How did these people above, become these people below....OY VEY!
Frightening. Actually, he looks terrific.....! He may not think so, but to me, I think he looks amazing---he still has that wonderful head of hair. It's me that looks like crap....No make-up, no eyebrows, physical pain & chronic illness, plus eating anything you feel like will do this to a person. And, oh yes..... I forgot---53 years of living may have something to do with it, too.......To me, the picture below is even more frightening......
I see me trying to smile and look like everything is just fine when underneath that really pitiful smile, you can see the pain in my face. It truly reflects the physical pain that I live with, day in and day out. And where did my eyes go? The sunlight makes me squint more than ever these days. Another good reason to never post pictures of myself at this point in my life. UGH! I tell you I look like I'm on crack or something....!Dick Camillucci came to visit me this past Saturday. The last time I saw him was in 1989 in Tequesta, Florida, where I had a show of my paintings. He had driven up from Miami, where he lived at that time. His Dad, Richard Camillucci was my Voice Teacher 'back in the day'. A couple of years ago, I posted some pictures of this recording session....The "A" side was "Alexander's Ragtime Band", with an updated arrangement....There were lots and lots of pictures taken that day.
Above.....Nat Jones, my accompanist, Dick's father Cami, as he was called, and me....A bit of a rehearsal was taking place. Cami and Dick and Cami's brother Eddy had started this Record company together called CAMBRIA.....
My record was one of the first that they released.....Cami was a fantastic man and an inspiring teacher. I was saying to Dick on Saturday that his father's great gift as a teacher was opening up the person, emotionally.... If you could sing....that would be there, but without tapping into your feelings and emotions, it would just be a 'voice' with nothing behind it.
And it wasn't anything he did that made you 'feel' your feelings---it was just who he was as a person. So caring and comfortable and he instilled a comfort level in you and a safe place to show the inside of yourself through song.
It was great to see Dick and to get caught up on what's been happening, and to reminisce about 'the old days'. He lives in Oregon now and was down here in Los Angeles 'taking' meetings with different film people on a very interesting project that he has----And below, here he is with his 'Lady', Cindy....A very very sweet woman.......They get along like Peanut Butter and Jelly. They make a wonderful couple.....I am so happy for him......
There is something about old friends that is so important.....I mean, Dick knew my mother! (How many people that are still alive that I am still close to today, can say that. She died in 1966!) As time went on, I stayed in contact with Cami his wife Barbara through all the years until Cami died, and then, I continued to keep in touch with Barbara.....When I had a show of my paintings in Sarasota, Fla. in 1991, where Barbara was living by that time, she allowed me to have a lovely party at her home, after the Opening of my show......
I'm in touch with Dick's sister Maria---a lovely wonderful woman, who lives in the Miami area of Florida with her dear husband of many many years, Steve. That is them above with one of their daughters, Teela. They came over to Sarasota for the show. What a lovely thing that was for me......Continuity is a wonderful thing. Seeing Dick on Saturday is part of the continuum of a friendship that began in 1953 with their father. And still goes on today, here in 2010, through his children.......More To Come.........
- had this to say:
Noami, you still looked gorgoeous and this beauty is exude through your love for everyone around you. Looking at your friendship with all your friends is exactly how I want to maintain that long lasting relationship too.
Then and now makes no difference as long as the heart remains young forever.
You are very much loved Noami :D- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 1:39:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
That's the trouble with meeting past friends - we become so conscious of the odd ravages of age. We all have them but as you know from my last post Kim, the photographer, teaches us to look beyond the exterior to the person within.
The next time he comes down south I'm committed to be photographed - warts an all. Help!
And remember - we're both still standing:)- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 1:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I think it speaks volumes about you that you've maintained so many very long term relationships with people. Although we most likely will never meet in person I feel distinctly privileged just to know you through the blogging community. And as for disliking your pictures after a certain age, I think we women start doing that at around 45. It's normal. And I think you look great.
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 2:16:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Dear Naomi, I know it has been a while since I've left a comment , but that dosen't mean I haven't been keeping up with your blog...you write the most interesting blog on the internet.
It's funny how we never see ourselves the way other people do. When I look at your picture I see an attractive, warm, loveable and sincere woman...and someone who has a great sense of humor. A woman who is a true friend to the people in her life.
None of us will ever look the way we were in our 20's and 30's--unless you want to do a Jocelyn Wildenstein???
You have a very rich life because you have many, many good friends. I see that you work at your frienships, and those friends mean more than all of the riches in the world.- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 3:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I am always so impressed with how long your friendships last. You certainly aren't a "use and lose" friend.
We may have crossed paths in both those towns in Florida.
As for aging, my now and then changed dramatically from 5 years ago and today. Yikes.- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 5:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi,
I am so sorry that you have to live with such pain :( but how
wonderful that you were able to spend time with an old friend!
I changed my blog template so hopefully it won't be hard on your eyes should you pop by for a visit.- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 5:39:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Isn't it nice having visits from old friends!
And it's great to see a picture of you, Naomi, as you are always the one taking the pictures :)- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Great pictures and thank you for sharing them. I feel the same way as I see myself before and now and then remind myself that it's the transition of life. We aren't what we were but we are still here and we are the lucky ones to be still here even if we do hurt more places than we used to and can't do the things we once did.
I know more of that is coming into my life as I get older and it's encouraging to me the beauty you still bring into yours. You really are an inspiration, Naomi. You just compare yourself to what you once were but you still are very special. It's not so easy as we get older but I think of the house of tiles, the flower pictures, your gathering of friends, and the list goes on. You do a lot to bring beauty into your days. It's admirable, really it is.- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Well I think you look great, then and now. :) So there!
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:00:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Of course we all will say this, but I really do mean it--I think you are beautiful, yesteryear and today. It is your spirit. Your art. That beauty never ages unless you allow it to and you have not allowed it to. As we age we all deal with some physical something that youth kept from our bodies. I had a visit from a cousin I hadn't seen in 50 years. He and his wife looked fantastic. I saw the same young man I once knew. He certainly had me beat by a mile, so healthy! But I play the cards I'm dealt and by God I love the game! (Yes, that hair--wow!)
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:24:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Awesome photos!!! Awesome memories!!!!
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You're too hard on yourself, but aren't we all? I'd say that is a wonderful picture, two old friends who have stood the test of time. I would love to have a picture like that, if I live long enough, if my friends live long enough, and if we remain friends. That's a rare achievement. You should celebrate that you have blessings like this in life. I'm sorry for the pain you suffer through. I know that can't be easy, but pull a Pollyanna and weather through, finding the good in it all.
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 8:34:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hi, Naomi Thank YOU for sharing your friends and your self with us once again. I know there is an age difference between us, but gota tell you we are all aging, your photo brought a smile to my face, because you remind me of what my minds eye remembers my grandma looked like. And she was my JOY. But she moved on almost 20 years ago now. What do you think VV, never noticed any resemblemce but this photo. Very nice. Family and friends, they are truly one of Gods best gifts.
I am amazed that every time VV comes to visit, just how much she looks like our mom. Because of distance only get to see her every couple of years.
So hang on tight, and enjoy the times you get to spend with loved ones. Remember they still see you. And you are lovely.
Pat from NY- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 8:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Long standing friendships are wonderful. There is a thoughtfulness and understanding born of shared experiences over many years.
I would love to see your artwork , Naomi. I imagine it being somewhat like your photos.- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 9:48:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You are so funny, Naomi! And you shine through no matter what! It's sad that such a vibrant person like yourself has to be limited by an illness. Isn't it weird to watch ourselves chAnGE?
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 4:17:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
No, Nayo, you don't look like you're on crack---you look like you don't have any eye makup on! Our culture demands that women smear the kohl on no matter what. I'm allergic to the stuff, and unless there's a high level meeting where I need to "look young"---I wear dark glasses!!!!!
