A Glorious Day

Connecticut. So much beauty surrounds us. This is one of my favorite working farms in Connecticut. I love to see the different seasons. AND the cows make me laugh!

"Ladies in Waiting"

I get a kick out of these cows! All of theo little ladies lined up for their afternoon buffet. If only they could talk! I love the sign posted right by the trough ..."Ladies in Waiting." Gotta love a farmer with a sense of humor.

A Valentine for Grace

One More Time!

That blackboard wall paint that I used back in the fall added one more place in the house for some fun! Who could be happier to draw those classic girly puffy letters, write, doodle and decorate freely with chalk than 16 year old girls?

I loved watching the girls giggling and being their silly selves all dressed in their sweet dressed-up-out-to-dinner teenage skirts and dresses! It reminded that all of these girls are still the same little girls that were here for Grace's 6 year old dress-up party! I feel blessed to be able to see these children grow over the years. I still wonder... are we all still who we were at age 5 or 6?

Certainly it seems we all have the same spirit....even if some of us have it well hidden deep inside...I believe it's there. How about you....where's your 6 year old spirit? Find it and have some fun! Today. Share it. Ask your mom who she was at 6 years old..... I bet that's who she is today with just a bit more life experience!

Ten Reasons Why Boo,The Kitty, Loves Me

1. I feed him 2. I pet him 3. I wear the colors he likes to sleep on....all cats know how to accessorize 4. I try not to laugh when he makes a giant leap and falls short 5. Apparently, I'm comfortable. 6. He loves my 98.6 temperature to absorb my heat 7. I talk funny when I speak to him 8. He likes the dog beds that I chose.....apparently ....because I always find him sleeping in them while the dogs sleep on the hardwood floor 9. He likes me as his computer teacher and always arrives at the same I do.......apparently.....because he always arrives at the same time as I do.....and pokes at all of the keys. 10. He talks to me all day long.

Goldens and Sunshine..Golden Sunshine

Either way, it's a beautiful day for all of us! Sunshine and snow. Ahhhhh. The reflection of sun on the shiny white glaze seems to warm my whole being. Even Daisy and Fitzy are loving it...Daisy rolls over on the frozen snow as if to bathe in the sunshine and clean her coat...although I still check to be sure she's not rolling on a mouse or some other creature that has been dropped of at the house by Jinx as a proud offering to let us know he's taking care of us. Usually, his best work is done while Biff is out ....to let us know he's working hard to keep us safe Our little jungle keeps us jumping!

There is hope that spring will come. Life is good...it's in the air. 

Thank You!

Share The Love Everyday!

For Biff...

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Love. I love the flowers! I just love those shoes! We love the cape. We love sailing. I love the new color in the dining room. I love my blog. "Love" is one of those words we use frequently througout the day. Our priest reminded us of that on our wedding day.

I think of Fr. Bill Costello almost every time I use the word casually.

I say "I love you" to Grace, T.J. and Biff freely as we hang up the phone during the day.

I say it to lots of long distance friends, to family as I say my goodbyes on the phone too. 

Even my brothers....those big Irishmen who have been in my life for my whole life (obviously!) They may not show it outwardly but they show it in other very simple ways. For example, one sent me a text with a very old family photo. He's a long distance brother and we don't speak often BUT when he does something loving or thoughtful, just letting me know he's thinking of me.....that's love...that would be considered effusive! I'll take it. I will be happy that he thought to keep in touch....in a 2011 way. I'll take it! 

My other brother shows his love in other ways. He's always looked out for me.....for as long as I can remember. Even in December.....he knew I drove into the city with Grace to see his daughter. Later that night, he called to make sure my car hadnt been towed! Why? Because my niece happened to mention that I parked on Fifth Avenue.....upper 5th Avenue....for free! I loved in New York City. I grew up going to the city. I worked in the city. Yet, he calls. To make sure I'm safe! I'm how old now? Everyone shows it in different ways. 

Love is a gift. I say "I love you" to Grace, T.J. and Biff throughout the day. Is that too much? I say I love you to some old friends on the phone as we say goodbye on the phone. I say "I love you" to family. Is it too much? Not for me. If I mean it....why not?

