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If one was to choose a child prodigy, an absolute master of pianistic talent and abilities as a brilliant composer of piano music of the 19^th century, it would have to be Frederic Chopin. His skills on piano were legendary as were his compositions for solo piano, with small ensemble, and orchestra.

Early Background

Chopin (1810 – 1849) was born into a middle-class family in Zelasowa Wola not far from Warsaw, Poland. His father, Mikolaj (Nicolas), a Frenchman who had quite a few occupations, was a tutor for aristocratic families in Warsaw. This position exposed young Frederic to cultured Warsaw society. His father also played flute and violin and eventually became a professor at the Warsaw Lyceum. Chopin’s mother, Justina, from Poland, introduced young Frederic to music. His talent for music was obvious at an early age, and he studied music beginning at age six. Chopin composed and published his first piece at age seven and began his career as a concert pianist at age eight. His general education was adequate but not great. A true child prodigy, he studied at the Warsaw Conservatory from 1826 where he graduated with honors in 1829.

Chopin left on an extended concert tour of the main German cities, ending in Paris, France. He subsequently left Poland for good and settled in France, his father’s homeland. Some years later, in 1835, he became a French citizen.

In France he supported himself by selling his compositions and by giving piano lessons. Chopin was in great demand as a piano teacher. As a soloist he was known for his exquisite playing, his ability to improvise, and his delicacy and beauty of tone. His temperament and style were more conducive to a small salon rather than a large concert hall.

The study of composition was enhanced by his teacher and mentor, Joseph Elsner. In Chopin’s early period he composed two of his most distinguished piano compositions, both piano concerti, where the orchestra plays a secondary role to the piano. His manner and style eventually caught on with the Parisian public and he became one of the most popular, in demand, and well-paid performers in Paris.

It was in Paris where he met Franz Liszt with whom he often appeared in concerts. They became friends and Liszt helped Chopin gain a following and a great reputation. He developed friendships with other famous romantic period composers including Mendelssohn and Berlioz.

Chopin’s Mature Period

He wrote some 170 works for piano. In his writing he was fond of long, rather sustained lines, and soring melodies, frequently embellishing those melodies.  He often used folk music and dances from his native Poland.

Many historians and musicologists have said Chopin was much more comfortable in shorter musical forms. He was particularly fond of dance music. His waltzes reflected this love of the form but interestingly, the waltzes were not very danceable, due to their unexpected and surprising changes of tempo and rhythm.

The year 1837 saw the beginning of a ten-year period in Chopin’s life with French writer, Amantine Dupin, who used the male penname, George Sand. She apparently inspired Chopin during some emotionally troubled but productive and prolific times, composing some of his greatest music. During this period, he was experiencing some health problems. Their relationship ended unhappily and rather suddenly in 1847.

In the 19^th century, the advanced mechanics of the piano were continually improving. One improvement that Chopin used to good measure was the damper pedal, as he was able to sustain chords with the use of this pedal.

Chopin’s Musical Output

When commenting on Chopin’s music, in general, Martin Bernstein in his book, An Introduction to Music, reflects that Chopin wrote with elegance and refinement. This is a generally held opinion by many learned musicians. His music exhibits great variety and he was not afraid to use dissonance in his composing, but not to an extreme. 

Among his many works are: 19 Nocturnes – his most popular pieces suggesting calmness in nighttime; 24 Preludes – short pieces in major and minor keys; 24 Etudes (French for studies). These Etudes are pieces to develop instrumental technique. Four Scherzos, in triple time with a rapid tempo. Three impromptus, communicating an impression of improvisation. Four ballades; extensive pieces, narratives in music, often lyrical and heroic in tone, suggesting stories. Waltzes, including some reminiscent of Austrian or German dance forms. Mazurka; a lively Polish peasant dance, with a lively tempo in triple rhythm. His ballads and Mazurkas were some sources for his rhythms and unusual melodies. Polonaise; a more formal, slow, courtly processional dance in triple rhythm of Polish origin. These last three forms show that Chopin was a champion of the Polish Nationalistic School. Chopin was a passionate Polish Nationalist who loved his country but detested with a vengeance the Czarist Regime. He also wrote two Piano Concertos (No. 1 & No. 2). His works represent a substantial output for someone so young.

Not too long ago I saw a film depicting the life, trials, and tribulations of Frederic Chopin, titled, A Song to Remember. The film, released in 1945, was directed by Charles Vidor with music by Miklos Rozsa. The movie starred Cornel Wilde as Chopin. Paul Muni played Professor Joseph Elsner Chopin’s teacher and mentor who guided Chopin in his early years in Poland and early adulthood.

