Happiest of New Years

Stay safe.. Be thankful. Strive for the best. I will try. xxxxxxxxxx

Dec. 29th, 2009

Cold, yes... was it really 2 weeks ago that we were on the beach in Mexico?
Amazing, the changes, really.
So great to have had everyone home for Christmas. We did very litle, except relax and enjoy.
Nora was the star of the show, followed by Quinn and Cole. All of our girls were home. A great gift to me and Dave. Hope we have others as nice, here in the future.
We are truly blessed. Now on to the New year, 2010.

Christmas Eve 2009

Just in from Christmas Eve service with the family. Coe and Quinn were so good only surpassed by Nora Jane (8 weeks today.). Both boys were allowed to come sit with me, it was great. Nice to have everyone home. Received communion and then sang some songs. I had dinner ready and then suggested we take the traditional family picture. Well, we got it done with a few changes in personality. Hope it comes out. One for the book. Had a nice dinner and now hopefully we will settle in for a story from Dad/Pop, A Night Before Christmas. Kiddos, grand kiddos on his lap.
Off to do stocking and await Santa. Peace.

Christmas..

Everyone arrived home safely tonight! All of my Christmas wishes have come true. :)

Ooooh Mexico

Lots happening this week. Our 35th anniversary/wedding trip to Playa del Carmen. Dave gets to see the Mayan Ruins, a dream of his.
I have shipped or scheduled the last of packages until I return.
The kids are all coming home for Christmas, which actually is the big excitement of the holiday season.
We also have booked a lovely beachfront house at my/our favorite place in the world. Made even better that our family will join us. The kiddos, our grandkids will all be there, some will run on the sand bars and the others will be held by loving arms. My girls will all be there to enjoy it. Tom, PJ and Dave have taken vacation time. A great event to look forward to to celebrate Keely's 30th. Lots to do before Christmas but all good things on the list.

Life is good. Thank you God for these gifts. Saying my prayers that all get what they most need and hope for this holiday season and coming New Year.

ok, ok, ok

Sadly, I can't be everywhere and do everything I want to but I can try and offer advice and prayers. Sheesh. Had a great birthday and some very special moments with Dave and friends. My kids chipped in and gave me art supplies to go with my new easel. Some day soon. Nora Jane, my sweet grand daughter sent me a ohoto mug. I love it. I received a great book from Dave and some lovely flowers and a wonderful card. I love it!!! Everyone sang happy birthday to me. All in all a good birthday. Lots of prayers to be offered up of late. We are blessed. Dave tells me Mexico soon. He is so excited. I know I will be but for now it is make the gifts, bill the gifts and deliver and ship the gifts. In between cook the food, clean the house and try and coordinate Christmas. I have my card s done. yes!! I have a short gift list. Yes!! I will have to be organized to be able to accomplish all that I have to do. For tonight I am saying prayers and going to bed.

Healthy, wealthy and wise

So now we have 3 grandchildren. Amazing grand children. I love them like I never thought possible. Quinn Sawyer, Cole Sebastian and Nora Jane. Amazing. We are truly
blessed. No matter what else happens in this world, I am thankful for my healthy children, their spouses and my grand babies.We are still working on the wealthy and wise ........hmmmmmmm

Nora Jane Schoeny

Born October 29, 2009. 6 lbs. 15 oz. and absolutely lovely. It really takes me back. I can not wait until the rest of the family is together and can meet her. We are so lucky, all of us. 3 healthy grandkids and 4 healthy daughters. (Who have had the good fortune to chose some pretty wonderful life mates. ) Praying for everyone every night.

success

Well, at least for the day. Another good order. Now to get my act together. The holidays are coming, really, already??
Yes, when you have a gift business. I really liked it back when the fall meant gathering the prettiest leaves, building a fire, making hot apple cider and waiting to take get my kiddos dressed for Halloween.
Back to being "customly" creative ;)

leaves, country roads and dollar coffees

Today I had an early birthday present from Dave. He insisted we go for a ride and we did. In a HUGE truck, what?? On to south county. Grabbed a dollar coffee at McDonalds. Newmans own.. love it..any size a dollar?? Ok! Then on past Tanglewood into a unknown driveway and voila. he bought me an artist easel. It is very cool, very used and perfect! Now, maybe, he says I will take the time for myself. He also got me a very cool book of drawing ideas and paintings, etc. Then we came home and I cut holly for Christmas. He rode Mater for fall cleanup and overall, had a wonderful day. Shipped some gift boxes and spoke to all of our kids, which is always nice. Ah well. I pray for all of them. Off to dinner and maybe some sketching?

I thought I loved the fall.. I do.. I do...

The other day the leaves were brilliant. It was a gorgeous scene. Today it is cold, bleak and windy. No snow, but I am coughing and have the chills. Oh boy. Lots to do but right now, I'll have a cup of tea and sleep.

