Labor Day Weekend

Are you enjoying the long holiday weekend?

Today the weather was fabulous in New York so I journeyed to my favorite place, Governors Island. It has dozens of art exhibitions supplementing bucolic nature. I sat on grass and read a new biography of Stevie Ray Vaughn, one of history's best blues guitarists. Stevie died tragically young in a helicopter crash 30 years ago. If you don't know his music, seek it out.

The ferry from Governors Island drops you off at the southern tip of Manhattan so, coming home, I savored walking 3-4 miles to the train station in mid-town, passing through wonderful neighborhoods on the way. Summer is when New York empties out so the crowds are gone. The mood was pleasant and relaxed, something you rarely feel in the city.

What're you doin' this weekend?

What's Your Take On This?

I know we can't judge people we don't know and people are allowed to make their own choices but... I encountered something odd and would appreciate your thoughts on it. Please be frank; you won't hurt anyone's feelings by saying what you believe.

I know a guy who's an acquaintance, not a friend. His name is Lonnie. We shoot pool together every few weeks. I met him a few months ago through a mutual acquaintance. I was looking for a pool-buddy and so was he.

Lonnie is in his late-50's. He's nice but not special. He has average intelligence and below-average looks. He has an ordinary middle-class job. Lonnie got divorced about 20 years ago and now lives in an apartment with 15 fish-tanks. (Yes, 15; I didn't believe it either.)

While we were shooting pool last week, Lonnie announced he has a new girlfriend. I congratulated him and asked about her. He said little other than he likes her. I asked if she has kids and he said yes, she has two boys. I asked how old she is and he avoided the subject. I pressed and he sheepishly confessed she's "a little young." How young, I asked?

She's 23, he said. How old are her kids, I inquired? Seven and five, he replied. Doing the math, that means she had the first boy at 16 and a second at 18. And now she's dating someone at least 35 years older than her.

I dropped the subject 'cause I didn't want to say anything to offend him.

What's your take on this?

Jamie, the Makeup Artist

My attitude is that when someone does you a favor, you reciprocate. It shows gratitude and respect.

I am very appreciative of the skilled work Jamie did on my recent trip to Toronto. Her expertise made everything better and her warm compassion soothed my nerves. Jamie has a vivacious personality which brought fun to our experience. Also, being originally from New York, her accent is intelligible to me.

After returning home, I wrote a testimonial for Jamie's website and she posted pictures of our time together. I hope these contributions steer business to her; more importantly, I hope they convey to her how deeply I appreciate her efforts.

What do you do when someone helps you?

SoNo Again

I had no plans for the weekend but when I heard the weather was going to be spectacular I decided to jump on my bike for an unplanned trip to SoNo. I discovered this place last year and was eager to return.

SoNo is what cool kids call South Norwalk, an old coastal town in Connecticut. It successfully re-invented itself as a hipster heaven. There are chic boutiques, trendy restaurants and fun things to do.

I said hi to aquatic friends, ate delicious seafood risotto and drank craft beer. I visited an old railway museum where I learned how train-track switches work which is fascinating: their logic is still used in computer programs.

Summer is made for fun. What have you been doing?

Cat Cafe

I walked through town yesterday and saw a sign for a new business. I didn't understand what the store will be selling -- the sign describes the place as a "cat cafe." Today, walking in a different part of town I discovered another place also calling itself a "cat cafe." This one is already open so I poked my nose inside and learned what the new trend is about.

Cat cafes have cats -- actual animals -- and let you play with them for a price ($15/hour). Both cafes serve coffee and beverages to enjoy while you're stroking a kitty.

Have you heard of this? Would you go to one?

Suzanne the Magician

Best friends are capable of changing our lives. When their support comes at a critical juncture, it can make the difference between extreme happiness and deep despair.

Several of my close friends have given me a boost that led me to where I am today. I see farther because I stand on their shoulders. They gave me courage and strength. They opened doors to magical new places.

Last week Suzanne, a Canadian vixen, gently eased me into a place I never thought I'd inhabit. It was her calm persuasion, and underlying power, that made me feel safe enough to go there. I reported on the experience last week; today Suzanne gives her perspective. Her blog-report is here.

Take a look and, if you have a minute, please thank her for helping me. She deserves applause.

Woodstock's 50th Anniversary

This week is the 50th anniversary of Woodstock!

I was 11 when the original concert took place in 1969. It was only a few hours from my home so I asked my parents if I could go. My father, a police officer, said no. My mother said absolutely not. I briefly considered running away from home but realized, quite clearly, I'd never be able to return. And at 11, my skills weren't sufficiently developed for life on the road.

I'm celebrating Woodstock's anniversary by attending two events. I attended the first today -- a music festival in Copiague where I heard bands playing songs by Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead and Santana. The second event, on Thursday, is a theatrical showing of the "Woodstock" documentary which won an Oscar in 1970. The film, three hours and 44 minutes, is a classic. It's playing everywhere so look for it in your town (here). There's only one show at 7 pm on Thursday (8/15) which is the exact day Woodstock started fifty years ago.

For these special occasions, I need appropriate attire so I assembled this outfit -- striped bell-bottoms, ubiquitous peace symbol and fringed top.

What are YOU doing to celebrate Woodstock?!