Spring in Brooklyn Heights

I decided to venture outside for a breath of fresh spring air and to photograph the beautiful blossoms which almost look like snow-flakes decorating my tree-lined street; when there before me were sirens, seven hook-and-ladders and several police cars. I guess the warm weather brought a young driver to test his skills on a beautiful Sunday afternoon; except while turning the corner he hit a tree the car went on the curb, hit scaffolding which surrounded an older building on the corner of Pierpont and Willow Street.

Oh...that Barbie!

Here is a little fashion show celebrating 50 years of CFDA - Counsel of Fashion Designers of America - with run-way style that teases and tempts the imagination with several high-fashion designers that have once again dressed Barbie to sparkle, shine, dance, travel and oh yes, tie the knot.

The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel), whose own daughter was named Barbara. Barbie was introduced to the world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. Barbie's job was and remains a teenage fashion doll.

A pretty little plastic doll which came to life through a couture sense of style brought an attitude of culture, elegance and social grace into every little girl’s heart; and then along came Ken. Exhibition located at: Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

E Bldg. (lobby) -227 W. 27th Street

Common Courtesy in our Techno Society

In today’s modern society, with techno advancement, dancing faster than the moment, I can’t help but wonder what’s happened to common courtesy? Social respect, in my opinion, requires a new book of etiquette since our social networking has changed the environment we live in.
I don’t find that people will hold the door to allow someone to pass through. I rarely hear “Good morning …how are you today?” I also live in New York City, and I have to take the subways. I don’t recall the last time I saw a man offer his seat to a woman. For those of you who smoke and I don’t, I find it so environmentally inconsiderate when a smoker flicks their cigarette while still burning onto the city street to continue to spread smoke into the air that I’m still breathing, cough...cough…
During morning rush hour when the subway is crowed to the max and a thin hair couldn’t be squeezed between straphangers, it amazes me how people will read their newspapers or magazines and continue to flip through the pages without a thought that the ink is now on my face!
Recently, during an intermission at a concert I decided my thirst required a sip of water. I found my way to the drinking fountain for what I used to remember was for a quick sip of water. There before me was a line of also very thirsty individuals, only they had quart size bottles to fill. I finally asked if I could just take a sip of water, the young lady in front of me said “Sure if you really must.” Possibly this requires another solution; as I find my having to wait to quench my thirst may require longer than a fifteen minute intermission.

I decided to see the recent Oscar winning movie The Artist; during the movie the man to the left of me began texting. I don’t know what was more intrusive, the light that shinned into my eyes from his phone or the striking of each key as he continued to text during a silent movie. Finally some brave soul said, “Could you please stop texting.” His reply was, “Why is it too loud?”
How many of us know what, when, where and why from listening to someone’s cell phone conversation. What happened to privacy? Do I really need to be your best friend when I don’t know you? I hear loud cell-phone conversations in the ladies room, restaurants, hallways, supermarkets, sidewalks, cabs, cars, crossing the street; is anyone paying attention, or is this just an accident waiting to happen?
Fast, just doesn’t seem fast enough, with our technologically advanced society. I for one believe we need some new rules, and another filling station for all of those who have decided to carry their own containment of water; possibly a filling station.
I once heard an expression, Courtesy is Contagious; Pass it On… I wonder about that now.

Midnight Blues - You're My Gift

You’re My Gift

There’s nothing I can tell anyone about us;
Now that you live in my Heart…
There’s nothing more that needs to be known,
Your remain in a holding pattern,
A secrete glove compartment…my very own.

For you my Sweet Dream
Forever remain:

In the hush of evening
In the morning rush…
In the wind that howls
You ignite my soul…
Like a candle…
You are my afterglow
You I behold.

Maia Nero

Jazz Tribute at Lladro 43 W. 57th Street NYC

I don't usually promote other sites or artwork, but as a singer/artist I enjoy all forms; this past Thursday evening I attended a tribute to jazz legend musicians David Sanborn, Michel Camilo and Kenny Barron by The Jazz Foundation at the magnificent flagship boutique of Lladro fine art sculpture/figurines - 43 W. 57th Street.

During the reception the musicians were honored with a new limited edition Jazz trio sculpture Lladro that was absolutely beautiful.

I have attached another sculpture which was located on the mezzanine. These two soccer players I found of interest, for the intensity, passion and movement that I could almost feel sweat falling from their brows...and the enthusiasm at which soccer is played.

The musicians that were there also made the evening just swing with Spanish guitarist Ximo Tebar.

Vaginas Occupy Wall Street

Vaginas Occupy Wall Street
Presents
The Vagina Monologues

Trying to find the correlation between one of the most recognized plays, known for language that shouldn’t shock the audience as the title is The Vagina Monologues, this revived play with a few new added monologues joins forces with Occupy Wall Street. Where is the connection?

I found Vaginas Occupy Wall Street, presented at the Cooper Union Hall on February 26, for one of many performances around the world, written by Eve Ensler, to be a movement towards revolutionary change, whether it’s domestic violence or the exploitation of a majority by a minority. This play speaks volumes for women’s rights and the rights of the people that have sustained their existence in today’s economic challenges, foreclosures, isolated in their struggle against the crushing forces of debt, and in some cases reported police brutality. Ms. Ensler’s work is committed to telling stories that help us understand that nothing is separate, for the violence family’s face when they are evicted from their home or when a woman is violated sexually, raped, beaten, or living in the Congo where infibulations are a common practice where young women are tortured within their own culture.

Many reserve the right to be pro/con, Occupy Wall Street, but to have a play that represents women’s sexuality and maintaining a cohesiveness, for an individual story, whether uproariously funny with side spliting laughter, or unveiling the light of just how serious a situation can alter a women’s life forever and the preservation of their respected bodies, this play challenges how we can make a difference. The movement now is toward V-Day which is the 15th anniversary date held for February 14th, 2013. V-Day is inviting one billion women and those who believe in the cause, to dance, rise and demand an end to violence, endless assaults of corporatization and free market capitalism. Occupy Wall Street and the Vagina Monologues is about taking a stand for the injustice in our economic environment, as well as, the injustice upon women throughout all walks of life which ultimately is a threat to justice within our democracy.