INFINITE Possibilities

Breath of Intent...

2007-10-06T18:52:00.001-04:00

This is one of my most FAVORITE prints...."Breath of Intent" by Ashama! It reminds me of creating....creating the world in which we choose to live. I just sit and take it in! One day in the near future, I will have this on my wall and it will be a conversational piece. You don't know the power you have! Peace & love friends!

I'm Alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-05T22:57:00.000-04:00

Okay...I'm alive and well and in a place in my life where things are starting to settle. I got this picture from Justine and both Sam & Daly are looking VERY sad and missing "Auntie" T!!

My job at Landmark Education is going really great. I work INSANE hours and I am in love with what I do. I have to say that it makes for a busy week and time passes and I'm shocked when I realize the end of the week has come!

I reallllllllyyyyyyy miss all my family and friends. I'm still working out the details of being in communication with all the demand of my job. Know that I love and miss all of you. :-(

I called Club-E today and found out that the girl that was hired to replace me is going back to her old job. I was SHOCKED! I haven't been in touch w/ Mikki to find out what the heck is going on but I will. For a brief moment, I had the thought that perhaps it was a "sign" that I should pack up and move back. What it would be like to work 4 days a week! I did dapple with it and then again, I am so psyched about my current job. It's such a catch 22.

Anyway, I'm just babbling. I haven't updated this blog in a long time and I was hesitant to do so without so fully packed "story" of my life of the last 5 months.

So, this is my first foot back into journaling on line. I miss and love all of you! I'm off to bed! It's late!

Award Winning Acknowledgment!

2007-05-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

Hey there lady,

I SO SO SO hope you had a nice time while you were away. You deserve it. I just spent the last 20 mins catching up on your posts.... NICE WORK. Here is what I have concluded.... You don't get enough acknowledgement for how fantastic you are. And when you get it... you don't hear it ALL. SO, let me take the time and BE THAT person who reminds you.... Sister, you are F'ING FANTASTIC. You are super intelligent, honest, outgoing, beautiful, sassy, dingy, HOT, full of integrity, committed, generous, and as much as I could go on... I want you to get the picture... You are the shit.... and thank you for being part of my life. And for those who haven't told you yet..... thank you for being part of their life too... you DO make a difference, you DO create amazing possibilities, you DO have an amazing world around you ... and YOU ALWAYS HAVE. I just want to thank you for finally acknowledging how wonderful your world is and how important you are to this life. I know you are important to my life and I know that when I don't hear from you for a period of time... things start to feel a little EMPTY... I am fairly confident that with you I laugh the most and I really appreciate that you allow me to be ME... including all of my "ass kicking" flaws. Personally, that is what real camaraderie is all about. I love you girl... Melissa

*****

I've been wanting to post this for some time now. I've noticed that more than a month has gone by without a post. I have been really CRAZY busy. There's a lot going on in my life right now and as the Universe would have it, I came across this email and from it, it reminded me of the possibility I've created out of my Introduction Leadership Program! I'm grounded in being a woman with no boundaries..."Ashama"!!! A woman who is not stopped in the face of LIFE! :-) I'm so excited about creating that and living into to it. That possibility has given me great strength to really honor my own happiness. To not get stopped by my feelings around "what other people think". To not get stopped by my own fears of not being good enough, smart enough or lovable. From that one possibility, I have taken steps to live into the future of a Lanmark Forum leader! I'm SCARED and EXCITED all at once. It will be a couple of years living into that vision but I have been putting that off for almost four years. I've been putting off a lot of things. So, that being said, living inside of that future is going to take me being a woman with no boundaries.

To my friends and family who have not seen much of me....I have been INSANELY busy. I've been to Boston, NY, back to Boston SEVERAL TIMES...back to NY, I've been involved in hosting introductions to the Landmark Forum! AND BY THE WAY.....nearly FOUR YEARS LATER, Gerry is going to Boston next week to complete the Landmark Forum! I'm VERY excited for him! I can't even believe it! My mother, my friend Laurie and now Gerry! AMAZING!!!

No matter what, know that I love you and miss you--even when I am not present to be with you!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-09T19:43:00.000-04:00

Everyone that knows me KNOWS I twist my hair...I have since my hair was long enough to twist. Well, now my niece asks me if I would like to twist her hair! I'm caught on film on Eastery Sunday, twisting her hair. Ha, ha, ha! She thinks it's funny and I just think it's FUN! I have no idea where the fetish started. I just know it's part of who I am. :-)

If you notice in the picture, the polka-dot boots....I found them on sale at Old Navy and HAD to get them. I decided Gabby needed to take a photo shoot sporting them with her polka dot Easter dress. She was also spoiled with her Easter "basket" from me....lot's of scooby snacks and other miscellaneous Easter "junk". :-) She loved it all AND she is SOOOOO easy to spoil!

Our Easter started at Church. I was greeted with hugs from Miss Hannah and Miss Kayla to thank me for their Easter baskets. Then, off to see my family!! Now, let me just set the stage here....I'm use to a spread on Easter. It's kind of like Thanksgiving. This year, my parents decided to put STEAKS on the grill!!!!!!!! I DID give my mother a lot of "bull" for steering away from traditions of the past. :-) Of course, now that my mother has done the Landmark Forum, she's all about, "Who says it has to be Ham"??? She's right and I still don't like to give up my traditions! :-) It was nice visiting and spending time with little Miss Gabrielle! She's growing up so fast!

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter! Peace & love to you all!

Inspirational Lyrics!

2007-04-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

From underneath the trees, we watch the sky

Confusing stars for satellites

I never dreamed that you'd be mine

But here we are, we're here tonight

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day when nobody died

And I'm singing

Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

Amen I, Amen I, Amen I, I'm alive

And in the air the fireflies

Our only light in paradise

We'll show the world they were wrong

And teach them all to sing along

Singing Amen, I, I'm alive

And as we lie beneath the stars

We realize how small we are

If they could love like you and me

Imagine what the world could be

If everyone cared and nobody cried

If everyone loved and nobody lied

If everyone shared and swallowed their pride

Then we'd see the day when nobody died

When nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day, we'd see the day

When nobody died

We'd see the day
when nobody died

If Everyone Cared ~ Nickelback

New York, New York....

2007-03-31T10:09:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of the view I had when I was in NY last weekend. A bunch of us from Maine left Friday for Boston where we connected with other "Bostonians" for a bus ride to New York! For the next 6 1/2 months of my life I am in training with Landmark Education to complete the Spring Introduction Leadership Program!!!! YEAH!

For 3 1/2 years, I have been "hiding out", always being a "NO"! for participating in this program! All I can say is that the stars and the moons aligned and it finally became clear to me that this is the future I am living into. I applied for the program and got accepted this past fall. So, for FIVE months, I've been living a life like that of a Senior in Highschool.....knowing full well that when March 17th arrived, that my life was going to radically alter (like it does when you go off to college). Believe me, I have been kicking a screaming the entire way..."I don't want to....blah, blah, blah". Ha, ha, ha!

Getting back to New York....what an outrageous time! I got to be with almost 400 people from all over the world....Australia, Germany, Russia, Jamaica, Montreal, Poland. All of these people up to BIG things in life. It was the most AMAZING weekend! In that classroom, I felt like NOTHING in life could stop me. The energy was profound. We spent an entire day introducing ourselves which to me, created "community". LOVED IT! That weekend, I created a "game"....creating LOVE and APPRECIATION to be PRESENT for ALL CHILDREN; the TRANSFORMATION of parents and their relationship to their children; the POSSIBILITY of continuously making a difference in the lives of children. Not even being a parent myself, can you get my unconditional love for all children? :-)

So everyone! WATCH OUT...T-mad is out to causing BIG things in the lives of children and empowering others to transform their relationships to children! :-)

Peace & love!

The Angel that touched my life...

2007-03-29T09:03:00.000-04:00

Miss Jossilyn mailed us this card after our office made a donation to the family. I have never met this child and only know her through Miss Kelly (hygienist that I work with). I was so touched and moved by her positive energy in the face of her cancer. Only 9 years old and this child was BIGGER than I have known any child to be at that age. Reading her Journal was so inspiring. Never being stopped by the fact that she was fighting Leukemia. Every day was a gift to her. Every moment was lived by her. She had what I have been training for 3 1/2 years to achieve....living in the moment. We don't know that we have ten years from now, we only have NOW, this MINUTE to live a life of choice.

Miss Jossilyn passed away on March 21, 2007 after a long battle with Leukemia. I had the honor and privilege to say goodbye to an angel that touched my life.

Bahama Mama's

2007-03-18T14:16:00.000-04:00

Bon Voyage Miami, Welcome Bahamas!

This was Geniza and I as the boat was leaving the dock!

Geniza's friend, Nancy, was an added pleasure to our cruise! Before we got on the boat, Nancy took us to see Manny (a 93 year old man). To share with you a little bit of Nancy's added fun....when we went to see Manny in the retirement condo that he lives in, the three of us are all standing outside of what Nancy THOUGHT was his condo door. She is banging, saying "Manny, it's Nancy"...when he is not coming to the door, Nancy's pounding becomes rapid and with worry, she screams, "Manny, are you alright"? She then realizes that we might be on the wrong floor and decides to call him. We were off by one floor. Geniza and I nearly wet ourselves laughing and re-creating what Nancy did that we thought was so funny. Well, that's just a piece of her entertainment throughout the trip! :-) So, Manny, 93 and nearly blind was SOOOO excited to have us as guests, that he prepared lunch and had drinks waiting. He was so generous and fun to be around. I had such a wonderful time listening to his stories of times passed. If it wasn't for the cruise, I could have spent a DAY listening to him. THANKS MANNY for our bon voyage lunch!

Before we could do much of anything, we had to muster to the top of the boat for life saving instructions! Nize and I thought we would be one step ahead of the game (after not really listening to the Captain's instructions) and put on our life saving vests! We laughed so hard as we approached the central hallway for the stairs and saw that we were the only people wearing our vests! Hey, nothing like being prepared!

The one most important part of a cruise is the people that you dine with throughout the cruise. You spend every night at dinner with them and it can really make or break a good dinner conversation. Well, Nancy could probably tell the story better than me as she told it SEVERAL times during our cruise (he, he, he). We got to our assigned dinner table. We had already placed our order for drinks, eating bread and waiting to place our order when we saw a group of older women walk in towards our table. They immediately went to the head waiter and spoke to him. The next thing we know, we are asked to move. Apparently our table had been "overbooked" and we had been sent a card to our room stating that our dinning table had been changed. Well, let's just say that it was the BEST gift to our group. We had such an incredible time---fun, laughing until your sides hurt and your cheeks so sore! Jeff, Pipo (AKA Peter) and Leo were such a gift to us. I even got to be on assignment while I was away, handling a covert operation for one of the guys! Of course Leo and I were friends at first sight with our love for drama! Ha, ha, ha!
This was a round of shots that the waiters were giving out at dinner! We decided that we would add a little fun in the way we drank them! We are all pretty sure that we had one of the funnest tables in the dinning room!

Then, after dinner, we created the opportunity to do something other than the typical "pose" for the photographer on the cruise! She took a couple of nice photos and then offered to take some with our cameras! We thought that was very kind and generous, considering they sell the prints that professionally take for $20.00 a photo! You cannot see in this photo but Leo (my left) is sporting silver shoes! Of course I am the one that noticed! He had it well put together in the area of fashion!

I actually got to take my OWN picture of this sign! We spent one day at Coco Cay! It's basically a beach! The cruise lines own it and use it during their tours. There were a few "tourist" shacks! I found a hat that was cute! They also offer snorkling and jet skiing! The one thing that I will tell you is to bring a good underwater camera!!!! I have some picutres of underwater sea life! One of them came out really great, showing some detail coloring on one of the fish!

This was the view of the boat from Coco Cay! I also couldn't resist taking a picture of the mermaid fountain that sits at one of the points on the beach!

This is what most of Coco Cay looks like! Designed for beach bums! I told Geniza to pack her tanning goggles to use on the beach. She decided that she would put them on and fluff her hair out around the elastic! Nancy and I busted out laughing. We decided we would get a photo shoot of her and I sporting them on the beach! She opted out but took one of me! FUNNY! But hey....it saves on tan lines...K!

Here are some of the most BEAUTIFUL shots of the sea life!

ATLANTIS HERE WE COME!!!

This guy wouldn't stop begging me for a picture so I had to take one! He, he, he! We took the "water" taxi from Nassau to Paradise Island. If anyone travels again, take the taxi, K! We had to wait fifteen mintues for them to cram in one more tourist and then by the time it was all said and done, 1/2 hour of our day disappeared! The taxi ride is ten minutes

This is one of the blown glass artwork pieces inside the Casino! I wasn't sure if I would get my camera taken away from me when I wanted a snap shot of that beauty! Casion Services said NOTHING! :-)
This is the view at the resort. Nize was lucky to have her boss Phil give us passes for the day! SWEET! That saved us some cold hard cash! The picture below is the view as we are leaving....going back to Miami. :-(

You would NEVER guess who took this picture of us and the guys....someone from my hometown! Tammy H. was on board the entire cruise and I never once bumped into her! What a small, small world! Geniza and I decided that we loved the glasses that the cocktails were served in. So, we bought a few rounds and then asked the guy if we could just buy the glasses. He told us that it was the same price with or without the mixed drink! Well, guys what....we both had enough to each have a set of SIX and Nancy made out with FOUR!!!! You do the math! Three of them, they guys drank!

What a WONDERFUL time! Thank you Nize for including me in your trip and to Jeff, Peter and Leo....YOU ARE THE BEST! We would never have had that much fun at dinner without your presence! Thank you for adding such wonderful memories to our trip!

Peace & Love

The Sweetest Gift!

2007-03-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

For all of you following the fundraiser on Camryn, this is a gift that she gave me! My friend Jaime gave it to me and I just sobbed. I really got present to the difference that I make in the lives of children... in that moment.

There are days that it's so easy to go "numb"....to be distracted by my own thoughts...the things I need to get done or the things I still need to do. There are things that I do that are just "who I am" so when I'm being "me", I don't often realize the memories I am making for others or the impact that I have on others lives. I'm just doing what I'm doing and I don't expect anything in return. :-)

So thank you Miss Camryn, for reminding me to take time to be present and in the moment.

Old Man Winter...

2007-03-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

Here is a view from the front porch! WOW! It's a beauty of a blizzard! We're expecting 12" to 14" today! It's nice to be safe here at home. I decided to sleep in and not go to the gym....which has had me re-doing my "to do" list. All the errands that I was going to do today will have to be done tomorrow. What can you do!

So here's my handsome guy digging for treats in the midst of a blizzard! Nothing stops Bailey from being outside...even in the worst weather! I took him for a walk and then we came back to shovel off the deck. He chased treats while I did all the work. Then, he looks up at me as if to say, "Are you done yet". Today he decided not to make "doggy angels". I think all of his efforts went to running after scooby snacks.

How can you resist that face? What a love! Right now, he's upstairs chillin' like a villian! Tuckered out from all that hard work!

Good-bye Maine, Welcome Coco Cay!

2007-02-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

I am SOOOOO excited about my upcoming trip!!!! A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law called me up to tell me how she helped her boss by picking up some of his friends from the airport and taking them to the Superbowl. Well, anyone that watched it, saw the rain. So, Geniza bought them ponchos and snacks (which is not a suprise to me---she's very generous like that). Paul went to give her a BIG tip and she declined saying that she was doing it for Phil (her boss). Well, it came back to bite her in the ass! Let me just first say, that Geniza is like a good luck charm. I played in a Casino in Puerto Rico a few years back with her. I lost my $20.00 AND I DON'T like gambling. So, I'm mad that $20.00 just went into a future winner's hands. She's standing beside me and WINS! "BAG"! :-)

So, Paul's secretary calls her that following week and says, "Paul only wants a 'thank you'. When you and a friend want, he is going to send you on a Cruise to the Bahamas". So, she calls me up to tell me ALL about this and stated she was going to call him back and tell him that it is not necessary. I said, "ARE YOU CRAZY??? You're going to follow Sandy's orders, call him up, thank him and then when are you and I going"! Ha, ha, ha! I got my tickets online and have had stuff laid out and ready to pack for a week! She just sent me an email and told me that they upgraded our room to a "Superior Oceanview"!!!! Can you all say, "WHA-WHOOOOO"!

Now, I'm telling all of you, this would only ever happen to Geniza! For all of you who don't know her, she is an AMAZING person! She has worked with Habitat for Humanity, she has raised money for the Arthritis Foundation. I know if I'm looking to raise money for someone, I'm a phone call or an email from receiving her donation. She loves children as much as I do (although Theme Parks and long lines--she's got me beat).

So, even though she GIVES all the time, she has a difficult time RECIEVING! That's true for most of us in this world.

Nize, I'm soooooooooooo excited about going and having fun with you. I also can't wait to meet Nancy! I'm also thinking that I will make change and have you grab my $20.00 and then play it when we're at Atlantis! That way, there will be no chance of me handling the cash and you winning for me!!!!!!!!! WHA-WHOOOOO!!!

