Found.

 

 

Found in the Smithsonian

 

Between trillions of cells, enzymes
still we know almost nothing

some people hit
the genetic jackpot, others

similar circumstances, questions
more vexing

because humans are
a recent phenomenon.

 

AMMI

 

Whine. No wine.

I’m not drinking.

Well, I’m not drinking adult beverages, wine, beer, those so pretty margaritas (rocks no salt), Tullamore Dew neat,  nor a very veggie Bloody Mary, no.

And mind you it bothers me because I liked it. I like sitting at a bar. I like chatting. I like to listen to ice and liquid be thrown together in such violence that the two vessels must be knocked against the counter to unseal them.. .then the slosh in the pour, the funny thing with the slinky around the edge when the cocktail is served ,as my dad said, “A twist, Up!”

He drank. He drank too much. He got sober. I went to the ‘other’ meetings.

And now I’m not drinking. I live in Austin, a very booze-casual town. Yes, I do think of Austin, TX as a big town still. I’ve lived here 13 years or so, and I’ve seen the old be torn down for new . .progress some call it. I’ve seen the push of density and the sprawl. You could say I’m benefitting from sprawl for the house I moved to on March 21st is new, expansive, and nothing like I would have ever thought I’d live in. But here I am. On what is now the east edge of Austin near the airport surrounded, mostly, by trees. And I’m not drinking.

I have water by the gallons and a Mexican Perrier, aka Topo Chico. I love Topo. I can get one when I go out, and feel almost adult. Ok so I’m 57 and adult has been my adjective almost 40 years. I like a nice Arnold Palmer and I like ordering them because it reminds me of my dad and I’m pretty sure Arnie had his tea/lemonaide with something to stiffen the ice. I digress.

I’m not drinking. For three reasons: my pancreas acted up, my liver has cysts, and I was talking Tylenol. Here’s the thing: I was stupid. (Yes! My darling grandson, Grammi knows stupid is a bad word). A kinder way of saying it would be, I was distracted. I didn’t pay attention.

I live with neuralgia, left over from chemo. And then I had to distance myself from my only child. . .so, depression/anxiety rears it’s head and then. . . well. . . sure let’s sell the house . . . sure, ok, I’ll stay in Texas.

And I”m not drinking. And it bothers me that it bothers me. I like that I’ve lost 12 pounds by not drinking. I like that I feel better. But it’s a gut thing. No booze and low fats. No queso and cerveza. No Zin in a stemmed glass. Nope. Not for now.

Whining completed. Onward.

I’ll Say Good-Bye to Love

The song came to mind on Saturday as I walked the familiar, circuitous Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts, but not until I had walked the bricks and walked into too many crimson crested humans.

Well it was in the melt of Spring vacation for many schools in the northern climes. And there are many aspiring to be of the crimson club, and many getting lost. So I find the store that still is there and still sells vinyl records, which amuses me, and is another story for another time. So I come out of the Garage, and see a family under shelter from the spitting, mist and lost.

“Do you need help?” I offer and through their get along English and my total lack of Polish we manage to connect. The map helped. The mother was born in Jamaica Plain and they were confused on how to the there from Harvard Square. Well that was fun and easy as this had been my route home when I lived in the area. The fact that the T is color coordinated makes it clear yet the old school direction “inbound” and “outbound” are useless in contemporary Boston. Off they went smiling and thank you. I continued my walk.

Hoping to be delighted as I took the purposeful meander. I have gone to Boston many times since moving to Austin, Texas. However I have avoided this place for a few years for it stirs happy memories of being with my son. It is enough to say, we are estranged and this was to be a re-taking. I walked past building where food was good but now owned by the University. I saw that Schoenhof’s was closed and mourned the empty bookstore. The delightful, odd building that was used books, re-purposed. And as I made my way up toward the remaining bookstore in the area that held more bookstores than any other place in the nation had only one.

If it’s springtime in New England then it is mulch time in New England, or at least in the Metro Boston area. My head thinks New England Flower Show. My nose says manure and pine bark. My eyes water at the dark brown crap, asthma threatens with weaze. My feet walk faster for scent is memory faster than taste and it rips a band-aide off my healing soul, commanding my entire self, ‘don’t. remember. Now. Go. Moving with a required city stride and once again the rude Yankee I am, making my way past Crimson gawkers for when I get to Mass Ave, I will smell diesel. Ubiquitous city scent.

