The Last Day of 2006.

This is Kelly and Riley
This is my sweet Miss Spicey, my favorite friend at Wednesday's arts and crafts class.
The group of us celebrating Sydney's 60th Birthday.
Well it's Sunday, December 31, 2006 and I can't believe it's almost a month since I last posted on my blog.
Life moves on, if one participates on not.
This past month seems to have flown by so quickly.
I've had wonderful times and am just kind of distracted, not having posted anything in so long.

Of note is the fact that as of Christmas Day, exactly 2 months post op, I am down 47lbs. This is a miracle to me and
I am so grateful.
My life post surgery is no cake walk. There are good days and some not so good days.
Most important to me though, is to remember that my worst day post op, pales compared
to my life before this surgery. I don't ever want to forget how miserable I was, both mentally
and physically.
I am so grateful to God for this opportunity at a new improved life.

I'm looking forward to my 40th High School Reunion in mid January.
So many friends I haven't seen in years will be attending. Should be
a memorable weekend.

I'm also cohosting a Baby Shower, the same weekend as the Reunion.The Shower is for Kelly, my dear
departed friend Sara's daughter-in-law. She's expecting a little girl and
we are all so thrilled about this. The Shower will be an opportunity
for so many of Sara's friends and family to be together.

Oh this is big news! Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl (my Gouldian Australian Finches) are going to be parents too!
I'm kind of freaked out about this though. I bought a little house/nest for
their cage at the suggestion of the salewomen at Pet Smart. She said she
had finches and that really they just love to hop around and in the wild live
in the hollows of trees. I said what about mating? She assured me that they
would mate with or without a little nest. PS...There are 2 tiny eggs in that
little nest. How is this possible? They are suppose to be babies themselves.
I just bought them as such in early November. Does this mean there is a
need for an Avian Chapter of Planned Parenthood? No kidding, babies having
babies and then what.
Stay tuned on this one.

Mostly I wish to take this opportunity to put out good wishes to the universe
and my friends on this the last day of 2006.
May each of us be blessed with good health, happiness, prosperity and
some peace of mind in this coming year.
May we each do our part to make World Peace a reality and to stop the
spread of disease and poverty.
Do the next right thing. Collectively, we can make a difference.

I'm One Lucky Girl...Comments on a Beautiful Week

Well for starters, is will be interesting to see in what order the photo's will post.
That said, I'd like to fill you in on the beautiful week I've just had.

My week started on Monday, November 27th, when I had a wonderful visit with my old friend Mark.(see my previous post)

On Tuesday I went to Books and Books at the lovely Bal Harbor Shops for a 2PM slide show presentation and book signing
event by an old acquaintance of mine, Jewel Stern.
I first met Jewel, I bet it was at least 20 years ago and at that time she was a recognized photographer.
Fast forward to the present and low and behold I find out she is a collector of "Modernism in American Silver, 20th Century
Silver Design". This also is the title of her book, published by Yale University Press.
What an amazing woman Jewel is.
She gave the most engaging and informative presentation.
A champagne reception followed.
Jewels' collection has been accquired by The Dallas Museum and is on loan presently to The Wolfsonian, here on South Beach
through March of 2007.
Her book as well as the exhibit at The Wolfsonian have both gotten rave reviews, as well they should.
Interesting to note that this exhibit is up during the upcoming Art Basel week in Miami and Miami Beach, which is an international, world class event.
I find this all too thrilling and exciting as I'm a native of Miami and have witnessed the growth and development
of our beautiful city. Despite the recent reference to us being a "Third World Country".
In spite of the crime, over congestion of our streets and highways, and way to much development going on,
Miami continues to be a thriving, incredible city with the most diversified mix of cultures. I feel extremely lucky to have
been born and raised here.
I look forward to attending this exhibit down the road, with a group of women from The Funding Arts Network, an organization I am involved with.

So that was Tuesday.

