love.this.quote...

“You don't love someone for their looks,

or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but

because they sing a song only you can hear.”

xxoo

random thoughts....

 

Watched the opening ceremony for the Olympics

and loved every minute of it - it made me miss London

and brought a few tears to my eyes too!

We were to leave in a few weeks for our London

and Barcelona vacation, but have decided to

postpone it. We don't really feel like flying so

far until Alex is feeling a bit better - we're

bummed about it, but have decided to take some

time off and head somewhere closer. My

wheels are turning already - and I have a very

cool place in mind. You know the saying

"when life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

(and I'll have vodka in mine..)

 

 

Today I spent the day being a domestic goddess in the

kitchen and just relaxing at home with Alex and Steff.

It was nice and felt really good, just hanging out. I took

a few walks around the neighborhood too, saying

hello to all the neighbors and their cute dogs...

 

 

Steff is getting her belongings organized as she moves

up to northern California next month, trying to decide

what to take, what to toss and what to keep here.

Exciting times ahead yet bittersweet all in one.

 

 

These photos that I have posted here are of a quaint

town on the coast of central California called San Luis

Obispo. It's about a 2 1/2 drive from my house

 

 

and it's where I will be heading next weekend for an overnight

visit with my mom and sis. I was suppose to go up north

last weekend with Steff to her college orientation and

to visit my family, but I wanted to stick close to Alex.

So they have agreed to meet me halfway, which

just happens to be in this charming town.

 

 

My sis has always wanted to stay at this hotel called the

Apple Farm, so we are meeting up there. There is always

a lot of laughter when my mom, sis and I get together

and a whole lot of love (and teasing.) I can't wait to see them!

 

Smile, be kind and enjoy each moment

 

xxoo

(photos via here)

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

peace of mind...

This photo is where my mind was today - in a quaint relaxing garden.


Reflecting on life.

This past week has been interesting, terrifying, eye opening and

a life changer for sure. When you face the possible mortality of a loved one

it puts everything into perspective - nothing else matters.

Period.

It's been a week of learning about things I never really planned on.

But you know what they say about the best laid plans.

All is really good right now - I am counting my many blessings

and thankful that Alex is still here with us - every moment

is precious and I will not forget that ever.

I learned alot about myself this week and about

the kindness of so many family and friends

I truly felt it - very strongly.

I am also trying to figure out how to move forward

with life - now that the game has changed a bit.

I noticed when we came home from the hospital

and all was well - I started feeling panicky if I

left for an hour or so - would something happen

while I was away? It's always a possibility, but

neither of us want to live that way - so we move

forward and try to walk out of this surreal fog

we've been in for a week.

All is well

All is good

and we exhale

and realize

how lucky we are

how loved we are

and oh so very thankful.

Have the most fabulous day ever!

xxoo

(photo via here)

Posted with Blogsy

31 years ago today....

31 years ago today, I became a mother for the very first time.  The most vivid memory that I have of that night was when I was in

my hospital room holding my beautiful baby, looking out of the window into the night and feeling so peaceful for the first time ever in my life. A calm had come over me and a love that I never knew existed until the moment I held my precious little boy in my arms.  It made my heart want to explode with happiness and joy!

Both of my children have always made my heart soar with love and pride.  They have been a joy to watch grow up and I think I have learned more from them than they have from me.  Children are such
wise teachers.  To see them both as the fabulous loving and caring people they are today is icing on an already very sweet cake!

Cheers to Matt on his 31st birthday!

He is taking the day off of work and heading
out to a baseball game - something he has always
loved to do! 

Have a great day, Matt
You are loved more than
you will ever know!
xxoo
(photo via here)

scenes from my weekend...

Our weekend consisted of parties for two special men in our family. A one year old little man named Mason and his great grandpa Mariano that turned 100. We sat around the kitchen table listening to and telling stories, had a sing along around the piano, gave lots of hugs and kisses, especially to the little ones, played in barns made out of washing machine boxes, laughed, cried, ate and then ate some more, slept very little and had two days of fun. Very simple and very special family time that we will always cherish.  How many 100 year old birthday parties do people get to go to?  This was my first and although I have known Mariano for 45 years, I learned alot about his life this weekend and am very grateful that I did. I hope you had a fun family filled weekend too!


