Bellport Flash/Cash Mob...

My first dance lesson was when I was 18 years old and I signed myself up for Ballet as a freshman in college.  Following that I took tap lessons and then, as a junior at UCLA I started Square Dancing with the Bachelors and Bachelorettes in Santa Monica, CA.  That experience (I graduated from the 9 month course of study) led to Clog Dancing every Monday night and many weekends with various groups around Southern California.  I loved learning Ballet and Tap.  I had a great time and met great people square dancing.  But, it was the clog dancing experience that made my heart smile. 

Believe it or not, clog dancing was HUGE in the early 1980’s in Southern California.  There were weekly gatherings of cloggers, weekend clog dancing workshops everywhere, all the time.  There is just something amazingly inspirational when you are part of a huge room full of people dancing in unison.  Being a small part of the greater whole was empowering as well as humbling. 

On Friday, August 17, 2012 @ 7 pm, for me that feeling returned.  I once again had the opportunity to dance and be a part of something much greater than me, alone.

The Bellport Cash Mob has accomplished some pretty amazing things in the 7 months we have been in existence.  The Cash Mob concept was perfect for Bellport’s Main Street.  As we Cash Mobbed local business, we provided an infusion of HOPE for business owners.  We each have done a little and together have accomplished a lot.  We have given nice cash infusions to local businesses at times when income was lagging.  We brought awareness to local businesses and reminded people the importance of shopping local. 

However, one of the most incredible results was only realized following the first Cash Mob experience.  The experience of coming together, combining our efforts and making a difference…community building occurred.  The Bellport Cash Mob reminded us of the power of individual citizens coming together for one common purpose; without agenda, personal belief or opinion, the citizens of our little community could unite for the common good and truly make a difference.  That, as they say, is priceless.

Last Friday’s Bellport Flash/Cash Mob took this concept to a different level.  It was clear from the beginning of this venture that we would be appealing to a smaller group of citizens.  It took dedication to the greater cause to motivate some to participate in this event.  It took some of us out of our comfort zones, pushing us to break the barriers of conventionality.  For others, it gave us an opportunity to truly show who we were and what we were capable of doing.  We have extraordinary people in our community. 

Equally impressive was the support we received when we performed our Flash Mob.  Our numbers were tripled as many people came to watch and support the Flash Mobbers.  It was a sight to behold…and you can!  On YouTube!  We have the official Bellport Cash Mob video posted in the near future. 

The purpose of this Cash Mob was to support a business that has been instrumental in creating memories for the members of this community for many, many years.  The Brookhaven School of Dance and Barbara Mordente have played major roles in our lives.  Perhaps your children learned the basics of Ballet, Tap or Jazz at 10 Bell Street, Studio B.  If your child participated in the theatrical events at Bellport Middle School or Bellport High School, they were most likely guided by the very capable and brilliant hands of Barbara Mordente, her staff or experienced students.  She has caused many of our youngsters to realize their lifelong ambition.  She has provided us, the families with many lasting experiences. 

Personally, there has not been one event in which the Brookhaven School of Dance has played a role that I have not been moved.  Friday’s Flash/Cash Mob was no exception.  As I participated in the workshops and the performance at the Marina, I was moved by the excitement, dedication and accomplishment of each dancer/cash mobber.  We all bought in to the idea of supporting this Bellport institution and we were given so much more in return. 

50 years from now, when most of the Flash/Cash mobbers have passed, I hope the Long Island Advance will feature us in an August, 2062 issue:  “50 years ago today Barbara Mordente, the Brookhaven School of Dance and her Flash Mob surprised the Bellport Village Marina…”

Crabbing for the fun of it...

This is a sight most Bellportians are excited to see;

a stretch of open area at the dock offering one a choice of crabbing spots. 

After a great start last night (2 keepers in the first 5 minutes,) enthusiasm waned as the "too small" crabs began showing up, 2 at a time on each line, stealing chicken legs and leading to our disappointment.  No wonder there was space at the dock.

Then we met 2 great kids, Emilio and Antonio, summer visitors, crabbing with their family for the first time and anxious to master the skill. For me, this is the best part of crabbing. They were so excited to learn something new. They watched, listened and learned from the experienced old crabbers (not me...I am still learning;) politely asked questions and enthusiastically participated. Emilio worked on mastering the string, Antonio the net. The best part? They were never discouraged when the only thing emerging from the murky water was a partially consumed chicken leg. They joyously celebrated every success, even if the catch had to be tossed back. They truly just enjoyed the journey, not really motivated by a goal. They were living for the moment. Another life reminder from the younger ones among us.

