June 21, 2024
February 8, 2022
Don't Be Chicken
Your goose is cooked.
Eat crow.
Proud as a peacock.
An ugly duckling.
The early bird catches the worm.
One flew over the cuckoo's nest.
Kill two birds with one stone.
What's with all the weird bird sayings? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Don't Be Chicken
January 14, 2022
All American Eisenhower EOB
All American: red, white, and blue.
Standing tall and proud. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
All American Eisenhower EOB
June 3, 2021
Washington Monument Tall and Proud
Marble Obelisk that stands tall and proud against the clear blue sky in the nation's capital
Inspiring and hopeful for the future, if people don't blow the opportunities for collaboration and progress. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Washington Monument Tall and Proud
March 3, 2020
Magic Cream
Magic Skin Cream
My dad of blessed memory, when he was alive created a cream called, "Magic Cream."
And it really was magic--he would put it on regularly to heal virtually any routine skin ailment.
It used all natural ingredients and he carefully protected the secret formula.
To now see the magic cream in a major retail store left me really surprised.
I wish that he had been able to bring his magic cream to market and that it would have been a huge success.
IMHO, my dad deserved this achievement--he was brilliant and hardworking and most importantly, a super good person with tremendous faith in G-d and real integrity.
I miss him dearly. ;-)
(Credit Photo: My daughter Rebecca)
Magic Cream
August 1, 2019
Being Jewish and Proud
With roughly 15 million Jews in a world of 7.7 billion people, we make up less than .2% of the world population. However, despite our small size, we’ve been recognized with over 20% of the Nobel Prizes for contributions to the sciences, medicine, literature, economics, and peace. Most Jews tend to believe not only in a strong core religious education, but in higher education and lifelong learning, and others excel even when starting out and innovating from their garages. From Abraham and Moses to Einstein and Freud, and even to today’s Jews leading the Technology revolution–such as Steve Ballmer, Sergey Brin, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison, Larry Page, and Mark Zuckerberg–the Jewish contribution is truly unparalleled.
Being Jewish and Proud
April 11, 2019
Israel 4th Nation To Reach the Moon Surface - Mazel Tov!
What an unbelievable achievement for Israel.
Even without a soft landing, Israel is the 4th country in the world to reach the moon surface.
The Moon Club of Just Four:
USA - The Most Powerful
Russia - The Largest by Landmass
China - The Largest by Number of People
Israel - The Holy Land!
Mazel Tov on this truly great accomplishment.
We are all so proud of you! ;-)
Israel 4th Nation To Reach the Moon Surface - Mazel Tov!
August 14, 2018
Taking Pride In Your Work
The lady in the hair salon had a necklace in the shape of a scissors.
I asked her about it because it seemed sort of unusual and neat.
She said, "It's a scissors!"
And then she proceeded to squeeze the miniature two handles, and said, "You see, it actually opens and closes too!"
I could see and hear how proud she was of what she does for a living.
Yes, maybe it doesn't earn as much as some other professions, but it was her job and she loved it.
I think we should all try to take such pride in our work and in doing a great job!
Everyone has something important to contribute and every contribution truly counts. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Taking Pride In Your Work
April 24, 2018
Ramath Orah Synagogue
So the other day, I received this wonderful email from someone working on the 75th anniversary of Ramath Orah Synagogue on the Upper West Side in Manhattan where I grew up.
My grandfather (Opa), Simon Blumenthal, had served as the President of that synagogue for many wonderful years.
I remember always being so proud of him for his dedication and hard work for the community.
I look up to him when he got up to give the announcements at the pulpit.
And he built the beautiful center bimah, the special succah downstair with the roof that opened up to the sky at holiday time, and made many other truly impressive improvements to the synagogue.
He and his wife, my grandmother (Oma), Hilda Blumenthal were an absolutely beautiful couple and the finest of people.
My parents, Fred and Gerda Blumenthal, continued in their footsteps and to be members at Ramath Orah long after we had moved away to Riverdale, and they were contributors to the shul and attended the annual synagogue dinners for many years.
Even though the synagogue was mainly filled with elderly people at the time, we always knew and prayed that it would become revitalized again, which it did and is now.
Pictured at the bottom is me as a kid sitting with a talit over my shoulder and in my grandfathers (the President's chair) in the front of the synagogue.
Aside from leading and singing the regular Yigdal and Adom Olam prayers, I loved to sit with my father and grandfather in synagogue.
We prayed together, and we stayed together as a family and community.
I miss them all so much, but am sure they are up in Heaven together sitting in the Big Synagogue in the sky basking in the light of Hashem and watching over me and my family today! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Ramath Orah Synagogue
December 1, 2016
Love The Flags
And on the wall was this painting of the Israeli Flag with the Star of David and inside was a beautiful red heart.
Out of curiosity, I inquired how much this was and the lady says, "Oh, that is $55,000!"
While we were impressed with the painting of the Israeli flag and what it represents as one of America's greatest allies and friends, we must've looked really puzzled at the price, because the lady goes, "Well, of course it's worth it! It's by Peter Max, the most famous artist in the world."
My wife and I nodded and left the store, and immediately were asking each other why every gallery says with a straight face that the artist that they represent is the "most famous in the world."
Anyway, at the same time this was going on we were following in the news about the controversy with people burning the American flag and the question of whether this is just an expression of free speech or something more that should be prohibited as disrespectful and unpatriotic or even traitorous to the country.
In that respect, the flag that represents our values, beliefs, and patriotism is valuable beyond pure artistic sense or money, it is who we are and what we love. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Love The Flags
September 18, 2016
Should We Care What Others Think?
They said when they were in school, they were picked on, bullied, labeled, and made to feel different and excluded.
Whether it was their hair that was different or their lunchbox that got taken and hidden from them, the other kids were relentless.
Now in life, they are still dealing with all those feelings.
Do they look right?
Are they educated enough?
Is their profession something others will admire them for?
And on and on.
And at a certain point, I said, "Isn't it more important what you think about yourself than what others think about you?"
And they said, "Sure, but I still feel like I have to live up to other people's standards. I don't want them to think bad about me or talk behind my back!"
I understand this way of thinking is based on trauma from the past and feelings of inadequacy and not fitting in.
And we can spend our whole lives chasing this illusive acceptance from others.
Or we can decide to pursue we what believe in and love, and to find healing in the good we do, rather than the nods or winks from others that we receive.
If we are trying to live up to somebody else's arbitrary standards of perfection, cool, or being in the in-crowd, we may never be good enough.
Instead, if we pursue what we know is right from our moral compass and our heart and soul, and always do our best, we will attain the satisfaction that comes with healthy self-development and maturation.
Seeking unconditional acceptance and love can definitely leave you feeling frustrated, self-hating, and even quite alone.
But accepting yourself, developing yourself, and giving to G-d and to others will always leave you feeling fulfilled.
Forget living as if your in the fishbowl, and strive for the Superbowl of achievement through incremental progress and goal attainment in your life.
Start with making yourself proud and the others will come around. And if for some reason they don't, it's truly their deficiency and loss and not yours!
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Should We Care What Others Think?
May 18, 2016
The King And Queen
They remind me of royalty--a king and queen.
They stand so tall, proud, and elegant.
Together on the mantel, they make a wonderful centerpiece to the room.
I like the contrast colors--him in tan and she is white with the accent colors on their robes.
His grasp on the long beaded necklace and her open fan give them a air of motion and life.
Yet, the faces are calm and balanced.
These are awesome pieces of art work.
Don't know what they are worth, but to me they have value of beauty. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The King And Queen
October 16, 2015
I'm That Jew Too
June 21, 2015
My Dad, My Hero
My dad is in heaven.
But I am thinking about him, missing him, and wishing all the things I want to tell him but no longer can.
I'm sorry dad for not listening better and arguing so much.
Your lessons were not wasted on me, I remember them all!
The most important you taught me to serve G-d and do good no matter what the situation--that is with me every day.
And I know with your grandchildren too.
You are my hero--I believe that G-d watched over you your whole life because of what a good decent human being and servant to him you always were.
Dad, if you can hear me in Heaven, I love you and miss you and Mom dearly.
I hope if you can see me and the family, you are proud.
That is what I always wanted.
When you said it later in life, I almost couldn't believe it.
But I know in my heart, you are and and have been my biggest advocate.
Thank you for everything--everyday--you never flinched no matter how much or inconvenient it was.
May G-d reward you and Mom in heaven and shower you in his eternal light, love, and goodness.
You son,
Andy
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
My Dad, My Hero
December 4, 2014
Fire Truck Pride
Not only are the people that do these jobs heroes in putting their own lives on the line to rescue and save others, but they are patriots as well.
It's not only about the individuals they save, but also the country they serve.
In democracys, there is a value for freedom and human rights--where every individual matters.
That's a country to take pride in and something worth risking life and limb for. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Fire Truck Pride
October 8, 2014
The All American Shoe
I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, and I came across this shoe.
No straps, no buckles, no bows, no ties, no tassels, no sparkles.
Just this woven American flag--prominent and proud.
Thought this was pretty cool.
Maybe there is a time for pretty shoes on the runway, and boots on the ground to defend our nation. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
The All American Shoe
July 21, 2014
Shout It From The Rooftops
"Hear, O' Israel, The L-rd is our G-d, The L-rd is One."
In lights on Tel Aviv Mall in Israel.
(One more from my Cousin Betty--thank you!)
Shout It From The Rooftops
July 31, 2012
Time Marches On
There is a man in a dark suit walking in the background.
He represents us all, walking on through time and spending his allotment.
All around the square, everything else is quiet.
I can feel the gravity of time as it ticks on by.
We rush moment by moment, one activity to another--we are all very busy.
Do we ask ourselves:
- What are we accomplishing?
- Are these things really important?
- And when we look back one day, will we be proud or ashamed?
Time marches on, and it is good to look at the clock.
To ask ourselves what are we doing to deserve the time we have been blessed with.
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Time Marches On