Ski date...while the kids are away the mice will play!

STRATTON mountain

Anything

Fitz always finds something to sleep on that belongs to one of us. Today, she has chosen a black neoprene boot by the back door. Can you see her sweet face? She just wants to love and she oves to be loved.

When she needs to settle down. she finds comfort laying on our stuff, next to our stuff. She wants our food too and if I leave the room for one minute she laps up my coffee...she has just finished a full box of Starbucks Hot Cocoa ......she had some crazy times with the sugar/chocolate rush. Good thing she's cute. 

Who Ever Thought?

Well...it's really because I'm a Leo...you know, the lion. OR lioness in my case. King of the jungle, queen of the jungle...either way I look at the Leo's I know and yours truly, being treated like royalty is something that is comfortable to us.

Goddess? That's just fine with me! Shouldn't we all feel like a goddess once in awhile. Women today work really hard...at work, at home and everywhere. Just alone, the scheduling and coordinating of any woman I know is a full time job. 

All of us need our Goddess moment in the sun. We all need some light maintenance...just a breath...to do something to take care of ourselves...something above and beyond our everyday care.

A friend told me about these "everything old is new again" curlers. They're Velcro. I risked the outrageous look that freaked out our children...and oh yes, Biff too!

It's worth it. The Velcro curlers work like magic! They gave me a sort of Goldilocks look. They gave my hair "the bounce of a beach ball!" .... as my "Splash" shampoo ad campaign for my advertising class promised.

My curls were not giant...they were bouncy and subtle...by the photo at the end of the day, they mellowed. My hair still felt a touch prettier than the generic rush rush rush blow dry I manage to squeeze into my morning schedule. 

I feel better. That's a nice feeling for any lioness and her mane! It takes so little to give ourselves a little boost. When our children ask me where I'm going and why is my hair done so nicely, I have to take the hint...I deserve to take some time for myself more often. Not accomplishing things on a list.....just taking time to do something that makes me feel more like me....when I was single and just had me think about...to take care of....to spend money on.

Some things that put "the me back in me":

1. Manicure/ pedicure

2. Haircut / blow dry

3. Lunch with girlfriends

4. Massage

5. A leisurely shower

6. Going to a museum to see a collection that I love

7. A nap ...for the relaxation not because of exhaustion

8. Exercise class (currently Zumba)

9. Paint or create something beautiful

10. A whole day to myself....with my own agenda

What do you do to take care of you? Everyday? Once a week? Never? Something to think about. I've also learned it's good to teach our children to listen to their bodies.....rest and care and quiet are good for us all.

Stand By Me

Do you have a go-to bag? For as longo as I can remember, an L.L.Bean Canvas Bag or Boat Tote (monogrammed of course!) to carry me through my days, months and years. 

Like a good old friend, my canvas bag has been with me through the years. I actually have good memories of places my bag/s have carried me (metaphorically.)

L.L. Bean canvas totes through the years (please sing along with Willie Nelson if you feel compelled...that's the song in my head as I write!)

1. High School books

2. College weekends

3. Toting my shoes while wearing Tretorns for my walk. from the Upper East Side to Brooks Brothers...like everyone else in the 80's!

4. Using the large tote to carry my laundry while living in the city.

5. To the beach and visiting friends for weekends...getting out of the city.....

6. As a magazine "rack" at home

7. Mom gave the large tote to Biff and I, with our married monogram! Great gift, by the way.

8. Packing baby books and little toys for big road trips with Grace and T.J.

9. Grace and T.J. for there weekend totes, monogrammed of course!

10. E-Bay tools for biz

An Overnight

Dark. Quiet. Empty. Missing. 

When Biff has to be out on business, we miss him. It's just not the same. We all know it....that's just the way it is. But.....after I take care of all of my own projects, work and home....kids, dogs, cats, fish and me......I'm exhausted and ready for a good nights sleep. Moms can do that....sleep from exhaustion or sleep because we're just plain tired.

 It's something else. After kissing the kids goodnight, I go to our room and I miss Biff. Sure, we say our "Good night and God Bless you" over the phone...even by text these days. It's just not the same. I'm grateful for the fun we have together....even at good night!

One Day At A Time Makes Sense To Me

As mom used to say,"Don't wish your life away!"

Today

February ...I can feel it already. This month is the beginning of the end of winter! Winter is wonderful..each season is special to me. 

It's not that I feel the need to rush the seasons....there is still some skiing and skating that Biff and I want to do with our family. Here are my thoughts on why its no fun to wish our Connecticut winters away:

1. The reflection of the sun, which has crept slowly into our days, has given me that awesome feeling of basking in the sumptuous summer sun. 

2. It's the daylight, the clear sky at night with spectacular clusters of stars dancing in the heavens.

3. The sweet sunsets with pinks and blues and perwinkle sweeps across the sky.

4. The air I breathe feels so pure and cold and clean.

5. Cherished memories of winters past.

This is the beginning of the end of my winter. One day at a time as they say.

When does your winter end? When do you consider it to be Spring? It's fun to think about what signs are out there in our world that are little landmarks in our days, months or years.

Bunker Hill

Still. Since the quiz show ran a bit late, we did not go to The Museum of Science as we had planned soooooooo we took a spin from the pbs station across the Charles River, around Harvard, Radcliffe, MIT and Charlestown. Biff and I decided that we were doing a drive-by history tour. We had wonderful conversation and lots of fun. 

As I drove up the narrow street that led directly to Bunker Hill, I had a flashback to my grammar school days and my visit to Bunker Hill with mom and Grandma....we drove by while mom recited the midnight ride of Paul Revere....or the bits and pieces she could pull together. 

At that moment, I realized that mom and Grandma had only done the drive-by too. I instantly became determined to park the car, walk up the steps to this National Park and take in some good old historical plaques.

NOPE! Parking possibilities were less than ideal with snow and slush everywhere so.... as we sat in the double parked car, I ordered my family to get out of the car, walk up the steps and gather intelligent historical information to retain for the rest of their American lives. I told them to read everything. It was their mission. They WOULD NOT have the drive-by that had been my history lesson!

I did attempt to get a parking spot.....bad parking karma. I noticed the park ranger was just getting off duty for the day. late afternoon... That was when I knew the real hard truth....again, I would do the drive-by BUT our children would get more.....it would be better for them!

I circled Bunker Hill and didn't stop until I saw the whites of their eyes! They were less than thrilled but my conscience was clear!

Reading

Ahhhhhhhhhh. The library. One ofpokm my favorite places. Shhhhhhhhhhhh. The quiet is something I can count on and my head spins with delight at the rows and rows and rows of reading treasures. Today I stopped in to pay an overdue fee which was worthy of putting a new wing in with our family's name. After returning books, books on tape and a couple of videos, it was a treat to cozy up in one of the big cushy winged back chairs and read magazines to my heart's content! 

I have created a little challenge for myself in this rather new year. I am not buying magazines this year! I love magazines....lots of them....they foster my creativity and in general, they are filler with pretty people, places and things. But I don't need them filling up my tabletops.... while this newly begun magazine freeze has already been challenging at times.....like those spontaneous pickups at the grocery store.......and it's only February! 

I can admit this. I have a problem. I need serious help. I love to buy magazines. There are so many to choose from.They are my escape. With a cup of tea or coffee, I can sit and read, get inspired by colors or designs or artists and be swept into my own creative whirlwind!

Don't feel pity for me....I still have an annual Christmas gift subscription that's from an old friend , great selections when I'm at the hair salon or treating myself to a pedicure and the library!

It's only February .....I think it's possible to keep it up. Very much a habit....buying magazines for a little treat and a quiet moment......it sure seems like even more fun stopping into the library to leaf through my favorites. Sometimes I even bring a Starbucks just like old times!

Magazine Junkie

Congratulations!   Your request for tickets to The Nate Berkus Show has been granted & we are thrilled to have you join us! Please read the guidelines below to ensure your reservation. Print this and bring it with you. No physical tickets will be distributed until the day of taping.