Merle Oberon played George Sand, with whom Chopin had a ten-year association. In some ways it was fictionalized, and in other ways it was quite accurate, according to what we know now through research and the writings of musicologists.

Unfortunately, he didn’t live a normal lifespan. He would have left many more masterpieces with historic significance for us to enjoy. In 1849, at the age of 39, Chopin died of consumption (tuberculous).

A quote from Chopin: “Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.”  

Mark Your Calendar!  for American Icons: Goldman, Rogers, and Sousa, our annual concert at the Blackhawk Museums, March 15^th at 2:00 p.m. Come early, Free Parking. Visit our website at danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band or reach me at banddirector01@comcast.net.

Spend a few minutes with Carol Tan, owner of the exciting new Japanese fusion restaurant Aozora which opens this March in the Danville Livery, and you can’t help but be drawn into her engaging energy. She often punctuates her spoken sentences with a laugh and a clap, and her eyes constantly dance with glee. What Tan, owner of five Bay Area restaurants, was particularly gleeful about when I sat down to talk with her in December was a chance to bring her restaurant and her energy to the Livery, a center she fell in love with right away. “I just love this center,” she said. “I love the wood storefronts and the trees. It’s peaceful. My restaurant is going to bring people in here. They will want to eat at my restaurant and then see what a cool place this is.”

Aozora will feature a modern menu spotlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Tan is obsessed with quality, both in her life and in her restaurants. “If you want to have quality of life, you need quality products,” she said. “And only high-quality ingredients make high-quality dishes.”   One of Tan’s favorites is the Gyu Tataki, a Wagyu beef with daikon, ponzu and crisp garlic. The beef cut is Gold American Wagyu, and it is cooked on an open fire. Tan believes the open fire allows Aozora’s chefs to prepare beef, pork and fish dishes that are especially flavorful. One dish that customers may want to explore is the Miso Cod, miso marinated and flavored by the open fire.

The Japanese restaurant will be anchored, of course, in the sushi and the beautiful, high-quality fish stocked in the sushi bar. The head chef brings 20 years of experience as a sushi chef to Aozora and is known for his elegant rolls.  The quality fish will make the sashimi and nigiri a particularly popular choice for patrons, who may want to try the Assorted Sashimi, Chef’s Choice.

Danville residents will also love Tan’s fresh approach to cuisine that brings other cultures to the traditional Japanese menu. One of Tan’s favorite dishes is the fried Brussels sprouts with Karashi mustard vinaigrette. She says she orders Brussels sprouts everywhere she goes, but that the sauce and the preparation at Aozora creates a unique take on the dish. The sunflower sprouts with baby gem lettuce and orange and strawberry vinaigrette present another lively offering. Tan brings in the produce for the salad from an organic farm in San Rafael, but all of her produce is local and organic.

Tan has cut no corners in the ambience as well. She is using the same designer who laid out two of her-other restaurants, Kakui and Akemi. The restaurant features a sushi bar with salvaged wood, suspended, pendant lighting and creative finishes such as handwriting on the walls. Even the bathrooms are impeccably executed, with custom made counter tops and sophisticated lighting treatments. “I want to build a beautiful dining room. My designer puts her own personality into everything she does. She takes a lot of time and insists it is done right,” Tan said.

Tan says she always puts herself in the role of the customer before she finalizes any decision. She believes that if something feels good or tastes good to her, then her customers will be happy. “Why not come to me,” Tan said to end our interview, her eyes gleaming. “I will take care of you so well.” Danville residents will certainly be both happy and well-taken care of when they visit Aozora.

Visit Aozora Japanese Restaurant located at 818 Sycamore Valley Road, Danville, California 94526

DanvilleLivery.com

Just like a national holiday or a particular month that focuses on a person or group of people who overcame enormous challenges changes your perceptions, sometimes you meet someone that unexpectedly adds to that enhanced appreciation of life. A person I met recently, Nekisha Gallon, is one of those people that touches your life the moment you meet her.

With a heart to always strive for a better life than what she endured as a child, Nekisha Gallon is a true spiritual survivor who aims to be a light to anyone she meets. A bright soul I crossed paths with in the past year, we instantly connected because of our experiences with the foster care system.  Her story began in 2001 when she was only 11 years old and forced to endure the emotional turmoil as she was removed from her home and placed into the custody of the Contra Costa County foster care system. She endured painful experiences no child should ever have to face.  

