Through the generosity of Velsani Antiques additional prizes have been added to the WCA pet contest. WCA members Gustovo Sanin and Ivan Velilla, owners of Velsani, have graciously donated $25.00 gift certificates for all the winners. Thank you Gustavo and Ivan for your kindness!!
If you have the chance, check out the Velsani Antiques website at www.velsani.com or visit their stores at the Emerson Resort or in Kingston (corner of North Front and Wall street in the Old Stockade district of uptown Kingston).
Thanks again to Ivan and Gustavo for being such a great part of the Woodland Valley Community!!!
Don't forget to scroll down and vote in the contest. You only have until tomorrow at midnight.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Scroll Down to View Pet Contest Photos
Because of the nature of a blog, anything I post in the next few days will appear ahead of the photos from the WCA pet photo contest. So I wanted to remind all of you to please scroll down the page to view the photos and make your choices. Don't forget to send me your votes by midnight on May 1st. I have already gotten a lot of responses so make your voices heard and email me at wvview@gmail.com with your selections. Remember you can vote for the best in each category. Can't wait to see who wins!!
Daffodils 2010
My daffodils have come and gone at this point but I thought I would give all of you a look at this year's show. They bloomed strangely this spring, coming fast and then staying longer than usual. But they were beautiful all the same. Now I begin the process of deciding where I want next year's crop to go so I can mark the hillside. If I don't do this in the spring by the time fall rolls around I have no idea where they are in the landscape. I got some gorgeous new varieties last fall. Can't wait to order a new batch!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Vote in the WCA Pet Photo Contest
Ok everyone, I have gotten all the photos up to the blog and now it is time to vote! It is going to be a really tough race!! All of the photos are great!!!
Please send your votes to wvview@gmail.com. Remember there are 4 DIFFERENT groups of photos. They arranged by category on the blog. All the photos have a number (some have titles but not everyone sent titles or pet names). Please email me the numbers of your favorite from each category. Remember to specify BOTH the category AND the number of the photo you wish to vote for in your email. Each person in your household is entitled to vote separately (kids too). If you have a photo in the contest you are allowed to vote for yourself. The deadline to vote is midnight May 1st. Winners will be announced on May 3rd and they will get their prizes soon after.
So get your votes in now!! Remember you must be a WCA member to vote! Good luck to all the entrants!!
Please send your votes to wvview@gmail.com. Remember there are 4 DIFFERENT groups of photos. They arranged by category on the blog. All the photos have a number (some have titles but not everyone sent titles or pet names). Please email me the numbers of your favorite from each category. Remember to specify BOTH the category AND the number of the photo you wish to vote for in your email. Each person in your household is entitled to vote separately (kids too). If you have a photo in the contest you are allowed to vote for yourself. The deadline to vote is midnight May 1st. Winners will be announced on May 3rd and they will get their prizes soon after.
So get your votes in now!! Remember you must be a WCA member to vote! Good luck to all the entrants!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
James Rocks the House
James Wolf (wearing the red bandanna) sent me this photo taken at the sound check of his gig last Saturday night. He was playing with a 5 piece band. All the reports are that it was a great night. James said he had a lot of fun!! Rock on James!!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Phoenicia Festival of the Voice
Woodland Community member Ricarda O'Conner writes in to announce the first annual Phoenicia Festival of the Voice, a three-day event (August 13th, 14th and 15th) that will feature all kinds of music including opera, choral works, Native American, and musical theatre.
Ricarda, a long-time NYC director-choreographer, is handling the musical theatre part of the festival. She will be directing a special production of the Maltby and Shire revue, "Closer Than Ever".
All sorts of exciting things are being prepared for the festival. This Sunday, Ricarda invites you to a preview: an afternoon of wonderful song presented by festival directors (and opera stars) Maria Todaro, Louis Otey, and Kerry Henderson.
Here are the details:
Opera at the Emerson!
3pm, Sunday April 25th
Join international opera singers,
Maria Todaro (Opera Nacional de Rio di Janeiro),
Louis Otey (Metropolitan Opera) and Kerry Henderson (Opera Australia)
in an intimate mid-afternoon fundraiser concert to introduce
The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice
An exciting new event coming to the heart of the Catskills this summer.
The three artists will offer a delectable medley of best loved arias and duets from opera, treasures from the world of song and highlights from Broadway shows.
