Marie Millard

Revamped

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:33:00 +0000

So there is where I will continue to brain dump.

~*~ smiles ~*~

Good Night Marie

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Bloggers always seem to start, stop, start up again with an apology for being gone only to stop again. We burn out, we stop writing, we shelve our blogs and then, we come back.

When I began posting, I never set out to "blog" per se'. I wrote without any intention of having a following. It was just a diary or brain dump or therapy (less the $125.00 per hour fee.)

Over time, my writing became less verbiage and more so a photo journal. That's when I lost my desire to write and really just wanted to catalog my adventure. It's time to write again.

I'm going to stop writing at this blog. "Marie Millard" was a fluke, never anything I thought would be read by anyone but me, or my sisters. I have several blogger friends *that I adore* who have stopped writing on their site and started up on a new one. At the time, I never really understood why. I get it now. A clean slate. A fresh start.

I'm FaceBook burnt out and I dislike Twitter *it makes me neurotic* and now Google has a social network. Acccckkkk!!!

I'm going to be kickin' it old school. I'm going to start a new site and go back to blogging like I used to ... writing for me.

Marie is my middle name. Millard is the street I grew up on.

Marie Millard is calling it a day.

I Should Have Worn Ruby Slippers

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:12:00 +0000

Beniteau, Maple, Simpson, Millard, Chatsworth, Ferris, Farnum, Bedford Sq., Woodingham, Mildred, Stellma, Woodelm, Ravine Terrace.

Those are the names of every street I have lived on.

Thirteen houses, and I'm not quite home.

When I was growing up, my father "flipped houses" before the idea or term was ever coined. Although he made money doing so, his purpose was more for therapy. He enjoyed buying homes that needed fixing up and remodeling. Once the project was done and my mother was just beginning to decorate, off we'd go again.

I remember him telling me it wasn't good to ever pay a house off because at the end of the term, the price paid was way more than it was ever worth. "The real estate investment should be a stepping stone onto the next house, building equity as you go." I wish I didn't listen to him.

I've flipped a few homes in the past ten years but not because of my father's philosophy, my reason is a whole separate post in itself! I did pretty well with each new house.

My current house is what it is, a house I was going to sell as soon as my youngest graduated from high school. It would grow to have a pretty good nest egg in equity.

Screeeeeeeeeeetch, not so fast. The year I was to sell, the bubble burst. So now, here I sit. Still, it's not bad, it's just not where I wanted to be.

This final house was going to be a "quick sell", a nice little starter home for a young couple. Although it now has 4 bedrooms and three full baths, if I count the finished basement, it's still smaller than a few of my previous homes. It definitely lacks character and charm. With the idea to sell in a short time, I saw no reason to put much into personalizing it.

Hindsight ....

Thanks to FaceBook, I've reconnected with many old friends. As I look at their photos and see how their lives unfolded and how their families grew throughout the years, I realize the importance of a "home".

The "homes" I created were for the moment. As I flip through my old photos, the great memories have been captured, but in reality, they aren't relived day to day as I walk through my current house.

If I had raised my children in one house, I would now be able to go room by room and experience the giggles and laughter that a photograph can't quite possess. I'd have nicks on the woodwork that told stories only a mom could recall. I'd have the kids bedrooms to sit in and remember their little faces and the mischief they created.

I know home is where the heart it, or where you hang your hat, but anyone can own a house, only love and memories make it a home.

End of a Three 3 Day Binge

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 11:52:00 +0000

Sandi & I ended our three day 4th of July weekend with more trail bike riding and a final neighborhood "pool crash".

We started our 14 mile ride on Macomb Orchard Trail at this point ... yes a framed piece of art!

The trail is an old rail road track that has been asphalt and mile marked for bikes, walkers, or rollerblading. Beautiful scenic route. The grade is pretty level and we found it waaaaay easier than yesterdays ride.

Our pool of choice was #1, the first pool we crashed Saturday night. Thanks ~~for going up north~~ again neighbor!

This had to be in the top of best times ever. Perfect weather all weekend, time spent with both of my sisters, cocktails, laughs, and fun adventures.

Thanks Sandi & Margie, I love you goofy chicks!

Triathlon With Adjusted Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0000

Day 2 of girls day in/out with sister(s) *we missed you Margie!

We decided to do a triathlon yesterday ... in a way only Sandi and I would do.

Starting out at Stoney Creek Metro Park, we rented kayaks. Off we went for an hour of intense hard core paddling around the lake. Trust me, it was grueling.

We weren't going to stop after the first leg. We whipped off our ~~flip-flips~~ gear, got into our riding gear and on our bikes in ~~forty-five minutes~~ record time to begin our cycling. We did the whole bike trail at Stoney and I didn't fall once! (see yesterdays post)

Sandi in her starting position.

Beginning of the trail.

Over the hump, it was time for the swimming competition. We put on our swimming gear (no pictures please) and oops .... where's the water? While we contemplated on ~~which pool to crash~~ the amount of laps we'd do, we prepared our ~~cocktails~~ hydrating supplements.

So on to the water *thank you neighbor #2 for going up north this weekend.

Sandi, lap #1

On the walk back to Sandi's this sweet face followed us. Sandi brought out a bowl of food for him/her? and it ate like it hadn't in days. I think Sandi may have a new pet.

Today? We'll be doing a loooooong bike trail ... to be continued.

Happy 4th of July ... Let Freedom Ring!

*No pics of me, face-plant is looking just as you'd expect on day #2 ... pretty bad!

I Heart my Sisters ... nuk, nuk,nuk

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:24:00 +0000

If there were female "Three Stooges", my sisters and I would certainly fit the role.

Instead of trying to go out this crazy weekend, we decided to have a girls day at my sister Sandi's house.

Margie and I brought our bikes, some things to make cocktails, and plans to make a nice dinner.

When we got there, it was so hot and humid outside, we decided to postpone the bike ride until dusk.

We made a couple cocktails munched a little and decided to go for a walk. Since the temperature was in the 90's, we really didn't get far. Sandi lives in a secluded area with just a couple homes on a private road. Her neighbor was away for the weekend but we decided to see if the gate on the fenced in pool was locked.

It wasn't ... pool crashing is way more fun than wedding crashing!

After we dried off, we decided to try a bike ride. I forgot my shoes ~~and hat, and the edamme and lemons and battery to my camera~~ and just had flip-flops on.

Flip-flops aren't called that on a fluke! I got on the bike, started down her gravel driveway and my flip flopped on the pedal and I was going down!

Oh no problem, my face will break the fall. I felt like I had a microabrasion on the left side of my face with a sandblaster!

I was covered in mud, my lip started bleeding, my head hurt, and I could feel the stinging of freshly scraped skin.

Both sisters ~~in hysterics~~ helped me up and to the shower to wash all the mud and the embedded bits of gravel off so I could see the damage. Thankfully Sandi had neosporin to slather on right away. I should heal before work on Tuesday except for the cuts on my forehead and bridge of my nose. That's when having eyeglasses and bangs come in handy ... camouflage.

* Last post no make-up, this post, face-plant, I'm baring it all baby *

We had a trip to the Dairy Queen, we played with sparklers outside, *I was VERY careful* then a few games of Blockus before we called it a night.

I'm heading back to Sandi's today to show that gravel driveway who's boss. I may just have to wear a catchers mask. (I also plan on bringing a bathing suit.)

Girls Night Out In

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, girl's night out isn't all about bars, eating, drinking, laughing, being silly, and recalling funny "ya had to be there" stories about co-workers, ex-boyfriends, and family.

No ... it doesn't have to take place in a bar.

Last night Margie and I went to Karen's house for our GNO.

And, all of the above went on.

Karen had prepared a lavish array of hor' dourve's. Just take a peek and know everything was as delicious as it looks.

Margie's interfusion of Mikes Lemonade with a shot *or 3* of Raspberry Smirnoff is my new drink of choice.

Just one drink on Karen's patio, in her lovely manicured yard, and the laughter began. Of course the stories began to flow and quite frankly "you had to be there."

Karen is an artistically creative person. She is a crafter *in the most exquisite way, not a glue gun and glitter gal*. Her decor is peppered with her talents from photography, to beautifully sewn draperies and decorative pillows. On display are her hand made candles and a hand made kitchen rug that I promise I'll "borrow" if I think I can get away with it. There are many beautiful pieces accenting her lovely home made by her.

As we are sitting there enjoying the laughter, she whips out a bag of modeling clay. Like Edward Scissorhands she begins breaking off and rolling tiny pieces of clay. Within minutes she created a turtle for Margie and this kitty for me.