On Thursday evening I drove south to the Coral Gables branch of Books and Books for another slide show presentation,book signing, by a woman who was a friend of mine when I had my children's clothing store. Her name is Jane Katcher and her book is titled "Expressions of Innocence and Eloquence: Selections from the Jane Katcher Collection of Americana", published by Yale Universiy Press as well. This book is huge and amazing. It weighs 5 1/2 pounds.
Jane is the woman I aspire to be in my next life. She is a former Pedicatric Radiologist, a wife, a mother of 3 beautiful
daughters and just an amazing woman in my opinion.
She gave a most dynamic presentation, so add gifted public speaker to the list of her accomplishments...
I was sitting in the audience, Jewel Stern was in attendance too, thinking to myself, how amazing is this, that two accomplished women, that I happen to know,
have each published a prestigious, highly regarded book? These books will be used by art historians for years to come as a benchmark in each of their fields of collecting
I am so proud of them.
I am so honored to know them.
They give me such hope as a woman in today's world. They are testimony, that all things are possible.
Kudo's to both Jewel Stern and Jane Katcher for a job well done!
Stand up and take a bow!

Do I still have your attention??? If so thank you and please read on...

Friday night was spent on South Beach with my wonderful buddies Bill and Jose.
We saw "For Your Consideration", the Christopher Guest movie.
It was plenty funny. Not a Hollywood blockbuster, but very entertaining and full
of much needed laughs.
We had a lovely meal at Joe Allen's afterwards.
I always know I'm going to enjoy myself when I'm with Bill and Jose.

And last, but certainly not least, was the culmination of my beautiful
week. I attended a Birthday Party for Miss Ella, herself, who is now 4. Ella and her 2 yr. old
sister Chloe, are the daughters of my cherished friend, Hunter and her husband Peter. Hunter is the
daughter of Mark and Donna. I know Hunter since she was this same age and I was dating her newly divorced Dad.
The party was perfection! They had a clown doing face
painting on the kids and a colorful bounce house, where the kids were jumping and running
themselves ragged. The day was glorious, with a cool breeze going on.
The thing that impressed me the most was how all the young parents were so relaxed, patient
and hands on with their kids in such a healthy, loving way.
It was a beautiful thing to witness and I felt so lucky to be part
of this glorious gathering.

Thanks for staying tunned.
I am one lucky lady.
I am so grateful.

And here's to another beautiful week unfolding, ahead, for us all.

Jose and Bill @Joe Allen"s Friday night.
This is Ella opening presents and sister Chloe showing her face for the camera
Catching the Birthday Girls face, Miss Ella herself...
Madame Chloe having a meltdown!

A Day at The Ranch

Yesterday I had a 5PM accupuncture treatment down south and was looking for something to do down that way earlier, so
I would not have to deal with driving there in the rush hour traffic.
It occured to me that my old friend, Mark, could use a visit as he recently had hip replacement surgery.
So I decided to stop in at his Chickee, which he custom designed and built in the early 1970's when we were an item.
I have many fond memories of him and that chickee. It sits to the back of his family's compond, which they call The
Ranch. To further add to the visit, Barry appeared. He and Mark go back forever and have done many a project
together. Barry is renown for his work with the trunks of trees. He's a recognized crafts, artisan and also creates natural
environments. His card says "industrial artist-Land Shaper". Another thing to add...Congratulations go out to Mark
and Ann, his significant other for over 20 years now. They finally got married. So there you have it. And now some of the photo's from
my visit.
This is an outside corner, featuring the bathtubs.
This is Mark in the back and Barry in the front. The Silver Fox Brigade
This is the Totem Pole. Mark carved the alligator, replete with teeth, no less on the top of this single piece of wood, probably a tree trunk.

This is one of many of the artifacts on the grounds surrounding the chickee.
This is an inside shot of the ceiling of the chickee.

Continuation of Girls Get Together, Publishing Ass Backward for a Change...

