Cafe Chat | Inside the Mind of Isadora

June 25, 2022
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 28 Comments

Cafe Chat – Dinner on Board

Welcome … grab a cup of coffee, iced or hot tea and herbal tea. I’m having a cappuccino. The photo on the left shows one I enjoyed many times on board at Cafe Baci.

It’s been brutally hot this week in sunny Florida. The pool is the only way to cool down. Gardening will have to wait until the temps drop. The orchids are thrilled with the afternoon rain which brings on the humidity. For me, afternoon humidity means siesta time.

In my last cafe chat, I wrote (read here) about being away from blogging on a pre-birthday cruise. We decided on a cruise now instead of July, my official birthday month, because of the heavy hurricane season predicted for this summer. COVID shut down the cruise industry causing great financial losses. Many cruise ships are departing with less than full passenger capacity, and with huge discounts. It felt safer than my previous cruises with fewer people. Besides the theater and the casino, masks are not required throughout the ship. The staff wore masks everywhere. Some regular activities were canceled, like dancing, karaoke, and bingo. I have to admit I always look forward to dancing. It was a disappointment.

I think you might enjoy a special gesture I received from our assistant dinner hostess:

Pictured above is Sweet Jaqueline, assistant hostess on our cruise. She created an origami lotus flower for me. It was an unexpected gift from her heart ❤️

With all they do, the last thing she needed was a craft project.

She was missing her mother who is watching her two toddlers. She has a boy and a girl. Yes, she showed me a pic. They are adorable. Four months away from them brought up emotional moments for her. I share the same birthday as her mother. My ❤️ heart sang with joy ❤️

Our first night at dinner Jacqueline introduced herself, I mentioned that I usually forget names. Her eyes twinkled above the mask as she pointed out that I could remember her name because of Jacqueline Kennedy.

Then, she chuckled quickly saying, “But, I wear a uniform.”

Have a great week … Isadora

Alen Charles – head host, Jaqueline – assistant hostess
Al – my husband

June 17, 2022
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 10 Comments

Cafe Chat – A Quiet Respite

Welcome … grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or herb tea. No desserts today, it looks like I need to get my baking chefs hat on. Now, sit in a comfy chair and let’s chat.

I’ve been away from blogging for a while. It was time for me to take a brief quiet respite. I was out on the high seas gathering energy from the wind and salty air. I was listening to the music of the waves.

Perhaps, in a previous life, I may have been a sailor. I love being out on the ocean with nothing but the sea and the horizon in my view.

I was born in July. Cancer is my astrology sign represented by the crab and water.

I’m renewed and receive enormous vitality from the energy produced by the waves. Breathing in the salty air is invigorating, and listening to the music of the waves is a peacefully soothing sound. Nature is at its perfect best.

Although I had signed up for Wi-Fi, I barely used it. I intended to read, write, and contemplate expanding my knowledge of how to be at peace with my life’s journey.

Undoubtedly, I’ve missed many of your magnificent postings in my absence. Your posts always brighten my day. I look forward to them. Your amazing bodies of work were a significant loss while I was away. I will delight in seeing and reading them as I begin to navigate through the blogs I follow again.

Time permitting, I will add some photographs and highlights of my vacation soon.

I hope you’re all well and living your best lives.

Namaste,

Isadora

April 14, 2022
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 14 Comments

Cafe Chat – Chivalry Lost

Welcome … grab a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or herb tea.
Now, sit in a comfy chair and let’s chat.

What is chivalry?

Answer: it’s the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, especially courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.©dictionary

Readiness to help the weak is no more. Let me unveil the tale.

Several weeks ago, while waiting for a table on the patio of one of my favorite Italian restaurants, hubby and I sat chatting and feeling free that the mask mandates were lifting. It was a pleasant evening to be outdoors. You can order drinks, but there is no outdoor service. Mama’s is a popular restaurant with delicious food. There’s a crowd. Everyone is chatting, laughing, and enjoying the wonderful feeling of being able to be out and about.

