Thursday, March 11, 2021 (10 days until First Day of Spring; and DST starts next Sunday)

This morning I’ll receive my second Corvid shot, and thus, before leaving home, must handle the morning chores. So, to accomplish the feeding of horses and taking them to my neighbor’s pasture, this writing must be short.

And fun, so here are a couple of worthwhile movies on Netflix. My choices run mainly in two directions, complex art films and easy comedies. No shoot-em-ups, bang-em-ups! I think a good movie transports viewers into worlds they can admire, and for an hour or two, feel pleased on being immersed.

I’ll begin with, “What Would Sophia Loren Do?” (2020), a delightful short documentary, in which an Italian American grandmother finds strength and joy in the life of her screen idol, Sophia Loren. It’s salutes both classic Italian films and an eternal toughness within Loren’s screen character. Plus, we get glimpses of the famous actress in real-life, warm, loving, and vibrant.

Another is a movie-length comedy, “East-Side Sushi” (2014). In it and against all odds, a single Latina mom, after finding work in a Japanese restaurant, aspires to become a sushi chef. Its attractive ensemble cast works well together. It takes us on an inspirational feel-good journey with a young woman who’s forced to succeed and determined to win.

Both these movies currently are on Netflix.

Dear Friends: Even after receiving a second jab, I’ll continue wearing masks in public. Diana

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 (11 days until the First Day of Spring + DST begins next Sunday)

In barely over a week will be the first day of spring. Yesterday afternoon, the weather played a joke by surprising us with a blizzard. Heavy hail and snow began just as I started to walk one-third mile down the street to a neighbor’s pasture. I needed to gather and bring home my horses. “Drat this,” I thought, just as a truck turned onto my street. I recognized it as belonging to a neighbor, but instead of turning into his driveway, the truck came clear to me and stopped. “Hop in and make this trip easier,” he said, and after turning his truck, drove me to the pasture.

My three equines coated in hail were galloping in circles and bucking. “Yes,” I’ll be all right,” I said, “The horses will be eager to go home where they have shelter.” He drove away, and I entered the pasture. The horses stopped to wait, easily were haltered. I led and secured each to a tree, arranged in a typical order for our march to home.

Just then, I saw a my neighbor on foot coming down the street and waving, heading toward us. He laughed, “I need exercise anyway, so put on my gloves and am here to help!”

I took the lead ropes for Sunni and Pimmy, he lifted Rosie’s lead from its tether. We began to walk, facing into a thickly-driving hail that made talking difficult, and hearing speech impossible. He was comfortable with Rosie, who was behaving well, and I concentrated on speeding-up Pimmy (no easy task).

We reached home, removed halters, and gave carrots to the animals. My neighbor had enjoyed the process and laughed, declaring the outing had been fun, and wishing me a good evening.

Understanding that I could by myself have brought them home, he came anyway to help in the face of blustery, awful weather. A spontaneous act of sheer kindness. Thinking about it, that’s something I must play forward by acting on the next opportunity to assist someone who seems in need.

Dear Friends: I’m humbled by his spontaneous show of concern and act of sheer kindness. Diana

Tuesday, March 09, 2021 (12 days before the First Day of Spring)

During February’s Black History Month, I was in the middle of works by two talented black authors, Zora Neal Hurston and Isabell Wilkerson. I’ve read some of the great black writers from the 1920’s and 30’s Harlem Renaissance. February’s focus encouraged me to expand my repertoire. It’s embarrassing to admit not already having read several significant contemporary authors. Full disclosure: I ordered books by Maya Angelo and Toni Morrison, and yes, ought to be beaten by a wet noodle.

Anyway, days ago arrived a book I couldn’t recall ordering. Maybe a bonus book from one source or another? It reprints two stories by an American novelist of the Harlem Renaissance. The writer, Nella Larsen (born in 1891), who was recognized by her contemporaries, quit writing after assuming a nursing career. Before that, while working as a librarian, she managed to publish two novels and some short stories.

