Changes...the stuff that makes life interesting.

Well here we are at T-6 and counting until my Mom relocates. Preparing for her arrival, the holidays, and putting on a holiday party for the job is challenging. Although I do enjoy Christmas Day, the commercial frenzy has diminished my joy in the season itself.

My bouncing baby boy turned 22 last week. Wow, has it really been that long? His paternal Grandma came out to celebrate with him. I'm tickled that they are getting to know each other and enjoying the process so much. We went bowling with a group of family members from both sides. Yes even my Fuss bowled...heck she bowled a better game than I did. Sadly, that isn't hard to do, even for a two year old. LOL.

It's been 3 months and 7 days since RLW moved and I started living together. Let's just say it's a process, and leave it at that. He and JB have bonded and it's wonderful to see the respect and affection they have for each other...off the basketball court LOL.

McKenna is healthy and as lively as ever. Still bouncing around the house like the tiny puppy she's not. She and Fuss are still working out their ownership of my lap. I try not to get involved until it become a full-fledged shoving match.

Well it's late, and the office still needs to be taken down and turned into a bedroom for the next two weeks.

Wishing you and yours a joyous, healthy and prosperous Season.

Thanksgiving 2010

Wow is this year really so close to being over?  It seemed while I was going through all the drama that the day would never end, much less an entire year!

I'm thankful for so many things, that I can't list them all.  My family has managed to hang on to all it's members, despite Uncle Tommy's cancer.  He got a clean bill of health a few weeks ago.  God is so good all the time.

My Girlfriends are yet another source of strength.  They have prayed me through so many bad times this past year.  I can't imagine not being able to lean on them, and hopefully they know I'm here praying for them.

McKenna has settled in to her routine.   Darn Dane thinks she's a puppy and at any given time starts bounding and jumping around like she's 10 lbs instead of 110 lbs.  She and Fuss have their moments, and even though Mac tries to push her around (literally) my 2 year old grand daughter is having none of it.

My son has been a constant source of amazement.  God has made him into a fine, responsible young man.  He loves the stuffing out of his daughter, and the feeling is returned one thousand fold.  Reminds me of how I idolized my own Dad.

Mom will soon relocate here, and I'm sure that will bring many more challenges and opportunities.  I'm hoping she'll like her new home town and love it here as much as I do.

Well, even though I'm not "officially" cooking, I do have my collards on the back burner and my sweet potato pie in the oven.  Time to check on them.  Have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving.  Cherish the good people in your life over any material things you may or may not have.

Sending love,

Here it is a mere 3 months later

and I've since picked up a fiancee and no desire whatsoever to plan a wedding. A 23 minute talk with my Mom and my cousin convinced me that I was not even close wanting to fight over details. After the the 5th "you don't want that" and "oh no, you can't do that", was sorry I even mentioned a wedding.

So, my "young" man and I are off to the Justice of the Peace at some point. At some point in the future, we will or won't have a reception. I'm still holding out for a party outside where our two families can informally mix/mingle and get to know each other.

On the other hand, we can just take the $$ and go on a cruise, which is what he really wants to do.

Life is truly amazing

This weekend showed me again, just when you think you know something, it's not so.

Let's start with Saturday:

A very dear friend of mine has a fear of driving long distances on the interstate.  For years, she'd say she was coming, and would later recant.  Well I thought that this weekend would be more of the same.  So instead of cleaning for company, I did the opposite. I took the house apart (moved furniture, cleaned out cabinets) in general made a huge mess of the place.  Well lo and behold, guess who made it down the interstate!  So I had her over in a topsy turvy house.  We later went to see another GF that I'm ashamed to say I hadn't seen in 2 years, despite living 10 minutes away. I'm so damned proud of my Maris, I still break out in a smile when I think about it.

Moving on to Sunday:

Have been talking via cyberspace and Ma Bell to an old friend from 30 years ago. We met my freshman year in college. We would stay up all night talking about many different topics.  After two months we  started "seeing" each other.  When I didn't return for my sophomore year, we lost contact.  Reconnected 30 years later via Facebook, and it was as if we had just talked the day before.  We still talk about any and everything under the sun. Yesterday, we finally got to see one another F2F.  No tension  or nervousness.  It was a great day.  Ain't Facebook amazing?!

It's days like the past two that let me know just how truly blessed I am.

Hope you can say the same,

 

McKenna

Here's my newest "baby".  Her name is McKenna.  She's 3 years old and a rescued Great Dane.  A little underweight due to her previous owner using her only to breed and not feeding her enough.  She's beautiful, house trained, and a couch potato LOL.

She's brought new joy to my life, and I'm hoping to bring love and security to hers.