The oldest of six siblings, Nekisha and her younger brothers and sisters were separated, placed into not just one foster care home but multiple foster care homes. Caught in the crossfire of her mother’s crack addiction, she dealt with multiple instances of sexual abuse at the hands of people who were supposed to care for her. Even with all these tragedies in her memories, Nekisha always knew that God had a different plan for her life.  

Watching her mother make diligent efforts to show up for the supervised visits, the devastation and difficulties of her mother’s choices, along with the lack of follow through from the county’s family court system, she witnessed the deterioration of her mother’s mental state. What could have been an opportunity for her mother, Rocquel, to be provided with direction and resources for rehabilitation, sadly resulted in her living on the streets of North Richmond. 

Dealing with the world with her heart on her sleeve just like her daughter, Rocquel has endured harassment and insults as she survives sleeping in parks and any abandoned home she can find. Nekisha still visits her in this environment out of unconditional love and a desire to keep her thoughts on what is good in this world and how she can add something good in her mother’s life.  

It can be a very cruel world that we live in but there are offsets because of the determination of individuals like my dear friend to keep on keepin’ on. Sadly, growing up in a dysfunctional family environment often leads to a continuation of  the dysfunction. However, Nekisha shattered the limitations by graduating with honors from high school and now attends Cal State East Bay, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business. In 2015 she married her high school sweetheart and is a mother of two children, Angelo Jr. and A’Naiyah. Today she works full-time in her own fitness business, “Flexin With Keke,” and is working to raise funds to help her mother with future rehabilitation costs.

You never know what someone has been through and their capacity to make necessary changes, despite pushbacks, so don’t judge a book by its cover because behind that “book” may be loved ones wanting a better path for all involved. Whether a person is part of the mainstream or the struggling homeless, everyone has a story to share. When the day begins and you walk out the door to face it, remember that there are those who have endured or who are enduring a rough path.

The pain of the past can be the lesson that helps us grow and break patterns; to plant the seeds that help the community and many we may never meet.  It was such an honor to get to know about Nekisha and her family’s life.  Just like her business name, instead of letting the problems keep her down, she is determined to flex through the mess.  It is a pattern we all should imitate.

  For more information regarding fundraising or to be a physical fitness member with “Flexin_With_Keke”, please email flexinwithkeke@gmail.com

As promised with last month’s column highlighting my 2020 Outlook for the U.S. markets and economy, this month’s Investor’s Edge column is about my insights for the rest of the world this year. Welcome to my 2020 Global Outlook.

My global outlook for 2020 is positive with an asterisk. My forecast is for a 3.2% global GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate. However, this growth will not occur if the trade talks do not go as expected, and worse yet, if additional tariffs are enacted. (As I write this, we are just a couple of days from “Phase-1” of the U.S. – China trade deal being signed at the White House by President Trump and Chinese officials.)  Cheap money is the main driver behind what I expect to be a solid global economy in 2020. The world’s economy is awash in easy money. Including the three rate cuts by the U.S. FOMC, 20 central banks have eased monetary policy over the past 12 months. And, there is no reason to expect that changing in the next 12 months. Like in America, another bright spot for global economic growth will be the continuation of consumer spending.

• Europe: Europe’s exposure to trade and reliance on manufacturing made it a casualty of the trade war and the global downturn in automobile production. 2019 saw the European Central Bank (ECB) take policy rates further negative and re-start quantitative easing. The Eurozone should benefit in 2020 from easier monetary conditions, the recovery in global manufacturing, the lifting of trade-war uncertainty and Chinese policy stimulus that increases import demand from emerging markets. The easing of political risk is also a boost to my outlook. This time last year, Italian 10-year government bond (BTP) yields were heading toward 4% and creating concerns about the solvency of Italian banks. BTP yields are under 1.2% in now, mirroring declines across Southern Europe and supporting financial conditions. This is being reflected in declining non-performing bank loans across Spain and Italy. The potential lifting of Brexit uncertainty is also a positive. Overall, I expect a gradual pick-up in growth across the Eurozone during 2020. The absence of inflation pressure means the ECB is unlikely to consider lifting interest rates.

• Japan:  Japan’s economy is suffering the after-effects of the consumption tax hike on October 1 and its exposure to the global manufacturing downturn. The uncertainty around the China-U.S. trade negotiations as well as Japan’s own tensions with South Korea have weighed on economic sentiment. Easing trade tensions and an improvement in global manufacturing should support Japan’s economy, as will a boost to spending and tourism from hosting the 2020 Olympics. There is also speculation that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration will launch a sizeable fiscal stimulus. Japan, however, is likely to remain an economic laggard relative to other developed economies. I expect persistent disinflationary pressures will keep the Bank of Japan in ultra-accommodative mode.

