Chase Your Dreams

I think that, of all the things we "waste" during our lives, dreams are the saddest. When we are young, we all have dreams; "I'm going to be an astronaut.", "I'm going to cure the common cold.", "I want to be an explorer.", etc.... They were very real to us and we were sincere but then we'd watch a movie and want to be a cowboy or a pirate. As we get older, we dream of being the underdog and rising against all odds, like Rocky or eradicating hunger throughout the world. We knew no limits.

As we get older, we may learn that we are claustrophobic so being an astronaut is out and the pirate's life is not as glamorous as we originally thought. We learn that dreaming is good but you have responsibilities; the mortgage company does not care that you are the best table tennis player in the county. We hold on to the dreams but they are reserved for quiet moments of reflection waiting for the weekly status meeting to start.

Harry Chapin once sang, "you're supposed to dream when you are young."^* Is this true? Do we run out of time to make the dream a reality? When is it "too late" and why don't we realize it beforehand? What held us back to begin with? So many questions but what are the answers?

There are certainly outside influences, such as physical limitations or some life-changing event that forces you in a different direction; a broken leg may not heal properly, dashing your dream of being an Olympic sprinter. Your family and friends may support your dream to a degree but urge you to “think long-term” and question how you will be able to make a living. This is a very strong influence and can plant the seed of doubt that we cannot prevent from growing.

I think the most common reason might come from insecurity. We just don’t know if we are good enough and that keeps us from trying. When you have done your best, and it isn’t good enough, that is a bitter pill to swallow. The fear isn’t necessarily of failure but of learning we weren’t as good as we thought and that is terrifying. We may not even be conscious of it. It’s like being at the edge of a creek you want to cross – you can try to jump the five feet to the other bank or walk a quarter mile to the footbridge. Do you take the leap or the safe route? Too often we decide to go the “safe route.”

Of course, not everyone turns their back on the dreams. A world without dreamers would not only be boring but we would probably still be drawing pictures on cave walls. Every generation has their dreamers who aren’t afraid – whether they dream of building a new country, explore the universe or, yes, cure the common cold. Without them there would be no telephone, no automobiles and no Beatles! Can you imagine a life without The Beatles? Aunt Mimi told John Lennon, “Playing the guitar is all very well, John, but you'll never make a living at it.” Thankfully he didn’t listen to her, in fact, years later he had those words put on a placque and hung it over her fireplace.

That’s what it boils down to – find your dream, put your head down and charge at it with all you’ve got. If it works out, great! If it doesn’t, learn from it and move on. It could be that your dream was unrealistic or maybe you weren’t quite prepared. You can re-group and try again or turn to something else. The important thing is that you tried. When you try, there are two possible outcomes – success and failure. When you don’t try, the only possible outcome is, essentially, failure. It’s been said that at the end of your life you don’t regret the things you did as much as you regret the things you didn’t do. Go out and take the chance. Give your dream a shot. It may not work out but that’s okay. Failure doesn’t define you as a person unless you let it.

So, Harry was right – you are supposed to dream when you are young – but don’t stop there. Seize the day. Chase your dream. Don’t let anyone get in your way or into your head. You don’t want to be sitting at a desk one day and wonder, “What if?”

^* "Dreams Go By" by Harry Chapin

Mayor of the Park

Have you ever walked by something a hundred times and never really looked at it? I mean, you see it there but you never really took the time to look at it. This park bench is something that I walked past more times than I can count but, to me, it was always just a park bench; nothing worth examining. Ah, I turned out to be wrong....

I was out on my usual lunchtime walk through Lake Topanemus Park when some movement caught my eye so I stopped to see what it was. It turned out to be a robin landing on the back of a park bench, this park bench. The bird flew off as quickly as it had come in and was gone before I could get a shot off but I noticed the hats hanging off the back of the bench. I thought it was odd, I could understand one (1) hat - someone could have found it on the ground and hung it there for the owner to see when they realized it was missing - but there were two (2) hats. That had to be significant so I walked over to the bench and looked at it from the front. That is where I saw the plaque dedicating the bench to George & Montana. My first thought was that George and Montana were a couple of lifelong friends who would meet at the park and talk about old times; that would explain two hats. I could picture them sitting on the bench, watching the birds come and go, fish jumping in the lake, squirrels, chipmunks, etc... and talking. What a great way to spend the afternoon!

