December 19 sunrise, with a plume of factory smoke.
Wishing my readers a happy holiday season.
Join with other participants in Skywatch Friday, to view the sky from all over our world.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Skywatch Friday - Winter Solstice Edition
Today, for #SkywatchFriday, some photos taken from a highway (I was not driving) in upstate New York.
December 19 sunrise, with a plume of factory smoke.
And two photos of the same sunset, on December 20, the last fall sunset of the year.
A few minutes later.
Wishing my readers a happy holiday season.
Join with other participants in Skywatch Friday, to view the sky from all over our world.
December 19 sunrise, with a plume of factory smoke.
Wishing my readers a happy holiday season.
Join with other participants in Skywatch Friday, to view the sky from all over our world.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
A Christmas Carol
Classics are classics because they are timeless.
No matter what your nationality or religion, a story written over 100 years ago still teaches us eternal truths.
"A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas" by the British author Charles Dickens, was published on December 19, 1843. It had an autobiographical element but also combines various Christmas legends and traditions.
If you call a miserly person "Scrooge", or declare "Bah, humbug!" you are channeling Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in this story. The character of Tiny Tim, a minor character in the novella, lives on in our collective memories.
In the story, Scrooge, a successful businessman lacking the most basic emotions of humanity such as love or kindness is visited by his dead business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley's ghost has a warning for his former partner - the ghost, who was a lot like Scrooge while alive, has been walking the Earth these past seven years, unable to atone for his sins. It is too late for Marley but it isn't too late for Scrooge. Scrooge, said Marley's ghost, would be visited by several ghosts and given his last chance to develop the best in human qualities.
Three ghosts follow Marley's ghost - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, to instruct Scrooge.
At the end of the experience, Scrooge is a changed man.
Here is a quote from the book:
“No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused”
The book, more commonly known as "A Christmas Carol", was an immediate success, and has never been out of print.
This is the only (or so I read) surviving clip of an adaptation of A Christmas Carol on film, from 1901.
In this 1935 adaptation of a play based on the book and brought to film, Scrooge is played by Sir Seymour Hicks, considered a great man of the British theatre.
In these times we are entering, the story of A Christmas Carol is more important than it has been in years. As Dickens said, so many years ago:
“They are Man's and they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance and this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.” Some things about our world never change.
But, perhaps, like in the story, there is hope. Scrooge changed for good, and did not return to his old ways. Rather, the book ended like this:
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”
No matter what your nationality or religion, a story written over 100 years ago still teaches us eternal truths.
"A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas" by the British author Charles Dickens, was published on December 19, 1843. It had an autobiographical element but also combines various Christmas legends and traditions.
If you call a miserly person "Scrooge", or declare "Bah, humbug!" you are channeling Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in this story. The character of Tiny Tim, a minor character in the novella, lives on in our collective memories.
In the story, Scrooge, a successful businessman lacking the most basic emotions of humanity such as love or kindness is visited by his dead business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley's ghost has a warning for his former partner - the ghost, who was a lot like Scrooge while alive, has been walking the Earth these past seven years, unable to atone for his sins. It is too late for Marley but it isn't too late for Scrooge. Scrooge, said Marley's ghost, would be visited by several ghosts and given his last chance to develop the best in human qualities.
Three ghosts follow Marley's ghost - the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come, to instruct Scrooge.
At the end of the experience, Scrooge is a changed man.
Here is a quote from the book:
“No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused”
The book, more commonly known as "A Christmas Carol", was an immediate success, and has never been out of print.
This is the only (or so I read) surviving clip of an adaptation of A Christmas Carol on film, from 1901.
In this 1935 adaptation of a play based on the book and brought to film, Scrooge is played by Sir Seymour Hicks, considered a great man of the British theatre.
In these times we are entering, the story of A Christmas Carol is more important than it has been in years. As Dickens said, so many years ago:
“They are Man's and they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance and this girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.” Some things about our world never change.
But, perhaps, like in the story, there is hope. Scrooge changed for good, and did not return to his old ways. Rather, the book ended like this:
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Winter Wonders - Winter Has Arrived
Every Wednesday from now until spring begins in March, I will have a winter-related post.
Winter began today at 5:44 local time.
Today, a building in the small community of Maine, New York, with an old-fashioned commercial on its side.
For my fans in places that rarely see snow, the coming months should be a treat for you. Not only that, but I read a news article yesterday saying that Binghamton, New York leads the eastern United States in total snowfall so far this season.
Yay, us.
Happy Winter! Happy holiday season.
Today, a building in the small community of Maine, New York, with an old-fashioned commercial on its side.
For my fans in places that rarely see snow, the coming months should be a treat for you. Not only that, but I read a news article yesterday saying that Binghamton, New York leads the eastern United States in total snowfall so far this season.
Yay, us.
Happy Winter! Happy holiday season.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Determined?
Determination was my word for 2016. I chose it the last day of 2015, and then I promptly forgot I had chosen it.
Until now.
I am determined not to forget a word I chose again. The world won't let me forget, either. In retrospect, it was a good choice for 2016.
The world has changed in these last 12 months. It is grimmer. We are going into a new year with a new President who takes office on January 20, and there is both hope and fear for the future.
Living in our new world takes determination and other qualities.
It is time for me to choose a word for 2017 (assuming I do choose one). In the meantime, here is my post from December 31, 2015:
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| West side of Binghamton, New York, 2015 |
I am blowing off the dust from my blog, which hasn't been refreshed in a while. I updated my blogging template, as my regular readers (thank you for coming!) will note.
I joined a blogging challenge for the first time in several months. I read several older posts for inspiration. I went to a sparkling wine tasting, and tasted, for the first time, Dom Perignon, Cristal, and even the Pol Roger Champagne served at William and Kate's wedding reception.
DETERMINATION
DETERMINATION will be my word for 2016. (My word for 2015 - DIFFERENT - well, 2015 was different, all right). I'm being more careful with my word for 2016. I am:
DETERMINED that I will attain certain goals, which I will not reveal to my blog readers. (Why? It is said you are more likely to succeed if you don't announce them.)
DETERMINED that the essential "me" will not be swallowed up by the need to help with the needs of my elderly mother in law and my developmentally disabled brother in law.
DETERMINED that I will grow my writing, and my photography, no matter what my personal challenges are this year. Even if it only grows a little, it will be a victory. Even if, at some point, I decide to no longer blog daily, the fact that I have for nearly five years is a victory.
This past year, I learned once again just how precious life can be. The 39 year old son of someone I went to high school with died in a freak accident, leaving a young child and a pregnant wife. My best friend from childhood died from cancer. A former co worker is gravely ill as I write this, and probably will not survive her illness. It would be a terrible thing to waste the opportunities I have been given.
Of course, it could be just the Champagne talking, but I don't think so. I was buoyed by a couple of recent comments on my blog, one by a reader who said she would miss me if I stopped blogging, and another one who extended an invitation. (That second person has no idea how introverted I am in real life but...hey, one can grow in ways other than blogging, too.).
I know I have something of value to share with the world. I am determined to make a difference, small or large.
So....please join me tomorrow as I start a new year of blogging, and a year of determination.
Will you be choosing a word for the coming year?
Monday, December 19, 2016
Music Monday - Christmas Music Written By Jews
This seasonal post has become one of my favorite features on my blog.
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| Tioga County, NY Historical Society "O Tannenbaum 2015" |
White Christmas (the song, as sung by Bing Crosby) is the best selling single of all time.