• Emerging Markets:  Emerging markets (EM) will walk a tightrope in 2020. They will benefit the most from a weaker dollar but be hurt most by trade tensions. First, China. Chinese policy makers are balancing the short-term requirement for stimulus against the medium-term necessity to reduce leverage in the economy. Credit growth is unlikely to accelerate sharply, but the authorities have already reduced bank reserve requirements and cut policy rates. They are also likely to increase local government bond issuance to boost infrastructure spending. GDP growth, however, is unlikely to rebound and should remain near 6%. As I said in my 2018 Outlook, China remains positive. Now, India. As one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for digital consumers, India is a market where disruptive technology is driving productivity and deflation more than generally expected. Key reforms, including the recent reduction in corporate tax rates, measures to improve the regulatory environment and monetary easing, will likely steady the economy. And, a third noteworthy EM country is Taiwan. Taiwan is seeing some spillover benefits from the trade war as its companies start onshoring some operations. Government incentives to attract operations back to Taiwan mean that this will have ripple effects on its domestic economy.

While my global economic outlook for 2020 envisions an upward path, there is a high degree of uncertainty around the forecast given unpredictability around trade and other policies. Mitigating these tensions could prove my positive forecast correct, or stimulate economic growth higher than anticipated.

WISHING YOU A GREAT 2020!

Contact me if you have any questions. I am always happy to help. Email me at jg@blackhawkweathadvisors.com. Visit my website:  blackhawkwealthadvisors.com.

The best advice is usually information that has been touted for centuries. It seems as if every month new medical recommendations are broadcasted regarding what supplements to take, which antioxidant foods to eat, and which vaccinations to have or not have. Throughout history, health issues have been of foremost concern and thoughts on best practices have been shared by physicians and other health advocates. Benjamin Franklin is a good example of an impactful non-physician good health proponent. Everyone knows his quotes: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Mr. Franklin was the founder of the idea that an individual should take an active role in maintaining his or her own health. The key to having a healthy, long life is relatively straight forward—take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, get good sleep, and exercise.

The common denominators amongst the healthiest people are almost universal, that some kind of exercise has been a consistent presence throughout their lives and that they are not overweight.    Usually, pain in an area of the body is an important signal that lets us know that we’re not doing something right. For example, acute pain can occur when we lift something too heavy and may be relatively easy to remedy by not continuing to do that. On the other hand, chronic pain can occur by being overweight for many years which ultimately affects the joints and causes degeneration and pain in those areas of the body. Once the joints have suffered from too much stress and start to change and wear down, the process can’t be reversed. The process can be slowed down; however, by taking off the stress on the joints, i.e. losing weight, and increasing muscle mass to protect the joints, i.e. exercising to increase strength in specific areas of the body.

It’s never too late to start investing in your physical health and strengthening your body. The really good news is that even small bursts of exercise can improve your health. Studies have shown that people who live in two- story homes have better cardiovascular health and live longer than those who don’t. The energy it takes to climb a flight of stairs exercises the heart enough to keep it fit, if done on a regular basis. A good fitness plan doesn’t have to be a burden and should be something that you actually look forward to. Start with small goals and build on them. If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, start with 15-20 minutes a day, twice a week, doing something you enjoy. It can be as simple as taking a walk, but be sure to quicken the pace or include hills. Work towards a long term goal of exercise 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. A good isometric core strengthening exercise plan is best for people who have mobility or back pain issues, and these can also increase heart rate for cardiovascular health.

Programs to maintain a normal weight or to lose weight with a healthy eating plan are more available than ever. The Mediterranean diet has long been regarded as a healthier approach to losing weight. Lean protein, vegetables, limited fruit and healthy fats are the basic building blocks of the regimen. High protein intake reduces glucose “swings” which lowers the hunger cycle and also increases muscle mass which increases baseline metabolism. LeanMD is the program that I teach and promote in my office for people who need to lose weight as a component of the pain management plan, but also for those who want to avoid chronic pain. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure” –Benjamin Franklin.

We have all heard the warnings about “unprotected sex.” I am warning about unprotected sun exposure. Witness the damage done by the sun to our drapes, carpets, newsprint, and car finishes. Just imagine what this means to something as delicate as your skin!