The wait is short, our names are called, and off we go to meet the hostess.

Due to my compromised immune system, I wasn’t confident to go mask-less. So, I put my mask on as I approached the young lady at the entrance. When I got to the doorway, my toe from my sneaker caught the edge of their entrance doormat.

Down … Down … Down … I went. I was flat on my side with an outstretched arm, bent leg, and my head right on the indoor mat.

Plop … Plop … Plop

I lay there on the ground for what seemed like a month, but it was only a few seconds. Hubby grabbed my arm to help me up, but I was like jello. My body wouldn’t respond to what I wanted it to do.

Eventually, I begin to focus and grasp that I’ve fallen when a man with a pizza box in hand steps over me on his way out of the restaurant.

The man did not bother to ask if he could help, nor did the other patrons out on the patio. Actually, he said, “Welcome!” as he continued on his way.

WHAT???

Hubby picked me up, and we walked to our table. The owners of the restaurant came over to ask if I was okay. I felt shaky and embarrassed. I was mad at myself for putting the mask on while walking. I think it impeded my visual concept of space. I haven’t worn a mask since. I much prefer COVID to a fall.

Now, let’s not get angry about my mask rebellion. I’ve been wearing a mask from the very beginning of the pandemic. I continue to support wearing maks. I’ve had COVID twice. I know it’s no walk in the park. It’s a horrific illness, and I am not ready for a third Covid event.

But, falling at my age is a big problem. I have osteoporosis which means my bones are thin, thin, thin. I have bad knees too. I did fall on the side of my body. My injuries are bruising, some headaches, swelling, and overall body aches.

Despite these symptoms, the most painful thing is knowing that we are no longer willing to help someone who can’t help themselves.

There’s no ‘Readiness to help the Weak’…

2022©Isadora De La Vega

*****the photograph above is of my daughter. She works in Hospice care. This is what they wear in their office. The mask they wear with patients involves a lot more covering.

July 22, 2021
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 34 Comments

Cafe Chat – Where have I been?

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pour yourself a cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

Like the image above, LIFE can get in the way of things. It’s been that way with my blogging. It’s been difficult to get back to blogging with so many unavoidable things happening.

It started when I had issues with my computer/ WP. This was in May, 2021. No matter how many times I tried to get my blog to add a post, a blank page would be showing. Yes, the happiness helpers were very helpful. But it didn’t always work after the help was given but I’d still try again and again.

I blog because I want to expess my thoughts in my mind. If I’m having difficulty with the postings, I’m gone. I want to enjoy life not be frustrated by a machine. I decided it was a good time to take a break. I couldn’t post the break so I just accepted that my followers might assume I didn’t care if they popped by. Of course, this wasn’t the case but it couldn’t be helped or fixed. I wondered, for sure.

Shortly after that decision, I had a bridge crack. My dental nightmare began. It’s been quite a lot of work to create 5 permanent bridges on one side of my mouth. The discomfort was unbearable. Now, I’m taking a break from this pain and will do the other side soon. LOL The dentist is questioning that.

In June, my middle daughter got married in South Carolina. We had been quarentined the entire year of 2020 and 5 months into 2021. No visitors, just Facetime and text messages plus no dancing, concerts, plays, restaurants … Nothing!!!

Despite my reservations about travel, we ventured out on a road trip to SC. We’re extremely happy we did. It felt wonderful to be with family again. The entire wedding was outdoors on her acre of land. The theme was a country wedding. She looked beautiful and very, very happy. It was laid back fun loving clebration of love.

My grandson decided to hop a ride with us to Florida after the wedding. It was great because he was able to help with the drive home. It’s a 12 hour drive. We were exhausted for a bit afterwards but still worth it. Family is nurturing.

