Was excited to hear the New York City Ballet has returned. Attended a January 2022 performance with three works:
Tickets were a mere $38. for a delightful 2 1/2 hour performance. What a steal!
The New York Public Library has 56 million items of “treasure,” and how they culled it down to this exhibit one can only imagine. The items span 4,000 years, and as the literature states are exceptionally rare, and/or beautiful. The exhibit is free with donations accepted, that said, let’s take a peek.
Some poster memorabilia..
Other oddities..
Portraits..
Interesting Books and Historical Folk
Mary Wollstonecraft was a British woman who fought for equality in the sexes in the 1700’s. Below appears her picture and draft work. “The end, the grand end of (women’s) exertions should be to unfold their own faculties and acquire dignity of conscious virtue..” Was pleased to overhear a father explaining this women to his 10 year old daughter at the exhibit. Maybe we have come a long way. Thanks to dad’s like this..
Another prominent woman – Ida B. Wells-Barnett was an investigative journalist/activist who did an expose on lynching in the South. She found between 1864 and 1894 more than 10,000 African Americans had been lynched. A copy of her work and photo.
The fight for rights and equality posters.
The Moving Image Clips. Could have watched these all day, here are a few..
Broadway show and jazz performances, as well as notable political figures footage also graced these doors. Stay awhile, it is intriguing.
What a phenomenal exhibit, be sure to make a reservation to attend.
What a fun time, here’s the specifics:
Now on to the show, which lasted an hour and 30 minutes:
The Maestro – this Queen hails from Russia and kept the audience in stitches with her raw, sexy monologue. The theme of the Brunch was cartoon characters. She started the show as Beetlejuice.
Another Russian Queen as Anastasia
Waitresses also are Drag Queens
What a fun time, great for pre bridal parties, birthdays and the like,
and also open for dinner..
Currently at the Neil Simon Theater on 52nd Street is MJ, The Play, based on the book by Lynn Nottage. The play captures the tortured life of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his 1992 world concert tour. While the focus is on tour preparation, there are flashbacks to Michael’s life and his rise to fame.
Themes of his life were explored in the Play through the eyes of MTV staff developing a documentary on his musical art and methods of creativity. His father’s abuse, drug problems, which originated after burns from an ill-fated Pepsi commercial, and other “demons” were mentioned. His drive to perfect the tour even caused him to mortgage his beloved Neverland.
The music and choreography befit a five star production. Story line was strong and recommend a visit to this walk through time with the King of Pop.
The Oratory at Night
What a special place. Let’s take a peek..
The Basilica or ,Upper Church has modern statutes and the Blessed Mother Adoration Chapel behind the altar. Masses occur in both English and French and the information desk staff are helpful with directions and answering questions. A large gift shop is also available, as are machines for snacks near the information desk.
The Crypt Church is in the basement of the Oratory.
Near this Church are where confessions occur, candles to St. Joseph can be lit, and St. Andre’s remains are located. The hallway behind the candle area reveals the rock on which the Oratory was built along with a statute of the Blessed Mother.
The Church is currently undergoing a major renovation. This sign explains the pending upgrades.
The Pavilion – Stayed at this guest house on the Oratory grounds. Rates are reasonable with breakfast included.
While my prayers didn’t stop Putin’s aggression, Saint Brother Andre’s words give hope..
St Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal, Canada
Andre Bessette began his life in poverty as the 8th child of a family of 12 children. He suffered health and employment concerns, eventually finding his way as a doorman in the College of Notre Dame. Here his devotion was recognized, and he eventually became Brother Andre of the Congregation of Holy Cross Orders. Thousands of miracles and cures occurred through his prayers, always invoking the intercession of St. Joseph. The church shown below was built to accommodate those flocking for his cures.
Brother Andre’s devotion led him to begin the Oratory and this is where his remains now lay.
On October 17, 2010 he was formally recognized as a Saint.
St. Andre
Decided to take a trip north as the job had ended, and with the way the world is going needed some time to pray. St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada, has worked miracles for me in the past so decided it was time for a visit. It had been 8 years, though St. Joseph and I remain closely in touch.
The trip up 87 North, or the Northway to locals, was perfect. Sun was shining and High Peaks of the Adirondacks were dusted with snow. This drive is the most beautiful in our Country and for 13 years working for the NYS Department of Corrections I was able to enjoy this scenery as I drove to prison site visits.
What a wonderful trip down memory lane.