The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice will run August 13th to 15th, and will promote the human voice as an instrument of healing, peace and artistic expression, through performances of opera, art song, baroque and choral music and the vocal music of traditional cultures.
Come and enjoy Opera at the Emerson, and support
The Phoenicia Festival of the Voice.
3 pm Under the Chandelier in the Great Room at the Emerson Resort and Spa
Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres and a Cash Bar
Tickets are $20 at the Door.
Route 28 - Just 10 minutes from Woodstock | (877) 688-2828 | www.EmersonResort.com
Other Woodland Valley residents such as Jay Braman are also participating in the festival. He will be doing the spoken part, accompanying pianist, Justin Kolb, in a piece called, "An Ivory Trade."
This project sounds like it will be amazing so come out this weekend and support the arts in our community!!!
Eugene Ruffolo in NYC
Just got the following message from Eugene regarding an upcoming gig down in the city. Here is what he had to say about it:
Finally--a show In New York City!!
Join me for this great concert series at The Living Room---hosted by John Platt..WFUV radio (90.7FM)...
May 11th---7:30 PM at The Living Room 154 Ludlow Street--NYC
I'm playing with a great band---featuring Margaret Fiellin, Joe Bonadio, Mary Ann McSweeney, Alan Zahn and special guest Ara Djinkian..
Also on the bill--Carsie Blanton and Buskin& Batteau
http://www.livingroomny.com/
http://www.wfuv.org/
www.eugeneruffolo.com
I am sure it will be a great show so check him out if you are going to be in the neighborhood.
Finally--a show In New York City!!
Join me for this great concert series at The Living Room---hosted by John Platt..WFUV radio (90.7FM)...
May 11th---7:30 PM at The Living Room 154 Ludlow Street--NYC
I'm playing with a great band---featuring Margaret Fiellin, Joe Bonadio, Mary Ann McSweeney, Alan Zahn and special guest Ara Djinkian..
Also on the bill--Carsie Blanton and Buskin& Batteau
http://www.livingroomny.com/
http://www.wfuv.org/
www.eugeneruffolo.com
I am sure it will be a great show so check him out if you are going to be in the neighborhood.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Match Made in Woodland Valley
Rana Dershowitz the daughter of Marilyn and Nat and Brian Rose the brother of Julia Rose met in Woodland Valley. They had their first date in Sweet Sues. Rana is general counsel for the United States Olympic Committee. Brian is a structural engineer. They live in Denver. The wedding was in Lion's, Colorado and attended by a large contingent from Phoenicia. By the way, this photo represents the Aunt and Uncle of a previous featured WV Beauty, Maya Grace Raffaele (see about a month ago...)
Congratulations to the bride and groom from all the residents of Woodland Valley!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Catskill Woodland Camp 2010
Here is a message from Cara Cruikshank director of Catskill Woodland Camp and WCA member regarding the 2010 session of the program.
Catskill Woodland Camp 2010
A Day Camp for Preschool, Elementary, and Teens
Phoenicia, NY - July 5 through August 27- Weekly Sessions
Catskill Woodland Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience. Our program is about fun, connection, self-awareness, and self-expression. We spend our weeks exploring the mountains, streams and wild places. Campers work together in small groups learning about the natural world, Indigenous cultures, world cultures, wilderness survival, all areas of the arts, sustainable living, organic gardening, community awareness, global awareness and so much more. We do this with hands-on activities, games and adventures that are engaging and interactive.
At CWC, we give each camper the attention they need to follow their passions and to connect with nature and each other. Our program is non-competitive, encouraging individuality, respect and self-direction.
Our strengths lie in the quality of our staff and the depth of our program. We value diversity, attracting campers from throughout New York State with many cultural backgrounds and as far away as the West Coast and Europe.
Woodland Wildcats: Ages 5-12
Mon.-Fri., 9am-3:30pm
July 5-9: Beginnings/Gardening
July 12-16: Hiking/Journeys
July 19-23: Cirque de Woodland
July 26-30: Fine Arts and Theater
August 2-6: Classic Camp
August 16-20: Global Village
August 23-27: Positive Change/Community Building
Jr. Counselor and preschool programs also available.
Go to: www.catskillwoodlandcamp.com
Tiered tuition available.
Family discounts offered.
Sign up with a new "buddy" and receive a 10% discount!
