Tuesday, July 23, 2019

MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH CAPE COD

Seagull Beach Friday

After all these years I am still in love with Cape Cod! The Cape is timeless, and it is one of my favorite places to be! The dunes, the abundance of summery beaches, the hot buttery lobster rolls, the salt air, and all the crystal clear memories keep calling me back.


This past Friday I took a much needed day-cation. Two of my best pals, Gina and Gracie, picked me up and we were Bourne Bridge Bound. We were also traffic proof. My friend Gina has a system where you call out your favorite songs and just like that they’re played. (As a music fanatic that is heaven to me.) So, imagine driving to the Cape sipping iced coconut coffee, munching on Chips Ahoy cookies and gummy sharks, stretched out in the back seat with plenty of a/c, while listening to the tune Crystal Blue Persuasion as the Cape lures you back. Traffic smaffic!  We played songs like Summer by War (I urge you to check this song out right now). The mellow beat, and laid back lyrics seduce you with an incredible summer time vibe. Yes, its summer, my time of year….

Keeping things Ageless (as this blog promises) Gina, one of my new best buds, is nineteen, so we played some contemporary songs like Old Town Road and Boys in the Band! Seeing Gina so excited over those songs immediately brought me back to being nineteen (which is exactly the age I started going to Hyannis).

As soon as we crossed the bridge and reached the Cape I continued a tradition of mine. We blasted Joni Mitchell’s Carey. Come on down to the mermaid café and I will buy you a bottle of wine….That song just sums up that carefree and barefoot Cape Cod feeling and the feeling inside my heart. Hearing this classic song with all four wheels now on Cape Cod ground, just created an outpouring; a myriad of memories of Hyannis, Dennis, Chatham, Yarmouth, Wellfleet, and more just enveloped and comforted me.
                                             Gina, New Friends, Old Places                                          
                                          
So many summers of my young adult life were spent here with friends and family. I vividly remember walking down Main Street in Hyannis always dressed in something eye-catching.  One summer night, between my short shorts, cowboy boots, and big hat, and, my sister’s handsome surfer dude boyfriend, we got so many stares. I felt invincible. Then there was mini-golfing with my family wearing black Lycra pants, a neon backless shirt and heels! I purposely whacked the ball into the street to make everyone laugh. I could remember the time we all got dressed up and danced all night at Tingles (a popular night club back in the day). There were countless hot summer nights at the legendary Cape Cod Coliseum (they had no a/c) sweating it out to J. Geils, Duke and the Drivers, Aerosmith and many more top-notch rock shows. We rented beach houses, cabins, hotel rooms and efficiencies. I remember renting a stunning place called the Maylene Townhouse back in the mid-eighties. 

PICTURE of a Picture Circa 1983 Cape Cod

And another time literally rolling out of bed to the beach! I can still hear my brother-in-law calling out “Who wants a lunar burger” as we all stayed up late to watch the lunar eclipse in August of 89. Some of the best times by the sea were with my first boyfriend. We made out on every beach after Bourne, and drank homemade strawberry margaritas as soon as we arrived. (I spiked them when Aunty and Uncle D weren’t looking). Sometimes I can still feel my first love pushing me on that swing that was outside our room at the Seashell Motel in Dennis Port. 

Cape Cod Morning

I remember being with my cousins in Yarmouth and running barefoot across the road to buy more champagne while tons of cars blaring summer music honked at me. We had just come home from a lobster feast and my cousin still talks about how I “ate every part of that thing like Daryl Hannah in Splash!”

 At one time or another I have dined at just about every Cape Cod restaurant past and present. There was the Cranberry Moose, Russell’s Landing, and Thompson’s Clam Bar. These days it’s Sesuit Harbor Café and Mattakesse Wharf. And with the former, I dare you to find a better setting for an extra fresh Lobster roll! It’s so wildly popular you will probably run into someone you know there. I always do.

Ming Meditating

Every June for the last ten years my Ming spent a week on the Cape at a cozy little place called Holly Tree. He discovered every pristine, private, and peaceful lake and pond the Cape has to offer. Since I could never get a full week off, I would always join him for part of the trip. We always got a corner table at Mattakesse Wharf to watch the sunset. I remember saying to him how good can this place be if they have to advertise in a tourist magazine. Well, once again, Ming was right. It turned out to be quintessential Cape and one of our favorite places to dine. See the sunset. We took this picture from our table.
                                                

And of course the biggest allure of the Cape is the beaches. So, this past extremely hot Friday, I strutted across the gorgeous beaches of Cape Cod keeping up old traditions with new friends….. We even stopped by a little cove where Ming and I would often practice our yoga and meditation. I was elated to be there as I deepen my connection to Ming and renew my ties to Cape Cod.
   On Cape Cod with My Mingman

On our way home as we drove away with the sand and dunes behind us playing the Cape Cod Song… “If you like making love at midnight on the dunes of the Cape…”

My love affair with Cape Cod continues. I am so grateful for all the memories, past, present, and future! And, I just can’t wait to go back.  I am still discovering new places. P.B Boulangerie (cape’s best croissants) and Bean stalk coffee (best coffee) here I come… both just happen to be in a little old town with big waves and sublime beaches….Wellfleet!
Taken by Ming at Holly Tree  

What’s your favorite summer song…. Your favorite place on the Cape?