It may surprise you that White Christmas was written by a Jewish song writer. It may also surprise you that Jews are responsible for many other beloved Christmas songs.
Some may argue that these are NOT Christmas songs, but rather songs about what I would now call the "secular Christmas". True, these are not hymns. But it is true that the American celebration of Christmas incorporates many aspects of non-religious symbolism - this ground has been covered by other writers.
I consider them Christmas songs. I think, in particular, few would argue that "I'll be Home for Christmas" isn't one of the most heartfelt Christmas songs every written.
(Note, I have not done any of this research myself. I am not a musician or a music expert, just someone who likes to listen to well written music. So if I end up spreading wrong information, I apologize. I did try more than one source, but - as you well know- you can't trust everything you read on the Internet.)
Additionally, in the past year, I have discovered a wonderful blog and - hey, great minds! - John Holton of The Sound of One Man Typing has also blogged about this very topic. I welcome you to visit John's blog and read even more - a lot more - on this topic.
Here's my list:
1. White Christmas: Irving Berlin lived to 101, married a Catholic woman back when that type of intermarriage was extremely scandalous (to both families) and defined Christmas for entire generations of American Christians. (Incidentally, he also wrote "Easter Parade" and "God Bless America".) The next time you wonder if you will be having a white Christmas, and if you can't figure out exactly why that should be so important, well....blame Bing Crosby and Irving Berlin.
2. Silver Bells: this one is another movie song, and talks about the bells of the Salvation Army "in the city". (I always assume it is New York City.)
3. Winter Wonderland: the author of this song was a Jewish man from Brooklyn. The air must have been a lot less polluted in those days. When I grew up in the New York City of the 1950's, a snowy day was more like a Black Crusted Snow Wasteland.
4. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire):
The Nat King Cole version is one of my favorite songs, ever. This brings back so many memories of the holiday season in the late 60's in midtown Manhattan and the vendors who would sell roasted chestnuts. The fragrance carried for blocks. For this song, we thank the Jewish songwriter Mel Torme.
Jack Frost would certainly nip at your nose in NYC. The climate there is so damp, it feels way colder than it really is.
5. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: the duo, both Jewish, who wrote that song, also wrote "The Christmas Waltz".
6. I'll be Home for Christmas.
As an almost-history major in college, this song makes me think of my aunts and uncles who served during World War II. For this, I chose a version sung by Frank Sinatra.
Finally, something I picked up in my research: remember Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. It would seem that Johnny Marks, the author of that song (and also "Rockin' Round the Christmas Tree" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas") was Jewish.
Think of the themes of these songs: Missing your home. Childhood nostalgia. Enjoying a season of lights and happiness. The different child (or reindeer), scorned by others, who becomes the best of all. These are universal themes, and this is why these songs, I think, are so appealing, no matter who wrote them.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Would You Help A Neighbor?
Would you help a neighbor if the neighbor needed your help?
Let's take it a step further. What if helping that neighbor endangered you? What if helping could cost you your life? Would you then help that neighbor?
I have another question for you. Think long and hard before you answer this question: Would you help someone you didn't even know, knowing that help would put you into danger?
Answering requires a keep dive into your soul, the very essence of your beliefs. I, personally, think many of us will not know the answer unless and until it happens to us.
In our country, heroic people do walk among us.
For others, their time came during World War II.
The "Righteous Among Nations" (I will call them "Righteous") are non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during World War II - the Holocaust, or the Shoah, whatever you may call it.
At the Hanukah House museum in Binghamton, New York, this year's exhibit paid honor to the Righteous. The material my spouse and I saw is courtesy of Yad Vashem, the memorial and institute in Israel that is one of the most comprehensive, if not the most comprehensive, collection of documentation of the Holocaust.
Here's just a sample of the heroic people who came from all walks of life to help their neighbors, their co-workers, and people they never had met before.
One of them was Princess Alice, the granddaughter of Great Britain's Queen Victoria.
Polish social worker Irena Sendler helped to smuggle Jewish children outside of the Warsaw Ghetto, and continued her efforts even after the Warsaw Ghetto was no more.
One exhibit contained a listing of the number of Righteous by country. These numbers can not be fully trusted for various reasons but it gave me chills reading the list.
Some of the Righteous are well known, such as Hermine "Miep" Gies, Otto Frank's secretary, who helped to hide Frank's family (including the famous diarist Anne Frank). After they were found and arrested in 1944 (and ironic that new theories concerning these arrests are now coming to life, even as I write this blog post), Miep Gies went to the Nazi police and tried to get them released. This heroic woman died in 2010, a month short of her 101st birthday.
It is interesting to note that many of the Righteous started out as bystanders, and risked not only their lives but the lives of their family, as the Nazis would execute entire families for the crime of helping. They were ordinary people, like you. And me.
So, ask yourself now, even as the number of Righteous dwindle daily - "What would I have done?"
Let's take it a step further. What if helping that neighbor endangered you? What if helping could cost you your life? Would you then help that neighbor?
I have another question for you. Think long and hard before you answer this question: Would you help someone you didn't even know, knowing that help would put you into danger?
Answering requires a keep dive into your soul, the very essence of your beliefs. I, personally, think many of us will not know the answer unless and until it happens to us.
In our country, heroic people do walk among us.
For others, their time came during World War II.
The "Righteous Among Nations" (I will call them "Righteous") are non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during World War II - the Holocaust, or the Shoah, whatever you may call it.
At the Hanukah House museum in Binghamton, New York, this year's exhibit paid honor to the Righteous. The material my spouse and I saw is courtesy of Yad Vashem, the memorial and institute in Israel that is one of the most comprehensive, if not the most comprehensive, collection of documentation of the Holocaust.
Here's just a sample of the heroic people who came from all walks of life to help their neighbors, their co-workers, and people they never had met before.
One of them was Princess Alice, the granddaughter of Great Britain's Queen Victoria.
Polish social worker Irena Sendler helped to smuggle Jewish children outside of the Warsaw Ghetto, and continued her efforts even after the Warsaw Ghetto was no more.
One exhibit contained a listing of the number of Righteous by country. These numbers can not be fully trusted for various reasons but it gave me chills reading the list.
Some of the Righteous are well known, such as Hermine "Miep" Gies, Otto Frank's secretary, who helped to hide Frank's family (including the famous diarist Anne Frank). After they were found and arrested in 1944 (and ironic that new theories concerning these arrests are now coming to life, even as I write this blog post), Miep Gies went to the Nazi police and tried to get them released. This heroic woman died in 2010, a month short of her 101st birthday.
It is interesting to note that many of the Righteous started out as bystanders, and risked not only their lives but the lives of their family, as the Nazis would execute entire families for the crime of helping. They were ordinary people, like you. And me.
So, ask yourself now, even as the number of Righteous dwindle daily - "What would I have done?"
Saturday, December 17, 2016
She Won on Jeopardy
I was going to ask my readers today: what would you do if you were in a certain life situation?
There are times in life where we are given the opportunity to step up, to do something greater than ourselves, and show true courage. Will we answer the call?
I'm still going to ask you, but not in the way I had expected to.
Cindy Stowell, a woman from Austin, Texas, was an experienced trivia player whose lifelong dream was to appear on an American game show called Jeopardy. Jeopardy has been on the air, in its latest version, since 1984, all with the same host, Alex Trebek.
She made the show, a feat that few who apply accomplish. One of my childhood friends is a former Jeopardy champion, so I know a tiny bit about the process. This will give you a small glimpse into Jeopardy, if you aren't familiar with it.