BRRRRRR and mmmmmmmmmmmm

fall is here.. leaves are changing, awaiting news on a new grand baby, a new job, a few auditions, a few trips and business ...phew.. I think it is time to build a fire and pour a glass of wine.. after I make a few more gift boxes of courses..

my family

they are all incredibly talented , each in their own right....I have a lot to be thankful for and proud of..

back home same day again

phew.. what a few fast and furious weeks. One of my babies moved to Boston, one to NYC. Another is expecting her first born and the other 's first born is starting preschool. Life is zooming by. Just back in from a Red Sox game. Fantastic weekend, exhausting weekend, all good. Saying my prayers for new job starters, audition call backs, babies getting ready to join our family and babies growing fast. Also a little prayer for the parents, all of us, to stay happy, strong, healthy and prosperous. Life is good!

Nice night under the stars

The ocean still calms my soul but I have to admit the Berkshires are comforting. I wait for spring to open the pool and sit outside then summer flies by. I start to get sad and then we glide into fall. The Berkshires are my favorite place in autumn. Last night a full moon, under the stars, eating pizza with friends and family. This morning fresh air and cool breezes. This is my favorite season here. Until the snow flies.

Thinking of the Kennedys

The end of an era. History, some bad mostly good. Growing up in awe of the Kennedy mystique. Remembering Rose and the party we catered. Thinking of the compound and the lovely beach. Praying for Bobby, John, Eunice and now Ted.

Love my girls.. can they all come home.. and argue about clothes and rooms and shoes and stuff????

vacation

bethany beach ..missed the girls but guess that is the way of the world for now. hopefully they will try to block off family time one day soon.. great restful vacation.. now off to get ready for the baby shower.

beach

so wish everyone had scheduled it in. but I am sooooooo excited.. books, sand and ocean gazing.. 3 big deep breaths..

wish we could have a few special moments

in the time we have left together. Some times communicating is harder than others.
Lots to impart but no open lines. Hopefully a lot will filter through. Keel says it happened for her when she left home and we had phone calls. Still does to this day. Kate as well. Recipes, how to, etc etc. Perhaps, wish it was still show and tell though. A lot more reassuring all around.

so after all these years

I find out that 3 deep breaths really does make a difference. And sleep....
great evening. Went to the ethnic fair, it was so so but then Dave and I had a nice dinner on an outside terrace at a new place in town. Trying to figure out a few thoughts that just do not make sense to us.. hmmmmm.....

Rainy days and cooking

I love to cook. It is a soothing and creative experience to me. Especially when it is not for a hurried affair. Making string beans and ground beef(what no lamb??) and rice pilaf. Testing out a veggie quiche recipe for the baby shower. Off to get caught up. Day off tomorrow.

back home same day again

Not really but we are back home. Great to see Keely and PJ. She looks great, not sure how she is doing all she is doing but I guess that is youth. The house is very promising. Great structure, windows, light and flooring. Had "fun" helping out but could have used another solid week of helping with cleaning and repairs. They still have so much to do but painting and organizing will help. They have done a lot so far. So, Em traveling across country. Sounds like she is enjoying it. Rachel at hom emaking loot for her NYC move in Sept. Em goes to Boston, Beacon Hill, "pardon me" as nana would say. Sounds like Kate and Tom and boys are really settling in and feeling at home. Life is good. Hope Dave and I get some time to relax and get our projects done as well. Looking forward to having everyone home for two days in Aug. 2 days? well, we will take what we can get. Off to clean up, throw out and mow. Ha!! Grand babies arrive this weekend so that their parents can go to NY. Rachel is there for a few days. Everyone is all over. NYC, Chicago, Boston, so much for those weekly dinners at the grandparents house. Life is sooo busy.

cleaning ..regrouping and thinking

always feels good ...........................

June June June

Imagine, seems like it just started and here we are facing July. Company and then a brief hiatus and then traveling and then.. whoosh.. Aug. Trying to enjoy the time when my girls are here. Before too long we will say what happened to the summer. Then a baby, another trip and whoosh again.

Cloudy days are good for cleaning and reorganizing. Cooking, sorting and throwing away. Gardening, grapeleaves, and writing. And now two exciting prospects.. cool.

And a book that I really do not have time for but oh boy..

sun for part of the day

Hope to get a few to relax. Did lots of cleaning, billing, creating and selling and correspondence. Still hurting, the rain has not helped physically and now emotionally.

Hateful words just can not be taken back. I know when someone is scared and worried the worst can come out but life is good for her. Not sure what the thought process was to get where she went. No need to be so mean spirited. Hate is a strong word. Putting down what I do is very sad. I have always been generous to her friends and to her. Listening is not a strong suit. Hopefully one day she will appreciate what she has had in us.

