Michael

Below is a link to the local NBC story about my friend Murph - Michael Murphy.

http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=261660

Mike "Murph" Murphy: 1976-2008

Mike Murphy was a dear friend of mine. I met him through my husband, and ever since our meeting, he became a part of my life. Only knowing me as "Laura" when my husband introduced us, Mike gave me a hug. I had the privilege and blessing of being a part of his too short life. Mike was a remarkable artist. In addition to being a talented signer and songwriter, Mike was special and loving person. Genuine and caring. A rare find in the music and art worlds.

The best way to remember Mike is through his legacy of friendship and music. I have posted a video that Leave made several years ago. I hope you enjoy this short sample of Mike's life and artistry.

My Friend Tatiana de Rosnay Discussing Her Novel "Sarah's Key."

Here's a video of my friend Tatiana de Rosnay discussing her novel Sarah's Key for the Jewish Book Council.

Exhausted but illuminated

So tired today. The past two weeks have been hectic. In addition to my class and still trying to get my condo in order (still living out of a lot of boxes), I attended my first Kabbalah Congress through Bnei Baruch. As one can guess, I'm dragging and burnt out.

Since February, I have gone non stop and endured a lot of changes. My husband and I bought our first condo and, as much as I told him we shouldn't, closed and moved on the same day. My godmother, who was my eldest paternal aunt, unexpectedly passed away int he middle of the month. She was 80 and lived a good life, but it was very hard on me. Now I know she is still with me, but I do miss her. Then the WRD 202 classes I have were non-stop. I often think, "When am I going to receive a break and some help?"

Well, God does work in mysterious and wonderful ways. I was in line to buy a coffee at the B&N on DePaul's campus, and next to me as I waited in line was a table of books. One of them was called "What to Do When People Push Your Buttons." I bought it because I know at times I can become quick with people or begin to cry when I am under stress. I am reading it now. Will give my review once I finish it.

"The Empire Strikes Barack": Another gem courtesy of YouTube

My dear friend and fellow struggling literary artist, Debbie sent me this.

Another Song for My Husband and a Song for the World

I listen to this Madonna song on my MP3 player all the time. First it reminded me of when my husband and I first dated. My family and friends didn't believe we were meant to be together. We seemed so different. Clearly, those family and friends didn't know either one of us. Bill and I complete each other; other people forbade it through their actions and words because they didn't understand and didn't try to understand.

And when I view this clip from her Confessions tour, it supports what I said about "other people forbid[ding] it because they [don't]understand." The causes of the Middle East's conflicts are rooted in the time of Abraham. The two dancers sporting the religious symbols of Judaism and Islam provide a beautiful as well as a telling image. We hate what we is different and what we don't understand. Yet we are all one, and when we hate a person or an idea that doesn't correlate with or complement our own views, we hate and ultimately destroy ourselves.

History and the Future. Go Senator Obama, Go!

To Quote the Great Studs Turkel: History is Thursday.

This man's egoism and arrogance are embarrassing, infuriating, and tragic. The only piece of advice I have for Kevin James if he asked me would be for him to read books on World War II and Neville Chamberlain, consult a dictionary for the definition of "appeasement", and better understand world history -past and contemporary. God willing, he will.

Mark Green's quote is great: rhetoric and not reality.

Splat!

Yesterday I woke up feeling like a whole vial of bacteria had been poured upon me. My throat was extremely sore and my body was achey and more fatigued than usual. I took my temperature and it was low grade: 99.7 degrees. Illness aggravates my multiple sclerosis; I was not ready to go out and dance. I had made an appointment with my internist for another reason - my sleeplessness - but I think the universe planned the virus to arrive when it did.

After I left my class, I was walking to my doctor's office. As I crossed Wabash Avenue my legs suddenly decided not to function and I crashed to the pavement. My books and water went all over the street and drivers began honking their car horns because I had fallen when the light changed.

My husband has a bad attitude when it comes to strangers and life itself, believing the worse in everybody. How I wish he had been there with me when I had fallen. Three strangers, despite the drivers honking and other drivers driving around me, came to may aid. They helped me up and repeatedly asked if I was all right. One thought I had passed out. My ego more than my knees and palms (as a childhood gymnast and dancer I know the proper way to fall) was bruised, so I embarrassedly told them that I was just fine.

One man helped me up and told me to sit down in Starbucks so I could catch my breath. He wrapped his arm around me waist and asked me if I had felt faint. I told him that I have MS and sometimes my legs decide they don't want to work anymore. He walked inside with me, helped he sit down because, as embarrassed as I was, I felt shaky. He asked if I wanted a glass of water. I told him no and thanked him for his concern.

I wish I hadn't been embarrassed. I should have considered myself blessed. People still do care for other people. My husband, the cynic, still thought the men had other motives in mind. I don't believe that. Who would be attracted to a woman, who has a visible runny nose, that just fell knee first onto Wabash Avenue?

Today my sore throat has taken my voice and purple and magenta bruises are on my knees and the palm of my right hand. My legs and arms are weak. My cognition is like a frayed wool sweater. But I have been through worse, and I appreciate that strangers cared enough to help me. I also appreciate that I, as my deceased Godmother often said, come from strong peasant stock. As an artist, one does need that fighting spirit.

For my husband.