HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NAN!
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PHOEBE, TOO.
Well, I’m mixing a couple of languages there and I have to admit to borrowing this wonderful photo from France Today (for which mama did an article but I don’t know when it’s coming out yet), but it is Bastille Day in France even if we are here and I think there is some small celebration here in Rome at the French Embassy tonight, maybe a few sparklers and such, or…CHAMPAGNE? Now you’re talkin’.
I actually only like the feel of the buggles, I mean, bubbles, typo, but it they do feel like buggles, don’t they?
It is also the birthday of mama’s oldest friend, Nan, (not in age of course but oldest as in school days) so bonne anniversaire to her, too! And her kitty, Lena, whom you have met before because mama thinks she looks like HER, Lena’s, mama, the one with the birthday, also celebrates HERS with her mama. Sweet and shiny eyes, has that kitty…(lyrics to a song her mama wrote that became famous).
And upon request, a few more shots of this summery lovely city just because.
Another guy throwing a ball! Maybe at the other guy in the other blog, haha.
Home, to someone in Rome. People leave money in the basket, and no one steals it.
Three bariste (bar tenders)–an all-female bar! And they make GREAT espresso, creamy and thick.
The little Bernini elephant, turning is back (and tail!) on the building in the background, giving a raspberry (of sorts) to the monks who insisted that Bernini put a base on the statue or it would collapse, and he did NOT wish to, so he voiced his reaction in the sculpture. The tail of the little pachyderm is lifted in a gesture of ^$%#&%^ you to the monks. He was Bernini, after all, and he knew a little bit about making statues, no?
The fountain at the Pantheon where anthro kids hang out in the evening to keep cool and where other anthros meet friends and people-watch.
Known as The Wedding Cake, this was built by Mussolini (can’t you tell, a little over the top, right?) to honor the last kind of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele, and it houses wonderful art exhibits. Also a good place to exercise (not I, of course) up and down the stairs!
*****
Today I would like to direct you to It’s Noodle and the very moving quote about how black people see white people. It is formidable. And mama says she thinks always about how black people have to bend themselves out of shape for a white world and that she will never, never give up that thought because if whites are expecting other people of color to fit into their ideas of how others should behave or think or live their lives, they had better think again.
Papa says that he, as a white man, living in Los Angeles for many years, was always very aware that if a policeman stops you anywhere, anytime, you are to keep your hands on the steering wheel, answer politely, and wait for instructions without doing anything sudden or abrupt or saying anything that would be contentious. Police officers have to contend daily with people who could or could not be dangerous, could or could take their lives or the lives of others, and they must be treated with respect and consideration for what they face in their jobs. That said, yes, there are some policemen who are not what a policeman should be, there are some who are rough and angry, there are some who could not be weeded out in training who become heartless in their jobs, and yes, they are dangerous cops, but the job is one of the toughest on earth, and no, it should not be used as grounds for killing blacks, whites, browns or anyone, and yes, it would be utopia if all bad cops could be taken off the force, and yes, it would a miracle if all those stopped by cops could say please and thank you and yes, communication would save many, many lives. BUT…it’s not that way. Yet. And may never be. But when 70% of Americans feel there is still strong racism in our country, we have a big problem. Being a good cop helps. Being a good individual helps. But being aware is more important–aware of differences, aware of racism and prejudice, and guess what? Only you can fix that.
Please take a look at It’s Noodle today.
Some days it just feels better to say in bed.
But do go to this very moving site.
Do you live near Nice Loulou? I am so very grateful that you are safe in Roma with your mama and papa and family. It is just so endless and heartbreaking and for these ‘lone’ murderers I can’t think what the answer is to keep everyone safe. Surely not saying reckless things to inflame the situation as happens here in the U.S.
We live 4 hours from Nice but are in Rome right now. We are heartsick and yet so glad that our dear friends changed their plan for last night and did NOT go to the Promenade. A miracle.
So sorry that your beautiful holiday was spoiled by this vile act ! Prayers for all.
These people hate our celebrations, hate our freedom, hate our holidays, hate our love of life. In short, their lives are nothing but hatred. Thank you for sending your words.
Someone sure looks comfy and warm.
We were horrified to read the news of the deaths and injuries during the Bastille Day celebration in Nice. 🙁
Our dear friends who walk down to the Promenade daily with their doggy, Mya, decided at the last minute to stay home. Thank God. Thank God. We are heartsick.
So very sorry to hear of the attacks in Nice. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of France. LOVE.
And our hearts go out to all of the victims’ families. No words for this insanity.
But of coarse!
We just went through sadness in Dallas last week, not on the awful scale of deaths and injuries in Nice, shocking and saddening just the same. Thank God that my precious Mya’s mama, JL and Mya are safe.
YOU please stay safe little Loulou. Hugs.
Oh, Sandra, we are all so very sad about this. And this man had no ties to religious fanatics, only intense anger. We MUST improve how we treat individuals in our society, how we value them, how we have programs for the young, how we teach in our schools, how we help to give meaning to lives in our society. So much to change. So many unhappy people.
Lots of birthdays today, Phoebe thanks you for acknowledging hers. I was going to wish you a happy Bastille Day, but now I see on the news, there was some troubles. So sad that a few people can ruin it for so many. I love the beautiful photos and I think that it is funny what the sculptor did to the monks 🙂
The horror of Nice is taking up all of our hearts and souls. INSANE, these animals. No, not animals. Animals are so far above these inhuman anthros.
What great pictures, Loulou. Happy Bastille Day!
Thank you. But what a horrific day I history in Nice.
Thank you for mentioning our little blog in your post today.
We have just heard about the attack in Nice…
Our little kitty hearts are breaking.
Lots of big Noodle hugs and kitty kisses to Nice and all of France.
Noodle and crew
Can you even imagine what kind of warped brain it takes to do these things? They are ALL insane, on some inhuman level of destruction that others cannot comprehend. Thank you for your words.