Noury's Creative World…

Well…my lovely visit has gone back home to Washington D.C.   I really miss her and the getting up and being on the go constantly.  Did not have to address the issue of taking things that I have shoved into spaces, closets, under the bed, all to make the place look pretty, into consideration.  Now the situation is here,  I am on your face-kind-of thing.  Dealing with getting rid of some more stuff.

Last Friday night we had dinner at this very cozy and attractive looking French Bistro.  From the moment we went in, we knew we were in for a memorable dinner and experience.  Our server, Jennifer, was a charming young woman and then…they sat us on a corner unit of a burgundy velvet sofa, just as it happened in Paris, just that in Paris, it was leather.  What a coincidence!

I had (Lapin aux pruneaux) rabbit for the first time in my life.  Doing a lot of things for the first time ever.  The rabbit (sorry Peter) was simmered probably for hours together in red wine, with prunes, raisins, carrots, onions and some other spices.  Rabbit tasted to me like chicken.  But this was so flavorful.  I had rice pilaf, and steamed green beans.  Dessert was the apple tart showing at the beginning of the posting.   C’est magnifique!!

Daughter had (Carnard aux peches) duck in a cherry sauce, with steamed spinach and mushrooms.  We tasted each others’ delicious dish and hers was very good also.  Very appetizing presentation also.  She had the creme brulee for dessert.  How can you go wrong with that.  We ended up walking down Park Avenue as a way to end the evening.  Very nice in the quietness of the evening, but we were not the only ones that had the idea.  It is so nice to have a place that allows you for an evening stroll in the relaxed moments of the evening.  Of course, there was a train going by, but that only added to the charm of the moment.  My blessed trains!!!

All and all, I am so happy to have had her visit with me and helping me change my furniture around.  Now it looks so cozy and inviting.  Before, everything was against the wall.  Just like in HGTV, she changed it all.  Thanks, darling.

So…it my weekend ending today…7 August, 2011…a day of catching up with my laundry, and facing the stuff bulging out of the closets.

Your Happy Contessa

“When I am though changing, I am through.”  Martha Stewart, American magnate, author, media personality, magazine publisher.   3 August, 1941-.

Had to go and render homage to the Swedish in Orlando.  You know what I mean, IKEA, the never-ending have fun store.  You simply cannot leave with your hands empty.  Well, my lovely daughter did leave with her hands empty.  No space in suitcase for anything much.  Have to travel light.

I purchased a plastic bag organizer.  You just shove them in the plastic receptacle, and voila, the bags come out free and ready to be used.  I am big with plastic bags.  Take my garbage out minimum twice a day.  Do not want to nurture critters or any funny looking creatures in my place.  Already had a close encounter around 2 am one day in the bathroom, and I could have care less what the code of silence is at this community.  I just blew the thing apart with my sandals.  That will show them, I thought.  But, in reality I promptly went to the store, the next day, of course,  to find the most potent and fastest bug killer that has ever been produced.  I mean business.  Only one prima dona in this house.  That’s me.

Oh, yes, going back to our visit to the Swedish.  Love the color scheme of that store.  My favorite two colors.  Dark blue and yellow.  Those were the colors of my North Carolina home.  We did not eat the meatballs.  Had so ever good tasting, mmmm,mmmm chinese food.  My daughter introduced me to steamed dumplings stuffed with pork meat, and then broiled, with the most mild soy sauce I have ever had.  So tasty.  Also, she had the chicken lettuce wrap.  So flavorful also.  You make your own wrap.  Try it.  You will also love these two items.  Then we went around the shopping center, a big, big one I must say.  We did not honor the shopping center itself with our presence.  We visited some of the stores in the periphery of the mall.

Then, on the way home we stopped at my now very favorite supermarket, to get some ice cream for favorite daughter, while I checked for ripe fried plantains.  No luck today for my plantains.  So it was dulce de leche yogurt for the girl.  I am planning to experience that new texture.

So it was today…4 August, 2011…a day to experience new chinese cuisine elements…and new yogurt flavor.

Please do have a very memorable weekend and of course, stay “cool.”  I shall return on Monday.

Your Happy Contessa

“I have done my best.  That is about all the philosophy of living that one needs.”  Lin Yutang, Chinese writer and inventor.  10 October, 1895 – 26 March, 1976.

Very lovely and well maintained.   Today my daughter and I went to have lunch at the “Village” where I have moved.  We had a very tasteful meal, in a very quaint and cozy little restaurant.  Service and meal were at par with the village.

After having our senses and culinary quests satisfied, we went for a stroll up and down Park Avenue.  Guess what…the train is following me everywhere.  There it was right on the middle of the park, beautiful park I may add,  Amtrak letting people off and getting people on board.  Cannot escape the train, and more trains.

French bistros, French pastries, boutiques, and everything imaginable to entice you to depart with your currency.  I caved in and bought another pair of white slacks.  I love white for the summer.  Now I have three pairs of white capris.  Making sure I don’t run out of them when I need one.

So much for my intent on holding on to my dollars really tight into my hands.  Brain was more powerful than my whole body.  Incomprehensible.

Let’s see what kind of collateral damage is done tomorrow on our quest for having an adventurous good time.

The young kid wanted to go to a movie.  What?  My body is already begging for a bed to relax and she is all ready to go.  Psychological smart came into the picture and help from the heavens.  It started raining, praise God!  Nice reading weather and time to chill and relax indoors.  Hope she is a happy camper.  There is always tomorrow, my tired body is saying.  Good thing I have an understanding daughter.

So it was today, 3 August, 2011…a day of eating, spending and enjoying having my darling daughter around with me.  What a good day!

Your Happy Contessa

“I’ll think of it all tomorrow, at Tara.  After all, tomorrow is another day.” Scarlett, from Gone with the Wind.

Spent the whole day getting ready for my lovely daughter’s visit from the land of the indecisive people, Washington, D.C.

Vacuumed and vacuumed.  Fixed things around and fixed more things around.  Took a nap and listened to all the trains go by.  Now, surprising myself, I sometimes do not hear any of the trains.  Is that an indication that I am losing my hearing?  Have to start checking those ads that offer hearing aids, costing only a few thousands.  Maybe I should not check them at all and use the money instead for a trip to Bali.

What was this posting about again?  Oh, yes, a trip to the Orlando International Airport.

First I forgot about the rush hour traffic.  Hello!!!  The airline said the plane would be landing around 6 pm, but oh no, I answered the phone when I am away from the house only 10 minutes, and she says, “I am here.”   Talk about looking to the skies and praying for a helicopter or some other miracle.  Highway 17-92 and 436 will have to do.  And look out for the pilots on the road out there.  Plenty of them.

As I am approaching the airport area, I am begging God that there won’t be many changes since I left.  Praise the Lord!!  I found Terminal B with not too much of a hassle.  Thanks God too for a very patient daughter.

We then departed and went to eat at…Pollo Tropical…one of my daughter’s favorite places.  Rice, beans, fried plantains and incredible tasting chicken grilled right in front of you.  Add some Spanish good humor and a good tasting meal.  Life is wonderful right now.

By now you probably know that we are not going to default and declare foreclosure as a country.  All in D.C. must be exhausted of the egomaniac show they put all of us through.

So it was today, 2 August, 2011…a day of having my lovely daughter with me…and not declaring foreclosure as a country.

Your Happy Contessa

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.  I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”  Louisa May Alcott, American novelist, best known for Little Women.  29 November, 1832 – 6 March, 1888.

Voila!  Remember the air mattress on the floor…here is the now version.  Come to think of it, I should be running Congress.  We would be so efficient, that probably we wouldn’t need to have anyone in D.C.  Everything long distance, we save lots of money and all the pork money would be spread equally among tax payers.  I like that idea a lot!

If the most exclusive and powerful club on earth (the U.S. Senate) would run our government the way we women run a household, we would have a balanced budget every year, and education would be number one on the agenda.   We need to be competitive because other nations are beating the you know what out of us in math and science.  How in the world can a simple individual like me end up with all these common sense and logical  thoughts, while no one in D.C. can,  or doesn’t want to.  I better leave those guys up there to slug it out, I need to concentrate in my humble and small space.

I am making a lot of progress…I just got my furniture last Tuesday, and see the progress.  One more shot of my living room, just like the one I used to have in North Carolina.  Remember, I am not buying much anything new…have to do my share in this economic crisis we are confronting.

I have decided to keep my 32″ tv.  People look a bit taller now, just that I miss the bottom part of the screen.  Cannot win it all.  Color is great and size is perfect.