Thanks girls ... it was a great night in.

** Best part ...no make-up necessary **

Conversation Hearts: Welcome (?) Home Puma

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:01:00 +0000

Just before Caitlin moved out of our house, Puma captured her heart. I posted about it here.

Puma

At the time, Caitlin was convinced Puma was the ONLY kitten available in the whole county. She HAD to adopt him because we all know there is a shortage of kittens and why wait a couple weeks when her apartment would be ready to move into?

When Caitlin, Ray, and Mariah moved in with me *temporarily, I told her she'd have to find new or *temporary homes for Puma and her Chihuahua Lola.

Lola and Puma

Ray's sister took Puma and Caitlin's father took Lola ... *temporarily.

Puma moved into Ray's sisters apartment, but there is another cat living there. It's been 2.5 months (~~11 weeks, 8 3/4 hours to be exact, but who's really counting~~) and it wasn't working out.

So ... last night ... Puma came full cycle and is back, living in my house *temporarily.

Am I crazy, a softy, or just a mom?

The upside? Bill & Amy love Lola and will keep her until Cait, Ray, Mariah AND PUMA, get a place of their own.

Ahh-CHOOOOO!

I know I used ~~subliminally~~ *temporarily multiple times.

Can I pass this off as a science project?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:11:00 +0000

When did I become such a dust collector?

I used to always have a lady come in once a week to clean. A couple years ago, I had to end that luxury.

When my children were younger, my ~~yea, I know I always refer to this OCD thing~~ OCD was always on overload. After their bath and bedtime, I kicked into high gear. It wasn't an oddity for me to begin major housework at 11:00 PM and working until 2 or 3 in the morning. Saturdays were always a cleaning day ... all day.

*Julie, I remember you and Janet sipping drinks on the deck watching your kids swim and laughing at me for being inside cleaning the window tracks in Caitlin's room with Q-tips*

Once they were older, I began having someone come in and clean. I totally forgot what a cleaning routine was all about.

It's been a couple years since I quit having someone come it. In those couple years, I've let the cleaning part of my OCD ~~cliff dive~~ slip and I've become more of a lick-and-a-promise cleaner.

Sure, at first glance things look okay, just don't move anything, the layer of dust will be revealed. My kitchen cupboards still suffer from my compulsion to have things neat and in order ... but those perfectly aligned items on all the top shelves? ..... loaded with dust!

I blame it on my failing eye sight. *And by eye, I mean one eye, remember, I only have vision in one eye ... and it's showing it's age!

The other day, I had my ~~mega magnifying~~ reading glasses on as I was walking through the house. YIKES !!

Do NOT ever wear your reading glasses while walking through your house.

I'd like to hire a cleaning lady again, but now I'd have to clean before I'd even let someone come in to clean! Seriously, I think it would be easier to move.

A Crime Sammich

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 26 May 2011 16:42:00 +0000

Published today, the 10 most dangerous cities in America:

Danger, Will Robinson, Danger

# 1 ... Flint Michigan

# 2 ... Detroit Michigan

Map of Michigan

I'm in the center of a crime sandwich.

I've lived here ~~way too long~~ all my life.

Nancy has her CCW permit and isn't afraid to protect her melons.

Hold the mayo, no ketchup please ... looks to gory!

At Four Months ...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:57:00 +0000

-:¦:-•:♥Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ♥:•-:¦:-

She lights up the room.

She warms our hearts.

She is truly a blessing.

-:¦:-•:♥Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ♥:•-:¦:-

♥ Mariah ♥

Bentley, Rockin' the LV's

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 16 May 2011 03:13:00 +0000

Yes these are $700 LV's - the real deal.

Yes, this is Bentley.

Not much more to say, picture says it all!

*nooooooo, not my sunglasses!

The Back nine Five

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:10:00 +0000

I'm not much of a golfer ... in fact I'm terrible at it. "Girls night out" golfing is less competitive and all about the fun. Oh, the golf clubs ... how shall I say it ... unique!

The weather prediction for last Saturday night was perfect. Just what spring time in Michigan needs. My sister Margie, our friend Karen, and I decided we needed to kick off the season with a golf night. Social sister Sandi had an earlier dinner party, so she planned on joining us later.

