On A Wish And A Prayer

I spent the last week in upper New York and Manhattan. What a truly wonderful place to be for many reasons! I did so many things, went to countless places and loved every minute of it, but one special experience stands out above all the rest.

I'd walked into the Guggenheim Museum, late afternoon. There is a small fountain in the generic, contemporary shape of a fish, and as I am always wont to do, I stopped there to toss in pennies and make a wish for myself and two people who were not with me in person, but are always with me in spirit. 

As I was standing there, taking my time and giving careful consideration and thought to my purpose, I could feel that I was being watched, and after tossing in the last penny, I looked to my side and there were three lovely young girls of Asian origin; I'd venture an educated guess at Korean, who were watching me very intently. I knew they were trying to ascertain the scene before them, staring in fascination while trying not to be invasive.

I smiled widely at them to let them know they were welcome to communicate, if they wanted to.

One of them stepped forward bravely as the other two watched with wide eyes and shy smiles. She pointed toward the fountain and asked in her soft, broken English,

"What is it?". I knew she meant, 'What are you doing? What is the purpose of this custom?'

I explained, "I'm making a wish. I throw in the penny and make a wish that I would like to see come true." The young ladies stared silently and I knew the word 'wish' did not register with them. There was another way to explain.

"It is a hope, a prayer.  To hope for something; a job, health, love, luck, anything you want. A prayer for these things."  At this explanation of 'prayer', all the light bulbs above their heads flashed on and they became delighted that they understood it finally... a simple and universal concept... a sacrifice for a prayer or hope... pennies for wishes.

They got it.  They were very happy.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out two dimes and a nickel and handed them each a coin and gestured to the fountain. They went through a quick array of emotion; surprise, honor and humbleness, thankfulness, and then it gave way to serious contemplative prayer. Amidst bowing lowly, smiling and thanking me, they lined up shoulder to shoulder, all three folded their hands; coins in palm, prayed earnestly and one by one opened their eyes and tossed their coins into the fountain.

I watched with absolute pleasure. It brings me such happiness to create bonds with people, to teach and learn, to share joys and break down barriers and this was a very special one. The language challenge was gone. The opportunity to share with each other created a memorable experience for all, and it was serenely sweet to watch them all partake in this simple, heartfelt custom that they knew in a different way.

They turned to me, bowing, grinning, giddy with delight and I offered to use their camera to take a photo of them in front of the fountain, but they all three said no, they wanted a photo of me with them and I complied. We got an image of the four of us together, and I had them make one with my camera, and then they all hugged me tightly and went on their way.

What a truly wonderful blessing to be able to trade a few coins for this priceless memory. It was the best part of the trip.

Cuppa Joe

I pulled up to a shed that had been painted baby blue and renovated into a drive up coffee hut. A rubber hose that stretched out across the asphalt rang like a service station bell to alert the proprietor to my presence, when I drove over it. I looked at the brief and simple menu and then at the window.

A man of at least 150 years in age leaned his old weathered face out the window.
"YOU WANT SOME COFFEE?" he yelled across the two foot distance to me.

My biting satirical tongue was barred momentarily by my teeth which flashed a million dollar grin and I swallowed the smarty pants retort that rushed to spring from my lips before I ingested it... "No, Sir, I just pulled up to this drive up coffee shed to see if you could wash the windshield of my car and check the oil."  But I didn't say it.

"Yes, please, Sir!" I offered up to him as his window towered over my drivers side door.  Examining the menu, I thought I'd reserve my usual barista lingo coffee request and keep it simple for this elderly gentleman of the small country town persuasion. I was surprised to find a coffee shed there at all, let alone one which sold several beverage options in Italian (espresso, cappuccino...); it was encouraging, but I thought simple would be best.

"Could I please get a mochaccino, decaf?" I asked.

"A WHAT?!?!" he yelled at me, the deep lines on his old face transforming into bewilderment.

I realized, too late, that I had overestimated the culture curve bridging the short distance between us. I could simplify this again and put it into steps for him, in an effort to be helpful. 

