the writing and photography of Neil Kramer

Month: December 2016

2016

Imagine a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s about a beautiful and scrappy Southern single mom who falls for a city slicker who lives in New York City.  He says that he is a writer and photographer which apparently doesn’t mean the same thing in the North because it doesn’t require making a real living. Still, being an aw-shucks optimist, she thinks that he is the bee’s knees. He actually adores her too, but whenever he finds himself in a real relationship, he always has one foot mired in doubt. He constantly says stuff like, “this is too complicated,” “we live in different cities,” “we don’t like the same movies,” and things like that.

Eventually, our Southern heroine gets fed up with the New Yorker’s negative thinking, and as Christmas approaches, through pure serendipity, she meets a divorced Southern gentleman who only lives ten minutes from her home.

He is perfect. He loves the same football teams as her son and he can whip up the best fried chicken in minutes. Most importantly, he knows how to treat a lady. They make plans for Christmas together.

Meanwhile, back in the city of the birthplace of Trump,  the evil city slicker,  a complete ne’er-do-well with the carpetbagging black heart of a true Yankee, is suddenly awoken with jealous feelings. He sends her emails trying to make her feel guilty for finding her own happiness, attempting to manipulate her with the fancy words he picked up at some Ivy League university. What will our heroine do? Who will she choose? The true and honest local boy with the heart of grits, or the fast-talking neurotic big city jerk who only wants what he can’t have?

I think we know the end of that movie. I mean if it is a Hallmark Christmas Movie and not some Martin Scorcese film.

That was my 2016.  I am the villain.   Which usually is the best role in a movie.   But not in real life.

 I didn’t blog that much.  I have no blogging recap like in the old days.

That was my 2016.

Oh, yeah, in November, I went to Hillary Clinton’s Big Election Night Ball at the Javits Center where she was to be crowned the next leader of America.

That was my 2016.

Also, I took a lot of photographs. Some came out good.

But I’m healthy. My mom is healthy. Most of my friends are healthy.  And I’m still friends with the Southern girl.  So, it wasn’t that bad.

The Eleventh Annual Blogger Christmahanukwanzaakah Online Holiday Concert

Happy Christmahanukwanzaakah!   Welcome to the 11th annual holiday concert!

It was a tough political year for many of us, and there is much uncertainty in the world.  But let us remember that camaraderie and music are important forces for good.   They can inspire us, touch us, and lead us into battle.   There is work to be done in 2017.  Our system has failed many, especially those that are already marginalized.    One non-profit organization fighting for justice in our educational system is Being Black at School.  

Being Black at School is a national nonprofit advocacy organization focused on addressing the complexities of being a Black student in the American education system.   Our mission is to utilize data and policy analysis to foster a movement for schools that are safer and more equitable for Black students.

Please help them by donating what you can.    You can read more about their mission on their website.

Happy Holidays and enjoy the show.  

blkfade

photo by Karen Delaney Dino

blkfade

Tim Minchin’s White Wine in the Sun performed  by Eileen of Eileen Chong

blkfade

photo by Bonnie Stewart of The Theory Blog

blkfade

The Peace Carol performed by Elly of  BugginWord 

blkfade

photo by Erin Cooper

blkfade

A British Christmas performed by Noel Katz of  There’s Gotta Be Music 

blkfade

photo by Pam of Outside Voice

blkfade

Joy performed by Elizabeth Robinson  (Kizz) of  117 Hudson and Sara Stopek

blkfade

photo by TL Roberts

blkfade

Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah  performed by Angela of  Fluid Pudding 

blkfade

photo by Carol of Buttercup Counts Her Blessings

blkfade

Christmas, Don’t be Late by Veronica (with help by Kacey Musgraves)

blkfade

photo by Louise Gleeson of Late Night Plays

blkfade

Madre Tierra performed by Charlie Miller with Danny Miller

blkfade

photo by Deborah Grinter of Blossom Bombs

blkfade

Hark the Herald Angels Sing performed by Lara Bolte

blkfade

photo by Laura

blkfade

Sugar Plum Holiday performed by Jenny Kelly and family

blkfade

photo by Jane

blkfade

Los Angeles Jingle Bells performed by Ellen Bloom of LA is My Beat

blkfade

photo by Maggie Christ of Magpie Musing

blkfade

Across the Great Divide performed by Tamar Jacobson and Tom Jacobson

blkfade

card from GK Khalsa

blkfade

River by Joni Mitchell performed by Anne Riotto

photo by Loukia of Loulou’s Views

blkfade

Auld Lang Syne performed by Elisa Camahort Page  of SheKnows Media

blkfade

photo by Lotus Carroll

blkfade

God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen performed by Tina Rowley

blkfade

photo by Martin Karaffa

blkfade

Happy Xmas performed song by Marty, Kevin, Christopher, and Colin Long

blkfade

photo by Jessica Rotenberg

blkfade

We Wish You… performed by Alejna of Collecting Tokens and family

blkfade

photo by Judy Carrino

blkfade

Black and White performed by Neil Kramer of Citizen of the Month and Junius Harris

blkfade

  

photo by Karen Rivers

blkfade

Here are the past blockbuster concerts —

2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012 2013  2014  2015

See you at next year’s event!

blkfade

NYC, The Five Boroughs, the 2017 Calendar

 

I’m always curious about what the kids want for Christmas and Hanukkah each year, so I’ve been talking to a lot of my friend’s children, asking them, “What gift are you hoping Santa Claus brings you this year?” I was expecting the answer to be some trendy Japanese Pokemon/Furby type toy, so I was shocked when your kids answered in one voice, “This Christmas I want a 2017 Calendar of New York City Photos!”

I many not have kids of my own, but I care a lot about your kids, especially about making them happy. I’m assuming you want the same for your children. They ARE the future. That’s why I’m offering these NYC photos of the five boroughs for only $16.99! Not $17. I’m beginning to understand how business works. Only $16.99!

You can buy this NYC calendar on my ETSY SITE.   Tell me what you think of my oddball choices of  NYC photos, not one skyscraper or famous site in the bunch.

 

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial