My Summer Sizzle!

With summer approaching I thought it only fitting to share this poem. Yes, believe it or not, this is a true story.  To this day, needless to say, I am not allowed near the gas grille. 

MY SUMMER SIZZLE

 By Joanne LeManquais 2010

I was a New York City girl,

as a new bride I moved to Torrington.

I said goodbye to family and friends,

My new life had begun.

I learned to cook, it wasn’t hard

my new husband, he was thrilled.

I thought to myself, “I’m a real chef now,

I think I’ll try the grill!”

Exactly how this baby worked

I really had no clue.

City life teaches a girl many things,     

but not how to Bar-B-Q!

I turned the knob on the big white tank

I knew that gave it gas.

Turned all the burner knobs to high

I had visions of steak and a wineglass!

All I have to do is push the button,

"Auto Ignite" is what it said.

I pushed and pushed, it clicked and clicked….

my igniter,....it was dead.

"Oh no! What now, oh what do I do?"

the scene was turning drastic.

“I know!  I’ll go inside and get a match,

that will do the trick!”

I searched and searched and found a lite

I thought, “What a great cook I am!”

Went back outside, stuck the match in the little  hole….

and my grille it went KABAM!

No louder noise had I ever heard

The cover flew up over the house.

"Oh no! How do I explain

all this to my new spouse!"

My brows were gone, my lashes too

all I could do was look up and stare.

My husband came running and said…

“What happened to your hair?”

I said, “Look out, it’s going to land!”

He looked up in disbelief.

It missed the house, the windows too..

That my head was still on my shoulders was a big relief!

The grille was broken, my pride was gone

my grilling days were over.

I learned an important lesson that day, 
When you light a grille, be sure to open the cover!

Reflections Of My Mother

I glanced into the mirror
never dreaming that I'd see...
a face so familiar
You are looking back at me.

I saw your loving smile so warm
The crinkle round your eyes...
I heard your gentle laughter
Your often soothing sighs.

In converstion with family and friends,
I hear your wise voce in mine...
I pause and think of years gone by
In another place and time.

You nurtured me an watched me grow,
held me when I cried...
And though I often stumbled
You were always at my side.

You shared the love of God with me,
Taught me how to pray...
And often  when unsure
You helped me find my way.

I'm often told I'm just like you,
A compliment that I treasure...
For within my heart I know we share
a love beyond all measure.

Happy Mothers Day, Moma

After Awhile

After Awhile
by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while...
you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn...
that love doesn't mean possession,
and company doesn't always mean security,
and loneliness is universal.

And you  learn...
that kisses aren't contracts,
and presents aren't promises
and you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes open
with the grace of woman, not the grief of a child.

And you learn...
to build all your roads on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid flight.

After a while you learn...
that even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden,,,
and decorate your own soul...
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn...
that you really can endure...
you really are strong...
you really do have worth...
and you learn,
         and you learn
and with every goodbye, you learn.

God and Taxes

God and Taxes

I know of no better way to get people’s attention than by saying the word "taxes." It seems to work better than calling out "fire" in a crowded room.  I find it ironic that April 15^th comes at a time during the year we all actually look forward to. The sun is warmer, the days are longer and the birds are starting to sing. In the new life of spring, we are refreshed and made new as we see evidence of God’s promises everywhere. But along with this wonderful time of year, also comes the inevitable…..it’s time to pay our taxes to Uncle Sam. We are blessed to live in a land where freedom rings. But that freedom is not free and not without contention. In the history of politics I suppose there has never been any issue that gets people’s dander up more than the issue of taxes.

In Matthew 22:17, the Pharisees asked Jesus a question, "Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"  This was a loaded question. They knew if any issue could destroy Jesus it was that one. They didn’t think there was a safe answer.  If He says “no” to paying the tax, one of them would go to the Roman authorities and accuse Jesus of anti-government activities, perhaps even treason. If He said “yes” to the tax question, He would lose all credibility with the people, who hated the economic burden of paying for the Roman government’s agenda. Of course, Jesus recognized this question for what is really was. He knew they weren’t asking this question just for answers to a moral dilemma, but because they were trying to set him up in a political trap. 

