Day 365 – Farewell Friend

She was so much more than my cousin
She truly was my sister
And for the remainder of my living days
I am deeply going to miss her

I can think of her and smile

This year has helped to clear the fog
I feel I have truly honored her life
By living out this blog.

What a strangely beautiful, bitter sweet feeling I have today. I feel that this blog has been one of the best things I have ever done. I feel like I set out on a journey of healing and a way to honor my cousin and whole heartedly feel that I have done just that.

I vividly remember the first day I began this blog and how it went from idea to manifestation in the same day. I had no idea of the changes, healing, fun and even challenges this would bring. When I began I was a stay at home mom with a small furniture booth I ran. I had no idea that only 3 months later, I would get an opportunity that was truly a career shift. I went from all the time in the world on my hands to a full time job. Some days this proved challenging but looking back it only makes me more proud of my determination and follow through. Also, I feel that it is a good example to those that think they just don’t have the time to do something every day to improve their personal life.

I have received a lot of feedback over the last year from perfect strangers and people I know saying that the blog has changed their life and way of living. That makes my heart truly happy knowing that something good for others has come from this – and I just know for a fact that Heather would be so touched and happy about that.

Meanwhile, this blog has brought me to meet and connect with many amazing people both local and country wide. The blog is officially being read in over 20 countries, which is absolutely astounding to me. I would like to officially thank every single person who has ever taken the time to read this blog. I look forward to you continuing to tune into the new blog that begins next week. I will not be writing every day but it will be quite often and will continue in this same theme of living with intention, trying new things and MORE!!!

For my blog today I actually got a cake and had them write on it “HGAL365 Farewell Friend”. I had my mom over and while I was cooking dinner we all did a lovely toast to Heather. After dinner we ate the cake and popped off a confetti bomb (yup….right in the house lol) as a final farewell to my cousin and friend and in celebration of the last year. It was just so nice to be surrounded by my family on this very important evening. Cheers to an amazing life lived by Heather.

I would like to take the time to thank some very important people in my life that have been absolutely instrumental to me in this process during the last year.

Vinny- My husband, best father ever (father by choice not just blood), best friend in the world, biggest supporter and for the last year my cameraman (most days). He has been there to join me in many of my quests even though he works many hours. I’m sure he didn’t always want to be out doing it all…but he never complained. He offered words of support, tried to help me to come up with ideas on things to do when I was stumped, made sure the house was quiet when I sat down to write, assisted even more than usual with the house and shopping or whatever I needed. We laughed a lot and had a ton of fun too. From Day 1 all the way through to Day 365, he never missed a night and my cup truly overflows with appreciation for the man he is in every single way. Thank you my love!

My Boys- Brian, Micah and Elijah. I know every mom thinks this but I truly was blessed over and over and then over again with these three guys entering my life. And in true form and as they always have been, they stepped up and supported me yet again. When I was in NC to visit, Brian made sure each night I never missed my midnight deadline. He checked in and asked how it was going and always offered words of support. Micah also offered his words of support and was willing to get out of his comfort zone and try new things for my intentions and we ended up having so much fun together. Elijah joined me on many of my adventures and sincerely told me how proud he was of me on more than one occasion and told me how proud he knew Heather would be of me too. They all adjusted and jumped to it whenever they heard me say the words “do it for the blog” which was so sweet of them all. I don’t know many teenaged and grown men that would have remained so involved in their mother’s endeavor but they were. They know what Heather meant to me and they loved her too. I hope they were able to learn as I did from this experience. Thank you sweetie pies!!

Mom- I can’t say enough how happy I was when my mom came to live in Rhode Island. She isn’t just my mom, she is my friend. I am so happy to have been able to have included her in so many of my activities. She was always good to go anytime I asked her if she wanted to come participate or even just to take the pics (a million thank for the Christmas Day beach pics- great job!!). She loved Heather a great deal and I know it was important for her to be able to be a part of this blog as much as possible. As with Vinny, my mom never missed a day. She read the blog and sent me messages regarding every single one. I appreciate that support from the bottom of my heart. Thanks mommy!!