"Could you please make a cappuccino?"

"YEAH."

"Do you have some sort of chocolate syrup that you could put into it, please?" ...voila, mochaccino.

"OH... YOU DON'T WANT A CAPPUCCINO. THERE'S NOTHING IN IT!" he hollered at me.

I was at a complete loss.

"I'm sorry?"

"YOU OUGHTTA GET A LATTE. DON'T YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CAPPUCCINO AND A LATTE?"

I was dumbstruck. I was trying my very best to fathom how this elderly gentleman could possibly be serious. I smiled in confusion and politeness and he took no notice; he just plowed right on.

"A CAPPUCCINO IS ALL FOAM. YOU DON'T WANT THAT. THERE'S ONLY HALF A CUP OF COFFEE. GET A LATTE, THEN YOU HAVE A WHOLE CUP OF COFFEE."

I stared at him incredulously. My two friends who were sitting in the car with me were in hysterics laughing at the situation.  I could only think that I didn't want to confound the old man any further, for that would invariably lead to more amazement on my part, and I'd had enough by this point.

"That's fine, Sir, please use decaf and please put some chocolate in it."

He left to start the coffee and I turned and stared at my friends who were still in fits of laughter. 

"HEY!" He yelled to me and I turned and looked up at him leaning out to me again.

"I DIDN'T MEAN TO BE A SMART ASS, I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU KNEW THE DIFFERENCE!" he yelled. He handed me a large cup, I paid him and we drove off.

I tasted it; it was the worst cup of joe I have ever had the misfortune to lift to my lips. I looked at my friends and said, "I'm so sorry that I didn't go to Starbucks."  They continued to laugh at the whole debacle.

Since this encounter, I have made a new cardinal rule in the Holy Book of Scarlett's Cardinal Rules... 'If they don't know what it is, don't ask them to make it, and never buy coffee from an old man in a coffee shed in a small town. Ever.'

Passport Stamps ~ On The Lighter Side

"Yes, I'd like the Reality entree with the special Common Sense Sauce, a side of Snark, lightly grilled, the Wild Side Salad but please hold the Stupid Nuts, bring the Spice of Life dressing on the side and Chocolate Covered Dreams for dessert, please."
~ Wanderlust Scarlett

What You See & What You Get

OMG — oh my god
WTF — what the ~F~
STFU — shut the ~F~ up
PWN3D — aka 0wn2d = your computer is hacked, we own it down to the roots, we are already maxing out your credit cards buying stuff.
URAN00B — you are a n00b = newbie = my dog knows more about computers.
LMAOROTF — laughing my ass off, rolling on the floor = this is hilarious. (sometimes seen as ROTFLMAO or ROTFLMFAO)
KTHXBYE:P — ok thanks bye - pfffftthhbbbb.
IF YOU CAN READ THIS, UR EYEZ R THE L337. TTYL. — if you can read this, your eyes are “the leet” = excellent. talk to you later.

Art Isn't Easy

This short video features some fantastic artwork by one of my favorite artists, Carmen. Her work is innovative, fresh and intriguing. She is well worth the time indulged in her world. The music is, of course, Barbara Streisand, which is indicative of Carmen's excellent taste. Look for CarmenArtStudio at these upcoming group art shows: 1) November 15-16 Multicultural Artists Partnership member show – www.realgallery.com 2) November 22-23 EAST Studio Tour with Bootstrap Art - http://www.eastaustinstudiotour.com/ 3) December 22-24 Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Bootstrap Art booth - http://www.armadillobazaar.com/ (For information on Bootstrap Austin art subgroup, see: http://www.bootstrapaustin.org/wiki/index.php/Art_Subgroup) Enjoy!

Testament to Love

I don't remember how old I was the first time I saw the image of the Taj Mahal. I could not tell you when I learned about its history and purpose. A mausoleum built by a grieving man for the love of his life who left this world.
It touched my heart deeply, from the first moment I saw it. It spoke a language of real and true love to that ever hopeful romantic in my heart. An object of devotion in memorial to a love that could not be measured or eclipsed in beauty, not even by this incredible monument to it.