Yesterday, an email from the New York Times reminded me of its online book club meeting this afternoon, to discuss Larsen’s book, PASSING. Oy vey, that’s why I ordered the book, still unread and now stuck in a “someday stack”. I want to participate in the book club, and early today assisted by coffee I started reading. Larsen’s style of writing doesn’t immediately draw me in, but her story becomes captivating.

I’ll read like crazy to finish PASSING before today’s early (my time) meeting. Ms. Larsen’s story snags my attention, and the book club’s leader is scholarly. I hope to comprehend more her literary impact, to know better what places her among the great Harlem Renaissance writers, of talent, that to this day astonish readers.

Thank you, Black History Month!

Dear Friends: So much to do and so little time for so much worthy of learning. Diana

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Monday, March 08, 2021 (13 days before the First Day of Spring)

Today, International Women’s Day, is perfect to point fellow film buffs to a fine new movie showing on Netflix. It’s “The Life Ahead”, in Italian with subtitles. It stars the legendary, still-fabulous Sophia Loren.

In this 2020 film, Loren, now eighty-six years old, both looks and acts her age. She still captivates, and as always from somewhere inside, she’s gorgeous. Since her early actress days in the 1950s, she’s been outstanding among international movie stars. Her career began in Italian film’s “early reality” period, when the culture’s movies focused on tragedy and humor, and addressed human beauty from without and within. Loren has appeared in almost-every imaginable lead role calling for a strong woman.

“The Life Ahead” is a modern tour de force showcasing her incredible range of talent. It’s directed by her son, Eduardo Ponti, from his screenplay co-authored with Ugo Chiti. It cases Loren as an Italian Jew and holocaust survivor, who’s become an elderly ex-prostitute. She’s on the edge of poverty and augments her income by boarding a few unwanted children. To two children already under her roof, she unwillingly adds a third. He’s a twelve-year-old orphan from Senegal, a bold, clever thief without an apparent moral compass.

The young actor, Ibrahima Gueve, totally is capable in his leading role opposite Loren. He’s very black, smart, and athletic. She’s very wrinkled, tired, and ill. This film’s beautiful camerawork equally loves both actors.

My favorite movies draw on and illuminate individuals, their entire character, inner and outer. Wholeheartedly, “The Life Ahead” does so. It’s a winner.

On this International Woman’s Day, viva to Sophia Loren. And to other unforgettable, fabulous actresses, who still are active in their eighties. Think of such as Glenda Jackson, Maggie Smith, and Vanessa Redgrave.

Dear Friends: This film reunites us to an Italian eye that has provided to the world great movies. Diana

Sunday, March 07, 2021 (14 days until the First Day of Spring)

Finally, I did it–and all by myself–installed a locking mailbox.

As background, about five years ago neighborhood mailboxes were broken into, robbed, and unwanted pieces strewn on a distant property. The police retrieved identifiable discards and returned them to proper addressees. Soon afterwards, in my neighborhood, locked mailboxes began replacing easy-open kinds. During last Christmas season, neighborhood hikers passed an empty lot and saw bunches of torn-open cards and packages. They posted on social media, warned again about mailbox robbers, and this time, turned my thoughts more to advantages of a locked mailbox.

I don’t worry much about my mail, mostly toss-away junk. There are certain pieces I anticipate, like paychecks from my part-time job. Nowadays, most citizens can expect stimulus checks (or debit cards) by mail. Plus, my neighborhood is rural and the mailperson’s last stop. Sometimes the mail arrives as late as 7:30, and instead of taking a lonely dark walk to the mailbox, I visit the box next morning. Lately, my tours of city streets are revealing an increasing number of locked mailboxes. Finally, it became my time to act.

But, how does one in these days of high construction find and get a trustworthy handyperson? Would I be able by myself to install a big heavy mailbox? How to remove an old mailbox from its forever post? Moreover, where could I most easily find an appropriate replacement mailbox?

Sometimes one bites the bullet, summons courage, and just tries something challenging. I turned to Amazon which had a box already purchased by 4k-plus individuals and had earned a 4.6% satisfaction rating. Well, four thousand customers can’t all be wrong. I ordered the box, which arrived in two days, a too-heavy package that heightened my fears of trying to install.

