Last Day of July and Food for Thought

I cannot believe it is the last day of July already!
The summer is fast and fleeting!

Food for thought:


7 Foods That Cure
By Shawn McKee
Glee Contributor
Updated: Saturday, July 29, 2006

Food is the fuel that runs the body -- and the better the quality, the better the performance. Foods not only can turbo charge your engine, but can be a great tool for upkeep as well, giving you the tools to ward off the regular wear and tear associated with as many miles as you’ve put on your body.

What additives do you require to keep your engine running on all cylinders? The vast majority of foods with healing qualities work best in preventative roles and are most effective when consumed as whole foods. If you’re not already eating these superfoods, it’s time to get in the fast lane.

Bean dieting?
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber and are extremely filling, keeping you full longer and helping to decrease obesity. Additionally, The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study in November 2005 reporting a healthy diet rich in lean protein -- about half from plant sources such as beans -- was found to lower blood pressure and "bad" LDL cholesterol, and to cut the risk of heart disease by 21 percent. This magical fruit is full of antioxidants and, in some studies, has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Thank You Berry Much…
Strawberries, raspberries and especially blueberries have been touted as great sources for antioxidants. Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University analyzed 40 fruits and vegetables for their disease-fighting antioxidant activity. They found blueberries to have two to three times as much antioxidants as apples, broccoli, spinach and many other fruits and vegetables.
Berries are thought to slow the deterioration of joints as well. According to a Boston University study of arthritis patients, these foods protected joints because of the vitamin C they contain. Vitamin C is also a key component in the creation of collagen, a necessary component of cartilage and bone.

Go nuts for your heart.
Nuts are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids (you know this), but did you know they can help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol levels? Walnuts have especially high levels of omega-3s, which reduce the risk of heart disease and hypertension.

Japanese men and women who ate a one-fourth to one-third cup of walnuts a day lowered their "bad" LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10 percent. Walnuts, almonds and pistachios are all high in arginine, an amino acid that increases blood flow to the heart.

Grainy reception
Researchers at the University of Minnesota suggest that eating three daily servings of whole grains can reduce the risk of heart disease by 25 percent to 36 percent, stroke by 37 percent and type 2 diabetes by 21 percent to 27 percent. Whole grains include oats, whole wheat, brown rice, bulgur and bran. Ditch the Wonder Bread -- you’re a grown up now. Go for breads labeled “whole” and skip those “enriched” kiddy breads.

Yo-Yo-Yogurt
Yogurt is the king of foods containing probiotics, the "friendly" bacteria that helps fight illness and disease. Yogurt seems be the most beneficial of the probiotics. Two recent studies suggest that eating yogurt significantly improved a person's ability to fight off pneumonia. You can eat yogurt every day -- just make sure the brand you buy contains "live" or "active" cultures, as the bacteria won’t be very effective if they're dead before you ingest them.

Fish Food
Study upon study indicates that incorporating salmon into your diet reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. New research from the University of California, San Diego, reports that a higher intake of omega-3s preserves bone density, keeping your bones stronger and protecting against fractures. These omega-3s can also be found in other cold-water fish, such as sardines, tuna and mackerel.

Cabbage curbs cancer?
The American Association for Cancer Research presented a study at the November 2005 meeting that found Polish women who ate cabbage or sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) four or more times per week were 74 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. Additional studies found that cabbage may also protect against lung, stomach and colon cancers. The secret ingredient seems to be sulforaphane, a phytochemical in cabbage that works by stimulating cells to eradicate cancerous substances.

Flash Back to 1946

The Bikini is 60 years old. Named after a Pacific atoll that was the site of a nuclear test, the bikini sent shockwaves through the fashion world when it was debuted in 1946.

Gasps were heard around Europe when Louis Reard, a French automobile engineer,showed a skimpy swimsuit he designed and Model Micheline Bernardi a nude dancer from the Casion de Paris was the first model to wear the bikini July 5, 1946.

Decades later the bikini still turns heads.

Itsy Bitsy Facts:

The United States conducted a peacetime nuclear test on the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific
Ocean in July 1946.

Micheline Bernardi the first bikini model received, 50,000 marriage proposals.

Brian Hylands song "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"
raced up the charts in 1960.

It is hot hot hot and the temperatures are in danger level this week.
I check up on my Mom and Grandma often.

Wear your bikini's darlings and keep cool and safe in this torrid heat!

Source Elle Magazine and the Twist!

