#Procrastination

I  think it's time to run the dishwasher . When you get to the point where you start using holiday kitsch the level of laziness has risen!

...Pandora

Traditions, Labor Day

How much of what we do is tradition? Tradition calls for church on Sunday, or Saturday. Walking down the Aisle for a wedding. Having 2.3 children and a dog.

There many communities in New York City that have their own traditions. There in the “Chinatown” community you have shops, restaurants of different types of food that I am used to growing up in my household but not unfamiliar to me as a New Yorker. The imported Tiger shrimps, lychee fruit, Peking style duck, and the imported souvenirs are familiar to me when traveling in this community. Then there are the South Asian or East Indian communities that have their own traditions. This community is a new experience for my generation but not to my children. With them I’ve learned about the true origin of most spices. I learned the true meaning of “curry” which is a proprietary blend of turmeric, cumin and a personal preference of added spices just to name a few.

I grew up with Italians, middle Eastern Jewish, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans. We watched the community change as the immigration to the United States changed. Each community bringing their traditions with them and maintaining them while in their adapted country while respecting America and its values. We all celebrated with each other our differences and what we have in common. We had family in common, loyalty, religion or the belief in God. There was a respect for human life as well as the sanctity of marriage.

There were some families or people that were different to what the community was used to, but you tried not to stare. The man who walked “funny” with the pink on, or the lady who looked like a man; your parents said “It’s not polite to stare”. Respect above all, mind your business.

Traditions can be a learning experience if you’re willing to listen and learn from someone other than what you are used to. I change you to go out into the community during “other people” holidays or celebrations and learn something new. I am sure they will be more than happy to teach and share with you. Especially their food!

“Make America Great Again”, America has always been great because of the different traditions and customs that came seeking something better for their families. For my family, it is a different story.

I will revisit how my people made America great without asking to come here.

#LaborDay

…Pandora

Mother Teresa is now Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa is now Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Growing up in The Bronx, I am familiar with some of the Catholic traditions and formerly know Mother Teresa is one of them. I remembered the day she came to The Bronx and met with the Princess of Wales Dianna. This month Saint Teresa was Canonized.

I’m not sure if I was around for anyone else who was living and became a Saint, but I do remember Mother Teresa and her tireless work.  

Mother Teresa MC, known in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

The worldwide Missionaries of Charities Foundation Mother Teresa launched in Calcutta in 1950 launched its first North American branch on E. 145th St. in the South Bronx more than 20 years later.[ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa]

Mother Teresa stayed at the Bronx Mission for a few weeks in May and June of 1997. There, nuns and volunteers run a men’s shelter and a soup kitchen, and administer a food distribution center. June of 1997that Mother Teresa and Princess Diana met for the last time.

[http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/harlem-bronx-brooklyn-held-place-mother-teresa-heart-article-1.2776327]

Not being Catholic; I honor and salute you Saint Teresa. I hope you remain an inspiration to all of us.

…Pandora

Remembering Grandmother Rosa ♥

They were a strange bunch, but I was told they’re family and you’re automatically supposed to except them.

It was the first time I went to Florida and spent time with my paternal grandmother. I had memories of her when I was a small child, but this time I was about 10 years old.

Lake Placid was a sleepy town with rows and rows of orange groves as I remember it. There was a spot off of one road called “Spook’s Hill”. The story as: One day a lone fisherman parked his car at the foot of the hill and walked away towards the fishing hole. When he looked backed the car started moving by itself. He knew no one could have walked up and got into his car! He ran screaming, and this is how it got its name “Spook’s Hill”. So my father with my mother and I were in one car did like the sign said “put the car in neutral and take your foot off of the brake!”. Sure enough the car started rolling very slowly backwards up the hill! I was speechless and amazed. My dad, who wore his hat cocked to one side, sat up straight and straightened his hat &*#@, my mother had her hand over her wide opened mouth! I eventually started laughing until I almost couldn’t breathe.

Every time I see moss hanging from a tree I think of my grandmother and the last time I spent one summer in Florida.

…Pandora