Have a fabulous day!
xxoo

that was a quick year!

Yep, today is my great nephew, Mason's

1st birthday - how the time has flown by!

He is quite the character and such a

happy happy baby!  Look at that toothy grin!

Steff and I are heading north this weekend to

party with Mason and the family in celebration

of the big 1! We are also celebrating Mason's

great grandpa's 100th birthday too - fun times!

Happy Birthday, Mason!

We love you lots!

xxoo

love.this.quote....

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
                                  i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)



~e.e. cummings~




Happy Valentines Day, my lovely friends!
xxoo








(photo via here)

the greatest love of all...

"I've found the greatest love of all inside of me"

Words can't express the sadness that I felt upon hearing the news of the passing of Whitney Houston.  I really was not too surprised as her struggles were pretty well known over the years, but you hope and pray that for anyone going thru any type of addiction, that they are able to overcome it.  She truly had one of the most beautiful voices that I have ever heard and this song and it's message has always touched my heart. Hug your loved ones and don't take one moment for granted.  Rest in peace, Whitney!

xxoo  

a nice little surprise....

As my friend, Sally and I were just arriving into

Napa, I received a call from my sister asking if

I had heard the news?  As I may or may not have

told you all before that my sis was going to be a

grandma not once, but twice this year - she proudly

told me that she had a new grandbaby girl!!  That

was a definite surprise as it was not even on my

mind as of yet - as she was due on August 7th.  We

have a beautiful new addition to our family - Mia

Rose.  She weighed in at 7.5 pounds and is 19 1/2

inches long!!  Yippee!!  After Napa (more on that

tomorrow), Sally and I headed straight to the hospital

to see my new niece, Mia and her parents - my nephew

Rog and his wife Denise.  I told them how pleased I was

that they had planned the birth perfectly to coincide with

my trip up north!!  So excited for them and for all of us -

it will be nice to have little ones again.  My little great nephew

Mason, is also very excited to have a new little cousin to play

with!!

Happy Monday, everyone!

xxoo

(photo via here)

love.this.quote... & happy day....

"we show up, burn brightly, live passionately, hold nothing back, and when the moment is over, when our work is done, we step back and let go." - rolf gates

today is my son, Matt's 30th birthday, I can't believe it!   If you're reading this Matt (you lurker you...) I hope you have a fun day filled with alot of love, laughter, good food and good friends!  The above quote is so wonderful and exactly what I wish for my children and all of my friends and family!

Enjoy each moment, friends!

xxoo

(photo via here)







a very special day over here...

 Join me in wishing a Happy, Happy, Joyful 20th birthday to my amazingly fabulous, intelligent, talented, caring, one of a kind, gorgeous baby girl, Stephanie!  She makes my heart swell with pride at the awesome human being she is.  It is so mind boggling how fast these 20 years have flown by and I have enjoyed every second of them - even those "driving me crazy teen years."  I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything in the world!  The only thing that I have ever truly wanted to be was a mommy and my wish was fulfilled one hundred fold with my two beautiful babies!  It is the most amazing (and at times very heartbreaking, tiring, pull your hair out) feeling in the world to guide your children thru life and realize that you didn't teach them, instead they taught you.

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK, BABY GIRL!!

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL DAY!

XXOO

The Love Letter...

My friend Gigi at The Magpie's Fancy started a series called Freewrite Fridays.  She has been a writer and a teacher for many years.  On Fridays she gives writing exercises (should you choose to participate)along with tips and bit of inspiration.  I thought I would give it a try.  This assignment was to handwrite a letter to someone who will never read it.  As today is the 3rd anniversary of my good friend, Judy's death, I thought I would write a love letter to her.  I am loving Gigi's series and although this is only my second one that I have participated in, it really has made me slow down and take time to just sit with my thoughts.  Thank you, Gigi for being such a wonderful inspiration!