This week, Cindy's first show aired and she won. Then Cindy won again. And won still again.
But there was something different about Cindy. Her voice was hoarse, weak. And there was something not quite...right, as much as she showed her quick thinking and competitive spirit. I mentioned it to my spouse and he agreed.
I didn't know the rest of the story until yesterday, when I looked her up online.
Cindy Stowell competed on Jeopardy, on shows taped this summer, knowing that she was terminally ill. She had been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2015. She had told the producers of Jeopardy, when she was called to audition, that the doctors had just told her they were running out of options - she had, perhaps, six months to live. If they could fit her into their taping schedule, she still wanted to compete, and donate her winnings to cancer research.
They fit her in. Cindy competed. She was feverish, fighting a blood infection when she competed, and was on painkillers. But she reached into herself for every ounce of strength. Her fellow competitors didn't know of her situation, but Alex Trebek did.
Cindy Stowell died on December 5, a week before her first show aired. She was 41.
She was able to watch her the video of first episode from her bed before she died.
In winnings, she may not be the #1 champion the show ever had. But, in spirit, she is at the top of the champion list. She showed us what every one of us is capable of.
As of today, she is still competing in the taped episodes. As one columnist wrote:
"I sit in awe of a brilliant woman earning every last dollar she can for the causes dearest to her; building a sum of infinite potential in the face of her own finality. I have never rooted harder for anyone to win anything."
Jeopardy keeps the results of shows a closely guarded secret (my friend couldn't even tell her closest family or friends) and we don't know, when the show airs again on Monday, if she will win still again. But I will be watching.
And thinking about how I can put the lesson she is teaching into action.
There are times in life where we are given the opportunity to step up, to do something greater than ourselves, and show true courage. Will we answer the call?
I'm still going to ask you, but not in the way I had expected to.
Cindy Stowell, a woman from Austin, Texas, was an experienced trivia player whose lifelong dream was to appear on an American game show called Jeopardy. Jeopardy has been on the air, in its latest version, since 1984, all with the same host, Alex Trebek.
She made the show, a feat that few who apply accomplish. One of my childhood friends is a former Jeopardy champion, so I know a tiny bit about the process. This will give you a small glimpse into Jeopardy, if you aren't familiar with it.
This week, Cindy's first show aired and she won. Then Cindy won again. And won still again.
But there was something different about Cindy. Her voice was hoarse, weak. And there was something not quite...right, as much as she showed her quick thinking and competitive spirit. I mentioned it to my spouse and he agreed.
I didn't know the rest of the story until yesterday, when I looked her up online.
Cindy Stowell competed on Jeopardy, on shows taped this summer, knowing that she was terminally ill. She had been diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2015. She had told the producers of Jeopardy, when she was called to audition, that the doctors had just told her they were running out of options - she had, perhaps, six months to live. If they could fit her into their taping schedule, she still wanted to compete, and donate her winnings to cancer research.
They fit her in. Cindy competed. She was feverish, fighting a blood infection when she competed, and was on painkillers. But she reached into herself for every ounce of strength. Her fellow competitors didn't know of her situation, but Alex Trebek did.
Cindy Stowell died on December 5, a week before her first show aired. She was 41.
She was able to watch her the video of first episode from her bed before she died.
In winnings, she may not be the #1 champion the show ever had. But, in spirit, she is at the top of the champion list. She showed us what every one of us is capable of.
As of today, she is still competing in the taped episodes. As one columnist wrote:
"I sit in awe of a brilliant woman earning every last dollar she can for the causes dearest to her; building a sum of infinite potential in the face of her own finality. I have never rooted harder for anyone to win anything."
Jeopardy keeps the results of shows a closely guarded secret (my friend couldn't even tell her closest family or friends) and we don't know, when the show airs again on Monday, if she will win still again. But I will be watching.
And thinking about how I can put the lesson she is teaching into action.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Skywatch Friday - Moon at Sunrise
Sunrise, December 15, 2016.
The just-past-full-moon over Main Street near Johnson City, New York, looking west at sunrise.
Looking towards the sunrise.
Join up with other skywatchers at #SkywatchFriday.
The just-past-full-moon over Main Street near Johnson City, New York, looking west at sunrise.
Looking towards the sunrise.
Join up with other skywatchers at #SkywatchFriday.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Garden Bloggers Bloom Day - Dec 2016
As the cliche goes, "What a difference a year makes!"
Last December, December 15, 2015, we had just about the most amazing fall ever. Here in upstate New York, in my zone 5b garden near Binghamton, New York, I still had flowers outdoors.
This year, if I did, they would be under snow. The last I knew, I had a couple of pansies blooming, and a Lenten Rose putting up buds, but those are now buried under snow.
Tonight, the low forecast is 6 F above zero (-14 C) but that sounds better than the original forecast, which was -2 (-19 C).
So, let's get to the nitty gritty. What's blooming?
My poinsettia - the red "leaves", of course, are not flowers but a modified leaf called a bract. The small thing in the center is the flower.
An African Violet - another one should be in bloom by week's end.
Two Thanksgiving cactuses - red
and pink.
Please visit the hostess of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, Carol at May Dream Garden, to see what is blooming on her Indiana property and then explore the links to see what's blooming all over the world.
Last December, December 15, 2015, we had just about the most amazing fall ever. Here in upstate New York, in my zone 5b garden near Binghamton, New York, I still had flowers outdoors.
This year, if I did, they would be under snow. The last I knew, I had a couple of pansies blooming, and a Lenten Rose putting up buds, but those are now buried under snow.
Tonight, the low forecast is 6 F above zero (-14 C) but that sounds better than the original forecast, which was -2 (-19 C).
So, let's get to the nitty gritty. What's blooming?
Two Thanksgiving cactuses - red
Please visit the hostess of Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, Carol at May Dream Garden, to see what is blooming on her Indiana property and then explore the links to see what's blooming all over the world.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Fantastic Fall - The I Hate Winter Club
I hate winter. That must be why I live on the edge of the snowbelt of upstate New York.
It's time for snow.
On the calendar, it is still fall. But look outside and it is winter.
If there was an "I hate winter" club, I wouldn't be the only member.
Even if it looks good on rhodedendrons.
Then, tonight, the really cold weather arrives.
I am not looking forward to it. But, at least, tomorrow is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. Such as it may be this month for me.
Come back tomorrow, and see what is blooming in my house.
If there was an "I hate winter" club, I wouldn't be the only member.
Then, tonight, the really cold weather arrives.
I am not looking forward to it. But, at least, tomorrow is Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. Such as it may be this month for me.
Come back tomorrow, and see what is blooming in my house.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Dreaming of Spring Already
In my world of dreams, I would love to be in a place like Americus, Georgia right now. As I write this post, I'm listening to a weather report predicting near zero temperatures (Farenheit, not Celsius) later this week here in upstate New York.
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| One day, spring will return |
But, all is not calm. This past week, Americus also suffered a tragedy. Two police officers were killed by a suspect in a domestic violence dispute, who, in turn, killed himself hours later.
The officers had grown up together, and were good friends. Living in a smallish community myself, I can mourn with the people of Americus and the couple who own the bed and breakfast where my spouse and I stayed on our one visit to Americus.
I have blogged several times about the Americus area. It isn't that far from Andersonville, the most notorious prison in our American Civil War. And it isn't that far from Plains, Georgia, where former President Jimmy Carter grew up. It is where the non profit Habitat for Humanity started. There are other stories in Americus - some inspiring, some showing more of the evil side of humankind.