Corina- My sissy pooh. We are closer now than ever and I truly appreciate your continued love and support. You are my friend, my sister, my confidant and loyal reader. Although we live the length of the country apart, you are right here by my side and I by yours. Thank you for your love, laughs and constant encouragement. Thank you for being such a major part in the lives of Heathers family. You are truly their blessing so keep up the good work!! Love you now…Love you always.

Lindsey- My bestie. We have been friends for so many years now. Thanks for your support and love. Have we ever, ever talked once without laughing? I love that! Not sure many people know me like you do. Heather would have loved you so much and I am sad you never got the opportunity to meet her. I appreciate your friendship and for reading the blog whenever you can. I know as a busy mom of two little ones, it’s not always easy. But I appreciate still being a priority in your life as you are in mine. Cheers!!! (Chee-aahs) lol

Jen- You are a true doll! We have been in each others lives in one capacity or another off and on for 17 years now and I have always adored you and we have had fun in the past but this year I feel we became true friends. I am thankful and blessed that again (for the third time) we lived in the same part of the country…this time just roads apart. Thank you for our walks, talks, dinners and more. Vinny and I are all the better for having you and Carlos in our lives. Your support with my blog truly matters to me. I appreciate you reading it faithfully and all the lovely feedback. Love you girlie!!

Tammy- So much more than a boss. You are truly my friend. I appreciate on every single level that from the moment you found out about my blog, you embraced it so. You took part in a number of my intentions, even with your daughters! I appreciate you researching and looking up things for me to do and giving me so many awesome ideas for fun stuff since you are a native and I was new to the area. Good looking out!! I thank you for letting me leave early at times because you knew just how important this all was to me. But most of all I cherish and appreciate the friendship we have come to have and I believe in my heart the blog intentions had so much to do with that. You are an amazingly strong woman, super duper funny and I am the better for having you in my life!

Kim- Coworker and friend. Thank you for the supportive talks. Thank you for being involved also in my intentions and even getting your granddaughter, Justice involved. I appreciate that you said I have inspired you. I thank you for your support and friendship and always reading the blog and being so excited about it right along with me. I appreciate the feedback you give and appreciate the fact that you take the time to be involved. xo

Lena- I’m sure you’re going to be humble and say you haven’t done anything but you have supported me from the very first day with this blog! I am so blessed to have such an awesome neighbor and someone that has become such a true friend. Thank you for the walks, the talks, the laughter and yummy snacks! You rock!!

To my readers- Thank you for reading. Thank you for the feedback. Thank you for your support. Thank you for embracing this blogs premise and understanding what it meant to me. But best of all…thank you for listening and loving the memories of my lovely, amazing, most cherished cousin Heather.

I will be starting a new blog. This blog will be named and announced on this blog in one additional post no later than Jan 17^th so please stay tuned.

God bless you all and as always #HGALforever #Cheers

Day 364 – Make Over

With the blog ending only one day away, I thought it would be a fun intention to go get a makeover. MAC has always been my favorite makeup line so I called earlier this week and scheduled an appointment for this afternoon. I actually asked my mom if she wanted to join me for a ride off island, into the mall and she said yes.

Although it was a nasty, rainy and windy day out- I didn’t let that deter me. After services and hanging out with the kids in the early afternoon, I headed over to pick up my mom and we were off. From the second I walked over to the MAC counter I got excited. I just love the atmosphere there. Actually, starting years ago in Arizona, I would go to MAC at least 3-4 times a month to check out new products, attend events and get new products. I may not go as often these days but I still get just as excited when I’m there.

So I went in with a makeup free face and hair up nice and tight. I met with Leanne and got my complete makeover- beginning with skin care, prep and prime, smoky eyes and so on. Each product she put on, she took the time to explain not just the product but also her technique. This is one of my favorite parts about MAC- the reps are always there to not just sell but to teach. The makeover is actually free, there is just a $60 minimum purchase required. But I love going especially for product introduction and it seems like each time I go I learn something new. Yes, a lot of what she was telling me today I did already know but I learned two very specific things today that I had never even heard of before which was awesome!!

Anyhow, I figure with this blog ending soon and a new phase of my life beginning- what would be more fun than a makeover?!?! Truth is…it was just what I needed. #Cheers #HGAL

Day 363 – SLOTS

I actually had a day packed full of plans. However, sometimes life takes over and I have always been the type of person to roll with changes and make adjustments as gracefully as possible. That surely worked to my benefit today. Although the day didn’t go as I had originally set out- it surely ended up being a truly wonderful day.

It’s kind of ironic actually because yesterday I spent one on one time with my youngest Elijah, today it was my middle son Micah. We started the day relaxing, coffee in hand watching a little TV and just chatting a bit. Then we went to the gym to workout. He came with me to run errands and do some things we just had to get done today. Once I realized I was unable to make it to my original plans, I asked him if he wanted to go hang out and do something different. He asked me what I had in mind and I told him I would love to go over to The Newport Grand (locals call it SLOTS). It’s not a full casino, just all slot machines, virtual black jack and roulette. There is a restaurant as well inside. I have only been there once to go to the painting party I did on day 225. Micah has never been to a casino at all- so I figured this would be fun for him.

We went in with $20 each. I told him I just wanted to have a little fun but I don’t like to gamble with a lot of money. Vinny and I sometimes go to Bingo at Foxwoods and do slots after but we don’t get crazy. Anyhow, Micah instantly picked out a machine that is actually my favorite (Wheel of Fortune). In fact, when I went with my sister to the casino in Arizona on my visit there I won $500 on this very machine.

Anyhow, there were two available machines side by side so we both sat down but I just watched him do a few pulls first. Then I sat at his machine and did a couple of pulls until he sat back at it. I decided to put my money in my machine and sure enough…FIRST PULL- I won $100!!!!  That got us rockin right there and started an awesome hour of us going back and forth, up and down. When we got to about $50 left- BOOM- Micah hit for $100. He went above that and we agreed we wouldn’t go under $100. We had previously agreed that anything we won we would split 50/50, so needless to say we both left there quite happy.

Anyhow, I had a real quick “mom talk” about being careful with gambling and that it’s just for fun entertainment but should never become a habit and a couple of other things too. Once all of that was said, we reveled in our winning fun as we made our way back home.

#Happy Saturday #Cheers #HGAL

 

Day 362 – Elijah and me

This evening I asked my youngest if he wanted to hang out with me for the evening. Micah had plans and Vinny was at work so I thought it would be the perfect time to just spend some quality time and go hang out.

So we went out to eat first. He let me pick wherever I wanted to go and I chose Mission Burger. We haven’t been there in a while and it had just the food and atmosphere I was looking for. As we sat there and ate, we talked about what I was going to be doing these last few days for the blog. He came up with an amazing idea for an intention I could do on the last day and I am really excited for it. We talked about the next blog as well. He is such an imaginative and interesting person that it really makes for great conversation once we both get brainstorming.

Anyhow, after a perfectly wonderful dinner we headed out. We decided to go to Fort Adams. I love the view of the island from there and at night it is a unique beauty with the contrast of the deep, dark ocean with the lights from the island illuminating everything and mirroring off the waters. It’s not a far drive but when you get there it looks like your miles away.

We sat there for a bit just chatting away and decided to head back home to just enjoy a quiet Friday, this weekend is going to be very busy for us both. As we were headed home, he said “Mom…stop, stop, stop”. We were coming around a somewhat long curvy back road and sure enough when I came to a stop I saw it. There was a small group of deer off to the side eating. I pulled off to the side and we just sat there. As I picked up my phone to snap a picture, Elijah said “No mom, no pictures. Some things are better just as a personal memory and this is ours”. I don’t know why but that was so completely sweet. We just sat there for a bit, watching the beauty of nature. This was a truly nice night with a truly amazing person. #HGAL

Day 361 – Karaoke

Today was the retirement party for a dear friend of mine. I have worked with him since April and although that seems not that long, he truly made a difference in my life- he was the sunshine of my day at work. His smile was contagious and his sense of humor was unique and inspired. I was so excited to be a part of his party tonight. Vinny and I went with the most amazing group of people I have ever worked with. We ate, we drank and HELLO!!!, they got me to karaoke!!! I thought for sure I would chicken out but I was having such an amazing night, so much fun that I simply had to do it!!!

