Building Bridges

What were they thinking...

US soldier throws a puppy off a cliff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLZXi-nq5vY&feature=related 

I have to warn people ahead of time, this video requires viewer discretion.  I am shocked and saddened by this soldiers behavior.  I have heard both sides - marines are under a lot of stress, don't judge them - and - couldn't they find something else to do with their time.  

The soldier's senseless act is a good example of why it is important to take seriously the impact of war  and understand how it can effect their psyche.  Also, a good reason to give soldiers appropriate time off and breaks in between tours of duty.  

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The Anatomy of Torture

I recently found this essay in a collection published by a magazine of writing and art called New Letters  published quarterly by the University of Missouri - Kansas City.   

Excepts from the essay - The Anatomy of Torture

by Larsen, Genefke

Villa Grimaldi, Santiago, Chile  - where prisoners were held, interrogated and tortured.

"While he showed us around, Pedro Matte told us how the prisoners were tortured and how the torture was arranged - it was a thoroughly planned and organized proceedure.  All the torturers were trained to conduct torture, and it has since come out that they themselves consider torture a normal routine and that they  carried out their work for the "good" of their country.  It is important to remember that when we talk about torture.

Torture is rarely the work of a few psychopaths.  It is part of a system and is backed up by the leadership that employs torture to maintain power and eliminate its opponents.  Thus, Villa Grimaldi was as completely organized as the German concentration camps.  Where the breaking down and execution of prisoners took place according to scheme and had its own legality."

"Torture was typically aimed to destroy that which was most essential to a person's identity - just as the famous fold singer, Victor Jara, arrested at the university and brought to the infamous Santiago stadium had both his hands broken in such a way that he could never play the guitar again before he was murdered."

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Valentine Hangover

I spoke with someone over this past Valentine's Day weekend and we got on the subject of dating.  We were going back and forth and I mentioned an idea I had for my next blog.  I told him I was planning on calling it,  "Ten reasons why a woman needs a man."  
His response was,

"See, you do admit you need a man in your life."

"I was planning on leaving it blank." I said.

Maybe not the best attitude going into a weekend full of hearts, champagne, candy and flowers, ...the problem was there was none for me.  Okay, not entirely true. My Mom sent me a card from my cat.   Don't laugh, it could have been worse.

I do have a need for someone in my life, but there are times when I rely on the solitary, strong independence a single woman needs in order to survive in this world.  And Valentines weekend without a date is pretty lonely, in need of that strength.

I recently started online dating again after someone said to me,

"You mean you don't want to share your life with someone, you're okay with that."

"Umm, well, I guess not, I mean, yeah, I do, eventually, I'm in no rush, there are other things too..."

I filled out the online profile, paid the $20. per month charge and started the process.

It's a bit daunting.  The profiles could be anyone.  Some people hide behind the anonymity of being online. One guy sent me an email back after I politely declined his interest, it ended with,

"You're going to be alone for the rest of your life."  

I didn't let it get to me.  What does this guy know.  He's just pissed off.  I'm not going to be alone forever.  Somehow it deepened my resolve.  Alone forever sounds, well, lonely.  

There are those who are actually looking for a significant other, someone to date, maybe leading to romance, LTR (long term relationship), and others who define their post as NSA (no strings attached), and all the ones in between. 

Well, the results have been some dating, some near misses.  Cute little cupid drew back his bow and missed me - I think it might have hit the woman in line in front of me at the deli counter or maybe the check-out girl at the local convenience store.   Valentine's Day did roll around and I found myself alone. I didn't mind.  My decision to start online dating didn't come with an expiration date -  February 14th.  

I figure anyone with a silly smile on their face over the weekend was happy and not single.  Women more than men seemed to have a mildly euphoric look; flowers, chocolates, champagne, more attention from the other half than usual has this effect.  

Oh well, just another day.  

Another friend suggested taking really good care of myself, buying myself flowers, chocolates, champagne or maybe a good book, CD, renting a video.  I just pictured myself sitting alone in front of the fire, roses wilting, listening to love songs, drunk, full on chocolate, feeling sorry for myself...decided not to go there.

Valentine's Day.  I guess one way or another it reminds us of romance or keeps us pining away, remembering not to give up searching for that special someone. Even if it's a cyber-person, you never know who could materialize.