Perhaps one day, we will return. It is a fascinating place. And the owner of this bed and breakfast takes such wonderful nature and flower photos.
In the meantime, I can dream, can't I?
Monday, December 12, 2016
Music Monday - Happy Birthday Brenda Lee
Singer Brenda Lee was born on December 11, 1944. Yesterday, she celebrated her 72nd birthday.
Born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Georgia, her parents were poor and she began to work at an early age. She was entered into a singing contest at age three. Singing jobs followed. After her father was killed in an accident when she was eight, her singing skills helped the family to survive.
A local DJ changed her name to Brenda Lee.
When I think of Brenda Lee, I immediately think of one of my favorite Christmas songs - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. Listen to that voice - does it sound like someone who was only 13 years old?
This song was released both in 1958 and 1959, but did not become a hit right away. Not until 1960, that is. (My apologies if these songs aren't positioned correctly in the blog - I've been having trouble with that today).
One interesting piece of trivia about Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, is that it was written by a Jewish songwriter by the name of Johnny Marks, who also wrote a number of other Christmas songs. Before Christmas, I will run my annual post on Christmas songs written by Jews - there are a lot more than you might think.
Brenda Lee also covered a song first done by Bobby Helms, Jingle Bell Rock.
But Brenda Lee was far from a Christmas song singer. In 1960, she did a song that so many teenagers of the time could identify with - I'm Sorry.
Happy belated birthday, Brenda Lee.
Born Brenda Mae Tarpley in Georgia, her parents were poor and she began to work at an early age. She was entered into a singing contest at age three. Singing jobs followed. After her father was killed in an accident when she was eight, her singing skills helped the family to survive.
A local DJ changed her name to Brenda Lee.
When I think of Brenda Lee, I immediately think of one of my favorite Christmas songs - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. Listen to that voice - does it sound like someone who was only 13 years old?
This song was released both in 1958 and 1959, but did not become a hit right away. Not until 1960, that is. (My apologies if these songs aren't positioned correctly in the blog - I've been having trouble with that today).
One interesting piece of trivia about Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, is that it was written by a Jewish songwriter by the name of Johnny Marks, who also wrote a number of other Christmas songs. Before Christmas, I will run my annual post on Christmas songs written by Jews - there are a lot more than you might think.
Brenda Lee also covered a song first done by Bobby Helms, Jingle Bell Rock.
But Brenda Lee was far from a Christmas song singer. In 1960, she did a song that so many teenagers of the time could identify with - I'm Sorry.
Happy belated birthday, Brenda Lee.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
The Ordinary Nature of Evil
Today is not a day like all other days.
I do my best to keep my blog lighthearted, to gladden the hearts of my readers with pictures of flowers, trees, and the sky.
I could wish that our world held only beauty, like this beautiful tree turning color here in upstate New York on November 12.
Or this beautiful tree from late October.
But our world has two faces - the face of beauty and the face of evil. If you wish, you can stop reading now, and come back tomorrow. I rarely get political. The next few Sundays will be an exception.
But I hope you'll stay with this post, because the future of our country depends on YOU.
These last few days, we've been going back in time: to the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. To the space program, and the passing of a 95 year old hero of that age of exploration.
There is another group of people whose population is shrinking daily. In the next few years, the remaining survivors of what we call the Holocaust (or the Shoah) will also be gone.
It doesn't take long for history to be forgotten or even denied. It doesn't take long, when times seem favorable, for the purveyors of hate to come out and spread their vile messages. It doesn't take long for attacks to take place, for people who dress differently than most of us to be targeted and beaten, or for people who have names identified with certain religions to be targeted on social media.
It has already happened in upstate New York. It may have happened where you live, even if you don't live in the United States.
It is true that there have been other genocides both before and after the Holocaust. But the Holocaust is personal to me because members of my family that did not immigrate to the United States may have died in the liquidation (what a word!) of a couple of cities in Europe. It is personal to me because my childhood best friend's mother was a concentration camp survivor.
And now, before our eyes, here in our beautiful United States, it is happening once again.
We the people have the power to make it stop. We must use that power. NOW. This hate can not be permitted to grow any more. Why? Because history teaches us what happens when it does grow, when good people do not speak out, when good people turn a blind eye because "it's not about us".
The objects of evil can be quite ordinary. Let me show you one.
Take this star, for example. Pretty harmless looking, isn't it?
Have you ever heard of the Nuremberg Race Laws? If you haven't, this link will teach you about them.
In the Germany of the late 1930's, Jews were forced to register with the government. They were required to carry identity cards marked with a large "J". They were banned from certain occupations. Their businesses were taken from them. They were targeted at school, at work, at home.
This doesn't happen to sound similar to various recommendations floating around our country about what should happen to Muslim residents, does it? The calls for hate start small. Let's have a registry (see the George Takei link below). Let's make them carry identification cards.
So, what happened in Europe in the late 30's and early to mid 40's?
Among other things, Jews were forced to wear badges. As the Nazis conquered country after country, the Jewish residents of this country had to wear badges, too.
Not wearing one of these badges could be punished by death.
Such a simple thing. Again, the hate started small. And then it got really, really big. It eventually led to the deaths and torture of millions and millions of people, all over the world, not just in Europe, both military and civilian. The numbers are staggering.
Don't make the mistake of thinking it couldn't happen here, or think that I am exaggerating and should just "chill out". Many good people of the 1930's thought that way, too. Few could imagine what did end up happening.
The people of today have one big advantage over the people then. We have the lesson of what happened in the 1930's and 1940's. We even have the lesson of what happened in our country.
Our country, you ask? George Takei, an actor from the original Star Trek TV series and an activist, was a childhood survivor of internment camps, right in the heartland of our country.
We ignore that lesson at our peril. Not just if you are Jewish. Not just if you are Muslim. Most of my readers are neither Jewish nor Muslim. It doesn't matter. It is time to say no. It is time to think of other solutions. Are we a people of little imagination?
There's one more thing the purveyors of hate are prepared for - the next terrorist attack in our country, because it will come. It may well be another "lone wolf" attack - a person turned by propaganda and hate into a killer. When it does, it may well become the excuse for "measures" to "protect our citizenry" to be put into place. History has taught us all about those measures, time and again.
Freedom? Or Security? This is our hour of decision.
We must stand together and speak out against all occurrences of evil in our country. Otherwise, to paraphrase a famous poem, there may be no one left to defend us when "they" finally come for us.
I will be interested in the comments I get. If they are thoughtful and respectful (even if they disagree) I'll happily comment back. If they are hateful, I intend to publish them, and let them stand for all to read, because they will only prove my point.
Next Sunday, more from Hanukah House in Binghamton, New York.
I do my best to keep my blog lighthearted, to gladden the hearts of my readers with pictures of flowers, trees, and the sky.
But our world has two faces - the face of beauty and the face of evil. If you wish, you can stop reading now, and come back tomorrow. I rarely get political. The next few Sundays will be an exception.
But I hope you'll stay with this post, because the future of our country depends on YOU.
These last few days, we've been going back in time: to the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. To the space program, and the passing of a 95 year old hero of that age of exploration.
There is another group of people whose population is shrinking daily. In the next few years, the remaining survivors of what we call the Holocaust (or the Shoah) will also be gone.
It doesn't take long for history to be forgotten or even denied. It doesn't take long, when times seem favorable, for the purveyors of hate to come out and spread their vile messages. It doesn't take long for attacks to take place, for people who dress differently than most of us to be targeted and beaten, or for people who have names identified with certain religions to be targeted on social media.