What a BEAUTIFUL Day!!!

2007-02-18T17:06:00.000-05:00

Today was SUCH a beautiful day! I got a lot of MUCH NEEDED house cleaning done and decided to walk around the lake! I LOVE walking around the lake during the winter---especially when it's warm like it was today! The air is so crisp, it smells clean, feels good to walk with the snow crunching under every step I take (LOVE the sound of that). I notice animal tracks that I never would during the rest of Maine's seasons. Bailey and I had a little extra work walking around the lake today. We usually cut across land that is not developed and also connects to another camp road. Well, the snow has a nice crust of ice on the top of fluffy snow. So, Bailey delicately walked and then would fall through the ice layer.

The snow was above my knees! I fell through the entire 200 foot stretch! I kept trying to pick Bailey up because when he went through, he couldn't get back up because his hind legs are lame from old age! We had fun! I laughed and giggled at the site we were. Bailey would take breaks to catch his breath.

One of the things that I love to do is make snowballs and throw them for Bailey to chase! He thinks there's some hidden treat....only because I put a treat in a snowball one time so he thinks all snowballs have treats in them. It's fun to watch him chase the snowball and bite into it to find NOTHING! He, he, he! I give him plenty of treats during the walk so he's very well taken care of! :-)

Well, it's back to work on Monday! Uh, NO, I do not have the day off like most of the world! Any of my friends reading this would laugh at that simply because I only work FOUR days a week! Well, to all of you....THEY ARE FOUR VERY LONG DAYS...K! :-)

Peace & Love!

My "Old Man" & I

2007-02-17T10:16:00.000-05:00

Look at that face!!! I just love it! Last night I had intended on going to a house party where one of my friends was coming up from Boston and playing with his band. The travel was over an hour and the ice on the roads was so thick that I opted to stay home. Gerry got a fire started in the fireplace and Bailey decided to spend quality time with me on the floor.

Most of my friends that know me, know that I refer to Bailey as an "Old Man". :-) He is a 13 year old yellow lab and he and I were NOT "love at first site". When I met this guy over 6 years ago, he was VERY protective of Gerry. Bailey is VERY manipulative (NO, he didn't get that from me). One tactic that I remember quite clearly....when Gerry first built our house, we were hanging out on his old feather pillow couch. Gerry was sitting up and my head was resting in his lap. Bailey (for the first time) came up to me and put his head on my belly and just had such a loving look on his face. I told Gerry we should let him up on the couch and have "quality family time". Bailey jumps on the couch. He's laying beside me towards the back of the couch. He looks up at Gerry and then at me and for the first time I thought, "Oh, this dog really likes me". THAT was not the case. Bailey decided to turn around, his back to me. Then, with one swift move, he shoves his legs into the back of the couch and I went flying onto the floor!!! I couldn't even believe it!! Then, he turned around, continued to lay down and looked at me on the floor and then laid his head on Gerry's lap and gave out one of his "comforatable" groans. Bailey has also resorted to charging at me in the yard, kicking my legs up from underneath as I went crashing on my back. He played a very dirty game! :-)

Years later, he has come to love me and knows that I spoil him rotten. Now, I come home to him greeting me at the door, all excited and smiling. He knows that he can still manipulate me but now it's not with evil intent! It's mostly to see how far he can get---which I can COMPLETELY identify with. :-) He, he, he!

I just adore him and love him to pieces---even through the trials and tribulations of our love/hate relationship. It has now evolved into love and friendship.

He's an "old man" in his routine. God forbid if Gerry and I have had dinner in a restaurant, come home and not make anything to eat....BAILEY melts down. He starts moaning and groaning until I cave, get up and "pretend" to make dinner and then throw him a snack. I can only blame myself for his behavior because we typically give him a little bit of our dinner and if the routine is disrupted under an certain circumstance....we pay for it! :-)

Today, he has been playing outside. He likes to make "doggy" angels in the snow. He gets so excited when we get bad weather because he LOVES playing in the snow. I call him a "wild dog" when he's making his angels and he just makes more of them! He's crazy!

Anyway, that's all for now! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Give Kids a Smile!

2007-02-07T19:35:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, I had the honor and privilege to be a part of "Give Kids a Smile". This is a program that any dental office can participate. Just a little background about how this came to be such a BEAUTIFUL day....

As all of you know, I have only good things to say about Landmark Education. Every week for the last three months, I have been in one of the seminars they offer. This particular seminar was called the "EFFECTIVENESS" seminar. In this particular seminar, we were to design a project around a possibility and generate an intention from it. The possibility I created is: "Children are the future of the world". From that, my "intention" is to continuously discover ways in which I can contribute to the lives of children. I shared this with A LOT of people. That is what generated force behind filling a schedule at our office to see so many children. Pam G., Pam C., Peter and myself had six hygyienists (including my friend Nikki), as well as two doctors at our practice participating in this program. It was absolutely the most incredible experince. There were tears among all of us, to see children leave no longer in pain, with clean teeth and a smile! THANK YOU EVERYONE who contributed to this day and thank you Peter for being commited to making a difference for all those kids!

Even more AMAZING, my friend Jaime heard me sharing about my seminar and invited me to partner with her in a benefit dance/fundraiser for her neice, Camryn. Camryn recently went to Mass. General for surgery to remove part of a tumor from her pallet. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with facial fibrous dysplasia, a progressive disease that causes bony tumors to take over normal bone. She will need several more surgeries into her adult life.

A friend of the family, Ann Hammond, created a benefit dance in her honor. When Jaime asked if I was interested in going and participating, I asked, "What is the date"? She said, "February 2nd". I started to cry and explained that it was also the same day we were participating in "Give Kids a Smile". She and I then continued to cry at the irony of the date. Camryn has lost some of her baby and permanent teeth and will need future prothetics as her jaw/mouth develop.

The last report from Jaime's mother is that almost $10,000 had been raised to help cover medical and dental expenses!!!!! Ironically, that is the amount of free work we did at our office for all the kids that we saw! Strange how the Universe works sometimes!

I want to thank EVERYONE from the bottom of my heart, for all of your donations. This couldn't have happened without you being committed to making a difference in the lives of children!

I also want to acknowledge Miss Camryn, for her strength and positive attitude! You are a beautiful spirit! Thank YOU for letting me be a part of your life!

"Duchess" Wears Prada

2007-02-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

Last weekend when I went to Boston, I decided while my friend Laurie was doing the Landmark Forum, that I would hit the South Shore Plaza! I always have GREAT fun shopping there....even if it's just looking around.

A little background: The last time I went to Boston with my mother, I found an outfit....like that was a treat for me FINALLY having my mother do the Landmark Forum. I decided I needed to celebrate. Ohhh....did I have fun. I found this classy leaopard print skirt and a cowl neck black sweater with a patent leather belt and patent leather shoes! I was VERY excited about it and came back to Maine sporting it! So, that being said, I have decided to create it as a "tradition" that anytime I go to Boston to support ANYONE doing the Landmark Forum, that I will get myself a special treat. This time, it was my Zebra stripped jacket!

I have had a lot of people remark that I look like Meryl Streep in "Devil Wears Prada". Minus Meryl's attitude in the movie, I can completely get it. Ha, ha, ha! I just LOVE my jacket. It's so me! I will even say that it occurs like I have a better day when I wear it. I think it's because it brings out my confidence and a bold smile when I strut my stuff in it. He, he, he!

I have had some funny looks at the grocery store and I giggle at it. I just think, "Hey, I'm over here being me and loving this sassy jacket so move over judgements, THE DUCHESS is sporting Zebra". :-)

So, to all of you, be who you are, regardless of opinions, judgements and all the other crap! :-)

Rylee's First Birthday!

2007-01-28T08:48:00.000-05:00

So, I want to thank Jaime for letting me be a part of Miss Rylee's first birthday and letting me make her birthday invitations! I had so much fun being able to create a mix of different cards. Works well with my personality and my dislike of doing the "same thing over and over again". Ha, ha, ha!

Jaime made Miss Rylee her own "Soy" Birthday cake! YUMMMMMY! (He, he, he) Rylee was pretty cute trying to figure out what to do and knowing that EVERYONE was watching her!

Here's Auntie Darcy and Gerry assisting Miss Rylee in opening her first birthday present. It was the sweetest little scene. Especially with her little dress with wings that Jaime found! Jaime did such a beautiful job decorating. It was a great time and Miss Rylee made out like a queen in the gift department.

Thank you Miss Rylee! You are such a little sweetie and I had so much fun being a part of your special day!

I Did it, I DID IT!!!

2007-01-20T16:31:00.000-05:00

I am once again down in Boston while my friend Laurie is doing the Landmark Forum! I'm very excited to be here to support her and to have fun in the BIG city!

So, whenever I make a trip to Boston, my friend Peter begs me to pick up cookies from Spinelli's. I made the mistake of turning off of Route 1 in Lynnfield, MA and finding the most incredible pasta/pastry shop. Peter and I are both Italian and can appreciate Italian cookies. Anyway....today I was going to venture back to Lynnfield to pick up a box of cookies for us to share. When I called the number in the phone book to get their hours, I discovered there was one in East Boston! I went to MapQuest and got the directions. Well, you never know when you come to the city if certain exits or OPEN or CLOSED! I-90 East was closed and there was a detour. "GREAT"! That's what I'm thinking!

In the moment of fear, I decided that getting lost was not an option. I paid close attention to all the detour signs and managed to get myself there. I'm very proud of myself and even claimed to Kristin (Peter's wife) that I take the title of a "Bostonian". :-) I even got myself BACK to the hotel!

Other than that, I have been to Planet Fitness and determined it was too far away from the hotel....considering Gold's Gym is 1/4 of a mile from the hotel. I called member services and explained I was in the area for the weekend and wanted fees to use their facility. I was told that it was $15.00/day to go to their gym. I made a request and asked if it was possible to pay $5.00/day. ;-) Member services transfered me to Tom. I made my request again and he told me to come up! I got there and he told me that I could pay him $15.00 and that he would give me a card for FIVE visits until the end of April! :-) YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S POSSIBLE unless you are willing to make a request! :-) LOVE IT!

So, I'm having a good time and meeting Laurie for dinner tonight! We are going for Thai! YUMMY! I cannot WAIT!

Peace & love my friends

Miss Camryn's Fundraising Mission!

2007-01-14T12:41:00.000-05:00

This picture doesn't do ANY justice for seeing this in real life! My friend Julee put this basket together to donate for a fundraising event for Miss Camryn. Miss Camryn is my friend Jaime's niece. She's seven years old and recently had surgury to partially remove a tumor in her pallett. This is just the beginning. :-( A friend of the family wanted to host a fundraiser in an attempt to contribute financially to huge medical bills that will come from her recent and ongoing treatment.

Where that Gerry and I have been unsuccessful in having our own child/children, I have been commited to discovering ways that I can continuously make a difference in the lives of children. This is one thing that came from that intention.

I generated an email inviting friends and families to be a part of Miss Camryn's fundraiser. I have received quite a response from many people. My friend Becky is interested in donating original artwork from a local Maine Artist. Another business woman is donating a basket filled with scrapbooking materials. My sister-in-law made a cash donation. I have a lot of people buying raffle tickets. Melissa has retired Beanie Babies she's donating. It's nice to see communities from all areas come together to make a difference in the life of of a child that they don't even know.

What brought me to tears was Jaime inviting me to the fundraising event. The SAME DAY that our office is contributing to "Give Kids A Smile" (free dentistry for children), is the same day that they are sponsoring a dance/auction in honor of Miss Camryn. :-(

If there is one thing I have gotten out of participating in Landmark education, is sharing my life really makes a difference for others.

Thank you everyone for participating, for looking within yourselves to be a contribution to this little girl.

Peace & Love!

Gourmet Chefs

2007-01-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

I'm way behind on my posts. Last weekend, Melissa and I got together to celebrate our Christmas! That's the one fun thing about holidays....it's a continuous celebration right into the new year. :-) I got some Martini Glasses which I cannot wait to use! They are gorgeous! Maybe I'll have a Martini night at our house and have everyone bring a recipe to share and make! I don't think it would be long before we were falling under the bar and acting giddy!

Anyway, here you see Melissa and I putting together a gourmet meal. Ha, ha, ha! She's stirring shallots and I'm sautéing broccoli....one of my FAVORTIES!!! We were pretending to be on a cooking show!

We had a fun night, drinking wine, eating good food and catching up!
THANKS WOMAN! :-)

The Christmas Season is Over...

2007-01-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

Look at the little man all snuggled up with "Auntie T". Little Daly Jr. was sporting some festive wear when Forrest and Justine came to one of our MANY Christmas gatherings!!! He was such a ham all night.

I had such a great holiday season. We had two parties back to back starting with a dinner party and then the following night, the annual Christmas party.

We spent time with the family at my Aunt Mary's Christmas party. My grandmother actually came!!! We also went to Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve! Gerry left and went home and my sister Kari and I made our way to her friend, Bo's for his family party. It's our third year. The tradition started when my husband was working a rotating shift. I always have fun and Bo's mother and I look forward to seeing each other and catching up! I spent time with Leslie and the twins which was wonderful! They are growing up way too fast.

My niece was so excited to get her Dora Explorer Talking Kitchen. She was such a good sport! There were A LOT of presents for her under the tree. I ended up having to open some of them for her. She LOVED the fancy boots I bought her...she put them on to wear immediately. She really is another "duchess" in the making.

Gerry and I finally got home and I don't know who was more excited about opening presents...Bailey or Gerry! It is absolutely hysterical every year to see Bailey open presents. He knows which one's belong to him and he'll wait until Gerry tells him he can open his present. He'll take off to a private spot to open it and then eat his special treat. He will then come to Gerry and I and help us open our gifts. He is just adorable! He's an old man but has more excitement than most three year olds at Christmas!

Overall, it was a great holiday season. It's sad to take down the beautiful Christmas Tree. I love watching it through the weeks. It's now just dry and looking like poo.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and welcome 2007!!

"Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree..."

2006-12-23T21:02:00.000-05:00

Here is the most beautifully shaped tree I have purchased in ONE YEAR! :-) I love buying them off the same guy every year. He always has them out on display and they are not bound by twine so you really get a good look at what you're going to purchase! I open the back of the Explorer and have him slide the beast in there. I've got it down to a science now....I buy a 7.5' to 8' tree and then have Gerry cut just enough to not scrape the ceiling. He, he, he! Oh, and it's MY TURN this year to have white Christmas lights!!! WHA-WHOOOO!!! Gerry and I have to alternate every year so that he gets his colored lights!

I also did something a little different with the mantle this year and I LOVE IT!!! It looks so pretty all lit up with the tea lights! :-) Just missing the roaring flames in the fire place!

Well, on a side note....my computer is up and running! It was touch and go for a little while this week as I was trying to fix it in between the THREE MILLION other things I had on the calander! There are times that I really think that by throwing the computer out into the road, I might have a little more sanity! Ha, ha, ha! So, I'm back online friends! Sorry I have been out of touch!

I also had a good time with the twins!!! Leslie, Susan and I all went together as I planned to take the twins to lunch and a movie! They wanted to see "Happy Feet". It was a cute movie but a little over the top with adult content. I'm going to take them to see "Charlotte's Web" and I CAN'T wait! They don't know it yet but it's another date with "Auntie" for lunch and a movie for Christmas! I don't know if I more excited about seeing an old-time classic movie or about taking them....hmmmm! A little tough competition! I grew up loving that book!

Merry Christmas to all my friends! I love and adore all of you! Have a safe and wonderful holdiay!!!!

Dinning at "De la Casa Tomasita"

2006-12-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

This year we had the annual dinner party for the men that work for Gerry! I had such a fun time designing the dinner table this year. It was centered around the snowman napkin rings that Peggy got me one year for Christmas!

Debbie walked into the dinning room and said, "You didn't disappoint me". She said she was looking forward to seeing what I did this year with the table and even remembered what I did the year before! Ha, ha, ha! Of course, I bumped into her at the Christmas Tree Shop one afternoon and she did't see me.....I walked up and said, "Are you shopping for a hostess gift for me". She and I both laughed. She did come with a NICE candle holder and candle that was perfect for the dinner table! Thanks Debbie! :-)

The one thing that the men raved about was the fruit tart that I made! Steve and David were fighting over the last piece!

I had such a great time...it was nice catching up with the girls and visiting with everyone. I also love that they look forward to it every year! :-)

"Club-E" Christmas Party!

2006-12-16T08:13:00.000-05:00

Here's some of the gang from Club-E! This year we had our office Christmas Party at a restaurant that I organized! It was a great time! We decided to do gift baskets this year and do a Yankee Swap, instead of picking names and doing a "Secret Santa" gift. THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN! You should have seen the deliberate grabs of someone elses gift! Of course, add alcohol and it increases the excitement!

