lifewithoutmentors

Flatbush Ave to B. Altman’s

August 11, 2021

Living in Brooklyn, New York, during my teenage years (1980s), I experienced my share of teenage invincibility. I also felt that anything I aspired for was attainable, probably because of the upbringing of my parents. I was surrounded by endless skyscrapers and crowds of people everywhere I went, who walked fast and seemed to be drawn by a magnetic force that had them always in forward motion.

My Summer Story update…

8/8/2021

Last month, I started a Summer Story series and so far here are some of the things I’ve being enjoying. (please check out My Dog’s Corner to see The Bustey’s Summer Story)

Planning for Success

8/4/2021

“It’s ah good ting Bustey went outside before it rained,” commented my Mom this morning, as the rained began pouring down while we prepared our breakfast. “Actually Mom, I saw that it will rain most of the day, so I took him out before it started, I planned it Ma.” A few minutes later, we saw one of our neighbor’s dogs being toileted in the rain. As we were having this exchange, I reflected on something similar.

“A picture is worth a thousand words”

8/1/2021

That’s what I heard my Mom say! So, rather than give you another of my descriptive posts, I thought I would show you more pictures of the Summer Fun Story I am creating:

GETTING OLD? Here’s advice from someone young, ME!

7/28/2021

When you get old, never teach anyone anything, unless requested, even if you are sure you are right.
Do not try to help unless asked for. Just be ready & available for it if possible.
Do not give unsolicited opinion all the time.
Don’t impose yourself on anyone on any subject.

This partial list above was sent to me by my cousin who is a retired high school teacher and I’m unsure of the author, but these four items quickly resonated with me.

After Assimilation

7/25/2021

Yesterday, as The Bustey and I took our usual walk through our neighborhood, in the sweltering heat of a mid-afternoon Summer, I observed one of my neighbors hopping across the street barefooted. She was being led by her miniature Yorkie who seemed intent on getting to his friend’s house to play. As I watched my neighbor return to her home alone, I suddenly had an epiphany, related to her simple act. And suddenly, I became melancholic, over what I once did myself, that is, before Assimilation!

My Summer so far…woof! It’s The Bustey

7/21/2021

I have been having a great time, in so many dimensions (lol, Mom uses a lot of big words when she talks to me, woof!!), so, please let me describe to you my Summer fun so far:

My Father’s Favorite Car was a Mercedes

7/18/2021

“Ma, I remember when we use to stand at the bus stations in Brooklyn (New York) in that scorching heat or the freezing cold waiting for a bus, and when it arrived it couldn’t hold any more people, so then we had to wait until another arrived. Sometimes there was standing room only, and you might fit if you could push yourself past people as you stepped onto the bus and stand kinda balancing yourself in the aisle, and we would fall if it weren’t for the other bodies holding us up.”

How do you walk like a lady

7/14/2021

Over the years people have occasionally complemented me on my posture, saying that I walk upright, daintily, and like a lady. Hmmmm!! That sounds like a good thing. Then, I see some women walk with extra twisting of their hips and I personally do not think that is very becoming. So, I have tended to walk without twisting my hips, and probably look stiff.

“sweat America, sweat…”

I sat in my car, eating the 2nd half of my banana, reflecting on my morning’s walk on the boardwalk.

For two days in a row, I’ve joined the ‘unofficial’ group that enjoys working out by running, walking, skateboarding, surfing, bike riding, or taking their dogs for an early morning walk, before the throngs of beachgoers arrive with their children and as many gadgets they can pile into their wagons to enjoy a day at the beach.