The young third worlders with the poasted on fingernails think I'm a bum or a witch or both!!!! lol!!
Illigitimum non carborundum.
the fat lady- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:33:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hey Naomi, you look look great. It's so nice to see you and see your long-time friend. I bet that's a treat to have him come visit. I sure do enjoy your pictures and hear about what you are up to. You are a blessing to all us that read your blog and see your pictures and stories. They are truly amazing. I understand about your chronic pain. My mom has neuropathy and a lot of other ailments that cause her so much pain and for so long. She has to take a good bit of medication and can't do much or drive. She now wears a wig and she's only 67 years old. It's so hard for her. We are just so blessed to have her with us even if she does not feel good very much. I hope you have very many good days in the future!
- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 6:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I think we are always more critical of ourselves than of others. The beauty of the real you shines through (no matter the eyebrows and slits for eyes - which I admit to having as well) LOL
You are right about him, he looks terrific!- Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 9:38:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I do think it is especially hard when seeing an old friend.. it's a blessing and a curse. We are so glad to have the flood of memories it sparks and then we turn around and wonder why life is so short.
you both look great naomi.. i wish you were not in so much constant pain. I feel much the same and it's not easy..- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 4:35:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You may have a few years on you, Naomi, but you wear them well, you are still a lovely lady!
And your friend Dick is a handsome man. How wonderful to re-connect with old friends, especially friends who have such a long time connection with your family. Your delight in this reunion comes through in your writing.... I am so glad you had this opportunity to enjoy Dick and Cindy's company.- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 5:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, when I see your pictures I see a lovely, beautiful and wonderful woman with a great sense of humor too! And I see
my very much loved friend, too!
I just smile with your critical about yourself because I really do the same with myself! LOL! I feel the same way when I see photos of myself before and now. I agree with the comments of your friends "It's not so easy as we get older, but the important is that we are the lucky ones to be still here!"
Thank you for sharing these great pictures with your lovely and dear friends.- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 8:44:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Friendships and life go along way my friend.. Thanks for sharing these photo's and you life with us..
- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 8:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, in my opinion as an artist, you look great then and now. I would paint you any time!
- Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 2:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, you look wonderful, but I got tickled when you said you looked like you were on crack or something!! LOL I just downloaded some recent photos of myself and shaking my head at all my wrinkles! They really are laugh lines, but they have turned into wrinkles! Haha! Right!!!
How wonderful that your friend, who knew your Mother, came to visit you!!
I hope you and dear Sweetie are doing well!! Hugs!!- Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 8:44:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You make me laugh. I think you are underestimating yourself Miss Naomi! You are a gorgeous women and such a beautiful person whihc is why you have so many people in your life you have known for a lifetime. That says a lot about you as a person. As far as photos well the harshness of the daylight is the same for everyone. Put on a pair of sunglasses thats what I do!! I agree with everyone on here. The richness and beauty of you and your life is judged by the wonderful people you have in your life. This post says a lot.
- Friday, May 21, 2010 at 3:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm so sorry about the pain you have to live with daily. I think aging pretty much sucks! Every year another thing hurts or is taken away from you. But at least we love life, and art! And the things that make life so beautiful. I think you are a lovely person inside and OUT!
- Friday, May 21, 2010 at 7:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just *hugs*
It truly sucks getting older.
It's funny, I was looking at some old pictures the other day (we have that in common, don't we?). It was one of my pastor and his wife, whom I've known since I was a teenager. Oh hell, he married me and my first husband. Anyway, I've always thought his wife is so beautiful, and as I looked at her in that picture, I realized with some shock that she's actually NOT beautiful, not really. I looked again and thought about it, and came to the understanding that her beauty is the grace in which she conducts herself, the spirit of joy she lives her life with, the sparkle in her eyes and the kindness she shows to those around her.
Naomi, you (like her) ARE beautiful in the ways that matter.
Love you. xoxo- Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 10:20:00 PM PDT
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