All in all, I have made so much progress…prioritize, focus, concentrate and execute.  Are you listening Washington, D.C.

So it was today…1 August, 2011…a day that “they” have come to a compromise…and I have come to the realization that they have been playing a game all along, and don’t know how to keep the lid on the mess we are in as far as our economy is concerned.

Your Happy Contessa

“I asked a man in prison once how he happened to be there and he said he had stolen a pair of shoes.  I told him if he had stolen a railroad he would be a United States Senator.”  “Mother” Mary Jones, born In Ireland.  Prominent American labor and community organizer.  Co-founder of Industrial Workers of the World.  1 August, 1837 – 30 November, 1930.

So here we are…clock is tick tocking…and the boys…who else…yes, I know there are some women in Congress, but majority rules…so the boys don’t know what the heck to do with a national crisis, that somehow I believe “they,” were involved in creating.

The days of the running their checking account without bother to balance it every month, have come to a screeching halt.

What do you think they are going to do?  According the new IMF’s head, it would have been unheard of the United States of America being considered by rating agencies, to  lower our credit rating as a nation.  We are the number 1 (one) economy in the world.  Imagine what would happen to the Japanese and Chinese economies.  They must be on their knees 24/7 praying to their gods that the boys in Washington get it together.

But…it will never be the same.  This has been a crude reality check for all of us.  I take some responsibility on what is happening, and so should everybody else.  We have been spending, spending, and more spending to our heart’s content.  Spending what we don’t have and having a good time.  Remember the parable of the little ants in the Bible.  We have been all the opposite.  Not learning, as of yet, if you ask me.

My younger generations readers, please save as much as you can every month for your retirement, because before you know it, you will be 62+, now you will have to be 68, and guess what…Uncle Sam a/k/a Social Security will not be there for you, even though you are helping with the fund right now.  Get ready for YORS (your own retirement security).  New language to be adopted.

This crisis is much more serious than we think we know.  As a very dear friend of mine once said:  “it is what they are not telling us that scares me.”  She is on to something.

Now, on the other hand, let’s be positive and hope these guys in D.C. will get their brains together and come up with a solution.  Solution as the one trying to stop a dam’s leak with one finger.  That’s what they are going to come up with probably.

What can we do as a nation?  Be more conscientious when spending and save, save, save for that day when even the government won’t be able to stand on its own feet.  Remember, we are the United States of America.  Let’s not forget that.  What affects one of us, affects us all.  There is no partisan blame here, we got into this together and only together we are going to get out of this situation.  No sarcasm or pointing fingers is going to do it.  Let’s act responsibly whenever we are out and “do I need it or do I want it”  should be our guideline.  I need to remember that.

So it was today…31 July, 2011…two days to “D” Day (Debt Day).

Your Happy Contessa

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gather its food at harvest.”  Proverbs 6:6-8

I have been making some observations around…and have come to the conclusion…I do not want to be reminded constantly of where my destination is.  I totally refuse to mentally and in my attitude to get old.

I hope my lovely daughter will watch out for me and will keep me in check whenever I start to get too comfortable with clothes that have neon signs on them that totally date me.  Even my furniture.  Some things need to be checked out of the house.  Need to make sure that my environment is a reflection of how active, challenging and risk taker my mind is.  Mind over matter.  It has worked for me so far.  Need to continue to work on this for as long as I am an inhabitant of this planet.

It can be very sad to watch some people who have reached that stage.  Then, on the other hand, remember the 90 something lady, wearing skinny jeans.  That’s what I hope for myself.  Life is like a laboratory.  Experiments are going on all the time.  We are the little rodents that others are observing and experimenting with.  I will do my best to be the coolest rodent chick around.

This is not meant to be a sad posting, au contraire, it is an alarm, that whatever your age is, need to be alert to keep your mind and body challenged to be its very best.  It is a lot of work, but then…we’re worth it.

Touching now on something extremely important.  Thousands of people are starving to death right now in Kenya.  Please check the website of Doctors without Borders.  Let’s remember the power of one.

I am wishing you a very meaningful weekend.  I will be back on Monday.

So it was today…28 July, 2011, a day of contemplation and motivation to be the best I can be.  Very cool.

