Me, Myself and I

I love being a woman. After all, life is an adventure in self-discovery. I'm basically optimistic, definitely devoted, refined but saucy, a bit quirky and full of surprises. My Cuban heritage has given me rhythm and spice. I have lived in the woods of Mendocino, the hills of Barcelona, the narrow streets of Yerushalayim. There my heart was captured and in my soul was sealed a sense of holiness. My silly slapstick, sense of humor is experienced artfully a la "Frasier," and has me cracking up out loud several times a day. I cherish life, know how to create a warm home, celebrate and tolerate family, seek true companionship, deeeep spiritual and sensual connection and challenging intellectual repartee. I enjoy an intimate circle of far-flung friends; travel when I can; melt into nature, dig live music, theater and good cinema. I sing, play some instruments, dance sometimes, write occasionally, compose every so often, and love cooking and entertaining guests, especially for Shabbat. I also enjoy helping people as a volunteer and tend to be passionate and persistent about almost everything I do.

Sisters, Friends and Other Adversaries

My sister, Lizzy, is my best friend. Sure, I have three other best friends, but Lizzy's been around the longest, in other words, her whole life. And we share DNA.

What is it about sisters that transfers to girlfriends? We share our secrets. We worry that the other might blabber our secrets to someone else.

We might or might not have similar taste in men. Sometimes there is rivalry. Ocassionally, we even fight over a guy. Eventually we realize that guys come and go but girlfriends and sisters are forever.
Last night one of my non-blood best friends went with me to a women only event to bid farewell to a girlfriend who is making aliyah to Israel. Each was lovely in her own way. Was there some jealousy? I don't know. I only know that when they asked me to sing and play my guitar, hardly anyone was listening. They were blabbering to each other, obliging me to force the volume of my voice until my friend, Joy, said, Don't do it. Just sing to me and I'll play percussion. That worked.
What is it about sisters? She knows me better than anyone else. We actually have a half-sister in Israel who was never part of our life. She's 19 years younger than I. We share the same father. Her mother was Jewish, but not at all observant. She became an orthodox Chassidic Jewess about 20 years ago. She's just as nutty as we are. It must be in the genes. Even her kids are musical. Go figure.
What is it about sisters? I cannot imagine the world without her even when I'm livid with her for her criticism and lack of patience with me at times. She lives a thirteen hour drive away. She rarely comes to L.A. because she has a husband, two teenage kids and a job as a teacher. But I know I can rely on her it I'm freaking out, she'll do what she can, whether it's a listening ear, encouragement, time, money, scolding my own grown kids for their disrespect of me.
It's really true; I cannot imagine the world without her. And she knows I've got her back too.

Love List

THINGS I LOVE

I love running through strawberry fields.

I love to eat hot apple pie with melted cheddar cheese.

I love studly men who also have an excellent brain.

I love sleeping, I mean actually sleeping, with a man, but dang! I snore!

(It is so unsexy).

I'd love to be a married lady again some day soon but this time to a regular good guy.

I love working with the fabulous, funny, intelligent women.

I love my elegant condo which I designed myself.

I love my grown kids who have become absolute brats. Delayed development, I think. They're at the teenage rebellion stage right now. What a pain!

I love my mother who used to seem self-centered, but now I understand. Miracle?

I adore my hot-tempered sister, the Dragon Lady. She can dish it out but can't take it.

I love my brother who has been totally domesticated by his Latina wife.

My middle sister, the Dragon Lady, says he's gone, it's a clone.

I love our long-lost but not forgotten real brother,

the Marxist-Trotskyist, feminist who is just doesn't seem to be there!

I love my bank that gives me time-out if I get over-drawn.

I love the Social Security Administration that direct deposits my SSA benefits. (Remember, I'm past sixty!)

I love my best friend, E, who is one of the more neurotic people I know but will be there at 2 AM if you need help.

I adored my deceased friend, A, who would start talking like a house afire before you've barely said hello.

I MISS HER MORE THAN I CAN EXPRESS.

I love my friend, S, one of the smartest people I know who was dating a pornographic film-maker.

I do not love pornographic films.

I loved being on the tenth floor at work in W.C. and watching the birds zoom by.

I love walking in the woods behind the Redwood curtain.

I love chocolate, of course! That's a no-brainer!

I love a glass of kosher Syrah/Shiraz wine with supper.

I love a rainy day when I'm cozy inside in front of a fire.

I love driving up the California coast.

I LOVE JERUSALEM MORE THAN ANY PLACE ON EARTH!

I LOVE THE BEACHES AND MOUNTAINS OF CUBA,

LA PERLA DE LOS ANTILES.

I love Salsa music. I love Son music. I love Danzon music. I love music!

I love to cuddle my grandchildren.

I love to pray shachrit, the Jewish morning service.

I love Passover seders.

I love to eat apples and honey on Jewish New Year.

I love flying high in the sky with some guy; it's my idea of something to do.

I love to win every once in a very blue moon.

(c) 11.23.09