We "golfed" downtown Royal Oak, a fab course! Here's our game in pictures:

Hole #1 Gusoline Alley

Margie & Karen each "shot" a lemon drop.

Since I was "driving the cart", I passed on this hole.

Hole # 2 Town Tavern

Again, Margie & Karen each shot a lemon drop.

Hole # 3 Tom's Oyster Bar

My turn to give it a "shot" ... all three of us shot lemon drops.

Hole #4 Blackfinn

All three again, PAR ... shot those lemon drops!

Hole #5 Oak City Grille

Here's where Sandi caught up with us ...

after the three amigos shot our lemon drops.

Just in time for a "7th inning stretch" with none other than

The Detroit Tigers Manager Jim Leyland and 3rd base coach Gene Lemont.

Jim Leyland *Karens floating head*

Gene Lamont 3rd Base Coach

We decided to stay at the 5th hole. I'm sure it won't be long before we play the last 4 and start another "round" again soon!

Conversation Hearts: 12:30 am

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:23:00 +0000

I was sound asleep when the phone rang ... I saw it was Caitlin, 12:30 am

This can't be good. Now that she and Ray are parents, they are in bed early so this can't be a call looking for a designated driver ;)

They live 5 miles from me but their apartment complex is known for having issues. Issues meaning it's morphed into a playground for trouble. They had planned to move as soon as the weather broke, hoping to rent a house now that Mariah arrived.

The typical petty crimes go on there and they hear about trouble spots constantly. Caitlin had called me a few times last month, during the day, saying a nasty looking guy was knocking on her door. We'd talk until he left.

More and more people are moving out and each building has several vacancy's. Her building has 12 apartments, only 3 rented out. Soooooo, after the fact, the local police think on this particular night, her apartment building was used as part of a set up because less occupancy, lesser chance of a witness.

A pizza was ordered, the poor delivery guy was badly beaten, robbed of his money and car. Her and Ray's apartment address had been used to order the pizza, so the police knocked on their door. Clearly they could see *bed-head and formula stained t-shirt* Ray and Caitlin were not waiting up to participate in a pizza sting.

Ray was called back to work this week and the thought of her being there all day with the baby and into the early evening when he was working overtime, freaked us all out.

Soooooo ... in ONE NIGHT they moved in with me. Fortunately Mariah already had a nursery set up at my house. I cleared out the extra bedroom that had become my Barbie room for Caitlin and Ray.

I repeat ONE NIGHT. Most went straight into the garage, the rest? Well, a camera crew could use my house for the next taping of "Hoarders".

I'm sure by this weekend we'll have everything in it's place. The best part, I get to wake up to this every morning:

P.S. A HUGE THANK YOU to her father for taking in Lola and to Rays sister for taking Puma ... two more animals in the house and I'd evict myself!

My Social Calendar:

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:18:00 +0000

I’ve received so many invitations lately. I truly need more days in a month!

Mind you these have all come by way of email. Some accidentally ended up in my spam filter but thankfully I was able to retrieve them before they were deleted!

I’ve been invited to meet young Asians

(sum-yung-guey?)

I’ve been invited to try Viagra

(ahhh, ummm, uh, *gasp*)

I’ve been invited to enter into a business deal where by I will be the recipient of over a MILLION dollars!

(with a slight investment on my part)

I’ve been invited to meet fun loving Latin Singles

(I guess if my Asians don’t pan out)

*Okay ... a choice Young Asians or Fun Latins*

Bra shopping! An invite to go bra shopping on line

(do I just send in a pic of my boobs?)

An invitation to learn 10 new languages

(I hope Asian & Latin dialects are included)

I have an invitation for to try free sample laser hair removal.

(do they only do one arm pit?)

I can learn how a mom makes $8,900 a month at HOME.

(I wonder if 1-900 numbers are involved)

And the invitations continue to come in daily. Imagine that!

Happy Birthday Margie

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Today is my baby sisters 49th birthday.

01.2011

Yesterday, we were talking about it and I forgot how old she was. I began to say "It's your 39th right?" and quickly I remembered it couldn't be her 39th because I remembered her 40th!

Then I burst out laughing. So did she.

Although today is her FORTY-NINTH birthday, I'm going to share a bit of her 40th.

Margie had been recently divorced and was just beginning to dip her toe in the dating pool. Since she and I weren't looking for any serious relationships, we began to hang out together, gathering with a fun group of like minded single men and women that would plan and meet on weekends at different venues for dancing, pool, music and socializing.