He answers the question the only way he could. Instead of riding the fence and answering one way or another, he did what they least expected. He destroyed the fence! Matthew 22:18 continues, “But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, (a Roman coin) and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Jesus was not advocating withholding taxes, not even to a pagan government. Jesus recognized the God-given authority of governments to collect taxes. He gives an answer that transcends the question. “If it belongs to Caesar give it to him. Just remember to give God what belongs to God.”

I guess that leads us to the question of what belongs to whom. If we are to give back the things that belong to someone else, then we need to know the rightful owner. You know what? Everything belongs to God. Even that coin. It is God who gave governments authority to collect taxes. So in reality it’s God who owns everything. 

Remember the question he asked them about the coin? “Whose image is on the coin?”  Caesar’s. So the assumption was that Caesar owned the coin. “Give Caesar the things that belong to Caesar,” Jesus says. Of course, Caesar can only take the things of this world. Presidents and governments can take what we have, but they can never take us. We belong to someone else. We belong to God because we bear the image of God. He owns us; He created us; and He stamped His image on us. And He wants us to give ourselves to our rightful owner. In fact, he owns us twice. He owns us from creation because we bear the mark of the image of God. But he also owns us because of redemption. At the cross, Jesus bought us back with an outrageous sum.

This year as you put the stamp on your tax return, take time to think of the question “what belongs to whom?” As you give to Uncle Sam that which belongs to Uncle Sam, remember the only answer that matters is to the question of whom you belong to. We belong to God from creation, and from redemption. Let’s give back that which belongs to God.  Place everything in your life in His hands: your families, your finances, your careers, your church, your worries and your lives. Give them all to God. When you do, you will come to know a real freedom Uncle Sam can only dream of.

I Guess He's Rather Be In Colorado

I love John Denver. Although sad, this song was a favorite. A salute to so many of  the friends and family of my youth who tried to chase  their dreams by escaping city life. Some of us just went upstate camping for a weekend to escape the city. Some went out west for a temporary fix with nature only to discover the draw of New York City always led you back home. Some died before they could get out. Me? I've never been to Colorado, but I've seen a pearl in a Connecticut sky after it rains and it always reminds me of the many dawns when I heard the subway coming.

 I Guess He'd Rather Be In Colorado-
John Denver

I guess he'd rather be in Colorado
He'd rather spend his time out where the sky looks like a pearl after a rain
Once again I see him walkin,Once again I hear him talking to the stars he makes
And asking them for bus fare
I guess he'd rather be in Colorado
He'd rather play his banjo in the morning when the moon is scarcely gone
In the dawn the subways comin, In the dawn I hear him hummin'
Some old song he wrote of love in Boulder Canyon.


I guess he'd rather be in Colorado
I guess he'd rather work out where the only thing you earn is what you spend
In the end up in his office
In the end a quiet cough, is all he has to show
He lives in New York City.

A post for Springtime!

For the Garden Of Your Living...

Plant three rows of Peas:

1. Peace of mind

2. Peace of heart

3. Peace of soul

Plant four rows of Squash:

1. Squash gossip

2. Squash indifference

3. Squash grumbling

4. Squash selfishness

Plant four rows of Lettuce:

1. Lettuce be faithful

2. Lettuce be kind

3. Lettuce be patient

4. Lettuce really love one another

No garden is without Turnips:

1. Turnip for meetings

2. Turnip for service

3. Turnip to help one another

To conclude our garden...

We must have Thyme:

1. Thyme for each other

2. Thyme for family

3. Thyme for friends

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.

There is much fruit in your Garden because...

You Reap, What You Sow!

Author Unknown

Good Friday Reflection

"Good Friday" should be called "Black Friday." On this day the most scandalous betrayal of justice in human history took place. But when we remember what happened on this day we'll know why we call it "Good Friday" today.

After Jesus' illegal trials, he was stripped and tied to a post, then scourged with a long whip in which were imbedded nails, lead balls, and pieces of shell. They ripped the flesh from his back; many men died under such torture.