The Bookstore. Ah it smells good. It is a constant. I am greeted by books by friends, living and deceased. I am delighted. I skim off one layer and stuff it down my satchel. I touch the face on a book jacket. I go to poetry to see who is there. I go downstairs to the used and remainders. I make the mistake of talking to the human behind the counter who I guess either manages or owns it. I don’t know but I am greeted with condescension. And sadly he doesn’t know the book right in front of him won the Pulitzer for History.

He’s the kind of person that at one time would have had me out the door and down the street to Wordsworth but that store closed many years ago. This is the only bookstore in Harvard Square. I do buy two books, that I couldn’t get at the Austin Public Library nor The Book Store in Austin. He’s been to The Book Store. And he does that thing people do when confronted with a difference of opinion. . . “OH but I LOVE So and So” when I say I rarely shop there because the selection is limited and it’s where the worst traffic in Austin happens. Shrug. I only go there to buy books for kids. Austin is a city of over a million people now and while you can hear world class music and you can eat at world class restaurants, there is ONE independent bookstore, and small women’s bookstore. . .then Barns and Noble, one north, one south, in well to do neighborhoods. (Dear Austin readers, don’t even start on Half Price.)

I leave the store, wander around some more. Watch tourists cross Mass Ave without a crosswalk, I thought it was going to be a pity to see her cashmere hit by the bus. The same man is still selling “Spare Change”, a news paper sold and written by the homeless. He used to have more of a spiel. I give directions again, this time, the question was: “Where is Harvard” and I smile and I point: “There. There. There. . .but what I think you want is right across the street at that crosswalk.” Giggles and smiles and Danke makes me smile.

I get a sandwich to take back to the hotel room to eat. I’m emotionally spent which get me on the train going outbound when I wanted Inbound and then I get off a stop too early. . .sigh. I no longer love it and I’m pissed because I wanted to. I’m from here but I don’t belong here.

Monday Memory: Making Puddles

Getting back in the saddle. On the road. Been a while.

So in the mean time: Memory Monday

AMMIBLOG

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Confessions of a Transplant: SXSW

When I first saw the initials for South by Southwest: SXSW. . . well I didn’t get it.  But I got it now!   This is my 12 year!  And some of what I write here is accurate to my experience and at hand knowledge.  And well, it’s my story.

The conference known SXSW (http://sxsw.com/) started like all things small in a small city. It is now an international multifaceted, whole she-bang, big deal.  But it’s not a festival like New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, it is and was created for the folks who get things going for artists of many sorts: the one who write PR, and book acts and producers show off their talent. .. and the other stuff like Interactive, I don’t really know. I’m married to a musician and our first SXSW was 12 years ago and we came down from Boston because a band, Stan Martin’s Band, got a SX showcase.

The other side of the story is that I was accepted for the MFA program at Texas State, just 30 miles south of Austin.  We lucked out big time, that year in a way we could not have understood until we got here.  A young woman who had been a work-study student in my department at Boston University, had come to Austin for her Masters in Speech Pathology.  We had stayed in touch and she offered us her apartment to stay in because she was leaving town for spring break.

(It seems to me that all the schools in Texas, I mean ALL, take the same week off in March. So SXSW is always during spring break.)

Well this apartment was two blocks off South Congress. 12 years ago,  Congress still had a mechanic’s called Doc’s, (now a burger joint) on the corner of Academy. . .and up the hill, heading south, was . . . you know it’s easier if I just say, that when we came to Austin, SoCo still had a used car dealership where there is now expensive clothing and food.  There was a Baptist Church were a hotel is going up now; there was a pet store where you can buy a nice hat.  There was no side-walk in front of the old houses on the east side of Congress.

Oh but it was wonderful to come down during dreary March to sunshine and a city that was pretty in its mix of homespun twang, music spilling out of the Continental as we walked by. We walked up to The Magnolia Cafe, our first food. . .it was what it still is: eclectic, veggie forward, funky with the biggest glasses of water we’d ever been served.  And we gulped it and munched. And walked down hill to the apartment. . . picking out shops to visit and waiting to hear from the band mates.  And I believe we didn’t have cell phones. . . well I know I didn’t.