I'm so very blessed.  I'm sure you can say the same.

Good for me

I got news yesterday that I do not have breast cancer. Two mammograms and one ultra sound confirmed that the girls are just dense, not lumpy.

Funnily enough, I wasn't worried, I was able to give it over to God and not worry about it.  How liberating and freeing.

I also had a mid year review, and I'm doing ok according to my manager.  I start my new case with Child Advocates next week.  Really wish there wasn't a need for people who do my job there. However, I will do everything in my power to ensure my new clients are taken care of and that their best interests are represented.

Today was a good day, started out at the Bark Park with some Great Danes, Fuss and Crew were there as well.  Later drove out to the airport to look at a possible dog to adopt.  Of course I'm deeply in love with her already. Not sure what's going to happen, but if my home is not for her, she will be taken care of by someone who will love her at least as much as I do.

Hoping to finish unpacking the last of the boxes tomorrow, and yes I'm even going to the gym.

I am praying that you are as blessed as I am.  More importantly, I hope you are giving thanks regularly.

So blessed,

Locs Are Beautiful!

I'm not a "hair" person.  In the past I've cut off the strands that wouldn't conform to the hairstyle of the day in a NY minute.  I remember cutting it so short that my Dad said he loved it, but his baby now looked like his son!  LOL.  I admit that wasn't a wise move, only because it was February in Brooklyn.

I will have been locked four years as of tomorrow.  The reason I remember the date, was I had just cut all my hair off on July 31st, and had no idea what to do with it.  Did I mention I had to go to work the following day?  

I'm still not a hair person, but I admit being in love with my locs.  The beautiful sister that maintains them for me, is an angel.  

Because of her I love their healthy look and feel.  

I enjoyed this clip and hope you will too!

Be blessed,

I like this one

http://naeswirl.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-love-black-man-biblically.html

Will you be there?

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There's a storm a'comin!

Faith, Biblical Interpretation, and a Good Friend

I recently reconnected with a friend from my past. Surprisingly we seemed to pick up where we left in terms of conversation and being at ease with each other. In fact, life and all it's lessons make it easier for us to relate as there is none of that teenaged angst thing going on LOL.

Anyway one of the things I enjoy discussing with him is religion. The original bad boy has a knowledge of the bible that astounds me. I am not a person who attends church regularly, yet my belief, faith, reliance on God and all He is has always been strong. What surprises me is my friend being in agreement on the bible being taught according to the interpretation of the religious figure. I don't ever remember anyone agreeing with that premise, much less the willingness to see another point of view

Hoping you have someone who you can discuss all sorts of things with as I do.

Blessedly,

What the Hell?

http://bit.ly/aXyJtP

Of course it's more important to rewrite history than to create a new future!

How Come? ***Warning*** Adult language

I managed to have a ball!

Despite financial concerns, feuding family members and fighting off a cold, I managed to have a blast for my birthday/Mother's Day weekend.  My "children" came through big time for me.  JB, Alyssa & Fuss showed me that once again we don't need $$ to have a good time.  Sitting on the patio of my new place (did I mention I moved?) I watch Fuss and JB play with her "ball game", I received lots of kisses and hugs and big laughs.   


My trio came over and hung pictures, removed trash and even shopped for the items I forgot  (Did I mention I threw myself a combination birthday/housewarming/Mother's Day celebration?).  I got the most beautiful roses and an I Love Grandma paper weight.  


OK so I forgot to mention a few things.  However the bottom line is that I had a great 4 days!  I'm now ready to take on my next year of life.  God willing.


I am so very blessed.  I'm sure you can say the same if you really gave it some thought.

49 and counting

...upward I hope.

It seems like just yesterday that I turned 19, and here it is 30 years later!  It was a wonderful day.  I heard from friends and family, and got kisses from JB and Fuss.

I've been ruminating on what path I'd like the rest of my life to take.  Since it is up to the Creator and not me, I've let that whole thing go LOL.  I do know that whatever path I find myself on, I intend to be my best self.  My promise to myself is to take better care of the mind, body and feed the soul that's mine for the time being.

Looking forward to living this year to the fullest.  Pursuing my dreams, continuing to step out on faith, and being more open to the possibilities, which in the past, I've shied away from considering.

Happy 49th to me!  I hope my life enriches yours, as much as yours has my own.

Blessed beyond measure,

Blessed with family

In this picture are my Grandparents, Great Aunts, Aunties, Uncles, Mom, Step Dad, cousins, my brother and my good daughter.  I was so blessed with family to love and be loved by from the beginning.

Sadly 10 of these beautiful people have since passed on.  They left behind a wealth of love, wisdom, strength, and laughter for me to draw from when life is not giving me it's best.

Those that are still with me are my touchstones.  My base, my heart and soul.

I hope you have been or will be so blessed,

Thursday past

I had to put my beloved dog Princess down. It was just as hard as it was putting down Pooh Bear two years ago. On top of that I had an allergic reaction to the vet's office. My eyes were swollen shut.

I keep thinking that I'll see her poking around and getting into things she shouldn't. She was a master at making herself seem smaller than she actually was when she was caught. My mind knows she's in a better place, but my heart hurts from the hole that is left in it.

Sleep well Princess. I hope you and Pooh Bear are together again, and having the time of your after lives.

Missing you soooooo much.

Easter 2010

Not at all like I thought I'd spend the day, but it was a nice slow day.  Did some cleaning, packing, shopping, planting and watched a little HGTV.  Most of the day was spent with music and memories playing in the background and in my head.

Didn't reach my goal of having the entire upstairs cleaned and packed away.  The good part is that I will probably finish it up during the week.

Leaving you with a rendition of Crazy Love.  One of my favorite songs when sung, by Van Morrison, Aaron Neville, Ray Charles & Van Morrison and yes Brian McKnight

Hoping your Easter was/is as blessed as my own.

Look who's Two!

Mixed Feelings

http://bit.ly/amPUm7

Your thoughts?

Blessed,

I just don't get it

While listening to a good friend talk about their life and adventures, this song came to mind:

If your partner is not someone you can see spending the rest of your life with, then let go and move on.  The only thing I see here is one huge mess in the making.  When your partner finds out (and things done in the dark ALWAYS come to light), there is going to be hell to pay. 


I'm beginning to feel like I'm amongst a very small number who believe that marriage = fidelity in both word and deed.


At the end of the day, is it really worth it?


Hoping your word is your bond,

When I think of successful marriages

My Grandparents come to mind.  I listen to the stories my Aunts and Mom tell about growing up, and the "issues" that occurred.  I know it wasn't perfect, but to be able to remain married for 63 years is truly a triumph.

I remember being in college and thinking even then, I want what Granma and Granpa have.    Perhaps that's why I never married?  I can honestly say that I never felt either of the two gentlemen who proposed marriage would be able to follow though on the promise of growing and building something that would span generations.

The first picture was taken at a birthday celebration for my Granpa.  We all gathered at City Island in the Bronx.  This was one of the many, many happy times that make up my past.

The second picture was taken at the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for my Grandparents.

Wishing for you the same happiness and commitment to each other that Catherine and Arnold had.



Be blessed,

From my past

Life

Life isn't about keeping score. It's not about how many friends you have. Or how many people call you. Or how accepted or unaccepted you are. Not about if you have plans this weekend. Or if you're alone. It isn't about who you're dating, who you use to date, how many people you've dated, or if you've ever dated at all. It isn't about who you have kissed. It's not about sex. It isn't about who your family is or how much money they have. Or what kind of car you drive. Or where you're sent to school. It's not about how beautiful or ugly you are. Or what clothes you wear, what shoes you have on, or what kind of music you listen to. It's not about the color of your hair. Or if your skin is too light or too dark. Not about what grades you get, how smart you are, how smart everyone else thinks you are, or how smart standardized tests say you are. Or if this teacher likes you, or if this guy/girl likes you. Or what clubs you're in, or how good you are at your sport. But life is about who you love and who you hurt. It's about who you make happy or unhappy purposefully. It's about keeping or betraying trust. It's about friendship, used as sanctity, or as a weapon. It's about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening. It's about starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip. It's about what judgements you pass and why. And who your judgements are spread to. It's about who you've ignored with full control and intention. It's about jealousy, fear, pain, ignorance, and revenge. It's about carrying inner hate and love, letting it grow and spreading it. But most of all, it's about using your life to touch or poison other people's hearts in such a way that could never have occurred alone. Only you choose the way these hearts are affected . . .and those choices are what life is all about.   -- Author Unknown

Be blessed

Mark 4:39 (ESV)

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

I was talking with a young friend earlier today. I had spoken to her in the middle of last year, telling to stop handing things over to God and then taking them back. I admit that it's still something that I struggle with from time to time.

Today she turned my words back on me today with relish and glee. She said to me the following:

•  The relationship I keep saying I "should" want was being defined by forces outside myself. 
•  I was doing myself a disservice if I did not ignore those voices and instead listen to my inner voice.
• Until I did just that, I would not find "MY" mate, and pointed out (once again) her first husband was not her first love. 
• She's now married to her first love, and so very happily so. 
• It's time to let go of the  "should" and keep an open mind and accept what is. 
• I already met "MY" mate, but I'm blocking the blessing that is right in front of me. 

I'm not sure exactly how she figures/knows the last to be true, but since she had spoken words of wisdom moments earlier, I'm not discounting anything.

As I heard the voice of  another friend earlier this evening, I "felt" the words "Peace! Be Still!", and a feeling of calm enveloped me. Not sure exactly what's about to happen but I'm ready to be still, have an open mind and accept whatever blessing, in whatever form God has for me.

Be blessed,

Loving

I am blessed to be able to love unconditionally. It brings me much comfort and great joy to do so. I know the quality of my life has improved exponentially since opening myself up to this wonderful abundance of feeling.

The down side is when you love unconditionally, you hurt unconditionally for those who hurt. Today I find my GF and my brother KD heavy on my mind/heart.

My "little" sister AW, is in a lot of emotional pain right now. Not being able to bear some of it, hurts. I am sending you love, hugs, my shoulder and anything else you can think of that will get you through this difficult period. Put your faith in God, and lean on the support system He's given you.

To KD I say, I've loved you from day one. This is a difficult season for you. Yes it seems long dark and at times scary, but I promise you it gets better. God can do anything but fail. Despite all the turmoil you are experiencing, He's provided you with blessings. Your friends, our family, and yeah He's even plaguing you with me. I love you so much, and just when you think you know how deep it runs, it increases a million times. We cannot always carry the load by ourselves, and when you are ready to allow me to share it with you, I am here.

Blessed beyond measure,

Having it all?

Exactly what is this "all" we as women are supposed to have? Since January I've been attempting to work my full time job, run a business, look after my Mom (who has had some health challenges lately), pack up an apartment so I can move, and negotiate a relationship.

I'm sitting in the midst of what used to be an extremely habitable place. It's a wreck. The upstairs doesn't look much better. The regular job is perking along, and I'm managing to squeeze in a few hours for the new biz as well. My Mom is getting better, and my burgeoning relationship is going nowhere. It's ok, I think we're better off as friends as we're almost the exact opposite of each other, including our work schedules.

So for you women who "successfully" juggle all of these things, what's the secret? Maids and housekeepers? Personal Assistants? For those who have mates and children to add to the mix, is it the Prozac that keeps you going LOL?

So if you come visit me wear a hard hat and watch where you walk. Unfortunately, the one thing you won't be tripping over is "MY" man. No need to be sad, it is what it is.

Still so very, very blessed,

Cleaning for a reason - For people undergoing chemo

If you know any woman currently undergoing chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org


God bless,

Family

This is the only picture of the 6 of us. My cousin Tony passed when he was 10. Since this was taken, we've lost Leslie.

I miss her lots, especially on days like today. The Black Cowboys were on the campus today, and Leslie loved history. To see and hear them talk would have made her week.

Hoping those whom you love, respect and admire are still with you.

Stay blessed,

So if I release it to the Universe does it mean I'm giving up?

As I'm sure you know, life can and is challenging. That's what makes it so wonderful. Of course not having anything else to compare it to makes me a bit biased.

Since the beginning of 2010, I've led an up and down existence. Like most have encountered a few financial challenges. Concern over my Mom's health and my own dental surgeries have kept me busy on the medical front. My job has changed so far for its all good, and my business is coming along. Professionally I guess you can say I'm doing ok. Super busy, but still ok. My family (one member in particular) has had the rug pulled out from under him, and I'll be honest, I'm a bit worried about that outcome.

My "love life"? What love life? Met someone in the latter part of last year, and we hit it off. While I really like him, the relationship is not the kind I can see sustaining either of us 6 months from now, much less 6 years from now.

So with all that's going on, I've decided to release everything to the Universe. Some folk call it giving it to God. As I do this, I was wondering if it meant I was giving up or procrastinating on making hard decisions in the instances that need them. I choose, as always to let the Higher Power guide me. For those who do not believe in something greater than themselves, do you see this as a cop out?

Just wondering. In the meanwhile, I am sending a prayer of many blessings your way.

Always blessed,

Eva, Clora and Catherine

or Sissy, Sweetie and Shug (my Granma)  They were a hoot when they got together.  I remember when they discovered Long Island Iced Tea at a family cook out.  It was hysterical!  One of them (I think it was Granma) thought her legs were broken when she tried to stand up after drinking them in the sun for hours.  

I miss seeing them interact.  We would feel sorry for Granpa (a man of few words) when The Sisters got together.  Not only did they talk enough for 100 people, it was loud enough to be heard down the street.  

Sending you all my love, you are each missed by me.

Hoping you are as blessed as I was