Wooo Hooo! It's February!

Well, it is February again and time for Aquarius birthdays (including Me!), Superbowl Weekend, Fat Tuesday, Ash Wednesday (beginning of lent), Chinese New Year, Miami Flamenco Festival, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Food and Wine Festival, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Winter Party, etc...

On the 8th, Mr. S and I will be going to see the GO-GO's in concert at the Fillmore. I'm excited.

I'll update as I can during the week. Hope all of you have a great weekend/week. Unitl later...Take care of each other...

I love my tourists...but.... (Joke: A Place of Balance)

A Place of Balance

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found him, resting on the seventh day.
He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"
God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look, Michael, look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?" "It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?", inquired Michael, still confused. God explained, pointing to different parts of earth, "For example, northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot. Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people," God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and arid while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a large land mass and said, "What's that one?""Ah," said God. "That's Florida, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and climate. The people from Florida are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they are going to be found traveling the world.

They will be extremely sociable, hardworking and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace." Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God?" You said there would be balance!"

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I'm sending them from the North every winter!

A Night at the Circus...

This week Mr. S and I have spent a lot of time together. On Tuesday evening we had the pleasure of going to see the travelling show "Absinthe" at "Spiegelworld". (I won tickets by answering a question about Absinthe.) It is a great Cirque de Soleil meets Vaudeville type show. It is NOT for kids. The live music is excellent....there is a female singer accompanied by a piano. The acrobats and performers are amazing and sexy. You also get a few laughs and insults from an Emcee called "The Gazillionaire" and his high pitch voiced assistant. He is a greasy, tacky tuxedo dressed man with a pencil thin moustache. He has his own midnight show as a separate event.

Speigelworld is the whole set up. There are bars, pre-show dinner offers, an old fashioned tent with a wooden floor. Do get there early to get seats, since it is all general admission. All the seats are good, but if you don't want to be singled out, don't sit in the front row.

I do recommend for everyone to go. The one drawback was the drink prices. We has $15.00 glasses of house wine (Pinot Noir and Pinot Griggio).

Go see this bawdy and entertaining show. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Kathy Concert - update

Mr. S and I had a great evening. Kathy Griffin gave an outstanding performance, tried out new material and we laughed and laughed. She is all I wanted her to be and more. She made comments about the "You Tube" guys that were from Miami and threatened the Police with guns, Brittany Spears, J-Lo and Mark Anthony, Liza Minnelli, her new beau, etc..... If you get a chance to see her...GO!
The Bravo network had picked up "Life on the D-List" for the 4th season with 10 episodes. I will look forward to it.

Time for some family celebrations and laughter...

Today is my little sister's birthday and we will be having a quick dinner and some homemade brownies at Mom's. The big gathering will be on Saturday with the traditional "January Birthday's Party". It lands exactly on my Mom's birthday day, so that means I will be doing all the cooking, serving and all around being a good host.

So, tonight after the quick get together, Mr. S and I will be going to see Kathy Griffin at the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater. It is the opening for the South Beach Comedy Festival. Comedy Central and The Improv are two of the main sponsors. It's going to be a weekend of free comedy on Lincoln Road and ticketed events at different venues.

It also happens to be Art Deco Weekend, but I will blog about that later if I get to go to some of the events.

I hope all of you are having a good week. Take some time for some laughter....

Been busy this week, so enjoy a few pictures of Miami at dawn. These are from the Macarthur Bridge and you can see the Port of Miami with some ships and the Downtown Skyline. Enjoy

Resolution Support...

The New Year is now in full swing. The decorations are just now coming down and the house is looking empty after all the Holiday stuff is put away. The weather has been nice with a few breezy evenings. I am also getting ready for the January Birthdays...again....

I know many people pick New Year's Day as the starting point to begin their resolutions...whether it be to get healthier by stopping a bad habit, beginning new, healthy habits, making commitments to the community or family, giving back by volunteering, keeping things in order, changing careers, etc... One of the obstacles I see people having (myself included) is that they are not receiving support from friends, family or co-workers.