When someone in our group was having a birthday, we'd consider it a great reason to party! I decided to plan a party for Margie's 40th and sent out e-mails. Margie and I arrived at the venue and shortly after, a couple guys showed up. Then a couple more guys walked in. A few more ... and by guys , I really mean guys, men ... no women. Within the first hour there were 11 men, Margie and I. The men had questionable half smiles on their face as Margie asked if I had only invited men. I was laughing my azz off because of course I did invite women too.

As the numbers continued to grow, and the guys began to get a little nervous, the drinks were flowing. Margie's birthday drink of choice was *Purple Rain, oh boy!

About an hour and a half into this party women finally began to show up. Margie was having a blast. She was showered with Purple Rain all night long. Margie was the life of the party ... she WAS the party, and it continued on until closing. I think that was a cross-over for her, single mama had arrived! After a night of table top dancing and celebrating life, I took her home. I tucked her in her bed, still in her clothes, and knew she'd freak when she woke-up in the morning!

At her 40th *2002*

I assure you still Margie, you were fine. All your clothes remained on, you never fell, and you had fun ... even though you don't remember a thing.

So this year, Sandi and I asked her what she wanted to do for her special day. What ever she wanted to do, we're in. Drinking? Dancing? Partying? Casino? Wicked wildness?

Bowling ... she wants to go bowling. So that's what we're doing!

Maybe a little rain afterward???

*Purple Rain*

1.5 oz Premium vodka
1.5 oz Premium rum
2 oz Premium 1800 Tequila
1.5 oz Premium gin
1.5 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
1.5 oz Triple sec
1.5 oz Chambord raspberry liqueur
2 oz Sweet and sour mix

Shake and serve over ice.

No Cat Fight - A Bonded Alliance

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:01:00 +0000

I have quite a few girlfriends. I have several female soul mates. I am lucky to have found kindred spirits. I have a few long time friendships I consider to be best friends for life.

And then there’s Jane.

Jane, the other woman.

I met Jane several years ago. The time line is kind of foggy now, but the story of meeting her is crystal clear.

I had been dating someone for almost a year. There was a physical distance between he and I so for the most part, we only saw each other every other week. On the weekends my kids were with their dad, I’d drive after work on Friday’s and stay through Sunday afternoon. We’d talk on the phone daily and throughout the evening.

I never suspected a thing … thing being “Jane”.

He was a musician. Moot point because any man can have another woman, but the fact he was in a pretty well know band is what brought him down. Like most bands, there were fan sites on line. Open chats, places for comments, fan pages, etc.

He’d always tell me not to read the “crap” women put out there because most were “wanna be girlfriends”. I understood, and when I read some of the “crap” I let it roll off my confident back.

One day, when reading a thread, I noticed “Jane” being all territorial over him. The odd thing was, she made a few comments and phrases that were all too familiar to me. She was quoting things that I was certain someone would have to know him personally to repeat.

The nerve of her! I called him out on it and he explained she was some obsessed fan and to ignore her. I watched over that fan site for a few days. I also watched over his mannerisms. I began to notice things around his home that weren’t “quite right”. The seeds of a cheater were beginning to bloom.

So me being me … I contacted her. I felt horrible after our first phone conversation. Oh he was cheating all right. He had been in an on going relationship with this woman for over five years. He was cheating on her with me!

Oh. No. You. Don’t.

Sparing the emotional time Jane went through, I’ll fast forward. I was hurt for all of about 2 seconds …. then I was PISSED. All these years she had been helping this struggling musician. Emotionally, financially, physically. Together, they had made promises, they had hopes and dreams.

And he? He had a furnished living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A car, a few guitars, clothes, etc. compliments of ~~her~~ their relationship.

Jane and I had never met … until the morning I picked her up. She didn’t have a key to his home but for whatever stupid reason, he gave me one. And so it began. We spent the day together laughing, fuming and bonding and emptying out his home of all the things that belonged to her. Thank goodness I had an extended SUV. How did we fit all that stuff in there? Probably out of pissed-off, adrenalin fueled, determination. Do not ever underestimate the power of a woman’s bond.

So that’s how Jane and I met. She is happily married, having just celebrated a 5 year anniversary. To this day we have a bonded friendship that will always be. Love ya Jane!