Even Spammie underminded me by taking my "grilling goodies" basket! At the end, we bargained a decent swap. One of my Yankee Candles for a bottle of her wine! It was GREAT!

Forrest and Justine even came with the little guy! She looks FABULOUS! She's back down to her pre-pregnancy weight and as always.....beautiful and full of life and positive energy!

Thank you to both doctors! We had a wonderful time....great food and great friends!

Two Peas in a Pod....

2006-12-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

We've had a rough one out here in the willy wags. Bailey decided yesterday afternoon to dig through trash that was in the garage and ready to go to the dump. :-{ Let's just say that as of 8:30 last night, he was starting to deal with the effects of eating wrotten trash. We were up most of the night as he was in and out the door being sick.

I haven't been well myself and managed to get him in the truck to get us to the doctors when he threw up in the truck!!!!!!!!! AUGGGGGGGG!!! Anyone that knows me well, knows I was right beside him doing it myself. I have a very weak stomache! Finally, I get to my doctors for blood work to check my thyroid and MONO!!!! Augggggggg!!!

I finally get home, I'm exhausted and just want to sleep. I hear something russling downstairs and when I go to look, who do you think is in the bathroom trash????? BAILEY!!! This time he got his little ass spanked for catching him in the act! I guess dogs aren't as smart as some people think they are....at least I would THINK he would get that eating trash makes him sick!

Anyway, I have lots to post about....our office Christmas party and my decorated tree! For now, it will have to wait, along with the rest of the world that needs me!

"Woman's" Christmas Gathering!

2006-12-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

Susan hosted her annual "Woman's" gathering! We had a GREAT time this year and a new addition to the group....Miss Michelle....sporting the red shirt in the photo! When Susan called me to confirm the date and time, she mentioned that Leslie was going to bring Michelle. For YEARS we have always been: Susan (Woman I), Leslie (Woman II), Me (Woman III), Stacey (Woman IV), Becky (Woman V)!

So, at first notice, I was a little hesitant about any "newbies". I even tried to get Susan all worked up about it....didn't work. Well, I'm pleased to say that I'm glad that Michelle managed to get through any "behind the scenes" tactics of not wanting "newbies" because I was grateful for her company! I don't know if Susan "officially" dubbed her "Woman VI" but she is definitely in-the-club! We all had a great time and had fun with the Yankee Swap! We really missed the presence of Becky and wondered what she was doing. :-(

Thank you everyone for such a great evening! Michelle, Welcome to the group---you're a wonderful addition!!!

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!

Girl's Night Out!

2006-12-09T10:46:00.000-05:00

So last Friday, Melissa, Shannon and I all went to Paradiso Salon & Spa for a little pampering. Melissa was having her hair done, Shannon had a manicure and a pedicure and I settled for the manicure only. The fabulous thing about this spa is that they allow you to bring your own beverages and then they serve it to you throughout your visit! I brought a big bottle of red wine for all three of us to share! I was truly treated as the Duchess that I really am!!! Melissa is "Goddess" and Shannon is "Princess". It's amazing how all of those nicknames suit all three of us! Ha, ha, ha!

We ended our night with some fine dining at Fuji's and a little shopping! It was such a great time and fun to be pampered. I realized that I don't often take time to do things for myself.

The juciest part of our day was this guy that came into the salon. All three of us noticed him. He came in to see the owner for a project he was working on. He was there for a while and took off his jacket. He had a fairly tight shirt on and you could see that he was nicely cut! Now mind you, all three of us are married....well, Shannon is almost married but we can admire a nice looking man! He made the trip more adventurous. He knew all three of us were checking him out and he had fun with it! Ha, ha, ha!

Anyway, thanks Melissa for inviting me, for coming all the way out to the boonsticks of Maine to get me! I had a great time with you and Shannon and it was nice to be spoiled for a day!

My Last Vacation Day!

2006-11-27T18:40:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling VERY accomplished today. Today was my last vacation day and I managed to get a lot of things done. I had to take a picture of my garland that I FINALLY got up without it coming down! And.....what a really cool picture!

I just need one more item for the left side of the door to hide the cords. The one last big thing to do is the Christmas Tree!!! AUGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!

Happy Holidays my friends!

Packed Like Sardines!!!

2006-11-25T18:19:00.000-05:00

So, we conquered "BLACK FRIDAY" with time to kill!!!!!!!!!! Here I am packed nice and tight around all the shopping packages the six of us got this year!

There was just enough room for my butt! I will thank all of my hard work that it's as small as it is because it was TIGHT quarters!

So this year we decided it would be nice to all travel together in a van for the "Black Friday" shopping trip extravaganza! We got VERY creative on how to pack our purchases in the "trunk" of the mini-van! Let's just say, there really was no trunk....WE were the trunk! It was fun...all the remarks made and the glances at each other when we saw someone with a really big item! The common response was, "I reeaaaallllllyyyyy need to get this now because I won't get back....AND it's a reallllllllyyyyy good deal". Some were even willing to hold their big purchases in their laps. At one point, Patti's barrel of pirates (which was in a life size barrel) was handed to Julee (the driver of the mini-van) so that she could take a picture of us in the back....So picture, the barrel in Julee's lap, rolled onto the steering wheel, that made the horn toot, that had another driver look at us in confusion! We were all laughing at the sight we were!

Everyone was having fun with it all! We had a great time! My feet are KILLING me & my shopping is still not finished!!! Imagine that!

Leslie, you were greatly missed! We even had a conversation that HAD you been with us, the position you would have ridden home in would have been quite challenging...even for a gymnist like you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2006-11-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

Here's my little love bug! She told me MANY times that she loves me today!

Thanksgiving was quiet this year. It was just my parents, my sister, Kari and Gerry & I. My sister and her husband showed up later in the day with Little Miss "G". We celebrated my sister's 30th Birthday party! My parents are very forutnate to be in their early 50's with their children all grown up and even sporting a GRANDCHILD! :-)

The food was FANTASTIC as always! Thanks Mom & Dad for all your hard work....and Kari for the support you gave them in accomplishing such a wonderful dinner!

Tomorrow, I'm off doing the "traditional" shopping! Should be a good time as always!

Peace & love to all!

Starting the Holiday with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!!!

2006-11-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

Last night Gerry and I went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! His sister Kathleen surprised us with Tickets this year for our Christmas present (THANKS KATHLEEN!) We had floor tickets, 4 rows back from the stage and I was BLOWN AWAY! I can only say that anyone that has never been....YOU NEED TO GO!!!!!!!!!! They are the most talented group I have ever seen. The light show is better than any Pink Floyd concert. What a way to start the holiday season. Gerry decided that we need to go every year. He loved it too!!!!!!!!!!

We decided to get down there a little early and go to dinner! It's been almost ten years since I've lived in Portland. I know that I use to dine at Back Bay Grill so that's where we went! It's expensive but the food is out of this world. It would appear to be a hole in the wall but it is exquisite!

We ended our evening at a local Irish Pub and then made our way back home! It was a wonderful evening and I just can't thank Kathleen enough for introducing us to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! ICREDIBLE! Just incredible!

THANKS SWEETIE!

WREATH PARTY!!!

2006-11-20T19:41:00.000-05:00

My friend, Susan, throws her famous Wreath Party every year! She's quite the woman! She will go out days before the big party and tip trees in her yard. I never have to worry (EVER) that there will be a limited supply of wire or wreath wires! I'm always the one that shows up with warm clothes and a plate of food. I ALWAYS rely on Susan to supply me with a wreath wire and wire! She even goes around and gets red berries and pine cones for us to use!

As talented as I'd like to think I am, after SIX YEARS of being a part of the wreath making festivities, I always have to have Susan help me finish the wreath. She's mastered it. She's another Martha Stewart in disquise! (THANKS SWEETIE!)

Here it is! All done and ready to hang! I always make my wreath two sided, so that the metal wreath wire doesn't scratch what I hang it on. It ends up weighing 30lbs! It is really beautiful this year. I only need to make a bow and add it to the finished product!

Thanks woman! For such a fun time and fabulous food! It was sad to have Leslie & Co. missing this year! I had a GREAT time and look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

Celebrating Life at Both Ends....

2006-11-18T16:04:00.000-05:00

YEAHHHHHHH Forrest & Justine!!!!!
This little guy came into the world weighing 9lbs, 1oz. and measuring 22 inches long!

This is one of my FAVORITE pictures of little "John Daly Jr." He, he, he! Forrest is a big fan of John Daly....he even went and bought this little guy his first set of golf clubs....John Daly's old set! Imagine that!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day! Being a part of Forrest & Justine's excitement! It is just an absolute miracle! Of course, there was nothing private about "John Daly Jr." coming into the world. Deidra and I were taking pictures like the paparatzi! We didn't miss a click until "Bertha" the head nurse put her foot down! :-)

As much as I didn't want to leave, I had to leave for a family funeral. Justine was just getting released to her room when I had to go! (Boo hoo)

I don't know how I got to the funeral home with time to spare. It took all of my being to leave the hospital and go to Zeze's funeral. Now, this is how it goes....Zeze was my father's father's brother's wife! How was that? Took me a minute to get it myself. :-) She was the last of that generation....the Italian matriarch! I remember growing up and listening to her and Nana compete with each other on the phone of who had the worst ailments! My Nana always seemed to hang up the phone, all upset over the competition and that SHE was the one with the worst ailments. I laugh, thinking about how that was a big part of Nana and Zeze's conversations! I also remember as a little girl, getting my cheeks pinched and her saying, "Ohhhh, Toniooch, just look at how you've grown"! I remembered the discomfort after my cheeks being pinched! I got smart and use to cover them when I walked into her house. Ha, ha, ha! I told my 3 year old niece about it on the way to the "Funeral Reception". I said, "Gabby, whatever you do, cover your cheeks. We're going to be with all the Italians today and they are going to want to grab your cheek and say, 'Oh, Gabriella'." She laughed and asked me to show her what they would do. I did and she thought it was fun and kept asking me to do it again!

Anyway, what a day! It really was a day celebrating life at both ends. Seeing Forrest and Justine's little guy come in to the world and then saying Goodbye to Zeze!

Adventures at Barnes & Noble...

2006-11-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

So last night after meeting my mother and her group for dinner, I thought I would spend the evening looking at books at Barnes & Noble. My friend Pam (A.K.A. "Spammie"), turned me on to an astrology book. As I'm reaching for the astrology book, this guy looks at me and says, "You believe in that stuff"? I said, "Why, what do you believe in"? He seemed taken back by it. I laughed and thought of my friend Justine who teases me about my curiosity of astrology and how it relates to our core ways of being.

Anyway, this guy starts telling me his life story and in the middle of it all, my cell phone rings and it's JUSTINE! I panicked. I thought, "Oh, this is the call, she's going to have the baby". It ended up being Forrest who said, "I created the possibility of getting a deer today". I laughed at him. He and Justine both know I'm down in Boston visiting while my mother is doing the Landmark Forum. One of the things you get out of the Forum is "creating the possibility".....of something. So, to be a "f....ker, he calls up to tell me that he created that possibility instead of sitting on his ass all day. I laughed and told him he was a shit. The ENTIRE time I'm talking to him and Justine, the guy that I was talking to is standing there listening. I get off the phone and continue my conversation with him. He then remarked about me living in Maine and who was Justine....(RED FLAG'S COMING UP). He asked how old I was, continued to go on about all the money he has etc.

To try to make a really LONG story short, Matt said something about women not being stronger then men and that sometimes it gets them in precarious situations. I told him that I was not concerned, that I thought with the defense training I had done, that I could take him down. That's when he challenged me by telling me his role in the navy and how he went up behind another female friend of his that tried to challenge his strength and he grabbed her from behind and said, "Now what are you going to do". He tried to laugh about it....that he was "playing" with her. It didn't sit well with me. The red flags were already on high alert for me and that just sent me into "fight or flight". I explained that I was intentional about finding information and that he needed to be on his way. When he left the isle, I pretended to sit on the floor like I was searching for a book. I grabbed the books I had and ducked through a few more isles and hid. I was hoping by the time I got done looking through one book, he would be gone. WRONG! I saw him back at the same isle I was in. So I ducked down and made it to the back of the book store.

At closing time, I made my purchase and then waited by the door for someone who was heading to their car so that I would not be in the parking lot alone!! I made it to my car and I looked around the parking lot like a paranoid woman being stalked. I decided that if he was in the parking lot watching me from his car, I had better not head back to my hotel room. So I got on the highway and headed to the center to pick up my mother....knowing I would be early. Anything was better than being stalked!

The funny thing about my whole story that I got....is that it's just a story. I have no idea if that man was just lonely, if he was trying to come on to me, if he was a serial killer. He could be all three of those things and I will never know. Everything else, is completely made up in my mind....that when I'm in the city...."ALL MEN ARE DANGEROUS"! So, I listened to him through that "filter"...."he's dangerous". Listening to him that way, I gathered lots of "evidence" that he was dangerous. I laughed this morning as I looked back and realized that I was in that book store for TWO HOURS waiting to get out and not be seen by him.

The one thing I DO know, is that I'm glad to be breating air today and enjoying life! :-)

A Dream Come True!!!

2006-11-11T14:53:00.000-05:00

For THREE YEARS I have been "trying" to get my mother to do the Landmark Forum! So, two weeks ago, she called me all upset about my grandmother and the fact that my grandmother wanted her dinning room table back that she had given my younger sister. My mother told me her story about inviting my grandmother over for coffee and that in the middle of the conversation my grandmother told my mother that she wanted her dinning room table back so that she could have a place to put her puzzle together. My mother explained that she didn't CARE that my grandmother wanted her dinning room table back...that she gifted to my younger sister. What got her all upset was that she knew my younger sister had put hot potatoes on a paper plate that took the finish off my grandmothers Ethan Allen dinning room table. So somewhere in the conversation, my mother was saying that now my Aunt was upset, that gram was mad and she didn't have anything to do with it. I started laughing.
Mom said, "What's so funny"?
ME: "It's funny to listen to you tell this story because it's the same one over and over again, only different circumstances".
MOM: "Well I don't think it's funny. All I did was invite your grandmother over for coffee and all of a sudden, I'm the bag".

Two hours later and a lot of coaching (for free...he, he, he), I said to my mother, "You know, anything you want for yourself and your life you can get out of your participation in the Landmark Forum".
MOM: "Oh hunny, why bother when I can just get it from you".
ME: "Well, here it is (keep in mind she's a very talented quilter), You can admire someone's quilting, you can read about quilting or you can quilt. There is nothing wrong with any three of those things EXCEPT your experience of it. So, yes, you can call and get what you get out my sharing but it's not going to be the same as if you did it yourself. Getting it from me is like admiring someone's quilting".

My mother responded, "That's it, I'm going to do it"! In complete shock, I said, "What was it that I said this time that was different from any other THOUSANDS of times that I have asked"? She said it was all about the "quilting example".

THE FIRST DAY:
Yesterday morning when I went to the center to show her where to go, I became so emotional. I cried and cried and cried. We hugged and I continued to cry. It really hit me at that moment that I was being given the best gift in all my life....that my mother was choosing to make a difference in her life. I left her there, driving down the road crying, knowing that she was going to come out transforming her life and the lives of others around her.

So, she called me on one of her breaks saying that she wasn't getting something about "inauthentic" and "authentic" ways of being. I explained what is was for me. I got a little nervous thinking, "Oh, I hope she doesn't change her mind about doing this". Last night at 10:30 when I went to pick her up, she was elated! She said, "This is what I have got, I know that your father and I chose to build your grandmother's house next to ours so that she will be safe and that we are next to her in case of an emergency. I have also been running a racket that I am responsible for her happiness. What I know is that I'm not. When she complains about the house and how small it is and that she hates living there, I know that is her stuff, and I'm not taking it on. I am creating the possibility of peace and harmony in my life and a relationship with my mother where I am left with no guilt". I got all teary. I am finally starting to see transformation in my mother....only after ONE DAY! She went from complaining, whining, feeling sorry for herself to taking control of her life. I cannot wait to see the ripple effect of her way of being and the impact that it has on the family.

On another note, I have been able to spend most of my weekend here doing a little exploring and shopping. I had one coaching call on Friday and have been a free bird ever since. Most of you that know me will NOT be surprised when I tell you I made a friend at TJ Maxx last night. I was in the fitting room reading a text message when I heard this voice say, "I could really use your help. I've been looking at this sweater on me for ten minutes trying to decide what size looks best. Do you mind helping me"? I was all over it. After chatting with her, she told me that she always goes shopping with her mother and now that her mother lives in CT, it doesn't happen that way often. She said that she loved it because her mom is a fashion guru. She then proceeded to tell me that her mother retired from ELLE Magazine! I was floored! AND, her father lives in MAINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He lives 1/2 hour from me! I gave her my business card and invited her to call or email me. Tamara was a woman right up my alley! :-) She also helped me with a question on a business bag that I was having trouble deciding on! FUNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, Part II

2006-10-21T07:46:00.000-04:00

So, last weekend, the stretch of my birthday celebration continued at Justine's!!!!!!! She surprised me with this HEAVENLY peanut butter frosted cake!!! It was to die for. Amazing as it may seem, after eating 1/2 the cake, I lost five pounds!!! Justine, I'll take another!!!!