Okay people, if the person you know trying to do something to improve themselves it does NOT mean they will stop being your friend. Do you feel guilty or jealous because you are not doing something or is it because you are currently practicing the bad habit they are trying to change?

I'm not going to keep rambling about this, just enough to say: If you are a friend and the person you know is attempting to keep a resolution, what is the harm in you supporting them. Wouldn't that make you a better a friend? Wouldn't it make your friendship better?

For all of you trying to start or in the process of keeping your resolutions: Find support if you don't have it readily available and let your friends know that their support would be appreciated.

Peace!

Brrrrrrr!

I know that most (or all of you) from the Northern States will probably cuss me out or send me to Hades, but it is the first week of the New Year and the temperature in Miami has gone waaaaay down. It is a relief....we finally get to pull out our winter gear. The confusion is in what to wear. We rarely have dips below 50 degrees. Should I wear leather, fur, cashmere? A jacket, sweater, coat, hat, scarf, muff? So many choices.

I do hope all of you are keeping warm and safe.

Happy New Year...2008!

It's a little early for the "Happy New Year", but I will be busy with Mr. S., Family and Friends the rest of the weekend and I wish to also take advantage of the good weather we are having now. I do want to reflect a bit.

I am thankful for the many friends and family that are in my life and the people that pass by and just say "Hi". I am thankful that I have someone to share the good and not so good, the quiet and noisy, the fun and the sad times with.

I wish to remember those who are no longer with us. They are remembered fondly and their impact on my life can not be measured. You are missed, but are in a glorious new place.

There are new friends and old friends that have made this last year so special. I am glad I am able to include you in the many parts of my life.

I'm not sure what I want to do for my New Year's resolutions. I think I will continue to focus on health, family and spiritual life, nurture relationships, and keep close to those I love. I think Mr. S. and I should travel a bit this year if we are able...maybe Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico... (I really like sharing my life with him).

For all of you out there reading this: May you have a New Year full of health and the love of friends and family. May you find peace and caring. I wish for a year that is full of new and positive things that will make the children in our lives proud. God Bless You All! Peace.

"The Last Song" and some quiet time

The first part of the Holiday events and gatherings is done and now on to the second part. In the middle of all this chaos, my mom, cousins and I were able to have some quiet time and sit down to watch an old Sarita Montiel film on DVD...."EL ULTIMO CUPLE" ("The Last Song"). It was full of music, gowns, music, love and loss....all that you want in an old film. At the time it was released in 1957 it was the most popular Spanish film of the time.

Sarita Montiel (he given name by the studios) was born in Spain in 1928. She is the daughter of a peasant and a beautician. She has always had a presence and is still going at age 81. I recently saw her on a television interview. She was in charge while smoking a cigar...

Sarita can be seen in some English language films such as "Vera Cruz" (1950) and "Serenade' (1955). It comes to show that elegance and glamour never goes out of style. Even though there are many good films out there, we tend to like seeing the classics.

Hoping all of you continue to have a safe and joyful week.

Jo! Jo! Jo! (That's Ho! Ho! Ho! in Spanish)

The week is going by quick. I've already finished all my holiday shopping and most of the Chistmas and Happy New Year cards are out. The house is decorated and the lights are up. There is a nativity set in every room, the holly shower curtains are up, the holiday dinnerware has replaced the daily set, the poinsetta bedsheets are on and the holiday throws and couch pillows are out. Hmm? Do you think that is too much? Those are just the basics. I still have not gotten around to painting my room and the guest room, but at least they are clean and ready for company. Now, it is time to wait for the family storm to arrive.

I have my godson and his mom (my cousin) coming in from Wisconsin and another cousin, her husband and two teenagers coming in from Maryland, Mr. S is spending some time during the weekend plus we have an old family friend coming to stay. Oh, and my younger sister will probably spend some nights here also.

This is not to say that the festivities have not yet begun. We have already had 25 people over to light the advent wreath and it turned into a Puertorican Party. Then we had Bishop Soto and his wife over for lunch before they leave town for the holidays and that turned into a luncheon for 10 people.

Coming up is the Twist and Palace Holiday Parties and on Saturday is the last of the 40's girls parties. It is a "Cubo-Rican Party". There will be a mix a Cuban and Puertorican food along with goodies that guests were asked to bring. It is an all ages, all background group that will be attending. It is at one of the girl's homes and I was there at the beginning of the week putting up all the lights, moving furniture, giving advice and making lists. It is going to be fun. I hope the weather cooperates and that we find enough tables and chairs.

Even though there are all the get togethers going on, there is still the thought of friends and family that are dealing with illnesses, and other personal losses and difficulties. They are in my prayers and I do get to see and/or speak to some on a daily basis. If you know of anyone that is having or had had a difficulty this year, please remember them. It could be a phone call, a card, and invitation to a meal out, or maybe just a quick visit. Anything to let them know they are not forgotten and are remembered can be an uplifting thing.

Peace to All.

"The Passion of Matthew Shepard"

There are many organizations that need help during the year and during the holidays. Please give when you can.

I was at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming the Summer of 2002. I was there for the Episcopal Youth Event and was responsible for a dorm of youth and adults that were in attendance. There were around 2,500 attendees from every State in the USA, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Micronesia and the United Kingdom.

One of the days a group of us ventured out to the location where Matthew Shepard was found and had a service. I was very moved by the way the young people reacted and the passion, compassion and empathy that they showed. I am fortunate that sometimes I have the privilege to glimpse at a group of youth (who are now adults) that give me hope and fire up my optimism for the present and future.

I pray today for the many youth that find themselves disconnected and in a time of solitude and despair they feel they can not overcome. I pray that they find their angels and that the angels out there find them. AMEN

"The Golden Compass" - My Editorial

I received several e-mails regarding the new film "The Golden Compass". This film is based on the first book of a trilogy. It was renamed from " The Northern Lights" for the American audience.

The e-mails consisted of people and organizations telling me to NOT see the film and to tell all my friends to do the same. The reason: They say it an "anti-Jesus film", that it is atheistic, they "kill" god in the end and that is also an anti C.S. Lewis and his Narnia series

I always take offense when told that any book or film should not be watched, especially when the people telling me have not read any of the books or have not seen the film. Being against a powerful and organized church that exerts it's power on the people is not the same as being against Jesus Christ or God. That is where you take your opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas and learn. There are teaching moments you can have with kids and this is one of them.

Ignorance, "book burning", etc. have never been a good answer to anything. You can never win someone over to your point of view if you attack them from the "get go" without hearing them out.

If you are a parent that is not sure if your child should see a particular film or read a particular book because of it's content or age appropriateness, then see it or read it yourself first. Then, YOU, as the responsible parent, can make an educated decision. It is always good to discuss films and books with children. You get a different perspective and, as I said before, it is a teaching and learning moment.

Where do you stand on 'The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" and The Harry Potter Series?

RE: THE DARK MATERIALS TRILOGY and PHILLIP PULLMAN

The following are direct quotes from an interview with the author on his website:

Do you believe in God?
I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away.
Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it's because he's ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I'd want nothing to do with them.

Who do you write for - children or adults?
Myself. No-one else. If the story I write turns out to be the sort of thing that children enjoy reading, then well and good. But I don't write for children: I write books that children read. Some clever adults read them too.

You have run into criticism from certain religious groups who regard you as subversive, with the Catholic Herald describing your work as 'worthy of the bonfire.' Do such emotional responses concern or upset you or does it please you to generate strong reactions?
I'm delighted to have brought such excitement into what must be very dull lives.

Other comments from various sources regarding "The Golden Compass":
"This book is set in a world which seems familiar but is also magical; where people's souls are external and take different forms, where bears wear armour and can talk, where the Church is a political systems and in charge of scientific research."