Dear Judy - Today is the 3rd anniversary of  your death.  I'll never forget the moment, I saw your name come up on my cell phone. I knew it was going to be Harvey telling me he had just lost his beloved wife.  I was driving at the time, so I pulled over to take the call.  After Harvey gave me the awful news, I just sat in my car and cried, I felt so lost already without you.  As much as I hoped and prayed I would never get that call; my heart told me to prepare for it. How does one prepare for the loss of such an important person in their life? To imagine that life will go on without them in it?

You were everything wrapped into one person - a second mother, a friend, a psychiatrist, a teacher, a co-worker who made me want to get up in the morning to get to the office just so I could argue with you all day! We bantered all day long and we would laugh hysterically when we knew we had horrified the others into thinking we hated each other. It was quite the opposite - we loved each other and clung to each other. You would listen to me ramble on for hours about whatever was on my mind and you would never say a word - you would just listen and let me figure things out for myself and then you would give me your thoughts and I thank you for that!

Shopping with you was quite the experience.  It was like a sport to you and the object was to pay as little as possible, but your true hobby was returning the items, you found so much joy in that..and it always made me laugh!!  I did learn to always ask if there is any extra discounts, as you would always say, "It never hurts to ask".  You listened for hours on end when I talked about Sandi's cancer and the daily blow by blow of what she was going thru and how afraid I was of losing her. (which happened eleven months after your death). 

You were one of the first people I called when I heard my dad had been murdered, and you will never know how much it meant to me having you fly up to his memorial for just for a few hours - just to be by my side. Thank you for walking thru a lot of tough and happy times with me and just being my friend. I never for one moment thought I would lose you anytime soon until one day out of the blue when you called me to ask me out to lunch.

You asked me where Sandi had bought her wigs as you had Hodgkins Disease and you were starting chemotherapy in a few weeks and would most likely need a wig.  If that was not shock enough to me, you then told me that you had been diagnosed five years earlier and the only people that knew were Harvey, your son Paul (as you wanted Harvey to have someone to talk to about it) and your lifelong friend, Barb back in New York. After screaming at you for a moment or so, as I was so angry you had not done anything to treat it until now - you simply said to me " I wanted quality of life not quantity, and I know once I start chemotherapy my life will never be the same again". (You know what, you were right - you had nothing but complications for the next six months and spent the rest of your life in the hospital, but you agreed that you had waited too long for treatment and your health was already extremely compromised).

That lunch was the last time I saw you, as you made me promise not to come to the hospital - you promised me that we would go out to lunch once your chemotherapy was done. We never got that chance. I so desperately wanted to go to the hospital and it broke my heart that I didn't, but out of respect for you, I was honoring  your wishes. Two weeks before you started chemo - you, Harvey, your kids and grandkids were going on a cruise for your 50th wedding anniversary - you knew this might be your last vacation with them, and you did not want them to know you were ill, as you wanted everyone to have a good time. And you did, you had a wonderful time and gave everyone some fabulous memories to hold onto.

 Two days after you started chemo, I was flying to Chicago with Sandi, Sally and the girls for my 50th birthday. When we arrived at the hotel, I received a call from Harvey telling me that you had insisted he call me and sing Happy Birthday to me (which he did) - that made my day, my week - it made me smile so much, knowing all you were going thru and you had thought of me. Thank you, friend. You meant the world to me and still do. I have your photo in my office and every once in a while I smile at all the silly things we did at work, we sure got away with alot there! haha.

Looking back at both you and Sandi and how differently you handled your cancers - I am somewhat torn about what I would do, should this ever happen to me; you wanted quality and Sandi wanted quantity. You both fought your battles with all your heart, and I have so much love and respect for the both of you. The two of you made my world so wonderful and I lost both of you within a year of each other. Time has gone on and it does get less painful, but my memories of you and of Sandi will never fade. You two were such colorful characters to be around and there will never be anyone like you two in my life again. I am so grateful to you both for your love and friendship to not only me, but to Stephanie too!