As a living organ, the skin is constantly regenerating and healing the damage and injury we cause. However, after years of repeated assault, the healing and rejuvenation mechanisms start to wear down and the skin no longer possesses the elastic glow of our younger days. If you put your finger on a globe and move straight across from California to Europe, where do you think you would land? In Northern Africa! Because of this relationship to the equator, daily use of a SPF 40- 50 sunscreen is required to prevent the epidemic sun damage. Even higher SPFs are necessary at higher elevations such as mountain resorts or locations closer to the equator, such as Mexico, Hawaii, or even Southern California. Elements such as snow and water reflection increase the sun’s intensity and increase the need for a higher SPF. To understand the amount of protection offered by the SPF, the formula is:

60 minutes / SPF # = Number of unprotested minutes each hour

Thus, 60 minutes divided by # 30 SPF equals 2 unprotected minutes each hour. In an eight hour day of intense exposure, that is still enough radiation to give fair skin people color and even damage the skin. Cloudy days will not protect you either. Clouds are not able to hold back the burning rays of the sun, even though they feel cooler. From where I sit, seeing two to three patients with new skin cancers every week, it is easy to be motivated to use a 40-50 SFP daily.

Put the sunscreen by your toothbrush and use it every day, rain or shine. The habit is important. Also needed is adequate absorption time. Sunscreens need to be applied at least 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen applied while you are already in the sun will not start working immediately. Therefore, you are at risk for those 20-30 minutes. Be safe. Make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen after your morning shower and be ready for whatever the day brings—rain or shine!

Chronic sun exposure, including suntanning and sunburns, contribute to skin cancer, precancerous skin lesions, premature skin aging, wrinkling, brown spots, and cataracts of the eyes. Sunburn has been linked to the subsequent development of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Here are some suggestions to minimize damage from the sun.

• Use a water-resistant sunscreen when you swim or expect to be sweating and reapply every 2 hours.
• If you become irritated or are allergic to sunscreen chemicals, you might try using sunscreens which are labeled chemical -free, sensitive skin, or for babies. Plain white zinc oxide ointment is excellent but messy.
• If you have dry skin, use a cream-based sunscreen.
• If you have oily and/or acne-prone skin, use an oil free, gel-based or non-comedogenic sunscreen.
• Do not forget to protect your lips with either a lip balm containing sunblock and/or lipstick.
• Try to avoid the sun between 10 AM and 2 PM when the Sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible and keep infants under six months out of the sun.
• Wear protective clothing: long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses which block UV light. There are is also specialty-woven UV rated clothing available.  
• Tanning with a sunlamp IS NOT SAFER than sunlight. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is a sign of injury—the skin’s response to an overdose of ultraviolet radiation.

Michael J. Tomcik, MD is a Board Certified Dermatologist at Advanced Laser & Skin Care Center in San Ramon (925) 743-1488

Q. I purchased several new blackberry and raspberry plants to be planted on a fence. How much sun do they require, and will they have berries this coming summer or next year?

A. Blackberries and raspberries, also known as cane berries, are not a good choice for many gardens. Unlike beans and peas, they are aggressive, growing vines that need to be contained to prevent the vegetation and roots from becoming a major headache. You do not want to plant the vines on any property line fence, even if you’re lot is adjourning open space. There is no way to prevent the underground roots from intruding into the adjourning property. This is the beginning of a neighbor dispute that you can’t win after exhausting a lot of time, energy, resources, and aggravation. Cane berries are best grown on a trellis structure, in raised beds, three to four feet wide and four to six feet off any property line. Hence, many yards are too small to grow them successfully long-term. The trellis needs to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the vegetation. I like to use a ‘T’ bar style of trellis made of four by four posts with a two by four cross piece with a heavy gauge wire running between the posts. The posts are spaced on six-foot centers in the center of the bed. The plants should be spaced every four to five feet. Cane Berries require six hours of sunlight per day, April through October. Berries are produced on the second-year growth, so your plants will fruit next summer. The vines are pruned off at the ground after you finish harvesting all the berries. These canes will not produce berries again, but if left uncut will form a thick, thorny, mass of vegetation called a briar. They are replaced on the trellis with the vigorous shoots growing at the base of the plants while the other new growth is removed. And finally, you’re keeping a watchful eye and removing any signs of growth outside the raised bed. After weighing the pros and cons, you might want to reconsider growing raspberries and blackberries.

