Thursday, April 10, 2008
Day 98-104: Famous and Nice
What strikes me about them- is that they are so willing to spend time and talk with writers who are just getting off the ground. They are genuine in their interest to help other writers out. Thankfully a huge ego did not go with their best selling status- I have learned a great deal from their rise to fame- and for that I am grateful.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Day 91-97 Weekly
Friday, March 28, 2008
Day 88, 89, 90: Networking
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Day 87: Off to serve
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Day 86: Musicals
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Day 85: Little helpers
Day 84: Crisp air
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Day 83: Easter
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Day 82: Baby Turtles
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day 81: Yellow Peeps
Day 80: Spring Break
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Day 79: Marsh Views
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Day 78: Imagination
Monday, March 17, 2008
Day 77: St. Patrick
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Day 78: Spring
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Day 75: Great weather

Friday, March 14, 2008
Day 74: Parade

Except of course those establishments like restaurants and bars and those catering to all the parade attendees- this is the time of years to get a great source of their revenue.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Day 73: Going Green
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Day 72: Truman Parkway
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Day 71: Big brothers, little brothers
Day 70: Parking lot angels
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Day 69: Change your mind, change your life
Day 68: A leap of faith
Friday, March 7, 2008
Day 67: Vacation
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Day 66: Siblings

three years old, and Melanie two years old, shows the fun side of having a sibling. They are less than 14 months apart in age- and though at times seemed to get in each other's faces too much- overall they are best friends. They still are now even in their teens. Thank goodness for children having siblings (we gave them two more also!)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Day 65: Children's smiles
Day 64: Impromptu Get togethers
Monday, March 3, 2008
Day 63: Text Messages
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Day 62: Cozy Beds
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Day 61: Great with a Purr
Day 60: Laughter
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Day 59: Baptism
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Day 58: The Savannah Pens
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Say 57: Books
Monday, February 25, 2008
Day 56: Sushi
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Day 55: My Flower Child
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Day 54: Freedom
"God Bless America."
Friday, February 22, 2008
Day 53: Positivity
Day 52: Amendment 1
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." US Constitution. As a writer, this amendment is dear to my heart.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Day 51: Friends
Day 50: Joy
The helping hand given unselfishly, the sympathetic ear bent when you need to vent, the shared laughter and pride when you rejoice in each other's happiness. There are so many ways to have joy, give joy, feel joy, smell joy- touch joy.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Day 49: Rain

Sunday, February 17, 2008
Day 48: God loves all voices
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Day 47: Lent
Friday, February 15, 2008
Day 46: Jim & Kim

Thursday, February 14, 2008
Day 45: Hearts
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Day 44: Hairstylists
Let's assume we all have soap, shampoo, conditioner and a razor - so my products would be hair gel (without it I would have horribly frizzy hair) , eye cream (I am 46 years old you know) , and makeup (I just feel finished with it- more polished too.) Without these- and my quarterly visit to my hair stylist (for a great color & cut) I too would have the homeless look. So for beauty products I am grateful.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Day 43: 70 years
Monday, February 11, 2008
Day 42: Walks
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Day 40: Good Nature
Yes. He does this with a smile on his face- a calm heart, and a gentle spirit. I, on the other hand, am the crabbiest crabola if I go more than three nights with less than seven hours of sleep. Trust me- me and sleep deprivation are not a pretty sight.
My husband's long days with little sleep but a happy heart is just a testament to his good nature. For this I am very blessed and grateful.
Day 41: Kites
The strong wind was ideal condition for kite flying. We got two kites up pretty quick- and I enjoyed seeing the bright red, yellow and blue plane kite against the clear blue sky. It made me feel free- as though I could release myself on the wings of the kite and soar with the birds. It made me feel wonderful.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Day 39: Sleep overs
By the way -I still think that sleepovers are not properly named- for they are anything but that. More like "stay awake overs." Because who really sleeps anyway?? Regardless- my children have such fun having them, and attending sleepovers that I am grateful for the joy it brings them.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Day 38: Hey Good Looking
Anyway, when we are able to sit down as a family for dinner- we take turns and go around the table (sometimes youngest to oldest- or visa versa) and tell about our day. One time when it was then six year old Ryan's turn, he said "In the morning, I got up, looked in the mirror and said 'Hey good looking how you doing?'"
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Day 37: Basketball
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Day 36: Dream montages
One Saturday -very early in the morning- a few friends met for the purpose of creating a dream or vision montage. We had stacks of magazines- scissors, glue, and markers. The idea was to create a vision of our goals and dreams- unique to our heart's secret desires.
Though this picture ( to the right) has a glare in the middle- if you look - you can see I filled in every space and then some. Words that inspired me, phrases that made my heart sing- a picture that put a smile on my face- anything that lifted my inner most dreams and set my soul on fire.
It was an uplifting journey. I have it framed (though I can easily add more to the montage if the muse strikes) and it hangs in my writing space- so the visual of my goals and dreams are never far from my sight.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Day 35: Tulips
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Day 34: Sunhats
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Day 33: Girl Power
You see our friend had been living under construction and it's dust and dirt for over six weeks. She was having her 1890 (give or take) outdated kitchen completely gutted and updated to modern sleek chrome and granite newness.
Construction had ended January 31st. And on top of that - she had two guests arriving the next day. What was our dear friend- who works full time - to do? She was stressed out and in a panic. So our group of friends decided to make her house spotless with Girl Power- before her guests arrived.
We- the five or six or of us (even my husband and son stopped by for while between evening sports practices- to help) It was amazing how much can get done too. We all did our magic- what was once a house full of boxes, dust, and chaos - became five hours later- an organized spotless clean "new" old house.
It always feels good to help- and this time it felt even better because it meant so much to her. Our friend was so relieved to have her house clean and back in order too. That felt good to make her feel good.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Day 32: Cake
It's the getting together to celebrate- taking time out in our busy day to remember each other and each other's special events. It's being there for friends when they need us. It's sharing their happiness- and an occasional piece of cake.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Day 31: Chocolate
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Day 30: 5 a.m. news
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Day 29: Ice Cubes
Monday, January 28, 2008
Day 28: Adoration
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Day 27: Cell Phones
But being out late last night in the drizzling cold rain- driving home after seeing a movie with friends- I was grateful for the security and comfort that a cell phone brings me. Just knowing I have one- to contact anyone I need to at anytime- from wherever I am - makes me feel grateful.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Day 26: Movies
Day 25: Leopard Print Jacket
Yet as it turned out- by the very dead end of the season- well into the next season- the price was considerably reduced. Not only that- the one leopard print jacket left on the back rack- was my size and the perfect price for what I was willing to spend. So I purchased it and now I wear it all the time. Strangers even come up to me and say- great jacket! Yes it is a great jacket- that makes me feel great wearing it- for that I am grateful.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Day 24: Regina & Larry
She is one of my friends that I talk to daily (okay sometimes several times daily) and our youngest daughters are BFF too. Additionally- Tom and I love spending time with Regina and her husband Larry (In photo- from left to right- Larry, Karen, Regina, Lois & Tom.) It's rare to find a best friend that not only you and your children get along with, but your spouse does as well. I do feel very blessed (grateful) that we are all one big happy group of friends.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Day 23: Leon & Les

But I digressed there.I want to talk about brothers- sisters may be another blog when the muse hits. But now the limelight (if there even is one in this less than star worthy blog) is now my brothers.
I will be the first one to admit that having two younger brothers was a pain in the *ss most of the time. They were annoying, troublesome, and would make fun of me and my friends until we cried. I cried a lot. So much so that my mother used to call me "crocodile tears" - all the time. Hey- do crocodiles even have tears? Huh. Anyway- that aside- being nuisances - that was their job. Little siblings (especially those of the opposite sex) are supposed to annoy- and if anyone ever tells you different- tell them to give me a call.
We went through all the normal family garbage- hating then liking each other. Speaking then not speaking- well all the dysfunctional normal family stuff at least. But overall- I am glad the Leon and Les are my brothers. Les is so funny he makes me cry- Leon is still such a tease but a terrific guy as well- and my children adore them both. And I love that my brothers are so kind to my children. Leon and Les' children- (Melanie is shown in photo in between Leon on the left and Les on her right) are all terrific friends with each other. It is great that our children are not only cousins- but good friends as well.
Who knew that siblings who fought so much- could have offspring that get along so well? Maybe that whole fighting thing skips a generation?So pain in the *sses they may still be (as I am sure I am a pill to them!) - but they are my brothers all the same. So to recall times of the past- I will give Les a familiar refrain - "Happy Birthday Les!"
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Day 22: Wild Hair
Day 21: He had a dream
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Day 20: Ice Skating in Savannah

