Photo by MachocCarioco

As a sophomore I had the chose to take several elective classes. I decided to take Film Studies.

The film we watched this afternoon was titled Red Shoes. Its a film produced in 1948 about a ballet. It is based on the Hans Anderson tale The Red Shoes.

We have not watched much of it but a few lines made me think.

At one point the director of the ballet, Boris Lermontov, tells Julian Craster,

Boris Lermontov: [to Julian Craster] It is worth remembering, that it is much more disheartening to have to steal than to be stolen from, hmmm?

Just something to think about.

The city could best be described as desolate and quiet. I was just in second grade so my memories of fogged, but I do remember the endless smoke which whirled in a race round my windows, the trash which trembled embarking on a journey of its own through the streets, and the repetitive motion of one tower, then another, on again, forever lasting.

There was a fantastic article written in The New York Times by N.R. Kleinfield.

I pulled this bit of text from the entirety of the article because it best describes how we forget, that while tragedy stroke on September 11, the next day held a heavy realization, disbelief of what had happened, and the doubt of what was to come.

“It was a city humbled and scared, where the possibilities of destruction had been recalibrated. It was Sept. 12, 2001. The day after.”

Photo by Ted Heisler

It is time to explain myself — let us stand up.
What is known I strip away,
I launch all men and women forward with me into the Unknown.
The clock indicates the moment — but what does eternity indicate?
We have thus far exhausted trillions of winters and summers,
There are trillions ahead, and trillions ahead of them.
Births have brought us richness and variety,
And other births will bring us richness and variety.
I do not call one greater and one smaller,
That which fills its period and place is equal to any.

Were mankind murderous or jealous upon you, my brother, my sister?
I am sorry for you, they are not murderous or jealous upon me,
All has been gentle with me, I keep no account with lamentation,
(What have I to do with lamentation?)

I am an acme of things accomplished, and I am encloser of things to be.
My feet strike an apex of the apices of the stairs,
On every step bunches of ages, and larger bunches between the steps,
All below duly traveled, and still I mount and mount.
Rise after rise bow the phantoms behind me,
Afar down I see the huge first Nothing, I know I was even there,
I waited unseen and always, and slept through the lethargic mist,
And took my time, and took no hurt from the fetid carbon.

Long was I hugged close — long and long.
Immense have been the preparations for me,
Faithful and friendly the arms that have helped me.

Cycles ferried my cradle, rowing and rowing like cheerful boatmen,
For room to me stars kept aside in their own rings,
They sent influences to look after what was to hold me.
Before I was born out of my mother generations guided me,
My embryo has never been torpid, nothing could overlay it.

For it the nebula cohered to an orb,
The long slow strata piled to rest it on,
Vast vegetables gave it sustenance,
Monstrous sauroids transported it in their mouths and deposited it with care.
All forces have been steadily employed to complete and delight me,
Now on this spot I stand with my robust soul.

-W. Whitman

The yellow of her shoe.

Nearing a week ago, my friend and I did make a new delicious dish from Lost Recipes. It turned out to be a a cross between a fried rice dish (minus the rice), and a beef casserole. It’s called San Francisco Little Joe’s. The recipe consisted of beef, onions, spinach, eggs, and cheese. I think it was the best dish we’ve made, and I hope to make it again soon.

We also made sugared carrots to go along with it, which where the most scrumptious things in the world.

One of the most renowned plays in the world, it depicts the Salem Massachusetts witch trials. It is chaotic and heart wrenching. While at the same time, it’s unique characters make one yelp in astonishment or giggle in bewilderment. The historical aspect of the play is awful but at the same time it shades some light on the real reasons behind those trials, and the emotional impacts the trials had on all the citizens of Salem.

The method that if a woman sank with a stone tied around her waist, meant she wasn’t a witch, but if she floated she was, was one of the horrible trials these women would have to go through if suspected to be a witch. The problem with telling who was “really” a witch and who wasn’t, surrounded the idea that if something went wrong, if a child got sick, then automatically the servant of his house was a witch.

The idea of witches also encouraged anyone to accuse anyone else they had an issue or problem with,  as a witch. If one was caught dancing in the woods, which was forbidden, they where put on trial for trying to “call” witches.

The speculation of witches, seems to ironic and unbelievable to contemplate in modern time.

The Chosen by Chaim Potok

Read as much as is possible. Explore all different genres, fiction, and non-fiction. Because as far as classics go this is an important historical novel to read. Packed full of historical information, ranging from Hitler and his treatment of the Jews, to the treatment of modern day Jews.

I’ve been encouraged by the protagonist, Reuven, to study as much as I can on my own, and in preparation of my classes, specifically History and English.

As far as modern day culture is rooted this book takes place in Brooklyn, and the details embedded within, though dry at some points within the book, help explain exactly what it was like to be Jewish, and what it is like now.

Snow Falling in Spring by Moying Li

This book encircles the author, and her childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China. Her life was very difficult, because being a woman in her time became challenge especially being encouraged to read by her father, and her want of a diverse education, not enforced by the government.

Many people in her family were taken to labor camps. Most were beaten or died. Dying in the horrible conditions, or the dangerous work.

My friend and I had a debate, if calling someone a communist is an insult. I think it depends on the context, and the tone. At times yes. At times no.

Amy Adams claimed that her experience in the film helped her appreciate the experience of cooking, although admitting, “she’s no stranger to takeout”, her guacamole recipe screams easiness, and is absolutely delicious. Nora Ephron supplies the ten-minute dinner, which isn’t only quick and easy, but is a delectable!

Although Glamour might seem like an odd place to find recipes, it’s not only a go to for fashion and beauty, but is perfect for quick, unique recipes.

The day started with a rather speedy adventure to New York Vintage. Followed by several eye smacking pieces and finally the most glorious dress of all; a short black number, with a collar, from around the seventies. A brilliant Chloe piece that I adore.

Next up, Whole Foods!

This was very exciting because I hadn’t ever been to a Whole Foods in the city, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chaos of it all. After disputing who would push the cart, and who would read from the list of ingredients, we swiftly pulled enough, and some extra.

We padded forward to a godforsaken long line and awaited our turn to be called. When we finally managed to get home, I realized I needed an 8 by 8 inch pan, and a rolling pin and went out to purchase both.

Somewhere nearing 7:30, sleeves rolled up and hard at work, I realized that the recipe called for crushing macaroni with a rolling pin. Without thinking twice I told my friend to set it up on the kitchen table, and beat it. Within ten minutes the doorman rang the bell announcing that our neighbours downstairs wanted to know what all the racket was. Long story short, I finally managed to hammer it into smaller parts, with sweat, and strength on my carpet.

After loading both (we made double the requirement, the recipe says it feeds four, but it easily fed six people), twenty minutes went by before my friend realized she turned the wrong part of the oven. How aggravating, especially since I was very hungry by then.

After an hour, our Macaroni and Vegetables was complete. It was delicious! I even got the thumbs up from my mother’s boyfriend.