I love this video and song

Enchanted is what I am

I love this video and song!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to a Dear Friend Dale

Photo of Dale courtesy of my fabulous friend Shelley's most wonderful photography. I keep telling her to sell her photographs and artitistic talents.
Shelley's Fabulous Photograhy

Dale I met through Shelley and tomorrow is his birthday.
Happy Birthday Dale.

Good friends and good books two of life's greatest treasures.
They both speak to our hearts, and strengthen our spirits,
with eternal words and happiness.

Thank you Shelley and Dale for your golden gift of friendship!
I love you both so very much!
Blessings Dale and have a piece of cake for me.
A toast to a fabulous year full of all of your heart's treasures!

Buckle a Close Friend Around your Heart

This photograph shows a line of little girls holding hands facing the immensity of ocean waves. Alone, they might be washed away, but together they stand strong. Thank you each for holding my hand somewhere along the way when I was facing a wave of my own. I hope you will reach for my hand when your own wave threatens. All of us girls.. Old and young... Near and far... Hold special memories of good times we've shared. We've had our share of hard times when our friends were there to make us feel better. We've shared our hearts our time our secrets our fears our hopes and our dreams. Let us never break the chain of friends! Pass this on to all of those girls that you are happy to have as friends!

Sunday Dreams

Our butterfly bush attracts all kinds of beauties
What the cocoon calls the end of the world God calls a butterfly.

Thank you for the world so sweet
Thank you for the food we eat
Thank you for the birds that sing
Thank you God for everything.

Happy Sunday embrace your bliss and always keep your heart full of love and peace and thanks!

From a dear Flickr Friend

I receive many great things presented to me from my friends all over the world on Flickr
this is the latest.
Your moment of zen. Smile darlings it increases your face value!


Your moment of Zen
I love Panda Bears and all of God's most precious animals!

Flowers are Food for the Soul

My beautiful southern twin Judy in Georgia
sent me this gorgeous flower arrangement with a keepsake
cup and saucer.
Beautiful things from a beautiful friend.
How blessed am I.

When we look back
What we will remember most
Are the times
When kindness make
a difference in our world.
I love you Judy!
Feel better my sweet friend!
Love and kisses!
Interview with God
One of my absolute favorites~

Hope Always Have Hope

My hope stone I love so much!

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson

I thank my precious friend Christine in Hawaii
for sending this to me in email!
I hope it helps you in this troubled world we live in!

Jul 29, 2006

We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.
--Bern Williams

'Don't Lose Hope!'
Eight things you and your family can do to increase hope in uncertain times.
By Naomi Drew

"I've been so overwhelmed by what's going on these days," a mother recently said regarding world events. "I feel like there's nothing I can do and the world's spinning out of control." Her words echo the sentiments so many of us feel each time we pick up a paper or turn on the news. War on the horizon, nuclear weapons in North Korea, a family of six killed by a fire bomb in Baltimore, the massacre in Bali -- the list goes on. Right now, it's easy to lose hope. However, loss of hope doesn't have to be the path we walk down.

You see, hope is actually something we create. It's not something that magically appears from an outside source. We each have within us the capacity to generate hope. It's critical that we be absolutely intentional about nurturing hope in our lives and the lives of our children.

Now more than ever, overcoming fear and holding onto hope are essential. The eight steps below will enable you do this. Try these steps yourself and teach them to your kids. Do some of these as a family. Know that it is within your control to become more hopeful. Don't let the news be your undoing. You can take charge. Here's how:

1. Be kind to yourself.
Think about what you need most, and then do it. Is it a cup of tea, a brisk walk, some downtime, quiet music, a little rest, or reading inspirational literature? Whatever it is, grant yourself permission to do it, even for just a few minutes. If you're at work, take a "care-break" where you take care of you for a brief moment. These small moments accumulate and transform the texture of our days.

2. Create a 5-minute silence ritual every day.
Light a candle and pray, meditate or reflect. You don't have to believe in any particular deity to make this work. Just silently reflecting in front of a lit candle is extremely nurturing and healing. This may be the one time of day when you feel connected to your own soul, and perhaps even something larger. Don't skip this step -- it's very powerful.

3. Curtail your intake of news.
Oversaturation with news right now is detrimental to emotional health. If you read the newspaper in the morning, let that be enough. You don't need to turn on the TV or radio too, especially before bed. Consider putting a complete moratorium on news at least once a week. Anything you missed will be there tomorrow. Drastically curtail any news you let your children watch.

