the cell

Love is in the Air – February 2 – 16, 2012

2012-01-28T04:56:41Z

Rated P

2012-01-29T17:59:50Z

Un blog me

2012-02-02T23:33:45Z

Jan 27th - WATCH SHELLEY ON THE HARMONICA

Feb 3rd – TRASH

All things must pass

2011-12-23T00:52:24Z

Martin Scorsese’s recent documentary on George Harrison filled me with a deep spiritual satisfaction, both rare and beautiful. As I grapple with the deaths of my friend, Elana, and of my brother, Larry, near the 47th anniversary of my father’s passing, I reach for the kind of solace Harrison exuded and Scorsese captured and illuminated in his exquisite film. I am reminded of the song and biblical sentiment, “All things must pass.” Indeed. Grief is a mysterious thing. As I go through my daily activities, I find myself at once mourning my loss, as if a part of myself has died with those I love, and celebrating my incredible good fortune; I’m here! Life is sweet and tragic. The end of a short life is tragic while the end of suffering is sweet. Holding these thoughts and emotions in balance is my challenge, maybe the challenge. Many wonderful memories sustain me, as does the music of George Harrison. Who can’t relate to the haunting lyrics and chords of “While my Guitar Gently Weeps,” or the meditative chant of “My Sweet Lord?” My spiritual quest ebbs and flows like the poignant music of George Harrison. All things must pass is a bittersweet refrain. Time is precious, its passage inevitable. This is my last blog of the year, my last weekly blog, a bittersweet decision. Meantime, enjoy the moment. All things must pass.

Larry

2011-12-13T17:39:40Z

In memory of my brother, Larry Gruntfest
June 6, 1944 – December 11, 2011

You, Beloved, who are all
the gardens I have ever gazed at,
longing. An open window
in a country house– , and you almost
stepped out, pensive, to meet me. Streets that I chanced
upon,–
you had just walked down them and vanished.
And sometimes, in a shop, the mirrors
were still dizzy with your presence and, startled, gave back
my too-sudden image. Who knows? Perhaps the same
bird echoed through both of us
yesterday, separate, in the evening…

From ‘Ahead of All Parting:
The Selected Poetry and Prose of Rainer Maria Rilke’

Worst Song?

2011-12-09T18:29:04Z

Strangest thing I heard on the radio, maybe you heard, too. The DJ took suggestions for the worst songs of the year and played them! Why would he do that?! Actually, I kind of liked the idea…One pick was Dave Matthew’s “Funny the Way It Is,” which is a song I really love. I was upset that someone would hate that song. It made me wonder about the person who chose it. He had such a strong negative reaction to the lyrics (not so much the music), I wished I could have asked him why. I love the song because it reflects my observer’s sensibility about the random nature of fate….the “there but for the grace…” aspect of life. I’m sure the guy was reacting to something personal; maybe he has a cushy life, or maybe a hard life, which might explain his aversion. Or, maybe he just didn’t like the lyrics?

‘Twas the night of the opening

2011-12-02T01:47:01Z

‘Twas the night of the opening

when all through the cell,

The staff was all quiet

After another day in hell.

The paintings were hung

On the walls with great care,

In hopes that family

and friends would be there.

Nancy was typing away at her blog

With Garlia, Kira and Pat in a fog.

Alan arrived with a headache or two

Looking for Advil, he needed a few…

“Hello?” cried an innocent voice from below.

“Has Barbara arrived yet?”

“Uh, sorry, but no.

She should arrive shortly,

feel free to explore,

You’ll hear her as soon as

she comes through the door.”

The staff remained quiet

Before the arrival

Of gawking cheese-eaters

Who come for survival.

They came and they ate

the scant offerings with wine,

Considered the art

Before leaving it behind.

But wait! There’s a straggler

Who understand’s art:

The super-extra-ordinary kind…

From the heart.

“A sale, a sale, a sale!”

we cried. Barbara’s an artist,

it can’t be denied!!!

Happy Turkey!

2011-11-23T22:22:06Z

New @ the cell

2011-11-17T20:14:45Z

There is never a dull moment @ the cell. As if we don’t have enough going on, we now come in early twice a week for a very noble cause: our bodies! The lovely, talented, motivating task-master, Carmite Levité, keeps us on our toes (and backs) for an hour every Tuesday and Friday morning at 10:30. Classes are fun and affordable, only $120 for 10 classes. If you’re a patron of the cell, please join the class at half price. We’ll welcome you with open arms!

City Life report with Stewart Lewis – WCBS880 – Heroes and Other Strangers Nov 2011

2011-11-17T19:16:13Z

Click the link below to Listen to Stewart Lewis’ coverage of “Heroes and Other Strangers”

City Life Report with Stewart Lewis WCBS880