The more I thought about the two men and the bench the more I thought maybe I was wrong. I have never heard of anyone being named "Montana" (I know it is possible, after all there is a Dakota....) but it wouldn't be unreasonable to think that maybe Montana was a dog. THAT made sense! I could see them walking to the bench, George with his baseball cap and a light windbreaker and Montana walking beside him. Montana would have to be a large dog - possibly German Shepherd or a Labrador Retriever - and he most certainly was George's constant companion and friendly. They would walk to the bench and maybe have lunch while taking in the sun in the summer or watching the leaves change color and fall to the ground in autumn. How many hours did they spend at that bench? How many people stopped to say hello to George or to pet Montana? How many just walked by without noticing like I did with the bench?

The more I thought about that bench the more I wished I had met George and Montana and spent time getting to know them. I don't know why but I think the three of us would have enjoyed sitting in the noonday sun talking about nothing in particular. Now, I may be completely wrong and George may have been married to a lovely lady named Montana who liked wearing baseball caps. They may have been brothers. Who knows? Who cares? It doesn't really matter who George & Montana were, what matters is that they are no longer around but their family and friends loved them enough to set up a memorial at a place that was special for them. That is the real story behind the bench; George and Montana were special. Isn't that what we all want in the end; to matter enough to someone that they would memorialize you for all the world to see?

Postscript: I originally wrote the above post for another blog in September 2015 and then set out to find out exactly who George and Montana were. I spoke with Greg, Lake Topanemus Commissioner, and he filled in the blanks for me. It turns out the George was George Buttacavoli and Montana is believed to have been a wolfhound. George was called the "Mayor of the Park" by those who knew him and people would stop to talk or play with Montana. It seems fishing and politics were a couple topics that were towards the top of the list. George died suddenly of a heart attack in December 2012 at the age of 63 and Montana was sent to a rescue in Northern New Jersey. The more I learned of George and Montana, the more I wish I had discovered the park a few years earlier and had the pleasure of knowing them. I have been back to the park many times since taking these photos and pass by the bench virtually every time. There have been occasions when I do not pass by the bench; I stop and sit on the bench and wonder what George would want to talk about....

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Hiking Through History: Monmouth Battlefield - Part III; Molly Pitcher

Molly Hays trailhead

Welcome to the 3^rd "Hiking Through History" post covering Monmouth Battlefield. The Molly Hays Trail (1.07 miles) retraces the steps of Molly Hays during the Battle of Monmouth. The following is the description from the brochure:

Molly Hays Trail: The Molly Hays Trail begins at the Perrine-Conover House parking lot, joins the Washington trail, and then swings west to overlook the spring that provided water to Washington’s army. The first segment of this trail can be used to link the Conover-Perrine House parking lot to the other marked trails.

A panoramic view of the battlefield from where Molly fought

Molly Hays (aka: Molly Pitcher) was born Mary Ludwig; born in 1754, near Trenton, New Jersey. According to legend, at the Battle of Monmouth, Mary, wife of artilleryman William Hays, carried water to cool both the cannon and the soldiers in her husband’s battery—hence the nickname “Molly Pitcher.” Molly was a common nickname for Mary during this time. Legend also asserts that when William Hays collapsed or was wounded, she took her husband’s place in the gun crew for the rest of the battle. There are other accounts that claim it was not her husband who collapsed but another soldier and that she fought side-by-side with her husband. An eyewitness account of Molly's fighting is on record in the National Archives:

"While in the act of reaching a cartridge ... a cannon shot from the enemy passed directly between her legs without doing any other damage than carrying away all the lower part of her petticoat. ... She observed that it was lucky it did not pass a little higher... and continued her occupation."

The entrance to the woods where Molly retrieved the water

The trail cuts across a large field heading towards a wooded area where the Perrine Hill Spring runs; this is where Molly retrieved the water to bring to the men on the battlefield. There are two information stations on the wooden platform overlooking the spring which is somewhere at the bottom of a tall, steep hill. One of the placards states that the temperature on the battlefield was 100°F that day. I cannot image what it was like hauling water in that heat, it was only about 62°F when I was there and the sun made it feel quite a bit warmer when I was in the middle of the field.

Panoramic view of the woods - Perrine Hill Spring is below.