This grand effort to express the strongest emotion of any human heart is considered sacred, is magnificent, and is still visited by multitudes of people every day. It is a wonder of our world. It is a wonder of humanity. It is a wonder of the heart.

Tokens of love come in countless forms... flowers, rings, art, music, structures, and on and on... and on, again. But all of them could never really capture that precious gift that cannot be bought or stolen or forced, that gift that can only be gotten by one when it is given sincerely and freely by another; the gift of love. We offer it without cost, when it is truly given.

Love transcends everything... time, people, places, even human form (think of love given from and within the animal kingdom).

There is no force more powerful or more tender in existence. It is the essence of life. It is boundless... and it is essential.
Give it at every chance, there is no greater gift that can be given.

Thanks to Angelfire for the breathtaking photograph.

Write about that!

What is the last thing you wrote?
~A comment on another blog

Was it any good?
~Of course it was, I always leave good comments

What’s the first thing you wrote and you still have?
~Really? Kindergarten work, I think. I still have the first journal that I ever wrote in, from the summer that I lost my grandmother, and when I reread it, it's like stepping back in time.

Write poetry? Yes!

Angst? Only when I was a teenager.

Favorite genre of writing? I love thinking on paper the best... start writing a thought and keep writing whatever crosses my mind, non~stop for as long as I can go at it. Very good exercise.

Most fun character you’ve ever created? Viaggiatore - paws down.

Most annoying character? Eh... I haven't created an annoying one, but my best villain is Vincent William Kilman. Nobody knows who he is yet, but he is wicked evil; couldn't believe someone like him came out of my head.

Best plot? The story that Vincent is in... it's a mystery/suspense/adventure/romance/comedy blend. Think "Jewel of the Nile" and "Romancing the Stone" ...gone techno and current, in Greece, Egypt and Vienna... intertwine past and present internal stories, throw in a missing princess, a 'chance' couple to fight the good fight and solve the mystery, a goofy sidekick for the hero, a supportive friend for the heroine, a wicked evil villain, memories of a tragic love story, a dangerous race against the clock and the bad guys and you just about got it.
...Good plot? Yes!

Write fan fiction? I have no idea.

Type or write? Both methods with both hands (although my left handed writing isn't quite as fast as my right handed writing). Which one? Depends on topic, moment and mood. Journals are written, thoughts are written, communication is mostly typed, but I do stop to write it by hand sometimes. It's nice to get something hand written in the mail.

Favorite thing you’ve written: Whatever touches other people's hearts, makes them smile and means something to them... or compels them to do right, whenever I can have an effect.

Do you show people your work? uh... yes... I blog. I also show good work to teachers, fellow students, friends and family. It's very important to look at it from a different perspective, whether I agree with that particular view or not. It opens my mind up more.

Did you ever write a novel? Two, actually.

Favorite setting for your characters? In my hands; not out of them.

How many writing projects are you working on? Ad Infinitus Continuum

Do you want to write for a living? Yes.

Why? To touch the hearts of humanity, to make a difference, to enlighten, to enjoy, to learn & grow, to laugh, to cry, to empower, to compel... to bring passion and peace, and to comfort.

Ever written anything in script or play form? Yes, once... a very long time ago. I'd forgotten till just now.

Five favorite words: ...A new day has begun... (note, these are not 5 single favorite words, they are 5 favorite words together, and together they mean possibility and opportunity for anything and everything... it means I've been gifted with one more day... what is better than that?)

Which character most resembles you? The lead in my second novel... Anna... she resembles me because she is me, and many, many other girls and women in the world.

Where do you get your ideas for other characters? If I knew that, I'd take up permanent residency there.

Ever write things based on your dreams? Yes! Mustn't forget those...