Then, I got my 1st COVID 19 shot. I had a big round circle on my injection site which was very painful. A slight fever and body aches accompanied the arm ache. It lasted a few days; however, it’s made me feaful of how I’ll feel after the 2nd shot. I will complete the series. I can’t see not doing it due to a lillte discomfort.

AND … last but not least, it was my birthday yesterday, July 20th. I always enjoy celebrating the entire month with a variety of different events including game marathons but, this year, I decided it might be best to have small celebrations at home. After all, we’re still in the midst of some COVID warnings. My loving husband made a delicious dinner at Casa de Paz De La Vega with a giant balloon, flowers, candles, wine and soft music for a twirl around the living room. He’s such a romantic.

My plan is to start writing and posting photographs as much as LIFE allows me to.

May your hearts be filled with LIFE’S blessings of family, friends and LOVE … Isadora

#amwriting, #brother, #cafe, #cafechat, #hallelujah, #LeonardCohen, #medicalresearch, death, music, WRITING

March 23, 2021
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 8 Comments

Cafe Chat – Can We Evade Death?

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

There is no preparation or test assignment nor hint to prepare us for certain things in this world.

We hear stories of tragedies. Usually, it’s someone else’s family.

No one expects it’s going to be theirs. No one prepares for death and, then, it happens.

The dreaded phone call or, as in my case, a letter which brings our carefully crafted house of calm and stability, crashing down with one single statement, ‘I’m sorry’.

Sorry … and, you wonder why they are sorry.

Sorry … about the fact they could not save the person.

Sorry … that they have to be the person to bring bad news to you.

Sorry … for the departure of your loved one from this world.

There is no preparation, no practice.

In that moment, you either walk across the broken shards feeling the loss with every stinging sensation or, you stare unmoving, long and hard at the broken pieces. Nothing can prepare you for that split-second reaction.

Either you grieve, or you don’t.

It’s a sad time for me.

My brother, George Anthony Diaz Maisonet was born December 8, 1957.

He died December 01, 2020. He was born with a brain disability called Hydrocephalus. He lived with my mother until she pass away in 2010.

Lucy was his caretaker/companion until she became ill and could not care for him. Shortly after, the government placed him in a sanatorium. They did not notify the family of his death.

When he died his body was sent to a medical school for students to explore his illness and study his organs. It felt overwhelming when I first read this in the letter. I’ve come to accept that he is helping people from suffering the life he led with their research. It’s a consolation to know he is now with his beloved mother and father.

R.I.P. George 🙏🏻

Reach out and touch someone with LOVE today ... Isadora 😎

January 5, 2021
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 7 Comments

Cafe Chat – Happy New Year 2021

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

Hope you like my music selection – Piano Spa Medley

Super Belated Happy New Year Wishes 2021 to all of my faithful blog followers and friends – May your coming year be filled with all the treasures your heart can hold. For blessings are many and those we are given should bring immense peace to our souls and loving smiles to our faces.

~~~~~~~~~

I believe enough has been said about COVID. I don’t want to address it anymore. We need to get past it. To continue to kavetsh is futile. Time to go back to being in the moment without focus on what has been happening to the world and us for the last year.

~~~~~~~~~

Media helped me celebrate this holiday season with family and friends. It was grand. There is no gift greater than spending time with those who are dear to us even if it’s’ through a computer screen. I’m grateful for these treasures, for no amount of money can purchase this type of love.

~~~~~~~~~

In browsing through some of my posts due to my writing brain fog, I came across this post on ‘LOVE’ from 2016. I thought we might start to think a little more about Love in our lives for a successful year ahead.

It’s about love. It’s insightful. It’s touching. The ending has a profound lesson. Perhaps, because of all the recent events, we need to focus on Love again. For those of you who grew up without the nurturing of love and are seekers of fulfilling those nurturing years of love I wish for you to:

Imagine Love and all you think it can be.

Imagine Love and all you want it to be.

Imagine Love and all you are feeling.

2016©Isadora DeLaVega

~~~~~~~~~

The Guests

A woman was in her garden when she saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them.