Your Happy Contessa

“Your space should be a reflection of your spirit.  Make it a beautiful one.”  Me

That phrase, the signs are your friends…Ron used to use whenever we would get lost and would be trying to find our way out.

This morning in order to take a break from the world of boxes, I went shopping to get a few items that I have convinced myself will help the place look pretty.  My ego just corrected me, will make the place look prettier.  Have to honor that super ego.  It is good for you and very healthy sometimes.  As long as you keep it under control.

Among other things, I saw this print and I thought, I like it!  I will put it in the bathroom where people are really at peace and cannot do anything much, and can ponder on the phrase, courtesy of a D. Brant.

The reason why I liked the print was because it reminded me about the importance of living and staying in the moment.  Coach “K” once said in an interview that he tells his players when they are down and only a few seconds left on the clock, just that, to stay in the moment.  Don’t look back, don’t focus on forward.  Don’t I need to laser that into my disappearing neurons.  Probably you are thinking that I am bowl of contradictions.  I am already thinking about my next place, and on the other side of my mouth, I am saying “stay in the moment.”  I am a work-in-progress.  Perfection will be achieved when I convert back to invisible energy.

Today I am keeping it short to give you time to ponder on D. Brant’s phrase.

So it was today…27 July, 2011…a day of opening boxes, cooking spaghetti and looking forward to my first home-made meal.

Your Happy Contessa

“The aim, if reached or not, makes great the life.”  Robert Browning, English poet and playwright.  7 May, 1812 – 12 December, 1889.

The much-anticipated “stuff” made it finally all the way from North Carolina to Florida.  Now the drama of opening the boxes and trying to shove things into shelves, drawers, and wherever the mood feels like, has begun.

Frankly, the next time is going to be as Miss Lucy said.  Car keys and purse.  But knowing how we humanoids work, probably I will be dragging my “stuff'” along to the next adventure.

But wait a moment, I just got here.  My mind works like this; the moment to start thinking about your next move is right after you have moved to the new place.  In that way, you have plenty of time and choices.   Contessas’ logic.

Right now, one of my neighbors just knocked on the door.  She wanted to help, but I didn’t say anything much,  just by the way I looked, as if I had no sleep in months, and could hardly utter a word, I think she got the message.  She did not make a move to get through the door.  I looked as if my body was just hanging from a clothes hanger.  Going through the motions.

I am tired right now, but still opening boxes.  Type A syndrome.  I just took out some winter clothes, yes I know, but it gets chilly sometimes here also.  So the clothes are going back in the box and I am placing them in a corner of the already crowded closet.

Need to make the place look pleasant to myself, otherwise, I feel restless.

There you have it in a boxshell…

So it was today…26 July, 2011…another day of nice breeze in Florida and facing the invasion of the boxes.

Your Happy Contessa

“Time is the least thing we have.”  Ernest Hemingway, an American author and journalist.  21 July, 1899 – 2 July, 1961.

Now you see this…my very comfortable bed for the last week +, and my two night tables (two suitcases)…and hopefully after tomorrow all of this very minimalist look will fade into the sunset, very hot one I may add.

Left is my temporary entertainment center, where I have learned to convert people from being short and heavy to people being tall and part of the head missing.  No one is perfect.  So it is.  Right is where my magic happens and I communicate with you and the world.  Not that bad.  It works…but no, tomorrow the invasion of stuff is coming into my humble Florida condo and is going to take over, and maybe I will feel a bit suffocated after all this simple way of life.  But I miss my stuff.  I wanted to share with you the transformation that will be happening.  From 1,500 sq. ft. to 871 sq. ft.  Love it!  Probably all of it will look short and heavy.  Contagious it may be.  But I am sure I will know how to handle all of this.  Besides, my back will be very appreciative of a table and chair for me to type, and not from sitting on the carpet.  Right now is a killer.

This was my dinner today, Monday.  Chicken breast and fried ripe plantains.  I couldn’t believe it when I saw them at the deli counter of my now favorite supermarket.  I could have these plantains daily, twice a day if possible.  I am getting closer and closer to all that Caribbean food I so love, but that will make me look like the people on my tv.  Have to watch it.

Well, my friends, so it was today…25 July, 2011…a day getting closer to be inundated with “my stuff.”

Your Happy Contessa

“Paradise is where I am.”  Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher.  21 November, 1694 – 30 May, 1778.