It has already happened in upstate New York. It may have happened where you live, even if you don't live in the United States.
It is true that there have been other genocides both before and after the Holocaust. But the Holocaust is personal to me because members of my family that did not immigrate to the United States may have died in the liquidation (what a word!) of a couple of cities in Europe. It is personal to me because my childhood best friend's mother was a concentration camp survivor.
And now, before our eyes, here in our beautiful United States, it is happening once again.
We the people have the power to make it stop. We must use that power. NOW. This hate can not be permitted to grow any more. Why? Because history teaches us what happens when it does grow, when good people do not speak out, when good people turn a blind eye because "it's not about us".
The objects of evil can be quite ordinary. Let me show you one.
 |
| Picture taken Hanukah House, Binghamton, New York, December 2012 |
Take this star, for example. Pretty harmless looking, isn't it?
Have you ever heard of the Nuremberg Race Laws? If you haven't, this link will teach you about them.
In the Germany of the late 1930's, Jews were forced to register with the government. They were required to carry identity cards marked with a large "J". They were banned from certain occupations. Their businesses were taken from them. They were targeted at school, at work, at home.
This doesn't happen to sound similar to various recommendations floating around our country about what should happen to Muslim residents, does it? The calls for hate start small. Let's have a registry (see the George Takei link below). Let's make them carry identification cards.
So, what happened in Europe in the late 30's and early to mid 40's?
Among other things, Jews were forced to wear badges. As the Nazis conquered country after country, the Jewish residents of this country had to wear badges, too.
Not wearing one of these badges could be punished by death.
Such a simple thing. Again, the hate started small. And then it got really, really big. It eventually led to the deaths and torture of millions and millions of people, all over the world, not just in Europe, both military and civilian. The numbers are staggering.
Don't make the mistake of thinking it couldn't happen here, or think that I am exaggerating and should just "chill out". Many good people of the 1930's thought that way, too. Few could imagine what did end up happening.
The people of today have one big advantage over the people then. We have the lesson of what happened in the 1930's and 1940's. We even have the lesson of what happened in our country.
Our country, you ask? George Takei, an actor from the original Star Trek TV series and an activist, was a childhood survivor of internment camps, right in the heartland of our country.
We ignore that lesson at our peril. Not just if you are Jewish. Not just if you are Muslim. Most of my readers are neither Jewish nor Muslim. It doesn't matter. It is time to say no. It is time to think of other solutions. Are we a people of little imagination?
There's one more thing the purveyors of hate are prepared for - the next terrorist attack in our country, because it will come. It may well be another "lone wolf" attack - a person turned by propaganda and hate into a killer. When it does, it may well become the excuse for "measures" to "protect our citizenry" to be put into place. History has taught us all about those measures, time and again.
Freedom? Or Security? This is our hour of decision.
We must stand together and speak out against all occurrences of evil in our country. Otherwise, to paraphrase a famous poem, there may be no one left to defend us when "they" finally come for us.
I will be interested in the comments I get. If they are thoughtful and respectful (even if they disagree) I'll happily comment back. If they are hateful, I intend to publish them, and let them stand for all to read, because they will only prove my point.
Next Sunday, more from Hanukah House in Binghamton, New York.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
The Last Man
John Glenn died December 8 at the age of 95.
On Tuesday, February 20, 1962, I sat with others in a classroom in a Bronx classroom and listened to John Glenn orbiting the Earth (or so my faulty memory tells me).
This was the first time any American had accomplished that feat. In those days, when someone was shot into space, everyone stopped what they were doing (as much as possible) and listened to the event on radio or TV.
It was the age of heroes, men and women both. These rockets, besides taking people into space, were also somewhat prone to blowing up. But when they didn't, these brave men rode into destiny. Watch, if you have the time, this six minute video of John Glenn in orbit.
I invite you to read the obituary the New York Times wrote for John Glenn (link in my first paragraph).
His heroism didn't end with that 1962 first orbit mission. He returned to space - when he was 77 years old.
Glenn sold his private plane when he was 90. He and his wife couldn't make it inside anymore.
They are all gone now, the first group of seven men chosen so many years ago to take the United States into space. Glenn was the last man standing.
What has come of our space program? I invite you to read this post from August 25, 2012, when the first man on the moon died.
Late on July 20, 1969 I sat transfixed in my living room with my father
at my side. I was in high school so quite old enough to understand
what I was seeing. Together, we watched a grainy pictures on a black
and white TV, a picture I never would have believed in m wildest drams
growing up. Such things were not possible.
A man in a bulky suit edged out of a craft, and his voice crackled on the TV. He stepped on the ground.
"One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind."
That man, Neil Armstrong, died today.
No, I am not talking about Lance Armstrong. Too many jokes recently about people who confuse the two men.
As far as I know, Neil Armstrong never won a bicycle race. Come to think of it, Lance has now won several fewer than just a few days ago. But I digress.
No. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. Today, when we can Skpe friends halfway around the world, when we can email and Facebook instantaneously with people all over Earth - we haven't sent a woman or a man to the moon since the 1970's.
I am sad for so many reasons. Maybe it is because I realize that many people really don't understand what happened that day in 1969, or care. We have lost our will and no longer look to the stars. We now depend on the Russians, our former enemies, to get us into space.
We have technology now years and years ahead of the technology of the first Star Trek TV series, just as one example. Many of us own smart phones that Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock would have envied. True, we don't have transporters or starships.
But we don't have much of a space program, either.
In 1969, who would have thought?
Our hero astronauts of the 1960's are aging. One day they will be dead.
No more giant leaps. No more small steps.
Unless?
The people must want the space program to continue. And right now, they don't.
Times are tough. We look inward, not outward. Perhaps that is what happens when times are tough. But I don't know about that. We finished the Capital Rotunda in Washington, DC during the American Civil War. We built the Empire State Building in New York City (so in the news after yesterday's nearby shooting) during the Great Depression.
I truly hope we have not lost our passion for discovering the unknown. Hard times never stopped us before.
Only time will tell.
Do you remember the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs? Or is it just history/meaningless history to you?
On Tuesday, February 20, 1962, I sat with others in a classroom in a Bronx classroom and listened to John Glenn orbiting the Earth (or so my faulty memory tells me).
This was the first time any American had accomplished that feat. In those days, when someone was shot into space, everyone stopped what they were doing (as much as possible) and listened to the event on radio or TV.
It was the age of heroes, men and women both. These rockets, besides taking people into space, were also somewhat prone to blowing up. But when they didn't, these brave men rode into destiny. Watch, if you have the time, this six minute video of John Glenn in orbit.
I invite you to read the obituary the New York Times wrote for John Glenn (link in my first paragraph).
His heroism didn't end with that 1962 first orbit mission. He returned to space - when he was 77 years old.
Glenn sold his private plane when he was 90. He and his wife couldn't make it inside anymore.
They are all gone now, the first group of seven men chosen so many years ago to take the United States into space. Glenn was the last man standing.
What has come of our space program? I invite you to read this post from August 25, 2012, when the first man on the moon died.
The Last Giant Leap?
A man in a bulky suit edged out of a craft, and his voice crackled on the TV. He stepped on the ground.
"One small step for man. One giant leap for mankind."
That man, Neil Armstrong, died today.
No, I am not talking about Lance Armstrong. Too many jokes recently about people who confuse the two men.