The first night, we went to the Broken Spoke. And I got my first sense of a true dance hall. And the band was working with some other folks who were DJ or promoters. It was rather thrilling, to be in this arena. It was great to see my husband and friends being treated seriously for their craft. And it was at the “Spoke” that I first saw my friend Deb two-step, dance.  She was married to a guitar player in another band, and well, she danced like the joy it should be.  Blond, tall, all legs and smiles.  Generous and smart.  Over the years she and I became very close friends and have supported each other in ways that are sister-like.  Never would have thought that, on that first day in Austin.

SXSW is a series of showcases at night, produced and handled by SXSW only. During the days  music venues, and venues, private homes, and such become places where radio stations or record labels strut their stuff.   And even only 12 years ago, it was more intimate. I also didn’t know about the film and the digital-interactive areas that SXSW covers and embraces.  I was along for the ride with my husband but more than that we were looking at Austin as our next home.

And “nothing succeeds like excess” as the Dowager Countess said on Downton Abby. The excess of SXSW that first year seduced us. The smell of BBQ smoke floating in the air, the ‘real’ Mexican food (Boston, remember?)  and sky, so much sky.  We took a trip to see the campus where I’d do my graduate work. We visited the Katherine Anne Porter House along the way, not knowing it was attached to the MFA program.

Over these 12 years I have been a volunteer for SXSW, working back stage and meeting wonderful and ‘famous’ musicians.  I have hosted people in the house, which is fun. . .and we’ve loaned out hubby’s studio so ‘famous’ folks could rehearse with Austin based musicians who are ‘famous’ in their own right.  This year I rather wish I’d left town for the charm is gone.  I thought the traffic would be worse, but then again, I have not gone where the hipsters reign.

My very happy moment this year is my son saying: “Mom, I saw on So&So’s Facebook page, that you heard Jorma Kaukonen at a coffee shop yesterday!”  I admit, I will thank all those who made it possible for Mr. Kaukonen to be in Austin for SXSW, for after 34 years, I am still a ‘cool mom’.  My son is in Boston, with all that snow and cold. Next year, I’ll fly to Boston and mind my grandson so my kid can see all this, that is called SX, for himself.

(And for those who are still reading. . .writing this made me feel very proud of my family. . .and the many people, who are now friends, or even no longer friends. . .well it’s made Austin our home.)

 

Watch what happened after doctors told this mom her newborn son didn’t make it

Rare and wonderful and will fill your soul with hope.

55 Random Things about Me On My 55th Birthday

I never lie about my age.

I was a single mother for 12 years.

I never knew how strong love is for a grandchild, until now.

I sing everyday at full voice.

I play the guitar.

I play the mandolin.

My parents called me Tinker.

I didn’t know I would come to love Texas.

I miss my pre-cancer treatment body.

I am fortunate to be alive. (for reals)

I love tea with milk and sugar

I eat eggs every morning.

I can’t believe I’ve been with Charlie for 22 years.

I read everyday.

I like watching people walk their dogs by my house.

I love my cat.

Unconditional love cures just about any thing but take your vitamins.

Having a spiritual practice makes my days easier.

I live with chronic pain.

I miss the #39 bus in Boston.

I drive four hours, one way,  to see great art.

I drive across the bridge to see great outsider art.

I love “Downton Abby” as well as “Firefly”

I love New York City.

I need new cowboy boots for two-stepping.

The first birthday gift from my hubby was the OED, Shorter.

We both use the OED at least once a week.

My mother’s passion for photography inspires me.

I dream of vacations with my son, his wife and son, and husband.

I have a very hard time saying no to small children.

I miss being prolific.

I wish I could figure out how to make money at things I already do.

I can’t do arithmetic in my head.

I like Irish whiskey and California Zins.

I am more easily hurt than most will ever know.

I still cry during the “Sound of Music”

I want to get work done on the Yellow House this year.

I collect rocks.

I wrote my first poem in first grade.

I’ve been cooking since I was 11.

I’ve been making Julia Child’s salad dressing for 42 years.

