7th Day Surprise: Do you get it?

 

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.

And sadly, some of us never learn our lesson.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Half & Half
If you're like me then you're a quivering
mass of extremes. All of which are kept
in balance by whoever is patient enough
to share their lives with you. Inevitably
yin and yang are diametrically opposed.
Most of us attempt to somehow balance
our individual dichotomies. Some might
consider frequent flip flops indecisive.
Yet swinging both ways enables one to
enjoy the best of both worlds. Which is
why it's a mistake of label others based
on face value. When in reality, it might
be wise for us all to turn the other cheek.

Runs hot and cold
As you may recall, Frank's nickname for me
is "two temp." In other words my individual
climactic control is anything but temperate.
Depending on whatever I'm either boiling or
freezing. Which inevitably requires adding
or removing multiple garment layers. Hence
when it comes to our home - I also tend to
run in extremes. During the winter we keep
the thermostat at the mid seventies. Whereas
when we lived in Dallas the air-conditioning
was set at sixty five and we wore sweaters.
Which confirms that I'm only comfortable
when I'm in full control of my environment!

A cut above
If anything I am a man of strong opinions.
One of my strongest suits has always been
what some define as a taste level. Deep in
my gut I can instantly discern what is right
or wrong aesthetically. Given this skill -
most of my career was spent saying yes
and no. Or to be honest, picking the best
of the litter. Within said selective realm
there is no room for mediocrity. Especially
when it comes to interior decorating. So
while that golden oak sideboard from great
granny has sentimental value - it's NOT
going into the room but on to storage.

Boys & Girls Club
Given I'm naturally attracted to those of the
male persuasion one may assume that I don't
like the ladies. Nothing could be more wrong
given my nearest and dearest friends are girls.
For many reasons I tend to consider females
the more attractive of the sexes. That is at
least when it comes to building long lasting
relationships. Whereas beyond Frank - my
one and only - I have few other boy friends.
In part that may be due to sexuality. Given
recent controversy, many men struggle with
separating co-workers from fuck buddies.
So why temp fate? Let's hear it for the girls!

Off track vetting
Each of us is an amalgam of extremes. We
all make mistakes and fortunately some of
us actually learn from them. While life is
never easy, every high and low fuels our
future steps. However in order to get from
here to there one must start from ground
zero. Next we have a choice as to where
we go from there. Along the way there are
detours. Or it could get bumpy. One might
even have an accident. Yet in the end we
ultimately reach our final destination. The
key to happiness is balancing our past,
present, and future. Better late than never!

AMERICA'S PARIS

Creative services
For most of my life one of my favorite haunts

has been the Cafe des Artistes. Located at One

West 67th just off the park. Said affinity being

not for the amazing Howard Chandler Christy

murals of nubile lasses alone. But because it

was one of only spots where one could order

a steaming bowl of marrow bones. Back then

George Lang - a charming Czech owned the

joint. After his death it closed. Later to reopen

courtesy of the successful owners of another

favorite - Il Gattopardo. Thus before Covid 19

(and hopefully after) - The Leopard at des

Artistes continues to feed discerning souls.

Home sweet home
Since it's opening in 1917 - the Hotel des

Artistes has been an elegant yet bohemian

enclave on the upper westside. Designed as

seventeen floors of duplex artist studios it

immediately attracted generations of artists,

innovators, and performers. Who came and

went as fortune would have it. Hence it's no

surprise that the cafe's murals were created

to pay off one resident, Mr. Christy's bar tab.

Recently a new book was published which

chronicles all of its famous residents. One

who I was lucky enough to know. Robert

Baranet. Artist, bon vivant, and charmer.

Picture this
"Barry" earned his living painting portraits

of celebrities, society divas, and politicians.

His studio in the Hotel des Artistes allowed

them to come and go as they pleased. Plus

it was convenient to his Connecticut home.

For years his clients, family, and friends all

frequented said elegant digs. Including his

young daughter who occasionally ordered

room service and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

from the cafe downstairs. To this day the

Hotel des Artistes is home to an amazing

melange of simply fascinating people. And

now that legacy is recorded for posterity.

Artistic license
Author Robert Hudovernik first learned of

the Hotel des Artistes while he was writing

a book about photographer Alfred Cheney

Johnston. There in his studio he shot many

Ziegfeld girls and jazz age beauties. Further

research led Robert to discover a century of

residents. An amazing array of America's

brightest creative leaders. Along with a few

ghosts along the way. Not only is said tome

a good read - it's an inspiring homage to an

architectural and cultural icon. So even if

we can't go home right now, we can travel

there vicariously as we read all about it. 

Click here to get your copy of 
Manhattan's Hotel des Artistes
America's Paris on West 67th Street
By Robert Hudovernik

ON THE BACK BURNER

Going to pot
Recently I was digging through the depths of
our deep freeze when I came across a forgotten
"arm roast." Having rarely if never cooked such
a cut, I consulted with Julia Child and assorted
experts for advice. The culmination of which
was the admonition "slow it down." Giving me
free reign to do what I do best which is braising.
Nothing draws out flavor like drawing out the
cooking process. Hence tonight after five hours
at three hundred we'll dine upon a tender yet
economical feast. Which is more than proof that
the best comes to those who wait. Or even better
yet - that in fact patiences makes PERFECT.

You're getting warmer...
We're all so busy these days. Hence we don't
take the time to smell the roses. Or invest an
proper amount of time and planning needed
to prepare delicious meals. It's tough enough

to remember to defrost something let alone

plop it in a crock pot at dawn. Yet if one just

takes some time-  invests a bit of effort - the

rewards far outweigh any forethought. I'm

at the point in life where I'm willing to defer

gratification ONLY if it's worth the wait. And

at least in the case of many culinary pursuits -
instant gratification rarely matches the joy of
a proper and lengthy investment of time.

The soupçon
Sometimes one must put off the inevitable.
Consider homemade soup. One can't argue

that it's better the day after. Mostly because

a lengthy span of commingling brings out

the best in everything. In my opinion the
same applies to pasta sauce. I'm as guilty

as the next speed demon in doctoring up

the jarred variety - But it's still even better

after twenty four hour hours in the fridge.

Just like the French classic Coq au Vin.

Only a fool serves said dish on the same

day as preparation. That's because magic

happens when you push the pause button!

Free as a bird
Given I'm a control freak - I avoid compromise.
Especially when it comes to flavor. My natural
inclination is to go for the long haul. The French

give their pot roast a bath in a bottle or two of
red wine for days before. Then braise it. The end

result being a decadently rich slab of protein that
has a depth of flavor only time can provide. The
tough job is planning ahead in order to yield the
best results. In the case of chicken, I find that it's
best to let your bird hang out before you pop it in
the oven. So early the morning of, I strip it down
and let it chill naked for a few hours in the fridge.
In the end I assure you... a dry bird roasts better!

Easy does it
The majority of quick fixes simply cannot
compare to a long term investment. When

caught in a bind - adding something old to

the new can enhance the outcome. That's

why I keep a supply of homemade beef
and chicken stock on hand in the freezer.

While said brew takes many hours to make

it's frozen incarnation instantly adds depth

to any dish. And while such things require

forethought - that doesn't mean they have
to take up too much of your precious time.

So why not think ahead? Invest the time

and effort that insures a successful meal.

 

RED ALERT

Sixth sense
Ronnie was the sixth floor receptionist at the

MacMillan Publishing building on Sixth. A

redhead with a temper to match - she'd once

ruled the roost at the Copa, Stork, and Colony

clubs. Decades later she held sway over her

elevator bank with an iron fist. Her beehive

and six inch heels only adding to her stature.

As an intern "boy Friday" I regularly haunted

her premises. Soon we became friends while

I bided my time until the next car going up.

Ronnie sharing tidbits based on lessons she'd

learned from a life more than well spent. She

was not only entertaining but incredibly smart.

See you later
One day I was down in the dumps. Post being

ill treated by a mucky muck I shared my tale

of woe with big red. After patiently listening

she looked me up and down. "You want me to

tell you like it is kid? I nodded my head in the

affirmative and so she continued. "What goes

around comes around. But it never happens

when you want it to." Then she paused, smiled,

and said "Just remember that you never know

what goes on in their bedroom. Or... NOT."

Making her point by raising her pinkie and

wiggling it. A lifetime later I've found that

Ronnie was more than smart. She was right.