As far as I know, Neil Armstrong never won a bicycle race. Come to think of it, Lance has now won several fewer than just a few days ago. But I digress.
No. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon. Today, when we can Skpe friends halfway around the world, when we can email and Facebook instantaneously with people all over Earth - we haven't sent a woman or a man to the moon since the 1970's.
I am sad for so many reasons. Maybe it is because I realize that many people really don't understand what happened that day in 1969, or care. We have lost our will and no longer look to the stars. We now depend on the Russians, our former enemies, to get us into space.
We have technology now years and years ahead of the technology of the first Star Trek TV series, just as one example. Many of us own smart phones that Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock would have envied. True, we don't have transporters or starships.
But we don't have much of a space program, either.
In 1969, who would have thought?
Our hero astronauts of the 1960's are aging. One day they will be dead.
No more giant leaps. No more small steps.
Unless?
The people must want the space program to continue. And right now, they don't.
Times are tough. We look inward, not outward. Perhaps that is what happens when times are tough. But I don't know about that. We finished the Capital Rotunda in Washington, DC during the American Civil War. We built the Empire State Building in New York City (so in the news after yesterday's nearby shooting) during the Great Depression.
I truly hope we have not lost our passion for discovering the unknown. Hard times never stopped us before.
Only time will tell.
Do you remember the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs? Or is it just history/meaningless history to you?
Friday, December 9, 2016
Skywatch Friday - Big Ball in the Sky
In upstate New York, it is time for the lake-effect snows.
It will be snowing on and off for the next few days, accompanied by white skies and a shy sun.
But, earlier in the week, I was able to get a couple of pictures of the sun and sky for #Skywatch Friday. When we see the sun, we say "what's that big ball in the sky?"
Welcome to Binghamton, New York.
Sunday, December 4, about 1:30 pm.
Friday, December 2 at sunset.
Visit Skywatch Friday for more pictures of the sky, of sunrises and sunset, and more, from all over the world.
It will be snowing on and off for the next few days, accompanied by white skies and a shy sun.
But, earlier in the week, I was able to get a couple of pictures of the sun and sky for #Skywatch Friday. When we see the sun, we say "what's that big ball in the sky?"
Welcome to Binghamton, New York.
Sunday, December 4, about 1:30 pm.
Visit Skywatch Friday for more pictures of the sky, of sunrises and sunset, and more, from all over the world.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Knife Edge of HIstory
Watching some of the news coverage of the commemoration of the 75th
anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought the United States
into World War II, I am struck by this:
Soon, in the next few years, all the survivors of World War II, civilian and military, will be gone. I watched those last few survivors of Pearl Harbor, many of them in wheelchairs, their bodies shrunken in age but their minds as active as ever, give their testimony.
And then, I thought of something else.
The torch is being passed. We, the generations that followed The Greatest Generation (the generation that fought and suffered in World War II) are sitting on the knife edge of history.
What the United States does in the coming months will affect our world for years to come. What we do as a nation to support or oppose those efforts will impact everyone in the world. We are all connected, whether we think so or not.
We have the chance to ease suffering, or to increase it.
We have the chance to make beauty, if only we do it.
But first, we must look the face of history in the eye.
For the next two Sundays, I will feature exhibits from Hanukkah House in Binghamton, New York - the present one and a past one. These posts aren't going to be my usual light hearted posts full of flowers and fall foliage. They will show what happens when good hearted people stay silent.
This is what the last Bradford Pear looked like on December 3, still with most of its foliage. Now, it is bare. But it is not dead. Looks are deceiving. All things willing, it will wake up in the spring, signalling a season of hope. But what kind of United States will it wake up to?
That is up to us.
You are free to skip my posts on this terrible chapter of history (called the Holocaust or the Shoah) and come back on Monday for Music Mondays.
But I hope you won't.
Soon, in the next few years, all the survivors of World War II, civilian and military, will be gone. I watched those last few survivors of Pearl Harbor, many of them in wheelchairs, their bodies shrunken in age but their minds as active as ever, give their testimony.
And then, I thought of something else.
The torch is being passed. We, the generations that followed The Greatest Generation (the generation that fought and suffered in World War II) are sitting on the knife edge of history.
What the United States does in the coming months will affect our world for years to come. What we do as a nation to support or oppose those efforts will impact everyone in the world. We are all connected, whether we think so or not.
We have the chance to ease suffering, or to increase it.
 |
| Oh Tannenhaum, Tioga County Historical Society, Owego, New York |
But first, we must look the face of history in the eye.
For the next two Sundays, I will feature exhibits from Hanukkah House in Binghamton, New York - the present one and a past one. These posts aren't going to be my usual light hearted posts full of flowers and fall foliage. They will show what happens when good hearted people stay silent.
That is up to us.
You are free to skip my posts on this terrible chapter of history (called the Holocaust or the Shoah) and come back on Monday for Music Mondays.
But I hope you won't.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
The Anniversary
In our culture, certain anniversaries of an event are special. One of those special anniversaries is the 75th.
Today is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, in what is now the state of Hawaii. We, perhaps, are a world power today (in part) because of that attack.
Every day, more members of the Greatest Generation, the generation of my late parents, pass away.
On December 7, 2014 I wrote the blog post below. Since 2014, more survivors of the USS Arizona, and of Pearl Harbor, have passed away.
The USS Arizona is perhaps the most well known of all the ships and planes destroyed that day. There were 334 survivors of the sinking of the USS Arizona. In 2014, when I wrote this post, there were nine survivors. Now there are five.
As survivors die, some ask to be buried with the sunken ships they served on.
With all the uncertainty in our world today, it is well for us to remember those who have come before us. This year, some 100 survivors of Pearl Harbor were able to travel there to participate in ceremonies. In all probability. the 75th anniversary will be the last major anniversary of this event where this will be possible.
Time passes. Memories fade. When the memory keepers die, then what?
Here's my post from 2014.
This December 7, there are nine of them left. Four of them will be in Oahu today for the last official gathering of the USS Arizona Reunion Association.
Our local newspaper had pictures of each and a brief description of his memory of December 7, 1941.
The faces are lined with age. They are in their 90's, for the most part. In not too many more years, the last one will be gone. Even their website is in danger of shutting down.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, in what would later become the state of Hawaii, causing the United States to enter World War II.
Perhaps the most famous ship to have been lost, the USS Arizona lies just a few feet beneath the water, and it is now a national monument - a must see for anyone visiting Hawaii.
These nine men are the last nine survivors of the Arizona.
Without remembering our history, we would be lost.
So I was curious to find this little historical tidbit while reading about Pearl Harbor today: Husband E. Kimmel was the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on the day of the attack. He was wounded during the attack by a stray billet. Then, shortly after the attack, he was relieved of his command, and, to this day, there is a debate regarding whether he should have been relieved of command.
Kimmel's father was a veteran of the Confederate military. But, on December 7, 1941, that did not matter.
It was also true that the bloodiest day in U.S. Naval history prior to Pearl Harbor was during the Civil War.
Why is it important to remember Pearl Harbor? Many reasons - this article lists only a few (in one particular point of view. His opinions may or may not reflect mine.)
In my opinion, it is just as important to remember our Civil War, even though it was fought 150 years ago. When I was born in 1952, only a handful of Civil War veterans were left alive, but it made an impact on me nevertheless. We are at about the same point with the veterans of World War II.
Without these two wars, our country would be a different place to live. Our very lives would be different.
They are part of why we are the way we are, for good and for bad.
No matter what country you live in, dear reader, please take a moment and reflect on your personal history. And hope that, one day, our world can finally achieve peace.