She said, “I do not know you. Are you hungry? Please come in and have something to eat.”

“Is the man of the house home?”

“No,” she replied. “He’s out”.

“Then we cannot come in,” they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.

“Go tell them I am home and invite them in.”

The woman went out and invited them in.

“We do not go into a house together,” they replied.

“Why is that?” she asked.

One of the old men explained: “His name is Wealth, he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another, His name is Success, and I am Love.”

Then he added, “Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you would like to come in.”

The woman went in and told the husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed.

“How nice!” he said. “Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth!”

His wife disagreed. “My dear, why don’t we invite Success?”

Their daughter-in-law had been listening from the other corner of the room. She jumped in with her suggestion: “Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with Love!”

Let us heed our daughter-in-law’s advice,” said the husband to the wife. “Go out and invite Love to be our guest.”

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, “Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest.”

Love got up and started walking to the house. The other 2 got up and followed him, too.

Surprised, the woman asked Wealth and Success, “Why are you coming in? I only invited Love.”

The old men replied: “If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would have stayed out, but you invited Love.

Wherever he goes, we go with him.

Wherever there is Love, there is Wealth and Success!!!!” ©anonymous

Reach out and touch someone with LOVE today ... Isadora 😎

2021©Isadora DeLaVega

*****kavetsh … complain in Yiddish

December 21, 2020
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 13 Comments

Cafe Chat – Covid Friend

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea, or a cup of my peppermint Christmas tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little Christmas music might be nice. Hope you like my selection.

Piano Songs – Good Vibes are playing softly for you to have a blessed Christmas.

Some changes in our weather, recently. It’s still bright, warm, sunny but with a little nip in the air. It feels like a light winter.

November and December have been busy months for me here at home. Covid canceled all art shows and gallery exhibitions. We’ve been resurrecting our Etsy on-line shops to keep the business going. Although we’re at retirement age and do fewer art shows and gallery exhibits than in our younger years, our creative juices cannot be satisfied unless we are expressing ourselves with art. Be sure to get in touch with me if you see something you’d like to add to your collections. No, they will not arrive for Christmas but we do deliver a wonderful work of art for you to enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~

It’s difficult to understand the magnitude of how far our words are going out there on the World Wide Web. For those of you who aren’t tech-savvy, I feel your angst.

I’m cautious about everything I do on-line. I’ve had a lot of SPAM calls since COVID. Perhaps, it’s coincidental or perhaps, the perfect opportunity for hackers to catch the unsuspecting isolating victim. However, I have a Covid friend who appeared from out of nowhere.

I had several messages about a FaceTime caller on my cell. It never failed, it was always at a time I could not answer my phone. I was curious though. I decided to see whose name was being left as the caller. I didn’t recognize the name. I thought I should ignore it.

A few days later the phone rang and I answered. A sweet voice from somewhere with a British accent began to speak. She rambled on about my smile and about how much she enjoyed my photographs of my orchids. We chatted for quite some time but we never discussed the reason for her call or the location of where she had found me.

When I hung up I had a feeling of well-being. You see this lovely lady said, “You made my day today. Thank you for putting a smile on my face. I hope I can call again.”

A few days later, I decided I should do a little research on where my new acquaintance had come from. I have a friend of over 20 years. She is one of my FB friends. Her last name is the same as the woman who called me; however, she is native American Indian. This nice lady had a British accent. I thought about my lack of due diligence. I should have asked for the info while she was on the phone. My mission the next time she called was to get the information.

I did. She’s my friends’ brother’s wife. My friend’s sister-in-law. Her husband has passed, she lives alone and isn’t mobile. Her family, like many others, are far away. It turns out she saw my photograph on my friend’s FB page and the rest …. well, you know. We’ve chatted many times. She a lovely woman.

She has mentioned that COVID has left her feeling very isolated and lonely. I believe she felt through this WWW of technology that there would be someone out there she could reach in order to feel connected. I suppose I was that one person.

