by G. V. Umadevi
I lived in Columbia University buildings for four years. Students from all over the world who were attending Teachers' College and Columbia University lived in the same building. A friend of one of the Spanish students from Teachers' College took me to a place near a Spanish church to play Christmas songs for Spanish people who spoke no English. My friend spoke in English to me and translated into Spanish for them.
My friend left me alone with these non-English speaking people. So without knowing exactly what to do, I started playing Christmas songs on my harmonica and on my Indian instrument which I had brought with me. At once the whole group began singing the same songs in Spanish!!! I asked them some questions in English and received no answer. I began feeling nervous and a bit queasy. But because of the music I was able to cope. They asked me some questions in Spanish. I answered "si, si," and I managed, somehow, with great difficulty to say a few Spanish words. Then we all laughed and I left the place happy and proud. I did it! I made it happen!
I also went to a Seventh Day Adventist Church and played songs to the churchgoers there. They were very polite and respected me. Everybody spoke English. So no problem for me. Before I went to that church everyone at Teachers' College warned me "Do not wear your Indian dress. You'll get killed if you go there dressed like that." But I went wearing my sari. Again, I did it!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I did it!
By Roberta Horowitz
Before reaching the age of 12, I had almost drowned three times. The last episode required CPR to revive me. My father told my mother "we better give her swimming lessons or we'll lose her." So that summer I took lessons. I had a great time; I lived by the pool, socializing and of course, swimming. I certainly wasn't a good swimmer nor a strong swimmer, but I set a goal for myself -- eventually I wanted to swim one mile continuously -- that's 72 laps in an Olympic-sized pool.
I began with two laps, gasping for air I had to stop. Each day I tried to swim at least the same number of laps as I had the previous day and then add a lap or two. Day after day my stamina increased. My form improved as I changed my crawl stroke. I watched children taking lessons and made changes to make my arm movements more efficient. As I approached 22 laps I had to fight boredom. I would make lists in my mind. I worked hard to keep alert. Keeping track of which lap I was up to was difficult. Was that 22 or 24? My feet kicked automatically and my arms moved to their own rhythm. It was so relaxing I had to fight sleep. Periodically I felt like a fish, as if I could breathe in the water; it was scary. Stay focused, Roberta. Each lap added up until I reached 36, a half mile. I couldn't get past that point. Day after day I swam 36 laps but not more. I couldn't get beyond it. My neck was killing me. Turning my head with each arm stroke caused great pain but I had to do that in order to breathe.
Years passed. In Israel, I was swimming in a pool at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem. The sun was shining, the water sparkled as I swam lap after lap. I felt as if I were on top up the water, just skimming across the surface. it was effortless. I reached 36 laps, then 37 and 38. Lap after lap came and went. I felt as if I could swim for ever. But I stopped at, yes, you guessed it 72 laps. I did it!
Before reaching the age of 12, I had almost drowned three times. The last episode required CPR to revive me. My father told my mother "we better give her swimming lessons or we'll lose her." So that summer I took lessons. I had a great time; I lived by the pool, socializing and of course, swimming. I certainly wasn't a good swimmer nor a strong swimmer, but I set a goal for myself -- eventually I wanted to swim one mile continuously -- that's 72 laps in an Olympic-sized pool.
I began with two laps, gasping for air I had to stop. Each day I tried to swim at least the same number of laps as I had the previous day and then add a lap or two. Day after day my stamina increased. My form improved as I changed my crawl stroke. I watched children taking lessons and made changes to make my arm movements more efficient. As I approached 22 laps I had to fight boredom. I would make lists in my mind. I worked hard to keep alert. Keeping track of which lap I was up to was difficult. Was that 22 or 24? My feet kicked automatically and my arms moved to their own rhythm. It was so relaxing I had to fight sleep. Periodically I felt like a fish, as if I could breathe in the water; it was scary. Stay focused, Roberta. Each lap added up until I reached 36, a half mile. I couldn't get past that point. Day after day I swam 36 laps but not more. I couldn't get beyond it. My neck was killing me. Turning my head with each arm stroke caused great pain but I had to do that in order to breathe.
Years passed. In Israel, I was swimming in a pool at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem. The sun was shining, the water sparkled as I swam lap after lap. I felt as if I were on top up the water, just skimming across the surface. it was effortless. I reached 36 laps, then 37 and 38. Lap after lap came and went. I felt as if I could swim for ever. But I stopped at, yes, you guessed it 72 laps. I did it!
My Trip to Atlantic City
By G. V. Umadevi
On June 4 I went to Atlantic City with the Y. The journey was very pleasant. We left the Y. at 8 AM to the Washington Heights YM-YWHA. From there we changed to another bus and left at 9 AM. On the way I was unable to see the scenery due to foggy conditions. I was very chilly too. It took exactly 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach Atlantic City.
As soon as I arrived I was issued a Resorts Bus Bonus card to use in the casino. I won $91 using my Bus Bonus card. Afterward, I went outside the casino to eat something. To my amazed surprise I found thousands of seagulls very beautiful with red lips and black eyes flying all over the place and even on my head. They were demanding food with their awful voices and grabbing things from people's hands. They were constantly talking to each other and to us!! I loved those birds very much.
I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Atlantic Ocean from each and every floor of the big shopping mall. I also saw a huge carved elephant covered with colorful precious gems. It was very beautiful. It was in an Asian store. I also saw a lot of people driving others to assorted destinations. I enjoyed the boardwalk even though it was very cold and cloudy. I walked miles to see the different casinos. At 5:30 PM we left Atlantic City and reached the Nagle Ave. Y. at 7:30 PM. After dropping off the members there were reached our own Y safe and sound.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Painting Ability
by Rose Smeenk
My neighbor suggested that I join her to go to the Bronx Y for swimming in the pool. Of course this appealed to me and I found myself exploring the other activities offered there. The club president approached me to ask if I would be interested in going to the painting class. As I had never even lifted a paint brush before, I hesitantly decided to try it. In the class I was given all the materials necessary to get started. I learned about color combinations and how to applying the shades to create flowers, etc. Before long I discovered that I had an aptitude for painting and I was hooked. Since then I've been a steady student in the painting and drawing classes. I've many canvases stacked away as proof of my painting ability and can proudly claim that I have sold some of my creations. That was a lucky day when my neighbor brought me to the Bronx Y.
Color Influences
by Rose Smeenk
I was always attracted to bright colors. Drab shades depressed me and I particularly dreaded black. Black was funereal or associated by me with monsters like Dracula. When I owned my own house I had a garden in which I planted flowers that bloomed from early spring to late autumn. Just after the frost disappeared there were white snowdrops and crocuses of hues from pink to dark purple. There were tulips from bulbs that were sent to me from Holland that started early; short ones and later blooming tall Darwin; colors ranging from white and yellow, to vivid reds. There were rosebushes, marigolds, portulacas, snapdragons and zinnias. In autumn I planted asters, chrysanthemums, and a blue hydrangea. Neighbors in the apartment houses overlooking my yard would complement me on my lovely garden. I often go to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy their arrangements from colorful ground covering like creeping phlox to the blossoming trees. At the Bronx Y where I started painting, I indulged myself in applying bright colors to my canvases. It cheers me greatly that I have access to all the colors I desire for my pallet and enjoyment.
by Rose Smeenk
My neighbor suggested that I join her to go to the Bronx Y for swimming in the pool. Of course this appealed to me and I found myself exploring the other activities offered there. The club president approached me to ask if I would be interested in going to the painting class. As I had never even lifted a paint brush before, I hesitantly decided to try it. In the class I was given all the materials necessary to get started. I learned about color combinations and how to applying the shades to create flowers, etc. Before long I discovered that I had an aptitude for painting and I was hooked. Since then I've been a steady student in the painting and drawing classes. I've many canvases stacked away as proof of my painting ability and can proudly claim that I have sold some of my creations. That was a lucky day when my neighbor brought me to the Bronx Y.
Color Influences
by Rose Smeenk
I was always attracted to bright colors. Drab shades depressed me and I particularly dreaded black. Black was funereal or associated by me with monsters like Dracula. When I owned my own house I had a garden in which I planted flowers that bloomed from early spring to late autumn. Just after the frost disappeared there were white snowdrops and crocuses of hues from pink to dark purple. There were tulips from bulbs that were sent to me from Holland that started early; short ones and later blooming tall Darwin; colors ranging from white and yellow, to vivid reds. There were rosebushes, marigolds, portulacas, snapdragons and zinnias. In autumn I planted asters, chrysanthemums, and a blue hydrangea. Neighbors in the apartment houses overlooking my yard would complement me on my lovely garden. I often go to the Botanical Gardens to enjoy their arrangements from colorful ground covering like creeping phlox to the blossoming trees. At the Bronx Y where I started painting, I indulged myself in applying bright colors to my canvases. It cheers me greatly that I have access to all the colors I desire for my pallet and enjoyment.
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