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In Search of the Next American President: A Journey to the New Hampshire Primary

What an exciting time to stand and be counted.  The American people get the chance to be part of the process, and they came in droves for the New Hampshire primary.

THE DAY BEFORE

When I arrived in the lake district of central New Hampshire, Winnipesaukee was near to where I was staying, I was impressed by the beauty of the region - rolling hills, lots of snow, a large lake surrounded by quaint houses and cabins, along with some informal and affordable hotels.

On Tuesday Morning I had a plan.  My first stop was to be in Lebanon to hear Barack Obama, then Hillary Clinton, then Huckabee who was planning on meeting with his celebrity promoter Chuck Norris and then Hillary and Bill, (if I missed her during the day), at a rally in Manchester later in the evening.

On my way out of the lake district I stopped at a general store.  As I walked through the isles - animal skin caps, local memorabilia and the usual stuff - I grabbed some juice, water and coffee and stopped at the front to ask the woman if she knew where I could find a wi-fi connection.  She kind of shook her head, uncertain what wi-fi meant, but sent me down the road.

I realized how computer-centric I had become. I was amazed and somewhat impressed this woman had no idea what wi-fi meant.  I secretly envied her small town-ness.  Just when you think computers have taken over the world someone puts technology into perspective.

I stopped by a fast food restaurant, after someone mentioned to me it had wi-fi.  Had some more coffee and powered up my computer, checked email and chatted with locals.  Two women I spoke with heading a team of disabled adults stated they were undecided.  I looked up a map on my computer and got directions to Lebanon.  This was going to be an opportunity for exploring.

NEW HAMPSHIRE'S BEAUTY 

My travels to Lebanon led me through the back roads of New Hampshire.  I drove through the winding hills, through farm land, small churches, wide pastures covered in snow with homes and barns set back against a background of mountains and a big grey sky.  I traveled through four quaint, quintessentially American, small towns along the way; each one unique insofar as the buildings and homes were laid out differently, yet similar in size and population.  Suddenly the stress I felt on my journey was gone and I felt a sense of relaxation and awe.  This was one of the heartlands of America, down to earth people.  Seeing snowmobiles parked outside of homes made me realized they were also survivors of long winters and late springs. 

OBAMA'S WAVE 

When I arrived in Lebanon I stopped a pedestrian walking across the street from the post office and asked where the Opera House was.  He pointed to the large crowd circled around the corned and far down the street.  

This was in fact the wave people had begun to talk about.  There were an estimated 2,000 people in line to hear the Senator from Illinois.  The capacity at the Opera house, I learned from a resident of Lebanon, was 800, so there would be people turned away.  Having already heard him speak in Boston, I was there for the photo opp (as a freelancer) and hoping to get some candids.   

He graciously decided to speak to the people outside first, before the rally, and stayed to shake hands.  I stood on a cement platform to the side with some friends I had made in the 20 minutes we stood and talked together.  Soon we were standing next to the steps with photographers and reporters.  George Sephanolpoulos poked his head out to find out what the Senator was up to, what the delay was inside.   After a short speech Barack started to work the crowd, shook hands, we decided to call him over, "Hey Barack over here," we shouted waving our arms.  He turned and said he would be over.  Afer circling around he came over to shake our hands before going in to speak to the crowd inside.  

I stuck around and spoke to some of the "outside" people.  The woman I stood next to prior to and during his pre-speech, was from New Hampshire and has lived in Lebanon since the 1960's.  She was undecided, but wanted to come out and see the turnout and the Senator.   I also met a woman who worked at the post office.  She said she was in favor of Obama, but hoped whomever made it into office would make good on their promises on the campaign trail. 

I met a man from NH who came with two black labs who are therapy dogs in nursing homes.  The night before he and his wife made red, felt coats for the dogs with Obama stickers on the outside.  His wife made it in, but he stayed outside because the dogs were not allowed inside.  They looked particularly disappointed.  The man said he like Barack because he was for change, was well educated and has had some experience as a Senator.

 (I saw another elderly person told by someone to go and wait in line.  I think elderly/disabled people need to be allowed inside early without having to wait in a long line.)