This is our styling girl Nora and Kay. Nora is
a Florida native and gifted photographer. She makes her living as a "location scout" for photo shoots.
This is Sister Margaret Mary and Kay. Margaret is
a former Nun. She goes by just Margaret, but I always love for people to know that she was a nun. Margaret is a former
journalist and runs the Port Everglades Association, the private, nonprofit organization of businesses at the Broward County seaport.
Here is our lovely Susan with Kay of course. Susan
has recently retired. We go back to 1972 and the McGovern Campaign. Susan was the Chief Operating Officer of the first "Summit
of the American's" held in Coral Gables, several years ago. She then went on to be Director of the not for profit organization, Florida Partnership of the Americas. She also had her own Public Affairs Firm. She's a major player in all things
good in our community.
And with the blue and white wreath, made
especially for me, Myra, because I don't celebrate Christmas, with the creative and talented girl herself, Miss Kay!

Girls Get Together @ Kay's

My dear friend Kay hosted a "girls get together" for 5 of us yesterday @4 o'clock in the afternoon.
It's a special treat when the 5 of us get together as we all live in different parts of South Florida and
everyone is busy, so it was wonderful spending time together in Kay's festively decorated apartment.
We laughed alot and remembered our dearly departed friend Sara, who was a common denominator
in all our lives.
When we finished feasting on the beautiful spread Kay had put out, Kay said "keep the camera's out".
She then proceeded to drag out 4 huge black trash bags from the back bedroom and announced "I am
doing this in alphabetical order".
Ta Da.
Here is our beautiful Kay surrounded
by the inredible wreaths she hand made for each of us.

An Ass Backward Presentation of My Wonderful Saturday.

Matador with bull.
Pablo and Myra, photo op! By the way, I
look much better than this in person...Hope you're laughing.
South Beach @night, where my wonderful day
culminated
Head on shot of the magnificent Bull. Gold
leaf done with cigarette paper.

A morning with Pablo Cano @MOCA, publishing out of order...

That's Pablo Cano, himself, up high in this
photo, manipulating the puppets.
I loved the eye's on this elephant. They are
so compelling. By the way, the silver leaf is done with silver paper from empty packs of cigarettes. Amazing, no???
This is an octopus kind of fellow.
This is a Mr. Fur Face kind of guy.
And this magnificent creature is made out
of plastic bowls and plates from the dollar store. If you click on any of the photos you'll get a larger view. In this case
you'll better see what I mean about the magnificence here.

MOCA.Photo's documenting the 1st stop in what was a most wonderful day!

This is one side of a puppet by Pablo Cano.
Uploading photo's on this Blog is still a mystery to me. They never publish in the order selected. The other side of
this puppet is a few down.
Unfortunately I was so busy taking pictures
that I couldn't take notes too...That being the case, I have no names for these incredible characters. Pablo introduced us
to each one...this guy has flipper feet, which being the great photographer I am, I failed to get in this shot. I forget his
name, but he is the narrator throughout the show, I think.
Ah, here is the front side of "Princess Tula".
This guy greets you as you approach the
front of the Museum of Contemporary Art/MOCA. He is part of several objects set in the outdoor fountain. Kind of "Hello
Kitty'esk", no?
And this is the entrance to Pablo Cano's
space where the performances of Under the Sea will take place.

I'm going to post some more photos...The sequence of which will be up to the Blogging God.

Parrot Jungle Morning . WLRN Public Radio Circle of Friends Breakfast with Robert Siegel

This is Robert Siegel, host of All Things Considered on PBS radio.
He was the featured guest speaker at this mornings breakfast.

When the breakfast was over, I ventured into the entrance of The Parrot Jungle Park.
These were a few of the faces that greeted me.
So darling, all 2 yrs. old, visiting with their school.

Parrot couples. Incredible colors and incredibly loud.
Oh my gosh, I'm glad I got finches and not parrots.
But they are pretty magnificent to look at.

PEACE

Just listed this ATC on eBay.
I love the subtle colors
and the message.

Good News

The good news is Mother is home from the hospital and getting back to her usual self

More good news! I'm officially off all my medications! YAHOO!
My GP, was thrilled that my blood pressure is totally normal and
my blood sugar # was good too. He assured me it is only going
to get better as I continue to lose weight.

Frankly, I can't believe the whole thing.
This has happened so quickly.
I am so blown away.
Totally delighted and of course, so grateful.