Contact Us To register, or for more information contact:
Catskill Woodland Camp
PO Box 647, Phoenicia, NY 12464
cara@catskillwoodlandcamp.com
(845) 688-2068
(720) 935-2540
Mission Statement
Catskill Woodland Camp is a summer day camp in Phoenicia, N.Y. for ages 2-15 celebrating folk-heritage, culture, arts, and outdoor education in the Catskill Mountain region. It seeks to provide education, enrichment and leadership opportunities for local youth which focus on tolerance, respect, environmental stewardship, self-empowerment, and team-building. Our belief is that children who attend Catskill Woodland Camp will gain a stronger sense of diversity as they develop new tools for building creative futures while sustaining relationships with their peers, families, natural environment, and community-at-large.
Catskill Woodland Camp 2010
A Day Camp for Preschool, Elementary, and Teens
Phoenicia, NY - July 5 through August 27- Weekly Sessions
Catskill Woodland Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience. Our program is about fun, connection, self-awareness, and self-expression. We spend our weeks exploring the mountains, streams and wild places. Campers work together in small groups learning about the natural world, Indigenous cultures, world cultures, wilderness survival, all areas of the arts, sustainable living, organic gardening, community awareness, global awareness and so much more. We do this with hands-on activities, games and adventures that are engaging and interactive.
At CWC, we give each camper the attention they need to follow their passions and to connect with nature and each other. Our program is non-competitive, encouraging individuality, respect and self-direction.
Our strengths lie in the quality of our staff and the depth of our program. We value diversity, attracting campers from throughout New York State with many cultural backgrounds and as far away as the West Coast and Europe.
Woodland Wildcats: Ages 5-12
Mon.-Fri., 9am-3:30pm
July 5-9: Beginnings/Gardening
July 12-16: Hiking/Journeys
July 19-23: Cirque de Woodland
July 26-30: Fine Arts and Theater
August 2-6: Classic Camp
August 16-20: Global Village
August 23-27: Positive Change/Community Building
Jr. Counselor and preschool programs also available.
Go to: www.catskillwoodlandcamp.com
Tiered tuition available.
Family discounts offered.
Sign up with a new "buddy" and receive a 10% discount!
Contact Us To register, or for more information contact:
Catskill Woodland Camp
PO Box 647, Phoenicia, NY 12464
cara@catskillwoodlandcamp.com
(845) 688-2068
(720) 935-2540
Mission Statement
Catskill Woodland Camp is a summer day camp in Phoenicia, N.Y. for ages 2-15 celebrating folk-heritage, culture, arts, and outdoor education in the Catskill Mountain region. It seeks to provide education, enrichment and leadership opportunities for local youth which focus on tolerance, respect, environmental stewardship, self-empowerment, and team-building. Our belief is that children who attend Catskill Woodland Camp will gain a stronger sense of diversity as they develop new tools for building creative futures while sustaining relationships with their peers, families, natural environment, and community-at-large.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Melinda Stickney-Gibson at the Simon Gallery
Melinda Stickney-Gibson is having a show of her newest work. Here are the details. Check it out if you are in the area!
Melinda Stickney-Gibson
April 27th - May 29th 2010
Simon Gallery
48 Bank Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-538-5456
www.simongallery.com
Friday, April 16, 2010
WCA Pet Photo Contest Deadline Reminder
To All WCA Members,
The deadline for submission of photos to the 'WCA Pet Photo Contest' is this Tuesday April 20th at midnight. Please remember to send in your photos by then. I will put them up to the blog shortly after that for voting. As of right now, I don't have any entries in the 'Kids Under 12' category so get your little ones out there with their cameras. They could win a prize! Just to remind you all of the contest details I am including the categories and rules at the bottom of this email. Send your submissions to me at wvview@gmail.com.
So get your cameras out over the weekend and join in the fun!!
Best,
Carol Seitz
There are 4 categories.
1. Best Overall Pet Photo
2. Funniest Pet Photo
3. Best Outdoor Pet Photo (I created this category for those of you who might not have pets inside your house but have wild animals that come and visit. So this is the category for squirrels, deer, turkeys and anything else that runs wild in the valley.)
4. Best Photo by a Child Under 12
There will be one prize for the best photo in each category. The prize will be a gift certificate to either The Nest Egg, Sweet Sue's, Brios, Tenderland Home, Morne Imports or 60 Main (the winners can choose their preference) in the amount of $25.00 each.