Keeping you in my heart always,

Cathi 
xxoo

(photo via here)

my love list today...

I love that my high school friend, Yukiko rides a purple Harley Davidson (my fave color) I remember when our high school friend, Warren taught us how to ride his motorcycle, I burned my leg on the motor as I was wearing shorts, happily I lived to tell about it!

I watched Love Actually yesterday and I was reminded how much I have always loved Joni.  Just like a photograph, music brings back such wonderful memories!

I tried a new very tasty drink today and I am loving it - Mamma Chia Raspberry Passion - their bottles make a beautiful flower vase.

I love that my friend, Mary lives in a Yurt in Kauai, is a midwife and an organic farmer (I was the one that always wanted to be a midwife, but I couldn't be more proud of her) I have a very interesting story about Mary that I will tell you about someday!

I love that the sky was so blue today and it was a nice crisp day - perfect walking weather!  Eric Clapton & John Mellencamp's music makes for a fun walk!

I LOVE that I get to see my family this coming weekend and that I FINALLY get to meet my new little great nephew, Mason Christopher!!  He is in for lots of kisses and hugs from me!!

I love and am so happy that my childhood friend, Kim who was widowed 1 1/2 years ago, is finally starting to have some good things going on in her life!

I love my nightly rituals of taking a long candlelit bath - it is the place that I do my best thinking and my best sleeping!!  :)

I love that my eighty year old friend, Lee is painting a mural on her living room wall and is also a organic farmer, proving that you're never too old to learn new things!

I love the quotes - "the earth laughs in flowers" and  "the first one who smiles, wins"

Have a joy filled week, friends!

xxoo

happy days are here.....

I am so EXCITED to announce that my niece, Christy gave birth to an absolutely gorgeous little boy named Mason Christopher yesterday.  He weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounces, 19 inches long!! I can't wait to meet this adorable little man!!  Congrats to Christy & Kevin! They are in for the most wonderful adventures with their new family!!

xxoo

heart happy...

Saturday I received some very exciting news!  You all know that my

niece is about to give birth in a few weeks.  Her brother called

me on Saturday to inform me that he and his wife are expecting

a baby in 6 months!!  My sis is going to have a busy year with

two grandkids to spoil!   We are beyond happy and excited!!

and

Today I went to my friend Kelly's dads memorial and it was so

wonderful, just as I had suspected it would be.  Alot of great

stories from friends and family along with a wonderful video montage

of her fabulous father's amazing life....As sad as his death was,

today was so uplifting to all and I feel so blessed to have been

able to share it with everyone there!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!!

xxoo

(photo via here)

it's here, it's really here...

Well, almost!  Christmas is right around the corner and I am

tying up some loose ends and will be enjoying the next few days

with family and friends!  Wishing you all the Happiest, most joyful

Christmas ever!  For all of you traveling (and that will be me too on

Christmas morning) Safe Travels!  Thank you all for making

my year here in this blog world a pretty wonderful one, and

how I look forward to the coming year! 

Much love sent your way!

xxoo

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me"

(photo via here)

don't you forget...

This quote really spoke to me.  I remember when I  figured out

what kind of non profit I wanted to start.  I'd been wanting to do

something for years, but just couldn't figure it out.  When I finally did

I planned and plotted for months without saying a word to anyone - as

it was my baby and I didn't want anyone to deter me from my mission

or discourage me.  When I finally did divulge to people what I wanted

to do, I had a few naysayers that didn't quite understand why I would

want to do this, but I truly devoted myself to this project and went

completely out of my comfort \zone to get it going.  I am a very shy

person at heart.  If you were to meet me, you wouldn't think so - but

inside myself I am EXTREMELY shy, so by starting this non profit

and opening myself up to alot of different people and explaining

what I was doing took alot of deep breaths on my part.  As much

as I adore my seniors that I visit often, it took awhile for them to

understand why I would do this.  A few times they'd ask "what are

you getting out of this?"  I'd say "it's filling my heart with joy and

meeting so many awesome seniors and listening to your life stories

are just about the best present I could ever receive."  I went into

this wanting to make a difference in their lives, to bring a smile or

a laugh and what it did was it changed my life.