4. Treat each day like the precious gift it is.
Be vigilant in looking for things and people to appreciate. What if today was the last day of your life? How would you want to live it? Ask yourself this question throughout the day. It will help you let go of the countless petty annoyances that tend to throw most of us off balance.

Shift your gaze to appreciation. Who and what are you grateful for? Make a list each day and add to it.

5. Every morning, afternoon and night, take a 30-second break to look at the sky, breathe deeply and offer thanks.
Even though the world has its problems, the sun still rises in the sky each morning, and we're awake and alive when we get out of bed. Let the sky be a touchstone to hope. Think of other people around the world as you look at the sky, and know that we all share this planet together. Among all of us, we have the ability to create solutions to the problems that now exist.

Trust that this is so.

6. Express love tangibly.
Hugs, words, notes, acts of kindness -- be indiscriminately generous with all of them. Surprise a friend with a hug. Hug and kiss your kids longer and with deeper feeling. If you like how the clerk treated you in the store, thank her. Leave your partner small notes expressing gratitude for kind acts. Doing all of this adds warmth and positive energy to our lives and the lives of people around us. It's also very comforting both to the giver and receiver of each loving act.

7. Say this affirmation everyday and see where it leads you: "I am the key to peace."
Most of us believe, erroneously, that peace will come from people or institutions much larger than we. Just the opposite is true. Peace starts with each individual and it will only come to this world from the people themselves. It is critical that we each create peace in the small and large moments of our lives. We must live it in our words and actions rather than giving in to fear, hatred, or resignation.

8. Make a difference.
Reach out beyond your normal scope. This is your opportunity to live your greatest promise, highest self. Don't wait. Each time we make a difference in the lives of others, we create hope in ourselves. By reaching out to someone in need, be it your neighbor, a Guatemalan orphan, or people in a homeless shelter, we add a little more peace and hope to the world. Our accumulated gestures of care and compassion will ultimately transform our lives and the lives of others. We are each the source of that transformation. Knowing this gives me hope.

Miami Vice

In the Air Tonight" - Nonpoint
"One of These Mornings" - Moby featuring Patti LaBelle
"We're Not Here" - Mogwai
"Sinnerman (Felix da Housecat's Heavenly House Mix)" - Nina Simone
"Auto Rock" - Mogwai
"Arranca" - Manzanita
"Ready For Love" - India.Airie
"Strict Machine" - Goldfrapp
"Pennies in My Pocket" - Emilio Estefan
"New World in My View" - King Britt
"Sweep" - Blue Foundation
"Anthem" - Moby
"Blacklight Fantasy" - Freaky Chakra
"Mercado Nuevo" - John Murphy
"Who Are You" - John Murphy
"Ramblas" - King Britt & Tim Motzer
"A-500" - Klaus Badelt & Mark Batson

We liked Miami Vice very much and I have to get the soundtrack.
You know how much I love my music darlings!

Now Hear This:
Nonpoint - "In the Air Tonight" WINDOWS MEDIA | REAL PLAYER

Happy Birthday Precious Friend

"To the world you might be one person,

but to one person you might be the world."

-- Unknown

Happy Birthday my precious friend!

Tomorrow is my dear friend Shelley's birthday!

May all of your tomorrows be bright and beautiful!

Love and Prayers always!

My son just called from Argentina and it is chilly there.

He will buy another sweater.

He had 5 steaks at a restaurant just now.

He said the food is fabulous and very inexpensive.

He is enjoying his travels.

I see the world through his eyes and Kim and Drew's!

Smile darlings!

Jeanne's Joy Fest Summer of 2006

I am in my absolute glory when I am surrounded by my precious loved ones.
It has been an absolutely marvelous summer
for me.
Two of our children visiting from Asia
and many family functions.
How blessed am I?
An absolute Joy Fest!
Our lives are a rich tapestry of things we have done and said
with memories of those we love
outlined in golden thread!
Enjoy your Friday darlings!
Weekend
Weekend
Cha Cha Cha
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

The Mighty Quinn

Come all without, come all within,
You'll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn.



~The Mighty Quinn by Bob Dylan

July 28th Quinn turns 6 years of age
which truly amazes me. How time has passed so quickly by.
Dani his Mother is a very dear and precious friend to me.
We have watched our children grow
and shared many stories between us
on the memories of it all.
It all begins and ends with family!
Happy Birthday Precious Quinn!~
May Heaven smile softly and hear your every wish!
I love you Dani!
Have a piece of glorious cake for me and also make a special wish
from me too for your golden child!

