Day 48 - Silly Hats

As I previously mentioned in an earlier blog, about 6 weeks after I had my second son- me, Heather and another person took a trip to the Grand Canyon. On the way, we passed the craziest little diner in some little random town, practically in the middle of the dessert, that I don’t even remember the name of anymore. I stumbled upon the pictures of our stop and got the best giggle. It was called “Fred’s Diner”. There was a gigantic Fred Flinstone outside with a little wooden car like what they drove around in on the cartoon. Of course Heather and I had to act silly with Fred and take a picture in the little wooden car too.

Then we went in to the little gift shop area and noticed there were hats and more hats everywhere we looked. So we started trying them on and being our silly little selves. That entire trip was really fun.

Today I was actually going to do something else for my intention. Vinny and I were out and about running some errands and hanging out around town a bit when I asked him to come with me to a specific store. While we were in there however, I changed my mind. I saw a hat that said “Your boyfriend’s hat” and I cracked up! I had to put it on and take a picture in that hat! And with that I knew exactly what my intention would be.

My youngest son has collected a ton of crazy hats for different school events and phases of his life. So when we got home I asked him to participate with my intention and try on different hats with me in memory of Heather. He happily obliged. I even had him take a pic in my red sparkly Boston hat- he was such a good sport. Anyhow, as Vinny was snapping away with the pics- me and my son were acting all silly and had such a great time trying on a bunch of his crazy hats. I feel like without even planning it, we captured the very essence of me and Heathers crazy, silly and fun nature which was a true tribute indeed. #wishyouwerehere

Day 47 – Experimental Upcycling

For many years now I have learned to develop an eye for upcycling. Certain items, the second I see them I get an idea for what it can be. I love to go to yard sales, auctions and antique shops to look for furniture pieces or other random items that can be upcycled into something new, creative and imaginative.

Today I had quite a few projects I needed to complete for delivery this weekend- to restock inventory at my booth. Since I finished a bit early in the day, for my intention I decided to experiment with a couple of new ideas I have been kicking around. First, I had an old guitar I picked up for only a few bucks cause the strings were broken and it wasn’t in the best of shape. I had Vinny remove the remaining strings and I cleaned it all up. I painted, stenciled and embellished until my heart was content. It became a true piece of art and I was very happy with the outcome.  

A while back, I had a friend who was giving away a bunch of items and she offered me to look through some stuff to see if I could use any of it for my booth. I ended up with quite a few items that I have been able to make things out of but one thing in particular really caught my eye. It was a knock-off Louis Vuitton bag. The instant I saw it - the shape of it made me think to myself that it would make an awesome planter. So today when Vinny got home from work, I asked him to drill a couple of holes in the bottom of it for drainage. He removed the lining and together we filled it with fresh dirt and transplanted into it a beautiful Peace Lily! With spring right around the corner, it’s sure to grow beautifully. If all goes according to plan and it is able to stay healthy being housed in this purse, this may make for a nice spring/summer item to add to my booth (plant purses)!

Sometimes it’s just nice to take a chance on something new and see how the public reacts. It worked well when I came up with the clam painted jewelry holders as well as certain other items. I’m going to cross my fingers and see how this one pans out. Either way, it was a great intention for my day- taking a new direction where my creative winds are blowing.

 

 

 

Day 46 - Life's Lemonade

Ok, seriously….it snowed for much of the day again today which ruined my plans yet again. By mid-morning I found myself honestly getting an underlying frustration building in my core. Well, you know I can’t have that! Shaking it off- I started working on a couple of projects with my music playing in the background- trying to find my happy. I got side tracked for a little bit when I stumbled upon a picture of my family on vacation a couple of summers ago. That got me looking through some old albums of past trips which got me missing the summer even more! I put a little collage together for Facebook (TBT), posted it and moved on. I did some cleaning, some cooking and by the time Vinny got home from work, I had figured out exactly what I wanted to do for my intention today and asked him to come with me.

I reminded myself… when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I know- I know- it’s a corny cliché but it is totally true! The severity of the weather this past month has been a humongous lemon! I have no control over any of that but I do have control over what I do. Today I am going to make (figurative) lemonade. I am going to do a random act of kindness, though it's just a small gesture.

