A Trip to Manhattan . V, XX (Change red print ?). OO

Hello everyone,

Cousin Marcia

Waldorf Astoria

   Shortly after Al's cousin Marcia, moved to L.A, she volunteered    to stay at home with our five years old Karen, so Al and I could go on a well needed short vacation by ourselves... We used this opportunity to have a reunion with Al's childhood friends from New Jersey, who became my close friends as well... This group came to visit us in P.R (Getting Engaged) and later, were guests at our wedding in New York  We decided to meet an in Manhattan for five days and were excitedly making plans! Because of Al's past Hotel connection; he was able to arrange large and beautiful rooms, at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel... We haven't seen most of these friends since our wedding and everyone was delighted and excited to be together again!

   We began our day with a 'Loud breakfast' at the hotel's dinning room; trying to make plans for our five days together in the "Big Apple"... This was not easy to do; with ten people who have different opinions... However,  we eventually came to an agreement... We'll begin the day by climbing the stairs of the 'Statue  of Liberty' and later, take the elevator, to the Tallest Building in the U.S: The Empire State Building. We decided to take a walk in China Town, have lunch and visit the Museum of Natural Art, see a show in Radio City, look at galleries and antique shops and go on a visit of Central Park... All the places I got to know when I lived in Manhattan, before I left for Puerto Rico and met Al.   (♪ New York, New York, It's a Wonderful Town! ♪).

  By the end of the third day, some of us (mainly the women) had blisters on our feet, after walking all over town... We were X ex-hosted, and deciding to spend the early part of the following day, at the hotel ordering Room Service and meeting in the lobby for a drink, before our evening activities. We should  have Dinner in one of the finest and well known restaurants, in Manhattan and later, see a show in one     of the theaters, on 37 Street... Albie (my husband) who used to be the Food and Beverage Manager at   the Hilton Hotels in Puerto Rico, had some "Gastronomical Connections" with several restaurants in      Manhatten so after dinner, we would go to see a show, which our friends reserved sits for, well before    our arrival... On the fourth evening, after a delicious French dinner, at one of the 'known restaurants'       we walked to 42nd street, heading for the theater, 'Rubbing Elbows' with women in Evening Gowns     and well dressed men, wearing tailored suits and ties... As we were walking towards the theater, I suddenly had a strange experienced, which I can only describe as being "Out of this world!"

Broadway and
42nd St. (day)

Broadway and
42nd St. (night)

   "The part which I call "I", slipped out of my body through the Crown Chakra (the soft part of the baby's head) floating about 40 feet above, like a tiny golden cloud... This "New I", was looking down at "Shira" who was walking with our group of friends, talking and Laughing' while 'Shira' below, seemed to have      a wonderful time... I was 'floating above without a  'Body!'  I was a part of enormous, pure and refined ''Loving Energy', a kind of "Transparent Intelligence" which I suddenly realize was GOD... This "Loving Energy", was encompassing every one and everything, I  understood and realizing how 'All' was 'One': The grains of sand, a drop of water, the Human race, the Animal and Plants kingdoms, as well as our planet Earth and others like it! I was 'Awe Stricken', realizing that just like me, the entire universe is made  out by 'Shimmering Threads', of the same pure Light and Love, which was enveloping me...  

   It seemed as if I was "up there" for eternity and at the same time, just a few seconds...The next thing           I remember, was sitting in the theater with our friends, engulfed by Aromas of expensive perfumes...           I didn't tell anyone, about this amazing experience, not even my husband, for fear people may think           I am "Out of My Mind" (Which in a way I was) Nor did I share this amazing experience until now...

Our friends from the East Coast---	Karen with the Torah	Karen with parents and grandparents	Lighting the candles	Our friends from the West Coast

  About two years, after my "Spiritual experience" in Manhattan, Al and I were invited by a couple of    our friends in L.A, for a BBQ... I was introduced to the hostess' younger brother, who has jut spent a    year in Israel, as part of his up coming Ordination Requirements of becoming a Reform Rabbi... The     two of us talked about Israel and the, that unlike the United States, where one can choose between  Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism; In Israel there was no other choice: There was just the          Orthodox Movement! After I talked for a while with this young man, I said: Judging by the way you      talk and present yourself, I could never imagine you as a Rabbi...You seem like a Hippy more then a  Rabbi..." He looked at me and smiled; "You are very perceptive Shira!  Actually, I used to be a Hippie     and lived in a commune in Northern California, until one day, as I was sitting on a tree stump at the    middle of a small grove, I went s through an amazing experience!"  To my astonishment, this future  Rabbi, proceeded X to describe the' Very Same experience, which x I went  through in Manhattan... X"Floating out of the body, through my crown chakra, being enveloped by an incredible Loving      Energy and experiencing Unity, Love and the feelings of Oneness, which connects each particle,              in God's creation...  X Can you see why, after such  powerful, spiritual experience, I would decide             to become a Rabbi!" He said... For some reason, I did not share with him, My almost 'Identical'    Spiritual Experience... Even now, so many years later, I can not understand why I did not...