All in all, when I saw this quote above - it made me just want

to shout from the rooftops - DON'T EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR

DREAMS!  Sometimes they turn out different then you have planned,

sometimes it takes many twists and turns and some tears mixed in with

the smiles and laughter.  But doing something you love is worth it!!

So there, I'll get off my soapbox now!

Carry on and have a beautiful week, everyone!

Do yourself a favor and share some kindness with

everyone that crosses your path
your life will never be the same!
I promise!

xxoo

(photo via here)

happy wednesday....

I love this!  Sometimes it takes years to realize this!

It's been a crazy busy week around here.  We got back from

an awesome time with our friends in San Francisco - took in

two baseball games, had alot of food and drinks, had a nice

sunny lunch on the bay with my son Matt & his wife Heather

(loved seeing them, I have been missing them alot!)  We did

alot of walking - bummed that I didn't get to ride the Cable

Cars though.  Time just flies by when you're having fun!

My friend Tracy was meeting up with a fellow photography

blogger friend of hers, so we had a nice time visiting with

him too.  All in all - the time was short but ALOT OF FUN!

In SIX short days, we are leaving for London - to say that I

am excited is a major understatement.  I am trying my best

to really be a smart packer, as I tend to overpack on trips.

Just tending to things that need to get done before the trip,

and my job is definitely getting in the way of that this week..

haha...So if anyone has any packing advice, or flying advice

as I have never been on a flight this long before - your thoughts

are welcome here!  Have a beautiful day everyone and as the

saying above goes "Who you are is enough"

xxoo

my family is good....

My family is good, my sisters family that is - they gave us all an oscar worthy performance this weekend. The rest of the family was asked to come up for my sisters surprise birthday party this weekend.  My daughter Steff and I drove up to Northern California, I then picked up my mom at the airport as she lives in Washington.  I usually stay at my sisters, so I told her we were coming up for a visit and so I could check in on my friend Kim - who'd been having a rough time this year. The lies,half truths, fibs - whatever you want to call it were floating around all of us like crazy. It was finally time for the party and the decorations were up, cars stowed behind the house so they wouldn't catch on and then we all yelled surprise!  My sister as usual was filled with tears and of course then she gets everyone else going...she starts talking about her wonderful family, her kids, etc....then her son in law stepped in started giving a bit of a speech regarding her birthday present (at this point, I thought we were all going to have to take the podium and make some sort of speech...haha...) He then presented her a gift which was an enlarged print of an ultrasound - my niece Christy was pregnant - yippee!!!  There were screams of joy, laughing, tears and some jumping around as everyone was excited.  My sister then took the stage again and announced that the SURPRISE was on all of us - as she had masterminded the whole thing - wanting to have the whole family together

to make this announcement...We were all wondering how they could pull off a surprise on my sis, as she is hard to surprise.....well needless to say, we all felt deceived, used and downright duped.  They punked us good!  And so for this they all get an Oscar from me - especially having to endure all my questions and that of my daughter - as we were wondering how it could be a surprise birthday party when none of my sisters friends were invited, that just did not make sense to me!  Who knew I had a bunch of great actors in my family!  haha....Congrats to my niece Christy and her husband Kevin!   Mid february is the due date for the baby. That baby won't be spoiled at all....nope not in this family!  :)

smile monday & another celebration...

"Sisters don't need words.

They have perfected a language of snarls

and smiles and frowns and winks -

expressions of shocked surprise

and incredulity and disbelief.

Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs -

that can undermine any tale you're telling."

Sisters are two people who are bound

by the fact they know way too many

embarrassing stories to tell about each

other!     And my big sis is no

exception - so let's take a moment

and wish my much much older sister

(just kidding :) only 2 years)

a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!!!

(Before she starts telling those stories...)

She is the BEST SISTER that this

girl could ever have and I feel

very lucky to have her in my life!

HAVE A GREAT DAY, GAIL!

I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!

xxoo