Do you favor happy endings, sad or cliff-hangers? Yes! Do you favor more than one kind of food for the body? I favor more than one kind of nourishment for the mind.

Ever written anything based on an artwork? Absolutely! As a writer, I am inspired by a great many things, not the least of which is the product of anothers inspiration.

Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write? Of course! I'm concerned with it when anyone writes, especially me! It's one of those pet peeves of mine... the fundamentals of the English language are going down the drain! While I'm not necessarily bothered by the people who speak incorrectly, the evidence of poor education producing poor language skills in their communication drives me right up the wall!

Ever write entirely in chatspeak? NO.

Entirely in L337? What?

Does music help? Good music helps everything, always.

Quote something you’ve written: please refer to any of the answers above.


Okay... I'm not tagging anyone, if you want to do this one, please feel free and do it, and then tell me so I can come read it!

Cinco Grande -or- The Big Five

Bonnie (a very good writer) at Words from a Wordsmith, has tagged me with a writing exercise.

Thanks! Love to play along.
The idea is to come up with 5 strengths that I have as a writer.

1. I love wordplay... changing a word or the spelling of a word to effect a different meaning; challenging my mind, and I have a few friends that play the word game with me; it's lots of fun. One of my favorite blogging word game moments was with Jon from Writing in a Vacuum, he regaled his readers with the story of a farm-dwelling student of his, the boy said he'd delivered a calf over the weekend; Jon teased him and asked 'how did you get it through the letter box?' and I couldn't resist answering, 'but of course, he folded it in calf!'
Having practiced writing this way, quite frequently, has made me better at it. I can hold my own, most of the time now.


2. Metaphors... I find these most useful when I am trying to express a particular idea, opinion or belief (mine of course) in a way that will persuade the listener/reader. I love seeing metaphors in art, in life, in words, in everything. We are all connected to everyone and everything else in a visceral way, and communicating that brings me great satisfaction. I am reminded of the cycles that Vanilla and Chief Biscuit recently discussed in regards to the turn of the seasons; while they enjoy the coming of spring and I am relishing the new days of autumn... we are all dancing the waltz of time and season and yin and yang, we are partnered with our opposites and we rely on the balance that it brings us in every moment of every day, in step with time that has passed and time that will come, and in our fractions of cycle we are made whole by each other, by balance, and the circle is complete.


3. Style... The signature of the writer. How do they write... how do they begin, draw you in, and let you go, hopefully bettered by your indulgence in their words; perhaps by knowledge, encouragement or reinforcing the conviction of your own thoughts. Good style is paramount to successful writing, and it develops and changes over time; as the writer grows and changes, so too does the way the ink falls on the page. I write with determination, depth and purpose... unless I'm word playing. I want my words to mean something to the people that read them; I cannot draw up that which is within me, craft it into the written word, and offer it up without knowing that there is some value to be gotten from it for the eyes, mind, heart and soul of those who would take time to read it.


4. Devotion... I am wholly devoted to writing. I always have been, since I learned how to put words together. I called a publishing company when I was 12 years old and asked their editorial department if they published books written by 13 year old people (I thought it might go better if I sounded older). The woman who answered the phone was annoyed and short with me, but it did not deter me. They said no, by the way. I still don't leave home without pen and paper, and a camera- these days. I learned a long time ago that the written word can change things, change minds, change life. I consider it a responsibility by virtue of morality, to write well, to write honestly, and to write so that others may learn and glean benefit from it. I saw this recently when I shared my essay 'Losing the Vision' with some teenage girls. They were changed by it, they learned some important lessons in it. In the discussion following the reading of the work, they expressed surprise and opinions, and their personalities and minds developed more. The frosting on the cake was that there were others within ear shot who were not part of the discussion but who joined in because they couldn't walk away from it. That is making a difference. That is success, and it is the harvest of devotion.