I needed to go to the $1 store to pick up some glass candlesticks for a project I have. When I was there, I walked over to the kid’s toy section. I placed a $1 bill in a Strawberry Shortcake activity book and another $1 in a box of blocks. I made sure they were visible and on the second shelf so a kid would be sure to spot it! That way, when they wanted to get these items- it was already paid for! I know it’s not much but it may make all the difference in the world to a child one day soon.

Vinny and I both walked out of there just as happy as could be smiling and talking away, barely noticing the freezing temps, snow banks the size of small buildings and slippery road conditions. We created lemonade - from just a tiny gesture at the local dollar store.

 

Day 45 - The 10's

I love Pinterest. I love the wide variety of topics to search, awesome quotes, pictures, ideas, recipes, workouts, etc. I love stumbling on so many random things as well. I love the fact that although I have always been extremely creative and imaginative, when I am on Pinterest it expands my creativity. I will see something, put my spin on it and complete it. I don’t just sit around pinning all day. I pin things, screen shot them into my phone and try to complete as many as I can. When I was hired as a Wedding Coordinator for a Nascar driver and his wife in NC, as well as my own mother’s beach wedding, baby showers, parties etc., Pinterest has been a huge part of the process every time.

Anyhow, recently I was on Pinterest and stumbled upon a really neat pin. It was a self-questionnaire in which you ask yourself the following things:

Name 10 things you want to do before you die (then go do them)
Name 10 places you want to visit before you die (then go to them)
Name 10 songs you want to hear before you die (then get your friends together and scream them)
Name 10 books you want to read (then go read them)

Then it said:“Because right now all you have is time time time, but someday that time will run out. That’s the only thing you can be absolutely certain about.”

It continued:
List all the things that are wrong with your life (and then fix them)
List all the things that you love about your life (and be thankful you are blessed with them)
List all the things that hold you back (and realize you don’t need them)
List all the mistakes you have made in your life (and make sure you never repeat them)

And this one is my favorite of them all:

Try to list the endless reasons why it’s good to be alive and then just smile about them for a while.

So, my intention today was to complete this questionnaire. I sat down, paper in hand. I wrote out all of the questions and numbered accordingly below each question. I sat quietly (yup, you guessed it… tea in hand!), pondered each question and filled out as many as I could. I actually enjoyed completing this intention. It was thought provoking and insightful.

Day 44 - Birthday Balloons

Today is Heathers birthday. Although we grew up with our families not celebrating birthdays, we always at least acknowledged our special day to one another. Earlier in the day, I sent a text to her husband with a few loving encouraging words. I can only imagine how hard this day must be on him and the kids. I actually felt myself begin to spiral into a state of melancholy and needed to snap myself out of it which is how I came up with what to do for today’s intention.

Instead of sitting around wallowing in sadness, I wanted to somehow acknowledge/celebrate her special day in a small way. I went to the local market and purchased a couple of balloons. I picked a small card and wrote a little note on it, punched a hole in it and attached it to the balloons using ribbon. I was going to walk to the ocean side park where this blog began, but on my walk home from the market it began to snow just a bit. So, I went home- warmed up for a minute and thought about where I could take these balloons and release them. And then it hit me.

Just down the road there is the most beautiful, quaint little church I have ever seen. It actually is the church that John F. Kennedy and Jackie O got married at. It is so beautiful and I love its pristine, elegant detail with almost a medieval/old world Italian character and charm. I’ve never gone inside but the outside literally is something to just marvel.  So, I walked to the adjoining parking lot, snapped a quick pic and let them go. I watched them as long as my eyes could see and as they spiraled up, high into the air I simply whispered Happy Birthday Heather.

Day 43 - Follow a Blog

Earlier today I was thinking of what a true blessing this blog has already been to my life in so many ways. It has given me a new, driven direction. It has opened up the lines of communication with so many people in my family line that I haven’t spoken to in many years – as well as friends from the past. It has been emotional but already so healing. It has triggered many memories about my lovely cousin and has given me a new found appreciation for just how beautiful our friendship was. It brought a long overdue trip into my immediate future and that trip resulted in reconnection and the beginning of many beautiful memories with her husband and kids.

With that in mind, I was thinking about how when this whole thing started I wasn’t even sure if I would take it “public”. I was going to make it more like a journal. But I liked the fact that even if I had 1 reader, it would give me a responsibility to finish what I started and never, ever allow myself to skip even 1 day. And now, in only 43 days I have close to 2,000 blog “hits” and that to me is simply overwhelming (in a good way). I am honored and privileged to share the life and memory of Heather. Even the days that I may not be sharing a particular memory, I am hoping to inspire others to live everyday with intention because we just never know when it could be our last.