Looking forward to my scheduled day.

Let me know what you think of these new
cards just listed on eBay.
They are different than what I ususally do.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

Photo's of some of my friends and table mates at yesterdays Woman's Fund LuncheonThis is Katy Sorenson and my friend Donna Reno
This is my friend Hunter Reno, who is a Board Member and Ronie Smulian

and now to What a Difference a Day Makes...

To begin with my Mother is in the hospital. Poor thing, she has been sick off an on since last Wednesday night with some kiind
of stomach thing. You know, both ends...(thanks for sharing Myra).
The good news is she managed to pull herself together and attend her birthday celebration for Charlie on Sunday night.
But yesterday morning when I got up I saw her sitting in her Lazy Boy Recliner, wrapped in a blanket. I woke her, to get
her in her bed and she said she had been so sick throughout the night.
I had a full day scheduled and made her promise she would call her doctor, etc.
Bottom line, @11:30 AM she left a message on my mobile that she was in the emergency room on an IV and I shouldn't
worry or cancel anything...they were taking many tests and also taking good care of her.
I ended up seeing her @4PM, still in the emergency room. They told me they were admitting her. Which I was kind of
relieved about. They have her on antibiotics and are monitoring her. Her heart is fine, they think this must be a bug
of sorts. We shall see.
Meanwhile, Charlie's 93rd Birthday Dinner was a big hit. Unforturnately, there are no photo's to post, because I ended up
not going. I had a particularly rough Sunday and my Mother excused me, thank God!
My action packed day, yesterday was wonderful. I thanked God every minute. I was able to accomplish everything in a
precision like manner. No kidding the day ran like clockwork with perfect timing. It was all a miracle.
The hightlight was a Donor's Luncheon for The Woman's Fund, an organization that does incredible work for underprivileged
and at risk young woman. I have been supporting this organization for several years now. One of my favorite friends is
on the Board and they do such amazing, good work.
The luncheon was at a beautiful new restaurant on Brickell Aveune, just south of downtown Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay.
The setting was so spectacular. The women in attendance were all impressive in their own right. I saw so many people
that I hadn't seen in many years. Everyone was so receptive and seemed so happy to see me. It felt good to be in a room
filled with these lovely woman. It also felt wonderful to be acknowledged and so lovingly recieved.
I have to get myself together to leave in about 30 minutes. I'm going to my GP, for a fasting blood sugar and a check up
in general, post surgery. Then up to Ft. Lauderdale to had my dressing changed and then on to see my Mother.
Will report in later.
I am grateful for a new day and all the possibilities it holds.

Dream Girl

Another new piece just listed on eBay.
Ain't she sweet?

Good Morning . It's a Beautiful Day!

Good morning to all. Here I am once again at the computer early
on a Sunday morning.
I'm looking out the sliding glass doors at the beautiful day as it
begins.
I am so grateful.
I've been up since 4:30AM, which is not unusual for me.
It is such a delight to come out into the living room/work space
area and see my lovely Pretty Birds. Last night they slept side
by side, both facing the same way, real close to each other.
It was so sweet. I didn't take a picture because I didn't want
the flash to disturb them.
I've managed to eek out a new card to list on eBay.
Another black and white presentation.
What do you think???
The Faithful Friend, we all have one, right?
You do know that to have a faithful friend,
you have to be a faithful friend.
Tonight is "The Birthday Celebration" for
Charles, my Mother's boyfriend. He's 93 yrs. old,
officially tomorrow. He was born ll/12/13, isn't
that interesting? The sequence of numbers, I mean.
I've made the place cards and am in charge of
decorations. I'm laughing, because it's a restaurant
and how much can one decorate.
I ordered M&M's on line for party favors.
They are red and orange and say "smile Charlie:
"your 93!", cute, no? They are packaged in clear
cello bags, tied with a red ribbon.
I plan on getting somekind of balloon bouquet
and that's it for the decor.
I'll be the official photographer too.
So stay tuned for photo's of the gala event.
Off to read the Sunday paper.