 Q. I’m going to plant a small vegetable garden in April or May. Do I amend the ground with compost a month before planting, two weeks before planting, or just before planting? Also, there is a field of weeds nearby that is a big headache. I’d like to wipe them out with a natural herbicide. Do you know of any?                                                                                         

A. Vegetable gardens can be amended in any of the time frames mentioned. Some gardeners add a layer of animal manure in the fall or early winter and then rototill it in the spring. Other gardeners amend the soil and plant all in one day, while others like myself, stagger it over a couple of weekends. This activity is a judgment call on your part based on the size of the garden and your time constraints. The amendments/compost should be mixed into the existing soil by a rototiller or with a shovel. They’re not effective in improving and or rejuvenating the nutrients by just laying them on the soil surface. Instead, they function more like mulch, controlling weeds and conserving moisture. As far as the nearby field, I’m not sure of what types of weeds are growing; hence, controlling the unwanted vegetation is a difficult question to answer. The most natural solution is to plow the growth under before they go to seed. Another option is to mow them periodically and wait for them to die once the rainy season concludes. I’m assuming the field isn’t irrigated, so the unwanted vegetation will die in the late spring and shouldn’t return until it rains in the fall. You can find several organic herbicides that kill the actively growing vegetation or the dormant seeds but not necessarily both. There is a nonselective, natural citrus oil product for the actively growing weeds, while corn gluten is used as an organic pre-emergent herbicide. They’re effective in killing the seasonal shallow-rooted grasses and weeds while iffy with deep-rooted perennials such as Bermuda Grass. In your vegetable garden, hand cultivating and mulching is an effective method of controlling weeds, especially while they are tiny. I’d consult the nursery professional at your favorite garden center for a specific recommendation.

Q. I do my gardening in containers on a balcony. Is it possible to recondition the existing dirt, or is it necessary to buy new soil each year?

A. It’s not uncommon for gardeners to reuse the same soil year after year. However, it’s important to rejuvenate the soil by adding new nutrients. I’d add several handfuls of Dr. Earth All-Purpose Fertilizer, or similar organic fertilizer to the existing containers. It should be mixed or stirred into the remaining soil. Potting soil is added if you need some additional volume. If you’re redoing several pots, you may wish to dump all the soil into a pile and mix in the nutrients all at once; otherwise, it’s done one pot at a time. Since they are fertilizers, they will not burn the new plants, and don’t forget, you still need to feed during the growing season.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advance California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com  or on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

One would think that a subject so universal to mankind (and womankind) by its very nature must be simple. While, or shall I say, whilst, it may be the most analyzed of subjects, it certainly is not the simplest. The poets have written about it since the beginning of civilization and the scientific community has studied it ad nauseum and most of us still do not understand it. We feel it if we’re one of the fortunate, but I daresay, we don’t always understand it.

I love Loving Leah for many reasons. In the opening scenes we are placed in the middle of diversity. Diversity that is almost palpable. Not an uncommon scene; two brothers with dramatically different chosen paths, one an Orthodox Rabbi, the other a Secular Cardiologist. Diversity. My review truly isn’t about the movie; it’s about us, and the world we live in today. I realized that while we think diversity is about Muslims and Jews, Republicans and Democrats, or Protestants and Catholics, it truly is just about humanity. It can be about the rich and the poor or the educated and the uneducated and yes, it can be about black and white. Truly strange, if you think about it, no one is truly white and no one is truly black, they are just names, names designed to put down or elevate, depending on where you are on the spectrum. Names created to divide…diversity. Reality is, there are many sects within each of the major religions of the world. Even Christianity has denominations too numerous to mention, but they are there, with their differences, some subtle, some not so subtle.

So, now back to Loving Leah, one of my top two romance movies I’ve ever watched. In full disclosure, I will say that it was one of the original Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies. I love Hallmark in general for championing clean entertainment, but this one is truly a cut above. Firstly, the stars were not used over and over again, as is currently done with the Hallmark “mill.” I don’t want to disparage their efforts because I still believe they hold up against mainstream TV, but they are “churned” and usually with the same cadre of actors as in the early Hollywood Studio days. Loving Leah is just different; there actually is a back story—a story about culture, devotion, brotherly love, and yes, romantic love.