So, as I was thinking about how many people are reading my blog- it got me thinking that I should actively follow a blog myself. I looked for quite a while for the perfect blog according to what I like and just waited until I found something that really peaked my interest. I pondered following a fashion blog but I really don’t “follow” when it comes to fashion. I have my own style and will continue to honor that. But, anyone that knows me knows that I love all things “shabby chic”. Most of the furniture and craft items I sell are exactly that. So I searched and stumbled on quite a few blogs. But I absolutely loved a particular one called: shabbystory.com. So, I added the link to my phone home screen and will be following this blog from here on. I look forward to going back and catching up on as many as I can. This was a seemingly “small” but lovely intention.


Heather and I in the early 90's

Day 42 - Gathering Supplies

Today was extremely busy. My husband and I went around searching for new pieces for me to redo for my booth (where I sell some of my items at a local shop). Even when I owned my store back in NC, this was always one of my favorite things to do with him. We have so much fun searching high and low and coming up with all kinds of ideas what I can do to make them unique or simply make them pretty. We searched here in RI and far into Massachusetts as well. It was a fun time and I found a few pieces to work on this week.

Anyhow, after we got home and had dinner I wanted to complete my intention for the day. I spent some time gathering up some supplies for a couple of projects I am going to do for the kids and their dad. When I was in Texas, I was showing them some pictures of some of the items I have created and redone for my booth. Heathers husband absolutely loved a particular unique item I make regularly. I gather clams from my local beach, clean them up, paint the inside and attach them to a glass candlestick and tie little lace/ribbon to them. People use them to house jewelry or small keepsakes or simply for decoration. I offered to send him a couple when I got home and he was very happy about that and advised me of the 2 colors he wanted.

The daughter saw the dream catchers and painted mason jars I also make. She loved them so much. We talked in length about the colors she wanted. I agreed to make her 2 dream catchers and attach a vintage key to one and a vintage small lock on the other. I am also going to send her a painted mason jar with lace on it as well. (I’ve included pictures of the ones I’ve made before- see below)

As far as for Heathers son, I have an amazing idea of what I am going to make him but it will probably take me a couple of days to complete. He is a gamer and I just let my imagination run wild with what a 15 year old gamer may like in his room that is unique enough for no one else to have and that he will surely never get rid of even when he’s grown. Due to the fact that he reads this blog, I am not going to mention what I am creating because I want it to be a surprise when he gets it but I promise to include pics in a future blog so….stay tuned!

Anyhow, I gathered the supplies for these upcoming projects and tomorrow I will get started on them all. I plan to have it in the mail no later than the end of the week. I look forward to being able to send everyone something made from me just for each of one of them- sent with all the love in the world.  

 

 

 

Day 41 - Cartwheels

At one point during my trip, I was cleaning up in the kitchen a bit and Heathers daughter and son were hanging out keeping me company and we were just chatting away, getting to know one another. We were asking each other random questions and really just feeling each other out in an attempt to learn as much as we could about each other in the few days we had to be face to face. I was telling them some memories I had of them as little kids and some memories about their momma and they were asking me all kinds of questions. It was really something. I even did my best one night to remember and show them the childhood “hand clapping” songs that were so popular back then.

Anyhow, at one point her daughter asked me if I knew how to do a backbend. (She is in gymnastics so she can really good). I told her I used to be able to all the time when I was a kid but haven’t attempted one in many years and don’t see that I ever would. She asked me if I knew how to do a cartwheel and I said yes of course. I told her I hadn’t done one in quite some time but before I left I would try one with her. Well, during one of the following days the kids had learned all about my blog and I told them we would do cartwheels and take pics and one day after I got home I would do a cartwheel and think of them and put it in my blog. So, while we were all upstairs one night I asked my sister, Heathers son and daughter if they wanted to go ahead and take pics doing cartwheels and they all said yes. It was such an unexpected, random thing to do on my trip but a lasting awesome memory.