Caution is wise but often overthought. What happened is that the old box easily came off its post. Most important, with some effort I could lift my new 23-pound box. Its bottom was pre-drilled with accompanying lag bolts and a drill bit. Best of all, because I hate having to wade through complicated instructions, these were super-easy directions. Finally, with the old box off and holes drilled, I hefted the new box onto its post and installed bolts. Voila!

I write about this, because my installing out on the street attracted neighbors and walkers who paused to talk, making my job fun. People described their fears five years ago when expected checks were confiscated, destroyed, and spoke of relief that monies were in checks, not cash. Hikers passing gave me a thumbs-up. One couple said it was they who had posted at Christmas about discovering discarded mail and packages in an empty lot.

I didn’t take a photo of the new box. It’s too new, not pretty, and maybe for awhile somewhat intrusive. Besides, I already miss the battered old warrior.

Dear Friends: Luckily, we still have postal deliveries, with the Post Office in much disarray. Diana

Saturday, March 06, 2021 (15 days until the First Day of Spring)

Yesterday was a beautiful warm day. I took the horses over to my neighbor’s pasture and was walking home when another neighbor driving past paused for a catch-up chat. We observed noticeable changes in this neighborhood. More vehicle traffic, new homes being built, more residents moving in. Until recently, this had been an ignored part of town. Likely, the changes will upgrade our neighborhood and be financially beneficial, but we long-timers liked our old space and its social arrangements. Alas, everything changes.

Including the weather. As we talked, I stood outside his car wearing a light sweater without winter outerwear. He mentioned that nighttime would bring rain and snow. I looked at the sky, blue, beautiful, and unlikely to change. As proof, he held up a cellphone showing a weather alert. When we said goodbye, I continued toward home, my thoughts on physical and social changes, and weather forgotten.

So, this morning, there’s snow, okay. I’m surprised without being surprised, and even happy. The new snow gives my horses more days on pasture. Our rapidly warming weather was producing green grass, too high in sugar and not good for horses lacking exercise. Until this snow, my biggest challenge was acclimating myself toward becoming more physical after a lazy winter. The horses need exercising. I must hold their ropes, lounge and long-line them, to rebuild their strength (and mine) for an active summer.

Their extra days on pasture also give me extra time to chill out.

Dear Friends: Best to play with what’s coming up rather than making work of it. Diana

Friday, March 05, 2021 (16 days before the First Day of Spring)

Today is my mother’s birthday. Throughout my childhood, March 5 was one of a year’s important days. Mom has been gone now many years, but she was influential and mysterious, personal characteristics still living in my heart.

It’s almost impossible to understand enough about our parents because times constantly change. My mom grew up in a social period when most women had to depend on support by men, and when men hoped to seek out and offer support to women of beauty. My mom was a beautiful woman, confident as to her impact. In old pictures, she’s wearing designer clothing, open-toed shoes, with hair arrangements resembling those of the most popular movie stars. In her generation, women and men found movies a huge source of entertainment, along with vinyl recordings and radio.

My father died while young in a highway accident. That forced mom out of a primary role as homemaker and mother. She knew next to nothing about managing money and functioning independently. There were years of trials and tribulations, but with some help, she wound up owning popular beer bars in two army towns. She was a pretty woman tending bar, and young soldiers crowding the places made her affluent.

Lives change over time, and ultimately, sometimes mom had more money than other times. In periods forcing her to struggle, she did her fighting and decision-making mostly internally. As a result, her choices could be difficult to understand. To me she always seemed a mystery, and I loved her dearly.

My life’s trials and tribulations have taught how little stays the same. I’ve had to rethink situations, alter views, change approaches, and try hard to adapt to whatever life offers at any given moments. Now, I’m less confused about mom, for I know what it means and feels like, having to reprocess oneself on the spur of a moment, or with a little luck, over a stretch of time.

I remember being six or seven years old and asking mom for money, to go to the drugstore (in those days a safe walk for kids) and buy her a gift. A dollar or two had me taking home to her a big jar of Woodbury Face Cream. Always, she was kind and appreciative.