Southern exposure
Some have said that power corrupts. However

I beg to differ in that some fuel their zeal for

power out of weakness. Over compensating

for all that they lack. Like all bullies - they

enjoy inflicting pain on others. Yet ultimately

karma is if nothing else a vindictive bitch.

Lying in wait for the opportune moment to

set things straight. Said retribution's purpose

to return the disfavor that some freely spew.

And hopefully teach them a lesson or more.

Hence while some worry that a gentleman

in Palm Beach can still wreak havoc. Others

know that his time is yet to come. Patience!

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Here and now
Maybe it's me. But the older I get - the more I'm

certain that nirvana isn't as elusive as one might

think. Can there really be just one perfect spot?

A single point of fulfillment? The manifestation

of pure paradise seems futile to me. Sans pain

there is rarely gain. Hence I find that every day

is filled with moments of heaven. When time

stands still and all is good. This morning I took

out  the trash. Stopping to take in a deep breath

of the fresh winter air. Basking in the sunlight

beneath a crystal blue Montana sky. Now if that

isn't nirvana then I don't know what is. Could it

be that heaven is within reach on a daily basis?

Hope springs eternal
The truth is that throughout each day there are

moments of glory. When it all seems right. Like

the thrill I get each morning when I look over

to find Frank at my side. Or the random video

chat with my teenaged grand daughter. Both

proof that there must be a God who balances

life's bad and good. Proof that life itself is just

a balancing act. One in which we deftly adapt

to whatever comes our way. The yin and yang

of such things provides impetus to keep going.

Offering glimpses of paradise. Enough to tide

us over when life itself is hell on earth. Subtle

assurance that ultimately things will get better.

Golden opportunity
In her later years my Mother was all gloom

and doom. Angry over the challenges she

faced as my Dad sunk into Alzheimer's hell.

Finally after years of fighting she accepted

the inevitable. In her beloved's final hours

she climbed into his hospital bed and held

him. Drifting off to sleep. Then suddenly

Dad's belabored breathing became quietly

calm. Soon thereafter the room filled with

what can only be considered a golden glow.

And suddenly in our darkest hour I saw the

light. Which made saying goodbye all the 

easier. That day we saw heaven on earth.

WISH WAY DO I GO?

Just one of those dreamers
It's rare that I can't think of something to opine

about. Yet post changes in Washington I've lost

my frequent source of fodder for any stream of

consciousness. Hence nothing exciting, hurtful,

or of interest to share. Which is exactly what

I dreamed of. But as the trusted adage suggests

one must be careful what they wish for because

it just might happen. In my case - the calm post

Trump's storm forces me to now take a step or

two back. To a time when I enjoyed life rather

than worried that stress was going to kill me. 

So as always... change is good. And all that we

hope and dream almost always comes true.

What's new?
They say you can't go back Yet sans the endless

drama of Trump's administration - CNN holds

little allure. Therefore I find myself reverting to

life as it was five years ago. When I rarely tuned

into the news. Focusing instead on the Style,

Real Estate, Arts, and Obits sections in the NY

Times. Things that not only interested but also

gave me pleasure. So in essence I'm becoming

to the man I once was. A bit older and wiser -

but I can't help but wonder what I will do with

myself. Along with whether all of my political

angst was for naught. Did I just waste a chunk

of my life on a painful exercise in futility ?

My just desserts?
Ultimately I had to learn my lesson the hard

way. Which is that time is precious. And that

life is what we make of it. Hence from now

on I plan to live and let live. So rather than

attempt to fight the world, I'm going to focus

on my tiny sphere of influence. To tell the truth

I should have known better. In that in the end

the only thing one can control is themselves.

Now I've come full circle. Which means I'm

calling the shots. The only question is whether

I polish the silver, bake a cake, or take a nap.

Obviously all of the above won't cure cancer.

But they all make me very happy. Imagine that.

7th Day Surprise: NOTHING

What's wrong?

NOTHING!

While the above statement

obviously isn't true

our world sans Trump

makes me feel that way.

It's as if a veil has been lifted.

And suddenly

a new world is revealed.

Of course one might become

easily bored sans drama.

Obviously we still have

Coronavirus.

And many are struggling

because of it.

However simply having

our President acknowledge it's threat

makes it easier to deal with.

And so we go on.

And at least for now...

having no one to fuss about

feels quite glorious.