Today is the 75th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, in what is now the state of Hawaii. We, perhaps, are a world power today (in part) because of that attack.
Every day, more members of the Greatest Generation, the generation of my late parents, pass away.
On December 7, 2014 I wrote the blog post below. Since 2014, more survivors of the USS Arizona, and of Pearl Harbor, have passed away.
The USS Arizona is perhaps the most well known of all the ships and planes destroyed that day. There were 334 survivors of the sinking of the USS Arizona. In 2014, when I wrote this post, there were nine survivors. Now there are five.
As survivors die, some ask to be buried with the sunken ships they served on.
With all the uncertainty in our world today, it is well for us to remember those who have come before us. This year, some 100 survivors of Pearl Harbor were able to travel there to participate in ceremonies. In all probability. the 75th anniversary will be the last major anniversary of this event where this will be possible.
Time passes. Memories fade. When the memory keepers die, then what?
Here's my post from 2014.
Civil War Sunday - The Last Nine Standing (December 7, 2014)
This December 7, there are nine of them left. Four of them will be in Oahu today for the last official gathering of the USS Arizona Reunion Association.
Our local newspaper had pictures of each and a brief description of his memory of December 7, 1941.
The faces are lined with age. They are in their 90's, for the most part. In not too many more years, the last one will be gone. Even their website is in danger of shutting down.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, in what would later become the state of Hawaii, causing the United States to enter World War II.
Perhaps the most famous ship to have been lost, the USS Arizona lies just a few feet beneath the water, and it is now a national monument - a must see for anyone visiting Hawaii.
These nine men are the last nine survivors of the Arizona.
Without remembering our history, we would be lost.
So I was curious to find this little historical tidbit while reading about Pearl Harbor today: Husband E. Kimmel was the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet on the day of the attack. He was wounded during the attack by a stray billet. Then, shortly after the attack, he was relieved of his command, and, to this day, there is a debate regarding whether he should have been relieved of command.
Kimmel's father was a veteran of the Confederate military. But, on December 7, 1941, that did not matter.
It was also true that the bloodiest day in U.S. Naval history prior to Pearl Harbor was during the Civil War.
Why is it important to remember Pearl Harbor? Many reasons - this article lists only a few (in one particular point of view. His opinions may or may not reflect mine.)
In my opinion, it is just as important to remember our Civil War, even though it was fought 150 years ago. When I was born in 1952, only a handful of Civil War veterans were left alive, but it made an impact on me nevertheless. We are at about the same point with the veterans of World War II.
Without these two wars, our country would be a different place to live. Our very lives would be different.
They are part of why we are the way we are, for good and for bad.
No matter what country you live in, dear reader, please take a moment and reflect on your personal history. And hope that, one day, our world can finally achieve peace.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Miniatures with Much Meaning
It has become a holiday tradition for me to feature the miniature houses - dollhouses if you will - of Bobbie King, which are displayed at a seasonal museum called Hanukkah House in Binghamton, New York.
Let me take you into this miniature world, or memories in little boxes (Thank you, blogger Alice Gerard, for inspiring the format of this year's post).
Why are these houses special?
Another view.
A miniature in white.
But first, you may want to stop off at the porch.
Now, take a look inside.
How about a closeup?
Or two?
So, who was Bobbie King? Why are her houses special?
Roberta King was a member of the congregation that runs the museum and mother of 10 who taught English for immigrant adult education classes at Binghamton's American Civic Association - until the day she was murdered, with 12 of her students and co workers. April 3, 2009 is a day no one in Binghamton will ever forget.
Her family refused to surrender to hate. Instead, they continue to permit Hanukkah House to display her dollhouses (and extensive doll collection) each year for the community to enjoy.
If you are in the Binghamton area, I invite you to visit Hanukkah House. In this season of hate there is no better thing to do. If you aren't in our area, there may be a museum or exhibit that you could visit that is similar. We must not forget how easily hate can grow and destroy.
I plan, later this month, to show that exhibit and other items on display at Hanukkah House.
Have you ever collected dolls? Or worked on miniature houses as a hobby?
Monday, December 5, 2016
Music Monday - I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
During much of 2011-2015, I had a Civil War Sunday on my blog. Although I can not call myself a (United States) Civil War "buff", the story of that war has fascinated me for years.
Now, our country is divided in ways it hasn't been for years. It is time, perhaps, to remind us of a time over 150 years ago, when things seemed hopeless.
Civil War Sunday - Christmas Bells (from 2013)
Unlike the people of 1863, I know what is to follow. As horrible a turn as the Civil War took in 1863, it was not going to get any better. Here were some of the horrors to come, that December of 1863.
Civil War prison of war camps such as Camp Douglas, Elmira, Ft. Sumter (better known as Andersonville) plus events such as the Battle of Ft. Pillow, Spotsylvania Court House and the Bloody Angle, and Sherman's March to the Sea. I asked myself if I should I give up, knowing the horrors to come, and leave the writing to the historians and the true Civil War buffs?
What helped me decide? A Christmas carol written in 1863 that I never realized, until this year, had a connection to the Civil War. The Christmas carol is called "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day".
The poem the song is based on is "Christmas Bells", written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. His son Charles had been seriously wounded in a Civil War skirmish in late November,1863. This poem is the anguished result.
Tragedy was no stranger to Longfellow.
Longfellow wrote, in part:
"And in despair I bowed my head;Longfellow could not withdraw from the tragedy of the Civil War, a tragedy that still echoes in our United States 150 years later.
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
And yes, Longfellow's son Charles survived his injuries, and the war.
Here are two versions - if you will, a mini Battle of the Singers. First, Frank Sinatra, from 1964.
Next, Harry Belafonte, from 1958.
Which do you like better?
This song gives us hope - we have survived hard times before, and will again.
Linking to #MondayMusings at Everyday Gyaan.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Oh Christmas Tree
Several times, I've blogged about Owego, the "Coolest Small Town in America". Owego is about 20 miles west of Binghamton, New York (where I work) and is noted for
a number of things - historical homes, a lovely town square, some
pretty cool gift shops, and just plain friendly people.
At the Tioga County Historical Society, there is a yearly display and auction of Christmas trees in an event called O Tannenbaum. This is a silent auction of donated decorations (with or without the trees they are on), wreaths and more, benefiting the Tioga County, New York Historical Society.
This year the auction closes on Saturday, December 17.
The theme is Christmas at the Circus, and I may blog about that at a different time. For now, let's enter this historic building.
First, some holiday joy for you, my readers.
Here are some of the trees and wreaths available.
Remember white trees? There's even a story behind green Santa hats (see the top of the tree on the left) as Santa has not always been dressed as we think of him now.
How about a white tree decorated in pisanki (Polish Easter eggs)?
And one of the many wreaths.
Walking past the trees, it was hard to imagine what O Tannenbaum was like five years ago.
The historical society, like much of Owego (which lies along the Susquehanna River), flooded.
Many people volunteered in the flood recovery and their hard work made it possible to have the auction that year. As far as salvaging the museum contents, a lot of hard decisions had to be made and, quite honestly, a lot of items were lost.
But thanks to the 2011 auction, flood recovery continued. Now, the people of Tennessee start their recovery from an epic fire, and start their journey to recovery.
This holiday season will be a hard time for many of us in the United States, for many reasons. But I hope this post will give you a few minutes of joy.