The winners will be decided by the members of the Association. I will put all the photos in each category up to the blog and you all can email me with your votes for the best. The number of votes each of the photos receives will not be posted. Only the winner will be announced. Each photo will be randomly given a number. To insure unbiased voting, photographers names will not be posted.
Here are the rules:
1. You must be a member of the Woodland Community Association to enter.
2. One entry per person, per category.
3. Please submit your photo by email to wvview@gmail.com. All photos must be digital. Scans will be accepted but I will not be able to scan hard copies. Please be sure to write in the email which category you would like the photo entered.
4. Deadline for submission is April 20th.
The deadline for submission of photos to the 'WCA Pet Photo Contest' is this Tuesday April 20th at midnight. Please remember to send in your photos by then. I will put them up to the blog shortly after that for voting. As of right now, I don't have any entries in the 'Kids Under 12' category so get your little ones out there with their cameras. They could win a prize! Just to remind you all of the contest details I am including the categories and rules at the bottom of this email. Send your submissions to me at wvview@gmail.com.
So get your cameras out over the weekend and join in the fun!!
Best,
Carol Seitz
There are 4 categories.
1. Best Overall Pet Photo
2. Funniest Pet Photo
3. Best Outdoor Pet Photo (I created this category for those of you who might not have pets inside your house but have wild animals that come and visit. So this is the category for squirrels, deer, turkeys and anything else that runs wild in the valley.)
4. Best Photo by a Child Under 12
There will be one prize for the best photo in each category. The prize will be a gift certificate to either The Nest Egg, Sweet Sue's, Brios, Tenderland Home, Morne Imports or 60 Main (the winners can choose their preference) in the amount of $25.00 each.
The winners will be decided by the members of the Association. I will put all the photos in each category up to the blog and you all can email me with your votes for the best. The number of votes each of the photos receives will not be posted. Only the winner will be announced. Each photo will be randomly given a number. To insure unbiased voting, photographers names will not be posted.
Here are the rules:
1. You must be a member of the Woodland Community Association to enter.
2. One entry per person, per category.
3. Please submit your photo by email to wvview@gmail.com. All photos must be digital. Scans will be accepted but I will not be able to scan hard copies. Please be sure to write in the email which category you would like the photo entered.
4. Deadline for submission is April 20th.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Eugene Ruffolo - 2010 European Tour
I got this message a few days ago from Eugene Ruffolo about his upcoming tour.
Hey there!
I'm excited to announce my upcoming Spring European concert dates.. If you are planning to be in any of these places please come to a show...I'd love to see you!!
Some dates/times are still evolving.
Keep an eye on www.eugeneruffolo.com
or email Ruffolino@aol.com for more info
See you soon!!
- Eugene
EUGENE RUFFOLO SPRING EUROPEAN TOUR 2010
(Germany-----Holland------Italy)
Spring Tour Itinerary
(featuring Margaret Fiellin)
April 21 - 8PM-Houseconcert at Rolo's barn, Jansbergshof
Mülheim Ickten--Germany
For more info or to reserve tckets (recommended!)
email: Sterges@aol.com
April 22- 8PM - Concert---Culture Stage “De Speelplaats”
Teagarden cafe Steijl, Holland
website: http://www.jochumhof.nl/openingstijden.htm
http://www.de-speelplaats.nl
April 23- 4PM radio show -- Studio Radio Parkstad
"Blueprint 450"
http://www.dutchrootsradio.com/blueprint.htm
(internet streaming info on site)
Host:Thomas Kaldijk
7PM --pre-show radio interview "Folk en Zo"
website: http://www.folkenzo.net/
8:30 PM-Concert at Oude Remise Nieuweschans,
Netherlands
website: http://www.deouderemise.nl
contact: info@deouderemise.nl
April 24-----sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep
April 25- 3PM -Church Concert Gorinchem-Netherlands
De Schuilkerk
Langendijk 72
for more info contact ; johndelooy@gmail.com
April 26-- 9-11 PM LIve radio Show/interview Radio Beverwijk
Host: Gerrit Vermeij email: muziekvenster@ziggo.nl
website: http://www.radiobeverwijk.nl
April 27--9-11 Pm Kippenvel Live Radio Show, RTV Katwijk
Host: Ruud Heijjer (106.8FM)
website: http://www.kippenvel.net
live streaming at: http://www.rtvkatwijk.nl/
Plus Pre-show interview with Bart van der Pol-host
of Acoustic Rain radio show (also on RTV Ktawijk)
(Date pending confirmation)
April 28-- Radio Show ' A Shake of Music" Gouda-
(Taping with Live Studio Audience)
Netherlands Host: Sjaak Sekeris
(with special guest Dennis Kolen)
Broadcast on Thursday 8-9 PM,
Friday 11-12 AM, Monday 3-4 PM
106.2 or cable 97.7
internet stream:http://www.gouwestad.nl/
April 29- 9-11 Pm Live Radio Show
Host: Hans Bergkamp
April 30-Travel?
