Monday, March 19, 2007

Time















It's been a while, I know. No apologies, no excuses. I have been learning and living and here I am, with a little time. Time- something I take for granted on a regular basis, but here I am, in the midst of 'living in the moment', and time becomes the most generous gift I could be offered.

I didn't have enough time with either set of grandparents, and I know, that no matter how much time I dedicate to them it will never be enough. My maternal grandparents in southern California were such a joy to spend time with. So much so, that I am considering going back for a few months this summer. My grandmother is a Holocaust survivor, and entrusted in me her memoirs, which I would really like to edit and complete. My paternal grandparents are outside of Phoenix, and I was lucky enough to spend time with them, too. My grandpa has macular degeneration, which basically translated into becoming almost completely blind in the last month or so. It's been intense, eye-opening (no pun intended), raw, wonderful, and every other emotion that no blog entry would ever indicate. I AM LUCKY. that;s it, that's all, I have all 4 grandparents alive and relatively healthy. There isn't much more I can add to that to make it more amazing or worth reading and writing about.


The drive across country was slow at times, and too quick in others. My friend Ivy followed in her car, and we stopped in the small town of Mesilla, New Mexico, and stayed in the most amazing bed and breakfast. It was Southwestern in a way that was trying to make fun of itself. Super cute and charming, in the middle of a pecan grove, teeny tiny Mexican zocalo, cactus, adobe...you get the drift. Next stop of significance was Austin, Tx. We rented a bedroom in a home and set out for a day of music at South by Southwest (sxsw). We aimed for free shows, which also led to free food and free drinks, so no complaints. The experience was great, the music left a lot to be desired, but I am glad we went. One of the reasons I wanted to drive out here was to check out a few cities to see if they resonated well. AUstin resonated well in the home department- it was all about the garden and the yard (and those oaks I can;t get enough of!), but the music was a little too...garage band....for me. So no go for now, but I am glad I checked it out.

We drove and drove and arrived in New Orleans early Saturday morning just in time (see the theme here) for the St Patrick's day parade. For those of you who know me well, you know this is one of my least favorite holidays- St. FRAT-rick's day, if you will. But I also knew that things would be different in New Orleans (NOLA). I met up with my friend Ruth uptown.She introduced me to a dozen wonderful people on Magazine street, and we were able to watch some of the parade from the balconies of businesses there, which was a treat. Later in the evening, Ivy and I met up with my friend Marcia and her mom on the neutral ground (median) adjacent to the French Quarter. We went crazy for beads, trinkets, trumpets, frisbees, and even pickles. Yes, pickles. So much fun.

And now? Now I am here in NOLA. Got my Louisiana state ID card today, went to my favorite bar in the quarter and my cutie bartender remembered me and my drink. Headed out to Frenchmen street and saw the New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and a bluegrass band. I have several leads to part time jobs which I have yet to follow up on, and well, right now, I am just enjoying being 'home' whatever that means for a little while, sprucing up the place, and making lots and lots of lists. Life is good. A/C is already on (and it's snowing in NYC??), and I am on perpetual spring break.

Time has been a gift. Time is something I have realized means more to me than money, which is somewhat ironic, as money allows me to have more time. I like living this simply. I emptied my car, and could still get rid of half of what I own. Time is what I am aiming for, and here, I seem to have a lot of it. Time is a gift, a commodoty (sp). If I ever get married, this will be the number one thing on my registry.

Much love to all of you. Hope to hear from and see you all soon.
Rebecca