Every month at our office, Justine makes a birthday cake to celebrate all birthdays in the month. Well, there were at least 8 Libras in the bunch. She asked what kind of cake we wanted. Someone yelled out chocolate cake with chocolate frosting (YUCK!), then someone said chocolate cake with plain frosting (BORING)! I said, "I'll take a little bit of chocolate cake with this much peanut butter frosting"---holding up about an inch for measurement. Everyone BOOOEEEDD over that idea. No one likes chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting???!!! I said, "That's alright. I'll buy one and bring it in for myself"...laughing at the thought that none of us could decide on one cake. :-) In that moment, Justine took CAREFUL note of the equilibrium between cake and peanut butter frosting necessary to create this masterpiece!!!!!!!!!

She remarked that it was not an easy task but what comes easy when dealing with "THE DUCHESS"??? :-) He, he, he!!!

Thank you Justine for everything!!! That day was so much fun for me! I love ALL my stuff...even the belly aches that came with each and every last bite of my cake...:-) He, he, he!

LOVE YOU!!!

Gabrielle University VS Alexis Technology

2006-10-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

This was ABSOLUTELY priceless...Gabrielle and Alexis playing football! I had to giggle at the pictures I captured. I have many more but these totally replicate "highlights" of the game! Notice Gabby sporting a skirt! Ha, ha, ha! Alexis came over on her "four wheeler" (motorized toy) and Gabby invited her to play a game of football. They had more energy than that of 10 adults. It was fun watching them run around! They had it down. I don't know who ended up "winning" but it was certainly a joy to see them have fun and play!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME...and JAIME!!!

2006-10-12T21:54:00.000-04:00

This was the scene at my mother's last Sunday! Although my birthday is today!

My mother got my sister and I Derk's Bently tickets! :-) Mom also got me a sweet jacket that is very stylish! My sister Kari sported me with a new outfit because she was so proud of the weight I have lost. She even surprised me with snow glob table markers for when I have company! YIPEEE! My sister, Laura gave me some cold-hard-cash that I put towards a new pair of A.K. shoes! THANKS SWEETIE! John & Nize got me a Staples gift card to pick up things for my business! I can't wait to use it! Gerry got me an MP3 player, flowers and took me out for dinner. He surprised me when the Oriental girls came out with fried bannanas to sing "happy birthday" to me. Then, I laughed even harder when I thought I was waving and smiling into the restaurant "security camera". Gerry looked at me and said, "What are you waiving at"? I said, "The security camera". Well, I didn't have my eyeglasses on but he told me that it was an electrical box!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I put on my glasses and sure enough, I had waved, winked and smiled at an electrical box. He didn't think it was as humorous as I did. I couldn't stop laughing at the sight of what I must have looked like doing that.

I also got a cookie basket from Sweet Sue's from Peter/Kristin, Forrest & Justine. Peter and Kristin also took me to lunch yesterday! THANKS GUYS! :-) My mother and my sister called and sang to me, along with my father-in-law, and little Miss Abby! I got phone calls from friends with birthday wishes....thank you all---it means a lot!

Jaime and I wished each other happy birthday! I giggle about it. It absolutely AMAZES me that I would meet someone, become good friends and then find out we were born on the same day! It was a friendship meant to be! :-)

Anyway, thank you to everyone for remembering me...even those that I had to call and sing, "Happy Birthday to me"...to. :-) I love and appreciate you all!

Overnight with Auntie Tonya!

2006-10-01T17:57:00.000-04:00

Here's little Miss Gabby "earning her keep". She got dropped off while I was in the middle of cleaning my floors. I told her she could help me finish cleaning! :-) She was excited to see more than puzzles this time. She spent most of the weekend using the "cleaning" set that I picked up. She even cleaned the wood chips off the fire place!

So this marks in history, the first time that Miss Gabby has come anywhere near the FLOOR when Bailey is around. I was concerned that we would be shipping her back home once Bailey was back at the house. She's usually terrified, wanting to be held, won't eat etc. So this time, I put her down in front of him and she resisted at first. I told her that Bailey was VERY excited to see her and that she could expect him to sniff her so that he would know who she was and learn to protect her. I told her that he would wag his tail and smile to let her know he was happy to see her. I also told her that he smelled like a skunk because he thought he was chasing a kitty! She actually enjoyed him!! She kept saying, "C'mon Bailey, let's go throw rocks in the lake". He would run down beside us and chase the rocks in the water like they were treats. We had such a FANTASTIC time. We ended up having to get dressed for a party and she sat on the counter in the bathroom as I got ready and wanted to "look pretty". I gave her a little lipstick, some sparkles on her eyes and a little touch of blush on her cheeks. She was so excited about the lip stick and make up, that's all she talked about.

Little Miss Gabby, I love you with all my heart. You are SO smart, well mannered, beautiful and have such a wonderful spirit. Auntie loved watching Elmo and snuggling, playing in the woods....looking for twigs and playing in the lake! I also loved the books you read to me...especially Curious George. I look forward to many more visits and watching you grow up to be a beautiful woman and someone that makes a difference in the world.

P.S. Thank you for helping me clean and bringing squash in from the garden! :-)

It's That Time of the Year....

2006-09-25T17:40:00.000-04:00

YES!!! I'm still alive!!!!!!!!!!! I've been ALL over the world and never home long enough to catch up posting!

This was one of the pumpkins that the twins and I carved out. I got this FABULOUS carving kit that came with the blinking eyes at Christmas Tree Shop!!! The kids LOVED it. I also found a battery operated "strobe light" for them to use inside the pumpkins instead of a candle. I spent the night with them recently and was amazed to listen to them talk. They wanted to go to McDonald's and get Happy Meals.....so off we went. Noah got some robotic toy and
Miss Isabelle got a little Mermaid "watch" with a mirror and lip gloss. On the way back home she told me she that her mermaid watch was full of "special powers" that she was going to use it on her "boy" friend when he wasn't being nice. I asked her what it was all about and she started giving me examples of how she doesn't always like the way he plays with her...sometimes "he's mean". She wanted me to give her advice on something she wanted to say to him the next time she didn't like the way he played. She shot off one idea and that was to (as she folded her arms over each other) tell him that he was mean and she was going to tell this to her brother and let him know. I started to respond when Noah interrupted and said, "Isabelle, if you don't like the way he plays, then just tell him you'd rather not and go play on your own....you don't have to be mean and dramatic". I laughed at the irony of this 5 year old's perfect solution. It was so "male" and "logical" compared to Miss Isabelle's...full of "drama" and "all about her". :-) It occured to me that women and men/girls and boys just don't see the world in the same way. Even at that age, there is drama. Where does it all start? I giggled just thinking about how Noah's advice was so similar to that of all men in my life. No drama, direct and to-the-point! :-) I had a FABULOUS time with them. We played "monster", hide-and-seek, told impromptu "scary" stories. We rented movies...a "boy" and a "girl" movie...to be "even". :-) Ohhhh, it's so nice to be reminded of what it's like being a kid again.

ALMOST THERE....

2006-09-04T19:15:00.000-04:00

Here's the house on the lake with the windows in and most of the sophet trim in too! My father and Gerry were pouring up concrete posts to wrap the deck around to the right of the house. It's amazing how it's coming along. We guess at least a month before John will be able to move in. It won't be completely done but if he has sold the house, the upstairs should be done.

My father has been very generous to come down every weekend, spend the night and work the next day to help get this house built. Gerry spent a lot of time helping my father build my grandmother's house so it's a favor being returned. Although I told my mother that I thought it was the cooked meals that he came down for....we don't serve up rotisserie chicken, compliments of Hannaford Brothers....he, he, he!! I have to tease a little!

Warm & Toasty

2006-09-04T11:46:00.000-04:00

Well, last night I decided it was cold and rainy and how nice it would be to get the fire place going. It makes the living room all warm and toasty. Of course, Bailey loves soaking his 84 year old bones right in front of it....along with my father! After dinner last night, I pulled the rocking chair in front of the fire place for my father to sit in. Bailey decided he would keep my father's feet warm by laying on them. He's a crazy dog!

This is a sad time of the year for me....as summer winds down and the cold air creeps in, along with the shorter days. I RESIST it all the way. I love the long days, the warm air, the way the sun feels on my skin. This time of the year, I try to set my focus on the leaves turning! I love the fall too but not as much as I enjoy the summer.

Gerry's down at the lake working on his father's house and I'm at home starting another fire and loading it up with wood for the day! It's cold and gray outside! I just got back from the gym and enjoying breakfast with Forrest & Justine!!!! I think I'll do some reading and catch up on some email! I hope someone is doing something fun today! I'm going to take it easy!

Soup & Sandwich

2006-09-03T10:29:00.000-04:00

All I can say is, "YUMMMMMMMYYYYY". When cooler weather strikes, I LOVE to bake! I'm not one that cooks by heating things in the microwave, slapping it on the plate and saying, "Come and eat". Not that there is anything wrong with that way of cooking, it's just not a preference of mine. I like to do it the "old fashioned" way. I like something that takes "cultivating" and baking for the day. It seems "heartier" and healthier. :-)

Yesterday I was in a little bit of a "funk". I decided that cooking would get me out of it. I made Creamy tomato/pesto soup which is to DIE for! I then tried a new recipe for baked ham and cheese sandwiches. Again, quite a process. You make a sauce (like that for mac and cheese) and set it aside to cool. When you're ready to make the sandwiches, you spread that sauce on each slice of bread, layering it with ham and cheese. The final top piece of bread, you put cheese on too and bake in the oven! YUMMMMMMMYYYYY! Not healthy for sure but a nice treat with tomato soup! The sandwiches tasted like baked mac and cheese with ham. They were out of this world.

Today, I am making my famous Italian spaghetti sauce! My father LOVES it---I'm pretty sure because it reminds him of his mother's sauce (straight from Italy). So, I will serve him up some sauce and meatballs when he and Gerry get done working on John's house. Another cold day in August and another great day to cook!!!! :-)

Peace & love my friends!

NO KETTLE CORN???!!!!

2006-09-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Here's Justine.....7 months along!!!! Little Sam would have LOVED to have seen all the lights at the fair last night! I got my yearly dough boy and a bite of a sausage dog. Justine shared her mini donuts and I was BESIDE myself when I found there was no Kettle Corn stand! Every year, I look forward to going to this fair all for the dough boy and the Kettle Corn! NONE!!! NADA MUCHO!!

We walked around a couple of times, saw a couple people we knew and I had enough. Even the craft "tent" was pretty crappy this year. It could have all appeared crappy because I was so bummed out about the lack of Kettle Corn. So, if anyone that reads my blog is going to a fair, make sure to look for Kettle Corn! I'll take TWO bags! :-)

Move Over Martha Stewart, The Duchess is in the House!

2006-08-28T16:57:00.000-04:00

I had Justine and Forrest and Peter, Kristin & Co. over for dinner FINALLY! I've been trying to get them here for over a year! So, I thought I would make these BEAUTIFUL appetizers for my guests! I was ABSOLUTELY beside myself with delight over how nice these salami wrapped tomatoes came out! It's failry simple....use Boursin cheese and chop up fresh basil into it. Then, you take one slice of salami, a scoop of the cheese and then set the grap tomato in it. Delicately tie a chive around the bundle to keep it all in place. Yes, an hour later....I felt BETTER than Martha Stewart! :-) Some of my friends think I have too much time on my hands. To me, it's a love that I have for entertaining dinner guests and trying out new things! Certainly, I wouldn't make it if they were here every night! :-)

Guys, I had a great time! Forrest....LOVE the vodka tonics! Thanks for putting Sam's college money into the BEST VODKA in the WORLD! He, he, he!

T-Mad, Pro-Golfer

2006-08-27T15:49:00.000-04:00

So Peter and I went Golfing on Friday! We've had it on the calendar for over a month! My first whole, I had a really nice swing and a nice shot---straight ahead! I wasn't far behind Peter....who had trailed off into the woods! The next twelve swings were not so good. I was on the fairway to hell. Then, we decided if we cracked open a little beverage, it would help us with our swing....IT DID!!!! I played the last nine holes like a pro-golfer! Peter may disagree but that's because he's jealous! :-) He, he, he!

I ended up calling Justine to be a little bragadocious! I was so impressed with my game and was busting out of my skin with excitement! She got a good laugh as Peter and I were in disagreement with how my game was going!

The day ended with a stop at a local farm stand where Peter and I got some good deals on melons and fresh corn! We even got to see the farmer himself sporting some boxer shorts! Only in Maine! I called Peter and told him I thought the guy came out to offer us good deals in hopes that I might find him attractive! :-) He, he, he! I told him we got the deals because I was so cute! :-)

Thanks Peter!!!! That was a good time and great fun!

BOOOOOO WHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-21T18:44:00.000-04:00

This Tomato Horn Worm has gotten FAT on my Roma Tomatoes in the last three days!!!!!!! I have waited all SUMMER long to finally have these babies on a plate with basil and fresh mozzerella and to my HORROR, this is what I found when I went to look at my little babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There were three that I could see with PILES of eggs at the base of my plant! What a complete disappointment. :-((( Now I know why I have to pay the big bucks to get produce in the grocery store! I would never be able to be a true "farmer"! Pam, if you are reading this and have some tomotoes, could you help out a sad friend????

These little buggers feed on leaves and stems of tomato plants. Ocasionally they will also eat the fruits later in the summer months. They also feed on peppers, eggplant and potatoes. They can defoliate a plant in just a few days. A bunch of them can spell disaster.
Control
1) Hand Pick:
(YUCK!) They are so big you cannot miss these guys. If you don’t want to touch them I recommend cutting them in half with the kitchen scissors. In the fall when you turn your garden pick out the pupae and destroy.

2) Introduce Parasitic Wasps:
Parasitc Wasps (Braconid Wasps) lay their eggs on the larva. If you see little white things on the worm don’t kill the worm, place it in a jar with a fresh leaf and keep feeding it until the wasps do their job. These are the cocoons of the wasp and their larva feed inside the host and will kill it. This guy has just met his maker!
3) Soap Spray:
Spray the undersides of the leaves with a soap mixture to kill the eggs at the first sign of seeing the moths. A hard spray of water will also help if your plants are strong enough. Wiping the eggs off with alcohol on a q-tip is effective.
4) Bt:
Use as directed on label.
5) Companion Planting:
Plant marigolds as they may be a deterrant. Marigolds Stink to a lot of different bugs.

So my friends, I am greiving over the loss of these things that I have cultivated! In THREE days....gone!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to take gasoline and light fire to the bastards! The only problem being, I'd probably light myself on fire too by mistake!

At the Lake

2006-08-20T12:56:00.000-04:00

My father....sporting his best white T-shirt! He, he, he!!!! This was a picture of my parents and I standing very carefully on the deck that is loosly covered with plywood! Dad has spent every weekend down here helping Gerry build John's house. We are very thankful for his help!

My mother and I walked down to see the house and to tell the men that dinner was going to be ready! I wanted a picture of the three of us with the view of the lake behind us. My mother....who is completely scared of heights, was dragged out onto the deck for this photo! She told me her butt cheeks were squeezed tight because she was so scared....can you see it in her smile??? I have giggled about it since I loaded it from my camera!!!! I am pretty good about heights and have climbed many moutains so it was quite simple for me. At one point when I was backing up, she screamed, thinking I was going to fall through an open area. I'm glad, that no matter my age, my mother still worries about me! :-) I love you mom and dad! Thank you for all your blood, sweat and tears---for giving up part of yourselves and raising me to be the person I am today! :-)

Back From Texas!

2006-08-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

I'm very excited to share that I spent four days at S.M.U. training to administer the Harrison Assessment! I will utilize the Harrison Assessment in my practice management business. The Harrison Assessment (for those who are not familiar) is a questionnaire that is used to measure suitability and eligibility for any job. The assessment is 99% deception proof and measures 130 behavior traits! It is backed by 20 years of research and is proven to be an effective decision-making tool...both in identifying specific tratis to be successful in any job and its ability to evaluate traits against a specific job. I already have a couple of people who are willing to let me run one report so that I can get my final certification with Miss Ava in Australia!!!! :-)

I really have to thank Winn Padgett and Jim Povec for investing thousands in me getting this training. It is an honor and a privelege and I cannot wait to work with you in the near future! It's really amazing how things show up for me in my life! As most of my friends know, I have done a lot of training with Landmark Education and am currently taking the "Commitment Seminar"--To empower you to create and live from commitments that leave you enlivened and fulfilled. The first night of our seminar, was the same night that we had a BAD rain storm pass through that left most of central Maine without power. We still had the seminar!!!!! That was the night that Jim called and said, "I'd like you to go to Texas and get this training and will offer it to you for free (a savings of $3K). All you have to do is get there". I thought to myself, "Here you are, taking the commitment seminar, you are commited to living a life you love.....it would be preposterous for you not to do this"! Operating a that level of commitment, I had to enroll my husband in the possibility of this trianing---enhancing my business. I had to manage work and coverage for being gone. What I found really powerful was that when I CHOSE going to Texas and was commited to living into the future of my career, it was easy! There wasn't anything that showed up in my space as "difficult" or "hard to do". It just happened!!