 With Love and Light,
Shira

Los Angeles -- City of Anglels. (My 4th, 5th and 6th MSE ) XX (red?) Why Red? V, 00

Hello everyone,

   About a year after Al and I met, he told me about a strange problem, he suffered from... One of his glans, would occasionally swell up, causing him to feel weak and dizzy, which would forced him to         be in bed for two or three days... In spite of the several doctors and the  medicines they prescribed         no  one was able to fin the source of this problem! Throughout the first six years of our married, this 'Annoying illness', would come for a visit' several times each year... I was having a 'Health Issue' of       my own...Migraine Headaches' I began to suffer from, when I was in high school in Israel The pain     was  sever, I needed to take very strong, Prescription Medication and get into bed to sleep it off...

  Shortly after we moved to California, I read a book about the Transcendental Meditation (T.M) which became popular, after being introduced in the U.S, by     it's creator: Maharishi Masha Yogi. I shared this information with my stubborn   and resisting husband, suggesting we should bouth go to a 'Work Shop' which would help us with our issues...X"You take it Shira, you are the one, who believes in all "This New Age stuff!"X Al said... I had to use all my power, to convince him to do it with me! He reluctantly agreed... The two of us were lead to separate rooms, with different.    'Teachers' ,who were suppose to "Enlighten" us, then give us a test to make sure we can properly use      the steps we have just learned, during our morning and evening meditations at home... We were given a"Mantra"; Special Ward, to use during our Meditation and told 'Never to reveal this sacred ward, to anyone!' Not even to each other... Below are the experiences, which Al I were going through...

   I was sitting in a chair, with my eyes closed, repeating the "Mantra", which I selected      from several others and was instructed... I waa asked to keep my eyes closed and repeat        in my mind, the new Mantra I chose... As I was doing so; I suddenly felt some kind of  'Energy', pentering my head, through the 'Crown Chakra'... (The soft part in the baby's head) At one point I felt how this 'Energy', was "Turning around, faster and faster inside my head" until I began to feel very dizzy... It finally slowed down, settling behind my left eye (where the Migrans used to begin) and slowly disappeared... My Migraines never came back...

   On our way home, I shared with Al what I have just went through, expecting him to make joke             as he always did, in such situations... To my great surprise, he did not... After some hesitation, Al         told me (reluctantly) that he also went through a similar experience, during the meditation, though             "His energy", settled inside the gland in his neck, which used to swell, whenever he got sick..."It        would probably come back again!" My"Optimistic" husband said, with his typical doubting and       cynical ton of voic; then jumped in his seat, when I yelledat him: "Don't say it! Say Delete Delete!"           To my great surprise Al said it right away... I guess Al was shocked, when I screamed (which I        seldom do...) The two of us never experienced our pain again... A while ago, a friend who took               the same cource, told me how he learned in this cource, to create a parking space, when ever he      needed one, just by snaping his fingurs. Here are his wards...

  " Driving for a while, unable to find a parking space, he would snap his fingers and say: "Here comes my parking place!" And a space would materialize; no matter how crowded    the Lot  was... One day, after driving to my dentist office, frustrated, because I couldn't find     a place to park, I suddenly remembered  my friends wards and decided to try it... To my great astonishment';  it worked right away! My inner Critic, as well as my Cynic, were making fun of me For "believing in such nonsens"; but I ignored them...  Al was also laughing at my "Superstitious and crazy believes..."   Mounts later after driving around unable to find a parking space, l remembered to snap my fingers and a space materialized right away... My skeptic husband was making fun of me: "Come on Shira,you must know it is a coincident!" Eventually Al as well changed his mind... Whenever we were unable to find a parking space he would look at me and say:"O.K, do your trick already!" It it would always worked!  However, my super skeptical husband, kept on insisting, each time we found a space after snapping my fingers, that it was a coincidence... I didn't argue however, I was able to catch him several times, 'secretly snapping his fingers', when we were looking for parking space...

Oy vey!

Which way?!

  A short time after moving to California, Al became very friendly with Ann Mullins, an English woman my age,who worked in the same industry as his.... After introduced her to me, the three of us became close friends. One day I made plans to drive and visit Anni who lived in Venice Beach, quiet a long way from our home in Studio city...  I was never gifted with a great sense of direction (to put it mildly) and was unable to find Ann's place and became a bit confused, not knowing which exist, I shoul take... After a while, I began to feel very confused and a bit panicky, as I was unable to find the exit to get off... (It was before cell phones mind you...) suddenly I  remembered the "Fingers Snapping" trick!