A crown of razor-sharp thorns was pressed onto his head, impaling his scalp and forehead. He was forced to carry a wooden cross to Calvary. There nails were driven through his wrists and ankles into the wood and he was left to die. He could have called ten thousand angels to his side, but he refused. Instead, he died there for you and for me.

Never again wonder if you are loved. God thought your eternal life worth the death of his only Son. If you had been the only sinner on the planet, Good Friday would still have happened, just for you. Someone asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?" He answered, "This much," as he spread out his arms and died. All for you. Just for you.

- Denisonforum.com

Don't Forget To Remember Me

Don't Forget To Remember Me-Carrie Underwood

Every time I hear this song I cry even though it's been 11 years since my daughter left for college. I know what I was feeling as she packed her last bag and headed off on her own. Pride,anxiety, fear, etc. I like this song because it tells of the move from both the parents and the child's view. I have a feeling she felt just like this.I know I did. Love you, M. So proud of you.

18 years had come and gone
For momma they flew by
But for me they drug on and on
We were loading up that Chevy
Both tryin' not to cry
Momma kept on talking
Putting off good-bye
Then she took my hand and said
"Baby don't forget:

Before you hit the highway
You better stop for gas
And there's a 50 in the ashtray
In case you run short on cash
Here's a map and here's a Bible
If you ever lose your way

Just one more thing before you leave
Don't forget to remember me"

This downtown apartment sure makes me miss home
and those bills there on the counter
Keep telling me I'm on my own
And just like every Sunday I called momma up last night
And even when it's not, I tell her everything's all right
Before we hung up I said
"Hey momma, don't forget:

to tell my baby sister I'll see her in the fall
And tell me-maw that I miss her
Yeah, I should give her a call
And make sure you tell Daddy that I'm still his little girl
Yeah I still feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be
Don't forget to remember me"

Tonight I find myself kneeling by the bed to pray
I haven't done this in a while
So I don't know what to say but
Lord, I feel so small sometimes in this big ol' place
Yeah, I know theres more important things, but
Don't forget to remember me

Don't forget to remember me

A Mother's Prayer

A Mother's Prayer - Rachel Aldous

My sweet baby on loan from above
no better treasure could I more love. 
I stand here beside your bed as I pray 
I lay my hand on your head and I say: 
 

May you grow up to serve Him  all of your days. 
May He lead you and guide you in all of your ways. 
May His hand bless your future with friendships that last. 
May you cherish your youth and not grow up too fast 
 
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame. 
Just to think that God knows you by name. 
He knows every hair on your beautiful head. 
He knows your thoughts before they are said. 
 
May God grant you peace in the midst of a storm. 
May God give you strength even when you’re forlorn. 
May you answer the door when Jesus comes knocking. 
May wisdom guide when your mouth is talking. 
 
May discretion protect you and keep you pure. 
May you never stumble or fall for a lure. 
May your heart remain humble to the very end. 
May uprightness and truth be what you defend. 
 
May the world not ensnare or change who you are. 
May the light that's within you shine like the stars. 
May angels surround you body, spirit, mind. 
May favor and peace be yours to find. 
 
May rejection and pain never reach you. 
May your spirit grow bold for what you’re called to. 
As you rest in God’s care I will rest, too. 
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you. 

Diamonds and Rust

  One of my favorite and very relatable (and first)songs to play on the guitar was this song by Joan Baez from her Diamonds and Rust album . I so enjoyed watching this video of her performing this song as it shows an aged Joan, who all these years later, still sings of love remembered and lost with such eloquence and sadness. 
  She changes the lyrics to fit the decades past. Instead of buying him cufflinks "ten" years ago, she changes it to "fourty" years ago. At the last verse, she shows her maturity of an aged woman who she says if he's offering her "diamonds and rust" now, not only did she already pay for them with her heart all those years ago, she now will take the diamonds! Good for you Joan. Bob Dylan can eat his heart out.


Well I'll be damned, here comes your ghost again
But that's not unusual, it's just that the moon is full
And you happened to call.
And here I sit  hand on the telephone
Hearing a voice I'd known a couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall.