Someday I’ll finish my novella.

I am the only person in my immediate family NOT born in Fall River, MA.

I love how the ocean feels.

I stand up for those who feel voiceless.

I love bowling because I’m really bad at it.

I love an old-fashioned spaghetti dinner.

I talk to strangers.

I read real books in bars with a cocktail.

Being married is a great roller coaster ride. Hang on.

Being married to a musician, in Austin, is a different kettle of fish entirely.

“Tweeter and the Monkey Man” has very special meaning to me.

I’m not always nice but I do try to be kind.

I’ve god a gawd awful loud laugh.

I’ve been praised for my looks more than my intellect or talents.

I don’t think much of my looks other than the fact I got the good side of the gene pool.

When I’m insecure, it appears I’m arrogant.

Anxiety/Depression disorder is serious and all in your head. Get help.

I can’t believe how much I love life.

(LOST COUNT!)

Monday Memory: Making Puddles

Keeping Promises. . . OH! Hi! I’m back!

March forth on March first!

I had to stop writing because I couldn’t. So for over a year I read and read: Lots of books and lots of genres. One day last year I went to my husband’s studio and, with all kinds of drama, I rambled: “Tell me you will love me even if I never write another word. Will you love me if I”m not a poet?” And he said what any spouse should say, “Of course. But I’d miss it”.

I took myself off the hook, down from the cross, out of the fire and delved deep into words by others. Images of others and by others. I looked on the cast side of Rodin’s busts in Fort Worth. I felted. I crocheted. I revived old furniture. I held children for whom the world was too much for a scraped knee or a tumble off a bike. I rode carousels and climbed trees. I swam in clear creeks and cold oceans. And in and around this I helped a woman fight lung cancer and watched her madness bloom. And she was mentally ill. And spiritually depleted and then I undid her hoard when she died.

Terry Lee Schutte is a story for another post. But here beside me is the markings of where it began: a magazine I bought to inspire my blogging, as I recuperated from a cholecystemtomy. Terry’s phone number, the number to the agency purported to help seniors get to treatment. Here it is “Artful Blogging”.

The magazine revealed itself to me at the beginning of this year, 2015. And I promised said spouse I would start blogging again this year by March 1st. And while I do not know anything at this moment. I know on Thursday I turn 55. I’ve done my time in the shadow or recurrent cancer, the rest of my time will always have this shadow and that is a story in of itself. One that I don’t really truly tell.

So I did. I will. I am. And I am grateful. Here’s what I hope to do: post poems because I write them (again!) and photography (cause I love it and have being doing it forever) and music. . .and food. I cook. I love food.

Gonna keep these promises, for me.

Friday’s Goods

Mary Oliver has been taunting me. At first it was just the line ‘one precious life’ mixed with ‘what are you doing?’. The words were small voices at first and then formed in my mind to the point where it reached my poet brain. And then at night when sleep is what I desired, I listed poets and felt the words in my mouth until Mary Oliver made sense.

 

The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

 

And yesterday I found the poem and the lines. Why is it important because every night for the last few weeks, in the ritual that usually leads to sleep, the question begs me: what else could I have done?” And I answer: “Almost everything”. “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” And I am wordless. I am failing.

This is how I figured out my Celexa (anti-depressant) was no longer working. I have been coping with anxiety/depression for four years and the meds do not make me happy, they keep me from falling into a bleak-dark mind-space.  It steals my creativity, it steals my energy and it steals my nature.  Then the switch flips and I am scared to leave the house, but I do. Brave face and years of single-motherhood gathered up and I go. Out. And when I return, I put my nose in a book, my eyes on a re-run or pretend I actually care about anything on Facebook.

I know in that clear logical almost Vulcan part of my brain that I am fine. I am cancer free. I have a dear husband (normal squabbles, lots of kisses). I have a good son and daughter-in-law and a adorable, brilliant grandson. I have friends who care.  However when my meds don’t work, as I know now, I don’t feel this. I save some inside part of me away from anything that can hurt me for I know I cannot rise any higher. For now.

In the light and dark of the world’s turning, I am off my own axis. I count the days until I see my doc. And I thank all the Gods and all the stars for poetry.