After his speech was over I walked inside, against the tide of people heading out.  I managed to get some photos of Obama as he left the main room.  I spoke to a couple who seemed pleased with his speech.  I talked with a Mom who brought her 13 year old son and told him to squeeze through to shake Obama's hand.  She said she was undecided but wanted her son to feel a part of the process and meet a candidate. 

Obama was first on my journey with the hopes of seeing more candidates.  Like many NH-ites I met, I am also undecided and independent.  I wish I was able to get to more rallies and have a more eclectic report, (and more photos), but the crowds were just too large to even get near a location where a candidate was speaking.

BEING A PART OF THE PROCESS

 As a result of the traffic and crowds (a near miss hitting a deer) the rest of my stay was an adventure but proved unfruitful.   Traveling throughout New Hampshire is challeging not knowing the land, it's more of a challenge at night. In spots, on a cloudy night, the roads can be pitch black with suprising twists and turns.  I went to a Huckabee rally in Rochester featuring his main celebrity supporter, Chuck Norris.  There was a almost a standstill in traffic going towards his event.  I decided to turn around and head towards Hillary's event in Manchester. On the way about six deer crossed in front of the car ahead of mine, the car clipped the hind leg of one deer sending it back into the woods.  It was a close call.  

I had never participated in a primary before.  This was my first trip alone to New Hampshire.  All of the people I spoke with were helpful (with directions) and friendly and open when talking about the upcoming elections.  I felt a part of the process and got to meet everyday people, hard working, happy for the business the primary brings to town.  

New Hampshire is known for being the "deciders" in the primaries.  They have historically picked winners, so there is a lot riding on who wins in New Hampshire.  

One reporter stated John McCain, who won the nomination in 2000, picked the same hotel room, booked the same conference room for the NH election and is wearing his lucky sweater.  He's superstitious. I guess it worked, he won.

I started this essay last night prior to the results.  Hillary also won.  Edwards pointed out so far they have met just half of one percent of the total vote in the first two states and there are 48 states ahead.

The race to the white house is on, with New Hampshire just the beginning.  Overall it should be interesting battle with all the contenders.  It's not just a popularity contest, who has the best hair, style and so on... or a fight of strength and determination, who can throw more punches.  I think the American people like a fair race and one where they feel a part of the process.  Ulitmately, our democracy lets the American people decide who will be in the White House in November 2008.  

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Happy New Year - resolutions for 2008

 "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other."  ~Author Unknown

I went to First Night in Chatham last night.  We saw a huge bonfire and heard talented musicians and vocalists.  Chatham outdid itself with the number of musical events throughout the night, including: fiddlers, classical vocalists, a harpist, jug band, jazz band, and barbershop quartet. The turnout was great.  For someone who is usually in bed early on New Years it was fun to participate in the festivities.

Now the days are getting longer. We have some cold months ahead here in the Northeast; hopefully we will have some snowy days for us to sled, ski or ice skate, or time to relax, spend time with friends, curl up with a good book by a nice fire.  I have had some time to think about what I want in the year ahead.  

One of my resolutions is to be more about the original intent of my blog - to build bridges and be an active participant.  To do this I plan to get more involved in local politics as a writer.  Being in the world is political. Being in the world actively by using our voice or our pens, unafraid to be honest and forthright, standing up for what we believe in without harming others are all ways to be a part of the political process.  Just voting is a political act.   We all have a role to play and a voice to be heard. 

Last year one of my New Year's resolutions was to organize my stuff.  I did.  It was not an easy task, but clearing out and organizing helped me get more focused.  It's also an ongoing process. 

Another thing I want to do is try and incorporate more stress reduction into my lifestyle.  This means taking responsibility for my stress level and knowing when I need to chill a bit more - meditate, unplug, exercise, do more yoga, reduce caffeine, sugar and so on.  Having been a fitness instructor helps, I can be my own coach; I am also never content, I always see room for improvement.

I plan to read more.  Having been an English major I miss reading the classics - and I want to read some of Oprah's picks, NYT best sellers and others.  Some of the best books are one's I find on my own, just perusing the shelves of the bookstore or library. 

These are some of my resolutions.  I'm sure I will think of more.  It would be great to hear what other people are setting for resolutions, so share if you want.  Have a great New Year everyone - 2008.

 

Did you know - 

• It is the year of the rat - (http://www.proastro.com/).

• 2008 is a leap year with 28 days in February.
  

• Hindus celebrate the new year by paying respects to their parents and other elders and seek their blessings.

• Some say even numbered years are better luck than odd numbered years.

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Barack Obama - the candidate ready for change

Barack Obama spoke Sunday night, Dec. 2nd, to an energetic crowd of about 2500 people at the Park Plaza Castle in Boston.  He is both charismatic and intelligent with a relaxed and comfortable speaking style bringing many rounds of applause and cheers from a supportive crowd.

We stood in a line that stretched from the Park Plaza Castle down Columbus Ave for a full block.  It began to snow.  The volunteers for Barack helped the crowd get going with his trademark cheer in call and response style -  "fired up?", "fired up", "ready to go?", "ready to go".

A tall, slender man, with a strong stage presence, he wore a grey suit, light grey tie and white shirt.  He is very much at ease with his audience; he walks around the stage, makes eye contact with supporters, smiles a lot, jokes a bit, and mostly stays focused on the issues he wants people to hear about.  Upon first glance he gives the impression of a man who could be the next president of the United States.  

He tells the crowd he is unafraid of the battle ahead.  He lets them know he will fight for the American people.  He comes across as a politician who loves to fight for the people who need his help the most.  He wants everyone to have health care, have the opportunity to attend school, have equal rights and most of all he wants us to be part of the process of change.  "Change We Can Believe In" being his campaign slogan on this night, speaking toward his intention to create meaningful change.

We are running "a campaign that offers not just change as a slogan but change we can believe in, real meaningful change that will transform this country and give every single American the opportunity that is their birthright is why I am running to be president of the United States of America.  I am running in this race to tell all the corporate lobbyists their days of setting the agenda in Washington are over. "

He is also unafraid to be unpopular by taking risks and asking questions.   "Avoiding tough questions because we're worried they might be unpopular just won't do, telling the American people what they think we want them to hear, instead of what we need them to hear just wont do, triangulation, pole driven politics, just won't do..."
and continues,

"If we are serious about winning this election then we can't live in fear of losing. I am running for president of the United States, because my party, the Democratic party has always made the biggest difference in peoples lives when it led not by polls, but by principles."

Obama spoke for about 45 minutes and then said good night to a roaring crowd.  Many were eager to get a close up look and headed for the stage to get an autograph and shake hands with the Senator from Illinois.  

I walked back to my car feeling confident we have some good democratic candidates running for president.  Obama is not a politician who says what people want to hear to win their vote.  He is a forward thinker and honest speaker who is serious about making changes in our country's political system to better serve the people.  He has a very good chance of winning my vote, and from the turnout last night, many others too.  

 

 There will be a series of organizational meetings for supporters of Barack Obama on Cape Cod on Saturday, December 8th, 2007.  The meeting for people from Falmouth to Barnstable  will be held in Sandwich beginning at 10 AM  at the Sandwich Council for Aging building located at 270 Quaker Meeting House Road in Sandwich.

 

 

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The Annual Small Works Show at the Harmon Gallery

GET A GLIMPSE INSIDE SATURDAY NIGHT'S OPENING

Meet some local artists

The Annual Small Works Show at the Harmon Gallery is up and not to be missed.   And you'd better get there soon because the works are selling nearly as fast as the oysters at the festival this past summer. 

Saturday night's art opening brought a full house, Welfleetians and others, buyers and artists, perusing paintings, ceramics and sculptures. 

The group show features local artists including: Eric Abrecht, Daniel Maffia, Vincent Amicosante, James Mahoney, Donald Beal, Joe McCaffery, Victoria Blewer, John Mulcahy, Joan Coughlin, Nancy Nicol, John Dorish, Heather Pilchard, Walter Dorrell. Patricia Raney, Cynthia Guild, Beth Seiser, Tracey Harmon-Hay, Paul Suggs, Lorraine LaPointe, Blair Thornley and Anne Sargent Walker.

 

The artist are given the task to create works that measure 12 inches or less in any direction.  The outcome is art, both affordable and able to fit on any size wall, perfect for holiday giving. 

The gallery itself is made up of two large, well-lit rooms with an adjoining office. Downstairs is a yoga and massage studio;  upstairs is studio space and more art work.  The building looks to be a renovated old red barn set back from Commercial Street, the road connecting Route 6  to Wellfleet Harbor.