I assert, that when you share your life and share what you're up to, the world gives you what you need! :-) Four years ago, I was Tonya---not really sure of myself, not smart enough to "DO THAT", overweight, in counseling for panic and anxiety disorder! Four years later, I'm Tonya, Professional Life Coach & Practice Management Consultant. I have created a plethora of friends who know me as my word. When I say something is going to happen, it happens. I've maintained a healthy weight, I love life and am commited to making a difference in anyone's life who choses so! When I am clear about what I want, I get it and I don't let life stop me EXCEPT when I chose to let life stop me!

There it is my friends! ME! I love who I am and also love who I am for other people! :-)

Cruising Around

2006-08-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

So Mik and Jay surprised me with a visit this weekend! I NEVER get company out here unless we have a dinner party! I was so excited I told them to take off their jackets and opened a bottle of wine! It was a nice visit and I all but begged them to stay! Ha, ha, ha! They were cruising around and I was excited to be there FIRST stop---ya that's right Joleeen! :-) He, he, he!

Thanks guys! That was fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Progress on the Lake!

2006-08-12T18:43:00.000-04:00

Here it is!!!!! My father and Gerry have been working on the porch all day! She's going to be a beauty! I can't wait to see what it looks like once the deck boards are down! Bailey and made several trips down there today. I think when Bailey is missing this fall we will find him down at the lake. He LOVES it! Gerry has even gone to the extreme of building Bailey a ramp to get in and out of the house through a window. This is because Bailey is such an old man he doesn't have the same hind leg strength that he once did.

Grandpa John will be able to see the progress when he comes up to visit next week! Bailey will enjoy his company! I'll keep everyone posted on the progress! :-)

The Medievil Party!

2006-08-12T11:16:00.000-04:00

Here it is!!!! MONTHS of planning, coordinating, delegating, and TA DA!!!! This year's river party went off without a hitch! Kim and Gary created the "castle walls"....everything was just PERFECT! Despite the incredible heat, most of the guests dressed according to Medievil times! I had such a hard time choosing what pictures to post! I took 100 pictures! The detail...even down to the food. We had cornish hens, corn on the cobb....everything had to be eaten with your hands...no silverware! :-) Anyway, it was a blast!!!!!!!!!!! Joe and Barbie are the perfect host/hostess! There were games that we played....archery, jousting etc! I'm sure the poeple driving by wondered what on earth we were doing riding on a lawn mower, hauling someone with a stick! It's enough to make you giggle for a lifetime!

I'M BACK!

2006-08-10T05:57:00.000-04:00

I have been out of state training and just getting back! I know there has been some phone calls from friends telling me that I'm getting a little stale (thank you Justine)! :-) I also didn't realize that I have some "secret admirers" of my blog....Miss Tracy. Or shall I call you the "blog stalker"....He, he, he! I'm honored to think that people love to read about what I have to share! :-)

I'm just getting back from Texas and I have pictures from my Medievil party to post. I've been a complete slacker! Busy, busy, busy! I PROMISE that I will update it all by Friday!

So, I will end with this.....I take a class every Tuesday night. My friends, Forrest & Justine, are kind enough to have me for dinner before I go. They call it "Tuesday's with Tonya". Tuesday afternoon, Justine calls me at work and leaves me a message stating that she and Forrest are serving steak and popovers, along with fresh veggies and brownie sundies ! She wanted to know if it was a meal fit for the duchess! :-) I called her back with enthusiasm and COULDN'T wait to get out of work to go over for dinner and social fun! She also usually has a margarita mixed up for me as I walk through the door!! Now, I ask myself, how did I get to be so lucky? :-)

It's times like this that I am reminded how fortunate I am to have wonderful friends in my life. I love you all and love what you add to my life!

PS: Tracy, really, I promise not to have such a lapse in posting! :-) He, he!

"Where's my Dog House"???

2006-07-29T08:26:00.000-04:00

I laugh whenever I look at this picture because Bailey came running into the "basement" and sniffed everything and kept looking all around and then stood here as if to say, "Where's my spot"? He is such a ham! He has loved the routine of going down with Gerry for the morning, swimming, laying in the truck with the A/C on (yes...he's VERY spoiled). When I come home, I have gone running down to the lake property and brought him back with me on the leash. He's a 12 y/o Lab and getting to be an old man. He's starting to have problems with his hind legs and we try to keep him moving as much as we can.

This is where we are at so far. This doesn't show, but the back wall is up too. It's coming right along! John has his stuff mostly packed and in the process of selling his house for the journey to Maine! Yes, he will be a "transplant" as Mainers sometimes call those that move here from out of state. :-) Everything is going along smoothly now that we've FIANLLY been able to start after such a wet spring! We should be finished by fall! At least so that John can move in. There will be things that Gerry will pick away at this winter.

I am off to get ready for our big SUMMER PARTY! I will post pictures from that once I get back! Have a beautiful Saturday!

After the Storm...

2006-07-21T18:56:00.000-04:00

This was the scene after the big storm that hit parts of Maine this week! This is what half of the road looked like coming home late Tuesday night.... only with fog and NO STREET LIGHTS!!!!

Power was restored within 24 hours! Gerry kept the generator going so that we would not lose food in the freezer and refrigerator. When I mentioned "High End Camping" in my previous post.....living off the generator was the "high end camping"....in my house! :-) Ha, ha, ha! The crews are still cleaning up the mess on the road. What a huge disaster for most of Maine in a matter of 7 minutes. It is AMAZING, the power that nature has!

High-End Camping!!!!

2006-07-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

We have been without power since yesterday after the big THUNDERSTORM that ran through Maine! I don't have regular access to email and do not have all addresses with me but those of you that read my blog, just know as soon as I can be in touch with you, I will! I will be under "camping" conditions at home. Those of you that know me will giggle about that! I haven't camped in years and as I have aged, I call camping....some place with no power that has the luxury of water/shower and nice beds to sleep on!! He, he, he! :-)

My First CUCUMBER!!!!!

2006-07-17T20:05:00.000-04:00

I keep watching my garden, WAITING for the first cucumber to be big enough to pick! Now, I have watched the cucumbers every night since Friday. I didn't see anything but the beginning of a cucumber. Tonight, I just happened to go over to look at my tomatoes and I felt the need to look at my cucumber patch! To my very own SURPRISE, I found this one, already to be sliced and eaten! Lunch for tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YUMMMMMMMMYYYYY!!!

Mr. Frog is out splish-splashing!

2006-07-15T10:49:00.000-04:00

I was taking a picture of the reflection of the trees in the pond last night when I heard something splashing around.....I spotted Mr. Frog! He happened to be very photogenic last night! :-) This is the guy responsible for keeping me on many nights while he sings love songs from the pond! I don't think he's smart enough to realize that "voices" carry over water....:-) I told him that although he had a beautiful voice, to KEEP IT DOWN! I don't think he took it well because he took off under water....:-)

The "Big Dig"...In Maine!!

2006-07-12T19:01:00.000-04:00

Building John's house has been set back six weeks due to RAIN! It reminds me of the "Big Dig" project in Mass. At least THIS project WILL get done! John has sold the house and will be "homeless" temporarily. We are hoping to get everything ready with the foundation as Gerry has taken time off of work to start building this beauty! :-)

We took Justine down to see the "Big Dig". I was trying to get a "side profile" picture of her so that I could show off her little pregnant belly! Little Samuel is quickly growing! I have been trying to teach him some manipulative tactics while he is in the womb....he, he, he! Justine is very skilled in this area so I'm sure there will not be too much of a learning curve as most of it will be HEREDITARY! :-)))) Ha, ha, ha!!!

An Alien has Invaded Gerry's body....

2006-07-10T14:02:00.000-04:00

Yes, what you are seeing is REAL....Gerry picking strawberries with me!!! In the six years I have known my husband, we have never gone strawberry picking together. In fact, I generally go with his friend Gary and Gary's family. This year it was only ME! No manipulation on my part!!!! I asked Gerry if he would like to accompany me this year and he said, "Sure"! I was soooooo excited, I brought my camera to capture it on film! :-)

So my friends, I live to tell that it IS TRUE....Anything IS possible!

Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-07T16:04:00.000-04:00

These were the fireworks we saw sitting on my front porch! We didn't even have to leave home! :-)

Nize and I continued to perfect the Mojito....about this time---we finally got it....at least it tasted like the one in the bar so many Mojito's later! We ended up staying in for the 4th and enjoying a little BBQ. Nize and I were sporting some patriotic attire! You cannot see in the picture but Nize even had "flicker flockers" with stars and stripes!!! I started singing, "My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty"... We laughed so hard! What a good time!

Gerry erected our flag that snapped off in the middle of the winter. How appropriate to raise it on Independence Day! What a really awesome picture....notice the flag in the background!

A Day in the Life of The Duchess....

2006-07-06T19:43:00.000-04:00

Gerry's sister, Geniza, made it to Maine!!!! She flew in on her boss' PRIVATE JET to join us for the holiday weekend! We were so excited! She forgot part of her luggage on the plane so Gerry and I were given an opportunity to see the elegance of which she flew! Geniza was still on "company time" and needed to deliver paperwork to the Yacht that her boss was going to be on for the next several weeks! The crew called her by her nick-name, "Nize" and brought us on board for a tour! Ya whooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the crew members must have noted the "duchess" in me and immediately peeled the cover off the leather fighting chair and told me to have a seat! :-) It was only a matter of time before Gerry and Geniza thought I would be going out to sea and living the high life! :-)

Of course we couldn't leave town without stopping for a cocktail! Geniza introduced me to Mojito's!!!!!!! It's a rum based cocktail made with fresh mint! YUMMMMM!!!! We ended up stopping at a winery/green house (only in Maine) on our way back home and bought three mint plants to make our own mojito's at home! They were not the same and we later determined (many drinks later) that it was the type of rum we were using. Of course neither one of us turned the cocktail down....THAT would be a cardinal sin! :-)

We had such a great time! Nize finally made it back home after spending nearly 10 hours at the airport trying to get back home. She was a trooper...no airline employees died yesterday! Ha, ha, ha!!!! She got in around midnight and reports back to work tomorrow! I told her it might be appropriate for us to wait before mailing her table she bought. I told her it could end like some Seinfeld episode where someone recognizes her name on the package and the table ends up in Fiji being used for fire wood!!!! Ha, ha, ha!

THANKS sweetie for making the trip up and spending time with Gerry and I! We loved catching up and meeting Phil & Sandy!

P.S. Joleeen....I hope this makes your day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I AM"...

2006-06-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

Faye Mandell, author of "Self-Powerment", was generous and kind enough to fly to Maine from Rhode Island, to deliver a two-day workshop on the Self-Powerment Model that she manifested. "This model marries data from hard sciences to human awareness, making practical use of both of them. It provides a link between what is accessible and known only to a few in the hard sciences, and what is accessible and knowable to everyone". SELF-POWERMENT shows us that through experiencing life--what Faye Mandell calls the "Here-Now or In the Moment (IM)"--we make the greatest strides towards authenticity and create lasting change in all areas of our daily lives.

It is the most powerful thing that I have experienced. It was an honor and a priveledge to be with her, to have her share the breakdown in human thinking and the time spent on "thought" vs action and fully participating in your life. It validated what I share with people in my life.

Being present, in the moment, here and now requires that you experience a feeling....sadness/disappointment, frustration, anxiety. Nature gives us these things to let us know we are not in balance and to "check in" with ourselves. When the feeling comes up, creating an imbalance, you are suppose to NOTICE the feeling and you have a NANOSECOND (1/4 of a second) to turn that feeling into action!!!! It is in the experience that we detach thought from the feeling and just be with what's so. What most people tend to do is align thought with their feelings and create "stories", "drama", which distorts the reality of the experience. I loved the statement she makes in her book, "Don't believe everything you THINK"! I have always asserted that the mind is a dangerous place to go alone. It's a dangerous place PERIOD!

I have gone and purchased a boat load of her books and am giving them away as gifts! I am commited to people in my life being present...to fully experience the moment in which they are in. To live in the now, not the past or the future! I have friends/family ( I LOVE YOU ALL) and there are times that I hear their "stuff" and I always, always, always say...."YOU ONLY HAVE TODAY"! You don't know that you have TEN YEARS to be living the life you love! You only have the moment and in that moment are you present to you? Are you of service to the world? Are you stuck in the past, worried about the future, distorted with false illusions? GUYS.....you only have today, right now. CHOOSE. It's that simple....it really is.

Faye left us sharing this piece that rings volumes to me. I am going to share it with all of you. It is not to analyze or understand....just BE with IT! Peace and love!

...listening to our longing in the ordinary way results in the familiar state of "being pulled by the nose in a hundred different directions and ending up going nowhere very fast"....but, if we face our longing and our lack instead of trying to satisfy it, the world is turned on its head: "fulfillment becomes a limitation, accomplishment turns into a trap", we see that "what will get us where we want to go ISN'T willpower, it ISN'T struggle or effort...it's just a question of knowing how to turn and face our longing without interfering or doing anything at all".

WHA-WHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! 9 Days & Counting....

2006-06-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

CAN YOU SAY, "TROUBLE"??????????????? I came home from work tonight and walked through the door and smelled the aroma of a very expensive Cigar. There is NO SMOKING in our house so I wondered who could have possibly been here smoking. :-) I walk out onto the porch to find Gerry smoking a cigar and talking to Geniza on the phone. He said, "Nize is coming up next weekend". I said, "No way"!!!!!!!! Sure enough, she is taking the company jet up from the south and coming to stay for the holiday weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so exicted I can't even stand the wait!

Geniza and I have hit it off from the beginning. She is down to earth, fun loving, easy to get along with and likes to have fun! She has a heart that spreads sunshine all over the world and I just adore her. Usually, she will send me an email when I haven't heard form her in a while, that she's been to the "Bahamas for the weekend" or to "Las Vegas" checking out Hotels/Casinos and it's "work related".

The one thing I love to do....besides my other many "love to do's" is entertaining! I absolutely love to get my guest bedroom all ready and the guest bathroom all set up with accoutrements for those staying at Le casa de Tomasita. (That was my name in Spanish Class). This means I get to go SHOPPING for a little "guest" gift. I will finally be able to use the glass water pitcher that Justine gave me!! I cannot wait! This makes this years 4th of July worth looking forward to! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-))))

Just wanted to share my good news today!!!!!!!!!! Wha-whoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

2006-06-18T18:07:00.000-04:00

Can you tell my father is ITALIAN????? :-) I'm sure you can tell that I must obviously look like my mother! Although, I believe I have my father's cheeks! So, we celebrated Father's Day last night by dinning out! We originally had planned to have everyone over to our house for a BBQ but dad decided that he would prefer to go out. A little non-traditional but it got the family together and no one having to clean up! :-)

Growing up, I always remember being told that if I had been a boy, my name would have been "Aldo" (my tatone's name). THANK GOD my mother was blessed with me being a little girl because I was named after my father, Anthony...a.k.a. "Tony". I approve of "Tonya" and would have adopted some nick-name to replace "Aldo". Somewhere along the line, I managed to make up that my dad wished he had a son. So, growing up, I was a tom-boy (hard for all of you who know me as "the duchess"...to believe I once was a tom-boy) and would do ANYTHING for my father's attention! I knew I had to be "tough" and get "dirty", so I would often follow my father around, hoping for an opportunity that I could show him I was the son he never had...:-) Ha, ha, ha! I remember helping him change the oil in the car...at least by doing the "heavy looking on". I also took a class in Industrial Arts, cutting wood and making numerous things...including a clock for Nana! In later years, I would assist him in changing the breaks on my assortment of vehicles, getting up at 3:30 in the morning (G, I wonder if that's why I don't have a problem getting up at that time now...) to go over and help him in the chicken barn (thank God those days are OVER)!!!!! I don't know where it all changed, that I finally accepted I was a "girl" and not a boy....most likely when I started being interested in "boys"...:-) I am thankful for the opportunity to have shared those experiences with my father growing up. I wouldn't trade them in for anthing in the world. I am proud to be his "little girl" and that he loved me through all my phases of life.

Thanks dad, for loving me unconditionally, for providing me with a wonderful life, for giving up part of your life to raise me. For teaching me to be a good human being and a hard worker, to love without judgement, to give and not expect anything in return and to love life!
~I love you from the bottom of my heart!