As I remember your eyes were bluer than robin's eggs
My poetry was lousy you said. Where are you calling from? 
A booth in the midwest.
Ten years ago I bought you some cufflinks
You brought me something. We both know what memories can bring,
They bring diamonds and rust.

Well you burst on the scene already a legend
The unwashed phenomenon.
The original vagabond. You strayed into my arms.
And there you stayed temporarily lost at sea
The Madonna was yours for free
Yes the girl on the half-shell would keep you unharmed.

Now I see you standing with brown leaves falling around
And snow in your hair.
Now you're smiling out the window of that crummy hotel
Over Washington Square.
Our breath comes out white clouds mingles and hangs in the air.
Speaking strictly for me we both could have died then and there.

Now you're telling me you're not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You who are so good with words and at keeping things vague.
Because I need some of that vagueness now ,it's all come back too clearly  
Yes I loved you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid

Brooklyn Roads

My childhood home on Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, Queens, NY

"If I close my eyes".....I can visualize the familiar picture this Neil Diamond's song captures to describe my childhood in New York City. Although I lived in Queens, from my bedroom window I could "look out on those ...Brooklyn Roads". I changed the lyrics to reflect my name and gender the same way as I play it in my head when I hear it. I hope you don't mind, Neil.

                                                       

If I close my eyes I can almost hear my mother
Sayin', "Jo, go find your brother,
Daddy's home and it's time for supper, Hurry on"

And I see two kids, racin' up three flights of staircase,
Squirmin' into Papa's embrace
And his whiskers warm on their face...
Where's it gone... Oh, where's it gone

Three floors above the bakery,  first door on the right,
Life filled to the brim, As I stood by my window
And I looked out on those... Brooklyn roads

I can still recall,the smells of cookin' in the hallways
Rubbers drying in the doorways
And report cards I was always afraid to show

Mama'd come to school and as I'd sit there softly cryin'
Teacher'd say, "She's just not tryin
She's got a good head if she'd apply it but you know yourself,
It's always somewhere else

I'd built me a castle with dragons and kings
And I'd ride off with them as I stood by my window
and looked out on those...Brooklyn roads

Thought of goin' back but all I'd see are strangers faces
And all the scars that love erases
And as my mind walks through those places,I'm wonderin'
What's become of them

Does some other young girl
Come home to my room
Does she dream what I did
as she stands by my window
And looks out on those... Brooklyn roads? 

Fire and Rain

                                                          
For Mike. There are so many songs that remind me of you. This is one for 'The hours of time on the telephone line when we'd talk about things to come."  The morning after there were," sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground." I miss you, my friend. "I always thought that I'd see you again."

Fire and Rain
by James Taylor

Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone.
Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you.
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song,
I just can't remember who to send it to.

I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend, but I always thought that I'd see you again.

Won't you look down upon me, Jesus, You've got to help me make a stand.
You've just got to see me through another day.
My body's aching and my time is at hand and I won't make it any other way.

Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun.
Lord knows when the cold wind blows it'll turn your head around.
Well, there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come.
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground.

I've seen fire and I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend,
but I always thought that I'd see you one more time again.

For My Son- Rod McKuen

For My Son - Rod McKuen
Watching children grow
is like threatening the ivy
to climb the garden wall.
You wait for it to happen
You hurry it along with love.
But still, you're disappointed
at giving someone life enough
to walk off on their own
and not be carried in your arms.
You never turn your back - not once -
and yet, one day, they've grown apart or taller.
It's all the same.

Photographs and Memories

I have recently taken on the task of organizing boxes of old photographs I had in my attic. A moment captured with a camera forever frozen in time and on my heart. I cannot begin to express how much I loved Jim Croce's music back in the 70's. His songs pulled at my heartstrings and his music inspired me to attempt to play the guitar. His death in an airplane crash on September 20, 1973 devastated me and I remember writting my high school english year end final exam on the impact his death had on me.
This song is one of my favorites and most fitting for this day.