One of my buddies and coworkers, Chris, sang the duet with me. I think I did alright from the feedback I received. It wasn’t like the “car concert” I have in the mornings where I really belt it out but it was awesome for sure. I had a couple of drinks and let it rip! All I know is….I had fun. I have always been WAY to nervous to karaoke in front of people but tonight, for my intention (and for you Heather) I went for it! I stopped overthinking for just a few moments and simply enjoyed myself. We sang Meaghan Trainor and John Legend “Like I’m Gonna Love You”- and I just enjoyed every second of it.

That’s life right?!?!? Maybe you’re good, maybe you’re not, but the fact of the matter is…if you’re having fun- IT’S WORTH IT!!!! Just go for it and enjoy you’re life (while you can). #HappyRetirementMike #HGAL

Day 360 – Pass It On

A couple of years ago, I attempted to go gluten free. I bought several cookbooks from Barnes and Noble and tried to adjust my eating habits. I just couldn’t do it, I don’t think I even made it a month. I don’t have any gluten intolerance so there wasn’t a medical reason, I just heard it was such a healthy way of living and wanted to try. Anyhow, I spent a pretty penny on the cookbooks and recently came across them.

Being that I do not intend to try this again, I wanted to give the cookbooks to someone that could really use them. My sister and her entire family in Arizona are gluten free but I know she has them dialed in pretty good with what they cook. I know someone here that I thought of immediately. Her name is Maria. She is super sweet and we have talked before about the gluten free way of life and I told her I give her kudos for being able to do it. But since she has an allergy, it’s actually necessary for her.

I knew I would see her this week so I put the books in my car so I wouldn’t forget. Today I saw her and gave her the books. She was very appreciative. She said that she and her boyfriend were just recently talking about wanting to add more into their food routine. Such a random situation but fit perfectly into what she was wanting. I would call that serendipitous! I was happy to be able to pass the books on and assist her in expanding her menu.  #HGAL

Day 359 – Coat Drive

Today was the coldest day of the season. I know some people don’t like the cold but I just love the cold, crisp, clean air this time of year. To me, the second that cold air hits my face- I feel so awake…so alive! I look forward to going skiing this year as well as tubing/sledding. I am going to embrace this season fully. I love it because just when I start to tire of the cold, the spring arrives!! The circle of the seasons is truly my favorite thing about living in New England.

Anyhow, although I enjoy the chilly turn of the seasons, there are many people out there cold and uncomfortable because they do not have coats to keep them warm. Recently, the outdoor ice skating rink down the street from my house hosted a coat drive. I heard about it just too late to participate. This evening I called them to see if they would still be willing to take a donation from me. To my surprise the lady who answered the phone said they extended the deadline through to the 7^th. I was so excited.

Although I only had one coat to donate, that one coat will offer warmth to one additional local person. Every little bit matters. Can you imagine if everyone that could spare it would donate even just one coat this winter? No one would be without. In fact, maybe that person would even be able to enjoy Old Man Winter the way I do. #HGAL

Day 358 – 5 years ago today….

I lost my life long best friend and cousin, Heather Georgia Ann Lawson (HGAL).

Today for my blog, I decided to share and hear her memories with those closest to me. So Vinny, Brian, Micah, Elijah, Corina and my mom all shared our favorite memories of my dear cousin Heather. I talked to Tammy, and Kim about her as well. And of course I called my bestie Lindsey and spoke in length about my memories and this blog and what it has done for my life. At home, we toasted to Heather as well.  

The one thing I can say is that multiple people that I spoke with today said how proud Heather would be of me for this blog. I felt very touched and honored by that. But seeing my youngest Elijah, say in a very serious manner that he was so proud of me for everything he has seen me do with the blog in her honor this past year just filled my heart with joy. He shared his memory of Heather with us and then came over and gave me a big hug and told me not to be sad but to keep the good memories alive. I agreed and told him that is exactly what I planned to do and that I was grateful for his support.