As you walk in the door you will find Traci Harmon-Hay's watercolors in the front room.  She is an artist and the owner of the Harmon Gallery.  Her watercolors are whimsical, colorful paintings of young children on vacation in Bermuda.  They are playing in the pool, twirling in summer, sun-dresses and walking up sun-lit stairs.   Created with tapered edges at the top and copper edged holes in the middle, they outline the shape of a luggage tag. 

 Patricia Raney's work can also be found in the first room.  When she is not a part-time sculpture, she wears the hat of part-time MD at Nauset Family Practice in Orleans.  She says the two jobs balance each other out.  As a doctor she is immersed with patients and their issues. In her work as a sculpture she gets some quiet time.

Her small sculptures are created through a process of hand carving and then sanding to a smooth finish.  She uses soap stone, alabaster and igneous rock.  The small forms are mostly figurines and small animals, dark green and off-white.  Asymmetrical, symbolic and spiritual, her feminine forms possess a mystical quality with solid, smooth curves.  A larger piece in the corner is made of igneous rock, in this case a whitish-gray stone marked with brown.  Raney creates a dancer in motion, balanced, arms twisting upward with her ruffled skirt swooshing off to the side.  

In the next room painter Heather Pickard, graduate from the Boston Museum School, has several of her paintings in the show. She arrived on the Cape in January from Ipswich, MA.  She is showing small canvases awash with bright colors, highlighting Cape Cod landscapes.  Her compositions are broad, illuminating daylight with contrasting colors and vibrant hues of orange, purple and yellow.

Also in the back room is painter Beth Seiser.  She has been painting since she was four.  She had a neighbor who sparked her interest in art and painting and just started showing in the past two years.   She has a studio in Eastham.

One of her works was of the entire alphabet, entitled "What Really Matters." Each letter is etched out of black paint on a small, square canvas, ordered from A to Z and all are arranged in a square.  She describes her process as subtractive, using line and texture with muted tones. She says she "always liked oils, playing with shade and instead of adding, taking away."   Individual letters are selling for $15 each or you can purchase the entire alphabet for $300.   Her other paintings includes everyday objects: a chair, telephone, Chinese food box and dresser.  They are centered and mono-tonal, giving her work an almost child-like feel.  They are also well-proportioned, practical and understood. 

Vincent Amicosante, the Gallery's Director, greeted artists and patrons as they arrived.  He became director of the gallery four years ago and presents some of his work in the show.  His oil paintings combine organic forms, lettering and feminine figures.  His polished realism, use of color and form evoke harmony and at the same time a restful state of confusion.  His style is unique and fanciful, yet serious with perfected forms and intricate and detailed brushwork.

At the end of the day Donald Beal sometimes heads over to the beach to do some small paintings.   He has an MFA and studied with Paul Resika.  The work he is showing are small gouache paintings depicting the Cape's seashore.  He will be part of an upcoming show at the Cape Museum of Fine Arts with two, long-time artist friends.  All studied with Paul and as a result, share the same foundation.

 

Last, but far from least, Joseph McCaffery from Narrowland Pottery is showing some square, small and medium, platters with olive-green glaze and copper stain, perfect for a holiday table. 

There are a many more talented artist to be viewed at the Harmon Gallery's Annual Small Works Show.   The show runs through December 31st and is located on 95 Commercial Street in Wellfleet. 

The family of Caleb Potter were at the show in a room off to the side raising money for Caleb, selling t-shirts and sweatshirts.  His brother, sister and mother have some news about his progress.  After a five month hospital stay his mother said they were relieved the worst is over, he is finally back home for the holidays (and to stay) and he is on the road to recovery. 

Go here for more info (and to buy a hooded sweatshirt.)

Directions to the Harmon Gallery from Hyannis:  Take a left off Rt. 6 into Wellfleet center, your first left and look for a red building set back from the road on the left.   Go to here for more info.

For more pics from the show go to  - http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/Bridges 

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More Photographs from Opening Night at the Harmon Gallery

 

                                           

 

 

 

  

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A great way to spend Sunday

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Rep. Cleon Turner joins Brewster Democrats to discuss Party Politics

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