This is my "other" father....John! Gerry's father is absolutely wonderful! I learned early on that he and I had much in common....we LOVE gadgets!!!!!!!!!!! Need I say more??? Gerry is not like that at all and prefers a more simple life...the more simple, the better. I am glad that his father realizes the advantages that technology has to offer. I giggle whenever John mentions something he has recently picked up and the "reason" for getting it. I know that it really all boils down to the fact that it's a gadget because that's how I am. :-)

John is someone that keeps me grounded spiritually and someone that I go to for guidence when I struggling with things in my life. He is always good at telling me what it is I need to hear. :-) I am blessed to have him in my life and appreciate his love! He will soon be moving to Maine....if the weather stays dry long enough to get the foundation in! He is going to be a "snow bird" and summer in Maine and winter somewhere in the south!

Thanks dad for being a part of my life! I miss you and love you! :-)

FUN IN THE SUN!

2006-06-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

Now this is how I would like every day of my life to be....calm, relaxing, and peaceful! I decided to treat myself to a day at the beach and I had THE BEST TIME!!! Even though I went by myself, it was nice to catch up on some reading, clear my brain and take in the scenery!

My favorite "flicker fockers" made for an interesting picture. The sand on the beach was packed really hard as the tide had just gone out. I decided to take off my sandals and hold my breath as a dabbled my feet in the ocean. I was actually suprised to find that the shock wasn't so bad after all....more evidence of "global warming".

I ended my day with a little "drama" (of course) as I watched a couple lovingly holding each other as they strolled down the beach. It reminded me of the commercials for the "romance" music cd's that you can purchase on TV. I gagged at the thought that there was actually a HUMAN MAN (not a programmed robot that looked human) interested in being so "snuggly". Interestingly enough, I watched as a fight unfolded in front of my very own eyes. They were involved in what appeared to be a quarrel...for a couple of hours. I watched in between my cat naps and reading! Toward the end of my day, they finally "made up" and started making there way together, arm in arm....I watched as they walked by me....wanting to ask, "Man, are you for real"??? It occured to me...that no matter how "good" a couple looks on the "outside", no relationship is perfect!

HURRAY! We'll finally have a CROSS BREEZE!

2006-06-11T18:33:00.000-04:00

After MANY YEARS of making a request for a front storm door, Gerry decided to come back from church with one in the back of his truck! Now, I'm thinking....taking a day off from church really didn't cause me bad luck after all!!!!!!!!!!!! Ha, ha, ha! (that one is for you mom)!

Gerry spent ALL afternoon installing this beauty! I just finished polishing the glass and now the rain is coming down AGAIN!!! I had to quickly capture the picture from the outside as I was afraid of melting....being made of "sugar" can be hazardous at times! He, he, he!

I was SOOOOOOOO excited.....I had to post and share it with you all!!! Gerry did a FANTASTIC job and I was completely surprised! THANKS HON!!!

Annual Golf Tournament

2006-06-11T08:53:00.000-04:00

Every year for the last six years, I have volunteered for the Parola Golf Tournament with my friend Laurie. We were not sure what we were going to be able to do this year in ticket sales because of the rain on the golf course. We were asked to stay at a stationery spot and not travel around the course like we have all other years. We decided that we were comitted to raising more money this year and requested the possibility of traveling around the course AS LONG AS we promised to stay on the cart paved trails. We got the "o'kay" from Dickey and were well on our way! Every year Laurie and I have raised an average of $600.00 in the $5.00 raffle. This year, I am VERY proud to say, that she and I raised over $1400.00 in the $5.00 raffle! Thanks to all of those who support the Parola Foundation!!! We could not do it without you!!

This year, Gerry's team lost Gary to a fishing trip. Joe (far left) was VERY EXCITED to take Gary's place and did very well.....what does Joe NOT do well at??? The guys were very impressed with his game, considering Joe has never played golf before! Gary, it looks like you might be replaced....he, he, he!

We cannot forgot some of my FAVORITE guys....all on one team! :-) Forrest (far right) was up to his knees in wet pants....his "Asian Silk" pants! Ha, ha, ha! They too were short one of their regular team players when Doug (left of Forrest) stepped in and played at the last minute. He was originally scheduled to volunteer! He took Eric's place as his wife was in an auto accident!!!!
Gerry, many beers later, yells from the green, "Ton, get us more beer"! I told him I was not one of his troopers and did not have to follow his "order". :-) To that, he replied, "Now"! He thought he was pretty funny until he saw me drive away! Then he kindly asked with a "PLEASE".

All in all, it was a fabulous day! All the players were in good spirits! It never rained until the final two holes and Kirby, one of the golfers bid on a Nike Golf bag and gave it to me!!!!!!!!! THANKS KIRBY!!!!!!!!!!!! :-) Yes, there may have been some slight manipulation on my part but in the end, HE made the final choice! :-) Somehow, Gerry thought HE should get the golf bag because his is broken. I told him he could have my old one! He, he, he!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS GABRIELLE!!!!

2006-06-04T13:09:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a BIG day for my niece. She turned three years old and actually had "friends" over to celebrate. Now, as adults, when we have a birthday celebration (for those of you that still do), it all starts off with appetizers, conversations, maybe a few cocktails...you may or may not get to the cake. Well, there were a bunch of kids of various ages, celebrating with Miss Gabrielle yesterday! The first, most important way of doing things with kids it cutting through the chase and getting to the cake. As SOON as the kids walked through the door, you could hear the collaboration of them chanting, "Eat cake, eat cake, eat cake"....even those that were really too young to speak the words clearly! :-) So, the cake was cut and gifts were open and then in was the piñata....watching those little ones beat the number three in hopes of breaking it open to gather all the candy! It was a site to see!

The day ended with popcorn and a Madagascar movie! Little Miss Gabrielle was a bit overwhelmed with all the gifts and fun with her friends.

Oh, and we cannot overlook the leopard print pants that Auntie Tonya got her! I'm the only one that can get away with giving such a gift. Little Miss Gabrielle was posing with her Madagascar stuffed animals. She thought they "went" with her pants!

MEDEVIL TIMES....

2006-05-28T08:53:00.000-04:00

Those of you that know us, know that for the last six years, we have a BIG theme party! It first started out as a simple gathering of friends, bringing food, drinking cocktails and hanging out by a camp fire. Somewhere along the line, it developed into themes. Our first theme party was "Tropical". We ordered coconut bikini tops and blow up Palm Trees. The first year was fun but not everyone got into it....the guests that is! The following year, we had a "SURVIVOR" theme party! We had 5 challenges and teams with the Survivor head bands. We even casted off team members at a re-created "voting section". The year after that was "Cowboy & Cowgirl"! That was a BLAST! People were dressed up, we had a covered wagon to store the keg on ice, a Saloon w/ saloon doors! It was incredible...the detail that came out of all the planning. Last year was Austin Powers! Man, did we have some winners....

It has come to the point that we have "board members" that meet three to four months before the party starts so that we can develop the theme, give the men the blueprints of our designs so that they can build things for us. As we have become more detailed in our themes, we have also gotten quite elaborate in our invitations! This year, they are being delivered in tubes with burned edges and a wax seal! I cannot wait to post pictures from this year's party! Medevil times....here we come!

CUTE CURLS and Nowhere to go!!!!!!!!!

2006-05-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had your hair look FABULOUS and have nowhere to go??? Then, when you really do have some place to go, your hair is completely unmanageable??? I have to giggle about it! Gerry's working this weekend and I'm on my own! So, I start playing with my hair and realize, "My hair looks so cute and I have no place to go". I suppose I could go run errands but I have been all over the state of Maine this week and would rather gag than to drive one more mile! Ha, ha, ha!

Well, I have not been posting much lately and that is because I have been busy with my practice management coaching business!!!!! I just had the most FANTASTIC week coaching at a dental practice! I was also invited to become a trainer to work with Patterson Dental, training dental practices in the state of Maine to use EagleSoft (dental software)! Does life get any better???? I LOVE making a difference for people and that I'm being hired because I have made a difference!

I guess it's time that I get some things done! I wanted to update all of you and let you know that all is well with me and that I have just had the most incredible week! :-)

The things you do for love....

2006-05-14T19:21:00.000-04:00

...Like swinging until your butt hurts! Can you see the "pain" in my smile in the photo below??? Little Miss "G" wanted to swing and let me do ALL the work (could we have a little mini-duchess in the making...). Well, this little see-saw swing was only made for a kids butt. The only support I had covered the bone of my ass!!!!!!! Needless to say, little Miss "G's" fun only lasted so long.

To my little niece....I love you from the bottom of heart and can't wait to spend the rest of my life watching you grow! I'll also "eat your cheeks" for as long as you will let me and twist your hair as long as you will tolerate it!

Love,

Your FAVORTIE Auntie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Men Bowling for cash against a "Mexican"

2006-05-07T12:19:00.000-04:00

Forrest (American) Jim (Mexican) Peter (Arab)

A group of us went bowling this weekend and the men decided it would be better to bowl for cash. You can clearly see that Forrest and Peter are slightly concerned about their score and that Jim is VERY excited to not only be one of the first Mexicans to make it over the boarder but win some BIG cash! Ha, ha, ha! I think Peter (Arab) ended up winning most of the lottery and has plans to use some of that to buy me coffee TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY!!!!

Forrest trying some of his devilish tactics to swoon Kristin away from bowling strikes all night by diverting her attention and buying her alcohol....

Justine and I celebrating our "00"'s the first few strings!! We both ended with some decent scores in the second game! I even beat Gerry, Peter and Rob with a 136 in the second game! Wha-whooooooooo!!!! My game ended up turning around when Rob yelled, "Nice Ass". It seemed like everytime he shouted it out, I bowled a strike! THANKS ROB! Peter tried but left me with one pin standing! Sorry Peter, you didn't have what it took! :-)

We've got team "red" here with Justine and Tracy sporting matching T's!!! Watch out for Tracy....she may be CUTE but underneath all that is one HIGH BOWLER!!!! Nice job Tracy!

Larry The Cable Guy...

2006-05-02T18:37:00.000-04:00

Last night we went to see Larry The Cable Guy! There were EIGHT of us that managed to get dinner in before we went! I have to admit that PJ Walsh (who opened up for Larry) was QUITE the comedian! My cheeks are sooooooooo sore today from laughing so hard last night! I got the most giggles out of the opening act. Larry was funny but PJ Walsh is also worth seeing if he should tour in Maine again! I had to laugh everytime Larry said, "Git-R-done". It reminded me of my friend Rick who always seems to be saying that....could he be a redneck in disguise???? He, he, he!

So the "people watching" was priceless!!!! All walks of life coming out for a night of laughs! I wish I had brought my binoculars!! :-) I actually saw some people that I knew hanging out in the "Penobscot Room" enjoying some beverages before the show got started. None for me! Getting up early this morning was a CHORE! I even had to blow off the gym!!! Write it down in history...I blew off the gym!!!!

All in all, is was a fun night spent laughing with all my friends!!!!!!

My First Flowers!

2006-04-29T15:19:00.000-04:00

It's always such a treat to see color after a LONG winter! My tulips and daffodils have come up and they are so beautiful! I thought I would take some pictures and share! These are from my "Friendship Garden". The flowers in this garden are those that have been given to me as gifts from friends! The only one that is a little unmanageable is the Lupin and if I don't keep after it, it's all over the place! I love Lupin because it reminds me of my Nana and how she loved it! My friend Leslie gave it to me from her garden!

Well, I'm off to go enjoy this beautiful day! I've been outside practicing my golf swing after seeing myself play last night!!!!!!!!!! YIKES! The only problem I seem to be having is Bailey (our dog) likes to wait until I drop the ball in front of me and get ready to swing before he goes in for the ball and runs away with it! He's CRAZY! It usually works out pretty good for me because I'll smack the golf ball and Bailey will fetch it up! Today, he's just been playful and takes it before I swing and runs around with the golf ball in his mouth! He's certainly entertaining!

"Crack Lady" Has FINALLY Moved!

2006-04-24T19:33:00.000-04:00

Jamie (a.k.a. "Bo") and I are flexing our big muscles as we await for the first delivery of my grandmother's belongings! My grandmother was dubbed "Crack Lady" several years ago when my experience of her was tarnished by an outburst she had with my mother on our way back from dinner! It was like a MONSTER had invaded her body! She flipped out and tried to slap my mother's hand and it completely took me by surprise. Of course, I'm always being teased that I'm the "Golden Child" because my grandmother LITERALLY favors me...to the point of embarrassment!

In years past, I always had a high regard for her because I had never witnessed any OUTRAGE or INSANE behavior. I thought everyone was being overly dramatic. NOT the case! I have witnessed it several times since then and that is how she ended up with such a nickname! She's always mentally "cracking" up over something.

This time, it started as a complaint about the new house that my parents built on THEIR property! My father and my husband as well as my Uncle Steve & cousin Shawn, put their BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS into building this new space for her. She decided Sunday to start complaining about how she moved "too fast" (mind you, we've cleared our schedules on two separate occasions to move her) and would have preferred to do it a little bit at a time. Then, she continued on, complaining about the windows that she never got to pick out but were installed in her house...the exact kind she wanted. She then started disparaging my mother and how "awful it was going to be living right next to her"! Welllllllllllllllllllll, that was when I lost it and perhaps my life long title of "Golden Child". I don't think I've seen my Italian temper flare up in YEARS like it did in that moment! I threw respect out the window and told my grandmother just how I felt! It was not pleasant or very lady like. My sister and Jamie ("Bo") were absolutely beside themselves with astonishment in their eyes! Even I shocked myself!

I ended up leaving and going to help my mother at my grandmother's old place. I told her what happend and my mother said, "See, I told you that she's like that and you always stick up for her". :-) My mother said, "The good thing about all of this is that she will never remember that you yelled at her because she's loosing it".

My grandmother ended up coming back to her house and I couldn't find anything to hide behind! I was SCARED!!!!
She looked at me and said, "Are you done being angry with me"?
I said, "Yes".
She said, "So, do you think I should have kept my mouth shut or do you owe me an apology"?
I said, "Yes, I will apologize for the tone I used but I will not apologize for what I said because I meant it".
It actually felt good to stay grounded in how I really felt. We hugged and I'm pretty sure I still hold the title of "Golden Child". We shall see......

THE MORAL OF THE STORY:
She really does have a heart! It's just lost in years of abuse and lonliness!

"You Say it's Your BIRTHDAY"....

2006-04-23T18:30:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FORREST!

Justine & Forrest gathered together an impromptu celebration for Forrest's birthday! We had a GREAT time at dinner and catching up with friends that we don't get to see very often! We started off at the Sea Dog for dinner and ended up at a local bar for a cocktail. Forrest entertained us with his past work stories that are so funny your cheeks usually hurt for days from laughing so hard! :-)

Gerry thought at the last minute, he'd sneak Justine a kiss!

CAUGHT IT BABE! :-)

It's good to be surrounded by handsome looking men!

"OPERATION COOKIE REMOVAL"

2006-04-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

These are the precious thank you notes that I received from
Miss Kayla & Miss Hannah today!! I also received a phone message from Miss Abby with a sweet little thank you!!! A while back, I had posted about the "Cookie Debacle" (February Posting) that went DOWN at the gym where I see/deliver cookies to some of my friends. Well, these were notes from my friend's children and I couldn't help but share. I have shared these with all of my friends today!!! These will replace their last thank you note to me on the on my refrigerator.

ANOTHER GOOD COOKIE STORY...
Of course, I couldn't HELP but call "Auntie Jaime", giggling that her niece threw her under the bus! Jaime had a manipulative tactic planned for Easter weekend when she would meet up with her nieces. We'll call it "OPERATION COOKIE REMOVAL". So, Jaime helped me make the most recent holiday batch of cookies (THANK YOU SWEETIE) because she wanted to get "tips/training" on what she thinks are "the most incredible cookies" she has ever eaten (I still giggle whenever she raves about them). Anyway, she enjoyed a couple of cookies while we were in the process of baking off the second batch. I also gave her a bag to take home. She left my house with an ADDITIONAL bag of cookies to give to her friend, Michelle. She actually called Michelle on her way home to tell her that she had THREE cookies for her and needed to let her know so that she didn't have to tell her later that she ate TWO of them (having to be accountable for ALL three). Jaime called me the next day and was already plotting out how she could snag a couple more cookies on Sunday. She thought the might be able to pry some away from Scott but we both giggled and agreed he does NOT fall for manipulative tactics. She then decided it would be best used on her two nieces....both still in their early tender childhood years!!!! Judging from the note that Miss Kayla gave me, Scott has taught them well! :-)

So THANK YOU Miss Kayla, Miss Hannah & Miss Abby for your sweet little thank you notes/phone call. It meant a lot to me & I have a TON of fun doing it! :-)

The QUEEN of CUTE!!!!