April 31-arrive in Italy and eat EVERYTHING in sight
May 1--Concert--Ferrara, Italy (opening for Mike McLure Band)
In Piazza!
May 2--Concert - MIV Live Cafe Varese, Italy
May 3--Concert-Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy
(location to be announced)
Hey there!
I'm excited to announce my upcoming Spring European concert dates.. If you are planning to be in any of these places please come to a show...I'd love to see you!!
Some dates/times are still evolving.
Keep an eye on www.eugeneruffolo.com
or email Ruffolino@aol.com for more info
See you soon!!
- Eugene
EUGENE RUFFOLO SPRING EUROPEAN TOUR 2010
(Germany-----Holland------Italy)
Spring Tour Itinerary
(featuring Margaret Fiellin)
April 21 - 8PM-Houseconcert at Rolo's barn, Jansbergshof
Mülheim Ickten--Germany
For more info or to reserve tckets (recommended!)
email: Sterges@aol.com
April 22- 8PM - Concert---Culture Stage “De Speelplaats”
Teagarden cafe Steijl, Holland
website: http://www.jochumhof.nl/openingstijden.htm
http://www.de-speelplaats.nl
April 23- 4PM radio show -- Studio Radio Parkstad
"Blueprint 450"
http://www.dutchrootsradio.com/blueprint.htm
(internet streaming info on site)
Host:Thomas Kaldijk
7PM --pre-show radio interview "Folk en Zo"
website: http://www.folkenzo.net/
8:30 PM-Concert at Oude Remise Nieuweschans,
Netherlands
website: http://www.deouderemise.nl
contact: info@deouderemise.nl
April 24-----sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeep
April 25- 3PM -Church Concert Gorinchem-Netherlands
De Schuilkerk
Langendijk 72
for more info contact ; johndelooy@gmail.com
April 26-- 9-11 PM LIve radio Show/interview Radio Beverwijk
Host: Gerrit Vermeij email: muziekvenster@ziggo.nl
website: http://www.radiobeverwijk.nl
April 27--9-11 Pm Kippenvel Live Radio Show, RTV Katwijk
Host: Ruud Heijjer (106.8FM)
website: http://www.kippenvel.net
live streaming at: http://www.rtvkatwijk.nl/
Plus Pre-show interview with Bart van der Pol-host
of Acoustic Rain radio show (also on RTV Ktawijk)
(Date pending confirmation)
April 28-- Radio Show ' A Shake of Music" Gouda-
(Taping with Live Studio Audience)
Netherlands Host: Sjaak Sekeris
(with special guest Dennis Kolen)
Broadcast on Thursday 8-9 PM,
Friday 11-12 AM, Monday 3-4 PM
106.2 or cable 97.7
internet stream:http://www.gouwestad.nl/
April 29- 9-11 Pm Live Radio Show
Host: Hans Bergkamp
April 30-Travel?
April 31-arrive in Italy and eat EVERYTHING in sight
May 1--Concert--Ferrara, Italy (opening for Mike McLure Band)
In Piazza!
May 2--Concert - MIV Live Cafe Varese, Italy
May 3--Concert-Savignano sul Rubicone, Italy
(location to be announced)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Daffs Are Here!!