So, today as I was hanging around the house having a little bit of a lazy Saturday (for me anyways lol) I began to ponder what I would do for my blog today. I thought of the cartwheel memory and knew that would be perfect. I stood up right then and there and in between my living room and dining room I did a cartwheel. Seems silly but I swear the second I did it I was smiling ear to ear. No one was there to see me. But the second I did it- the whole memory of all of us in the game room doing cartwheels was vividly clear. The fact that even the son was so willing to get in on that and just have fun with us being kinda silly was so awesome. His character is so easy-breezy and “go with the flow” and I found an absolutely endearing quality for a teenage boy. Even now while I’m writing this I am literally smiling. I had so much fun with those precious kids and am feeling blessed in every way a person can.  #HGAL #shewouldbesoproud



Heathers Son

Heathers daughter

Me

My sister (her cartwheel was so fast it was blurry lol)

 

Day 40 - Reflection

Today has been a day of unpacking, catching up and cleaning up. It seemed like I had a million things to do and we have plans to go to a dinner party tonight so I was working with a limited timeframe. I am happy to report however that I was able to complete and check off all “to do’s”. That is in addition to a million phone calls I was on as well. Bottom line….good day and sure to be a great night.

Nevertheless, I really didn’t have to think hard as to what I wanted to do for my intention. This will be the first day (of many I’m sure) that I chose to simply pause and reflect on my time in Texas. I stood at my large slider, ocean in sight. I stood and reflected back on a specific memory that made me smile ear to ear.

While we were redecorating her room, Heathers daughter told me a story about how her and her friends took a picture in a very specific pose. I was like “that sounds so awesome, we should do that”…so we did. We laid on the bed (Heathers childhood bed btw) and hung our heads off the back with our hair hanging down. I don’t know, something about it was just so heartwarming because I swear if Heather and I had camera phones and access to taking tons of pictures as kids- that is something we probably would have done when we were kids.

Although I feel I was able to truly connect with both children, I was super excited to be able to be my silly, girlie self with the daughter. She reminded me so much of Heather it was nuts. The way she walked, the way she smiled, her unique and creative imagination, some of the way she said things and so on- it was just so amazing to me.

Anyhow, as we laid there and got our picture taken, I held out my pinky and she grabbed on with hers. Simple gesture with a grand connection and a lasting heartfelt memory indeed. #blessed

Day 39 - Heading Home

Well, my trip is coming to a conclusion today. I am gathering my things and heading to the airport shortly. All morning I have just been thinking about the memories of this visit. I will make sure this is the first visit of many. I have thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with Heather’s husband and kids.

There was some bonding time through cooking, cleaning, activities and games. There were so many laughs, sharing of memories and I am happy to say- no tears. Obviously, the individual that brings us all together is no longer with us and that has been the saddest, most devastating event in my entire life. I can only hope that she would be proud of us all. I will say I know for a fact that she would be proud of her kids and the wonderful people they are becoming. They are both so amazingly sweet, insanely intelligent, caring, incredibly polite and just beautiful well rounded people.

As I visited the memorial in their home set up in loving memory of my dear sweet Heather, I placed my hand upon her urn. I said the things I’ve needed to say. My body graciously allowed me release in the form of a deep, long, cleansing, controlled breath.

I love my cousin Heather with every fiber of my being- she was my best friend for my entire life. Being in her home these past few days, embracing the love and life of her family has been an honor and privilege. I can only pray my visit has made a difference in their lives as well, I truly believe it has.

Day 38 - Texas Day 3

Yesterday, Heathers daughter and I got in a lengthy conversation about her room design. She asked me if I could help her and obviously I was excited to say yes. So, today when we got up Heathers husband, my sister and I all went around collecting the supplies necessary to give her a design in her room she wanted so much (to surprise her when she got home).
She wanted a reading nook made for a princess.

Meanwhile, we stopped off to her school to have lunch with her which was super awesome. Then when we got back just a bit later we walked to her bus stop to pick her up. Heather’s son came with us when he got home from school and my sister took him on a mini shopping spree. Then when we got back, he pitched in and assisted with the designing process. I don't know any other brother that would be so willing to help out in any way he can to give his sister the room she wants. He is such a wonderful brother.

Her oldest son and her husband’s sister came back over to help out and hang out. What a time we had! They are such characters and just keep me laughing!! Like I said yesterday, they are my “cherry on top”.

So, I am sitting here with just moments to get this in before my midnight deadline and still have stuff to do. I will be recapping things for the next few days and beyond I’m sure. But for today, I was able to help my little princess create a dream come true for her room. This was my intention for my day and I couldn’t be more honored.