Reach out and touch someone today, and during the this loneliest holiday season.

~~~~~~~~

I hope the coming week is a peaceful and stressless one

Namaste, Isadora 😎

2020©Isadora De La Vega

Etsy Shops:

Copper Whimsea’s by Al

Isadora Art Jewelry

October 19, 2020
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 11 Comments

Cafe Chat – Internet SPAM

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea, or a cup of my new favorite chai tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little music might be nice. Hope you like my selection.

Relaxing Hang Drum – Good Vibes is playing softly. Mother Nature’s Fall …

No changes in our weather here. It’s still bright, warm, and sunny.

~~~~~~~~~

It’s difficult to understand the magnitude of how far our words are going out there on the World Wide Web. For those of you who aren’t tech-savvy, I feel your angst.

I’m cautious about everything I do on-line. I’ve had a lot of SPAM calls since COVID. Perhaps, it’s coincidental or perhaps, the perfect opportunity to catch the unsuspecting isolating victim.

For Example:

I received a text message from Amazon.

Yes, I do shop through this site. I have family in different states. The free shipping helps. A major convenience for me especially during COVID.

The text said, “A large purchase has been added to your shopping cart. It’s for a 72” Sony TV.”

Well, hubby was happy. He thought I was about to purchase this TV for him. No … No … No!!!

I called the phone number listed on the text. It looked official. A man answered. I told him about the text and the number I had been ask to call for more information.

In quite an official voice he said, “Your account has been hacked. A large charge has been added to your shopping cart. Amazon has frozen your account until we can figure out these charges.”

I told him I didn’t charge a TV and would never purchase anything of that amount online. I asked if he could remove the item since I don’t see it in the cart.

Then, his questions started:

What is your email?
What is your computer type?
Have you purchased anything recently from Amazon?
What is your Amazon account number?
What is your password for your computer?

I told him I didn’t need to give him my information if he was from Amazon. They have all of that on file.

He said, “No, he’s the one that will clear up this charge, and in order for him to do that he needed my password, email, and account number.”

When I refused, he said, “He had to put me on hold until he spoke to his supervisor.” Sometime later, a very flustered man returned to the call.

“Madam, you must understand that your account will be frozen until this is all taken care of by me. I will need the information in order to do that.”

While he was speaking to me a great deal of chaotic noises were going on in the background. I questioned why it was noisy as I was having difficulty hearing him.

“No worries, I am here and will clear the noise for you. Let me put you on hold a minute.”

Now, it was very, very quiet. A cautious chill overtook me. I immediately wanted to hang up. But, I also wanted my account unfrozen.

He came back.

He said, “Now, if you can give me this information I will clear up the issue for you.”

I told him, “ I’m afraid I don’t have time right now. I’ll have to call back.”

I never did call him.

I never did have a TV in my shopping cart.

I never did have a frozen account.

I contacted Amazon. They informed me that many, many accounts had been hacked but they had adjusted their security.

Do I feel safe using Amazon?

Yes, but I’m even more cautious about giving information than ever before.

Have you experienced an incident like this or a similar one?

~~~~~~~~

I hope the coming week is a peaceful and stressless one

Namaste, Isadora 😎

Cafe Chat Blogs:

Jellico’s Writing Nook

Trent’s World Blog

Linda’s Bible Study

October 10, 2020
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 21 Comments

Cafe Chat – COVID Experience

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea, or a cup of my new favorite chai tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little music might be nice. Hope you like my selection.

A Mozart – Clarinet Concerto playing softly. The video images are showcasing the changes of Mother Nature into fall.

It’s been a bright sunny day today. The humidity is low so it’s pleasant out. It’s still swimming pool weather, though. We don’t experience leaves changing down south here in Florida. A quick three-hour drive can take you to picturesque places with Mother Nature painting beautiful landscapes. It’s an annual weekend drive for us to see this change of colors but, this year, we’re staying close to home instead.