5. Constructive Criticism... The single best way to grow as a writer is to allow others with knowledge and experience to prune your words. To help shape your style. To teach you. To show you what you could not see. I really like getting constructive criticism. It comes from so many different people and situations, but as long as it's encouraging and helpful, it is always welcome, and always invaluable. Editing is a tough job, it takes the right eyes and mind, to see what is good and what could be better, and then to return a work to an author after having sliced through it with the red inked saber quill... that takes someone special. It only works when the other half of the deal... the recipient, is willing to take the edited work and grow with it. Accept the changes and continue forward. It is always fascinating to me to see my work refined by other minds. To step into their shoes and look at my work through their eyes. It changes everything so much. I have been most lucky and blessed to have happened upon a very talented and kind editor in this funny old blogosphere, and it has been my deep pleasure to have worked with her -just a little so far, more to come later- as writer and editor. Minx from The Inner Minx, has taken to editing different works for others in our group and lucky for us all, she's very good at it. Thanks, Minx, for great editing. It is that sun and rain which helps us grow strong and magnificent.


Now I get to tag 5 others.
OK... 5 of my favorite writers - and please remember, there are several writers that I quite enjoy here, but I had my hand slapped for bending rules before, so it shall only be 5 this time.

1. Minx
2. Jon
3. Sognatrice
4. Verilion
5. Cleopantha


Have fun, can't wait to read it all.

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

50 Pearls of Friendship

This is my 50th post. Funny, seems like 100... maybe it's all the comments. I recently found myself discussing friendship with a young girl who was focused on many friends as opposed to good friends, and I explained to her that there is a big difference between the two.

That conversation inspired me to write a special list of 50 pearls of friendship for this special post.

As far as friends... remember that many friends are like grains of sand on the shore... coming and going, always sifting to and fro... but good friends, really truly great friends, are like pearls; you have to search for them, seek them out, and then hold those precious ones close to you always. Each one is rare... few and far between, and worth more than a thousand grains of sand.

To my very dear friends, each a precious pearl I wear around my heart, thank you...

Love and Light always.

1. My sister, my best friend... she has made her own necklace of pearls for me.

2. Stealing off to Wendover, just for Thanksgiving in a rental car and writing 'Friends Forever' in the wet sand of the desert on the way... and JoeBobHenryJoeBob...

3. Playing at Disneyland, and the beach, and the mountains, and turning circumstance into sisterhood.

4. Playing in miles of bubbles that mysteriously made their way into so many fountains courtesy of the Bubble Bandit Brigade.

5. Holiday dinners filled with laughter, love and wonderful moments.

6. Birthday cakes and hugs and tons of presents.

7. Flying out of the country to play in the sand and surf and soak up the sun together.

8. Midnight phone calls and awesome messages on my voicemail that I keep just to listen to when I need to hear your voice and be cheered up.

9. Holding me while I cry myself to sleep.

10. Letting me rant and rave about it for the hundredth time and still being supportive.

11. Dinners out and dinners in.

12. Books read and discussed and shared.

13. Painting together.

14. Singing together, in the car... on the car... on stage... in the kitchen.

15. Helping me with all my harebrained schemes and ideas.

16. Staying with me when you come to town; it's so good to see you.

17. Laughing until we cannot breath.

18. Calling and emailing me and keeping me afloat with laughter and love.

19. Making me special dinners and wonderful memories.

20. Opera in the snow at night.

21. Forgiveness... both giving and getting it.

22. Going to concerts and shows together.

23. Eating anything I try to cook, and letting me try to bbq before you saved us all.

24. Being forgiving and gracious when I am late.

25. Going on road trips with me.

26. So many wonderful hugs and kisses.

27. Helping me move.

28. Explaining things to me that I do not understand, and then putting up with me when I react.

29. Secrets.

30. Hand holding.

31. Desserts together.

32. Traipsing around towns and cities together.

33. Sharing a good bottle of wine.

34. Meeting me in another country.

35. Showing me things you know I will love.

36. Sharing tea and tea time.

37. Game and movie nights.

38. Tango dance lessons.

39. Letting me show you all the planets and stars in the heavens AGAIN and AGAIN....

40. Reading what I write and giving me honest feedback.

41. Sending me postcards constantly because you know I collect them and I love them... and you support my habit.

42. Sending me goodie boxes because I love surprises.

43. Teaching me to drive a standard... I swear, you have the patience of Job.

44. Inviting me to come along - everywhere.

45. Letting me go as far as I can and then taking over when I have neither the strength nor capability to do it on my own.