Resurfacing after a few rough days...

So here it is Saturday morning. I'm at my computer with The Pretty Birds by my side.
This is the first morning I'm kind of feeling somewhat normal. Wednesday afternoon
I started to slide. Which really surprised me, as I was having such a beautiful day.
Wednesday started out great. I had an acupuncture treatment, which is always wonderful,
but even more so this day. The reason being that I had decided that morning not to take
my blood pressure or blood sugar medications. I made this decision because my legs
and ankles were swelling to the point of distraction. They were killing me. I thought
about the 3 days in the hospital, where they did not give me this medication and how
I came home with thin ankles and no swelling, until I started taking these medications
again. I figured if I could get by in the hospital without them, then I would try getting
by without them again.
Thank you to the powers that be, because before my treatment the practioner took
my blood pressure and it was 130 over 80, which is way good for me, with or without
the medication. After the treatment my blood pressure was 120 over 80, perfect.
Was I ever elated and grateful.
So I took the scenic route home North on A1A, ocean view to my right and low a behold
there is this magnificent, huge kite flying right before my eyes.
These photo's were taken from inside my car, while I was driving.
I stopped to do some errands and that's when things started to slide.
Something happened to my left rear ankle. Like I tore or over extended something...
All I know is that it was very painful and made it quite awkward to walk.
But I perservered and got everything on my list accomplished. Go Myra!
PS, when I got home I was so wiped out that it's taken me 2 whole days to semi
recover.
The foot is sligthly better, which is a good thing. However, this has put a real
damper on my daily walking is the halls.
I'm hanging in there and doing the best I can.
If anyone has survived and read this far, I applaud you.
Such a mournful, woe is me, Myra.
Enough about the downs.
The good news is I purchased a "sports cord", I think that's what you call them.
I'm learning how to do all kinds of strengthing and stretching routines and this
is a very good thing for me.
Tomorrow evening my 86yr old Mother, Reva is hostessing a Birthday Dinner
for her 93 yr. old squeeze named Charles (Reva calls him Charlie). This will
be my first dinner out venture since my surgery.
I'm sure I'll do just fine.
Did I mention how much I'm enjoying my pretty new companions?
The birds are a delight.
I love coming out in the morning and seeing them.
I love hearing their chirping. Somehow they have enhanced my life.
And oh yes, I remain grateful still, for all I have.
Let's see how this new day shall unfold.
Good wishes.

TA DA!

I am late in posting this encouraging news...
16 lbs., that's what I'm down in almost one
month.
I am still retaining lots of fluid in my legs,YUK
and OUCH.
This is a reaction from the medication that I
take for blood pressure and blood sugar.
The doctor said it represents about another 10 or 12 lbs.
So there.
Yesterday was a wipe out for me in terms of
energy.
But I am thrilled and proud that I managed to
accomplish all that I set out to do.
Most importantly voting.
I am distressed to awake this morning and see
that in Florida we shall have a Republian Governor
again.
Oh well, you win some. You lose some.
Our Democratic nominee was a real long shot.
I see that nation wide though, we have what
to celebrate.
I only hope and pray that my fellow democrats
will work hard at making a difference and not
exhibit inappropriate behavior that is so prevalent
today.
It's 5:20 AM. I have been up since 4:45 AM.
Slept thru the night, from about 6:30PM yesterday
till now.
WOW. I must have needed that sleep.
Good morning world.
I am so grateful.

Good Morning Pretty Birds

Well the Pretty's made it through their first night just fine.
I moved their cage to sit next to my work table so I can
admire them all the time.
They've been chirpping and flying around.
I feel badly about the flying around.
The cage is so small.
But for now this will have to do.

I'm off to my doctors appointment.
I've a list of other things to accomplish
while I'm out.

Wishing my self good luck.

Looking forward to accepting this
beautiful day as it unfolds.

Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl an Australian Love Story.

