Keepin' it going

So, I am not in a blogging mood these days. One, I'm in kind of a blah state of mind. Two, I am actually trying to complete this second draft...maybe even a third. But since I am paranoidly thinking that if I don't blog at least once in a while I might just forget to do it at all, here is a blog entry. Hah! And I'll throw in a picture of Naina for free...after a long hike in Champery in Valais. It is beautiful and she is cute and to maintain that theme of loveliness I've cropped myself out though you can see my hand :-)

A very short play...questions and ruminations on a beautiful day

Date and time: Last Sunday, around 3 PM

Location: Somewhere in Pacquis, lost and looking for the Rue de Alpes parking structure.

The scene: Trying to read a street name while Naina takes the opportunity to pee against a building. Lovely!

Old man with funny cap (Omfc): "something something madame?" (my best French translation. all I can tell is that it's a question)

Me (blank, hunted look on face): "Uh...uh...um...ne parlez-pa *damn is that it?* Francais."

Omfc: "You spik the English?"

Me: Yes (maybe he knows where the damn parking is)

Omfc: *gestures to Naina*..."don't you want a..nother chien?"

Me: "Another dog?"

Omfc:" Yes, dog, dog. You want another dog?"

Me: "Uhmmmm....non monsieur, merci...but no thanks."

Omfc: "Ok..ok...I am love you." *he blows a kiss*

I have two questions:

(1) What the heck did he mean? Did he want to give me another dog? why? Did he want to breed Naina? Weird!

(2) Why do crazy old men like me? I mean, really...they do. Do I give off a ratty shawl-collar sweater infested with butterscotch candies vibe? A few years ago a venerable Afghan gentleman in Chicago talked to us on the street and then insisted on kissing my cheek (till then he was kind of sweet), which he did in a slightly creepy way...more neck than cheek ya know?

Anyway I found the place I had parked my car helped by two fluent English speakers...Filipina prostitutes. I figured they live in the area...if anyone knows where the parking structure is they would. They did, they pointed it out, were friendly and really nice and when I got my car and passed by them, I waved and called out thank you.

I had spent the Sunday afternoon parking my car and then walking around the lake. The weather was amazingly gorgeous and everyone but everyone was out and about. Dogs, babies, young lovers, old lovers, families...and me...and Naina, of course. I felt almost like a Genevoise, relaxing at the lake on a beautiful day, when the water sparkles, and the sky a blinding blue studded with meringue-like clouds. Aaaah!

Naina in Torino

A month or so ago I drove to Torino (Turin), Italy from Geneva. A three-hour long drive takes you through the Jura and then the Alps, where you cross over into Italy after driving through the Mont Blanc tunnel. The tunnel itself is about 8 miles long and while the French side was grey and overcast (being on the windward side of the mountain) Italy welcomed us wiht blue skies and perfect weather. I don't think I had ever realized the truism of the immutable fact that mountains create their own weather.


I am still not over the fact that in two hours I can drive through three countries. As usual Naina was along for the ride though I don't think the scenery impressed her much. Nor did Turin. While my mom-in-law went inside the church and the museum I relaxed by walking around the ruins of an old Roman amphitheater and then in the piazza, which was jam packed with people.

There was a protest against China: No Human Rights No Olympics. A fair trade I'd say? Of course, that's not going to happen. A group of kids went from speaking Italian to singing American pop songs with a perfect American accent and back again. The Rasta kids on the other side of the piazza were high on life and hash.

The piazza was full of families and their dogs. And, then there was Naina. At one time there was a group of at least a dozen kids and grown ups waiting to pet her. She was in seventh doggie heaven. I love the mutt but I can't understand the fascination my little husky/shepherd mix engenders in people. (Two weeks ago a woman in Geneva turned twice after passing us then wanted to know where she could buy one like her. She's a rescue from S. Central L.A I told her and I am not even sure if the rest of her litter mates look like her). A young Italian couple just came over to sit next to me so they could play with her. Two little babies sat on the ground and rubbed her belly. This is what a rock star's security guard must feel like...except of course for the tummy rubbing thing.

So, here you are, even though no one asked, Naina in Turin. Hey, you can't pet the shroud...but petting her is free though I am thinking of charging 2 francs per person. :-)

Okay, is she not the cutest dog ever?

My niece took this picture while Naina took a quick break from running about madly in the backyard while she plotted her next evil move.

I can't believe she is 6. She looks like an overgrown puppy and people are constantly surprised that she is not just 9 or 10 months old. We need to figure out the youth serum she's using.

So...Naina in the Backyard for your viewing and awwwwwing pleasure.