I wait all year for my daffodils to bloom. The flowers are so optimistic, perky and bright. They just scream "Spring Is Here!". This year daffodil season started strangely. It was so cold for so long that I thought they would be weeks late. And then, out of nowhere, we had those 2 days of summer-like heat with temps in the 80s and they just popped up and started to open. Since then, the weather has gotten cold again and the blooming has slowed down once more. But I think in a couple of days they will be at their peak. I probably have somewhere in the neighborhood of about 5000 at this point and they look great! I want to give a special shout out to Pete Overbeck who dug up about 400-500 bulbs from the woods of Ohio and passed them along to me. I planted every last one of those little devils and now they are rewarding me for my diligence. Thanks Pete for giving me those extra bulbs. You are helping to bring me one step closer to my goal of naturalizing my whole hill. It may take another 20 years but I am determined!!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Chippy
Dennis Havel sent these as his latest installments in his 'Through The Window' series. I love the little chippy with his face fully stuffed with food. It's like he/she is a little old lady who went to an all you can eat salad bar and then tried to take home some extra food in her purse (or in this case, pouches).
Friday, April 9, 2010
Poetry for Felines
Boreegard, aka Mike O'Neil, sent me this.
"For you cat people, and all you other friends too."
Bo--
Boreegard Listens to an Aging Cat
I looked Tony straight in the eye today,
As I plucked one more tick from his hide,
And asked, “Why, old lad, do you insist on,
Rolling on the early wet spring ground?”
“Oh Boss,” he said, “I’m old and I walk
Slowly—as I notice you do too. I
Cannot race to catch the errant Carolina Wren,
Or that chipmunk packing in the birdfeeder spillings.”
“Isn’t the sun nice, filtering through the greening woods,
And your scratching and smoothing of my back,
Makes me feel purr purr purr,
Can there be a nicer moment in this uncertain world?”
Boreegard
April 2, 2010
"For you cat people, and all you other friends too."
Bo--
Boreegard Listens to an Aging Cat
I looked Tony straight in the eye today,
As I plucked one more tick from his hide,
And asked, “Why, old lad, do you insist on,
Rolling on the early wet spring ground?”
“Oh Boss,” he said, “I’m old and I walk
Slowly—as I notice you do too. I
Cannot race to catch the errant Carolina Wren,
Or that chipmunk packing in the birdfeeder spillings.”
“Isn’t the sun nice, filtering through the greening woods,
And your scratching and smoothing of my back,
Makes me feel purr purr purr,
Can there be a nicer moment in this uncertain world?”
Boreegard
April 2, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
1st Ashokan Watershed Conference
This message below was sent to me by Michael Courtney of the Cornell Cooperative Extension. I thought the folks in the valley who have stream front property might be interested in this event.
You are invited to attend the first Ashokan Watershed Conference!
How we manage stormwater runoff and floodplains not only impacts water quality and streams, it also can impact property through damage that occurs during floods and storms.
The conference will highlight practices for landowners that can save time and money while also protecting our stream resources when it comes to property management.
Come learn about landscaping for stormwater, using rain gardens, and designing driveways and culverts correctly. Learning about stormwater regulations can help you save a lot of hassle by creating a low impact development design.
WHY ATTEND?
Property protection methods that save time and money while protecting streams
Tools for managing floodplains effectively to save towns money
Landscaping for stormwater runoff
Panel on funding opportunities for local projects
Understand floodplain and stormwater regulations
Networking
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Streamside Landowners
Town Boards and Planning Boards
Realtors and Developers
Town Supervisors
Transportation Departments
Floodplain Officials
Environmental Groups
Anyone interested in flood protection and local streams
Michael Courtney
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
6375 State Route 28
Phoenicia, NY 12464
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Short Story By Camilo Marquez
I received this new work from Camilo a few days ago with this message.
"This is a story I wrote for the NPR three minute fiction contest inspired by the words "trick," 'button," "plant," and "fly." It just came to me in a couple flashes. I hope you enjoy it." - Camilo
Off Line
By Camilo Marquez
We worked side by side at the GM plant; he was real fly and knew how to touch all the right buttons, but I wasn’t about to let him trick me out. Roland Dupre was his real name: café-au-lait, honey-tongue, high-yella, pencil-mustache and natural waves. “Whooowee.” A woman didn’t need no moisturizer standing next to him. One evening after four hours of OT, he flashed his gold tooth smile and I made the mistake of taking a ride in “Dinah-Flo,” his Buick Roadmaster. The deep rumble sound you feel down in your stomach gripped me when we drove off.
- Where we goin’?
- Have a drink at Trey Deuces.
- Awright, Ro, just one, I am tired.
- Drink will pick you up, then lay you down easy.
- Yeah, I know you, Ro, an’ I like you, but…
- But nothin’, you deserve some relaxation after 12 hours on the line. Shoo, you deserve to relax all day long, at home, fine as you are!