This is the second time I am writing about Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl
an Australian Love Story.
The first time just published to the wrong blog, myras-blog.blogspot.com.
What a bummer.
I am so frustrated with the learning curve on blogger but must persevere
because this is such a lovely story.
I was itching to get out of the house today.
I thought, why not take a nice long drive up to
The Festival Flea Market.
Once there I would get a much needed walk in and enjoy the visuals
provided, by the assorted merchandise.
So there I was walking up and down the aisles when I hear all these
bird sounds. Not exactly singing birds, but rather lots of chirpping,
kind of. So I follow my ears to an amazing scene. Three large cages
with the most beautiful, colorful assortment of Australian Baby Finch.
I was mesmerized and immediately drawn in to one particular bird.
Meet Pretty Boy. He has the orange head and dark purple chest.
I asked the proprietor all kinds of questions.
There were several people in and out through out the questions and
answers, all attesting to how great the birds were from this woman.
That she hand feeds and raises them and how happy they are with
their purchases, etc.
So right then and there, I knew I had to have this bird.
She got him into a smaller cage I had selected and I asked her to
pick out the female. Meet Pretty Girl. She has a black head with
a pale lavender chest and a thin turquoise line around her neck.
The woman told me they are babies and that their color will become
more intense as they age.
They will not mate unless I put a little house in the cage for them to
nest in.
I can't believe the whole thing.
I took the cage with them in it home talking and whistling to them all
the way in my car.
I'm sorry they have to live in a cage.
They are not birds to handle according to the woman.
Anyway they are mine.
I am so thrilled and delighted. Did I say happy and
over the moon?
I am grateful to the powers that be, that led me to this
today.
Life is good.
Tomorrow is judgement day, with my 1st weigh in.
I will go to bed tonight with peace of mind.
Looking forward to what the morrow has in store for me.

On Beauty

My offering for the day.
On beauty. Gibson Girls, love that soft romantic look.
Had a wonderful day.
Tomorrow have a list of must do's
and then it will be Tuesday.
My day of recogning. First time on the
scale at the doctor's office.
I know it will be good news.
Actually had 2 walks today.
That's big for me.
Night all.
Sweet dreams...

Tripping down memory lane...

These photo's have kind of just turned up.
I wanting to publlish them here to remind myself that in not too long
a time
I should be looking plently good again.
The oldest photo is from 1974, at the Essex House in NYC, with Leon and Stephanie Rosenblatt,
Leon and I go back to hebrew school together. We were 8 or 9yrs old when we met..
He and Stephanie have been married now, I bet close to 40 years, if that's possible.
Anyway, note the cigarette in my hand. I know I weighed at least 160 in this photo.
All of a sudden 160 looks pretty good to me.
Granted this photo is 32 yrs. old already, so youth was on my side.
The photo under the palm was taken on my 50th birthday. That was 8yrs. ago.
I know I weighed over 200, but looking at it now, I still think I looked
pretty damn good.
I'm not announcing my official top weight, post
surgery, yet.
I know it won't be long before I am ready to reveal this information.
Tuesday is my post op doctor's visit.
That will be the first time I am on a scale since the surgery, so we
shall see how it goes.

The really good news, as far as I'm concerned is that I put on my
Nike's today and actually took a walk. Go Myra.
And I actually got dressed and in my car and did errands.
I had fun today.
I am grateful.
Later.

Perserverance Pays Off!

Oh my dear. What an ordeal I've been through trying to post on this blog.
Several months ago I was unable to access entry to my blog, Myra's Thoughts.
After many frustrating attempts I decided to let it go and just start a new
blog. The new blog was titled Myra's Blog, which by the way still exists, as
I only have learned to well during these past few days.
You know what? I'm going to spare you all and myself the details.
All I can say is that by persevering I was able to finally get what seemed
impossible before.
Go figure.
I am so delighted and relieved. Did I mention grateful?
I have been trying to publish to my blog for days...
Now, finally, I have.
TA DA!

At last or at least I hope so...

3 new listings on eBay. What do you think??? I have my fingers crossed that this is going to magically appear in my blog, Myra's Thoughts.
Not in Myra's Blog, which is a whole other story that I will tell if this successfully pubishes in Myra's Thoughts.