Saturday, January 19, 2008
Day 19: Stray Cats

Our two cats have attracted several strays throughout the years. I also leave out fresh food and water for the strays everyday.Though they won't let me touch them- being feral- they do wait for me (from a cautious distance) for their early morning meal. I am grateful that I am able to help out these cats and provide them a consistent meal. That they have indeed adopted our family to be theirs.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Day 18: Morning Food
Like Ryan, I like morning food anytime of the day. There is something comforting about eggs and toast- or pancakes. Since my mornings begin before 5 a.m- it is my sacred time of the day. I love to wake and get my day organized: breakfast set up for the kids, making their bag lunches for school, get the cats fed, laundry started, dishes unloaded from the dishwasher- grab the newspaper , check email- maybe squeeze in some writing or editing- and write my daily to do list. It's a fresh start with a brand new day full of possibilities. Maybe that's why I also like morning food- it reminds me of all of the newness a new day brings- even if its late in the evening.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Day 17: Handymam
So it seems they all want attention now too! Thank goodness Tom can get things back in running with little to no effort- well maybe some. But he has a gift for being a handyman extraordinaire- and rarely have we ever had to have a repairman enter our house. Actually- Tom was involved in the of the original construction of this house too. Anyway- he can tinker and get anything working- from electrical to plumbing, to heating and air problems as well- for that I am grateful.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day 16: Blankets & Thumbs

Melanie had a little routine to suck her thumb. First she had to find her soft pastel multi colored
blanket with fringes around the edges. Then she would take a section of the fringe roll it around her fingers in her left hand while she put the thumb of her right hand in her mouth. She would gently fall asleep dreaming sweet dreams- and look completely angelic too. (This picture was taken in 1996- Melanie was three years old)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day 15: Chubby thighs

Why do they care about a baby pictures years ago- cute that it may be? Well because it is all too embarrassing and humiliating that's why. So maybe I can slide a Melanie story in here anyway- hopefully not crushing her "cool" too much- after all I doubt that any of her peers are reading my blog anyway.
My Melanie was my biggest baby- almost eight pounds. She was also my only baby with hair and chubby thighs- well chub all over. But I loved her little thighs- they were so Pillsbury dough boy sweet adorable baby thighs. Just thinking about them warms my heart- she was such a cherub. Even now she can be an angel when she is not obsessed with teenage angst and hating us- her parents- for being such complete dork uncool sub human beings.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Day 14: Pasta
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Day 13: Lazy Sunday Mornings
On Lazy mornings we have a chance to visit- to make a cup of coffee- a big homemade breakfast- read the paper- stay in our PJ's. Spend leisurely time together. These are the mornings that sometimes with a busy life are few and far apart- but when they arrive are gratefully and eagerly welcomed like long lost friends.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Day 12: Invitations
Friday, January 11, 2008
Day 11: Iced Tea
Although I have lived in the South over a dozen years- my friends think it is almost sacrilegious that I can't drink sweet tea. Most Southerners begin drinking their sweet tea from birth- sometimes from a bottle. Having spent most of my life in the Midwest- it's something I never acquired the taste for. I like my straight up and unsweetened- to me that is true pleasure.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Day 10: Lake Geneva

Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Day 9: Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Day 8: Sweetpea

What made me grateful today was thinking about Tiffany's unrelenting willpower (some would say it is a tendency toward stubbornness- like her mom.)
For example, she is a competitive team player. Tiffany is a skinny little girl- dwarfed by most of the other soccer players in the Under 10 league. However, out on the field she is determined and unafraid- running, kicking and moving on the field like a true champ. Where does she get her gumption? I'm not sure -though I know that courage and strength will be a valuable asset in her life- my little sweet pea.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Day 7: Bunny Clears

Then a smile crept on my face as wide as the Cheshire cat's in Alice in Wonderland as a sweet memory - sparked by that empty cardboard tube- filled me to the brim and lightened for the moment my load of to do's.
Five years ago- when my youngest Ryan was about three years old he attended a two morning a week - three hour pre-school. Amongst the many varied and wonderful activities they did was arts & crafts. After picking him up one particular morning, he excitedly announced, "Mommy- I made bunny clears!"
"Oh- terrific hon. Wow," I said out loud as I thought to myself- "What in the world are bunny clears? How out of it am I?"
"Yeah mom- I have them in my book bag," He added quickly and proudly, "Do You want to see?"
"Why sure- anything made by you is great. And I'm sure you made the best bunny clears around," I said as I began to puzzle exactly what it was that he had made.
Ryan grabbed his book bag then rummaged around until he produced his arts and crafts project.
"See mom?" he said. In his little hands he held two empty cardboard bathroom tissue holders- which were glued together, then secured with a string to hang them around your neck. "You can see things better with bunny clears." He then held them in front of his blue eyes with such pride- looking through the two paper tubes at me.
Yes, my sweet Ryan, I can also see much better now too- even better than binoculars. Thank you for "Bunny Clears."
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Day 6: Linda & Steve