I was screening him out the corner of my eye, watchin’ his hand with the diamond pinky ring glide around the steering wheel, the top half of his face, flat-staring at the road, while his mouth turned to me and folded a smile ‘roun his words. I sank down in the seat, closed my eyes and listened to Sam Cooke. Sweet. I felt myself about to float away, but sat bolt-upright as we pulled up to the Deuces. It was gonna be a fight – with myself.
“‘Mon baby,” Ro opening the door and taking my hand in his. Soft hands for a man who worked hard. I could feel them – on me. I gripped his tight, so he wouldn’t notice me trembling. Roland greeted the cats who called his name, avoiding the glances of the chicks as he danced me into a booth to the side of the bar, his hand, gentle, in the small of my back.
- Ease it down, Delia. Want some champagne?
- You gonna have whiskey and a bullet? Well, just have the whiskey and I’ll take a bullet for you.
Roland, smiled, not showing his gold, but with his eyes and reached for my hand, closing on it a milli-second before I could pull it away. The waitress came over, giving me a second chance. She wasn’t smiling.
- Three Feathers and a Champale for the lady.
Ro turned back and slid his hand across the table. I looked at him and steadied my voice.
- Ro, can I have a cigarette?
- Delia, you smoke?
- No, sometimes, just to ah…relax.
Now, we both had something to do with our hands and I did relax. The waitress arrived with our drinks. “You runnin’ a tab?”
Roland was about to reply and I touched his hand. “No, Ro just one round, I gotta get home and go to bed.” The waitress’ face softened, quickly returning to business as I caught her eye. I let my hand stay on top of Roland’s. He was looking at our hands when I turned my eyes back to his. We both were about to speak at the same time when we realized we still had an audience. As she turned away I understood she was watching this player make his moves. I decided, hearing myself almost say, “Okay, just one more,” that I was not going to be played upon.
- Ro, let’s go, now.
"This is a story I wrote for the NPR three minute fiction contest inspired by the words "trick," 'button," "plant," and "fly." It just came to me in a couple flashes. I hope you enjoy it." - Camilo
Off Line
By Camilo Marquez
We worked side by side at the GM plant; he was real fly and knew how to touch all the right buttons, but I wasn’t about to let him trick me out. Roland Dupre was his real name: café-au-lait, honey-tongue, high-yella, pencil-mustache and natural waves. “Whooowee.” A woman didn’t need no moisturizer standing next to him. One evening after four hours of OT, he flashed his gold tooth smile and I made the mistake of taking a ride in “Dinah-Flo,” his Buick Roadmaster. The deep rumble sound you feel down in your stomach gripped me when we drove off.
- Where we goin’?
- Have a drink at Trey Deuces.
- Awright, Ro, just one, I am tired.
- Drink will pick you up, then lay you down easy.
- Yeah, I know you, Ro, an’ I like you, but…
- But nothin’, you deserve some relaxation after 12 hours on the line. Shoo, you deserve to relax all day long, at home, fine as you are!
I was screening him out the corner of my eye, watchin’ his hand with the diamond pinky ring glide around the steering wheel, the top half of his face, flat-staring at the road, while his mouth turned to me and folded a smile ‘roun his words. I sank down in the seat, closed my eyes and listened to Sam Cooke. Sweet. I felt myself about to float away, but sat bolt-upright as we pulled up to the Deuces. It was gonna be a fight – with myself.
“‘Mon baby,” Ro opening the door and taking my hand in his. Soft hands for a man who worked hard. I could feel them – on me. I gripped his tight, so he wouldn’t notice me trembling. Roland greeted the cats who called his name, avoiding the glances of the chicks as he danced me into a booth to the side of the bar, his hand, gentle, in the small of my back.
- Ease it down, Delia. Want some champagne?
- You gonna have whiskey and a bullet? Well, just have the whiskey and I’ll take a bullet for you.
Roland, smiled, not showing his gold, but with his eyes and reached for my hand, closing on it a milli-second before I could pull it away. The waitress came over, giving me a second chance. She wasn’t smiling.
- Three Feathers and a Champale for the lady.
Ro turned back and slid his hand across the table. I looked at him and steadied my voice.
- Ro, can I have a cigarette?
- Delia, you smoke?
- No, sometimes, just to ah…relax.