2006-04-19T14:31:00.000-04:00

Matching purse to compliment her Easter dress...she is a duchess in the making! This was the first year that my niece got to enjoy the fun in Easter Egg Hunting at my parents house. Usually Gerry and I have Easter dinner at our house. I traditionally use my great grandmother's china and Gerry's great grandmother's silver. This year, it was my mother's request to have it at her house. She even enticed the adults to hunt for eggs by lacing some of them with (what else) MONEY! My sister and Bo took it all except for the $1.00 I had in my stash! :-) Kudos to you both!!!!
Little Miss "G" thought she could perform a covert operation with my mother. She tried a "sneak attack" for one of my hard earned eggs as my mother got us to "pose" for a "picture". Little did I know I was being set up! He, he, he! "Operation Egg" failed as soon as the flash went off. I caught her so delicately reaching for one of my eggs. I told little Miss "G" she had to let me look in the egg first--to make sure it DIDN'T have any money in it!!! :-) I was willing to give up the candy but NOT the cash! All in all, it was a fun day spent with family and friends.

I've been home sick ever since Easter!! I managed to make it to the gym on Monday until I got a little green and had to leave. I'm hoping to make it back to the office tomorrow! I cannot stand laying around letting illness invade my body! I miss my friends and seeing people in general.

Catching Up!

2006-04-02T16:15:00.000-04:00

So, I had THE BEST weekend ever! It started on Friday where I was hired to do practice management coaching!!!! I never knew that work could be so much fun and that I could ever get paid to do something that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!!!!!! I'd also like to thank one of my friends for believing in me and acknowledging me for following my dreams! THANKS MAN! I wrapped up the day with a visit to my friend Melissa's house where we enjoyed catching up! Her husband was kind enough to give her some "girl" time and we headed out for a light dinner and a couple of drinks at my FAVORITE wine bar! Thanks guys! I had a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!!!!!!

My friend Leslie & I made our regular treck to see our hairstylist this weekend! Anne-Marie had just been to a new "color" class and wanted to try it out on me! The picture doesn't clearly represent how intense the red highlights are but I ABSOLUTELY love them! Thanks Anne-Marie....that's why I've been a dedicated client for 12 years!!!!!!!!!! It was also a treat to catch up with Leslie and spend some quality time away from our busy lives! I love you and love that you love me so much! :-)

I was also able to catch up with my long lost friend, Nikki! She thinks I'm hot and has been inspired by my weight loss. (THANKS WOMAN!) She is wild and crazy and has a heart the size of Texas! I forgot how much fun she adds to my life!

To ALL of my friends that I was able to spend time with this weekend....I LOVE YOU ALL, no matter how busy my life gets, no matter how often I see you, know that I love you and love having you in my life!

Only In My Dreams....

2006-03-25T19:03:00.000-05:00

So, for those of you who know, Gerry has been in NY spending time with his father and his sisters. Now, I've always told Gerry that if Matthew McConaughey came knocking on our door, I would NEVER refuse a date with him! :-)

So, this was a picture that was taken while I was eating breakfast with him. Unfotunately, my friend, Justine, forgot to get me in the photo too! It was a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe. He told me about his recent movie, "Failure to Launch" & then paused in the middle of it all to tell me what a beautiful woman I am and wanted to know what I was doing for the rest of my life!!!!!!!!! Sadly enough, that is when my alarm went off, Bailey started panting, the phone was ringing! Reality sank in and I realized I was only left with one truth....that I AM a beatiful person! He, he, he! :-)

Happy Sunday America & thank you God for blessing us with wonderful things to dream about!

Longaberger Basket Bingo WINNERS!

2006-03-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

So last night was my first experience being with men and women FIGHTING for Longaberger baskets & playing BINGO to win one! I could not believe the turn out of people! It was hosted at a local school....and I thought it was at someone's house! I thought I would NEVER win. It wasn't a basket but it was a note pad and pen! :-) My friend Justine walked away with the window box basket filled with gardening supplies! Interestingly enough, all the people sitting at our table won a basket with the exception of myself and one other woman!

So, I've got my dabber and may find myself entering into the next game which will be hosted on April 7th at a local church! To all you competitive BINGO players, watch out....T-mad is in the game! :-)

A little "Bragadocious"...

2006-03-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

I am VERY proud of these delicate cookies!!!!!! It was my first time making Pizzells--an Italian cookie. Growing up, my Nana use to sit for hours at a time, spooning dough onto a hot pizzell iron. I use to sit and watch her and still remember the excitement in her eye....teaching me how to make them---even thought at the time, I was too young. :-)

As an adult, it's not a cookie that I CRAVE but when I eat them, it brings back those memories of her. I happened to share this story with one of the doctors I work for. Well, he loves eating them too! I told him that my mother made them and using some of my manipulative tactics, he's managed to get many batches of them for his own eating pleasure.

So, for Christmas, Peter gives me a framed recipe for his mother's pizzells....with the intention that I bake some for him---you know, a "you-for-me-gift"....:-) Today, I decided to clear some of my day to make them. I happen to be on the phone with Justine (we both work with/for Peter) and I told her what I was up to. I told her that it was going to get me a RAISE! We giggled. Then, I tried one.....I told her that not only would I get a RAISE but I would get another week's paid vacation!!!!!!!!!!! I like to dream BIG!

So Peter, it's TOO bad that you have to wait until MONDAY to get these! They are YUMMMY!

St. Patty's Celebrated with Thai??

2006-03-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Okay, so NOT the usual celebration of Corned Beef and Cabbage! We added a twist to St. Patty's by having Thai food! Of course it was FRIDAY and as a good Catholic (Gerry would disagree), I had all veggies and a little peice of "Justine" (A.K.A.: "The Justine Roll"). It was a great time and I had the opportunity to reconnect with Alyssa! Justine had coordinated the gathering and asked all of us to wear GREEN. Notice that most of us followed the rules....AMANDA (she's quite the rebel)---yes, she is the one sporting the WHITE shirt. Her "green" was the sash belt that you could not see! :-) Thanks Justine for inviting us and setting it all up!!!!!

May luck be our companion

May friends stand by our side

May history remind us all

Of Ireland's faith and pride.

May God bless us with happiness

May love and faith abide.

MY MUGS!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-03-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

Here's the final product (see "Mug Shots" posting) on the mugs that I made!!! When the pottery place called to let me know they were ready, they offered to let me buy the third one that I made that would have been sold in one of the local stores. I purchased it and then my friend Mikki bought it off me! I told her that she needed to love it FOREVER!!! :-) That's HISTORY!!!!!!!!! My name permanently engraved at the base of the mug! Ha, ha, ha!

Anyway, apologies to all my readers. I have not been updating as much as usual. It could be the "end of the winter blues". I've been busy, in a little "funk", COMPLETELY READY FOR SPRING and I will catch up with you all very soon!

Love to you all! :-)

Miss Rylee's Overnight Extravaganza!!!

2006-03-05T16:40:00.000-05:00

This was Miss Rylee's first overnight with Gerry and I. I picked her up yesterday afternoon & I almost SWEAR that Jaime & Shawn did a little dance as we left....:-D Rylee and I went grocery shopping, through the car wash, out of the car and into my house before she opened an eye (a little angel). It was a little touch and go for the first hour. I will be a little "bragadocious" and say that I am quite experienced with babies and children but each one is different. I changed her before I fed her---so that she would be full AND dry (adopted from Leslie). As I'm feeding her, she lets out a BIG juicy toot that took her out of her first outfit. As I'm cleaning up that mess and getting some new clothes on, she takes out outfit #2 as she spits up. So, I get that off, wait a few mintues....to make sure she's done! :-) It all happened within minutes but it felt like a 1/2 hour! :-) The picture below was after she was all settled. She decided to watch me put together dinner in an electric pressure cooker! THANK GOD for that. Throw your stuff in and call it dinner. I have a new appreciation for all moms!!! Dinner was planned for 5:30, we at at 7:45! :-) She was a peach but it was ME who didn't think I could manage it after the poop, vomit, couple outfits later extravaganza! Ha, ha, ha! Some time has passed since I've had a little baby for the night. It only took me two hours to grow my "mother wings". It was SMOOTH sailing from there on out.

She spent some time hanging out with Gerry...they had quite a conversation going when I had to interrupt and let him know that dinner was going to be served. :-) Then, later into the evening, she and I decided it was high time we sat down to relax and watch a little TV. We also shared several conversations about how much she loves her mom and dad. She was excited about them having a night out with friends.

We ended up sharing the guest bed for the night! She got up at 2a.m. and 6a.m.! EASY as pie! I had to sleep with the accent light on so that I could make sure I could see her at any given moment! We were up for the day at 6a.m. She was so excited to share a bath with Rubber Ducky & Mr. Frog! Then we were off to church! The picture below was how she was through church...until the last 10 mintues. I think she had had enough of my singing! Of course, I think I could be the next American Idol but Miss Rylee disagreed!

This was the little sleeping beauty that ended her stay with us after church! I hope little Miss Rylee wants to come again! THANKS Jaime & Shawn....it was a pleasure and a priveledge to have hosted an evening with this little love bug! :-)

"MUG" Shots...

2006-03-04T17:32:00.000-05:00

Pam, Justine & I with ONE of the three mugs we made at a local Clay making shop. This Clay shop offered "mug" making day to raise money for students interested in furthering their education at Haystack Mountain School of Art . Unfortunately, it was only the three of us but hopefully next year, "word of mouth" will show a greater interest. It was actually quite nice to have such a small class. We got a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor. The mugs we made will be sold in some of the local bakeries. Also, with the money we donated, we were able to make some to keep! You can see by the picture below (those of you that know me well...) how appropriate the mug was that I designed for myself. I also did one with a hand sketched sunflower. I cannot wait to see the finished product after they have been fired/glazed/painted.

Pam designed some mugs featuring her "trademark" fiddleheads . These will be the first household treasures to be used at their new house at "Fiddle Ridge". :-) I giggle about it because they are so perfect!

Overall, it was a good day spent with great friends, committed to making a difference in the community! I had a BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!

"Life Won't Necessarily Deliver What You EXPECT"

2006-02-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

"There is no silver platter or silver spoon with your name on it. In other words, if you're sitting around waiting for the dues you expect from life, you may be waiting forever and end up with nothing but disappointment and regret.

Instead, be grateful for the fact that your life is what you make it. Relish and rejoice in the power you hold in your own two hands. You are the one that can go out and make things happen. So, why not dare to seize new opportunities and enjoy the satisfaction they bring?

You alone hold the pen that will write your life story. Start a brilliant new chapter, TODAY".
www.mymeditations.com

I love this woman!!!!! :-) I would love to have Jane Powell as my personal coach. She inspires me to stretch and grow! She's also on the same "mental path" that I am.

It's so easy to take a look at your life and sit in the "sewer" of what it should be...."My husband doesn't pay enough attention to me", "I was the ONE for that job", "My life/job/family/friends is so miserable" etc. It's so easy to look at all the negative things because as HUMANS, what we do BEST....is SUFFERING! Imagine that! :-) It's true, or why would we have so many complaints or be so miserable?? Don't get me wrong....I have sat in the "sewer" of "Woe is me". :-) The one thing that I know is that I'm completely in control of turning it around or "writing a new chapter" in my life.

So in the face of your biggest complaint...we all have them....PICK ONE! Then, take a look a look at who you have been in the face of that complaint. You could "be" blaming, resentful, angry, miserable, unsatisfied, sad, disappointed, hurt, resigned & cyncial. How could you turn that around...the complaint into something empowering??? What would it be like to "be" happy, driven, unstoppable, satisfied, passionate, powerful, loving??? When you take a look, you will then see what is possible.....you will then be living a life you love. It really is that simple. It's that as HUMANS, we like to make it "DIFFICULT", "HARD", "NOT WORTH IT". :-) It is when we give up our "expectations" of what something "should look like or be", that life works....you're not so focused on your ideals but more on what's possible....:-) Get it?????? :-)

I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!

The "Meaning" behind the Cookies!!!!!!!!!!

2006-02-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! This is completely about venting! Just warning all my readers!

SETTING THE SCENE:
So, Monday night, I am feverishly baking off dozens of cookies for Valentine's Day. I bag some of them for friends at the gym, work, my husband & his friend's family. I also put together little goodies for some of my friends kids! I do this from the bottom of my heart and that I enjoy doing this around certain holidays. I get to the gym in the morning and Deny is one of the guys that works there....his pushing late 60's....OLDER THAN MY FATHER!!!! I hand him a bag of cookies and a little goodie box for his grandson. I also brought in cookies for my other friends and their kids. I say, "Happy Valentine's Day" and off I go.

THE DRAMA:
After doing some cardio, I come downstairs and Deny and his wife are working out together. His wife is someone that has never really gone out of her way to be friendly DESPITE my SEVERAL attempts to engage in conversation with her. She said to me, "So Tonya, where are my cookies"? Thinking she's actually opening up after 2 1/2 years of me going there, I giggle and reply, "Deny's got a bag that he can share with you".
SHE: "Well, I would like to know why you just bring cookies in for the guys"
ME: "I don't, I also bring them in for some of their kids & the women that USE to come here that I knew, no longer do".
SHE: "Oh, I see" ( in a rather cynical tone)
ME: "Ellen, is there something you need to say about that"? (Realizing she's not being friendly or funny)
SHE: "Yes, I think it's weird that you only bring in cookies for the guys and not the women".
ME: "Well, part of it is that they actually talk with me, some are my friends and some are the core of people that are always here and none of the women currently coming, bother to carry any conversation other than a polite 'hello'".
SHE: "G, I wonder why".
ME: "I do this from my heart and I love all of my friends and making stuff that the kids will have fun eating".
SHE: "Well, I can see doing it for the kids but not for the guys".

At this point, I start to cry and I turned to walk away, in disbelief and HORRIFIED that this women was so enraged about a BAG OF COOKIES. Not to mention that my friend Deny sat there and said NOTHING! Grrrrrrrrrrrr!

GUYS DON'T LIKE IT WHEN GIRLS CRY:
So, I am trying to gather myself together and I walk into another room where my friends are and they see that I am crying. My friend Rick looks at me like he's scared to death, not knowing what to say or do. Scott said, "What is going on"? He seemed a little more experienced with tears than Rick. I debrief them on the drama and they were just as surprised as I was. I also told them that I had goodies for them and wanted to let them know that it was not an attempt to get into their pants!! :-D I got myself together and let out a little giggle as Rick continued to look scared & unsure of how to handle a "crying Tonya". He said he was thankful Scott was there because he didn't know what to do & that he was trying to hide behind the weight bar! If you knew him, it would make you giggle too.

THE NEXT DAY:
I went to the gym the following day and Deny lets out a testing-the-waters, "Goodmorning" as Leo raves about my cookies asking when would I be bringing in another batch. I said I would the next holiday but Mr. Deny would be going without. I then say to Deny:
ME: "I'm feeling a little unresolved about what happened here yesterday around the cookies".
DH: "Well, she wasn't speaking for herself, she was speaking for ALL the women here".
ME: "What??? What do you mean, all the women here"? (mind you there are not many that come consistently)
DH: "Well, Ellen has said something to me before and I told her to stop it"
ME: "Does she think I'm after her 65+ husband"????!!!
DH: "No, I don't think so".
ME: "Well, then what is it"?
DH: "Well, it's not just Ellen, there are other women who've come up to the counter and thought it was odd that you brought in cookies for the guys and none for the women".
ME: "I use to bring cookies in for Beth & Carmilla and they no longer come"
DH: "Well, I'm just telling you what I've heard them say. I know you and know you do it out of kindness and that you have hurt feelings".
ME: "I consider you to be a friend and as a friend, I would have thought you would have stomped that gossip out by saying something like: 'You know ladies, when Ellen and I had our kitchen renovated, Tonya baked cookies for 2 1/2 months and brought them to the Bread of Life because Ellen couldn't. You may have a certain opinion but she does it with no agenda".
DH: "I'm only telling you what I know their peception of it is".
ME: "Well, their perception doesn't change the fact that I will continue to be generous and loving as I've always been. If they would like to all sit around and speculate on the "so-called", MEANING BEHIND THE COOKIES, look for evidence to back their perception, that is their choice. The one thing that I do know, is that I do not have friends that throw me under the bus, just so you know where we stand".

SHARING:
So, I just want to THANK the people in my life that know me and love me for who I am. Those that acknowledge my cookies are generated from kindness/generosity. Those friends that I have, who KNOW that I'm NOT after their husbands'....I HAVE ONE OF MY OWN! :-) All of you whom I've baked for (male/female/kids) that see the cookies as "cookies" and no meaning behind it! I guess there are women who think that a way to a man's "pants" is baking cookies! I am sad for the friends these women have, that they could be judged in the same manner! With friends like that, who needs enemies???????????????????? So, those of you who have seen Seinfeld's episode with the "Soup Natzie"........I take the stand, Deny, "NO COOKIES FOR YOU"! :-)

The Calm before the Storm...