Fabulous Shopping Days

Birdies Nest
Photo used with permission from the owners of Birdies Nest.
My Sister went to this store in Chatham and found some exquisite things. It is a place we hope to go to soon.
We have done our share of shopping lately, with our children visiting from Asia.
Perhaps we will wait a few weeks.
Smile darlings!

Kim and Drew are safely in Japan.
Mt. Fuji they hope to climb!

The summer is fast and fleeting so please savor every ounce of it.

The Black Dress

The iconic black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" will go on sale in December with an estimated price tag of 50-70,000 pounds ($90-130,000), Christie's auctioneers said on Wednesday.

The dress, designed by Givenchy and worn by Hepburn in the memorable opening scene of the classic romantic comedy, is being auctioned on behalf of the City of Joy Aid charity which helps underprivileged children in India.

It is the star lot of the annual film and entertainment sale at Christie's, in London's upmarket South Kensington, held this year on December 5.

Hepburn, who plays Holly Golightly in the movie, emerges from a cab onto a deserted, early-morning 5th Avenue in New York and peers through the window of jeweller Tiffany's while she eats her breakfast from a brown paper bag.

Thank you Martinis,Persistence, and a Smile

I visit this site daily to keep me up to date on the stars babeeeeeeee~

Blessings to you all.

Off to rest, relax and rejuvinate!

Special is a Word I use for You

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Marcel Proust

I love you so very much Wendy.
You are more than a cousin and a friend.
You are a very very very special part of my soul!
God blessed the day I found you!~

You say hello I say goodbye

"One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."

-- Andre Gide
The Counterfeiters (1925)

Taken last night at the Sand Bar Restaurant
for Kim's farewell dinner.
They left for a vacation to Japan today to climb Mt. Fuji.
We had a fabulous time.
Today was very emotional for us all.
I like hello so much better than any good-bye.
Safe travels Kim and Drew.
Justin is having a fabulous time in South America.
A long email arrived today.

A special thank you to Dani for working your magic on my blog
to make all things look so pretty and thank you Shelley
for the background and code to put it in and Dani fixing up my blog~
I love you both so very much.

We had a cake very much like this last night and it was fabulous darlings.
Remember for some money may talk but chocolate sings!

Chocolate Tunnel Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 package (3.9 ounces) chocolate instant pudding
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 package chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup water

Heat oven to 375°F.
Spray bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine pudding mix, milk and morsels in small bowl, set aside.

Mix cake mix, oil, eggs and water until smooth.

Pour about 1/2 of the cake batter in a bundt pan, then gently spoon the pudding in a circular pattern around the middle of the ring of the bundt pan. Spread remaining cake batter over the pudding. Bake 35 - 40 minutes. Cool about 10 minutes, then invert very carefully onto a round cake plate. Let cool and frost with a glaze or just some whipped topping.

This cake is very delicate and falls easily because of the pudding part. If it falls, don't worry, it will still taste great - just ask the kids.

We had it at the restaurant last night warm with ice cream.

Soooooooo delicious!

Ruby Tuesday

"Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson
US Poet, essayist and transcendentalist (1803-1882)

Justin has arrived safely in Punte Del Este Uruguay.

He loves it!

Kim and Drew leave tomorrow morning for Japan for a vacation.

They hope to climb Mt. Fuji!

"Fear less, cherish more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe
more; talk less, listen more; hate less, love more; and all good
things are yours."

-Old Swedish Proverb

When we feel good about any person, place or circumstance in our
lives, appreciate it and are grateful for it, we are, in essence,
telling the Universe we want more of the same.
It's as if we've looked at life's menu and told the waitstaff, "Oh,
I really like this. I'll have more, please."

And every time we give attention to something by being crtical of
it, by being angry, resentful, fearful or envious, we're also
choosing from life's menu. In essence, we're saying, "Oh, I really
don't like this at all, but I never get what I really want anyway,
so go ahead, bring it on."

Designing a triumphantly abundant life calls for paying more
attention to what we do want and less attention to what we don't.
It really is that simple. Because the way life is designed -- more
or less -- gives us control of our destiny through every more or
less choice we make.


Know that you are loved beyond measure and a cherished blessing to
me.

May your day be filled with all things good.


© copyright 2006 by Kate Nowak, Live More Abundantly Productions.
All Rights Reserved

Two Beautiful Relatives

Erinn on the right in black pictured here with her cousin Ashley.
Taken yesterday at Erinn's graduation party.
My favorite cousin Wendy hosted a fabulous feast yesterday
and we all had such a marvelous time
at her most exquisite home.
It is a slice of Paradise!
It all begins and ends with family!