46. Understanding.

47. Weddings and babies.

48. Inside jokes.

49. Loving me in spite of myself

50. Keeping the flame of friendship strong and bright because there's nothing like it in the world.


These memories are shared between different friends, except for the few specific ones that had to be included, and those are just a brief sparkle in the deep, strong friendships that are shared with the people who experienced them with me. If you look carefully, you will find pearls of your own within my words, and those are for you to take away when you go. Keep them in your pocket and touch them sometimes to remember why life is so wonderful and so precious.


Much Love,

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

The Dragon Boat Festival of Denver

Midway through summer, for the seventh consecutive year, Denver has enjoyed it's annual Dragon Boat Fesitval. This is a wonderful celebration of unity in diverse culture. I for one, never miss it! Come with me, and I will give you the grand tour...

We begin with the Asian marketplace in the park

Philosophical Advice


The outdoor food court. Yes folks... those are Monkeyballs. Yours truly wasn't quite up to trying something that exotic... but that booth did have the longest line, and all the guys in the line kept yelling... "MONKEYBALLS!!!"

Buddha was there

Rice paper parasols with painted dragons...

Lucky golden pig

A lady with an elephant parasol

Proper head gear

Dancers...

Drummers...

Dragon Boats and drums... all lined up and ready to race!

And they're off!

Racing to the shore

The end of the day

Words of Wonder

Instead of Wordless Wednesday, let's do the opposite. Let's take an in depth look at words, specifically communication. Viaggiatore and I went to Japan recently to pay a brief visit to Kumonkey at "Mountain to the sea". We were discussing language; he teaches English to Japanese students of every age. He said, "... my students don`t have perfect English but can still get their point across..." and my response was this:

Communication is one of the most important (if not the single most important) tool that humans use in surviving and growing, be it linguistically, physically or any of a myriad of several other methods. Your "...students don`t have perfect English but can still get their point across..." echoed the change in communication that we see here in the states too... each generation uses language in it's own way. Most of the young Americans that I know don't have perfect English but can still get their point across. I am reminded of Professor Henry Higgins in "My Fair Lady" who sang, "...one common language I'm afraid we'll never get..." I'm afraid he was right.

What I can't decide is whether the English language has been lost or just continually evolves. Ebonics is huge in the states now. It drives me crazy to listen to people use grammatically incorrect speech every day, but that gets into a whole different soap box issue about education. The point (forgive my digression) is that "students don't have perfect English but still get their point across" is rampant in countries where English is the first language.

It has happened all throughout time... the way we speak to each other changes with every generation.

Is it lost, is it evolved?
Diluted or dissolved?

Is it something that should be lamented? Sorrow or disdain for those who do not communicate the way that we do? Is it wrong? Is it worse? or... is it just different? How many words have fallen out of use and are no longer even printed in the dictionary? I have several language resource books, I like to read them... they are a definitive history of humanity. What we were, what it meant, and it makes me wonder how it will change again as time passes and we morph into whatever we will be next. Nothing ever goes backward, we will never speak as the generations who came before us did, and we probably won't speak as the generations who come after us do... "I'm down wit dat" will likely never escape my lips, and the chances are slim that "I'm inclined to acquiesce" will ever come from the mouths of the babes who are born today.

Loss or evolution? If it is loss, then the words of those who came before us were lost also... continual loss throughout the existence of humanity, but if it is evolution... then we are part of a cycle that continues to spiral forward into the unknown as it always has. We have an innate fear of that which we do not know or understand. Perhaps it is this fear which feeds the distaste for a method of communication that is different than what we know and believe to be right.

What do you think?