Maroons Online Vol. 1… No. 95 Tuesday, December 7, 2021
“Bringing us all to a place we don't want to lose."
Observer: What’s Next for You?
Macky’s New York: The Christmas Tree Salesman
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame: Accepting Nominations
Paul Cortellesi On Cooking: Roast Chicken/Fennel
M + A NYC: Enamel and Brass Plated Oval Tray
James Stroker: Hope Coach
Jim Schoneman: Rock Hound
Deborah Bryant Handwoven: Holiday Sale
Observer
What’s Next for You?
When we are young there are clearly defined paths for us to travel as we proceed towards full adulthood. Some of these rites of passage include graduating from High School, a first full-time job, marriage, children, & death of a loved one.
After the generally recognized stages of life, there isn’t much we have in common. The old idea of working your entire career for one company and receiving a gold watch along with a pension is as archaic as the horse and buggy. Not that people wouldn’t prefer the perceived security of one company for life, it just doesn’t exist.
It’s much easier to lay people off. One CEO recently laid off 900 employees in a single Zoom call. If he had to do this in person, he might have had some second thoughts as to the brilliance of its timing around the holiday season, or even if it needed to be done at all. Maybe he ought to have resigned immediately after dismissing the 900.
The uncertainty surrounding careers is just one aspect of figuring out what is next. We seem to be missing some show of respect for people who have done their best, paid their dues (taxes), and are now left with the sinking feeling, if that is all there is to life.
Recognizing that all of our lives we want to have a passion, a sense of purpose, and we all retain the desire to be heard & needed is part of any solution. Understanding these are not less necessary after an arbitrary age or when we have declared ourselves “Retired.”
Fortunately, we are not alone in this predicament. If you reach out to one person from your past (consult your Arrow Yearbook) and let them know that you are grateful for having known them, then you will be at your next stage in Life: Gratitude & Forgiveness. If you are like most people this is not something easy to do or something accomplished in a day. But it does provide a sense of purpose, and the passions it will arouse must not be disregarded. The people whom you are lucky enough to contact will hear you and maybe even comprehend why you made the effort. To me, that makes up for feelings of loneliness brought on by the pandemic, regrets over past choices, and worst of all, the queasy sensation that I haven’t lived up to my own potential.
Thank you for reading our small contribution to the literary/photo journalism community.
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
December 6, 2021 - Greenwich Village
The Christmas Tree Salesman
A man sits outside his booth on an unusually warm December day wonding if any one will buy his trees in this heat.
Shot on 6th avenue just north of Carmine.
Time 2pm.
#mackysnewyork
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
Accepting Nominations
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame Nomination Form
Visit The RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
Paul Cortellesi On Cooking
Roast Chicken/Fennel
M + A NYC
Enamel and Brass Plated Oval Tray
M+A NYC's oval tray is a curvaceous beauty. Perfect for use as a catchall or for serving hors d'oeuvres. Creamy hued enamel on brass plated stainless. Food safe.
Designed by M+A NYC in New York
12"L x 8 5/8" W x 3/4" H
Made in India
Shiny enamel on inside
Food safe enamel on brass plate stainless
Care:
Clean with mild liquid detergent and dry with a soft cloth. Do not wash in the dishwasher.
James Stroker
Jim Schoneman
Rock Hound
Footbridge over the Prairie River, at Prairie Trails Park in Merrill. This used to be a lake before the DNR tore out the dam twenty years ago.
Deborah Bryant Handwoven
Holiday Sale: Use Code CyberMonday21
Handwoven goods and garments including scarfs, shawls, and handbags. Handmade by Deborah Bryant, RHS 1977, in her studio located in the mountains of North Carolina.
Peace