I enjoyed my conversations with everyone about Heather as they shared their favorite memories with me. Meanwhile, I reached out to her husband and kids as well to let them know that I am here for them now and always. I can’t imagine how hard this day must be for them. I pulled out the angel I bought when Heather passed away and put it on our buffet in the kitchen. I intend to leave it there for the remainder of the month.

I miss my cousin Heather. She was truly like a sister to me. She cut the cord when my son Micah was born, not sure we could be much closer than that lol. She was there in good times and bad. She was my friend, my confidant, my sounding board and my support system. She was the girl who never ever judged me, always had my back, always took my side and never doubted me. She was an amazing friend, absolutely fantastic wife and mother. She worked hard and cared so much. She had a contagious laugh, an amazing sense of humor, she was a good cook and a terrible driver (that I teased her about all the time lmao). She was simply an amazing human being in every way.

Cheers to the life of my dear friend and cousin Heather. I am a better person for the years she was in my life and grateful for every moment we had. #HGAL

 

Day 357 – Closet Hack

Recently on Pinterest, I came across a pin that was a perfect idea. It said at the turn of the year to turn all your hangers around backwards. As you wear the clothes and return them to your closet, put them back the proper way (forward hanging). This way you can see what you really wear and what you don’t. It says in one year to take anything still on the backwards hangers you haven’t worn and donate it to charity. I am going to change that up just a little bit that by the time I bring back my summer clothes I will donate anything I haven’t worn to a shelter. I will do the same when the seasons change again to winter.

I look forward to this change. As the years go by, I am learning that less really is more. Hopefully this will be another life lesson just as when I changed my shopping ways years ago to “quality over quantity”. That changed everything for me. From my makeup choices and purses to clothes and shoes, no matter how cute or how bad I want to impulse buy- I simply do not allow myself. I choose quality products and they last longer, wear better and give true confidence as well.

For example, I used to see lip glosses in the store and if they were sparkly and a cute color I would buy them. I would end up with countless lip glosses, some that worked nicely - some not so much. When I learned to only shop quality over quantity, I only bought MAC or Chanel lip gloss (and every so often Victoria’s Secret). As far as MAC and Chanel makeup, although they are more expensive up front, they last longer, wear better and make me feel like a million dollars. That’s just one example but it is the truth across the board with all products. It has also helped me with the “less is more” ideal since I use the quality products all the way through so don’t end up with hundreds of makeup products. It’s pretty awesome.

So, I am happy to adjust my closet with this new way of hanging them and am looking forward to what it will reveal to me. I will give the clothes at the end of this exercise with a happy heart. #anotherawesomenewyearsidea #happySunday #HGAL

 

Day 356 – Black Water

I don’t like to watch a lot of TV. I do have some shows I watch in particular, one of which is the Real Housewives of New Jersey. A few season’s back, one of the characters Caroline Manzo had a couple of sons who started a company with their uncle. They produced a new type of water. They called it blk. It’s black water. I was intrigued but confused. Why would someone sell black water??

Upon further review, I was made to understand that it is the first fulvic enhanced all natural mineral water. I personally drink pH balanced water anyways (my sister got me into that about a year ago) so when I saw that this water had an alkaline pH of 8, I was in. It is also packed full of electrolytes and minerals.

However, over the last couple of years- every time I saw the blk. for sale in the store, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it. Something felt unnatural to me about drinking black water. I stayed curious and intrigued but passed it up every time. Until today. When I saw it in the store, I immediately thought of the blog and the premise of embracing and trying new things.

When I was checking out the clerk and I started talking about this water and she said she has heard nothing but great things about it. So, I brought it home and still I found myself uneasy about drinking the black water. Vinny said he would take the first sip. When he did, he immediately said it was really good and tasted like super clean water. So, we both drank it. And guess what?? This is officially one of my first “faves” of 2016!

I am going to keep getting this water and am so happy to have tried it today. #HGAL