It’s again her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Dear Friends: Understanding others is a whole-life journey, we first must learn how to see. Diana

Thursday, March 04, 2021 (17 days before the First Day of Spring)

Here’s a rascal that for days has hammered at one or more spots on my roof, working periodically in short bursts. The noise demands attention, but my position on the ground prevents a spotting of the working bird. Sometimes, like above, it’s perched, pausing, and planning a next destructive attack. This flicker hasn’t worked consistently enough to break through my roof (far as I can tell). Years ago its ancestor did so successfully.

The most casual watchers can spot this woodpecker easily. The bird is gorgeous in flight and at rest. Maybe it’s the most destructive to homes among the woodpecker varieties. Contractors tell horror stories about their attempts to eradicate these nuisance birds. I understand frustrations about flickers but side with the birds. I’m always happy when they appear heralding the new spring, like the one that in seventeen days will be official.

I will wrap this up and hurry to lead my horses down the road to pasture before leaving for work. First though, here’s a fun capture. This bird, at the very top of a high tree, might be a yellow-bellied flycatcher, or a common western warbler. Whatever, I’ll be on the lookout for more of this cutie.

Dear Friends: I’m preparing a canvas, will attempt to paint a charming neighborhood bird. Diana

Wednesday, March 03, 2021 (Now, 18 days before the First Day of Spring.)

The horses brought us new friends, a neighbor, Nancy, and her granddaughter, Stella. Just enjoy seeing that little girl’s smile! Nancy says that Stella’s future will include riding lessons and a pony.

They happened to be driving by as my horsey trio and I walked on the street toward a neighbor’s pasture where the horses would spend that day’s gorgeous spring preview. Nancy slowed her car so Stella could enjoy seeing the animals, and I invited them to meet us at the pasture gate.

My donkey, Pimmy, is a dream pet, good natured, gentle, and just plain cute. She’s a popular sight, has been costumed and photographed, marched in parades, stood-in as Virgin Mary’s ride for religious ceremonies. Nowadays, she’s a show-stopper for many who pass the pasture where she and her horse buddies graze.

So, no surprise when Nancy slowed and explained how she enjoys driving by and seeing the horses. I loved that she and Stella were delighted at a real-time opportunity to meet Pimmy. Stella, a happy courageous child, didn’t hesitate to sit on Pimmy’s back. Her smiles said it all.

Here’s my favorite photo. Shot from a cool angle and even without a full Pimmy, it captures adventure, joy, and fun.

Not much goes together as well as kids and equines! Even those of us beyond a physical child stage find while around equines how quickly they reveal our long-held inner kids.

Pimmy is a star, as is the whole trio. Its herd leader, Rosie, kept an eye on Pimmy during the photoshoot and relaxed when Pimmy rejoined the family. All quickly got busy attending to their most serious business.

Dear Friends: Precious moments, of letting loose and playing, nourishes your inner child. Diana

Tuesday, March 02, 2021 (19 days before the First Day of Spring)

Today’s header photo is a capture from late yesterday taken by my friend, Susie. I’m leading my equines home after another day in which they grazed and hung out in a kind neighbor’s pasture.

Yesterday was warm and very pleasant, real shirtsleeve weather. In an afternoon of working outside and doing barn-related chores, I didn’t wear a jacket. Later while collecting the horses, I noticed in the pasture a dark green underlayer that hints at new grass. Because young grass is very sugary, the horses won’t be allowed to nibble pasture grass for hours at a stretch. Sweet summer grass are no-no’s for horses that tend to gain weight. My horses are very “easy keepers” and their weights aren’t affected by less-nutritional winter grass.

In a week or two they’ll come off pasture until sometime around next Thanksgiving. Meantime, they’ll have jobs. I’ll start getting them into condition for riding and driving, after first adjusting myself to the activity of conditioning them. It’ll be okay when we’re in action, but after being dormant for months, I’m not eager to be out daily and working the horses. Annually, my attitude brightens as we regain strength.

Dear Friends: Getting up and moving renews our senses and spirits and strengthens our goals. Diana