Molly stayed with the Continental Army and her husband through the end of the war. In 1783 she and William moved back to Carlisle where they had both met and were married. After William's death she married John M^cCauley, working in Carlisle for the State House. In 1822 the Pennsylvania Legislature honored Molly for her services during the war presenting her with a $40 award; continuing to award her $40 each year until she died in January 1832. There is a monument commemorating her heroic performance on the battlefield. Pitcher remained with the Continental Army until the war ended, then moved back to Carlisle with Hays in April 1783. Following her husband's death, she married a war veteran named John McCauley and worked in the State House in Carlisle. She was honored by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1822 for her wartime services, receiving an award of $40 and an annual commission of the same amount for the rest of her life. She died on January 22, 1832, in Carlisle, where a monument commemorates her heroic acts in battle.

For more information about Monmouth Battlefield State Park, check out the links below:

• New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry - Monmouth Battlefield State Park
• Park brochure and map (downloadable PDF)
• Friends of Monmouth Battlefield

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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An Open Letter to Mel Brooks

Dear Mr. Brooks:

I have so many things I want to say to you and questions to ask but I will try to keep this somewhat brief.

The first thing I would ask you if we ever met would be "How the hell did you get to be so funny?!?!" I mean, you have written some of the funniest television shows, movies and plays ever! It's not even just your writing - you are a funny guy. Period! I would bet that you could re-create the radio broadcast of the Hindenburg disaster and have everyone rolling in the aisles. I could listen to The 2,000 Year Old Man a million times and still cry. It helps to have a straight-man like Carl Reiner; actually, when the "straight-man" in a bit is Carl Reiner that says a lot!

I have been asked to name a favorite Mel Brooks movie and I just look at the crazy person in front of me. Picking a favorite Mel Brooks movie is like picking a favorite Beatles song; name one and you immediately think of another that you like more! I would say that - if pressed - I rank The Producers as one of the funniest movies ever made. The casting was incredible, the premise a genius and the performances flawless. I watch it every chance I get. Who wouldn't love Franz Liebkind - "Baby! Baby!... Why does he say this 'baby'? The Führer has never said "baby". I did not write, 'baby'. What is it with this, 'baby'?" or Leo Bloom going into a frenzy and cuddling his blue blanket? I am so glad you cast Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock, I don't think Topal would have been able to pull it off....

I have lost count of the number of times I have said "I got it! I got it! I got it! I ain't got it." That is one of my favorite lines from High Anxiety and I love it when someone recognizes it. I recently read an interview you gave in which you discuss High Anxiety and the reaction you got from Alfred Hitchcock. What a great story!

I have been asked "If you could spend an hour talking to anyone - past or present - who would you pick?" I have had different answers but the name Mel Brooks was never mentioned. How could I possible spend just an hour?? It might take 20 minutes just to get over the fact that I am sitting with you and be able to speak. I'm sure the next 40 minutes I would be crying hysterically and trying not to have "an accident."

On a more serious note, I would ask "Do you think you could get away with Blazing Saddles today?" It seems we are so hyper-sensitive as a society that some might think the humor to be too toxic. It seems that in order to poke fun of a particular segment of the population you have to be a member of that segment. Do you agree?

Well, I said I was going to try to be brief and neither of us is getting any younger so I am going to end with this final thought - the word "genius" gets thrown around easily these days but you are a true comedic genius. Thank you for all the laughs you have provided over the years, I am truly grateful. Who knew a Jew could be funny?

Regards,
Joe Valencia

Interview with Journalist Bill Bowman

Bill Bowman was born in a military hospital in New Jersey and grew up in an "army brat" but the most exotic place he lived was Long Branch, New Jersey. When he was about 12 he moved all the way to its Northern neighbor, Oceanport. It was then that we met and became friends. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and we lost touch for many years. He had gone on to Livingston College and a career in journalism, which ultimately lead to a job reporting for the Asbury Park Press, one of the major newspapers in the area. After his tenure with the Press he went on to found his own subscription-based on-line news outlet called The Franklin Reporter & Advocate. He is married to a successful jazz singer, PJ, and together they are quite active in animal rescue causes. When Bill is not working, he can be found cycling – whether for exercise or to raise money for charity – or sitting in the audience listening to PJ sing.