We left our lines in their now rather capable hands, donated our meager catch to their bucket and went home quite satisfied.

. 

This is the first of the two feisty guys lured by our fresh chicken legs.

Read the anger in his eyes...you really can...those are eyes, right? 

Sure, we lost our initial investment, but we, along with Emilio and Antonio, decided we were feeding the babies so they would be ready for future crabbers to snare and enjoy.  From my perspective, my kitchen was spared the odoriferous creatures and I was reminded why I enjoy crabbing...just for the fun of it.   

  

Spending time in 11968…

My jobs require me to spend a good amount of time in the 11968 zip code (Southampton Village) each week.  Each Thursday I spend about 12 hours away from 11713 and in this famous South Fork Village. 

(Note:  there is a claim that Southampton was the first English settlement on Long Island.  However, I have it on good authority that Southampton is actually the SECOND oldest English settlement…after Southold founded in 1639 (in part) by my ancestors, the Horton and Budd families.  But that is another story.)

There are a few hours of free time between my Thursday jobs.  Since summer traffic in Southampton is laborious, I usually head for a local spot where I can park and enjoy the summer weather; such as the park at the head of Lake Agawam.  I may walk about or sit and read or just ponder.  Yesterday I sat and pondered. 

(Henry's Bench)

This day I chose to sit on the Henry Barclay bench; it was shaded and offered a nice view of Lake Agawam.  The small plaque affixed to the bench gave me pause.  You see, it tells me that in 1906 Henry was born on Lake Agawam.  Interesting choice of words.  Was Mrs. Barclay on the lake, unable to make it to shore when she gave birth to babe Henry?  Was she on a boat?  Was this an early 20th century "waterbirth"?    My mind easily wanders when given such fodder. 

Henry Barclay’s name appeared many times as a result of a Google search.  However, there was no reference to a Henry born in 1906 on the lake or any other such dramatic entrance into this world by any of the many Henry Barclay’s I found. 

Perhaps a Google search of Lake Agawam would offer some information.  The search resulted in many entries including a link to Southampton Patch where there appeared a short video tour of the lake from a helicopter by Jeff Cully of Cully/EEFAS: 

 http://southampton.patch.com/articles/scenescapes-see-agawam-and-bathing-corp-from-the-air#video-7320613 . 

You can see that there are many amazing homes on the lake; I wonder if Henry was born in one of these homes.  Note:  I was sitting at the end of the lake looking south towards the beach and great Atlantic ocean.

(Lake Agawam from Henry's bench.)

Still, nothing was revealed about this man born on this lake.  Filling in the blanks was left to my imagination. 

As I sat considering Henry, his birth and his bench, eventually a group of fowl gathered near by.  No doubt they assumed I had food; I did not.  If I had had food, unlike the folks sitting on the other benches in this park, as a Weight Watchers Leader/Member I adhere to that unwritten rule:  when counting PointsPlus Values of all foods consumed, there will be no sharing.  I wonder...were the ancestors of these birds on Lake Agawam when Henry was born? 

(Fowl of Lake Agawam)

So I think about Henry's circumstance and enjoy the bucolic setting of Lake Agawam.  I will continue my search for more clues on this bench worthy citizen of yesteryear…and continue to spend free Thursdays at this great little park.

42:45 - The Official Time!

It is done.

I have completed a 5K race within the time parameters, did not finish last and I lived to tell about it.

There are some things that remain a mystery to me. Like how people can take pleasure in doing this? How some of these women look as great -- or even better -- after the race as they did standing at the starting line? What compels one to attempt this more than once? Why someone decided to hold a 5K on a July evening on Long Island?

Truly I understand the satisfaction of athletic accomplishment. My muscles have great memories of such. They (and my lungs) remember the 100 laps we always had to swim before sailing class at University High School. They remember bicycling up hills in Santa Barbara with my friend Carrol as we rode from LA to SB one year. They remember clog dancing for hours on end with my friends in LA and Las Vegas. They even recall the 10 miles I once ran on the paths of Laguna Hills, California. There is great satisfaction in completing something of great athletic magnitude.

But I am embarrassed to say that that was all before life in New York. Since moving to Long Island, my activity has been limited. I have lived here nearly 18 years; those muscle memories are fading. It took this 5K to cause a call to reactivate activity and create new memories for my slightly older (ahem) muscles.