  "If there is an angel for parking places," I told myself, "There must be a special one, who    is in charge of Transportation!"  I snapped my fingers and said out loud: "Please take me to Annie, Now!" I can't remember how it happened, but within less then ten minutes, I found myself in front of Annie's office door!!!

   My rational logical brain, would say that after visiting Annie's house, so many times, my subconscious mind, would know how to Navigate Automatically! However, this time, I was not driving to her house... The two of us planed to meet at her office, where I had never been to before... For a long time I was trying to find a rational explanation, to what "Rely Happened"...  After being unable to find  a space', I gave up...  It is said that California, has been known, for it's  'New Age Discoveries', well before this information was introduced in the East Coast... One of these "New discoveries" is Astrology, which is actually a very old concept, about the magnetic effect of the stars, moon and time of birth on the human personality, as well as on world's events!  I began attending several workshops, which dealt with Astrology...  At one point I 'Battle Shock', were born on the same month, sharing the same Sun Signs... I was stunned to learn about the 'Magnetic effect', our Heavenly Bodies (Stars Moon and Sun) are having on the human's personality traits, as well as the emotions and our physical behavior...  It seems, that this powerful Magnetic energy has been the major cause, for the Wars and Natural  Disaster; Floods, Tornadoes and Earthquakes...I was amazd to realize, that the two Temples in ancient Israel; were destroyed on the Same Day of the Jewish calendar! (Nine of the month of 'Av')!  The 'First  World War' began on July 28 1914 and the second; on September 1st 1939; two months later... (Just a coincident?)

Destruction of the First Temple.	Destruction of the Second Temple.	World War I	World War II

 

 With Love and Light,
Shira

Settling Down. XX Transfer photos from below. OO. (Fix photos)

Hello everyone,

   Al was in California for a month, learning how to run his new business; which besides having a       show room, included a furniture factory... I stayed with Karen in Florida, waiting for the end of the  school year to join him... The break from family responsibilities, enabled Al to concentrate and learn  more about his Furniture Business and the running of the company... It seems that my husband, finally found, what he didn't even dream about: A challenging 'Furniture Business, operating in New Jersey California and Italy... Al's uncle Same and his son Larry, who had a small furniture business in New Jersey, joined in... The entire family was relived and delighted: X "Al, the restless 'Wild Child', who    was  "Wondering all over the world and refusing to settle down", is finally married with a child and         is  ready to move with his small family to California, as a partner of Italian Furnishing Company...

   After arriving to Los Angeles and living for a year in an apartment, Al and I found a small house in Studio City, which we would remodel three years later... The two of us were extremely friendly and it   was easy to created a nice circle of friend... Some, were Al's costumers, Manufacturers, Designers and       Decorators ...  We also met several parents of Karen's new friends, who like us, had a "mixed marriage"  (American and Israeli)  At one point we decided to "Import" to California a few of Al's relatives, who lived in the East Coast... First came Cousin  Marcia, whom we dearly loved and Al's  younger brother Steve, who recently graduated from Law school... We met  a few several second cousins of Al and got togethert for Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries and other Happy events...

Marcia

Steven

  A year after we arrived to California, Al's new Italian partners, extended an invitation to come to Italy, so Al could become more familiar with 'their side'      of the business operation... We bordered the airplane to Paris, with our four years old daughter Karen and after four days, in the City of Light, flew to London for a short visit and continued to Milan and Lake Como; where our Italian hosts took us to one of the of the most luxurious hotels in Italy: The Vila De Este'!which belonged at the time to a very wealthy family, which lost it's fortune, after the First World War and had to sell their 'Summer Villa', which became one of the most magnificent and well known Hotel in Europe... Before entering the hotel lobby, the three of us stood outside, admiring the magnificent grounds...Karen was delighted to stay in a "Palace" and even though Al and I, traveled in Europe before (separately) we have never seen such Artistically decorated terraces and gardens, like those surrounding the hotel, which was located right next to the shimmering water of Lake Como.... At one point as we were looking around admiring the beauty of this place, we heard our four years old daughter's voice" "I like it here!!!"