Oh … what ever happened to good ole Ass-Wipe? Who cares?

PUSH UP YOURS A & F

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:57:00 +0000

Bikini - 2011

Listed as "push-up triangle"

*$24.50, I might add*

~~If you've been under a rock,~~

You may not see anything wrong with the above.

Ahem ...

Abercrombie & Fitch?

WTF are you doing?

This line of push-up padded bikini's are for kids!

Seven year olds!

Seriously, what kind of idiots are on your marketing team?

Who the hell is approving the design?

What message are you sending?

What are you doing to contribute to positive body image?

This is the only kind of PUSH-UP's you should be selling to 7 year old's:

Band of Gold

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Shame on me for not following up on this sooner.

I've had this ring for about eight years.

I had been seeing a guy in a heavy metal band *leaving the name of the band out on purpose so the ass-wipe can't google and possibly find this post and me*

Thanks Jane, for that nick name "ass-wipe"!

Anyway, his band was playing at the annual Keep it True Festival at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen Germany. On one of his walks, he stopped at a fountain in one of the public squares. As he looked down, he saw this ring.

When he gave it to me, I immediately knew I had to try to find the owner. I wasn't on line much and didn't have my blog so I really didn't know where to begin. I put it with my other jewelry and unfortunately I forgot all about it.

I came across it the other day and decided I'd start by writing it's history with me. I hope this story somehow makes its way back to the attention of the owner.

It's a thin plain gold band. Simple. Beautifully engraved in old English script are the initials " _ _ to _ _ " with the date "June 2, 1906". NINETEEN OH SIX! See why it has to go back to who ever was wearing it? It must belong to someones grandmother or great grandmother.

The ring is so light the gold value is minimal but the sentimental value, priceless.

I've left the initials out of this post so the rightful owner can truly identify the ring. I'll tag this post with a few key words in hopes the owner is lead to this post. If you're inclined and wish to take a long shot, link me!

You Say it's Your Birthday ...

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:31:00 +0000

... well it's my birthday too!

I did a couple birthday posts here and here where I revealed a few things about myself, actually 52 and 54 things, one for each year I've been on this planet.

I was going to add another 2 more things to the list, but as I read those posts again I realize some of the things on my lists have changed.

It's so cliche' but in truth, the older I get I've learned the things that were important in past years are diminished by life's gifts we become aware of with age.

My list's have some "things" on them, by definition, tangible items. Today, my list of things that are important to me aren't anything that I can buy.

I appreciate every morning I wake up. Really, I give a silent "thank you' each morning when I hear my alarm sound.

I'm blessed to have a home, a job, food and clothing and good health. I love my family and friends and appreciate each and every one for being in my life. There isn't anything I take for granted when it comes to these priceless gifts.

I am over the moon to have healthy grown kids that I love more than life itself.

My new grand daughter Mariah has opened a whole new meaning to my life. In the two short months she has been here, she has brought an abundance of joy to our whole family. Watching my daughter mother her brings a smile to my face daily. Seeing how Ray, her daddy, dotes over her assures me she is safe and secure with both her parents. It warms my soul to see my son, her "Uncle Bryan", holding her as she makes him smile.

When I watch the news and see such difficult times now and forthcoming, my appreciation of life inspires me to be a better person. A better mother, sister, friend, daughter ... a better stranger.

So today is my birthday. It doesn't matter my age or weight, if I have wrinkles or a few gray hairs. It doesn't matter what material possessions I've acquired over the years or what the number in my bank account is (or isn't!).

I accept whatever each new day brings. The good with the bad. The only difference is how I choose to live in each moment. Today, I choose to be very grateful.

New *TBS

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:02:00 +0000

I want to get back into my old writing mode. Even if I'm writing TBS, it's a kick start. Any therapist will tell you writing is good for what ails you. I think its the long cold winter that's got to me.

Speaking of therapist, has anyone ever wondered why therapist is spelled that way? I understand how someone going for help, because of a sexual attack, would be totally freaked out if they though about it. Then again, if you are paying for one yourself, your checkbook may feel that same pain.

Why do women still line their lips with a shade darker than the lip color they are wearing? I never like the look when it was considered in style. I still dislike the look and more so when they line just above their lip on their SKIN.