Now off to discover. Life is good.

take a deep breath

trying to overlook the disrespect.. or is it really that one does not care.. a good case of ennui. ...leaving people without a good sense of focus.. back to mine.. things to do.. for myself... and others who appreciate my efforts.

sunshine is coming

That means catching up outdoors .. hooray. .I look forward to it.. maybe even the pool. nice.

so is 22 the new 16

I do not think so, just a case of some lazy, for myself energy. Hope it converts and picks up soon, or this story will change dramatically. I am much too old and kind for this.

Love having the "kids" around, hate that they treat out newly renovated baths and rooms like gross dorms. This is our home and it has basic upkeep and care that comes along with it.

I have tremendous love for these souls but give me a break. Others like them are working everyday and organizing their lives. Get up and be counted.

Not sure why they are so antagonistic and not open to what we are saying. Everything is an argument or disagreement. They question everything we say or do.
Our other two were always respectful and learned. Sometimes I wonder if they will ever get it.

how hard is it??

I mean, it is amazing to me how some people can take care of themselves and do for others and then there are some who can't or won't do anything extra at all. No matter how much you do for them, they sit back and take. Why is that?

I am going back to my progressive ways. Happier, easier to just do what I need and take care and make plans. Sad, I hate being selfish but maybe I will have to look at it as loving myself first. Life is really too short.

I will get back o my wish "to do" list. Maybe then, people will either get it on their own or lose out. I mean, when I was 22.. sheesh. I was married and saving my money and cleaning up after myself for a while by then and helping others and checking in on my family and planning. Boy, wish I had had money given to me when I accomplished things. Ha!!

Then again, there was not the diversion of the internet and having to listen to all the stupid twits. Voyeurism at its worst, wasteful, mindless blogs about very little. Like this?

its a new day

A new world. lots of options..

too little time..

A few cliches

When all is said and done, nothing more needs to be said.

A person has to learn by their own mistakes.

Fortunately, this is only sometimes true. There are a few who listen and heed advice. There are some who understand it all. Unfortunately, combine that with rude and all you get is unpleasant. Is that a cliche? No, it is just unpleasant.

Which is why"cabbage has a cabbage smell."

There is always tomorrow.. well, I hope so.

Ocean people, mountain people

I am definitely a displaced ocean person. Actually a water person for that matter. Although today is absolutely gorgeous here in the Berkshires. I awoke to the birds chirping and the sun shining. It had been raining for three days, so I walked down to the pool and checked the water temp. Sunday will be a day for relaxing and outside catch up work.

I do love this house. I hope all of my family gets to experience the joy and peace of a place like this in their lives.

rain, rain, rain

I love the rain actually. It gives me a day or two to regroup indoors.Lots of clean up outside but I love the rain. I love to lay awake at night and listen to it as I drift off to sleep. Rach is at the Cape now, Em in Boston. Dave and I heading to sleep. Rachel got her summer job at Jae's That will be nice for her. Em is awaiting her news about her media planner position. I think it will be a good move but hope she/they get some time at home before they leave for good. I wish we could all have a few days of just relaxing and enjoying each others company, but who knows.
Off to listen to the rain as I drift off to sleep. Oh, and I saw Keel today via Skype. So cute. Her baby belly is growing. As it should be. Happy for both of them as they create their family. Odd, how I always thought we would live close together and now everyone is spreading out far away. Only a few good years left for us. Hope we get to enjoy time with everyone again, more than the once or twice a year gathering. Wasn't it just yesterday that I was telling them to shut off their lights? When K & K were using the string telephones between rooms? When R & E shared their rooms and argued about their sides? Time really is so fleeting. Rain.. is soothing.

Williams and its one, two, three and four..

Em graduated with flying colors this past Sunday from Williams. How is this possible?? I remember just yesterday, or so it seems, that she was waving her acceptance letter!! John Glenn and James Taylor spoke. Anne Garrells as well.
So proud of Em and Rachel. had a huge party and lots of fun. Last of the tents for a while I hope. Tired, happy and thoughtful.

Harvard.. thank kew very much

My baby is a Harvard grad.. naturally!!! One down, the youngest ;) yet to go.. x
What a week.. Harvard commencement is like no other. I remember when our eldest earned her Masters from Harvard. Thrilling to see all those Masters and PH D candidates in their regalia but I have to say, I was deeply moved when I saw and heard Rachel receiving her A. B. (as Kate says) as only Harvard can bestow. Proud parents are we! Now off to bed and to rest and THEN prepare for Em's special weekend. Life really does zip by.

off to the first of two grads

Harvard and Williams, boy are the grandparents proud.. and us as well. Dave and I look forward to toasting to our two youngest. They have made us proud. We are hitting a milestone. Hope we are around to see the fruition of everyone's labor. Here we come crimson and gold and then back up to the purple valley. Gathering this weekend with our friends and family. A milestone.