There is much that I have learned in the past 3 weeks of training and then competing.

·         I can improve on my athleticism.  Three weeks ago it took me 63 minutes to complete 5K; I cut nearly 11 minutes off that time yesterday. 

·         It is humbling to “run” a 5K in front of neighbors, family and friends.  (I love the applause and cheers!)

·         Training without music is great free thinking time; watch out Bellport!

                  ·         I love to walk; loathe jogging.

·         I SO appreciate Dr. Joe, the Chiropractor. 

·         I am ready to reactivate my activity.

A big thank you to my WW compadres for the encouragement and the inspiration to even try this 5K.  I will be waiting for you at the finish line every chance I get!

A butterfly and the Bellport Clipper Classic…

For 3 weeks now I have been “training” to participate in the Bellport Clipper Classic.  I love exercise.  I love being active.  I love a physical challenge.  I love what exercise does for my body, mind and spirit.  This, however, has been an interesting adventure. 

Good:  I am revisiting Dr. Merckling, the Bellport Village chiropractor, for that competitive edge. 
Not so good:  the pain in my neck and shoulders is the real reason I returned, though the treatments surely improve my overall state of being. 

Good:  my Nikes are getting used as they should be.
Not so good:  I change band-aids more often than I change my underwear.  

Good:  I feel great after completing a 3.29 mile trek.
Not so good:  I have gained 5 pounds during this training process. 

Good:  I have encouraged others to participate as well.                                                                         
Not so good:  I cannot back out of the event. 

During this same period of time, I have kept a rather hectic schedule.  However, it is summer on Long Island and no matter how busy, one must make time to enjoy the weather and the late setting of the sun.  (Perhaps you do not realize this, but in the southwest, the sun does not stay up this long…ever.)  Our patio is lovely, the backyard is lovely and we have even been able to enjoy the chiminea.  (You have a chiminea, don’t you?)

About 3 weeks ago after my first week of training, I was sitting in the new Adirondack chairs by the chiminea one evening and something kept buzzing my head.  I could not imagine what this creature was until he lighted on my arm.  Shocked, I realized it was a butterfly.  He flashed the most vivid orange colors at me as I asked him who he was.  His response was to fly away.  However, he soon came again and rested on my shoulder.  I tried to get a photo of him with my cell phone, but he flew away just as I pressed to “take” the photo. 

There are many myths and legends about butterflies.  We know their transformation is rather miraculous.  Their beauty is other-worldly.  Admittedly, I spent a lot of time pondering the visit and its meaning. 

He has been back 2 other times.  Saturday he buzzed the jamming circle during my daughter’s graduation party.  Yesterday I caught his visit with my phone.  I tried very hard to get a shot with his wings open, vivid colors displayed.  That just did not happen.  He landed on the wood pile and cleverly blended in, refusing to open his wings until he was ready to fly away. 

According to legend and myth, I could choose to believe that he is someone I know who has passed, coming to bring me a message like, “Do NOT run the Bellport Clipper Classic!” Or “run and not be weary, but you are going to have to fly with wings like butterflies...the eagles have gone to cooler climes.”  Or he is hanging around waiting to take my wish to the Great Spirit.  In the event this is the case, I have been frantically trying to narrow down the one wish I want him to take.

So today is T minus 6 days until the Bellport Clipper Classic.  This morning I walked a steady but slower pace (swollen/painful feet, ankles and legs) and completed 3.29 miles in 50 minutes without stopping and talking to one single person.  I am ready for the challenge; I want to check this off my own bucket list and move on.  I am pretty sure the butterfly could be there to warn me to take it easy and move on to the next challenge.  But I also think he is hanging around to carry my wish.  I just hope he hangs around long enough for me to make a decision on the one best wish I could make.  (Note:  it will have NOTHING to do with the Bellport Clipper Classic!) 

14.41 minute mile...

This is the start and end point of my course.  It was a shortened course today due to, well, life.  Still, I stayed under the 15 minute mile and felt good.

Now...off to address the issues of life after workout.  It is all fun...why am I so stressed? 

Migrating...

Note to self and anyone else who may be wondering:

Migrating...that is what I am doing at this 4 am hour...migrating posts to this site. 

Embarrassing to admit, but I forgot that this was the site from which I wanted to post.  There are so many blog sites and I am looking for the most versatile and user friendly. 

I will continue with www.MissTerri.posterous.com for all things Weight Watchers.  This, however, will be my preferred 11713 site.