Bill has also written two (2) non-fictions books - Savage Lies, The Half-Truths, Distortions and Outright Lies of a Right-Wing Blowhard and Murderer of the Year. Savage Lies gets behind the comments of right-wing radio host Michael Savage (nee Weiner) and exposes the lies he uses to support his positions. Murderer of the Year brings you behind the scenes of an investigation and trial that rocked the small, upscale borough of Metuchen, New Jersey.

Personal Questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory would have to be when the physics finally kicked in, and I could ride my bike without training wheels. We were living on Fort Monmouth at the time, so I was maybe 5 or 6 years old, and I can distinctly remember my Dad holding the back of my seat and steadying me as I pedaled. Then, suddenly, his hand was gone! I wobbled for a few seconds or maybe a minute, but whatever mystical forces come into play when your body finds its balance did, and I remember looking back over my shoulder and seeing him with this huge smile on his face.

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

1) Spaghetti
2) Meatballs
3) Hot Dogs
4) Delicious Orchards’ apple cider doughnuts
5) Pizza
God, I’m healthy. Lol.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

Various people over the years: You can only do the best you can do.
(Joe: great advice)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't working?

Listening to music, preferably jazz and blues, but I also like classical, R&B and good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. And sleep. Sleeping is always good.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to spend an hour with Barack Obama, and pick his brain about what he’s endured the past eight years.
(Joe: that would be interesting, he seems like a genuinely nice guy to sit and have a beer with.)

Professional Questions

Why journalism?

Because I suck at math. I’ve always been a nosey person. When I was little, living in Long Branch, my friends and I used to count the blasts from the fire house horn to see where a fire was located, and then we’d shoot over on or bikes to see what was going on. I dabbled in it a little in high school – one of my English teachers was a reporter for the Asbury Park Press – but didn’t really get the bug until college. I enjoy bringing things to light and being able to help people, in the limited capacity that I have to do so.

Can you explain your style in 10 words or less?

Laid-back.

What is your greatest journalistic achievement?

In 1997, I wrote a series of articles that led to the establishment of an $8 million program in the state to provide every fire department and fire academy in New Jersey with a thermal imaging camera. Not many had them at the time because they cost about $25,000, but they are life-saving tools. The legislation – the first of its kind in the country – was created with the help of then-Assemblymen Christopher “Kip” Bateman and the late Peter Biondi, and signed by Gov. Christine Whitman. I remember how proud I felt at the ceremony where the first batch of cameras were presented to fire companies at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. A similar bill was introduced in the US Congress, but never went anywhere.
(Joe: that is certainly something to be proud of)

If you could work for any newspaper, past or present, which would it be?

I think it would have been cool to work for one of the New York City newspapers during the 30s and 40s, when newspapers were king and the competition was intense.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you write and what’s your favorite part about the process?

My inspiration comes from knowing people depend on me to tell them what’s going on. My favorite part about the process is when it’s over. Lol.

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

1. “Dreams Are Meant For Two” by PJ Parker
2. “The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen
3. “The Seeger Sessions” by Springsteen
4. “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
5. Cast album of Les Miserables.

To learn more about Bill and his books, please check out the links below.
The Franklin Reporter & Advocate - http://franklinreporter.com/
Bill Bowman - http://bbowman.net/
Savage Lies, The Half-Truths, Distortions and Outright Lies of a Right-Wing Blowhard - http://bbowman.net/?page_id=90
Murderer of the Year - http://bbowman.net/?page_id=95

Hiking Through History: Monmouth Battlefield - Part II; George Washington

This is the second installment of Hiking Through History and I am still at Monmouth Battlefield. The first post was about the Visitor Center and Combs Hill, today I will take you to the battlefield and the .86 mile Washington Trail. The following trail description is taken from the park brochure:

"Washington Trail: This trail leads to the main Continental Army position. Back-and-forth along this hill, Washington rode, encouraging his men and organizing a counter-attack as the British began withdrawing."

Now, I think it is important to say that I am not a history buff and that history was always one of my worst subjects when I was in school. That is what makes this hike even more special than just some time in the great outdoors. As I was walking along the trail taking in the beauty of the autumn day I couldn’t help but think back to June 1778 and imagine what was happening in the exact place where I was walking. The wooden fence shown here couldn’t possibly be a relic from the battle but I could almost see men kneeling behind it and taking aim. I often found myself stopping and looking towards the east trying to envision the British soldiers in the field and what it must have felt like to be there during the battle. I stood in the very spot that Molly Hays, aka Molly Pitcher, stood and fired upon the British when one of the soldiers fell – watch for a post about that trail coming soon.

The black & white image above was taken while kneeling behind the battlefield fence, looking towards the Sutfin House. This is a view that the soldiers would have had during the battle. The house is very interesting in on it's own and I will write about it at a later date.

It took longer than usual for me to hike this trail because I stopped at each of the information stations along the way and took pictures from that perspective. I have been to a number of places that claim “George Washington Slept Here” but I was on the ground where he commanded troops and that was somehow magical. If you stand still and are real quiet you can almost hear the roar of the cannons; or maybe it is the roar of the cars speeding by, I can’t be too sure.

When I was approaching the end of the trail I looked ahead and saw a couple of people walking dogs. I looked to my left to take a photo and when I turned back they were gone. The trail had a slight curve to it between where I was and where I had seen them and the grass was high so I thought I would meet up with them as I walked. I didn’t! I got to where the trail turned to go back to the parking lot (this is the spot that I saw the other walkers) and they were nowhere to be seen. The first thought I had was that they were soldiers who never left the battlefield and I was a little spooked. I then noticed that there was a trail to my right (this is the Lafayette Trail, watch for an upcoming post) and they were about 40 yards up that trail. They saw me and we exchanged waves. I actually stopped about 20 feet away and turned, just to make sure they were still there. I felt a bit foolish when I got back to the parking lot; their new, full-size pickup truck was parked next to my car….

Dave Evans: Songwriter, Performer and Friend

I met Dave at a job interview; he was looking to hire a programmer and I was looking to be hired. I had been on many interviews in my life but this one was different. We had just met but I was very comfortable and it seemed like we had known each other for a long time. I ultimately got the job and we quickly became good friends. We found that we had a common bond with music; we both play guitar and are more than casual fans of The Beatles. He is also a songwriter and a very good one at that. That was just over 10 years ago and I have had the privilege of watching his songwriting, performing and recording mature in leaps and bounds.

I mentioned earlier that we both play guitar but that is a little misleading. I played a long time ago - classical guitar mostly - and just fool around every once in a while. There have been a few times when I have gone to Dave's and we play some of his songs together but my playing isn't quite up to snuff. His playing gets better all the time. We have a long-distance writer-collaborator relationship that has been a lot of fun and rather productive. Dave will write a song - sometimes he just get a melody or chord progression he likes, sometimes just lyrics - and send a rough recording to me. I listen to it a number of times - usually 2 or 3 in a row and then come back to it a little later for a few more listens - and give him my thoughts. I almost never have a comment about the lyric but will offer some feedback about the accompaniment. He is the artist and, ultimately, it is his voice that comes through.

Dave's biggest influence is The Beatles and, in particular, John Lennon. You can feel this in his lyrics - he often writes of love or the social ills of this world. It is my opinion that his songs of love are his best work and I know they are his most personal. There is a geniuneness to his music that I feel sets him apart from a lot of other singer/songwriters out there today. He considers his style to be "classic rock" but he throws in a little bit of jazz, blues and country from time-to-time. Like most singer-songwriters the guitar is center stage for most songs but don't be surprised to hear piano, strings and horns show up from time-to-time.

Dave is currently putting the finishing touches on a few of his songs and looking forward to putting out his third album. You're going to hear a lot about Dave in the coming months - I plan on writing more about his music and specific songs. I also suspect you will be hearing about him from others, too. He is too talented not to be "out there" and it won't be long before he is. The video of "Mary's Song" is one that was done a few years ago and it has changed a little in the intervening time but it is my favorite song and I want to share it with you.

Mary's Song on YouTube

I recently interviewed Dave for this blog - you can read that interview here, Interview with Songwriter Dave Evans.

Dave has an Artist page on BandCamp where you can listen to more of his music, as well as purchase songs. His page is https://daveevanssolo.bandcamp.com and I encourage you to check it out as soon as you finish reading this post. If you are interested in publishing or recording some of his songs - his contact information is on his BandCamp page.

I would love to hear what you think of his music - check out his page, listen to some songs and come back to leave a comment below. I'm sure you will become a fan, just like me! Thanks for stopping by.

Interview with Food Blogger Carol Taylor

Carol Taylor, aka Caz, is a retired Civil Servant from England who is now living among the rubber trees in Thailand. She now spends her time pursuing her passions – cooking and writing, sometimes even writing about cooking! She is working on a novel and is getting ready to publish a second collection of short stories with some of her writing friends. In her circle of writing friends, Lola, Sophia and Ethel, she is the whimsical one they call Roxy (don’t ask, she would tell me.) Carol had told her daughter, a cancer survivor, that she would run a marathon and she did; she has the medal to prove it but don’t expect to see her line up again anytime soon.

I have enjoyed reading Carol’s posts but it can be difficult to do on an empty stomach because everything looks so good. As I write this I am looking at her Apple Pie and thinking about her Alcoholic Hot Chocolate. She also has written about the differences in what foods and ingredients are called – You Call It What! and What do you call it???? are terrific reads. Look below for a link to her Niume profile and other writings.

Now, it is my pleasure to give unto you – Carol Taylor in her own words!

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Red Shoes and what girl doesn't at some point want a pair of red shoes. I was quite young 11 ish and was out with my mum for sturdy school shoes...I wanted these red ones so every pair she made me try on..hurt me too big , too small anything. She got fed and marched me home. Telling my dad could take me to get school shoes. My dad was the authoritarian and stood no nonsense from us girls. He took me , asked me what pair I wanted...Me..little madam pointed to the RED ones. So we tried them on...a perfect fit and he bought them. My first pair of Red shoes. Looking back I am sure he got an ear bashing...lol
(Joe: great story. Reminds me of when I was 13 or 14 - I wanted red Puma Clyde suede sneakers. They cost $25 and my parents refused to buy them. I cut grass all summer and used some of the money to buy the sneakers before school started.)

What are the five foods you can’t live without?

Chillies, of couse..lol. Thai basil, Rice, Indian curry and coconut juice.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

My best friend Jilly who sadly is no longer here. Once told me never to forget that I was ME before I was a mum. I love my kids and would do anything for them but I also leave time for me..to cook, to write and not so long ago my big son told me I had always been his inspiration and that's why he had got to where he was and he flies high and is also a great dad. Now I am blubbing..your fault...lol
(Joe: that is great advice. Once we become parents it seems we tend to lose "us" and we shouldn't.)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't cooking?

Writing...My passion and I always say my fingers are an extension of my mouth...I just write and walking i love...when was younger I used to run to free my mind but not now....

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Steven Hawking...what wonderful mind that man has..I would have so many questions about the universe..

Professional questions

Why cooking?

Why not??? I love to cook...I also like to know what is in my food so I think that ultimately drives me. I buy no processed food I make practically everything but without being obsessed because sometimes you just can't make it ..so then if I really want it's moderation.

Can you explain your style in 10 words or less?

I just cook from the heart.

What is the best thing you ever cooked?

I think you best ask them that eat my food that question..lol.. I can tell you the worst...Many of those...like the time I first used garlic and when it said clove I used the bulb...but I learnt.
(Joe: that's funny.... with that much garlic you don't have to worry about vampires for a long, long time!)

What is one thing, culinarily, that you wish you could do better, and why?

Beautiful presentation...When I see some of the dishes and how beautifully they are presented...My food..I get lots compliments on taste but would love to serve a dish where as it approached the table everyone went WOW...just by looking...You did ask..lol

Where do you draw inspiration from when you cook and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I used to be recipe driven and living here has taught me to be ingredient driven...so most times I look at what I have and cook..I substitute if Ihaven't got an ingredient and I taste and I can now taste a dish and tell you all that is it or most.....So I am inspired by Taste I suppose.

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

Oh..That's a big ask so many wonderful albums and my taste is diverse but here goes.

• Paolo Nuttini...These Streets.
• Rod Stewart...Still the same... A great rocker
• The Rat Pack...Sammy Davis J, Frank Sinatra and James Dean.
• Handels Water music...I have old single and it was the only music my daughter would go to sleep for and she drove her brother mad when she able to put it on for herself..lol
• Lastly ohhhh a Bit of Buddy and Elvis

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Carol better. As promised you will find links to more of Carol's posts and writings below.

• Carol can be found on Niume - https://niume.com/profile/42183#!/posts
• Retired? No one told me! - https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/
• Follow Carol on Twitter - @TheRealCarolT

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All photos are the property of Carol Taylor and may not be used without written permission.

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Hiking Through History: Monmouth Battlefield - Part I

I begin this multi-part series about Monmouth Battlefield where most people would begin their visit - the Visitor Center and Combs Hill.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It is the site of the Battle of Monmouth on 28 June 1778 and is considered one of the pivotal battles in the American Revolution. This series of posts will take you through the battlefield as I retrace the steps of General George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, General Charles Lee and Mary "Molly" Ludwig Hays, aka Molly Pitcher. I will explore Old Tennent Church and Old Tennent Cemetery, the church having been used as a make-shift hospital during the battle and the cemetery containing graves and tributes to those who fought there.

The image above is a view of the battlefield shot from atop Combs Hill. The lone structure in the distance is the Sutfin House; it stands in the middle of the battlefield with General Washington to the west (left) and Major General Charles Cornwallis to the east (right). The Sutfin House stands about 1 mile from where this photo was shot.

This image was shot a few days prior to the annual battle re-enactment. These fences can be found throughout the battlefield but the ones shown here do not stay up year-round, they are only in place for the re-enactment and then removed.

This is one of two footbridges that span the ravine at the bottom of Combs Hill.

The Visitor Center has a lot of exhibits and information about the battle and there is always someone available to help with any questions you may have. I would suggest you start your exploration by picking up a map of the park and then set out to explore. There are tables for picnics and a playground for the kids. Some of the trails are paved while others may just be dirt or very short grass in the case of the fields. You can enter the woods where you will find several trails. I usually will start by traversing down Combs Hill and entering the woods to the left of this footbridge, that way I don't have to hike up on the way back. The wooded trails are my favorite in this section of the park; if you look carefully and walk quietly you may come across some deer along the way.

Well, that wraps up this initial installment of Hiking Through History: Monmouth Battlefield. The upcoming weeks will bring more installments from Monmouth Battlefield before moving on to another site.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien

I overheard my wife and son talking in the car and my wife read this quote to him. They are both Tolkien fans. I am not but I loved the quote and thought it was a perfect fit for me to write about. It's funny what inspires us sometimes. Ringo Starr makes a slip of the tongue and John Lennon writes "A Hard Day's Night". I overhear someone talking and get an idea for a blog article. Does that put me at the same level as John Lennon? I wish..... My point is that you never know when or how you will be inspired but if you keep your eyes and ears open, good things will eventually come your way.

My Wandering

Now, on to the subject at hand. I love to wander and do so whenever I get a chance. Whether it is for 20 minutes at lunch or hours on a weekend morning, taking a new way back to the office after lunch or a leisurely bike ride, wandering about is great for the body, mind and soul. My wandering over the past couple years has taken me to several cemeteries, eight (8) county parks, two (2) state parks and a couple national recreation areas, all in New Jersey. I have explored beaches and woods, historic sites and places that are just fun to explore. Until now the wandering I have written about has been done on foot but I recently got a bicycle and hope to start riding again soon. The bike is great because I can cover so much more area on each excursion but it still affords me the luxury of taking everything in. The bike also allows me to carry more equipment with me, such as a tripod.

The Images

The photos included here are from several hikes that I have taken during my various excursions. Earlier I wrote that I love to wander but I didn't tell you why and I am sure that inquiring minds want to know. There is no single answer to that question - some times it is because I am not anxious to reach my destination (the long way back to the office) or maybe it's because I was curious as to what was on the other side of the hill and I had to explore. I think the main reason is that it gives me time to think, time to reflect on "the bigger picture" and time to attend to my spiritual, emotional and mental well-being. People spend a lot of money laying on a couch talking about their problems to someone and that's okay but it isn't for me. Some turn to their church (synagogue, temple, etc....) for solace and answers to their problems and that's okay, too. Me? I prefer walking around in the woods or finding a good fishing hole to wet my line and just let myself go. For me, there is no better way to recharge the batteries.

In closing

So remember, just because someone is seems to be wandering about aimlessly do not assume he is lost. It could be me looking for my next photo or a secluded spot to sit and reflect on life. Give it a try yourself and see if you don't agree how liberating it can be. My one suggestion is to make sure you have a map - I wouldn't want you to get lost....