Throughout the years they made frequent trips to Chicago to visit family, on the other hand I had only been to Minnesota a few times. Actually the last time I had been there I was twenty five years old, and it was for a short stop over visit on the way home from a business trip.
Life got busy for me- my career, marriage, moves, children and I seldom saw them again- minus funerals and weddings. Yet, the summer of 2007 they encouraged me to visit them. My four children and I were all in Chicago during our annual visit, my husband was still back in Savannah working. My mother assured me she would be more than glad to keep my four children safe and sound while I took the trip.
It wasn't easy either. I am sort of a Nervous Nelly- and mother hen that's always close by her little chicks. But I felt it was time for me to reclaim a little of my own Independence as well as giving them some also. Time for all of us to spread our wings- to have an adventure. Besides, my youngest was seven years old- and they would be left in the good and loving hands of their grandmother who only gets to see them once a year.
So off I went on my Minnesota trip to visit Linda and Steve at their new lake home (which their eldest son Paul, who owns his own construction company, built). After my nerves settled down from worry about leaving my children behind in Chicago- I soon got adjusted to the little solo mini vacation I was on.
For the first time in years- I did not tuck anyone in bed. It was just me. I have to admit it felt a little like something was missing. The kids. This was the part that I had to let go and let God- trust that they would be alright because I left them, in capable hands. Trust that we would all be reunited upon my return. Trust. I sent out positive vibes (not knowing at the time I was using the law of attraction) that they were safe and having fun. And as it turned out they were.
I called my children frequently and they were having such a grand time- having huge non stop sleepovers with cousins. I believe at one given time my mom had nine grandchildren overnight at once! Half the time I called they were too busy in their freedom and play to say more that hi and "bye- see you soon mom."
So, I began to relax- to soak in the calm and serenity of the gorgeous lake- the majestic redwood trees- the fresh Minnesota air. The week was spent cozily wrapped in wonderful activities- water skiing, canoeing, tubing, taking walks, reading, eating- visiting. My Uncle George and his wife Ruth also came down from Owatonna, as well as my cousin Kathy, her husband Tim and baby son Henry- and Kathy's brother Erik - all from Minneapolis. We had a mini family reunion and it was incredible to spend time with the houseful of them.
I guess I didn't realize how much I missed everyone until we were all together laughing and talking. It's a shame that we all live so far apart- but I am thankful for the glorious week I was tucked away in Brained Minnesota with some terrific relatives. And that I realized that a little independence is good for the soul for everyone. Mom away from children, children from mothers.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Day 5: Downtown Divas

That insightful statement was dolled out to the seven women who make up the group we gave the moniker the "Downtown Divas." We are not Divas- nor do we all live downtown. It's a name that stuck- regardless of its literal worth. I (in photo third from left) am a proud member of this group of fabulous women who meet for monthly dinners, or lunch- throw parties together and overall are an integral part of each others life.
These women have become, over the last few years, some of my most cherished and favorite friends. Though I have other group of friends from many other parts of my life- my children's schools, sports, church, the neighborhood, old bunco teams and so on-this group has it's hold on my heart.
One member of the Diva's is my soul sister, Pat (in the picture the one on the far left). She is an adorable red headed brilliant all around wonderful person. She is not only an aspiring writer, and friend extraordinaire but also a District attorney. God hit it on the nose when he put her in my life and I am blessed beyond belief to call her my best friend.
Then there is Tana, the youngest (mid twenties) of the group. Tana (green shirt- crouching in the picture), the mother nature child who is cute as a button , down to earth, newly engaged and studying to be a midwife. She is also a "pet whisperer"- and seems to connect with every creature walking (or flying) - it is truly her gift and calling.
Another member of the Diva's is a gorgeous brunette Kim (second from left). She is an executive administrator who works from her lovely historic home- and until as recently refused to have a cell phone (her new boss made her get one- for that we are all glad- now we can get a hold of her!) All the men want her- I have yet to find one man who is not pinning away after her. She is an incredible hostess, gracious and warm- her dinner parties are the best around.
Then there is the tall lovely statuesque artist, Natalie, with the flowing long golden hair who at fifteen years old fell in love with the same man she is still with today- almost two decades and two children later. Natalie (fourth from left) is sweet- kind and has more patience in her little pinky then I have in my entire body.
Oh and there's Jacqui (Pat's sister and last one on the far right) - the one who's made the comment I quoted at the beginning of this blog. She is a mutli talented- artist, gourmet cook, hostess party person to the tee, real estate agent- all around spunky fiery tell it like it is beautiful woman. If you need advice - she will give it- and she is right on the money one hundred out of a hundred times. Allot of who she is and how she relates to life- straight on and with confidence - is who I want to be when I grow up.
What can I say about Jennifer(Second from right)? She is a curious wide eyed playful little girl stuck in a model like grown women's body. Adventurous, funny- honest to a fault- and one of the best people you want in your corner anytime- and at all of your parties too!
For all of them- the Downtown Divas- for you I am grateful.