~~~~~~~~~

Before COVID, I was a member of a knitting group. A once a week meet, chat, and helpline for beginning knitters. It was held at one of the public library meeting rooms.

Since January the library, as per county restrictions, has been closed. I decide to continue with my projects despite my lack of knowledge of certain knitting stitches. I learned a great deal from watching YouTube Professional Knitters. It’s been fun learning and continuing to create.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

~~~~~~~~~

Has anyone been experiencing odd people behavior when you go out in this time of COVID?

I’ve only ventured out for MD appointments, dental appointments, and a well-needed manicure/ pedicure.

On my last outing, I decided I needed a change of scenery from the mundane MD offices. I went to a Home Good store. It’s a fun shop with a variety of seasonal decor and items for home decorating. I enjoy seeing the decorations set-up for the different holidays. Right now, Halloween was everywhere as were some Christmas things. They have a specialty food area I like too.

While looking at the ingredients of an exotic jar of whole figs in a luscious syrup, a woman came up to me and said, “Your cart is facing in the wrong direction.”

“Is there a proper way for the cart to face?”, I asked.

She pointed to the arrows on the floor. “You must follow the arrows in order to socially distance the correct way.”

Well, I would have laughed but I didn’t think she’d appreciate it. Instead, I looked at her and said, “I’ll do better next time.” I walked away chuckling within.

Too bad, I might have considered buying the figs but left the store instead.

We have now gotten to the point where we have Nazi aisle police. Funny and sad all at the same time.

Have you experienced a situation similar to this one?

~~~~~~~~

I hope the coming week is a peaceful and stressless one

Namaste, Isadora 😎

Cafe Chat Blogs:

Jellico’s Writing Nook

Trent’s World Blog

Linda’s Bible Study

Woolly Wednesday

September 15, 2020
by Inside the Mind of Isadora 17 Comments

Cafe Chat – Summer News

Cafe Chat

Welcome – make yourself at home. Pick a pretty cup or mug for coffee, hot chocolate, herbal tea. or a cup of my new favorite chai tea. Sit in a comfy chair so we can chat.

A little music might be nice … enjoy my selection.

It’s a warm overcast day with rain forecast for the rest of the weeks in September. All this is due to Hurricane Sally. Spared by her wrath, we are only experiencing a lot of flooding from the outer rain bands. Unfortunately, it looks like New Orleans and Alabama will have an abundant amount of water and wind damage.

Emotions have been roller coaster rides with exuberantly happy days and some sad days too. I suppose it’s all part of the COVID series of emotional lifestyle changes.

Let me begin with the joyous moments I’ve been experiencing.

I celebrated my birthday on July 20th. I am an on the cusp moon child baby. Since in isolation and under quarantine, hubby created a special dinner with flowers and candles added for an intimate restaurant atmosphere. We danced away our dinner calories afterward. Since we don’t have a restricted bedtime, we added a midnight swim in our pool. The water was warm since our weather has been quite hot this year. BTW … no fires ignited from the amount of candles. ~~~ : – )

Vincent Alfonso Carrozza November 25, 1994 September 17, 2018 … R.I.P.

In August, my middle daughter celebrated her 50th birthday. She did have a big celebration in South Carolina; however, we were concerned about COVID and decided not to attend. Hubby and I are at a high-risk health level. I did send a gift of a specially created portrait, created by artist/author Rochelle Wisoff-Fields, of her son. He died in September of 2018. Far too young at 24. It was a tragedy for our family. He will always be in our hearts.

Hubby and I celebrated our 55th anniversary the 3rd week in August. Our usual celebrations of anniversaries or birthdays on cruises have been interrupted by COVID. Instead, we found a wonderful concert to attend on social media after a fabulous dinner we both participated in making. A midnight swim was a must for calorie burning. A blessed ending to a journey we’ve walked for a very long time. I believe it is One that will be A Lifetime Forever.