The Eiffel Tower	Buckingham Palace	Villa d'Este	Karen,Shira and Lake Como	Gardens in Villa d'Este

   It would take me a while to learn and fully understand the power of "Creative Thoughts" an "Spoken Words"... After we moved to L.A,  I was devouring books about the "New Age" and was taking courses    in Transcendental Meditation, attending amazing new seminars (EST)  taking classes about "Dreams Interpretation" and the positive effects of "Sound Vibrations"... I attended classes at the "Kabbala Center" in L.A, studying "Mysticism" and visiting 'Spiritual and Metaphysical Retreats'... I was amazed to realize that Al and I, created this trip to Italy in our imagination,when we stood on the balcony, before the concert break in Atlanta (after he lost his job). We were trying to get over our fears by Visualizing this kind of a trip by using our "Power of Creative Visualization" and four years later, we manifested our dreams and desires!... (Looking for a Nest).

   The doors to our home in Studio City, were always wide open to our many guests... Al's father came from Florida to stay with us, as well as his brother uncle Jack, with his second wife XNetaly. Lewis, Al's older brother came with his wife and two daughters... Aunt Roslyn, Al's favorite Aunt and her husband came from New York. Marcia's mother Aunt Nettie,whom we adored, came as well and so did my parents and brother's family, who came from Israel... We had a happy house, full of life and laughter of our family members and friends from New York and Israel...

Shira's parents	Brother Rami and wife Dalia	Uncle Jack (90) with Karen	Aunts Roslyn and Nettie dancing	Karen, Al  Steve and Grandpa	Al's Brother Lewis with  family

   Among these friends, were Susan and Alan who lived on a Farm in Virginia...The Rosenberg's our "Matchmakers" came from NY.  Mario and Marganet our "old" friends, arrived from Florida, Yedida      Eli and their three kids, arrived from Puerto Rico! My Israeli friends who met Al, during 'Yom Kipur War'...(The Land of Milk and Honey) came as well...They admired Al's 'Sense of Humor' and genuine warmth and hospitality: X"You are just like an Israeli, Al!" They complimented him and gave him a new Title: "The King of the Steaks!" After he barbecued "Choice stakes", unlike the "kosher" steaks in Israel... "You are OK Al!" They complemented him, adding a friendly slap on his back: "It's hard to believe that you are an American; you are just like a regular Israeli!"...    

♪ ♪ ♪	♪♫♪♫   Summer time and the living is easy  ♪♫♪♫			♪ ♪ ♪

   Besides celebrating Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries and several Surprise Parties; we hosted two weddings at our back yard...  The first was my nephew's Eldar and his wife Gali wedding and  the second  an Engagement Party for one of my clients, who had no family to celebrate with...As the years past by we celebrated the birth and naming ceremonies, of my"Grand Nieces:Shelly and Orya, since the grandparents (my brother and sister in law) lived in Israel, Far, Far Away...

Birthday party for Annie	Eldar and Gali's Wedding	Wedding party	Shelly and Orya, my"Grandnieces"

   The summers were for Bar-Ba-Que, "Croquet Tournaments", swimming in our small pool and enjoying  the Jacuzzi... In the Fall, we hosted "Hanuka Parties" (Our Jewish Christmas)... At other times we would invite people for Casual or 'Formal dinner parties', based on Agata Christie's Murder Mysteries...We also  hosted 'White Elephant Gifts Exchange', asking people to bring the 'Ugliest Gift' they ever received.These evenings were filled with the sounds of Roaring Laughter, especially when some Ridiculous "or Ugly gifts, were coming out of the boxes... (photos below)

Mystery dinner	Murder mystery game	White Elephant Helen	Fred and Anita	Richard	Neighbors

   About six years after we moved to California, Al and I found out that few of his high school friends were living in L.A and Sun Diego... We invited these old friends for cocktails and I was watching with delight their Happy Reunion! At one point I suggested to create a group, which we named the A.A.P  "Almost All Patersonians!" (I was one of the only"Almost")  The two others friends were Dr. Cecile    from England, who was married to Ann, from Paterson New Jersey... Later on we would add to our   group Harold from L.A, who was married to Barbara; another 'Pure-blood' Patersonian, as well as        two more couples, bouth "Born and Bred" in Paterson:  Elaine and Jay, as well as Marylin and Fred

  XX photos from below

 The AAP group, met every other month at each other homes, in L.A and San Diego. I introduced them   to the 'Alphabet dinner game', which Al and I played with our friends in Georgia... This time around, we decided that instead of cooking at Home; we would go to a restaurant! The evening would start by having a drink at the Hosting Couple's home ,where the gusts had to guess, by the O'derves', the restaurant we are about to visit... I would later send Humorous reviews of these evenings, which I eventually put together, in a "Home-made book" for our group members... 

 Up

Superman Al - I	AAP Guys (Before)	Almost All Patersonians (Now)	AAP Girls (Before)	Superman Al - II

With Love and Light,
Shira