Now, we both had something to do with our hands and I did relax. The waitress arrived with our drinks. “You runnin’ a tab?”
Roland was about to reply and I touched his hand. “No, Ro just one round, I gotta get home and go to bed.” The waitress’ face softened, quickly returning to business as I caught her eye. I let my hand stay on top of Roland’s. He was looking at our hands when I turned my eyes back to his. We both were about to speak at the same time when we realized we still had an audience. As she turned away I understood she was watching this player make his moves. I decided, hearing myself almost say, “Okay, just one more,” that I was not going to be played upon.
- Ro, let’s go, now.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Who You Calling a Turkey?
Dennis Havel sent me this photo of a turkey in his yard. The birds have been all over my yard too. The other day I had about 9 females (who were grazing) and 3 males (who were fighting with each other). I guess it is that time of year.
Here are some turkey facts from Wikipedia.
The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is native to North America and is the heaviest member of the Galliformes. It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which was domesticated from the South Mexican subspecies of the Wild Turkey.
Adult Wild Turkeys have long reddish-yellow to greyish-green legs and a black body. Males have a large, featherless, reddish head and a red throat, and red wattles on the throat and neck. The head has fleshy growths called caruncles: when males are excited, a fleshy flap on the bill expands, and this, the wattles and the bare skin of the head and neck all become engorged with blood, almost concealing the eyes and bill. Each foot has three toes, and males have a spur behind each of their lower legs.
Turkeys have a long, dark, fan-shaped tail and glossy bronze wings. As with many other species of the Galliformes, turkeys exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. The male is substantially larger than the female, and his feathers have areas of red, purple, green, copper, bronze, and gold iridescence. Female feathers are duller overall, in shades of brown and gray. Parasites can dull coloration of both sexes; in males, coloration may serve as a signal of health. The primary wing feathers have white bars. Turkeys have 5,000 to 6,000 feathers. Tail feathers have the same length in adults, different lengths in juveniles. Males typically have a "beard", a tuft of coarse hair (modified feathers) growing from the center of the breast. Beards average 9 inches (230 mm) in length. In some populations, 10 to 20 percent of females have a beard, usually shorter and thinner than that of the male. The adult male normally weighs from 5 to 11 kg (11–24 lbs) and measures 100–125 cm (39–49 in). The adult female is typically much smaller at 3 to 5.4 kg (6.6–12 lbs) and are 76 to 95 cm (30–37 in) long. The wingspan ranges from 1.25 to 1.44 m (49–57 in). The record-sized adult male Wild Turkey, according to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, was 38 lb (17.2 kg).
Here are some turkey facts from Wikipedia.
The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is native to North America and is the heaviest member of the Galliformes. It is the same species as the domestic turkey, which was domesticated from the South Mexican subspecies of the Wild Turkey.
Adult Wild Turkeys have long reddish-yellow to greyish-green legs and a black body. Males have a large, featherless, reddish head and a red throat, and red wattles on the throat and neck. The head has fleshy growths called caruncles: when males are excited, a fleshy flap on the bill expands, and this, the wattles and the bare skin of the head and neck all become engorged with blood, almost concealing the eyes and bill. Each foot has three toes, and males have a spur behind each of their lower legs.
Turkeys have a long, dark, fan-shaped tail and glossy bronze wings. As with many other species of the Galliformes, turkeys exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. The male is substantially larger than the female, and his feathers have areas of red, purple, green, copper, bronze, and gold iridescence. Female feathers are duller overall, in shades of brown and gray. Parasites can dull coloration of both sexes; in males, coloration may serve as a signal of health. The primary wing feathers have white bars. Turkeys have 5,000 to 6,000 feathers. Tail feathers have the same length in adults, different lengths in juveniles. Males typically have a "beard", a tuft of coarse hair (modified feathers) growing from the center of the breast. Beards average 9 inches (230 mm) in length. In some populations, 10 to 20 percent of females have a beard, usually shorter and thinner than that of the male. The adult male normally weighs from 5 to 11 kg (11–24 lbs) and measures 100–125 cm (39–49 in). The adult female is typically much smaller at 3 to 5.4 kg (6.6–12 lbs) and are 76 to 95 cm (30–37 in) long. The wingspan ranges from 1.25 to 1.44 m (49–57 in). The record-sized adult male Wild Turkey, according to the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, was 38 lb (17.2 kg).