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

Man, life sure is good (and ageless) on old Cape Cod
–Renee Gold

Saturday, June 29, 2019

YESTERDAY, EVERYBODY HAD A GOOD TIME, EVEN MING…..



When two special friends invited me out last night I had a feeling it was going to be a wonderful Friday night. It was a hot summer night with magic in the air…

Since we were going to see the movie Yesterday with a lot of Beatles music in it, and the three of us are all huge Beatles Fan (their music still gives me the chills) I knew the evening would be sublime. But I didn’t have any idea how sublime and that we would meet the Spirit of Ming.

 After a superb dinner at Legal Seafood’s in Chestnut Hill, filled with clams, scallops, crab, mussels, Vesper martinis and more, we were off to the movies (right next door). Showcase Super Luxe is my favorite movie theater. They spoil you with seats as comfortable as you could possibly wish for, a friendly wait staff, fresh hot buttered popcorn, blankets, and even live entertainment.


 The excitement really started as we ascended the escalator only to hear live Beatles music being played by a Berklee College student. He was playing I get by with a Little Help from my Friends. We started singing as we were ushered in to the plush seats. While we waited for the movie to start I saw an old friend who just happened to be super excited to see me. She basically jumped into my seat with me. The seats there are actually large enough to do this. 
Lobby of Super luxe

She said “I love you Renee and I miss you so much!!!” She added, “Ming is here.” I knew what she meant. The film is called Yesterday, and that song, along with Let It Be, are Ming’s favorite songs (both played in the film last night). Ming loved the Beatles too. He played lots of fabulous Beatles songs for me on our first date. And when Ming passed away last summer, my friend Jill, (the friend I bumped into at the movies last night) is the one who gave me a gift of a bird carrying a heavy metal heart that weighs him down. But, when you lift the wings the heart rises.
Seeing Ringo with Ming

And she said (even though it was a gift to of one of her other friends) “You have to have this.” And so she lovingly presented it to me last summer shortly after Ming passed assuring me “You will fly again!” 

Jill will forever be a reminder of Ming, his soaring spirit, and his undying love for me. And there she was squeezing into my seat with me almost as if it were Ming saying Sweetie I am here with you (since he would have literally loved every second of the experience of seeing that film with me). Our favorite group was the Beatles and our favorite thing to do together was go to the “cinema” as he called it.

 The movie started, Jill ran back to her seat and the film was sublime just like every single note of every single Beatles song ever written.  Danny Boyle (the director) captured the magnificence and timelessness of the Beatles songs. The critics might say otherwise, but, if you like the Beatles music and a good night at the movies you should see it. I can’t wait to see it again!
Beatlemania 
 I was truly on a cloud for the entire film and cried several times from sheer love of the songs. I was just gushing and practically swooning and so were my friends. Halfway through the film Jill came back down to our seats and we all were waiving our hands and singing Ob la di, Ob-la-da! This was movie magic in real life.

When the show was over and the credits ran we all got up and just started waiving our hands and swaying to Hey Jude!! Jill came running back down. She was screaming “Na Na Na Na Na Na Na….Hey Ming!” It was just perfect. I was truly on a natural high from our Beatles & Ming Love Fest right there in the theater.

Jill gave me a big hug and said good night as my friends and I just stood looking at the screen and each other with pure adoration for The Beatles and their music.  

The movie may have been over but not the magic. When we exited the theater we heard Beatles music again. That same fantastic musician was there playing the songs we had just heard in the film. It was brilliant. I just threw off my jacket and raised my hands in the large lavish lobby and we all just let it be…It was so beautiful. I was elevated and beaming. (I want to note that if Ming were physically alive he would have been filming every wonderful moment)

Just then Jill appeared again. With live Beatles music still playing she hugged me and said “I love you Renee.” She was telling my friends about our special connection and the special gift she had given me that has come to represent Ming’s Love and him wanting me to “keep good” as he would always say, as I carry on. 

Jill was having so much fun that she wouldn’t leave even though all her friends were in the car waiting for her and one standing in the lobby with her hands on her waist as Jill just got more and more into the rapture.

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds…We just kept singing and dancing. I was doing moves from my days back as a Boston Conservatory dancer.  And when the refrain came, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds …Jill said, “That’s you Renee, You sparkle.” I did feel all sparkly inside but it was the music that shined brightest along with the power of friendship and love.


 Thanks John, Paul, Ringo and George! Thank you to Richard Curtis for writing the script (he wrote Love Actually too). And, thank you to my dear friends TLC who treated me to such a night. You’re right; music does follow us wherever we go….

Here Comes the Sun….I’m Happy just to Dance with You….Strawberry Fields Forever in a Yellow Submarine…I’ve got a feeling…..Ev'rybody had a good time, (even Ming) Oh Yeah…..




Monday, June 17, 2019

REASONS TO SMILE AGAIN...