Two brothers, Jacob and Benjamin. Jake is a single, successful doctor who can’t remember the last time he went to temple. Benjamin, a devout Orthodox Jewish Rabbi. Leah, Benjamin’s wife from a (semi) arranged marriage. Diverse but reasonably happy. Brother Benny dies and up crops tradition. An ancient custom asks the single brother to marry the widow without child or denounce his brother’s existence. That’s all you get! The rest you have to watch the movie to see. It’s easy to find. If all else fails, try the Library.  Trust me, you’ll love it, it’s witty, it’s funny, it’s eye-opening. While writing I realized that love is not immune to diversity, it is the champion over diversity. Whether its love thy neighbor or love the love of your life, love is love. Down deep, it sometimes brings hurt, sometimes brings sorrow, but if you persevere, it almost always brings joy. As always, I invite your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.co

This time of year is always a bit funky. It’s not spring, but most of us are starting to feel ready for warmer days and fewer winter layers. It’s not quite time to switch out our winter wear, so to change things up, have some fun with your accessories! It’s a great way to feel renewed with your style. It doesn’t take a ton of effort, but it packs a big punch! The same outfit suddenly feels brand new with the addition of a hat, scarf, or hair accessory.

Let’s face it, we’ve spent all of our money on the holidays; investing in new pieces for our wardrobe might not be feasible—not for our bank accounts or just for our brain capacity. Still, it does feel nice to feel fresh and start our day feeling confident in our clothes. With that said, it can be done inexpensively if new items are needed. Or it’s just time to raid our own closets and get creative with the accessories we already have!

Hats are a great way to make a statement. Add a fedora to a classic look—white tee, cropped jeans, a moto jacket, and booties. Something you’ve worn a ton, now feels new! Wear your slip dress, oversized sweater, boots, and a beanie for a funky flare to an otherwise feminine look. Opt for wearing a baseball hat on the day you’re wearing a pair of skinny jeans, knee-high boots, and a cropped pullover sweater. Add a pair of hoop earrings for a finishing touch. Hats are a great way to change things up. I love wearing them with something unexpected. But, of course, wear each in a more traditional sense and it’s still a great way to spice up an outfit.

Hair accessories are super trendy right now. Large barrettes are such a fun way to add some visual interest to your hair. Maybe you don’t have time to curl it but want it to look like you put some effort in. Add a pearl barrette (or a few) and voila! Suddenly, your hair has taken on a new look. The options for barrettes are endless right now. Trends won’t stick around forever, so be sure to have fun with it while it lasts. You can bet I have been taking part. Large headbands are another way to have some fun! It’s super simple and again, makes a great statement. Amazon is a great spot to find all these trendy items without breaking the bank.

Scarves are another way to keep things interesting. Not only do they serve as a cute accessory but, for these cold months, they’re practical, adding warmth to an outfit. Wearing color is also a great way to feel refreshed and/or get ya’ out of the winter slump. Add a bold color or printed scarf to your look for outfit revitalization. The options for style of scarf are endless too. Chunky knits, handkerchief, infinity, etc. Fabric options are endless as well. Tie a handkerchief style scarf around your neck with a blazer, tee, and boyfriend jeans. Add a chunky knit to a tunic, denim jacket, and leggings. Have fun with it! Most importantly wear what makes you feel good in your skin.

There are tons of ways to accessorize. It doesn’t stop with hats, hair accessories, and scarves. Bags, jewelry, lipstick, and belts are a few ways to continue to change things up. Explore your closet and think outside the box. Life’s too short after all! Why not try something new?

Thanks for reading dear ones. Stop by maccarose.com for links to these pieces and more!

Raw Hide!

It had been a while since I test drove a Ram pickup and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with this latest version. Despite the world gravitating toward SUVs, there are just times when you need a pickup truck! Unfortunately, today’s offerings are not even close to what we had in yesteryears. They have transformed from bare bones work vehicles to technologically advanced luxurious machines. My test vehicle was the 2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4, and let me tell you, it felt like a luxury car inside, while maintaining its roughed personality. Herds of leather, cowboy belt buckles, and an enormous 12-inch screen. You’d feel like you were driving a Tesla!

Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Ram 1500 is available in quad and crew cabs and in eight trim levels: Tradesman ($31,895), HFE ($34,095), Big Horn ($36,440), Lone Star ($36,440), Laramie ($40,140), Rebel ($44,240), Longhorn ($51,140), and Limited ($53,615). They are also available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive.

What’s New for 2020?
The 2020 Ram introduces a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine that cranks out 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. My test vehicle was equipped with their new Italian diesel engine and it ran quiet yet powerful with a towing capacity of 12,560 pounds. A new Night Edition is available on the Big Horn and Laramie trims that include blacked-out features with large wheels (22-inch for the Laramie and 20-inch for the Big Horn).