At the Tioga County Historical Society, there is a yearly display and auction of Christmas trees in an event called O Tannenbaum. This is a silent auction of donated decorations (with or without the trees they are on), wreaths and more, benefiting the Tioga County, New York Historical Society.
This year the auction closes on Saturday, December 17.
Here are some of the trees and wreaths available.
Remember white trees? There's even a story behind green Santa hats (see the top of the tree on the left) as Santa has not always been dressed as we think of him now.
And one of the many wreaths.
Walking past the trees, it was hard to imagine what O Tannenbaum was like five years ago.
Many people volunteered in the flood recovery and their hard work made it possible to have the auction that year. As far as salvaging the museum contents, a lot of hard decisions had to be made and, quite honestly, a lot of items were lost.
But thanks to the 2011 auction, flood recovery continued. Now, the people of Tennessee start their recovery from an epic fire, and start their journey to recovery.
This holiday season will be a hard time for many of us in the United States, for many reasons. But I hope this post will give you a few minutes of joy.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Local Saturday - Around the Neighborhood
On a dreary late fall day, my spouse and I took a quick walk around our neighborhood.
This is a fall like few others - one day, over 17 inches of snow on the ground - and, two weeks later, a tree still with fall leaves.
Yes, it really is December. Even if the grass is still green.
Local stores are selling Christmas goods.
Two pansy plants, the last of the flowers in our yard.
Up the street, mums.
And someone even had a rose bush with blooms struggling to come out.
But most of the trees are bare. There is just something about bare trees, which I will share in a future post.
I spent a lot of today either shopping for some items I needed or helping to decorate. Now it's time to enjoy some blogging.
What did you do?
Yes, it really is December. Even if the grass is still green.
Local stores are selling Christmas goods.
Two pansy plants, the last of the flowers in our yard.
Up the street, mums.
And someone even had a rose bush with blooms struggling to come out.
But most of the trees are bare. There is just something about bare trees, which I will share in a future post.
I spent a lot of today either shopping for some items I needed or helping to decorate. Now it's time to enjoy some blogging.
What did you do?
Friday, December 2, 2016
Skywatch Friday - Almost Winter
At this time of year, back in the "old days", upstate New York used to be solidly into winter by now. But, the last few years have been anything like normal years.
So, last Friday, which was Black Friday in the United States, I saw this amazing sight at about 1:30 pm- sunlight. We had gotten over 24 inches of snow at our airport between November 19-22. By November 25, it was already melting. I loved the variety of patterns here.
In contrast, by yesterday the snow was all gone, but the sunrise looked like a pretty typical first day of December sunrise. And, this morning, I was greeted by a dusting of snow.
Come visit other blogs from all over the world for Skywatch Friday, and enjoy their sky-related pictures.
So, last Friday, which was Black Friday in the United States, I saw this amazing sight at about 1:30 pm- sunlight. We had gotten over 24 inches of snow at our airport between November 19-22. By November 25, it was already melting. I loved the variety of patterns here.
In contrast, by yesterday the snow was all gone, but the sunrise looked like a pretty typical first day of December sunrise. And, this morning, I was greeted by a dusting of snow.
Come visit other blogs from all over the world for Skywatch Friday, and enjoy their sky-related pictures.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Throwback Thursday - Blue Christmas
This throwback is from December 9, 2009, the first time I wrote about "Blue Christmas". Repeating this post has become a holiday tradition for this blog, because not everyone has a happy holiday season.
In 2015, our family (inlaws) experienced holiday death in the family again. My brother in law's mother in law passed away right after Thanksgiving. An aunt's sister died on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) .
I was so tired, for various reasons, that I never even decorated last year.
My writing has become more polished over the years but I am not going to do any editing. This voice from the past is speaking to me, and I hope its message will help some of my readers.
Here's the post from 2009.
Happy Holidays!
No, that's not true.
The holidays are not happy for everyone.
11 years ago December 25..... Spouse and I were at my in-laws on Christmas Day. They live about 150 miles from where we live. We had a nice day with other family members, and settled down to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" with my mother in law and father in law. Then we went to bed.
My father in law never woke up. He died during the night of a massive heart attack, his third.
Imagine my mother in law, spending the day after Christmas arranging for the funeral of her husband of nearly 50 years. The decisions that had to be made quickly, oh so quickly. The little things, like flowers being almost impossible to come by (flowers being a part of their culture's funeral tradition). Or us having to borrow clothes for the funeral-most people don't visit for Christmas with black clothes in their suitcase! Those little details, in a sea of all the major details, on a holiday weekend.
The family gathered again but this time for a much sadder occasion. Many people came to the funeral home, and it was a great comfort. But then everyone had to go home, including us.
And then the next Christmas rolled around. It was not easy. But we survived, and each year it became easier. My mother in law has established her independence, and enjoys Christmas with family.
It never goes away but it does become easier. Although, I have never watched "It's a Wonderful Life" again.
Years ago I worked with someone whose husband died from cancer on Thanksgiving. In my youth I couldn't understand why Thanksgiving was so hard for her.
Now I understand.
"Blue Christmas" is more than an Elvis song. For those who have experienced loss: loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of a job, the holidays can be so hard to survive, even if you are not a Christian. Wherever you go, you are surrounded by smiling Santa's, by holiday decorations, by endless carols blaring at work, at the supermarket, at the mall, by constant reminders that everyone is happy. Except you.
But, you are not alone. And you will get through it, although it may take a long time.
Time is your friend. It was for me. I hope it is for you.
In 2015, our family (inlaws) experienced holiday death in the family again. My brother in law's mother in law passed away right after Thanksgiving. An aunt's sister died on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) .
I was so tired, for various reasons, that I never even decorated last year.
My writing has become more polished over the years but I am not going to do any editing. This voice from the past is speaking to me, and I hope its message will help some of my readers.
Here's the post from 2009.
Tis the Season....for Sadness
No, that's not true.
The holidays are not happy for everyone.
11 years ago December 25..... Spouse and I were at my in-laws on Christmas Day. They live about 150 miles from where we live. We had a nice day with other family members, and settled down to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" with my mother in law and father in law. Then we went to bed.
My father in law never woke up. He died during the night of a massive heart attack, his third.
Imagine my mother in law, spending the day after Christmas arranging for the funeral of her husband of nearly 50 years. The decisions that had to be made quickly, oh so quickly. The little things, like flowers being almost impossible to come by (flowers being a part of their culture's funeral tradition). Or us having to borrow clothes for the funeral-most people don't visit for Christmas with black clothes in their suitcase! Those little details, in a sea of all the major details, on a holiday weekend.
The family gathered again but this time for a much sadder occasion. Many people came to the funeral home, and it was a great comfort. But then everyone had to go home, including us.
And then the next Christmas rolled around. It was not easy. But we survived, and each year it became easier. My mother in law has established her independence, and enjoys Christmas with family.
It never goes away but it does become easier. Although, I have never watched "It's a Wonderful Life" again.
Years ago I worked with someone whose husband died from cancer on Thanksgiving. In my youth I couldn't understand why Thanksgiving was so hard for her.
Now I understand.
"Blue Christmas" is more than an Elvis song. For those who have experienced loss: loss of a loved one, loss of a relationship, loss of a job, the holidays can be so hard to survive, even if you are not a Christian. Wherever you go, you are surrounded by smiling Santa's, by holiday decorations, by endless carols blaring at work, at the supermarket, at the mall, by constant reminders that everyone is happy. Except you.
But, you are not alone. And you will get through it, although it may take a long time.
Time is your friend. It was for me. I hope it is for you.
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