Tucson Cowgirl

Art in Tucson Boneyard, Late Night at Pima Air & Space

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Art brings us together. No longer just wall deco for admiration, art helps us interact.

So it was at the Pima Air and Space last night, when Eric Firestone brought the hangars alive with art, cultural messages...and stylish music, visitors and conversation. Scenes from out and about.

Tucson Road Trips - Pause! Listen! Look Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Too often in these days of relentless information we pass by the "now" in our attempt to rush and stay ahead of it all. It's rare to pause, listen and look around before scurrying. But it's needed, more than the Facebook updates or buzzing that overwhelm our lives.

For me there were several treks taken around Arizona that help me slow down, enrich and clarify. From a pause at the Grand Canyon, to a glimpse out the window of an historic railway, a visit to a sustainable farm in Patagonia, a climb to an arch along Navajo highway or a drive to a sacred mountains -- nature and history all come before me in these trips and said, "Stop! Look! Listen!"

Five examples of quiet yet powerful journeys:

A visit to the imposing mountain Baboquivari... where a rambling dirt road taken past the lovely Himdag Ki museum leads to what the O'odham people call the stony ground. I didn't climb to the top of this mystical spire but I hope to in 2012. The quietness, interrupted only by birds and rustling lizards, is magic for the soul.
Colossal Cave: In once great ranch land where cattle still roam, there is a beautiful outpost that hides a treasure of a cave. In monsoon season the tourists are scarce, and lazy horses or burros slap tails against the flies. The wind rustle through dried grasses. It's all like a summer desert song that reawakens creativity.
Coronado Trail Highway 191: We zig zagged the car past the mines and funky towns of Clifton and Morenci, and drove up through the glorious Coronado Trail just a week before the horrific fires in 2011. We were surrounded by green blankets of forest and moss, saw packs of bighorn sheep and couples of elk. The quiet majesty of this area was breathtaking. Still is, its power to nurture the spirit undiminished by the late spring firestorm.
Navajo and Hopi Land: Past Flagstaff off Highway 89, following route 160, there are offshoot roads that take you to the land of Dine and Hopi. Here you find wide open spaces cut by redstone arches, expansive colorful canyons, monuments, petryglyphs and strangely-formed monoliths that spiral to the sky. It is a universe of nature, beauty, history and stillness like no other in Arizona.
Salt River to Petrified Forest: Above Globe, Highway 60 takes you through high desert and a scenic bridge that leads through a canyon full of Apache history. Passing this, then through White Mountain vacationer towns like Show Low and Snowflake, you find more unique Arizona beauty along the Colorado Plateau in a forest of a different kind. The wind rips in the Petrified Forest, where temps get to zero in wintertime. But it is strange land of fossils, petrified woods and strange formations, carried here and molded millions of years ago.

Each trip brings amazement at natural wonders, new respect for ancient ways....and a cleansing of the spirit as technology slips away and the here-and-now speaks loudly.

In 2012, take the time to break away. Speak to yourself, not your Facebook page. Did you enjoy this moment? See -- It is gone already!

Resource: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-quiet.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Best Friend, a Forever Salute

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:09:00 +0000

I lost a good friend this year. Our last communication was in March. We talked then about education, about my son, about writing and about another gathering, hopefully before the end of 2011.

Our friendship spanned three decades. At first we were just coworkers - so different in style and personality yet clicking in true ways. When work relationship grew to friendship, we became sharers of dreams. And we had so many good discussions about writing. So many laughs, too -- It was a joyful friendship.

After our professional lives traveled in different directions, the friendship, though long-distance, remained on track. We were partners on different levels that included a bonding of our souls. So no matter how infrequent the phone calls, the emails or the visits - once these occurred there was no lost momentum in what we shared. I am forever grateful for her introducing my son to the authentic and wild open spaces of the west and to ranching experiences.

I'll never forget the hilarious encounters of her trying to teach me how to feed horses and goats -- and I'm sure she didn't forget these times either. There was an evening or two of her helping me reawaken a love of knitting. She gave me lessons in perseverance, remaining professionally alert, reaching for new horizons.

Karen Clymer - United Parcel Service editor, animal lover, dog trainer, American Herding association judge with national credentials, spinner, college instructor and friend - died April 2, 2011. I am heartbroken without my dear friend. She was my inspiration and the real cowgirl. Most important of all, Karen was a good, generous, spiritual, loving, enthusiastic, business-savvy, creative individual. Selfishly I feel the loss so deeply, but I turn to all the strong and happy memories for some comfort.

Karen, what a crazy but joyful place was your Solarwind Ranch!!!! I thank all of Karen's good friends in Chino Valley and Prescott for taking care of Karen's animal family - her dogs, her horse, her sheep-goats-ducks. My prayers to Karen's brothers, family and foster children who remain.

I wrote in 2008:
While I was still a New Yorker, Karen gave me my first taste of pioneering life. I loved the times I could visit her ranch, where I was awed by endless wild Arizona spaces and mountains, and where I first learned to haul hay to the horses and Karen’s “ark” assortment of ducks, goats, sheep and border collies. Karen may not call herself a cowgirl (she’s a county fair supervisor, border collie rescue and breeder, herding and obedience trial judge, friend and loving foster mother rolled into one). But, to me, Karen personifies the independence and strength of extraordinary women called cowgirls. They were the foundation of the families who helped settle the American Southwest. I tip my hat to my cowgirl friend Karen (shown in photo with Silver, in a pix taken by Leigh Spigelman)

Be at peace, good friend. I wish I could write as well as you have. May I celebrate community, humanity and love of animals as purely as you did. May I pursue my life with your passion and authenticity. Walk with me still. You are in my heart always.
Karen Marie Clymer
October 19, 1948 - April 2, 2011

Tucson Localism and Holiday Indie Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 18:43:00 +0000

from Zocalo Tucson magazine

You know I'm a fan of a strong movement to do things locally. It's my way of contributing to our sustainability and our humanity -- and to support community sense of place.

So I'm proud of my feature appearing in the current edition of Zocalo, Tucson's urban lifestyle-culture-music magazine. Please take a read and support Tucson (and all!) local independent businesses: Hotspots for Indie Holiday Gifting.

Tucson Local: Saluting Small Business

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Celebrating Small Business Saturday: Honoring the many businesses, organizations and people who creatively transform our downtowns and centers of economy into more vibrant, sustainable cities, giving them a stamp of localism and defining our sense of place-making.

Source: http://www.tucsoncowgirl.com/around-tucsons-table-of-tradition-grateful-for-small-and-local/

Tucson Living Traditions and Cultures

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:30:00 +0000

More and more, American folk life festivals have become a way to share traditional expressive cultures across the United States. Since 1974 a festival called Tucson Meet Yourself has been a way to celebrate a wide range of creative familial and ethnic customs that are expressed thru art, dance storytelling, music, games, handicraft and food. This free community event takes place in our downtown during the second weekend of October. Many smaller communities that make up our diverse city participate by demonstrating the beauty of their culture which has been passed down through the generations. Each year I so enjoy watching the folk traditions as practiced by small groups that share a common identity through their ethnic or religious background. Traditional storytelling, arts and crafts, costumes and recipes are a way to share folk culture, bind together neighborhoods and give individuals a sense of community.

In this weekend of celebration I can eat a handmade tamale, watch a master artisan craft some leatherwork, listen to a Tohono O’dham story and enjoy a folk dance all in one afternoon. This celebration of unique ritual help me feel part of varied traditions. This is one memorable festival that communicates the sounds, arts, smells, visuals and experiences of community identity and cultural practice. I can share the diverse ways of life of various cultures in this Southwest town, and this makes me feel at home.

I have always placed high value on preserving group traditions and the way of life they represent for the following generations. Particularly in Arizona, where it has become critical for various cultures to live together and understand each other, tradition as a symbol remains important to successful, positive communities.
Note and Disclosure: This year I coordinated four Folk Arts areas in this important celebration of living tradition, a consulting assignment of great joy and value to me.

El Dia de San Juan, Praying for Monsoons in Tucson

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:10:00 +0000

It began in legend, and it is a fiesta of much culture, gaiety and mariachis. I love to watch the charreada (Mexican rodeo) and the beautiful escaramuzas who perform on horseback. My post and another pix appears on my Tucson Cowgirl website.

Tucson Tales: Wildfire, Symbolism, Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:14:00 +0000

I do most of my writing in the Corral at Tucson Cowgirl but wanted to post links to two thoughts I ponder:

Mother Nature's fury is apparent in Arizona these days. Wildfires and heat relentlessly test the stamina of neighbors, firefighters and our natural environment. A place of contemplation I visited last year is just about destroyed by the Monument fire in Sierra Vista and as I view pix of its destruction I think about community (people, wildlife and plants alike) so torn by the furious fire.
One threshold quality of life element that draws me to the desert is its rich environment of living traditions, heritage and culture. It was a pleasure to write about my passion for BizTucson magazine this month!

Tucson Time

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 29 May 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Winds are blowing and hot desert days are here. Snowbirds flee and gee, I must be a desert rat, because I revel in the reduced numbers on our dusty streets.

The heat makes me focus more, on little things. I watch the javelina taking it slower. A parade of them lumbered past us, up the trail adjoining our house, making their way to their daily stomping grounds. Our mother dove sits patiently on her newborns, who are quiet having just been fed.

I'll let my iPhone speak for me now. Please see more about my Tucson at my website's corral.

Beautiful Beads, My Tucson Gems

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:02:00 +0000

These are the eight small beads which called to me, told stories that stirred my spirit. Beads are symbolic of cultural tradition, ornamentation, religion, art, commerce and individuality.

Learn what each of these beads stands for, and read my post, here:
http://www.tucsoncowgirl.com/beading-lore-tucson-gem-mineral-show/

Tucson Gem Show Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:37:00 +0000

The greatest show on earth is underway in Tucson, now through February 13. Whether you're a child wondering about geology, a seasoned rock hound, a beader, a gemologist, a fossil hunter or a browser - there's something for everyone at this collection of 41-plus shows spread across the Old Pueblo.

My post on the showcases and on resources to help you enjoy this event is here: http://www.tucsoncowgirl.com/tucson-gem-fever-the-greatest-show-on-earth/

And come visit Crafted Tucson, where we've created a small exhibit on a very big, beautiful wonder called the Tucson Gem shows!

National Day of Service, Making It a Way of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 21:37:00 +0000

What are you doing to acknowledge Martin Luther King Day and our National Day of Service? Recent terrible events here in Tucson make it imperative for me to ponder my commitment to reinforcing positive values and improving quality of life.

I am not talking about becoming Pollyanna. There are tangible solutions to the mess in our world through stewardship, sustainability and simple acts of kindness.

I posted some thoughts and resources on my blog. Please share the good, and spread kindness!

Savor Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:03:00 +0000

Celebrate family this season. Forge new traditions.

The spirit of the season is universal. No matter what your beliefs, take a moment to enjoy the sights and scents of the holiday, and to pass along a sense of peace and hope.

My post is here: http://www.tucsoncowgirl.com/savoring-family-traditions/

Happy Holidays!!!

Supporting Small Business Saturday and Tucson Local First

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:14:00 +0000

I'm a believer in the power of our local communities.I choose local foods and businesses as part of a more sustainable lifestyle. I'm thankful in this season that the go-local movement is growing.

I’m part of our Local First Tucson group of businesses focused on enriching communities throughout Arizona. Strong local economies will turn the tide in these volatile times.

For me, focusing local began in 1972, when place-making and the back-to-the land movement was in full swing. I was a young journalist attending a conference titled “How to Live Sanely in a Trouble World. Helen and Scott Nearing, Vermont and Maine homesteaders and authors of the 1954 cult classic, The Simple Life, were there, as were many other leaders of the early green revolution. Since then sustainability and community-building (incorporating nature, art and culture) grew roots in my professional and personal life. Amazing- Just recently, the People’s Garden NYC contacted me about a story I wrote for the New York Times on Urban Agriculture 30 years ago. Sustainability is timeless. So is the richness of our local foods and businesses. Please check out and support the Small Business Saturday movement.

Local Treasures

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 03:24:00 +0000

What roots you to a community? For me -- Food and architecture figure prominently in creating my sense of place and community quality of life.

So I want to share these two favorite examples that help me celebrate a Tucson sense of place:

Regarding Food: Off Arivaca Road heading out of Amado, the road curves and a farm appear to the south. Cattle graze and chickens lay gorgeous pastel eggs nearby an historic hacienda. It's Walking J Farm, part of the Double Check Ranch family. I met Jim McMannus the other day, and he graciously selected some eggs for us although the farm`stand was not yet open for seasonal business.On Sundays this fall you'll be able to visit the farm and purchase eggs, fresh steak and poultry and other good eats. Jim also conducts farm workshops and tours on selected days September and October.

Regarding Architecture: The Scottish Rite Masonry has been active in Tucson since 1875, but the lovely Scottish Rite Cathedral downtown that still houses the organization was officially dedicated in 1916. The Cathedral houses much history and fantastic detail -- wonderful art, stained glass, archive photos and plaques are found throughout the amazing building. I was in the main theatre of the Cathedral for a recent performance and, oh my, what a grand stage. It is a great example of the rich architecture and traditions hidden in the nooks and crannies of our city.

TM7PBQV9SB7Q

Crypto Chief of Canton Island, 91st AAF

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:06:00 +0000

Saluting T Sgt Frank Anthony Surfaro, for service with Army Airways Communications AAF, 91st AAF unit. On Canton Island, crypto chief. Love you very much, Dad. You and so many others protected and served.
Thank you.

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 10 May 2010 01:59:00 +0000

"Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever..." Thanks, Mom, for being a woman of grace, beauty, gentleness. I feel your presence every day. You were/are my model in motherhood. May I reflect just a twinkle of what you taught me, and I will do good things. I'm not a fan of these commercial holidays but I am tipping my hat to you today, Mom. Love ya lots.

With Apologies to the New York Times: 36 Hours in Tucson, the Tucson Cowgirl Way

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:45:00 +0000

So happy to see my former hometown newspaper sending a wave out west to Tucson. It seems New Yorkers have a fondness for the Old Pueblo, this city of desert and mountains and magical culture.
New Yorkers also have a fondness for strong opinion so forgive me, New York Times (and Richard Woodward) for adding my two cents to your Tucson-in-36-Hours hit list. I have a list that gets a bit off the paved trail to see a different side of Tucson:

4 p.m.
1) Walk the Wastelands....
....and catch the birds. Tucson’s Sweetwater Wetlands (southwest side of Tucson, off I-10) allows the public (since 1998) to see a variety of birds in a beautiful (yes, this is a wastewater treatment recharge) habitat. Something in me is very very happy to see sustainability working for nature and wildlife. It's a gorgeous, peaceful walk around ponds bursting with wildlife, with the mountains smiling at you in the distance. Brilliant vermillions swoop over you, geese (or gooses) quack in the distance, hawks sail overhead.

6 p.m.
2) DINING TRUCKER STYLE

Sure our historic train depot holds heritage and a good nosh... But, remembering that our interstates connect American travelers to souls of the communities they drive through, I'm asking you also to consider a burger (or egg) meal at our funky TTT truck stop, off of I-10. In addition to tasty diner cusine there's a great shop for chrome, lights and all things related to trucking (and a fine little bookstore of southwestern favorites).

8 p.m.
3) On the Edge of TUCSON NIGHTS
Yes we have a pumping indie music scene, and our treasured Rialto is a stop for many a fine band. But if you're yearning for a regional flair I suggest a night with our regional roots -- Go see
Dolan Ellis,our state baladeer, perform at the Arizona Folklore preserve. It's a ways out of town so if you're lazy try some classic flamenco guitar (and dancing) at Casa Vicente restaurant just downtown. A local performance management group called http://www.rhythmandroots.org/ also organizes a variety of Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Gypsy and World performances throughout the year on Tucson stages.

Saturday
9 a.m.
4) ROADRUNNER
I agree, the great Tucson outdoors is the place to be in the winter. Saguaro National Park is a perfect destination, but to see huge saguaros I go out to Sanctuary Cove, way out west near the former Lazy K Ranch (I wish that ranch would reopen!) The Cove has a meditative walk, along a trail that leads you into the hills, for beautiful panoramic views of nature (including huge saguaros) and the Tucson skyline.

Noon
5) There's More MEXICAN
I love Cafe Poca Cosa as suggested but it's fun to get down and dirty with a Sonoran hotdog or a great burrito at El Guero Canelo on South 12th. Then you can stay in South Tucson for dessert at one of our fine Mexican bakeries, like La Estrella bakery, also on S 12th.

1:30 p.m.
6) PICTURE Ansel but also Etherton

Absolutely, the Center for Creative Photography's collection of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and others is impressive. But I am so proud Tucson has the Etherton Gallery on South 6th downtown -- This gallery always provides a stunning display of photographic and other art.

3:30 p.m.

7) BUY Local

If you come to Tucson, please do frequent our malls but for goodness sake go out, appreciate and buy local. We have great shops -- from the eclectic Bohemia on Broadway to Preen on Congress and the edgy new boutique that opened within Eric Firestone Gallery in the warehouse district or the KUZU salon off Kino. For authentic regional jewelry and crafts don't forget the shops at Tohono Chul Park.

5 p.m.

8) Dark skies in the desert

I agree on this one -- It's a beautiful drive to Kitt Peak, where you will spend a fascinating evening browsing unbelievable telescopes and gazing in wonder at our heavens. The dark skies of our area are breathtaking. But I also suggest driving out to a small bed and breakfast specializing in astronomy to appreciate our skies. One is The Astronomers Inn in Benson. Or stay in Tucson and just head up Mt Lemmon SkyCenter run by our University of Arizona.

11 p.m.

9) Salsa instead of COSMOS

After gazing in the heavens focus on those toes late evening. Head over to El Parador for some salsa dancing!

Sunday
9 a.m.
10) EARLY BIRD the cowgirl way
I'd prefer spending my Sunday more immersed in our regional culture. Attend mass at the San Xavier Mission -- then taste some authentic fry bread in the Mission parking lot, which you'll find being sold by Native American families. Walk the mission grounds and small museum to get a sense of our regional architecture and history.

10 a.m.
11) Defending America
I wouldn't want to end my Tucson sojourn on a somber note (although the Titan Missile Museum is certainly something to contemplate). But if you want to focus on the role ofTucson and our environs in our country's defense, head out for a beautiful ride and a visit to Fort Huachuca, a great US Army Intelligence Center and a fanstastic museum. You can learn about our early spy days, our Buffalo Soldiers and so many other interesting aspects of the southwest and our country's defense.

There's so much to love about our Old Pueblo -- this is just my quick take on a 36 Hour template for your tour. What's your take? Whatever you decide, know that Tucson welcomes you to our unique desert, surrounded by five mountain ranges. Please appreciate-respect-enjoy our nature, art and culture!

Note: Writer Donna Hull comes through and gives us her take of Tucson in 36 Hours (for active baby boomers!) in this blog post. Thank you, Donna!

All I Need Is All I Got*

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Just returning from a trip to my beloved New York City-- I ponder the meaning of what's important these days. Maybe it's because dusty Tucson has forced me to look within, to patiently listen and watch for what is truly beautiful and important around me. Maybe it's because I am at that magic age (60) and I am coming to grips with what is truly critical in my life.

Whatever the reason -- during this trip to my over-stimulating Manhattan, I looked at my city, what it offers and all the buzz within it, in an entirely different way.

No matter how my wants-needs change these days, the vision of what I want remains constant. It is the scene of two people I love, with a great cityscape behind them, and a Levi Guy billboard sign and tagline* off in the distance (do you see it over Leigh's right shoulder?) that says it all: All I Need Is All I Got.

Tucson Fall Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

I am a sucker for fine stitching, for beautifully-crafted apparel made from vintage fabrics. I also love local eclectic, contemporary Tucson art. Thus I am in awe of the handiwork of the Kuzu Salon artisans -- seamstresses Mariko and Laurel for their new fall fashion line, and Hazel the Asian Welder for her metal sculptures.
The Fall opening of Kuzu Salon is next week. I'll be there.

Saturday, October 10, 2009
6:30PM Reception
(Runway for fashion show at 7:30PM)
1991 E Ajo Way, Suite 161
520-624-7290

Again, I remember

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Posted about this last year. I guess September 11, 2001 is something you never will forget.

As it was for all New Yorkers, my life changed on that day. Leigh was downtown coming up from the subway at Union Square that morning. Everyone was in disbelief. Of course it was just a terrible accident.

But it wasn't...and for weeks after that day I felt almost constant fear. The stink of smoke, false-alarms of new attacks and death put New York City in chaos. We were alive, but so many including a neighbor, a friend’s sister and many work associates were not.

Our city was forever altered that day, as was our country. And I was changed. too.We didn’t make the decision to move to Tucson on September 11, 2001. But because of that day we turned to a new chapter in our lives. Some things like sunsets and family are just more important.

I've posted this before but on this somber anniversary I'd like to repost this photograph I took of Leigh in the early 1970s, with Manhattan and the World Trade Center in the background. Life was so simple then, so much wonder ahead of us.

Although I am not a negative person, I know that evil is always there around the next corner. It takes each of us, in our own way, working against it, contributing good to knock down the bad. We all have the power to influence a future of good. Please join me in that timeless quest. Blessings to all.

I'm not stopping the train -- Just enjoying a freeze frame with Brett or Leigh

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Are you happy in your here-and-now? I am. Two examples of how I can look up from my keyboard and feel joy in the present moment:

#1: Brett visits later this month. As much as I'm looking forward to seeing my son, I'm not spending time yearning for that face-to-face family hug. Please don't think I'm a bad mom -- It's just that I spend a lot of happy moments with Brett these days. It can be on his way to lunch, or Ilana's, or a work appointment, or a gig. Cell phone to my ear, I walk side-by-side with Brett across the miles. We share stuff like NYC traffic hubbub...grocery shopping...getting directions delivering a client poster...or dragging amp and guitar home from a performance. I could be involved in a deadline and suddenly the iPhone chimes. Never thought a walk to the subway could be a powerful here-and-now moment in my life.

#2: The king of here-and-nows is Leigh. Without him I'd never have glanced at the sidelines in our 24/7 overstimulated freeway lifestyle. I'd be barreling ahead, still searching for the next adventure or trinket. (Because there's always something more around the corner, yes? Hmmm...) Although slowing down from a mad pursuit of endless dreams ain't always easy, with Leigh's help I'm getting comfortable re-focusing and re-balancing life in the present, in Tucson.

Sunset watching with Leigh is therapy in my evolving appreciation of the here-and-now. Simple pasta dinners on the patio are now preferred over most restaurant dining. From our vantage facing the Tucson Mountains (with the Catalinas framing the right and a slice of twinkling city lights on the left), we enjoy discerning the nuances Mother Nature offers us each night-- if we take the time to see it. So we marvel when monsoon clouds bring on a new dimension. Last night time stood still in the western sky with a simple, solid band of deep orange. I am sure there were beautiful sunsets back in New York, but I was never in the here-and-now long enough to see them.

What is your here-and-now experience today? Whether it's an iPhone walk home with your son or a sunset watch by yourself or with your partner -- the here-and-now is an incredibly powerful way to heal, strengthen and bring joy to life.

Esta es mi vida y amor

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:27:00 +0000

A wish for all of us: To achieve the greatest joy -- that of living our dreams:

Este es mi vida
este es mi amor
que pasa mi vida tranquilo
sin tristesa y sin dolor y el dia que me muero y que dios me lleva
de aqui, voy a seguir pintando, para nunca olvidar me
de ti

--by francisco, painted 1990 on Barrio Veijo wall,
as seen by me in Tucson, Arizona,
July 18 on 2009 Photo Walk

Sunday & Mantovani

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:58:00 +0000

I can't adequately convey the significance of Dad's influence on my life. But on this Father's Day I'll try, via a tiny blog salute to a big man, Francis Anthony Surfaro.

Here's pix of Dad with me at my wedding. The first and most important man in my life taught me much, but let me give three examples of priceless impact on the road I'm traveling.

On music: Dad worked five or six days a week while I was growing up, but never on Sundays. Long, lovely Sunday afternoons of macaroni and family visits included an assortment of albums on the phonograph. Mantovani, an orchestra conductor with family roots in Italian opera, was a "light music" favorite. We danced together in our living room and Dad would spontaneously burst forth with an aria or a quick performance on his violin. I've kept an assortment of his 78s and circa 1930s-40s gorgeous Italian Opera portfolio cases. Mostly I look at them but I've also played them (on a turntable we picked up at a local thrift store). Although an iPod is never glued to my ear, songs of all sorts drift in and out of my mind daily and I have my Dad to thank for this quiet, undercover enrichment to my soul.
On Volunteerism: Growing up in Brooklyn I didn't have material wealth but oh boy, our house overflowed with people and richness earned by my parents through selflessness they shared with our community and church. Dad was a tireless volunteer. Clothes drives, filling food pantries for those less fortunate - anything to offer help as it was needed. I also remember his pouring over methodical spreadsheets created for the parish bazar. He would spend months in set-up, coordination with local business and organizing booths and inventory of goodies. So much marvelous stuff collected and donated for good! I've tried to follow what he demonstrated -- that it's important to give of yourself and that serving this way actually reaps great happiness.
On Quality and Style: Dad worked at Bloomingdales more than 45 years at the Manhattan Lexington store. His name along with other WWII veterans is emblazoned on brass plaque by the elevators. He started in the Linens department and then moved into Furniture. Bloomingdales I'm sure introduced him to quality objects -- and I do know that the few choice material items we had in our home were absolute quality and personified strong design. To complement my grandmother's meticulously crafted dollies and tablecloths, we had several gorgeous European linens purchased from Bloomingdales (late 40s-50s?). Dad's suits and ties were impeccable (and of course Italian); my Mom's very few pieces of jewelry were again Italian, 24kt gold. On special occasions Dad brought home design magazines, antique books and strange objects (like a 19th century marble bust called Beatrice). He had a strong sense of style and conveyed that to me. Our glass table and chairs Dad gave to us for our wedding still magnify good craftmanship 36-plus years later. So now I know where I get my love of strong design, venerable first editions and unusual antique objects.

Dad as a youth won several awards in New York City for his violin performances. He also intended (as I see from his high school publication) to be an orchestra master. He was registered for the engineering program of City University of New York but his father's untimely death (from an automobile accident) tore away all those dreams, as my Dad needed to be the breadwinner for his mom and sister. No matter what his sacrifice in life, Dad personified optimism and leadership and belief in the power of individuals no matter what your class stature was. When I had my first job in journalism (radio producer for news show up at Riverside Church) Dad was there to drive me to my morning news assignment (3 am!), easing my fears and jump starting my career. Ah, I smile now, remembering those drives and our special talks, morning coffee and toasted corn muffins!

Dad, you were my good friend. So much to thank you for. You were a leader I admired, a musician of great talent. I wish you had been able to work in a profession that reinforced/recognized your talents, but, no matter, because your greatness did mark our world. I always will treasure and hold in safe-keeping your violin and Beatrice, the funky marble bust. Thank you for guiding me on to the right path.

Hurry Up, Bisbee!

noreply@blogger.com (Monica Surfaro Spigelman) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Bisbee, our standard poodle, died in our arms this morning. We had taken him to the hospital for an operation on his cancer, but the doctor called us almost immediately to tell us that the cancer had spread and that there was nothing more they could do. Any remaining time (a couple of months, if that) would be a downward spiral and full of pain. So we called our son Brett back in New York, made a decision together, and then Leigh and I went back to the hospital to be with our dear friend.

Bisbee was happy to see us. We got kisses and gave him his favorite biscuits (one from each of us Leigh, Brett and I). Then we held him tight.

Now there is a horrible gash in our hearts and an emptiness in our home. But there also are strong memories -- 11 years of them!

Bisbee shared so much with Brett, Leigh and I. Importantly, Bisbee was a partner with us in our journey to this Sonoran desert we now call home. In fact, Bisbee and Leigh made the drive out here from New York. Stopping off for MacDonald hamburger lunches and Chili's dinners -- I know Leigh and Bisbee will forever recall the wonderful adventure they shared! When Bisbee arrived in Tucson, it took him a while to understand the cacti, the absence of grass and the critters. But he loved his walks, his fleece, his ball, looking out to the mountains and Tucson city in the distance, sharing the peaceful magic of a Tucson sunset with us on our patio each evening.

Back on January 29, 2008, at the time of Bisbee's first cancer operation, I wrote another post, worried about the possibilities of the cancer metastasizing but hopeful in his chances for recovery. Well, we have had more than another year with our precious Bisbee, one filled with love, laughs and many sunsets. How could we ask for more?

Blessings to our Bisbee! We know some part of your spirit will stay with us; I already felt your presence in our bedroom when I bent down to pick up your fleece. Now, as we move ahead physically without you., we'll push away the sadness. We'll smile and recall all the joy we shared together. And we'll see you again, good friend.

("Hurry up, Bisbee!" is a phrase of special meaning to Leigh, Brett, Bisbee and I. Happy memories!)