Ram Rebel Black Appearance Group returns with black wheels, black skid plate and theme-matched all-black interior (red interior optional). The Rebel Safety Group now includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Go and Hold, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning-Plus and automatic high-beam headlamps. 22-inch two-tone wheel are now available on Longhorn. Plus, there are three new exterior colors: Hydro Blue, RV Match Walnut Brown and Olive Green.

Interior Highpoints
The 2020 Ram 1500 has a cabin that is easily best-in-class and delivers a luxury pickup truck feel. The crew cabs have an amazing amount of legroom. Available features convince you’re driving a German high-luxury vehicle including multi-toned leather and wood touches (in my Longhorn trim), an abundant supply of USB and USB-C ports, the available in-vehicle wi-fi, and the huge 12-inch tablet-like touch screen that is the first thing you notice when entering the front cabin and operates as the infotainment center. The seats were amazingly comfortable and nearly 100 percent more interior storage capacity versus closest competitor at 151.1 liters.

A remote tailgate dropdown button is available as if opening the trunk of a car. For those folks with newer smart phones, there is an optional vertical “tuck-in” slot that wirelessly charges your phone. The second row offers eight degrees of slide recline, heated and cooled seats, a flat-load floor with integrated RamBins, tie-down rings and expandable under-seat storage.

Exterior Highlights
In 2019 the Ram 1500 experienced a full big and bold design redesign, which continues in 2020 with only minor trim color, graphic and wheel changes. The Quad Cab carries 6-foot 4-inchesbed, while the Crew Cab is available in two bed sizes 5-foot 7-inches and 6-foot 4-inches. The front grille is embedded with large RAM lettering front and centered and dressed in a river of chrome.  The 12,000+ pounds of towing capacity leads in its class. The truck bed is equipped with a variety of tie-downs.

The 2020 1500 has a class-exclusive RamBox cargo management system, relocatable anchor points, bed divider, and new Multifunction Tailgate. Twenty-two-inch, two-tone wheels are now available on Longhorn. Three new exterior colors have been added: Hydro Blue, RV Match Walnut Brown, and Olive Green.

Performance Specs
There are three engine options, a reworked 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque that is fitted with a mild-hybrid system called “eTorque” to provide a more responsive takeoff. A 5.7-liter V8 HEMI®with 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft of torque, and the 3.0-liter eco-turbodiesel V6 engine that cranks out 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque which is the best in its class. The air suspension is class-exclusive and enhances fuel efficiency, improves ride and gives greater off-road capability, load-leveling, and entry/exit convenience.

Cool Features:

• Available 12-inch HD color touchscreen
  
  
• On-board phone charging system where you tuck your phone in a slot to charge the battery
  
  
• Bold and beautiful interior design, layout and fit-and-finish
  
  

Safety & Integrity
The 2020 Ram 1500 received a 5-star overall safety rating from the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick. The standard safety gear including six airbags, a rearview camera, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. Higher level trims get the option for some passive and active safety tech. The rearview camera features a zoom function for Rams equipped with the larger 8.4- and 12.0-inch infotainment screens. A birds-eye feature is also available. This allows you to see a 360-degree of the overhead view when parking. Blind-spot monitors are optional on Big Horn/Lone Star models and higher, and standard on the Limited trim.

In Summary – The Ram 1500 redefines what a luxury pickup can deliver—comfort and high-tech. There are many trim and feature options that enable you to get the truck that fits your lifestyle best. The technology features inside are user-friendly and impressive. The range of engine options offers a good mixture of fuel economy and towing abilities. The Ram 1500 is the most awarded light-duty truck in America including 2020 Luxury Car of the Year by Cars.com, 2020 Green Truck of the Year™ by Green Car Journal. Take the 2020 Ram 1500 for a spin and see what alcaldes you might brand on this “not-your-grandpa’s” pickup!

Specifications.

2020 Ram 1500 Longhorn Crew Cab 4×4

Base price:                 $54,390 as driven: $67,160 (including destination & optional features)

Engine:                       3.0-liter 6-cylinder Turbodiesel

Horsepower:             260 hp

Torque:                      480 lb.-ft.

Transmission:            8-Speed Transmission

Drive:                          Four Wheel Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Cargo Volume:          53.9 cubic feet

Curb weight:              5160 pounds

Fuel Capacity:           26 gallons

Fuel Economy:           21 MPG City, 29 MPG Highway

Turning Radius:        24.4” feet

Wheelbase:                144.5 inches

Warranty:                   3 years/36,000-miles

Also Consider:           Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F150, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan