In light of the death of James Gandolfini, I wanted to take this time to write how much I enjoyed HBO drama, The Sopranos.  To begin, let me say that I am a huge fan of dramas.  Back in the day, I wouldn’t miss an episode of Hill Street Blues or L.A. Law. Later on, it was Law and Order and E.R.  Lately, I have drifted to the cable dramas, albeit rather late in the game.  I watched The Sopranos when it first came on HBO, because I am a huge fan of Mafia-inspired dramas and movies, plus it took place in New Jersey, so what could be better.  However,  between getting married, having children and having a love/hate relationship with premium channels, The Sopranos and I parted ways.  A couple of years ago, after the huge hoopla over the series finale was over and done with, I sat down and watched the seasons that I missed.

What a remarkably awesome show.  Actors, writing, character arcs….it still renders its impact to this day.

The Sopranos is a thinking person’s show.  The writing is excellent, no one is a good guy and there are only small satisfactions along the way.  Don’t expect this show expecting the good guys to win or the bad guys to get their comeuppance.  It ain’t happening here.

Even the FBI, usually the people on the white horses that come in and save the day, are painted in dubious colors.  They are responsible for a few deaths and beatings on the show, that’s for sure.

It is definitely a male-oriented show. You delve so deeply into Tony Soprano’s psyche that you know for sure this is not someone you want anywhere near you or your family.  The rest of his cohorts and the women who hang around them….there were times when you might have shed a tear, but when you elevate yourself from the spell of their highly insulated world, you can’t feel sorry for them…they chose this life, right?

Though you may feel that these people selected their own fates and must pay the consequences, the show still somehow makes you feel for them, shed a tear for them and silently urge them not to turn their back on that guy in the Members Only jacket.

But what sold the show wasn’t just the good writing, the well-written characters (and the awesome actors that portrayed them) , it was James Gandolfini and his character’s troubled relationship with his mother that permeated his very being, that kept you tuning in, despite months between seasons.

Thank you, Mr. Gandolfini and Mr. David Chase for providing us with such an excellent character study within the “walls” of the New Jersey mob scene.  The Sopranos is a show that can be watched and rewatched again  – every time I watch an episode, I see new things.  That’s very rare.

I like iced tea, usually unsweetened with a touch of fresh lemon.  Sometimes, with a touch of demerara sugar.  It’s a cool alternative to hot coffee and it’s pretty healthy too.

However, there comes a time when plain ol’ drinks simply won’t do, and you need that extra special kick to get you into that relaxed groove. Like…iced tea on nitro, otherwise known as a Long Island Iced Tea.

For those of you who don’t know, a Long Island Iced Tea is a mixed drink which contains gin, tequila, vodka, rum and triple sec as well as other ingredients (as if we need anything else), depending on the recipe.

The origin of the Long Island Iced Tea is rather clouded, much like you’d be after drinking one or two.

The generally accepted origin is that a bartender invented the drink at the Oak  Beach Inn located on Long Island, New York. The other story is that it was invented by “Old Man Bishop” in a community called Long Island located in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Which one do I believe?  Who cares, as long as I’m drinking.  Here, I’ll give you the “Old Man Bishop” version.  Enjoy!

Long Island Iced Tea – “Tennessee Style”

Squeeze a lemon half and a lime half in a highball glass.

Then add:

1 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Whiskey

½ oz. Rum

½ oz. Tequila

½ oz. Gin

½ oz. Maple Syrup  (the real kind, not the stuff you usually use for pancakes)

Mix thoroughly.

Then pour in 4 to 5 oz. Soda Water (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or RC Cola) without stirring.

Sip slowly and enjoy!

Here in New Jersey, we are suffering what they call a ‘heat wave’.  According to my daughter, who has been imbued with 3^rd grade wisdom from her summer science class, a heat wave is a phenomenon in which the temperature is at or above 90 degrees for three consecutive days.   When I tried to correct her, being the teacher that I am, and said it has to be five consecutive days, she said “That’s the definition given by the World Meteorological Organization.  My definition is specific to the Northeast.”

“My definition is specific to the Northeast.”

At those times you have to laugh.

So it’s summer, and it’s a heat wave.  My neighbor asked me if it was hot enough for me. I told him, not until I can fry an egg on the blacktop driveway.   My poor tomato plants wilt at noon and the dog hangs out in the basement, where it’s much cooler.  (She’s smarter than most of us.) I tend to avoid the basement because that’s where you’re supposed to do laundry.  If I could get the dog to do the laundry, then I would be set.

If it’s hot where you are, grab a glass of iced tea (unsweetened because sugar makes your body work too hard) and put your feet up. There’s nothing that you have to do today that can’t be put off until tomorrow or at least until cooler.

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Issalia discovers that there’s one thing that she can’t put off and that’s her marriage to King Toridesh.  Forced into a marriage and facing certain death, Issalia used her wits and a little bit of sexual misdirection in an effort to preserve her maidenhood.  Once the union is consummated , it’s the end of the marriage and the end of Issalia.

Take a trip to a desert fantasy world and a story inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights.

Amazon

All Romance E Books

Summer may be a time of supposed relaxation, but some of us find ourselves busier than ever.  Between the pool, the beach, fireworks, picnics and family reunions, we may find it difficult to find some downtime to hear ourselves think.  One thing to remember, it’s important to take time for yourself.  Slow down, stop rushing.   Yes, it’s good to have fun, but it’s good to carve out a few moments to keep our minds in good working order.

So, as a mother of three little ones, I’ve had to refine the art of relaxation, taking those little breaks within a busy day that recharge you.

Here are five ways to help you relax, even in the midst of summer chaos:

1.  Journaling – During the day, when the children are most active, I don’t always have the time to write down the odd thoughts that occur to me.  I use my cell phone, or a pad of paper that I keep in my purse, to jot down the thoughts that pop up in the course of waiting for the camp bus or hanging in the car while camp is winding up.  You can use journaling to write down a specific thought, sketch and observation or even write down an emotion.

2.  Take pictures – There is magic in the ordinary, believe it or not.  A bird sitting on a telephone wire, a squirrel making its cautious way across a street or sidewalk.  In my travels, I have seen birds, cats, squirrels, deer, dogs, groundhogs, turtles, ducks and geese.  The other day, I saw a mother and father goose with their four goslings.  I snapped a quick picture and every time I look at that picture, it reminds me of spring and renewal.  Pictures don’t always have to be spectacular.  They just have to be special to you. Note:  the picture doesn’t have to be posted and shared across thirty five social networks.  Keep some pictures as special and private to you.

3.  Look at pictures – I have old National Geographic, Ranger Rick and other nature magazines.  Some of the pictures are awe-inspiring and breath taking.  Pictures can give you a visit to another part of the world, even if it’s only for five minutes.  A beautiful ocean scene from Bali can refresh you enough to face that afternoon traffic.

4.  Talk to your pet – We recently rescued a pit bull after our American Bulldog/terrier mix passed away in January.  What a beautiful dog she is, with such sensitive eyes.  If I find myself getting stressed out or dwelling too much on the negative, I take a moment to pet her on the head and look into those trusting brown eyes.  She’s a great listener.

5.  Aromatherapy – Spruce up your home with some new scents.  Some new potpourri or room spray can give you a whole new outlook on life.  My favorites are citrus scents – I keep a small bottle in the glove compartment so I can freshen up the car anytime I need a boost.

What’s your five minute fix to brighten your day or to eliminate stress?  Leave them in the comments!