2006-02-12T13:49:00.000-05:00

This was YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Down at the lake with Bailey again! I went for a walk and then went back to help Gerry measure 100 feet back from the lake. Gerry's decided that a 10 foot porch is better than the 8 foot he originally had in mind for his father's house! I'm sure John is not going to mind! :-)

This is the BIG storm we've been waiting for! I like that the camera picked up some of the snow flakes in the first picture. They are REALLY BIG and pretty! We've got the fieldstone fire place roaring and I'm busy putting together some Valentine goodies for Valentine's Day! It's a cozy Sunday afternoon. Not looking forward to the commute into work tomorrow but I guess that's where four-wheel drive will be most useful! I hope all of you are tucked in and safe! :-)

YAHOOO! My Logo!!!!!!!

2006-02-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

I am VERY excited to share this with the WORLD! My friend Julee's sister is absolutely INCREDIBLE! Karen B Design is responsible for this masterpiece!! It has taken me SEVERAL months and SEVERAL "re-design" requests (because of my "duchess"-like nature) to FINALLY get to this! I printed up a sheet of business cards and I am almost ready to follow my heart and follow my dreams! I've had a couple of new people inquire about my coaching which leaves me feeling VERY inspired! Right now is the best time to hire me because I'm trying to build my practice so my prices are lower than the competition!

For those not familiar with this profession, it is NOT therapy! It is driven completely by your motivation and committment to living a life you want.

Are you happy with the life you are living right now?
Would you find it a benefit to have someone help you get fit?
Having problems being an effective leader?
Do you feel powerless in communicating in any relationship?
Do you have any "Someday I'll do that/be that/have that"?
Are you in the job of your dreams?
Are you chronically late to anything?

These are just a few areas in which I have effectively coached clients, friends & family. If you or anyone you know, is interested in coaching, leave me contact information in the comment section of this post!

WHAT COACHING IS:

A way of being with another individual that promotes reflection, self-discovery, and openess to taking more effective actions
A means of helping people achieve extraordinary performance
Having a respectful conversation that focuses on the person being coached
A positive style of relating that can be utilized anywhere, any time
Creating a trusting and collaborative environment in which personal development and performance improvement occur

WHAT COACHING IS NOT:

Counseling or therapy
Being judgemental or punitive
Having all the answers and solving problems for others
Coaching without mutual understanding and agreement
Directing, manipulating, controlling others according to the coach's agenda

WHAT A COACH DOES:

Models integrity and high standards for others
Establishes collaborative relationships based on trust
Treats others with respect, always using language that is constructive
Provides objectivity
Supports others to stretch beyond their current capabilities
Assits others to look honestly at gaps in their attitudes/behaviors that decrease their interpersonal effectiveness
Tells the truth in a way that enables others to hear it and grow as a result
Promotes discovery of possibilities, solutions and alternatives

Feels Like SPRING!!!!!!!!

2006-02-04T16:30:00.000-05:00

This is the new piece of property down on the lake that Gerry will be building on this spring! I will not be seeing my husband for several months as he will be "the contractor" building the house that his dad will eventually move into! The picture doesn't do the property much justice but it's all very exciting! :-)

Of course, Bailey could not help but try to play on the lake and fell through the ice! This is the picture taken just before he took a quick plunge. An adrenaline rush for SURE! I was a little scared, to say the least! Bailey and I enjoyed our walk around the lake even after the drama. It was a good boost to the spirits and warding off that feeling of "blah" today....nice warm weather in FEBRUARY! There was nothing more enjoyable than to smell fresh, warm air. Not to mention, meeting someone new. I bumped into a complete stranger while taking pictures of the property! I talked with him and we discussed his ice fishing journey! All of you that know me, would be SURPRISED to know that the conversation lasted less than 10 minutes. I think Bailey had some part in all of it! He was sooooooo excited to get out of the house and sniff things out that he kept trying to move me along. Ha, ha, ha!

Looks like a quiet night at home tonight! Got to get rested for the game/party tomorrow night at Dennis & Patti's! I'm not excited that I will not be cheering my man Tom Brady and the Patriots! So, I think the women will be spending more time in the hot tub while the guys cheer on the Steeler/Seahawks!

Where's the "3 to 6" Inches of Snow???

2006-01-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

At the end of the driveway, walking Bailey, I'm wondering how the meteorologist can never seem to get it right. With all the technology and science in our world today, is it ABSOLUTELY out of the question to be able to forecast snowfall? I've decided that when they say we're going to have "a lot" of snow, that I should assume just the opposite! :-) When they say we are expecting "little" snow, that's when we get nailed!

So as Bailey makes his "doggy snow angels" and burries his face to sniff out something rancid in the earth, I am entertained by this "mysterious" bottle that is permanently wedged into our stone wall which boarders our property. I have walked passed it several times and often wondered how it ever got there. I cannot identify what kind of beverage was once bottled in it. However, I have had a lot of fun making up a story about the existence of this bottle. I've got it made up that it was a beer that a farmer man was drinking on a hot summer's day after long hours of haying. I imagine that he has the bottle in his hand, with his arm propped up on his leg which is balanced on the stone wall, talking "farmer talk" to his other fellow workers and quenching his thirst with a "brewskie". He leaves his beer bottle to be permanently marked in history....never even knowing in that moment, the memory he was creating and the stories people would tell about the mysterious bottle! For all those who I have just made giggle, NO, I DO NOT have too much time on my hands!! Well, maybe a little as I left work early...........:-)

"STEELERS vs BRONCOS"

2006-01-23T19:09:00.000-05:00

Now THIS was a more exciting game to watch than the Steelers vs Broncos playoff game! Can you imagine it's the "dead of winter" in Maine and there's not a lick of snow to be found anywhere??!! This will go down in record, our pond used for ice-skating this time of the year. It is usually snow covered! Our dog, Bailey, tried to go out and handle "defense" but he couldn't keep his legs under him. He determined it was better to sit on the side lines and cheer the kids on!

We had a good time getting together with some of our friends....eating too much food and trying to get excited about the playoff game that really wasn't so exciting. I think I lost my enthusiasm when the Patriots lost! :-) Oh well, better luck next year!

"A Positive Attitude is within Your Reach"

2006-01-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

"There will be times when you find yourself in situations that seem impossible to deal with. Maybe you are in one now. Perhaps you're in a dead end job, or a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. Maybe your family is driving you CRAZY.

Whatever your situation, remember, many women have stood in your shoes. They found a way to overcome obstacles and solve problems. But, how did they do it? They figured out a way to keep a positive attitude through the hardest of times. They did not focus on the gloom, but on the resolutions. If they could do it, so could you.

A positive attitude is yours for the making. Grab it now and turn those bad situations into mere bumps in the road of life." www.mymeditations.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

How perfect is this??????? Well, I'm going to take a moment and acknowledge myself for my positive attitude through my four year quest for getting pregnant! :-) I can honestly say that the above quote REAAAALLLLLLYYYYY works!!!!! I challenge anyone to try it out! See the results YOU can produce by being positive! I could not be where I am today, embrace the women in my life that are pregnant/have children, if my way of being wasn't positive. If I focused on the negative, that is ALL I would see. Instead, I look at the fact that everything happens for a reason and that is why Gerry and I are not pregnant. By being positive, I also see that I am so blessed to have friends/family that are pregnant or have children, who allow me the privelege of being in their life, enjoying their children and experiencing the true miracle of the purest love....kids being kids, and the innocence of that love.

So THANK YOU.... Laura & Gabe, Maureen & Joe, Kathleen & Wes, Leslie & Glenn, Melissa & Shawn, Jaime & Shawn--CONGRATS :-D, Scott & Darcy, Peter & Kristin, Kim & Gary, Julee & Nick, all those I haven't mentioned or met yet........from the bottom of my big heart! Your kids are such a contribution to my life....through stories being told, true experiences of being with them....it means the world to me! :-)

**Stay tuned for news....Gerry and I have an appointment to find out the next phase---going forward with another round of I.V.F. or choosing adoption! :-) Keep us in your thoughts!

"You Are Your Own Best Judge"

2006-01-14T11:13:00.000-05:00

"When you start judging yourself by looking through the eyes of your parents, husband, friends, or boss, you end up running around doing more and more in an effort to gain their approval. It does not take long before you end up feeling exhausted, resentful and ready to give up". www.mymeditations.com

So, I've blogged about Jane Powell's meditations and this is just an excerpt from one I recently received. I found it quite inspiring...as usual. :-) For those of you who don't already know this, I have spent the last 2 1/2 years being involved in Landmark Education. I have completed the Landmark Forum, Advanced Course, Self Expression Leadership Program and have also volunteered as well as participated in the seminars they have in Maine (all other courses are in Boston). I CANNOT thank my friend, John, enough for introducing me to this work. You think I'M committed to people living a life they love????? LANDMARK is the epitome of people being committed to human beings having a life they love!!!!!

This past week at "Creating the Miraculous" seminar, we were asked to notice moment by moment, day by day, how "something is wrong here" colors our life and how we have adapted to living in that world. In that, includes all of our "judgements" about who we are. My story and judgement about myself is that "I'm not good enough, not smart enough..." etc. I do a pretty good job carrying that judgement about myself around and I can give you a TON of evidence to support that story!!!!!!!!!! ;-) I listen to people through that filter. So, If anyone says to me, "Learning to administer the Harrison Assessement would be a contribution to the field of Life Coaching", this is what my "mind" is saying..."Ya right, why would anyone want to waste time trying to train me??? I will never get it, it's too complicated...." etc. (Laughing) The thing about it is, I feel the purest love of myself when I can help someone uncover that "blind spot" that stops them from having wonderful relationships, career, life. I'm in my zone!!!!!!!! The irony is, I do EVERYTHING to avoid having that! For the last year, I have been trying to build my coaching practice and can see why I have not been successful. If I'm listening through my judgement that I created of myself when I was 3 years old, it's no wonder that I have not been building this practice/career for which I love!!!!!!!!!!! So, by looking and seeing where "not good enough, smart enough, anything enough" has gotten me, I can see that it's not just in the area of my Coaching practice but in my relationships, work etc. I'm exhausted, anxious, not happy and I can THANK #1 here for that!!!!!!!!!!! By giving it up and not listening to my little mind go on and on about how I can't do something, I had my second training session with Jim this week, to become a consultant for administering the Harrison Assessment and I THANK HIM for being committed to ME and not my story.

So, to all of my family, friends and people I have not met yet, what judgements are running your life? What stops you from that feeling of pure love? What stories about yourself can you give up, turn around and produce results that will leave you perfect, whole and complete? You can have it....anything you want for yourself and your life YOU can have. You are in the driver seat of your life. Want coaching? I'm your woman!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

WONDER WOMAN!!!!

2006-01-08T11:24:00.000-05:00

A little over 38 weeks pregnant & Miss Jaime pulls off a party to celebrate her husband, Shawn, turning 30!!!!!!! WAY TO GO WOMAN!!!!!!! Taking a break from all the excitement and roughly 40 guests in their house...I was AMAZED! You did a FANTASTIC job and everything was SOOO nice! Not to mention, putting this all together after the week you had!!!

I've had the priveledge of meeting Jaime and becoming good friends with her. She has gone through the same struggle getting pregnant as Gerry & I. She and Shawn finally got pregant almost nine months ago, after TWO years of trying. We are patiently waiting to meet Miss Rylee!!!!!!!!!

So last night, was the first opportunity I have had to meet other people in her life. For those of you that don't know Jaime, she is one big ball of pure love. She's obviously beautiful (sporting the purple shirt, sitting next to Michelle), sweet, compassionate, CREATIVE (beyond belief), loving and such a contribution to my life and to anyone in her life. Let's just say, that her friends are little pieces of her. I LOVE meeting new people but you know how that goes....if no one knows you, it can be quite awkward at first. Everyone at the party last night was so welcoming, friendly and engaging. My friend, Justine & I had a fabulous time & felt like part of the crowd.

Thanks Jaime, for the fun time and for your friendship!!!!!!!

Good-bye Vacation, Hello Stress!

2006-01-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

WHHHOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! A SHOCK to the system being back at "Club-E" (adopted by Justine...a way of making work sound like a fun place to go). This is my "Evergreen Smile"! After being off through the Holidays, it was hard to keep generating that smile. Vacation was soooo relaxing, fun and peaceful. I got up at the usual time, went to the gym, ran a few errands. Justine had me over for breakfast several times (THANKS SWEETIE). I'd go back to the house, catch up on email, bake, organize etc. It was getting old towards the end, I will admit. However, I didn't realize the stress my body goes through until today. My neck is tense, I have a POUNDING headache, my body got a little sweaty from having to concentrate so much AND I'm exhausted. I could go to bed right now and it's 8:00p.m.!!! Not that it's much earlier than my normal Zzzzzzzz-time but hey, it's still early! :-) I've decided that my body must be conditioned to operating at a high stress level, that I have never noticed it until now. I told my husband that I preferred being home, rathing than working. He didn't respond! I'm thinking it's not an option.......Ha, ha, ha! Is there anyone in the world that would like to pay for me to stay home?????????????????? :-) The one good thing I can say, is at least I only had to work ONE DAY this week and that I have until Monday to recouperate!!!!!

"JEALOUSY is an Emotion we CAN Live Without."

2006-01-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

"When you are jealous of someone else, your positive attitude suffers.

When tempted to compare yourself to a woman who is more beautiful or successful than most, you have a CHOICE (did you know you had a choice?). You can CHOOSE to admire her fine attributes or let the green-eyed monster have its way. If you CHOOSE jealousy, you will become NEGATIVE, learn to doubt yourself and cultivate both FEAR and ANGER. But, when you CHOOSE admiration, you nurture an inner awe and wonder, which is too often lost as children grow into adults.

Turn jealousy into admiration. Stop comparing yourself to those with wonderful qualities. Replace negative feelings with appreciation and admiration, and appreciation of your OWN great qualities will grow"! www.mymeditations.com

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I love opening my email and getting Jane Powell's meditations. Today, the above quoted meditation struck me as something I wanted to post because I've had many conversations with friends/family that there is a level of jealousy they have of the life I live. Although, I take it as a compliment, I also find it interesting when I am being judged by those who don't even know me. It AMAZES me, the stories that people create in their minds about who a person is, why they are the way they are etc. I suppose that's why I find people fascinating. We are all so different but at the same time, so much alike.
Those that KNOW & LOVE me, know that: I am fun, outgoing, motivated, compassionate, loving, flirtatious, a "freak" at times. I am smart (thank you Melissa for your reminders), I am creative & I am also "the duchess" :-). I am passionate about people living the life they want.
I am a ton of things and you either love me or you don't. :-) I have a wonderful family (both mine & Gerry's), my friends are ALL treasures (both male & female) and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for anyone in my life--no consideration of the longevity of their friendship. I am GRATEFUL that my husband allows me freedom & independence. The thing that I have learned since taking The Forum, is that EVERYDAY I have a CHOICE in how I live my life. I have a choice to be jealous or admire, to be angry or happy, to love or to hate, to be passionate or "blah", to be motivated or lazy. We ALL have a choice. What are you choosing for your life today?

Christmas with my Love Bugs!

2006-01-02T18:16:00.000-05:00

What a BEAUTIFUL day!!!!!! It started out with a snowmobile ride on this beautiful scenic pond with Leslie's husband, Glenn. He pulled out all the stops and if a snowmobile could "pop a wheely", well, let's just say, this one can! A little scared, I enjoyed it! I'm not one for speed (perhaps in my car) where my body is not protected by anything. They just got this smooth sailing snowmobile and if we ever get any snow that stays, they will definitely have some fun! BE SAFE GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

Now, picture this....THREE adults on a golf cart with studded tires, hauling the twins behind us. They were having a ton of fun until the ropes got a little tangled! Thanks to Glenn and Leslie (and me doing the heavy looking on), the kids were sliding across the pond in no time! What a blast! I didn't join them tubing but I had fun watching them be dare devils! Then of course, back to the house where they wanted to play "monsters" and I'm always picked to be the monster so that the twins can run and hide!

From one side of Maine to the other....another Christmas delivery for this little man! He LOVED his Poo Bear and even shared his lunch with him! Too cute! This is Melissa's son (I've posted about this miracle child before). He is VERY smart and obiviously, easy on the eyes!!! It was great spending time with them today and exchanging gifts too! Thanks for all my treats and sharing part of your day with me!

That's all for now! Have a great week!

The Entertainment for our Dinner Party!

2005-12-30T20:50:00.000-05:00

What a LOVELY evening spent with Forrest & Justine and Shawn & Jaime! Good friends, good food and GREAT entertainment. Manny came with his parents tonight (the small dog trying to mount our BIG Bailey). :-) They played all night & even had some play time outside in the snow. Of course, they begged for some treats and were prepared for any scraps that might fall from the table but the picture above was the scene for most of the night. Bailey tried to reciprocate but wasn't as graceful...considering his size. A good time was had by all. I even got to feel Miss Rylee move around inside Jaime's belly!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY exciting. :-) It's only a matter of time before we know her in person! :-) Thanks guys for coming and for the wonderful time!