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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Remember When the Music

I have seen many live performances over the years in many different venues - from small halls like The Bottom Line to outdoors in Giants Stadium. I've seen upcoming, unknown bands as opening acts. I've seen superstars like Ringo Starr, The Eagles, Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen and The Who. I've enjoyed them all but aside from Ringo, it was Harry Chapin that I most enjoyed seeing. I saw him five (5) times - the last was in late 1980 at the State Theatre in New Brunswick and John Lennon was still alive. I had seen him earlier in the year at the Garden State Arts Center (now PNC Art Center) and was looking forward to a rare twice-in-a-year treat. I had a seat near the aisle, we got there early and hung out waiting for the show to begin. The time came for the show to begin but the stage was dark. It remained dark for quite some time - what was going on? It wasn't like Harry to start late. Suddenly I see someone run past me - just a blur - and jump up on the stage. Harry has arrived at last! He explained that his van broke down on Rt 18 just after he left the New Jersey Turnpike and he actually got a ride from an elderly couple who had stopped to see if he was okay. They offered to drive him to the show; in return he offered them tickets to the show. They looked at him and asked if he played "rock and roll". He smiled when he told us he wished he could have said "Yeah, I'm Bruce Springsteen." I was glad he got to the theater but really disappointed when I learned how. You see, about an hour or so earlier I drove right past where he broke down! If the timing had been better it may have been ME who drove him to the show.... It was, of course, another great Chapin show but sadly, it was the last time I saw him perform. I had tickets to see him perform at the Garden State Arts Center in July 1981 but he died on July 7th in an accident on the Long Island Expressway. I still have the ticket....

Remember When the Music - Live at The Bottom Line

You may have wondered why I mentioned earlier that John Lennon was still alive when I saw Harry last. If you listen to the recording at the top of this post it will explain everything. I, like millions of others, was crushed when I heard of John's murder and I remember playing this song, thinking about John. The song helped me. Then Harry was killed seven months later. The song brought with it a whole new meaning, as did some of his other songs. It was years before I heard this version recorded at the Bottom Line in New York City. It is difficult to listen to the introduction knowing what was to happen only months later.

I miss Harry and his shows. The banter between him and the band - especially Big John - was priceless. I'm glad for the live albums because they do a good job of conveying the experience and YouTube has been great because I can find recordings that weren't released on disk. There is a full concert video of the benefit that Harry did in October 1978 for the Bill Bradley campaign. It was only Harry - no band - but he did sing a duet with Chevy Chase! The show is priceless and I was there! Here is a link - Harry at Capitol Theatre. If you aren't familiar with Harry's music I encourage you to check it out. I'm sure you know Cat's In The Cradle and Taxi but there are so many others. Corey's Coming has got to be one of my all-time favorites, especially the live version on Legends of the Lost and Found.

I hope you Chapin fans out there enjoyed this little homage to Harry. If you have any memories to share, please do so in the comments below. If there is one thing that I learned from Harry is that no matter how bad things may be or how bad you may feel "you can ALWAYS count on the cheap seats!"

Hiking Through History: Historic Allaire Village

In the coming weeks and months I will be writing a series called "Hiking Through History". I will be visiting sites of historic significance around New Jersey and beyond, taking photographs and presenting them here along with a narrative. The first stop on the tour is Historic Village at Allaire in Wall Township, New Jersey. The village dates back to the early 19th Century when James P. Allaire established Howell Iron Works, a bog iron furnace and a self-sufficient village around it. The village operates today as a "living history museum" demonstrating how life was when the village and iron works were operational.

I decided to try to re-create the era with a black & white image of the Chapel. If you are looking for a special place to hold your wedding ceremony, check out the Chapel at Allaire Village.

The long building above housed the Carpenter Shop.

We move on the the Bakery, shown in the image above. There are large brick ovens where they still bake. I was fortunate to be at the village one day when they were doing demonstrations and watched the bakers - it gets quite hot in the bakery.

The last two images are the Blast Furnace. This is quite an impressive structure and the only non-operational part of the village.

This is just a taste of what is waiting for you at Allaire Village and I encourage you to explore it for yourself. For more information, check out The History Village at Allaire where you can learn more about the village and get a list of upcoming events. You can also visit the Allaire State Park website for information about the entire park, including the trails and Pine Creek Railroad.

You can follow Allaire Village on Twitter - @AllaireVillage. The account is owned by The Historic Village at Allaire and is separate from the other websites.

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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