolling through my thoughts, I began to realize the shaping influence my grandmother had in my life.  With grace and resolve she always did what was right.  Grandmother, although poised with dignity, never lost an opportunity to break out in song, tell a joke badly, or laugh good naturedly at herself.  She worked hard and achieved excellence in whatever she set her mind to.  But above all, Grandmother loved completely and forgave freely.

My gaze once again falls on the tree.  The fullness of its presence, the reach of its arms, the treasures filling the branches, the frailness of its life fading, and I am filled with gratitude for the tree represents the beautiful blessing of my dear Grandmother Dot.

Copyright©MMXVI by Audrey Boyette, All Rights Reserved.