Hamilton

July 2020 cannot go by without mentioning Hamilton. If you, like me, have woken up, been in the shower, or been sitting by their computer and words from Hamilton have been going through your mind (and often out your mouth) then you will know what July 3rd meant!  Hamilton, the movie of the play, was released on Disney + at 12 am (PST).  If you have been under a rock for the past 5 years then this may be news to you, but Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers is cool!

Now those of us from England who like me were taught about the American Revolution from a British perspective may be surprised to learn that we did not just decide to give the colonies their independence.  There was a lot more (including "full armed battalions to remind the colonies of our love."  So, for me (and I would hazard a guess that a lot of people on both sides of the pond), I learned a lot about America's start as a nation due to a first-generation immigrant from Puerto Rico (yes, it's an American territory but...) 

Lin-Manuel Miranda's tag line ”This is a story about America then, told by America now,” says it all.  And has real resonance now. From the diverse actors (you don't even notice) to hip-hop & rap music, and novel story-telling this is the story of America then and America now.  This is the land of immigrants. Immigrants do "get the job done", did then, do now and will in the future. 

I had a conversation with someone recently that talked about America's never-ending sense of optimism.  They were admiring it but felt it was not helpful for the country in the long run. Maybe I have been here too long and drunk too much of the kool-aid, but I still have hope for the country.  I think Hamilton had that hope and idealism and so does Lin-Manuel Miranda.  

Hamilton the musical may be a great interlude during these crazy times, but it can also be an example of being at the beginning of something great.  Let's hope we are all able to create that greatness this coming year!

Today Is My Birthday!!!

There is nothing like a Facebook birthday!  It definitely does the soul good to see so many people comment and post, sending good wishes to you on your special day.  Facebook makes it so easy by reminding you whose birthday it is each day.  A quick post that may not mean much to the poster can (and does) mean everything to the receiver!  

Thank you to all who have posted and wished me a Happy Birthday today!  I have had a relaxing and enjoyable day.  I am still on vacation from work so I got up late, chatted with friends on the phone, had Facetime calls with family in England and had lunch with three friends (outside, social distancing) at one of my favorite restaurants - Flower Child, in Sandy Springs.  

My boys gave me an amazing present and are arranging dinner tonight!  A great day!!

One incredibly talented friend gave me this wonderful, personalized birthday card.  There is A LOT about me in this image!  Those who know me should be able to recognize most, if not all, of the references!  Thank you so much, Christy!

I realize how lucky I am to be able to enjoy my day and do not take this for granted. 

Day five in the books!!

Old Friends Part Two

Wow - this writing every day does take scheduling!  This has turned out to be a crazy day - The highlight was connecting with another friend from the Machon.  Someone I had not spoken to in over a year but who was a very meaningful part of my life from all the way back till now. 

We talked for almost three hours and like yesterday, it felt like three minutes.  It was great to catch up, this time on What's App!   I did not take any photos and am not posting any here, but Debbie it was lovely chatting with you!  

So a short and sweet blog post for today!

Old Friends

Zoom should definitely be the word of 2020.  (Though maybe pandemic has a better shot!) Zooming has been a blessing and a curse.  A friend of mine (a parent at the school I work at) has posted a lot about zooming and even said it was like Pavlov's dog because whenever she hears the word in any way "mom, I need to get on a Zoom call for school," "mom can you help me with zooming" etc., she automatically goes for the vodka bottle!!!  I, however, look at it as a blessing.  Without Zoom, I would not have enjoyed Pesach seder with old friends in Boston, calls with even older friends in England, and definitely would not have enjoyed an almost three-hour zoom call with five friends who spent a year in Israel together more than 35 years ago!!

I was fortunate enough to spend a year in Israel after high school on a gap year through FZY (Federation of Zionist Youth - an English, Zionist Youth Movement).  This program included working in Ashkelon, spending time on both a Kibbutz (Ketura) and Moshav (Ein Iron). Still, the highlight was the first five months at the Machon L'Madrichei Chutz L'Aretz (Institute for Youth Leaders From Abroad) or as it is just known as - the Machon.  

During the five months of study (Ulpan, Jewish History, Modern Israel, Leadership Training and more) young people from all over the world, Britain, USA, Mexico, Germany, France, Australia, Uruguay, Canada, Belgium and I am sure more places!!! all came together to learn and interact on what was a life-changing experience. 

After spending an intense time together (most cannot remember what we studied, but all can remember the food fights, the hookups, the evening peulot (programs), the water fights, the parties, and more!), we all went our separate ways. Some of us stayed in touch with each other.  Some saw each other over the years, but all dispersed to their own lives and created their own futures.   And then along came social media and Zoom.

It started with one person making a Facebook page a Machon 1983-1984 and then came messenger chats and finally Zoom!  And yes, a reunion on Zoom is in the works, but six of us got together on Zoom in four different countries to chat!  And it was a highlight of all our weeks.  After 36 plus years, we were together again, reminiscing, laughing, and catching up over three hours that felt like three minutes!  So, yes, Zoom is definitely my word of 2020! 

Here is to old friends reconnecting!!

All the Brits performing at the end of the program!

A much younger me in front of Kiryat Moriah where the Machon was held (side note Kiryat Moriah is mentioned in a Friends episode!!)

About five countries represented in this picture

Six of us now - in Israel, England, Canada and America

Day Two

So I realize one of the problems of committing to something like writing a blog every day is that you end up with way too many ideas to write about. I found myself having topics tumble out of my mind while I was in the shower, in the car, making bread (that will be its own blog post!) cleaning, and even now while writing this!  I can see how it would be hard to write a book when too many things come at you at the same time (or when it all dries up!!)

So what to do and what to say! Well, this week I have been on vacation.  Well, I haven’t actually gone anywhere due to, you know, the pandemic engulfing 2020 and the world! (I was supposed to be in Italy and Prague. Italy for a wedding and then exploring.  Well- next year 🤞🤞). But I did take the week off - and since family members are still working, it was a staycation for me in a different way. And I have to say, I have loved it!  

Yes, I got up later than normal - Yes, I did catch up on TV shows- Yes, I did still walk and eat!!  But I decided to tackle areas of the house that needed work! And I feel unbelievably accomplished.  

Those that know me know I am not the tidiest person - and I am a bit of a packrat. So the fact I cleaned an area so I could close the closet door (where items went to die), for the first time after living in this house for almost 15 years, is a HUGE accomplishment on its own!  Each area that I organized felt like a small victory and having the time to dedicate to our home was a real joy! 

Door Finally Closed!

And while cleaning up, on top of the plastic cutlery to keep us going for many years that I found, I also went down memory lane as items from the boys’ childhood were stored there!  Looking at old placemats and artwork embossed on bags, mugs, and coasters were both a sad and happy experience.

Son #2's artwork on a hot plate!

Time really flies and if you are not careful it will pass you by without you realizing.  I remember older parents telling me to cherish the time when the boys were little and I know I have said that to families with younger kids.  It is very true!! 

And now I have written two days in a row, it will be off to another area of the house - I think the spice rack is the next place to tackle!

Starting Over

Something interesting happened over the past few weeks. 

1)  A friend in England posted an article about a woman who gave up shopping (for anything except essential foods) for a year and wrote about it.  I commented that I am always impressed with these people who have done things for a year and that I could never do that.

2) Two friends on Facebook (this could be the subject of a blog on its own, but in this case, they are two people I know both on and off Facebook!) recently posted the following.

These two events got me thinking.  I don't really have a practice that I do regularly.  I often  sometimes occasionally meditate.  I sometimes exercise.  I sometimes walk.  I sometimes bake... etc., etc., etc., - You get the picture!  But I don't do anything regularly nor anything that I would consider "spiritual".  I responded to the post "No, but I would like to."  That is when I remembered that years ago (2009 to be exact!) I started a blog but didn't do anything with it (two posts and then gave up!)

So - this is my attempt to start again, create my own "spiritual" practice", and try do something every day for a year.     It seems appropriate to begin now as my birthday is coming up next week.  I didn't understand back then how this all works and I am not sure I know now either - but here goes!  

If you join along for the ride - welcome!  If you want to engage - great!  If you want to scroll on by that is fine too!  I am doing this for me - setting a goal - practicing my writing.  All my random thoughts and musings!  Let's see what happens!!

British Identity

I have been thinking a lot about nationality lately. Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party has made what, or who, is British a central theme in his attempt to create a white, anglo-saxon, protestant Britain. The fact he was elected to the European Parliament should be a wake up call to Britain. However, looking out at the audience during BBC's recent controversial Question Time, I saw a Britain that is rich, diverse and made up of many different identities. Different colors, different head gear, different accents, different religions. Almost all (I did hear some clapping for Mr. Griffin), very much against the BNP leader and all he stands for; And All British. Not just the audience. Those on the panel ran the gamut of political opinion, race, religion and gender. Yet all consider themselves British.

I have been thinking a lot about nationality ever since I moved to America 21 years ago. I never really thought about it growing up in London. I just knew I was from England - British, had a Queen, a long imperial history, which I learned about from textbooks and visiting old castles. My personal history was different. My parents were born in England, and three of my grandparents, but go further back and you will find my ancestory in Russia, Poland and some other long forgotten places in Eastern Europe. I did not proudly wear the Union Jack or display it from my front porch. In fact growing up in London in the 70's and 80's the Union Jack was more reminiscent of the National Front than of national pride. And then I moved to America in the late 80's. Fresh out of university - idealistic, looking for adventure. There was a sense of freedom in America. A removing of the weight on my shoulders that I did not know I was carrying, but at the same time I found myself identifying as a Brit in ways I never would have expected.

Free education, free health care, benefits of a multicultural society, correct spelling! I found myself in many a discussion arguing the finer points of a democratic, socialist society who does not have a truly written constitution. My liberal, European views were up against the more mainstream conservative views of America. I found myself identifying nationally. I wanted people to know I was British. I wanted to wave that flag from my front porch, or wear it proudly. I wanted to be different. I wanted British to be part of who I was.

America was known as the melting pot. People coming from all over with different religions, different races, different identities, and melting together to create a new American identity. There have been differing opinions on how that has worked. I prefer the new term which is being used, especially in educational circles - The Salad Bowl approach. People coming from all over with different, religions, different races, different identities, different ethnicities, and mixing together not to dilute their own sense of self but to create something together - a salad. A big beautiful rich salad. You cannot have a salad without all of its parts. I would like to suggest that Britain is also akin to this big salad bowl. The whole is not going to be as good without all its parts together.

I have been thinking a lot about nationality. Being Jewish, Mr. Griffin is probably very happy I left Britain. It took me leaving the country to make me truly British. Perhaps I can suggest the same for him.