Love them all SO much!! #blessed #HGAL

Day 37 - Texas Day 2

Another amazing day! The kids had school so for the morning it was mostly me and my sissy. We got coffee, she made me and Heathers husband an amazing breakfast and then we went around and did a little window shopping at some random stores and had some much needed “sissy time”.

In the afternoon, we picked up Heathers daughter from her bus stop. Came back home to pick up her husband and son and we all went to the store to get some groceries. While we were there we met up with some friends we’ve known since I was a little girl that just happen to live in the Dallas area too. She came down to visit for a bit and brought her lovely two daughters. So, together we did our grocery shopping.

We came back to the house and I cooked my chicken enchiladas and cherry cobbler. My sister made some bean dip. We all were gathered in the kitchen together conversing with music in the background and it was awesome to just be a part of that. One of Heathers other sons and her husband sister came back again today which was the true cherry on top (LOVE THEM!!).

After dinner, although some had to leave, we gathered to play some pool in the game room, listened to music and just enjoyed one another’s company. Before the kids went to bed, I asked the daughter if I could do her hair and she gladly agreed. While I was doing her hair I told her about how her mother used to let me do her hair too and how lovely she was. I told her that she reminded me so much of her beautiful mom and she was true perfection.

This was a great day. #HGAL #wishyouwereheretoday

 
 





Day 36 - Family Day

Today was my first day in Texas with Heathers family. Her husband, kids and sister in law and of course my sister too. We didn’t get to bed till the wee hours this morning obviously cause we were just up talking for so long (I swear it’s like we didn’t skip a beat!). But when we all finally got up we had a nice time together cooking, cleaning and lingering around over old school music. We danced, we sang, we shared many, many stories. It was truly glorious. I felt honored that the family enjoyed so thoroughly the breakfast I prepared for them (pancakes and eggs). J

I got to hang out with her daughter for quite a bit bonding over room decoration ideas, art, hair, nails and all that kind of “girlie, girlie” stuff I love so much. Truly an awesome time!

After running some errands, we all went out for a fun dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. We did the trivia together and hung out simply relaxed and happy. It was so awesome just being in their company. We got back, posed for a quick pic and are now going to bake some cookies and watch a movie together. I’m going to make this one a little short and sweet because they are actually waiting right now for me to get down there and bake the cookies. I am so happy with my day and look forward to every second ahead of me during this visit.

 

Day 35 - Flying Out

Although the weather is still questionable and my first flight was cancelled, I have been rebooked and seem to be on schedule to fly out later today. I am going to visit Heathers family for the first time since her passing. My sister will be meeting me there, which will be nice to see and visit with her as well. I am writing my blog now due to the fact that I more than likely won’t have a chance to once I get there and I do not want to miss my midnight deadline.

I can’t even describe the array of emotions running through me today. I’m having a hard time placing what I am really feeling. Excitement, anxiety and everything in between, although don't get me wrong I'm happy and excited more than anything. But with the current blizzard still rearing its ugly head, I’m not even sure my flight will still go out today or be rescheduled again. I did get bumped up to first class which is a good way to begin things.

All I can do is pray, breathe and go with the flow. Once I get there - I will relax, enjoy and savor every moment I have with Heathers family. I expect there will be many laughs, possibly tears and the opportunity to make new lasting memories. I hope this is the first of many visits to come. #HGAL

Day 34 - Breathing

Snow storms, Valentine’s Day, weather related broken plans, cancelled/rescheduled flights, hubby crazy work hours – I figured out the perfect intention for today and it was exactly what I didn’t even realize I needed. Breathing. Just stopping to take intentional deep breaths. In for a 4 count through my nose, out for an 8 count through my mouth. Let me explain…

Vinny got called into work which impeded our plans. After he got home, he cooked a wonderful Italian meal AND did all the cleaning after. He usually helps me anyways after dinner but he insisted I just relax. So, before we snuggle in for a nice dessert and movie, I decided to just pause.

Moments earlier, we went to our slider that leads to the deck, gazed and chatted about the massive amount of snow falling right now. It’s so dense that I cannot see the bridge that is usually so beautifully lit up in the near distance. The ocean and boats are no longer visible either. But the snow is so clean and crisp and the wind hasn’t started yet so the snow is falling straight down and piling up very fast.

Vinny briefly stepped outside to snap a picture of the prettiest tree that is remarkably white. He went back into the kitchen to finish what he was doing as I just stood there. For my intention, I lingered there at my massive window. I repeatedly took some cleansing breaths as mentioned above and just appreciated every piece of goodness in my life. Today for my Valentine’s Day and intention, I choose appreciation of every cleansing breath I am blessed to take and wishing my dear Heather could have taken more.

 

Day 33 - Sun Rays

I decided first thing this morning that even though the high today was going to be mostly in the single digits and for a brief period reach a high of about 16 degrees, this Arizona girl needed some sun – somehow someway! Every morning for as long as I can remember, I always include in my morning ritual the opening up all curtains and blinds in my home. Although I was never a fan of the extreme Arizona heat, I have never disliked my fair share of sunshine.

This past spring I purchased a beautiful lavender plant from the local farmers market. When the weather started getting cold, I had to remove it from the window it had been at. So now every morning when I open my bedroom curtains, I bring it over to where the direct sunlight shines in. And now I also include my cactus from blog day 6 and a beautiful succulent that my friend brought me when we had them over for dinner.

Today, even though just outside it was a windy blistering cold - my room was so brilliantly filled with bright sunshine. After my morning routine, I put on a summer tank top, a pair of athletic capris and my “old faithful” favorite pair of flip flops. I rolled up one of my thick and puffy down comforters and placed it down. With the sun beaming in, I sat down on the warm floor and reclined back onto the comfy backstop I had created. With my feet stretched out and my plants in view, I laid there for quite some time and just enjoyed the feeling of the warm sun beating in on me and the relaxing scent of my lavender plant. I thought of my blog, Heather and some upcoming things I will be doing in her honor and just relaxed. By the time I got up, my cheeks were glowing pink and I felt perfectly sun-kissed.

Day 32 - Social Club Outing

In the spirit of this blog and an effort to spread my wings and expand my social group in my new town, back on day 20 I signed up for a local social club. For today’s intention I went to my first outing with that club. It was ironically hosted at the exact same Thai Cuisine restaurant that I went to with my friend Jen back on day 18 for a “New Food” experience.

In fact, I actually invited her to come with me as my +1 and we had a really good time. The theme was a dinner with gift exchange. Each person was to bring 3 of their favorite items. All items were placed down the center of the long table. First, we went around and explained what we brought and why. Then each lady drew a number for the first round of picks. After each person choose an item, we went again until we all ended up with 3 new items. There was everything from fine chocolates, teas, cheese platters, lotions, makeup, candles, jewelry, books, and more! It was really neat to see the variety of items from such a wide variety of personalities. I ended up with a perfume from Philosophy, a large lavender vanilla lotion and some hair accessories.

Once that was done we ate a wonderful dinner together. The atmosphere, people, food and gifts were all amazing and it made for a much needed night out with a great new group of ladies. I am blessed to have this blog to keep me reaching with intention. #HGAL

 

 

Tonight's dinner....yummy!

 

Day 31 - Song Dedication

Shortly after Heather passed away, I heard a specific song that stopped me in my tracks. It said so many things I was feeling and experiencing and with the soulful emotion that only Mariah Carey can convey. It’s entitled “Never Forget You”. (Other than saying “baby” so often in the song which obviously doesn’t apply in this case)

As with so many things in my life, when I have a strong feeling or emotion about something, I write it down. So I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote a letter to Heather that day- a letter that was too late to ever send. In the letter I dedicated this song to her in my heart and on that paper.

For today’s intention I have decided to publicly dedicate this song to my cousin Heather. This evening, I pulled up the song and just sat and listened to it with Vinny by my side. Afterwards, it was just quiet a moment. He knew. He just quietly said “what a pretty song”. I nodded my head in agreement and started writing today’s blog. I miss my lifelong friend and cousin, Heather so terribly.

In the poignant words of Mariah Carey let me quote:

“I’ll never forget you
I’ll never let you out of my heart
You will always be here with me
I’ll hold on to the memories”….

 

Day 30 - Madame Chic

Ever since I was a child, I have loved to read. Sometimes I have more time to devote to it than other times but I just love the feeling of getting completely lost in a book. I love when I try to put it down at night but just keep thinking…1 more chapter, just 1 more chapter. Like my music selection, my book selection is well versed. I don’t have a particular genre I necessarily gravitate to. I just love to wander a book store or library and wait for my next read to stand out.

A while back, I stumbled on a fantastic read while browsing the small book selection in my local TJ Maxx. It was a book by Jennifer L. Scott entitled “Lessons from Madame Chic”. This book was so amazing that I actually read it twice. I recommended it to my friends and mother to read as well. It was transforming. Jennifer L. Scott is actually the first author that I have added to my social media pages and followed along with on her web site.

Naturally, when I heard she was coming out with her second book I was thrilled. I called my mom and gave her the heads up. It was just recently released. I hadn’t bought it just yet but was very excited to read it soon. I figured it would be a great summer beach read. However, yesterday I received a package in the mail from my mother. Cleverly, colorfully and cheerfully wrapped in the box, was a gift for my home and this new book! It’s entitled “At Home with Madame Chic”. I was so excited to receive this! I immediately called my mom to offer my thanks!!

So, what was going to be saved as a beach time summer read, I decided to make todays intention. If it’s even half as good as her first book, I’m sure to get through it in a day or two. I finished my work for the day and sat down (yea, you guessed it…with my cup of tea) with one of the prettiest sunset views from my window and savored another days’ intention, only pausing my read to write this blog. #HGAL

Inside the book cover

Moms box with another note



Tonights Sunset

 

Day 29 - Let's Make a Deal

Everyone surely knows that our area is getting clobbered again with severe weather. Everything in and around my area is closed down. So my Vinny is home again today and other than one project we completed together it's really just been a snuggly movie kinda day.

As I was thinking of what to do for my intention, my brain was shuffling through memories of Heather. One of my favorite memories of all time was of a game Heather and I used to play from the time we were little kids all the way through our adult years. It was called “Let’s Make a Deal”. It was fashioned after the old game show that was on TV.

We would gather a few of our best items, some items we knew the other one liked and some gag items. Then one of us would leave the room and the other one would hide three things. When the “contestant” entered back into the room, the real production began. Acting super silly like the crazy audience people that were dressed up on the TV show (we didn’t dress up though) we would take our best guess at door #1, 2 or 3. The person who was hiding the stuff was the talk show host. That person would say… “Do you want what’s behind the closet door #1, under the bed #2 or behind the chair #3?” (for example). Sometimes we would win big and sometimes win a gag prize like a used brush or an almost empty lip gloss. LOL

We had so much fun playing this game for years and years. It was our way of trading stuff. It was something we started as young imaginative, silly girls but never stopped even though we were grown. Her husband used to laugh and tell us we were so crazy. Anyone that knew Heather and I together knew how silly and fun we always were together.

Today for my intention, I figured it a great day to play a game. First, Vinny and I talked about Heather and my “Let’s Make a Deal” history. We both had some great laughs as I recalled many details. Then I challenged him to a game of Scrabble. We have played this game on random down days throughout all our years together. Somehow we just manage to have so much fun with it. So, we played Scrabble today and enjoyed this intention with Heather on our minds.  

 

 

Day 28 - Beach Snow

This morning, Vinny and I were going to the beach as we so often do and then running a couple of errands. When we got to the beach - it was covered with snow. Due to the fact that there was virtually no wind and it wasn’t crazy cold, we decided to get out and go for a beach stroll. There were others there walking about with pets and even someone surfing/paddleboarding. (It’s amazed me that the winter has not stopped the surfers around here!)

Anyhow, as I looked at the guy surfing, the birds flying around and the snow covered sandy beach, I couldn’t help but acknowledge the irony. I mentioned to Vinny how bizarre that was to me and how one would never think about the possibility of throwing snowballs at the ocean, just seems so backwards. How many times in life does one experience that?  Well, I for one now have. LOL

For my intention, I sunk my hands into the bitterly cold snow, packed a firm snowball and threw it in the ocean. I did it a couple of times and found myself just giggling away. After I was done and we were strolling along the beach, I found myself thinking how blessed I am to have discovered that by living with intention even if just for a moment out of my day, I am experiencing little things that I’m sure I never would have.

I don’t ever remember having any sort of snowball fight as young kids between Heather and I. I’m sure we both partook in snowball fights with others but I do not recall ever throwing one at her or her at me. We never would have done anything to each other that could have resulted in the other one possibly being hurt. But I will say, it would have been amazing to have her by my side this morning pelting snowballs into the ocean and giggling away.

 

Day 27 - Darts

Recently, my son and his buddies discovered that there is a nearby underground pub/bar/grill that offers pool and darts. Anytime I think of darts I am immediately reminded of a hysterical story about Heather.

When we were kids, my family did lots of traveling all over the United States. We did tons of family outings like fishing, skating, multiple outdoor games and tons of camping. Each of the kids in my family would usually be allowed to bring a friend and my choice was Heather every single time. So one year, my parents rented a cabin in Wisconsin for a bit of the summer and off we all went. There were quite a few cabins right off a huge lake. It was like a small community really. In the middle, there was a common area, playground, a little store where we would buy candy and a community “pub” of sorts that had darts and other games.

One day a few of us kids went to play darts (Heather and I included). On the way back, there were a couple of drunk guys throwing around a frisbee. They were not being inappropriate or anything but they were loud and clearly drunk. We all started walking a bit faster to get clear of them and back to our cabin. Apparently, Heather was still staring at them although walking faster and when she turned to look forward again…BOOM! She walked directly into a tree!! You would not have believed how hard she hit it. Her forehead was all cut up and her face and knee were all scratched. No one laughed (at first). We just couldn’t believe how hard she ran into it. I swear every single year on every single vacation, someone got hurt. It usually was me but not this time.

Over the years, Heather and I would recant that story and crack up so hard! In fact, I was just talking to my sister and she said she has the picture that my mom took of her with all the scratches on her face. She wasn’t able to forward me a copy in time for this blog, but she clearly remembered that day and we chatted about it for some time.

Heather always had such a great sense of humor and I’m sure she would have gotten a real kick out of me sharing that story today. Anyhow, my son and I went to our nearby pub today to play darts and had a blast (even though he beat me every time). I didn’t even know this place was there and it’s just blocks away. A fantastic memory, another great intention and another great local discovery!

 

 
 

Day 26 - Future Me

I had an outing planned for today’s intention but the weather did not permit so that has been rescheduled. When the better weather comes, I intend to make most of my intentions out and about which should get interesting.

So- for today… in the spirit of true intention, self-awareness, personal growth and forethought- I’ve decided to do something a little unique. I wrote myself a letter to be opened in 5 years. It’s already written, sealed and filed away. I even put a reminder for 2-6-2020 in my phone so I don’t forget.

2020! That just sounds nuts, right?!?! Truth be told, seems like the older I get the faster time flies so I’m sure it will be here in what seems to be no time at all.

In this multi-page letter to myself, I gave a brief description of what my life looks like right now. Then I listed in detail the expectations I have of myself, my goals and dreams for the next 5 years in regards to my spirituality, family, relationships, business, travel, health/fitness and so on. The letters’ specific contents are for me and my future self only.

I will however share just one of my expectations listed:

By the time I have finished this blog I hope to have properly honored my cousin Heather. I hope to have celebrated her beautiful life that I was so lucky to be such a monumental part of, by sharing her lovely memory throughout the year. I pray that I look back and see the love, the growth and the healing and that the experience is forever treasured by myself and those on this journey with me. I also hope to have been able to touch other people’s lives positively in the process.  

My letter to myself

 

Day 25 - Snow Day Sweets

Guess what? Another snow day! Vinny got to stay home and though we love the time together, business wise it’s not ideal. So, after our morning coffee and completing some household tasks, he was trying to figure out how to work from home but it was practically impossible in his line of work. After he got a few things done, I asked him to come with me to get something for my days’ intention.

We made a quick run to the nearby Dunkin Donuts. I picked out 2 of my favorite doughnuts (Vanilla Crème with powdered sugar on top). Today, they were in the shapes of hearts, obviously due to the upcoming holiday but it was a great touch for our day nonetheless. I love small surprises like that!

Heather was born and raised in Chicago and the one thing I never remember her saying is that she missed the winters. I would say that I wished I could have all the seasons but she loved the Arizona sun and heat. Snow usually isn’t as enjoyable to adults as it is from the perspective of a kid. They get to play in the snow, get days called off from school and so on.

Vinny is originally from Boston so does not marvel at the snow the way I do either. As we left, I asked him to stop and just look at the snow. It was so beautiful, almost angelic as each unique snowflake gracefully danced and glided to the ground. He chuckled at my bliss but surely obliged for a moment. We brought our doughnuts home and after a lovely brunch, toasted to a sweet treat on a beautiful snow day.