Photographs and Memories
-Jim Croce

Photographs and memories
Christmas cards you sent to me
All that I have are these
to remember you.

Memories that come at night
take me to another time
Back to a happier day
when I called you mine

Summer skies and lullabies
Nights we couldn't say good-bye
And of all of the things the we knew
not a dream survived.

But we sure had a good time
When we started way back when
Morning walks and bedroom talks
Oh how I loved you then

Photographs and memories
All the love you gave to me
Somehow it just can't be true
That's all I've left of you.

A Baby's Prayer

                    40 years of Roe vs. Wade. A post for the innocent unborn. 

A Baby's Prayer
-Kathy Traccoli

I can hear her talking with a friend 
I think it's all about me 
Oh how she can't have a baby now 
My Mommy doesn't see
That I feel her breathe, I know her voice 
Her blood, it flows through my heart  
God you know my greatest wish 
is that we'd never be apart
 
But if I should die before I wake 
I pray her soul You'll keep 
Forgive her Lord, she doesn't know  
That You gave life to me
 
Do I really have to say goodbye 
Don't want this time to be through  
Oh please tell her that I love her Lord  
And that You love her too
 
'Cause if I should die before I wake  
I pray her soul You'll keep  
Forgive her Lord, she doesn't know 
That You gave life to me
 
On the days when she may think of me 
 Please comfort her with the truth  
That the angels hold me safe and sound  
'Cause I'm in Heaven with You .

Our Perspective of Money

Our Perspective of Money …What’s Really Important?

By Joanne L 2008

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, had an annual income of more than $25 million. He lived in a palace that took 13 years to build. He owned 40,000 stalls of horses and sat on an ivory throne. Yet, he did not hesitate to say that riches would never bring you happiness. “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it!  (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11)

In this day and age many people fall victim to the “if only” trap. If only I had a new car, if only I had a particular job, and so on… I would be happy. The Bible offers a sharp contrast to this attitude. As someone said,

                                        Money will buy........

            A bed but not sleep;

            Books but not brains;

            Food but not an appetite;

A house but not a home;

Medicine but not health;

Amusement but not happiness;

A crucifix but not a Savior.

Money is not evil.  It is morally neutral. Money can be used to bring good into our world. It can also be used to bring much evil. When we examine 1 Timothy 6:10 we read: ^“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” It does not condemn money itself, only its misuse of or a wrong attitude towards it.  We must remember some of the holiest men where wealthy! But the “love” of money can get our priorities out of line. The problem comes when our definition of “need” differs from God’s. Much too often we buy things to fill a void or a need in our lives .We must keep reminding ourselves that God must be first in our lives and that money cannot satisfy our deepest needs. 

So how do we keep it all in prospective as we live our daily lives much of which revolves around money? May I encourage you to read the scriptures on this subject. You will be assured, encouraged and today’s society’s pressures will be lifted!  Scripture actually tells us to!  “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” (Psalm:36)

Here are some scripture readings to guide help us to keep money in perspective:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:12-13)

And I will close with my personal favorite…….

“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1)

By studying God’s word you will discover what He says we need for a fulfilling life. The bible points the way to acquire a deep and lasting happiness that always satisfies!

A Womans Creed

A Woman's Creed

I believe that I am created in the divine image of God.

That my body and spirit are holy
The God, who dwells in all creation, lives in the inmost depths of my being.

I believe that I am loved by God just as I am, 

without conditions or demands that I be more.

I am a woman. I am loved. 
I am enough.

This love sustains me when I am in doubt and upholds me when I fail.

I believe that God desires my freedom and wholeness, 

the full expression of my talents.

I need not live by values of others, nor silence myself to please them.

I can let my own voice ring out, my own song be sung. I can trust what I feel & know, living out  my own deepest truth. 

I believe in Jesus, son of God, born of a woman, Mary, who listened to women and liked them. Who stayed in their homes, who discussed the Kingdom with them, who was followed and financed by woman disciples.

Who discussed theology with a woman at a well and first confided in her his Messiahship thus giving her equal power to seek truth and be justified and sanctified by His grace. 

