Maroons Online Vol. 1… No. 81
Acta non verba
Observer: Acceptance
Macky’s New York: Nona Borgatti & Our Lady Of Mount Carmel
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductees Dinner: October 30, 2021
Paul Cortellesi: Inside Sherwood
M + A NYC: Stepped Totem Beverage Chiller and Luminaire - Alabaster
James Stroker: Attitude Is A Decision
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Observer
Acceptance
As I grow older, I’m beginning to understand what it means to “Age Gracefully.” This is what I’ve come up with so far: Aging gracefully embraces elegance, acknowledges what is good & true, and humbly accepts that which you cannot change.
Acceptance to me is the biggest of these epiphanies. When I was younger and would be gobsmacked by my manager’s disinterest after I reported a hacked network, it would take me a while to settle myself down. Now I can calmly tell the president of a non-profit I used to advise that his network was hacked and not be upset at all when he gives me quizzical stare and vague reassurances that it couldn’t be true. I simply accept his ignorance and let him continue to pad his resume with a gratuitous title.
Though my response to this recent case has me asking myself, “Did I do enough to prevent a future calamity?” I concluded “Yes” some months ago. I even gave it a sports related justification that the jock in me could easily grasp: Just like in baseball, three strikes and you are out. I whiffed on making any impression at all on the non-profit and gave it three tries. Now I sit on the bench waiting for my next time at bat and wondering how I will approach the next set of curve balls to come my way.
Sometimes it isn’t making a hit that counts but leaving an impression. Even when you might never see the ripples which your presence created. All you can hope is that you yourself are able to retain a grounded feeling of resilience and efficacy. Leave the doubters behind. Firmly grasp the idea that experience is usually unrecognized and oft times is largely unappreciated in our society.
An elderly neighbor once told me that, “Now and again there are questions with no good answers.” After hearing him mention this for the third time in our 5 year long friendship I decided he was correct. I fondly recall his words now whenever I face an unpleasant situation with no good solution. This stance is never easy to take. It simply allows you to get on with your own life and to strive towards making a hit when your next time at bat comes around.
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
October 15, 2021 - Arthur Avenue, the Bronx
Nona Borgatti & Our Lady Of Mount Carmel
As I wait for my dad outside Bogatti's Ravioli shop...I notice an old photo of Nona Borgatti in the window and that's her happy face - I should know because that's the look my Grandmother gave me evrytime she saw me.
Shot on East 187th street looking south with the steps of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the distance.
Time 1130am.
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
RHS Homecoming 2021
***Photos courtesy of Taryn Carroll***
Coach Chuck Johnson RHS 1970, Willie Geist RHS 1991, Mark Kossick RHS 1993.
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame 2020 Inductees Dinner
October 30, 2021
Order Your Tickets For 2020 Inductees Dinner Celebration
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Nomination Form
Visit The RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
Paul Cortellesi
Inside Sherwood
There is a lotta history with that work bench.
It was first built in Jersey City using the “Dual 2x4 Strut” columns that Mark Dingley introduced when building our Hoyt lofts at Drew University in 1983. The drill used to build it in 1989 came from Bill Mullen and has now reconstructed it for the third time. After spending the past 25 years in our small cellar shop, the bench has moved uptown and will continue to be the centerpiece of all future projects.
The red vice was my father’s and the black vice was Deb’s grandfather’s. They will both be busy.
M + A NYC
Stepped Totem Beverage Chiller and Luminaire - Alabaster
This one does it all, lights up your days and nights and serves a lovely chill to your bubbly or wine. Made from alabaster with crystal-like fractals and warm threading and veining throughout, this looks lovely alone or chilling your favorite vintage. Please place the piece in the fridge or freezer and slip in the vino! When that's all gone, place a candle within to keep on glowing!
Made in Agra, India by master artisans
5" d x 6"h
Care:
Alabaster is a very soft stone and can chip easily (so just be a bit careful). It also is very porous and not water tight. We don't recommend filling with ice for that reason. If you'd like to use as vase, please insert a glass within.
James Stroker
Attitude Is A Decision
Jim Schoneman
Rock Hound
Two of my favorite beach finds from our north shore trip; a piece of sandstone with a vein of quartz running through it, and a small piece of beach glass. The sandstone and quartz combination is a common find, but I loved the shape so much I had to pick it up and bring it home. Beach glass used to be a much more common find back in the 60’s and 70’s, but not so much anymore.
The shape of the sandstone is pretty much how I found it. I couldn’t tumble polish this piece because the sandstone would disintegrate and leave only the quartz behind, so I just did some light hand sanding on the edges and then sprayed it with Krylon triple thick clear glaze. That stuff works great on porous rocks. Then I drilled a hole and tied on a cord. It’s my favorite rock to wear now.
The beach glass was left exactly how I found it. I simply glued on a small bell cap with a soldered jump ring. That piece is for Jenni.
Peace