Missing my Son already

"The best mirror is an old friend."

-- German Proverb

Photo taken of my son and grandangel

at a family dinner before he departed for Brazil!

I can hardly wait to see my son's photo's from Brazil.
I miss him so much already.
Kim leaves on Wednesday morning with Drew
for a vacation in Japan.
*it has been an absolute Joy Fest having them visit us*
It all begins and ends with family!

Monday Monday

It was a weekend of fabulous out door parties.
Forever grateful for all the lovley
family and friends we have to share
good times with.
The summer is rapidly passing by!
Love and hugs
Embracing our bliss.

This day is a Rose of fresh Garden Delights

How wonderful it is to hand pick garden flowers
from our back yard and transport them
for pleasure
to our tables.
How wonderful life is with you in the world.
Off to celebrate at yet another party today.
We had a wonderful party last night at Drew's parents home.
We are having an absolute joy fest.
Justin called from Brazil.
He said it is fabulous!
I can hardly wait to see all of his photographs!
How enchanted a life our two children lead that live in Asia!
Dr. and Mrs. Adams both agreed that after travelling to Asia
they can see why our children love the life there!
They both feel as our children do that North America is being left behind
in technology and many aspects of life.
My son has always been a visionary!
How proud I am of our children.
It all begins and ends with family and friends and faith and good times shared.
Have a beautiful Sunday!

My beautiful friend Karen and her Grand Angel

July 19th was my beautiful friend Karen's birthday
She was cooling off with her precious grand angel!
Ahhhhhh that feels better!
Buckle a close friend around your heart!

Friday Weekend, Weekend Cha Cha Cha

Enjoying the hummingbirds of Summer
They are back at our feeder.
Little fluttering wings like magical fairies!


Legends say the hummingbirds float free of time
carrying our hopes of love, joy and celebration.
Like a hummingbird, be sure to aspire and hover
and savor each sliver of summer.
It is fast and fleeting.
Moments pass quickly.
Embrace all that life has to offer today
and celebrate joy
and embrace your bliss.
The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich,
and beauty is everywhere.
Every personal connection has meaning and that
laughter is one of life's sweetest creations.
I altered part of this text in a greeting card tag
I received from Papyrus.
I love you all so much.
It will be another joy fest weekend.
Parties both days full of summer's serenade!
Byyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeee*************

Happiness is a Voyage

Happiness Is A Voyage

We convince ourselves that life will be better once we are married,

have a baby, then another.

Then we get frustrated because our children are not old enough,

and that all will be well when they are older.

Then we are frustrated because they reach adolescence and we must deal with them.

Surely we'll be happier when they grow out of the teen years.

We tell ourselves our life will be better when our spouse gets his/her act together,

when we have a nicer car, when we can take a vacation, when we finally retire.

The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now.

If not, then when?

Your life will always be full of challenges.

It is better to admit as much and to decide to be happy in spite of it all.

For the longest time, it seemed that life was about to start.
Real life.

But there was always some obstacle along the way,

an ordeal to get through, some work to be finished, some time to be given, a bill to be paid.

Then life would start.

I finally came to understand that those obstacles were life.

That point of view helped me see that there isn't any road to happiness.

Happiness is the road.

So, enjoy every moment.

Stop waiting for school to end, for a return to school, to lose ten pounds,

to gain ten pounds, for work to begin, to get married, for Friday evening,

for Sunday morning, waiting for a new car, for your mortgage to be paid off,

for spring, for summer, for fall, for winter,

for the first or the fifteenth of the month,

for your song to be played on the radio, to die, to be reborn…

before deciding to be happy.

Happiness is a voyage, not a destination.

There is no better time to be happy than… NOW!
Live and enjoy the moment.

(Author unknown)

A precious video to watch

A new blog to visit

Aunt Shelley's Scrapbook
Please visit my dear friend Shelley's new blog it is
bright and beautiful as always
just like her!
I am saying special prayers for my friend as I have always done.
When prayers go up blessings come down.

"Every day, think as you wake up,

today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive,

I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself. To expand my heart out to others,

to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings,

I am going to have kind thoughts toward others,

I am not going to get angry, or think badly about others,

I am going to benefit others as much as I can."

-- Dalai Lama

Happy July 19th

Your morning thought for the day:
Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy
for work and driving through traffic in a car that
you are still paying for -- in order to get to the
job you need to pay for the clothes and the car,
and the house you leave vacant all day so you
can afford to live in it.
-- Ellen Goodman

I am glad I am no longer part of the rat race.
Rushing to and fro from work and back and burned out in between.
I love my quiet simple life enjoying my time to embrace life
and my bliss.

Last night we had a lovely dinner with Kim and Drew and Drew's parents
and other family members.
We missed Justin already.
He is more than likely in Brazil by now
having his own joy fest.

I send prayers up to Heaven to Robbie, Justin's Dad
who passed away on this date in 1992.
God bless your soul!

Rio De Janeiro

Rio De Janeiro Lyrics

Have you been there? (4x)
What're you talkin' about, man?
I'm talkin' about Rio, Rio, Rio, Rio.

I've been to Rio de Janeiro.
I love the fun in the sun and the people.
In Rio de Janeiro, it's so exciting to see,
no matter where you go.

Any time, day or night, everything is so alive.
Music there is really hot.
You should see 'em do the Rio rock.
Nothing like it nowhere else.
It's a feeling that I've never felt.
Never stops, never ends.
It blows your mind just being there.

In Rio de Janeiro,
I love the fun in the sun with the people.
In Rio de Janeiro, it's so exciting to see,
no matter where you go.

I went to Sugar Hill the other night.
From the top you see the city lights.
Took the cable car to the other side.
The moon above was big and bright.
Then I saw this huge crowd.
People dancing and singing loud.
People smiled as I walked around.
I felt so good, so I got down.
In Rio, Rio de Janeiro.

We took Justin to the airport in Detroit very early this morning.
He departs for Brazil as I type this.
Here we go again.
Smile darlings.
I will see him one month from today.
He made a special point to fly back to Detroit to spend
a couple of days with us before he departs for Asia again
in September.
Blessings!

Freebird

James took off his tux near the end of the night
to dance with his Bride.
She was laughing so hard.
Everyone had a fabulous time!
They fly off to Hawaii tomorrow for a lovely honeymoon!

Everyone had a fabulous time at at the wedding last night.
Here my son is with a very good long time friend Ryan Hurley
My son is ready to fly again.
He heads out Tuesday morning for Brazil for the rest of the summer
He's a Freebird
Always has been!

Freebird
Lynyrd Skynyrd

If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelling on, now,
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.
But, if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.

Bye, bye, its been a sweet love.
Though this feeling I can't change.
But please don't take it badly,
'Cause Lord knows I'm to blame.
But, if I stayed here with you girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change.
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Lord help me, I can't change

Wedding Bells are Ringing

Justin stood in the wedding party for two
great friends today July 15, 2006
James and Sue wed
at St. Gregory's Church
St. Clair Beach, Ontario

How wonderful for everyone!
Wedded bliss is a treasured blessing!

Beautiful Jennifer

I love this beautiful young lady Jennifer so very much.
Her Mother raised her so well as she did her
late Sister in Heaven.
Jennifer will too become a Princess Bride in October.
This picture was taken at her wedding shower in June 2006.
So beautiful inside and out!

JENNIFER JUNIPER
Donovan

Jennifer Juniper lives upon the hill,
Jennifer Juniper, sitting very still.
Is she sleeping ? I don't think so.
Is she breathing ? Yes, very low.
Whatcha doing, Jennifer, my love ?
Jennifer Juniper, rides a dappled mare,
Jennifer Juniper, lilacs in her hair.
Is she dreaming ? Yes, I think so.
Is she pretty ? Yes, ever so.
Whatcha doing, Jennifer, my love ?
I'm thinking of what it would be like if she loved me.
You know just lately this happy song it came along
And I like to somehow try and tell you.
Jennifer Juniper, hair of golden flax.
Jennifer Juniper longs for what she lacks.
Do you like her ? Yes, I do, Sir.
Would you love her ? Yes, I would, Sir.
Whatcha doing Jennifer, my love ?
Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper.
Jennifer Juniper vit sur la colline,
Jennifer Juniper assise trs tranquille.
Dort-elle ? Je ne crois pas.
Respire-t-elle ? Oui, mais tout bas.
Qu'est-ce que tu fais, Jenny mon amour ?
Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper, Jennifer Juniper.

Here Comes the Bride

The beautiful young lady on the right Sue
marries her Prince James today.
Justin is in the wedding party and Kim and Drew and all their
friends will share with their 2 dear friends
as they wed.
They have dated since high school.

Here comes the Bride!
We are going to the ceremony!

Food for Thought

Behold, I show you a mystery;

we shall not all sleep,

but we shall all be changed,

in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...

Corinthians

My son took me out for a fabulous lunch yesterday
to the Taloolah Cafe.
It was perfect for sitting outside enjoying the food and the ambiance.
We talked about a many great things.
Today Kim is taking her Dad out for a special lunch too.
They have a million things to do before the wedding on Saturday
so Paul and I have been taking them to all their appointments.
It is so much fun to have our cherubs here from Asia!
We are savoring every golden moment!
It all begins and ends with family!

The Princess Bride Part Two

My dear friend Nancy
came over last night and she showed me more photo's of
the gorgeous wedding of Nia and Chris.
How enchanted their new life of brand new beginnings
as man and wife.
I know they will have a very long and happy marriage!

My Parents

My cousin in North Carolina sent me this picture an Aunt had of my parents taken
many years ago here in Canada I believe.
I embrace my past.
I thank God for my wonderful Mother raising us so well in spite of it all.
How wonderful these photographs are to see.
I have very few pictures of my Father and the ones of he and my Mom
together are most precious to me.

Off to embrace my bliss!
Blessings!

Kim is here visiting as well!

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have,
but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."
--Frederick Keonig

We picked up Kim and Drew last night in Detroit.
Their flight was delayed over 4 hours from New York due to bad weather.
Paul and I had them arrive at Detroit Airport at 2:33 AM
Needless to say Paul has taken the cherubs out for the day and I am resting.
I am treasuring every golden moment with Justin, Kim and Drew while
they are here!
Treasured times!
It all begins and ends with family!

Son Shine

"Love is not a matter of what happens in life. It's a matter of what's happening in your heart."

- Ken Keyes

My days with my Son Shine are pure Heaven~

God has blessed me real good!

We pick up Kim and Drew tonight.

Yipee!

A happy family is but an earlier Heaven!

Monday Monday

"Change takes but an instant. It's the resistance to change that can take a lifetime."

- Hebrew Proverb

Happy Monday everyone.

Off to embrace my bliss and treasure the day.

Be well my friends

Love you Sugar Plums!

The Princess Bride

My beautiful friend Nia got married yesterday
and this was taken prior to the commencement of the ceremony.
She was beautiful as always, her groom so handsome
and everything was exquisite with Nia's touch everyone.

Two people who belong together make a world!
God bless you Nia and Chris!

Love is all you need!

Son Shine Superman!

Justin Joy Fest!
For Sure
We are all enjoying our time with Justin so very much.
He has a multitude of friends
so we have to nab him while we can.
Kim and Drew arrive on Tuesday.
We are in our glory!!!!!!!!!!

Go to Greece Babeeeeeeee

"Daily Photo's of Greece


Daily photo's of Greece.


The world is full of beaty
When the heart is full of love!


"God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.
Have you used one to
say 'thank you'?"

- William Arthur Ward

If you can't think of anything you're thankful for, then stop what
you're doing for one second, take a deep breath and relax.
Congratulations. You now have a reason to give thanks.

May your day be filled with all things good.

Happy Friday

Friday
Weekend, Weekend, Cha Cha Cha

My son and I had a fabulous Thai meal
at a restaurant that just opened us near us.
My house is once again a flurry of activity
with Justin home.
I love it.
The hills are alive with the sound of music!
Giggles~

A good friend overlooks your broken-down
gate and admires the flowers in your window.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Pray for our world and let it be full of peace and love

You can imagine how Paul and I worry when we hear the news of late from North Korea.
As everyone in the world worries when threats proceed.

Please pray for our world and keep it safe and full of peace and love.

Love and hate are both four letter words.

Which one are you spreading?

Instructions for Life

“Instructions for Life” by The Dalai Lama

Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

Follow the three R’s: Respect for Self, Respect for Others, and Responsibility for all you actions.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Spend some time alone every day.

Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Live a good, honorable life, then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it second time.

A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

Be gentle with the Earth.

Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Judge your success by you had to give up in order to get it.

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Happy Wednesday

It matters not what lies before us
It matters not what lies behind us
What matters is what lies within us.

Blessings!

Son shine came softly

My son in Seoul 2006

"To understand your parents' love,

you must raise children yourself."

- Chinese Proverb

It is the little things well done that make up a truly good life
~Theodore Roosevelt

I am embracing every ounce of my time with my son.
Life does not get any better than this!!!!!!!!!
Happy July 4th my American Family and friends.
Off to frolic in the joy!

Happy 4th of July!

To My Son Every time I hear this song I think of you!

You are the SON shine of my life!

BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES (Joshua Kadison)

You’re my piece of mind, in this crazy world
You’re every thing I've tried to find
Your love is a pearl
You’re my Mona Lisa
You’re my rainbow skies
And my only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes...

The world will turn
And the seasons will change
And all the lessons we will learn
Will be beautiful and strange
We'll have our fell of tears
Our share of sight
My only prayer is that you realize
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes...

You will always be beautiful in my eyes
And the passing is the show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes

And there are lines upon my face
From a life time of smiles
When the time comes to embrace
For one long last wine
We can laugh about how time really flies
We won’t say goodbye
‘Cause true love never dies
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes...

You will always be beautiful in my eyes
And the passing is the show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes

The passing is the show
That you will always grow
Ever more beautiful in my eyes...

Here Comes The Son

Fairies blessed me with a sleep from Heaven last night.
My son is home for a visit from Asia!!!!!!!!!!


Here comes the SON

Little darling its been a long cold lonely winter
Little Darling it seems like years since you've been here
The SON Shine is home for a visit.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh
All is right in my world again!
He brought sunshine, happiness and sparkle as he always does.
He brought us so many lovely gifts.
We cooked him a fabulous steak dinner and talked.
He is very tired as he landed in Chicago and had
a bachelor party right away with his good friends.
They drove him home here and he was feeling very tired last night.
He showed me all the letters he got from his students and their parents.
He is well loved!!!!!
I am so proud to be his Mother!
Ah we can hardly wait to welcome Kim and Drew home next.
It is never good when you are thousands of miles apart of those
dearest to your heart!
Trust me on this one.
The Drama from the Mama
is ongoing when I am missing and aching for my dear hearts!
Giggles!

Cars

Baby you can drive my car
Yes I'm going to be a star.
We took our grand angels to see the movie Cars yesterday.
It was fabulous.
We then took them to mass and out to dinner.
We enjoyed the day so very much and I do believe
they did too!
It all begins and ends with family!

Lovely July....
with the evocative murmur of honey bees
on the wing
and the smell
of sun tan cream.
~Cynthia Wickham

Sultry, steaming sweltering July. Slow down. Or stop.
It's time to shed amibtion and expectation along with coummutes,
clothing, cellular phones, and calendars.
Now our wants seem to diminish.
Is it because our needs are met?
A shady nook, a cold drink, a cool breeze
whether indoors or out.
A respite from the rigors of the day.
Time off for good behavior.
Summer is not so much a season as it is a melody,
that tune of contentment we hum as the days
begin to beautifully blur.
The pursuit of happiness becomes our personal priority this month,
as the sweet strains of the season
beckson to us.
Harmony starting to be heard in all of our hearts.

Slightly modified but the above is from the fabulous book
Simple Abundance
A Daybook of Comfort and Joy!

Blessings of Love and Peace and Joy!

Nia and Chris and Mylo share their love and wed!

This photograph was borrowed from my dear friend Nia's weblog (see sidebar for link)
and today she weds her Prince.
She is most beautiful inside and out.
Even her precious Pug Mylo will be in the wedding party!
I love you Nia and wish you a world and a lifetime of love, joy, health, and happiness!

Til There Was You

There were bells on a hill
But I never heard them ringing
No I never heard them at all
'Til there was you
There were birds in the sky
But I never saw them winging
No I never saw them at all
'Til there was you
Then there was music and wonderful roses
They tell me in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and you
There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No I never heard it at all
'Til there was you
Then there was music and wonderful roses
They tell me in sweet fragrant meadows of dawn and you
There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No I never heard it at all
'Til there was you
'Til there was you

Happy Canada Day!

Today's Windsor Star featured on the front page, the grand angel of
dear friends of ours Gary and Jane Fazekas
their grand angel Sara far left shared
July 1st birthday's with
Luc Trotti and Mia Brieda.

Today also would have been dear Lisa's birthday
our daughter Kim's late friend.
They called it Lisa's Day.
She will be remembered always!

Today a darling friend Nia becomes a Princess Bride!
Blessings Nia and Chris!!!!!!!
We are taking our grand angels out for a day of celebration
for Canada's birthday and their fabulous report cards.

Bonne Fete Canada!
Have a safe and lovely holiday.
July 1st.
Rabbit, Rabbit!