 I believe in the Holy Spirit,  

Who enlightens, guides, strengthens and consoles me.

I believe that my talents, strengths and knowledge of Him are gifts  given to me for loving Him, cherishing myself, others and the world around me. 

                                    I am a woman. A daughter of the King.
                                                    I am loved. I am enough.

taken in part from R. Wahlberg

"Mom"

I went to the record store and bought this 45. I crossed out "Babe" and wrote "Mom" on the cover sleeve and gave it to my mother to play on her phonograph. The year was 1979. Research claims it was released in September of that year, but I specifically remember giving it to her while I still lived at home prior to my wedding and I was getting ready to move to Connecticut. That would have made it's release prior to July '79. Either way, every time I hear it I am reminded of my best friend, the hardest goodbye I ever said when I left home to start my new life with my new husband, a time of my utmost fear and loneliness that only her love, courage and support got me through.


BABE- STYX

Babe, Mom, I'm leaving, I must be on my way
The time is drawing near
My train is going, I see it in your eyes
The love, the need, your tears

But I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
Please believe me, my heart is in your hands
'Cause I'll be missing you

'Cause you know it's you babe Mom
Whenever I get weary and I've had enough
I feel like giving up
You know it's you babe
Giving me the courage and the strength I need
Please believe that it's true, babe, Mom, I love you

Babe, Mom, I'm leaving, I'll say it once again
Somehow try to smile
'Cause I know the feelings we're trying to forget
If only for a while

'Cause I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
Please believe me, my heart is in your hands
'Cause I'll be missing you

Babe Mom, I love you

Prayer for my Children

May love and strength be in your hands

May love and courage be in your heart,

May love and wisdom be in your mind.

May God go with you and work through you,

Today and in all your days. Amen

For My Cousin Michael III, 1970-2013 Rest In Peace

The Williamsburg (Brooklyn) Feast of the Giglio pronounced  "Ugeel", has been taking place for over 120 years. I went to it every summer when I was a little girl with my cousins who lived a few blocks over on North 5th Street. My Uncle Mike used to lift and so did his older sons. My cousin Michael III was the baby of the family. Only 43 when he passed away last week. He carried on his fathers and older brothers love of the Giglio for many years by being a Giglio Lieutenant up until his health failed a few years back and he could no longer do the lift.

It truly is something you have to see to believe.  Over 120 men lift a large steel platform weighing over 3 tons. Upon this platform is a 65 foot tall hand-sculptured tower statue  (with a 12 piece band and others on it) and they lift and carry it through the streets. The tradition honors Italy’s St. Paulinus, who in the fifth century offered himself into slavery to save his son and then managed to escape with the help of boating Turks. Overjoyed by his safe return, the entire town greeted him carrying lilies, ("giglio" in Italian) symbolic of love and purity.  That joyous homecoming jubilee is considered the very first observance of what would develop into an annual sacred event by immigrants here in America.  Each lift covers 20 to 40 yards and lasts from one to four minutes.  There are several lift variations, including a complete rotation (called a 360); a backward march, a quick drop and lift, as well as swaying and bouncing of the giglio . The lifters repeat this scenario again and again for several hours.  At the same time, one block away, the boat crew is dancing la barca in separate lifts. The high point of the day occurs at the cross streets of Havemeyer and North 8th.  At this juncture, the giglio  and la barca meet; (the boat) the front ranks of each structure clasp hands in the symbolic re-enactment of the historic return of St Paulinus.  As difficult and intricate as it is, this maneuver is the one that the men look forward to most because of its symbolic importance.

 

It was at this feast during my early childhood that I wore my first eyeliner, had my first kiss, (with a guy named "Guy) and my first can of beer. (Thanks, Roe!)   I also remember being at this feast when it came over the loud speaker that Apollo 11 landed on the moon, July 20, 1969 and the crowd went nuts. And to this day, my all time favorite feast food memory that I can't get here in Connecticut is.... "Zeppoles" of course! Thank you Michael, for your love of the giglio and for keeping the tradition alive. We love you and pray that today the angels are now lifting you and celebrating your safe arrival home.