 Pearls and a Head Piece at a Friend's Recent Party 

Dear Ageless with Aunty Readers and Followers….

I feel like I am learning to smile again.
As most of you know I lost my darling Ming last June to a sudden cardiac arrest and it’s been a very tough grieving year. It's been six months since I posted!

There were times that I simply felt low, lost, and alone. I just wasn’t myself. It was an effort to even shower and maybe with one exception, I don’t think I wore a dress or make up until just recently (as seen above). But, God knows I had good reason to be sad.

Only now, with the help of friends and family, and time, am I even starting to smile again. and Ming is truly with me I just know it. And, he often told me what he loved most about me was my childlike joy. This is just another reason to get back up, keep smiling and carrying on! He is watching his “Sweetie!” His supersonic high spirited and soaring love from above lifts me higher and higher….

 Here are just a few recent examples of how friends and family have helped…..
I am feeling the L-O-V-E

They Dressed Up Just for Me!

 with my God Son at a Big Family Celebration
with my cousin the Pilot Extraordinaire whom 
we were "celebrating!" He still calls me "Nee Nee!"

For long time readers, the two young men (above) are Aunty's Great Grandsons

  Praying with My Beloved Mama and Great Nephew in Church
He Calls me "Aunty Nay!"
Proud Sisters Celebrating Ryder's Baptismal
We Follow Him Wherever He Goes

A Sacred Moment of Sacrament for my Great Nephew
The Holy Spirit (My BFF) Makes Me Happy 

Check out the song Full Force Gale by Van Morrison. The Soundtrack for this post.

And there will be more to come. I am blessed beyond measure...

Also, I wanted to let my loyal blog readers know that I am also on Facebook as Renee Gold!
So, say hi there as well. https://www.facebook.com/renee.gold.18


Thursday, January 3, 2019

COMFORT AND JOY.....

The Glow of my cousin's tree
really lifted my spirits..not to mention
she had a White Christmas Party just
for me (including making Aunty's/her grandmother's
homemade cookies!)

How do you have one Holly and pretty Jolly Christmas even though you are heartbroken due to the loss of your cherished fiancee? The answer is in these pictures above and below; Friends and Family!
Our Family Christmas dinner table was perfect

I was utterly devastated with the loss of my long time beau, Ming! He loved me so much. (I was so touched that he read and commented on this blog faithfully.) We had a lifetime of love in the last close to a decade. When he passed in June (suddenly) I didn’t think I would pull though the pain and the loss. But, miraculously by staying connected to him (a story for another time) and with the love and support of friends and family I am making it through. I know his love will never die!
I really dug Aunty's Great-granddaughter's Tree

When Christmas came around I didn’t think I would celebrate this year. But, due to some inner strength, an amazing connection to God, and the pure kindness of friends, this Holiday season turned out to be pretty wonderful. It is all about LOVE anyway.
A dear friend put one of Ming's treasured Dolphins 
under her little tree (left)

In between the tears and the loneliness of not having Ming physically here, I was somehow uplifted, as if carried by angels, and able to enjoy the Season (as best I could). 

Holding an actual cherub (aka my grand niece Avery Grace)
helped a lot too

Everyone knows I ADORE CHRISTMAS….And I hope this can uplift those who have lost a loved one. We can carry on (even during the holidays) while carrying them in our hearts.
with Ming Christmas Eve 2010 

This year was truly bitter sweet given such a profound loss, but when it comes to celebrating the Holidays this is how it usually goes... 
An annual tea at my friend Carroll's

I start the day after Thanksgiving ordering my Santa Claus tea and  sublime Ho Ho Joe coffee. I dig out my red and green Jewelry, line up my Christmas DVD’s, pull out my Christmas Journals, start mulling over Eggnog & festive Cocktail recipes, then stare and share at pictures of Christmas’s past. I Start thinking about making cards and ornaments while fluffing out my reindeer sweater
and puffy hat and boots. 
I could go on. If someone ever wants to make a documentary of just how much one human can be so immersed in the season, you might want to give me a call. Ming for one truly appreciated my Major Christmas Spirit! He had it too!
Our "Puffy Green" 2016
My Godson's Ugly Sweater Party 2018
My friend Lynne invited me to a Christmas Tree Festival, 2 dinners
and Holiday Extravaganza because she calls Christmas time
Renee-A-Palooza

 And, of course I understand fully what the season is all about and that is why so much love and joy leaps from my heart. 
My friend Karen brought me to a
twinkling Holy Christmas shrine this year
After making me homemade cookies, pasta,
and peppermint bark

My mom likes to say “ Most people feel at Christmas time how you feel all of the time….full of Magical Wonder…”
And, I dedicate this post to my late adoring Ming man, who told me  early on, “I love Christmas trees, mangers, and more!” Now he is with me forever more at Christmas time and all the time.
"Mingman and Sweetie"

Here is a picture of my tree this year which was lovingly put up in his honor. We would always call our tree “ Puffy Green,” but this year I simply called it the Ming Tree….
Eternally Ming....
I love you forever....