A Puerto Rican Evening
Last Friday, November 13th, I attended the Comité Noviembre 14th Annual Gala Celebrating 23 Years of Puerto Rican Heritage Month held at the Hilton in New York City. My very good friend Carlos A. Picón asked me to attend and present him with the award he was receiving that night. Carlos, a fascinating fellow, is the Curator in Charge of the Department of Greek and Roman Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One could only wish to have him along while exploring the ancient ruins of Greece and, to my great fortune, that is exactly what happened back in 1996. I was vacationing with a group of friends and Carlos joined the group as our informal lecturer and cultural guide to the wonders of ancient Greek history - a most memorable experience.
Established in 1987, the mission of Comité Noviembre is to commemorate and acknowledge all aspects of Puerto Rican life from the social and cultural to the educational, economic, and political. This organization strives to create an awareness of the rich culture, language, and heritage of the Puerto Rican community. The gala last week was a benefit to raise funds for its scholarship awards program. The event is known for the exciting musical entertainment it draws, and I must say that it was certainly a lively and fun evening. Thank you, Carlos, for inviting me and congratulations to all who were honored!
1 At the Gala Benefit - a good photo of me and Carlos - Curator in Charge, Department of Greek and Roman Art Metropolitan Museum of Art
2 A 1996 photo taken of me and Carlos during a cruise around Greece. Carlos was a fabulous tour guide.
3 Before the festivities began - the sound check and pre-dinner preparations
4 This is in the ornate Trianon Ballroom at The New York Hilton
5 There was very lively dancing by Bomba Y Plena Extravaganza.
6 Whirling around the ballroom
7 Vibrant swirls of color
8 Frankie Negron - International Recording Artist - performed two National Anthems - The Star Spangled Banner and La Borinqueña
9 A dinner entree - New York strip steak, spinach and wild mushrooms, gruyere potato au gratin
10 Laura Posada - wife of baseball legend, Jorge Posada - Co-Founder & President of Jorge Posada Foundation
11 Here I am with Jesus Omar Rivera - aka El Boricuazo - historian and author - 2009 Spokesperson
12 With my good friend Kathy Sloane
13 An adoring fan who wanted her picture taken with me
14 A friend of Frankie Negron, who performed that evening
15 Here I am with Carlos Picon and Benefit Committee members - Lourdes Torres, Suleika Cabrera Driane, and Teresa A. Santiago
16 Choco Orta - salsa diva and awards presenter
17 The Master of Ceremonies - Jorge Ramos - Anchorman, NBC/Telemundo
18 Teresa A. Santiago - Chairperson
19 Presenter - The Honorable Sallie Manzanet-Daniels - Associate Justice of the Appellate Division First Department
Martha--you are an institution and almost a national treasure. You're too capitalistic to reach that ideal. But you are an amazing woman. I just saw the Cynthia Mcfadden piece. You look fantastic. But more importantly, you seem to be just where you want to be. That's saying a lot. I saw an older clip of you with Julia the other day when you made that pale green wedding cake. That was sweet. I think you freaked Julia out a little. Your aesthetic, style and manner has changed very little since then, much like your face--you look ageless. I can't say I'm a huge fan. I'm the kind of person who was a huge fan of the shawl you wore when you were released from jail. I loved that piece. I was a fan at that moment. Best of luck and keep farming! My goodness, your farm is meticulous, rational, gorgeous and really an accomplishment.
John
Posted by: john navin | November 20th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Hi Martha, Just wanted to tell you about the nick name my sister has recently given me. She was afraid to tell me because she thought it may up set me. Well I Could Not Be More Proud ! My new nick name is. Inspiring Martha Stewart on a welfare budget:) Thank You for keeping your spirit and holding your head up high. I and many more Thank You for being a Strong Woman. Sincerely, Jackie Foxworthy Ocala Fl.
Posted by: Jackie Foxworthy | November 20th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Wow, what an amazing post. Thanks much.
Would it be possible for readers to vote for a wonderful blogger: http://suzannemcminn.com/
She is trying to win a much-needed temp job as a writer and needs our help. She is a wonderful person.
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | November 20th, 2009 at 2:39 am
It's wonderful when you have the chance to celebrate your friends' accomplishments. Kudos to Carlos!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | November 20th, 2009 at 6:38 am
Hi Martha
I watched the Nightline show and all I can say is BRAVO!!! I loved your answer about Hillary and you being broken - I laughed out loud.
I have to say in your early years I was never a big fan. 20 years ago I was in my early 20's, too busy working and out clubing every night. I guess I started to take notice of who you were and what you represented when your legal problems began. I saw this woman who grew an amazing company and really enjoyed what she was doing. I followed the case closely and it really pissed me off what they did to you, maybe they should have been looking at our boy Bernie instead of breaking your balls. When you said you'd be back I knew you would. I immediately purchased MSO stock and started subscribing to your publications, buying books and now I'm hooked. I tape your show everyday and have learned so much from you.
Thank you. You are an amazing woman, your company and products are fantastic. I look forward to the future of MSO.
Ann
Posted by: Ann | November 20th, 2009 at 8:18 am
A lovely vibrant and colorful evening! I am sure Carlos was delighted to have you at this gala event.
Posted by: sherey | November 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
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Martha, My Dear ......!!
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Yesterday I saw a preview of you talking with Cynthia McFadden on Nightline. Tonight I saw the whole piece.
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What I originally thought to be a quick bit of 'feist' from you, which I loved, seemed like something else by show's closing at midnight. I have a detailed commentary in my head about the tone McFadden set and indulged in repeatedly throughout the interview. I suppose I'll keep that to myself since no one's asking. I will say, however, that the tug of war questioning was tedious for me.
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I do not enjoy out of context paintbrushing and content angling. The half hour could have brought forth a much better balanced portrayal of you. It somewhat reminded me of the Fortune Magazine layout. It's too bad business thrives on what sells ahead of what is good.
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I would love to know your personal thoughts on this interview, and yet I wouldn't. Keep that piece of yourself safe in your own space.
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Well, I have to go put the spotlights on the display area at the front of my property. It's after midnight, but they go on EVERY night, no matter the time. I suppose I'm not normal ..... but in spite of all that, I CHOOSE to flip that switch!
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With love and respect,
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Andrea and the Weimaraners
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Posted by: Andrea Spencer | November 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Hi Martha,
Your very first blog back in August of ’07 was about your Greek getaway and you also talked about the Greek section of the Metropolitan Museum as well as the curator Carlos Picon. Unfortunately, I have not made it to the museum yet but I will.
~
You have so many nice friends and I enjoy reading about all the nice things you do for one another. Carlos looked quite happy that you were there for him. Thanks for sharing the evening with us too! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 20th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hi Martha,
I know how much you love Puerto Rico. I remember an episode of Living where you explored the island, and also did a very beautiful wedding there. My partner is Puerto Rican and he is living with me now in Canada (quite a change in climate!) and he was very impressed by some of the guests at the event. He exclaimed when he saw Jesus Omar Rivera, someone he used to watch on the news at noon in San Juan, an expert on all-things Puerto Rican. He was wowed by Choco Orta, too - an amazing salsa singer! The one thing he did take issue with was the food. "What? No Puerto Rican food?" He wanted to see mofongo on your plate, or bacalaitos, and tembleque or dulce de leche for dessert! (Next time...) We're going to PR in the spring to see his family, so you've got us excited about all things Puerto Rican again. We're both glad you had such a good time!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | November 20th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Hi Martha, What a fantastic evening that must have been! I've always been fascinated by Puerto Rico and love your blogging so we can visit that wonderful country with you. Love all of the photos and everyone looked like they were having a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed you interview by Cynthia McFadden on Nightline Friday night. I wish the media people would just listen to what you say and not make such negative comments about it. They seem to love twisting your words around. I don't think they really know you. Take care and know that you are understood by all of us who are true fans. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 22nd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Martha -
Please don't apologize to ANYONE for speaking your honest mind about you-know-who. I loved that someone asked you a question and you gave a sincere answer. Some in the media are pretending to be "surprised" or "shocked," but that's baloney! They just need something new to chew on and spit out. That's how it is today, unfortunately, with 24 hour news. I can't stomach it sometimes.
Anyway, my point: You've nothing to apologize for. You're a smart woman who has an opinion and that's that!
Posted by: Marie | November 23rd, 2009 at 2:55 am
hello again dear martha,
i thought you'd like to see how your "leaves of thanks" article in the november issue inspired my latest cocktail garniture blog post... check it out i'll think you'll quite like it!
http://intoxicatedzodiac.com/blog/2009/11/23/thanksgiving-cocktail-garniture-gets-creative/
happy thanksgiving, gwen
Posted by: gwen sutherland kaiser | November 23rd, 2009 at 10:34 am
Another great blog post and fabulous photos! One of the things that impresses me so much about you is the diversity of your interests. You seem such an open-minded person who wants to keep learning new things every day.
I believe that is one reason nobody else is in your league, although they'd love to be annointed the "next Martha Stewart". Many people are expert or entertainer in one area, but to cover all the bases you do in the comprehensive fashion you do makes you an incomparable original!
Posted by: Sofia | November 23rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm