Reflections of Friday . . .

I'm quite certain the events of last Friday are and will be embedded in our hearts for many years to come. Each time a senseless tragedy such as this occurs, we talk about the sadness, the what ifs and the whys . . . as well as how to prevent these horrific events from happening again.  Time passes, pictures fade and we carry on until . . . until it happens again . . . What are the answers? How can we prevent this from happening again? We talk about gun control, stiffer gun laws, different security measures and the mental health of people in this country . . . All I know is right now there are so many people who’s lives will never be the same . . . people who’s hearts will forever be broken . . . people who will never have the chance to live life . . . And there is nothing we can do to change that . . . My heart goes out to the people who have lost so much . . . and I hope they can find a way to “carry on” . . .

Little Help and Thanks!

Today I’m asking for a little help.  Help for a wonderful lady I used to work with. She recently found out that after beating cancer once, it has returned and she again has to fight for her life.  She is facing this  demon the same way she did the first time . . . head on . . .  positive . . . and strong. If anyone can do it, I know Sue can.  If you look up the word “positive” in the dictionary you would see Sue’s face . . .  and she would be smiling.  Quite frankly, I don’t think I ever met anyone with a more positive attitude than Sue. So I’m asking for a little help . . . what ever your faith, how ever you pray to put in a good word for Sue . . . so that she again can say “I beat it” and so she can live long life and spread that good . . . positive energy to all the people she comes in contact with. Thanks . . .

A Reflection of My Past Blogs . . .

I always thought on my 100th blog entry I would write something big, but guess what?  I missed the big day and am well passed 100!  However, I did go back, back to the beginning . . . to the beginning when I wrote for me and a very few . . . I remember writing my first entry wondering where it would take me . . . never thinking I would ever share my thoughts to anyone but the close few I had opened up to.  And then . . . I started sharing to a bigger audience and as they say the rest is history!
Going back and reading those entries, my mind was flooded with past joys, struggles and reflections . . . As I read some . . . I could feel my heart and soul pouring out through my words, some made me smile, others brought tears and some . . . well some were just a snippet of a moment in time.
I also reread all the comments, many more once I started sharing and I felt such a greater connection to people I knew, and a new connection of sorts to people I only know through this blog world.
So I guess, by BIG entry is really as it always is, reflections, thoughts and snippets of a moment in time.

The C O L D . . .

Sniffle . . . Sniffle . . . Cough . . . Cough . . . Snort . . . Snort . . .
My heads spins to look at my husband . . .
PLEASE . . .
    PLEASE . . .
        PLEASE . . .
Not a C O L D!!!!  Anything . . . REALLY . . . anything but a cold!
Don’t get me wrong I love my husband dearly, but when he gets a cold it’s like a 911 emergency 24/7.  It’s always the same conversation . . . me giving suggestions to ease the cold symptoms . . . Start taking high doses of vitamin C and zinc. Try gargling  with warm salt water.  How about getting into a really hot shower and breathe in the steam?  Do you want me to make you a doctor appointment? And always the same response . . . he telling me nothing will work! Or the never ending questions about how he contracted the cold in the first place ;-)  Please don’t think I am unfeeling or insensitive . . .  but to me a cold is just a nuisance  . . . a nuisance that ends in 7 to 10 days. To my hubby it’s a far far worse sentence. . . I wonder is this a man thing?

Thinking About Thanks . . .

This time of year most of us think about how thankful we are . . .
I made a promise a few years ago that I would take a part of each day . . . especially on the really rough ones to remember all that I have to be thankful for! I told myself that these challenges, are the very things that make me stronger and make me the person that I am.  I am so grateful for so so much and I hope the way I live my life is evident of how thankful I am!  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Girls on the Run!

Last Saturday morning I participated in the Girls on the Run 5k race for the forth time.  This year our school decided to participate in the November race rather than in June.  Honestly, it was a lot tougher waking up at 5 am on a Saturday morning in November that on a Saturday in June! The venue for the 5k was at Toyota Park, where our Chicago Fire Soccer team plays.  The route for the race weaved throughout the surrounding neighborhood which was really cool and different from past races. As we walked/ran people were standing outside cheering us on and at mile marker two there was even a high school band playing. Luckily the weather held out and in spite of a cool breeze it ended up to be a beautiful day! As difficult as it was waking up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning . . . literally  . . .  it really is a “feel good” experience!   Giving a little of my time . . . may just make a little difference.

Still Thinking About Sandy . . .

Sitting in my kitchen very early Sunday morning wishing I would have taken advantage of the extra hour of sleep . . . but alas, it wasn’t meant be so I sit enjoying the quiet of a new day.  The quiet in my head doesn’t last long as I again begin to think about the people who’s lives have been devastated by Sandy, the Perfect Storm . . .
People .  . that are literally cut off from the rest of us because they are still without power. 
People . . . that are unable to get medicines, food, water and gas. 
People . . . so scared . . . because they have no idea how long this desolation will last.
People . . . that never cease to amaze me for their courage and their fight to restore their lives.
I turn on the television to see if one of our early morning news shows has any more information, any good news for the people who’s lives have been rocked by Sandy . . .
Not surprising there’s a whole segment on New York because the Marathon was to be today . . . the race that would have run through burrows that up until last week were alive and bustling . . . 
Today. . . these burrows look like the aftermath of an atomic bomb . . .
As I watch, I’m so thankful that most people were in agreement that canceling the marathon was the right thing to do . . . disappointed yes, but in agreement. 
Thankful,that ever so slowly help and relief seem to be getting to the people in need.
And so, so thankful that my niece who lives in New York, is safe and had fared the storm.
Tragedies of all kinds makes me think how in one split second . . . lives can change for ever.
In one split second. . . what we take for granted can be taken away.
In one slit second . . . things we complain about are so not important as compared to what someone else may be going through. 
It makes me realize how fortunate I am . . .
It makes me realize how grateful I am . . .
It makes me realize to always . . . always appreciate and not take anything for granted.

FLash of Time

Wasn’t it just yesterday I was gearing up for a new school year

Missing summer, missing free time, missing life in low gear?! 

Wondering how I would ever be able to get back in the groove

Now here it’s November . . . with the holidays quickly making their move!

But then time stops . . . deep freeze . . .  snow . . . all the weather I hate

Because all I want to do is stay home and hibernate!

Then ever so slowly, changes can be seen

The grass . . . the trees . . . are suddenly green!

I can feel it . . . I can smell it . . . I know it’s near

Soon I’ll be changing my glass of wine for an ice cold beer!

I begin gearing up for my favorite season of all

But in a flash . . . I’ll again be writing about the changes coming with fall!

50 Shades Of Gray

Thick bands of 50 shades of gray

Layering the sky as far as I can see

Tightly fused together . . .  no blue . . . no light

Hovering . . . so low . . . I can feel the moisture

Threatening . . . I wait . . . knowing it’s coming . . .

the deluge . . . 

the explosion

And then it happens . . . the bands snap! 

Releasing pelting rain so dense 

It’s as if the drops are falling as one . . . 

Pounding . . . hammering . . . all that is below 

Again I wait . . . for the end . . . 

For the blue . . . for the light . . . 

Is It Bribing?

Most Tuesday nights of the school year, my school’s library is open from 4:30-7:30 for students and families to come in to read books and take Accelerated Reader tests.  This Tuesday night program is and has been a huge success as most Tuesdays we average about 200 people.  Since I am the LRC director, I’m here every Tuesday watching families spend quality time together away from the television and video games.  Over the years I’ve watched our youngest students grow from being dependent readers to independent readers!  A part of the Accelerated Reader or AR program is that students earn points after taking a test on the computer for a book they have read.  Students get very excited when they reach their points because it means they get a certificate, have their name announced on our daily broadcast, see their name hung on the walls around our library as well as having their name printed in our school newsletter.  Sometimes I hear criticism that the Accelerated Reader program “bribes” students because they are not reading for enjoyment only for the points.  Bribing . . . I say maybe we are “hooking” them and giving them small rewards for his or her efforts!  In fact, what is the difference between reading for points, reading for pizza certificates or reading for Six Flags Great America tickets? And by the way . . . don’t we all like to receive rewards? :-)  Think about those points we earn for airline tickets, restaurants, hotels, groceries . . . need I go on?   My feeling is . . . at least students are reading for goodness sakes!  I have students on a daily basis telling me how great this book is or can I order more books by a certain author . . .  Is the AR program perfect, maybe not, but heck is anything perfect? And . . . I like to think that just maybe . . . in time children will not be looking for the fish at the end of the hook . . . but rather a new author or new series to feed their imagination and love of books!

Getting Ready . . .

I look . . . amazed at what I see

Changes quickly happening right in front of me

Lush greens turning to hues of red, brown, and gold

As the next season autumn . . . begins to unfold

Small animals scurrying here and there

Preparing and storing for when the land is bare

Pumpkins, and scarecrows popping up everywhere

Ware wolves and  ghosts just waiting to scare!

Temperatures dipping, roof tops all glossed

Get ready . . . it’s coming . . . soon all will be covered in frost!

A Short Message to the Teachers of Chicago

As a teacher I feel I need . . . no must say something to Chicago Public School Teachers.  THANK YOU a million times for having the courage to stand strong and fight for what you and the children of Chicago deserve!  It sickened me each and every time I saw the mayor’s big political machine spew lies through the media.  A role model, I think NOT with his bullying tactics and lack of respect towards the teachers throughout this ordeal.  It saddens me how many people really had no idea who and what the Chicago teachers were fighting for.  Clearly, we have it backwards in this country, when movie stars and athletes have more respect then those of us who are in the trenches each and every day, working tirelessly for children so they can become the next generations of respectful, responsible and successful citizens. I can only hope that some day, teachers will be respected for the professionals that we are . . .

Can't Seem to Let Summer Go!

Weather is changing there’s a chill in the air

Gone are the dog days and relaxing on a beach chair

Tree leaves are dropping, no more flowers to prune

Mornings are dark, as are late afternoons

I’ll miss seeing the sun, cause where I live

We can go months without sunshine . . . but oh what I’d give

To get that feeling back even if for just a while

So I close my eyes tight and let summer memories bring me back with a smile! 

My Place . . .

I have a place . . . a place not too far away

A place to relax, a place to unwind, a place to just play

My place is time away with my family and my friends too

With trees, a beach and a lake, that’s almost bright blue

At night crackling fires, roasted marshmallows filling the air

Millions of sparkling stars, all to enjoy from the comfort of my chair

Soon my place will be one more memory of summer gone by

I say with a little sadness and a very deep sigh.

You Got to Love This!

OMG you just have to love this story about a dad showing his son he has his back!  Reading it brought tears to my eyes and I knew I had to blog about it.  This story takes loving and protecting your child to a whole different level and I applaud the father’s wisdom and courage.  This is so, so much more than a little boy wanting to wear dresses, it’s about the unconditional love a parent has for his/her child and the great lengths a parent will or should go to, to ensure that his/her child feels comfortable with who they are. What a valuable lesson to teach our children that being different is ok, and changing the way one thinks or acts to gain acceptance is not ok. Not to get on my soap box but . . . it drives me crazy when people are so judgmental of others when it doesn’t fit into their “norm” of thinking.  So to say I loved this story is an understatement. How I wish I could tell this dad “you my friend are a hero and a true role model to us all”!  

Below is the link, I would love to hear your take on this!

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/dad-protects-son-bullies-wearing-skirt-guess-works-153600107.html

Take Time . . .

In this crazy thing we call "life" sometimes we forget to take time for  ourselves. . . well here are a few things I think are important enough to take time for  . . . my list is not in any particular order because I think they're all important!

Take time for . . .

quality time with your family

Take time for . . .

quality time with friends

Take time for . . .

a good workout at least 3-5 days a week

Take time for . . .

a massage

Take time for . . .

a mani and pedi

Take time for . . .

a walk and take in all that nature has to offer

Take time for . . .

a nice glass of wine or a cold beer

Take time for . . .

a good book 

Take time for . . .

hot bath or shower with a scent that takes you away

Take time . . .  even if just for a few minutes a day . . . that time can be so good for your mind and spirit . . . 

Goodbye Summer . . .

Goodbye To Summer . . .

It’s been over 24 hours . . . summer memories are in the past

As much as I had hoped . . . I knew summer fun would not last

Waking up leisurely, daily work outs at the gym

Spending time with my sister and family for many a swim

So many fond memories . . . New York in June

Music concerts in the park, under a full moon

Mexico with my family celebrating my birthday

Oh how I wish I could go back . . . for an instant replay!

No rushing, no stressing, no schedule to keep

Staying up late . . . no worries if I don’t get to sleep

Goodbye summer . . . I say with a sigh . . .

I guess, all good things must come to an end . . . but why?!?

Sox Win, Sox Win!

Screaming fans, fireworks SHOOTING out from the scoreboard

Popcorn,  peanuts, hot dogs and of course cold beer!

Seats above your favorite team’s dugout

Perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon . . . 

Cheers and high fives all around with my family for a White Sox win . . . PRICELESS!!

Blast From My Past!

Every Tuesday night beginning late June and continuing until the end of July, the town I live in has live free concerts in the park.  The season ended last Tuesday with a blast from my past . . . I was invited to . . . “Come Sail Away” for an incredible evening with Dennis Deyoung and the music of Styx!  On that night, that beautiful last night in July, I took a time machine back to my younger days!  Sitting there I was amazed how DeYoung’s voice had not changed all that much although he    is a young 65 now!  Yikes! Has it really been that long?!?  

The evening was truly one of . . . “The Best of Times” sitting under the stars reminiscing as most of the songs brought back memories of the early 80’s.  For 2 hours the music of Styx filled the summer air and it was quite evident the singing and dancing crowd was saying . . .“Don’t Let It End” . . . The only thing that was missing was the lighters at the end of the concert!  Even though today I love Country, deep in my soul I’ll always be a rock and roll girl!

Another Memory From Paradise

On my recent trip to Mexico, I witnessed an unbelievable site!  While sitting at dinner, maybe 25 feet from the ocean we noticed the waiters quickly turning the lights away from the sand and ocean.   We could tell by their swiftness that something was happening . . . and we were right!  A National Geographic special before our very eyes!  Moving ever so slowly . . . emerging from the ocean was a giant sea turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs!  We watched in awe as she made her way up the sand, digging with with her back legs/fins and sweeping the sand away with her front.  We could sense her determination to find the perfect spot to lay her eggs.  Ever so slowly she pushed forward, stopping for what I think were short rests or maybe she sensed that she had an audience because now the entire restaurant was watching this amazing site!  Fortunately, barely a whisper was heard and of course no cameras so as not to frighten her.  After a bit the night sky grew darker and she became invisible to us  but we knew she had found her spot . . . the spot where new life would emerge . . . making their way back to the ocean and the cycle of life  would continue.  Amazing . . . truly an amazing site!

Just Got Back From Paradise

Just got back from a glorious week in Mexico with my family!  We stayed at the Live Aqua Cancun, an all inclusive adult resort.  From the moment we got there it was paradise.  Here are some highlights that make Live Aqua Cancun stand apart from other all inclusive resorts!

• Upon your arrival, you are greeted at the door . . . welcoming  you
• A complimentary hand massage after check in
• 5 Pools that flow into one another . . . all with a view of the ocean
• A beautiful spa . . . 
• Extremely friendly staff . . . waiting . . . to ensure all your needs are met
• Fabulous cuisine . . . and being from Chicago we are used to the best

Summer Heat . . .

The days have been humid, hot and dry

And it’s only beginning the month of July

It’s hard to be outside . . . to feel comfortable and cool

Unless of course you are sitting or soaking in a pool!

Even the flowers and trees by the end of the day

Are begging for water . . . seem to be fading away

But 6 months from now we will be wishing for this heat

When we’re knee deep in snow, freezing cold and sleet!

I’ll choose this weather . . . this season . . . hands down

Cause I have time with family and friends to just hang around!

Loss of Power

Feeling the cool breeze of the fan . . .

Brushing over me . . . ever so gently

Thankful . . . for the relief from the heat 

POP . . .

The fan stops . . . all is silent . . . air is still

Feeling the coolness slowly disappear

No movement . . . air getting heavy  . . . and

WAITING . . .  WAITING . . . WAITING . . . 

Beads of sweat . . . slowly dripping from my brow 

Watching time pass and still nothing . . .

In the dark . . . I shower . . . savoring the cool water 

And again . . .

WAITING . . .  WONDERING . . . HOPING . . .

5 hours later . . . the click of the AC . . . the hum of the fan

Ever so thankful . . . ever so appreciative . . . ever so empathetic 

For all those who will be WAITING . . . not for hours but for days . . .

A First!!!

Last Wednesday morning I completed my first triathlon!  Ok it was considered a mini tri,  . . . 

3 events, a 13 mile bike, 1 1/2 mile kayak, and then a 5k walk/run.  We did this as part of an organization called “Wild Women”... What an experience!

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought I would

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought  I  could

Race day was hot and humid but we came prepared with our “gu”

That and water would keep our bodies hydrated and help to get us through

The bike . . . 13 miles over small hills and gravel . . . event number one

I knew this would be a challenge, but so rewarding when done

Pumping up the last hill, thighs burning just a bit

But feeling really good . . . I am happy to admit!

On to the kayak, event number two

Adrenaline taking over . . . ready to see this “tri” all the way through!

We begin the mile and a half . . . across the beautiful lake

I’m amazed at how in sync we are . . . never needing to take a break

The sun was getting stronger, the humidity beginning to peak

Yet we pushed on feeling strong not at all feeling weak

Our last event the 5k we chose to walk not run

The path was never shaded, dripping sweat from the sun 

We knew we had it in us . . . not a doubt that we’d make it to the end

At the finish line a hug and high five between . . . me and my friend

It was never about how long . . . just a challenge . . . self pride

3 hours and 15 was what we clocked at the end of our last stride

A “mini” triathlon . . . never ever . . . thought I would

A “mini” triathlon . . . always say . . . maybe  I could

Girls on the Run

For the last three years, I have participated in “Girls on the Run” a 5k running/walking mentor type program with 5^th grade girls from our school.  This year however was the best yet!  It’s not because our bus was one hour late picking us up which meant we didn’t have to stand around and wait until the 5k race began.  And it wasn’t because the temperature was just around 90 degrees and the beads of sweat didn’t provide much in the way of coolant. The reason why this was the best year ever was because of my running buddy S.  Yes, this delightful 5^th grade girl was the reason this year was the best year so far!  S is such a delight!  She is polite, well mannered and a joy to chat with.  She is rather quiet normally, but not during our jogging and power walking we had so much to talk about the time just flew by.  We chatted about what she was looking forward to most going on to 6^th grade.  What plans she had for the summer and she talked to me about her family. I could hear the love and respect she had for her parents as she spoke of them.  Her dad had even come down to cheer her on and show his support.   I shared some things as well which she really enjoyed hearing about.  We talked about how teachers have families and lives just like everyone else. I’m going to miss S because like I said she is moving on to 6^th grade, although she promises to come back and visit… I sure hope she does because I’m sure . . . all that I know is possible for her will come true!  “Girl Power” to S and all the other girls as they begin to find their way towards their futures!  

The Moon

Silvery ball glowing in the night

Casting shadows with its light

Peeking in . . . prodding me to see

All its beauty and its mystery

Many tales . . . many stories oh so many have been said

I wonder why I can’t sleep . . . with all this running through my head!

8 Days . . .

I can’t believe it  . . .  is it really true?

Is the school year really so close to being through!

Eight days left from the 185

Wasn’t it just last month we were all wondering if we would ever survive

Well it’s true, I can say, summer and all it’s glory is just within reach

Time for this . . . time for that . . . maybe even time for a trip to the beach

Whatever June, July and August has in store for me

I can assure there will be some “chillin” with friends and family!

Writing About Not Being Able to . . . Write

Writing . . . sometimes the ideas just burst out of my head

Filling my page with words and thoughts that may never be said

So effortless . . . so easy . . . it’s such a surprise

That when I re-read my piece . . . there is little to revise!

But then there are the other times . . . like today

When there’s no words or thoughts to which I want to convey

It’s like a roadblock . . . a barrier inside my brain

And the harder I try, there are no words to obtain 

So I’ll sit back . . . relax . . . and count to ten

And remember that my words will come back again

I’m sure I’ve not written. . . said all I need to say

And know that tomorrow is another day!

Are You A "Bucket Filler?"

Last week my principal and assistant principal, “filled our buckets” . . . a good reminder that it’s the simple things that can have the biggest impact on people!  

“Bucket Filler” . . . do you know what this is?

If not don’t worry it’s not a pop quiz!

A bucket filler is just another way to say

Hey, let me help to make your day.

Kind words, thoughtful gestures, simply a smile

Can really make one’s day and last a long while.

So remember . . . fill some buckets . . . it’s never too much

And know that each person you reach out to . . . will feel your touch!

As if my bucket wasn’t filled enough, my niece shared something she wrote about my sister and I on Bobby Brown’s (the cosmetic guru) blog.  In fact, many of Bobby’s employees “filled” their mom’s bucket in honor of Mother’s Day.  Check it out!  

http://www.everythingbobbi.com/en/2012/05/10/to-our-moms/ 

Surprise!

Have you ever been SURPRISED?  

I mean really . . . really . . . surprised . . . 

THE HEART POUNDING . . . 

MIND BOGGLING . . . 

kind of surprise that literally takes your 

BREATH AWAY!

Well, until last Friday it never happened to me or my sister . . .

WAIT . . . BACK TRACK . . . REWIND!

(6 weeks earlier)

My niece and nephew call to ask my sister and I if we could take a day off from work.  The reason . . . they wanted to buy us a spa day for Mother’s Day.  SPA!  Of course we can!!!  They go on to to explain that they found an awesome Groupon deal for Mother’s Day and want to book the date.  Not a problem . . . book it we’re both in!

(2 weeks earlier)

My niece sends us our Groupon confirmation.  Susan and I go online to view the Spa . . .it is beautiful!!! We call to tell them how fabulous the Spa looks!  What a wonderful day they have planned for us!

(Morning of our Spa Day)

I’m driving over to my sister’s and my phone rings.  It’s my nephew wishing me a happy spa day. “We will definitely call when we are done being pampered!”  I walk in to my sister’s house as usual and call up to her that I had just talked to Jason . . .”he wished us a happy spa day!!!”  She tells me to come upstairs she needs to show me something.  I walk up . . . and literally start screaming . . . there standing before my eyes are Jason and Lyndsey!!!!  Jason flew in from California and Lyndsey from New York!  I was literally B*L*O*W*N away . . . WOW!

(9 hours earlier)

My sister gets woken up by her husband who is making a bit more noise than usual . . . Barely opening her eyes . . . wait, what?! am I dreaming??? Is that Jason?  What are you doing here? Still groggy from just being woken up, she is not even aware it is 1:30 in the morning.  Are you here for business?  “Mom, look behind you” . . . as she turns she sees Lyndsey and literally jumps out of bed!!!!  To say she was excited was an understatement!  As she’s hugging and kissing them, Lyndsey tells her that there is no spa day planned!

So that was our surprise, the surprise Jason and Lyndsey planned for Susan and I!  

We had a great weekend with them, and trust me, we never . . . ever . . . missed the fact that we didn’t have a spa day.  Spending time with them was the best gift they could have given us!  They both knew that we would rather of had the time with them, then any gift . . .  even a spa day!  And that is what made this gift even more special . . . they know us so well and took time to think about what we really would want . . . what really would make us SO . . . SO . . . HAPPY!  Thanks again, we love you both so much!

SPA . . .WHO CARES ABOUT A SPA???? 

P.S. Remember the Groupon confirmation . . .it was amazing what Lyndsey did with Photo Shop :-)

My Birthday Wish to My Sister!

My sister you are one in a bazillion!

You are everything I could ever hope or imagine a sister to be

I’m so lucky to have you as my sister . . . but also as my very best friend

When I think of you . . . I just smile . . . always so thankful that you and I have each other

Susan, I remember growing up sharing that very tiny bedroom where many a secret was told and shared

People don’t believe me when I tell them that . . . growing up and to this day, we have never had a fight or argument . . . 

I love this "thing" between us, this unspoken closeness, we’ve never needed to talk about . . . it’s just there

I feel so fortunate that throughout our lives we are always there for each other . . . Always no matter what!

When either of us needs picking up, the other is there without question or thought 

Susan you always tell me you wouldn't know what to do without me. . . and I say to you . . . I know what you mean . . . because I feel exactly the same way! 

It's funny because it’s not as though we’re totally alike . . . although Jason and Lyndsey may disagree 

Susan you are the more cautious one, and I have always been a bit more wild . . . willing to take more chances

You are the organized one, the one who takes a situation by the horn and gets done what needs to be done

We are both pleasers, and have a strong commitment to our family . . .

Although you always say I'm the stronger one, when I needed you to be strong, you were beyond amazing...you got me through one of the toughest times in my life

Of all the “greats” in our lives . . .the greatest hands down is Jason and Lyndsey . . . 

From the minute or should I say the second you told me you were pregnant I fell in love with them as if they were my own...and that love as you know, has grown stronger each day

I am so blessed that you have always shared them with me . . . but you know exactly how I feel

Susan you are a fantastic mom . . . your children are confident, strong and know without question you will always be there for them . . . 

You take “loving them unconditionally” . . .  to another level

We talk everyday, most days more than once

You and I can be together for a week straight and when we leave each other, one of us will call the other and we still have things to say . . . 

Something my hubby as you know is still amazed with after 30 years

Our relationship is so easy. . . no natural. . . so amazing . . . so rare

So on this special day I say . . .Happy Birthday Susan . . . 

I Love You with All My Heart!

Life . . .

Life . . . we should appreciate all that is good

But sometimes there are challenges that are misunderstood

Do these hurdles in life really make us strong?

Are they lessons . . . lessons that are life long?

It’s so hard when the people who are close

Get hit with a double or triple dose

But what we can do is be there in need

And give hope and encouragement so they can proceed

So on those days when it’s hard to put on that smile

Think hard . . . think of all in your life that is worthwhile

Some things in life are just out of our control

And these are the times we need to dig deep into our soul

It’s not always easy . . . in fact it can be tough

But keeping that energy positive . . .  surprisingly enough

Will not only get you through . . . but you will achieve

And more importantly . . .you will BELIEVE!

Dawn

Drinking coffee while looking out my window in the wee early mornings, inspired this poem!

Dawn’s dark morning sky

Silhouettes ready to illumine

Welcoming . . . new day . . . fresh start

The Bike Ride

Adjusting the gears and then the seat

Peddling through traffic on the concrete street

Soon all the “city” noises will soften . . . will cease

As I get on the path and hear the quiet peace

The exchange of the views and the sounds

A completely different world . . . it surrounds

Taking me inside so I can feel

Nature’s beauty and all her appeal

The wind talking to me through bushes and trees

Branches dancing and waving creating a cool breeze

The birds some I see . . . but some are obscure

But the songs they are singing just add to the allure

It’s early yet . . . so few flowers are in full bloom

But in a month or so all will change I presume

I hear the rustle of branches and for a moment . . . I fear

But then I see it’s nothing more . . . than a beautiful deer

The time just flies and I can hardly believe

After miles upon miles it’s time for me to leave

It’s really a magical place here in the woods

So much better than riding in neighborhoods!

Lilacs

Lilac bushes in spring time bloom

Each branch, each cluster a perfect plume

Two colors revealed . . . purple and cream

Make a perfect addition to nature’s theme

The fragrance in the air is so defined

Take time to enjoy . . . but keep in mind

These beauties are short lived. . . sadly don’t last

So savour them . . . before they’re a thing of the past!

Last Day thoughts

It’s hard to believe . . . is day 31 really here?

Thinking back how silly there was worry and fear

It wasn’t that I thought I would have nothing to say

More just the commitment of writing something each day

But funny each day as I sat down to write

The words would come out feeling kinda right

Sharing thoughts both silly and deep

Reading comments made . . . made my heart take a leap!

I looked at the titles of others and felt connected

And sure enough after reading each one it was exactly what I expected

I hope the words I wrote back showed I was in touch

More importantly that you shared . . . thanks so much!

It was an incredible experience but like I’ve said

All good things come to an end . . . but I’m looking forward looking ahead

To the Tuesday slices of life that will continue all year

And I hope that each of you will also be here!

Till Next Time . .

All good things must come to an end . . . But WHY?

I ask myself this every time I have to say good-by

Time flies when you are having fun . . .

But I’m not ready or even close to being done!

But it happens, we go back to normal. . . back to our routine

The time before the next . . . that sort of in between

But trust me I’m so thankful, thankful I can go back

And in just a couple months I again will start to pack!

New York

New York . . . the City

Shop . . . dine . . . feel its energy

You Will . . . Come . . . ALIVE!