"Originally published in Great Britain as His Dark Materials 1: Northern Lights in 1995, The Golden Compass "forms the first part of a story in three volumes." This book is set in a universe similar to ours but different in several important aspects, one of those differences being that people have tangible souls in the form of animal-shaped "daemons." The second book is to be set in our universe, and the third book will move between the two.The language in The Golden Compass is toned down to a level of readability by a younger audience, but many of its themes and allusions are more than heavy enough for adults: the nature of the soul and where it resides, the corrupting nature of power, the suffocating sternness of a powerful Church. A quote from Paradise Lost precedes the book, and Milton is hardly childish reading. Another interesting aspect of the story is its resistance to categorization. There are corporeal souls, talking polar bears, and flying witches, but there are also scientists studying, classifying and quantifying their universe. It is the same edge-blurring blend of pure fantasy and very soft science fiction that makes a real separation of science fiction and fiction impossible."

Thanks for your time......

Go see the film...or better yet, read the books....

My 100th Blog and the End of 2007 Hurricane Season!

Today is the last day of the 2007 Hurricane Season!

Yeah! Yippee! Hurrah! Woosh! Yeeeepah! We made it through Hurricane Season without a direct hit this year!

(I am thankful and hold in my prayers those that have been affected by the storms this year and those still recovering from previous storms.THE GULF COAST STILL NEEDS HELP!)

Wow. I did not know I would get to 100 in such a short time. Thanks to my friends, family and bloggers who have given me some good advice, contacts, criticism and the occasional giggle and a smile.

I thought I was going to write something profound, but I guess "Thank you" works well. Sometimes having a sense of gratitude is enough. I feel blessed.

Sunny Days

I don't have time right now to update and let you know the goings on of the last week or so and all the upcoming events. So, enjoy some pictures I took on Jacksonville Beach at the beginning of the year.

White Party Events .... The Kick Off...

"The Season" is officially running ahead full stream in South Florida. This week was the opening event for The White Party. There are now two weeks full of a variety of events that are part of the White Party.

Mr. S and I attended the "OUT is INC" event at the remodeled Macy's Store in South Beach. Attendance was limited and you had to RSVP in advance. OUT magazine was one of the sponsors. There was a donation given at the door to benefit Care Resource.

Once inside, the brightly lit store with minimal holiday decorations (that I refer to as a nipple ring accident) was full of the well dressed, well mannered and charming people (including some local television, political and community celebrities) that were not your late night club crowd. Attendees were treated to complimentary Svedka cocktails, a variety of delicious appetizers and music by DJ Pride. Everyone was graciously greeted by Steve Adkins (Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) before the presentation of an INC (International Concepts) runway fashion show. This was emceed by long time White Party hostess, Elaine Lancaster.

Everyone was able to shop during the event. This Macy's store is specifically catering to the South Beach resident and visitor. We were glad to run into people we knew and had a very pleasant evening.

Rita .... Celebrating a Life

Rita passed away Monday night....I received the news early this morning. My church ladies are slowing leaving us. She was my Jenga and Domino rival and partner. She was in her eighties. Her life was dedicated to teaching and the church. She had no living relatives. All of us that knew her and were part of her life are her family.

One could always see her with a smile on her face. Never to be outdone, she was always "dressed to the nines" in hand made lace and linen dresses with matching purse and shoes. I remember she was the first one on the dance floor at the last church social event.

There will be some sadness because she will be missed, but (I believe) she is where she should be. It is what we believe, preach and celebrate. So, I will be happy that she is at peace and in a heavenly place living it up. I don't really mourn the death, but celebrate the life.

Robertson for Giuiani ... Those who cast stones....

This was posted on Thursday, November 08, 2007. To link to the original blog and access to additional links go to: http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics

Robertson for Rudy (by Jim Wallis)

Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani for president is simply astonishing. Robertson - the television preacher who founded the 700 Club and once ran for president himself - has made opposition to abortion and same sex marriage his political north star and has been a relentless champion of traditional marriage and family values.

Remember Robertson's merciless attacks on President Bill Clinton's lapses of sexual morality with Monica Lewinsky? Or his comments about how the 9/11 attacks were the result of America's tolerance for homosexuals and abortion?

Now Robertson is for Rudy, a thrice married adulterous husband, who is estranged from his own children and is both pro-choice and pro-gay rights. According to Pat Robertson's twisted moral logic, forgiving the social conservative shortcomings of Republicans is a Christian virtue, so long as the same virtue is never applied to Democrats. But Pat thinks Rudy can beat Hillary, and Pat really cares about winning for the Republicans.

What exactly goes on in Pat Robertson's head has puzzled many of us for a long time. This endorsement ranks as one of the most unprincipled in recent political memory. Maybe principles never mattered much to Pat Robertson after all. Perhaps the pro-business economic conservatism of the Republican Party was always more important to the televangelist than saving unborn lives. Robertson's longstanding support of murderous Liberian dictator Charles Taylor and his diamond investments thanks to Zairian dictator Mobutu Sese Seko speak louder than words when it comes to Robertson's ethic of life. And that's not to mention the more than $400 million Robertson's empire made when he sold his International Family Network to Rupert Murdoch, after building it on tax deductible contributions of thousands of CBN donors, many of modest means. He has been putting profits over principles for years.

Richard Land, spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention, has taken a more consistent position. Land has clearly said that he won't support Giuliani if he becomes the Republican nominee, explaining in a recent Newsweek interview, "I'm not willing or able to violate my moral conscience. It would be like asking an African American to choose between Strom Thurmond and George Wallace, or asking Abe Lincoln to vote for a pro-slavery candidate. I personally can't do it." Land predicts that many social conservatives will just sit out this election if the Republicans decide to run Rudy. That's called standing for principle.

Pat Robertson clearly has taken another position. His endorsement of Rudy Giuliani will seem to many to be unprincipled hypocrisy.

Brithdays and Blessings

I can't believe it's been six years since my dad passed away. This week would have been his 75th birthday. I spent it doing house repairs and cleaning and just overall keeping busy. I am so glad family and friends still remember him fondly with many good memories.

Blessings come in many forms.....family and friends are two of them. It is good to remember and celebrate the lives of people you care about. Even if they do not want a party, cake hear that song , etc. I'm sure they do appreciate being remembered and that you appreciate that they are here.

Time to celebrate the birthdays of those that are here..... Mario (my cousin), Amparo, Nacho, Scotty and Papa Perner all celebrate birthdays this week.

Wednesday was a nice birthday get together at Ditmar's D-Bar for Scott's birthday. It was really good fun with live live Latin music,a DJ, and a show by Geraldine in the main room. Friday there will be a party for Papa Perner (Ditmar's dad).

Happy Birthday to all of you who have one in November. ENJOY!!!

A week of Tricks and Treats....

The Halloween week is over and now I'm getting into Holiday mode. We are in the middle of some home improvements so everything is dusty, messy, and just plain out of order.

Halloween night went much better than expected. The rains from (at the time) Tropical Storm Noel ceased for the evening so all the revelers and costumed people were out all over South Beach. Mr. S and I went to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". We were a hit!! There were many "virgins" there... We screamed, danced, acted out parts and had our picture taken over and over. We felt like Superstars.

The evening did not end there. We went to the Palace/D-Bar for a bit, Twist and the Heatherette Party (yes, the designers) at the Victor Hotel. Everywhere we went people asked to take our pictures and we did run into other "Rocky's, but not in the "Creation Scene" out fit. I did have on shiny black shorts and a closed leather vest under. I did not get more pictures of the evening because my camera got dropped during the Show and I didn't get it fixed until today.

Next Event: Sleepless Night, Miami Beach. 6pm until 6am. An all night, FREE, cultural event (includes, visual arts, music, cinema, fashion, music, etc) at different venues all over Miami Beach. More info and schedule at: www.sleeplessnight.org

Remember:

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME (This Saturday, November 3....turn your clocks back an hour).