While I had reviewed an enormous amount of websites regarding entry into Canada apparently I did not review the correct ones. A quite testy border patrol agent did not look kindly on this 65 year old with Florida plates saying she was living in Brooklyn and wanting to go to St. Joseph’s Oratory to pray. He firmly told me I needed a PCR Covid Test available 10 miles down the road for $150., and to complete an online application for entry into Canada.
Once denied entry I returned to the US Border Patrol and spoke with a very kind, young American agent who calmly reviewed options with me. Sitting in the Walgreen’s parking lot down the road I completed the very involved Canadian questionnaire, and found I was accepted for entry. Next step was the COVID test which besides $150. could take 3 hours for results. Having drove 7 hours and paid for the night’s lodging decided to take my chances with the next step.
The staff at the Cornerstone Drug and Gift in Rouses Point, New York, could not have been more helpful to this old bag who lacks computer skills. After successfully entering the computer data with one gal, another placed me in a tent and had me q tip my nose in a circular fashion five times in each nostril. While the website stated it takes 2-3 hours to get results I had my negative results in 30 minutes and was on my way.
Following directions I went into the building and found 4 others waiting. I asked the agent at the window what I did wrong and he grunted for me to sit down. Once seated I asked the other folks how long this could take and why we were detained. None seemed to know, however, one young man said he was detained the last time for over an hour. Apparently, he came to Canada often.
When I heard this I asked the grunting officer at the window if I could get a book from my car. He allowed this. Upon return to the building with book in hand, my name was called. Wait time was about 10 minutes.
A female officer questioned me regarding my Florida license plates and why I was living in Brooklyn. Next question was, “When did I leave my job?” Then questions regarding my daughter..where she was, her work, and the dates of the Sundance Film Festival. I found myself revealing the event went virtual, the vaccination rate of Utah citizens, and how and why she was on the west coast after the festival had ended.
Then there was the question if I was a nun because I was staying in housing on the grounds of St. Joseph Oratory. Finally, the older female border patrol agent overhearing all this intervened and guess she believed what I was saying to be true as passage into Canada was allowed. Still quite shaken I took the receipt with the numbers to open the auto gate for entrance into Canada. WHEW!
The Canadian National Anthem
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada.
Always like to follow the signs.. This spot had a great view of the Hoodoos from above, and a beautiful sea sunset missed as the cell phone died. The walking path was flat and grateful for that as I had tumbled on the rocky beach and was developing a large lump on the head. There are many small parks along route 27 in Montauk, check them out. You’ll meet friendly Montauk folks doing family walks with their dogs.
In this area American soldiers were sent after the Spanish American War of 1898. Here at the eastern end of Long Island they recovered from malaria and other tropical diseases while fighting the war. Remnants of their visit remain. Theodore Roosevelt was here during this time and then asked to run for Governor, thus beginning his political career.
En route to my lodgings at Montauk Manor, passed St. Therese of Liseux Catholic Church. The architecture, design, and stained glass windows of this church are breath taking. Attended morning mass at 8:30 a.m. followed by the rosary on Tuesday. They have an amazing new, young priest, Father Liam McDonald, and for those needing some inspiration, worth a visit.
Montauk Manor
This castle like structure was the inspiration of Carl Fisher in 1925. Mr. Fisher was an industrialist who prior to the Manor developed much of Miami Beach. He created the 200 room luxury hotel, and opened its doors in 1927. This great masterpiece had ballrooms, internationally acclaimed foods, and opulence.
Due to economic shifts the castle became a condo community. Owners rent units as hotel rooms.
If only the walls could talk.
This concludes my Montauk stay. Decided to head west early after mass.
One final peak at the light house.
Driving back to the City on Route 27 there is much to see and do.
Been 10 years since my last visit but will definitely stop again before my Brooklyn departure.
Montauk is magic.
Went to Montauk before returning to travel nursing. Stopped on the way at Our Lady of the Island. Beautiful place to walk about, contemplate life, and get away from it all..
Visit the main church for spectacular stained glass then Walk the Avenue of the Saints for Long Island views.
Continued the 2 1/2 hour journey from Brooklyn with the next pause,
Beautiful state park with camp sites available during the summer, but the best part..
Across the street are hiking trails. Beware of Lyme Ticks in warm season and hunters in the winter.
View from above the trail.
On to the main attraction, The Montauk Lighthouse
Walked along the construction site path to find the beach.
The Hoodoos – these magnificent creatures line the beach and are eroding at a rapid pace. The picture below is from the top of the Hoodoo and those following show erosion at beach level.
While there surfers were hitting the waves. Fun to watch.
Next: More Montauk
Young Retiree Needs a Life 