Show Date:  THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10th, 2011

Murphy's Law! You know this before your read any further.....I cant' go. As the plans were being made, calling friends to join me....I was invited with THREE friends.....very involved when you're friends are moms with all kinds of crazy schedules and kids(the kids aren't crazy....oh wait, many have teens so maybe they are!) and Biff's schedule......I learned that Biff's plans were not coordinating with mine. Business got in the way. Schedules got in the way. I think even I got in my own way!

That's that.  But....we could have guessed that as soon as I clicked on the date of the show!

Friends

littlemarymixup!

Can you believe it? My good friend found this Littlemarymixup Book for my Christmas present! It's funny that I have only come to realize where my mother got this nickname for me in the last year....maybe the last 6 months. Mom just died a couple of years ago....imagine that in all of the years that she would toss out her "littlemarymixup" line after one of my own little stories, it never occurred to me to ask her where she got the name! Now that she's not able to answer, it's been coming to me slowly....through others. 

We just met a lovely older woman and her husband while we were in Vermont skiing at New Years. The gentleman was 80 years old, the lady was 78 when we began chatting over lunch in the Stratton lodge. Since their age came up in conversation, I thought to ask if they knew of the littlemarymixup cartoon. THEY DID! 

Of course they did...they were of a certain age and proud of it, like my mom. They  were most interesting and so upbeat! Well, to say they were upbeat was an understatement.....the gentleman had just come in from skiing!!!!  80 years old and skiing! Their generation seems to be the good, strong Americans that keep on going no matter what. It seems to me that those of that generation have been the get it done generation. 

They have all lived through so much change and have survived the difficult days without big complaints or whining about troubles.....most I know seem to keep pushing onward and upward! How could we not look to them as role models. They're not all around anymore but the ones who have left us have given us their strength and good example to emulate.

We are truly blessed to learn from the generations ahead of us. We learn from history and those that go before us. 

How many wonderful older people are in our lives? How can we all give them the respect that they deserve? Do we ever thank a veteran for protecting our free country? Do we really give them the respect that should come with age and life experience? Do we take time to look an older person in the eye and smile as we pass through the doors of the local coffee shop or pharmacy? 

We may not have everyone we love with us anymore. I know I wish I could ask mom more questions. More than just the littlemarymixup questions. I had lots of time with mom and we spent plenty fo time chatting and discussing the world, the family, the fashions of today, our feelings, our ups, our downs, our joys and blessings.....and still, there's so  much more I wish I could know from her. Everyday, something comes up and I wish I could call her to ask. Sometimes little things. Sometimes family history. 

I am grateful for so much time with mom. I am grateful for our laughter and even some of our little frustrations with each other along the way...they made our relationship stronger and deeper. I was blessed to really know my mother and much of her family. But, I'll always have questions. Mostly about the simplest things. 

Smarty Pants

Our team had a great day! We had a great day! I had to hold my Biff back from blurting out the answers to the general knowledge questions! He was bursting with random information and correct answers.....BUT it was a HIGH SCHOOL QUIZ SHOW!

WGBH BOSTON

HIGH SCHOOL QUIZ SHOW! Here we are at WGBH Boston to see our friend Camden participate in this public high school quiz competition. We're with a full audience and waiting for the show to begin. We're watching Billy Costa, the host of the show, chat with the audience and the competitors. Awesome to be here today!

Oh what a Beautiful Morning!

(Substitute evening)....

Just Beautiful!

Soooooo Beautiful

Beautiful

That's her name. We're up visiting our friends near Boston. Late arrival. Very tired. While getting comfy cozy on the couch, I find that I'm not alone even though Biff, Grace and T.J. and our friend, Graham have just tiptoed up to bed.

As I read the day's emails, Beautiful gets snuggled on my chest.....like every kitty I've ever known, on the prettiest color accessory available to call attention to her fancy feline fur!

We have known Beautiful from her Kitty days when she found our friends. She just appeared one day and made herself at home. She lives a nice life and gets lots of love. It's such a gift to have animals in our lives...they allow us to see things from a different perspective...with no agenda or itinerary...just being where we are.

Daisy and I Out For a Ride in the Car...

What fun we have when we're out on our own.....we have no leashes like we do when Fitz is with us. I don't have to straddle the groceries while driving and swat at her to keep her in the back....hopefully keeping her from eating our dinner for that night.
Daisy and I have our quality time and Fitz gets some quiet time at home. Daisy is so gentle, sweet, well behaved and nurturing. Fitz is a gentle soul with a need for speedy runaway time on the lookout for food at the neighbors' kitchens, garbage cans ....or in their cars if the doors are opened.

Without missing a beat, she has leapt into our neighbor's car, globbed up all of the loose Cheerios on the floor of the high end s.u.v. and dashed out the door to make an attempt at the little girl's Easter Basket....but my hero, Biff, intercepted and tackled the adorable beast to the ground. As for the little girl's mom who is terrified of dogs....she now drives her car directly into her dog free garage and doesn't get out of her car until the coast is clear!

Quality time with Daisy is just some time in the car with a good friend. You know that friend....the one you can talk to about anything...day or night....the friend who's always up for any adventure....the friend who listens to you through ups and Downs....the friend who will jump in the car for any road trip...the friend who makes you happy just because you know that she's there...a truly good friend...a loyal friend forever!

Connecticut sunshine,snow and steeple!

What a day! Cold isn't cold to me anymore. We've had so much freezing cold that today seems like a mild spring day. Then again, not.

Sunshine

To have sunshine.....it may as well be Spring! There's more snow on the way but somehow it's no big deal. We've lived through so many storms, one more seems insignificant. This will be the big one...I haven't bought more milk or bread this time!

Ice Skates

What great weather for ice skating! It's easier said than done....even in Connecticut. Yes, this is New England. Skating on ponds is wonderful but someone has to shovel off the snow in order to skate. Indoor rinks are another possibility...BUT ice hockey is big business in New England and ice time is precious and pricey! Hours for public skating is limited. Not all rinks are open to the public. I'll keep my skates in the car....maybe Biff's too. We need to skate....skate and date.p

Running Wild at the Beach

Happy doggies!

Re-Lilly: Celebrating 3000+ Re-Lilly Fans, Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2011 & Purselady Too Giveaway!

Re-Lilly: Celebrating 3000+ Re-Lilly Fans, Lilly Pulitzer Spring 2011 & Purselady Too Giveaway!

10 Reasons Why My Blog Makes Me Crazy

1.   I love to write my blog.

2.   My technological abilities are not in sync with my creativity.

3.   I never think it's as good as I would like it to be.

4.   I would like to spend all day on my blog....not happening!

5.   I feel frustrated that I don't spend enough time on my blog.

6.   Always want more followers...which sends me to #7

7.   It's kind of depressing that I don't get followers.

8.   That shouldn't matter to me if I love to write

9.    I always want to make it prettier but don't have time

10.  It's one more place that I can't be perfect!!!!!!!

10 Reasons Why I love to Blog

1.   

It's my own place to write. Which includes venting, observing, reminiscing, laughing at myself and the life I live

2.  

It allows me to be creative and learn new ways to be creative through writing, photography and computer

3.

I love telling stories and this is a place to do it when no one else will listen!

4.

I like making my kids crazy! They say that I'm too OLD to blog! That makes it more fun.

5.

It makes me think about things that might otherwise go unnoticed!

6.

Blogging is a connection to the outside world....even if no one is reading my stuff....it's out there in thte universe as they say!

7.

It makes for some very interesting conversation....or it can end a conversation in an instant!

8.

Blogging has opened me up to all kinds of people who are passionate about their interests.

9.

Sometimes, I see life differently because of my blog.....I take a photo because I think if I don't post this on my blog, it would seem that I made this up!

10.

It's pretty cool that I have managed to do something for almost a year and a half.....rather religiously....unless technology has gotten in my way....or I have gotten in my own way!