I have dark circles under my eyes. I have blogged about it a few times. I continue to search for the cure all, but would even settle for a good cover up. There is none to be found that works for me. I try every suggestion, but as yet, nothing does it. In my forever search for something new, I've noticed another WTF???

Why do *mostly middle aged* women wear WHITE eye liner, shadow, and concealer slathered over every inch of what is considered the eye area? Another beauty tip I've somehow missed the whole point of.

Meh, both remind me of the badly applied tranny look.

Summer can't get here quick enough!

Conversation Hearts: Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:40:00 +0000

My baby girl had a baby girl.

Mariah was born this past January. I was so thankful that Mariah's parents let me take part in the birthing experience. I didn't see either of my kids actual birth. *I was there, just not there.*

What an awesome gift. Seeing a baby born for the first time. Being with my baby as she gives birth. Being there the moment my first grandchild is born. Instant, pure love.

Mariah is almost two months old and I'm reminded daily of how infants change. Caitlin and Ray are naturals with their parenting skills. I'm so proud of them both.

Shortly after Mariah was born, and Caitlin was all bliss with motherhood, she sent me a text:

"I'm so glad you weren't a cool mother"

That text was a reward and a reminder that in all my mothering errors, I did something right. Our mom /daughter fights, as Caitlin was growing up, usually ended with her shouting at me,

"Why aren't you a cool mom like my friends mothers? They're allowed to do what ever they want! Their moms are like girlfriends"

My reply was always, "Because I love you Caitlin, it's my job to be your mom, not your girlfriend."

When she looks at her little baby girl, she knows she is her mom, not her girlfriend.

I sent Caitlin a text today asking how Mariah was. They were watching Dora. I asked her to text me a photo and she sent me this of Mariah watching Dora.

A few minutes later, she sent me another text titled "My Other Baby."

Caitlin has the mom thing down. She's figured out how to handle Lola when she doesn't have time to take her outside!

*All my posts about Caitlin have always been tagged Conversation Hearts. It warms my heart to write this one when I thing back at the humorous posts, these past few years, on the trials & tribulations of Caitlin.

Who's Looking at What?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Rosanna Danna
Miami
Wednesday
Marbles
Lords of Acid
Pete of all trades

These are the top “google searches” that brought traffic to my blog today.
Which one brought the most?

Marbles

Search words … “I think I’ve lost my marbles”

Hits … just on this search … just today … 126

The ~~politicians~~ weather must be making everyone crazy!

I do have a bag of marbles from when I was younger. Now what did I do with them?

The post that the search is picking up is here.

March ... Bring It !!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:04:00 +0000

March? 2011?

What happened to December 2010, January, February 2011? Was my life so busy and full that I didn't have a moment to write ... or was I in such a mid ~~life~~ winter funk that I just didn't have much to say?

With today's bright sun and tomorrow being the first of March, I am beginning to feel like mama bear coming out of hibernation.

This past Saturday, Sandi, Kim, and I decided to ignore the snow and have a much needed girls night out. We ended up dancing the night away to the awesome sound of Big Will and the 360 Degree Band.

(That's not how we started out, but that could be a post on its own. Let's just say we didn't fit in the heavy metal scene and some poor pizza delivery guy is probably still walking around that venue looking for us.)

I admit, I am one who has S.A.D., but during March, I usually get it together. What better way than a vacation! I'm trying hard to convince Sandi to pull another Thelma and Louise vacation like we did a couple years ago. *It's not taking much to convince her *

So, I'm once again kick-starting my perpetual diet, hitting the tanning bed, and scouring the web for a great deal on some fun in the sun. Oh, and although I've said this before, I'm going to really try to keep my blogging more up-to-date.

Oh yeah, for those who are not friends with me on FB (why aren't we friends?)... I'm a "Nana"! I'll post more about my beautiful granddaughter, but I need to check with her parents first, to find out my boundaries.

Take Time to Truly Enjoy the Gifts of Each Day

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:02:00 +0000

At this time of the year, with the holidays upon us, we tend to become more aware of the people around us. We show more compassion, give more to charity, share a smile with strangers while out shopping. What if our daily perception was as keen throughout the year as it is during the adrenaline driven holiday season?

This experiment was in January 2007, but for those that missed it, please consider the daily joys we may allow to pass us by in our hurry to rush through life.

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousands of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule. A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk. A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?