Nice.. thank you, you're welcome.

Sunshine.. thank you

Lots of lists and a bit less time. Home, college events, preparation. A good strong week of change. One is trying to relocate to her new home, big changes, lots of work, in the midst of caring for two high energy little ones. She has to keep her strength up. One is growing a person! Writing as well but her most creative is within. Our other is graduating from her favorite place. It will be a poignant moment. I hope she realizes soon, the best is yet to come if she stays focused. Exciting! Our other, big changes, lots of directions, graduation and a meeting about an exciting opportunity. All good will come to these folks as they move forward. The two of us are trying small changes to stay healthy. Work is challenging, house needs work, I guess work is the operative word. All good things, nothing bad. Just a lot of high energy roads. Looking forward to it all and for a little R & R and celebration.

rain

I really do not like the rain, it makes me ache like there's no tomorrow. (nana).. but it is helping the garden grow. Just bad bad achy feeling. Have to get my strength to get things done. Maybe applying to other jobs, can't go on like this. I am tired.

life is really funny

One day, sunny and top of the world, the next , well you have to make your own. I still feel blessed to have 4 very healthy daughters, two grandbabies and one on the way and a loving and thoughtful husband. I am bewildered as to how I get two lovely mother's dad cards and gifts and two kids who don't send an ecard. Maybe the long distance phone call and the other's visit should be enough. I understand what those little cards mean now. Business is good, trying to catch up financially. Will that ever happen? Hmm...

nice

I did it again, but that is what made him happy.. so here we go.. I hope he does not get hurt, he is so talented and these people are morons. I try to be understanding but sheeesh..

any how, off to clean and get ready for my brood.. for one night, but a brood none the less... all except one, who can not be here. hmmm.. maybe two..

lots of coversation

and quite a bit more clarity... all is well, but I will still watch out fo rmy own interest.. life is good.

wow crazy busy world

florida, dc, berkshires, boston, graduations, new grandbaby, plays, spring and work. lots going on.. all good. just need time to balance.. phew..

what goes around comes around

And that is a very good thing, if you do the best you can do. I can honestly say I try and go forth with goodness and benevolence in my heart and mind. If people take it the wrong way, they must be looking for the bad. I feel good about what I do for others and myself. Hopefully, the important people will get it. If not, life passes.

yikes

still coughing, is that possible?? Am I setting a New World's Record? Others worse off than I am but sheeesh. Saw my baby and her babies this week. Wonderful. Wish we were closer but am happy only 2.5 hours. Now my other baby is taking a fun trip. My youngest is heading home and my next one, well waiting to hear.. hmmmm. Back to work but hmmm....

lots to ponder

A lot to be thankful for and some things to worry about. I try not to worry too much but man it is hard, Pulled a muscle the other day. Silly, painful and now torn. Bleeding and uncomfortable so I am prone. Trying to will it to heal. Here's hoping, as nothing else is getting done. Praying.

On the plus side, everyone else is healthy and filled with promise. Lots of good blessings. I am thankful.

south beach to going south

What a difference, not just in longitude and latitude. Great time in Miami seeing Felix. Attended the wedding. It was fun to see Dave's sisters and wonderful to see my baby. ;)
Came home with a bad smoker's cough, it stinks, have not smoked since '76 so it really takes its toll on me. Now have a pulled muscle and no energy. Still coughing and not sleeping, praying that I get better soon. 50s tomorrow. Wow!! Really ready for spring.

back home same day

well, we had a quick trip to West coast of Florida and East coast of Florida. South Beach had to be my favorite. Amazing food, friends and buildings. Lots of fun. Keel joined us, wish the other girls had been able to but it was nice having an "only child" in Keely. Although we really didn't!! And of course, a memorable event, my babies turn 22. My.

life's passages

New ideas in case of events.. makes sense.. but also shows me our time here is so finite. I want to enjoy my family and it is a challenge to get to everyone when I want to and am needed. A new life, so thrilling. Wish we could be more of a part of it but will do what I can from here. I am thankful that they are happy and will pray for them and this new member of our family. So thankful for all of our blessings.

March 3rd

Started as a good day, developed into a better day and ended as a great day! Enough said......that's all I can say, really. Thank you God for the blessings you have given to me and my family. Keep them under your watchful eye and protect them. Special blessings to my children and their children. I am so thankful.

more snow.. oh good.. I am thankful

I am actually. I would rather be at Cape Cod or somewhere near the water, watching the storm but if I had to choose another place to sit and work and watch the world, this would be it. A gentle view of nature and a warm and happy home. I pray all of my girls will have that "little slice of heaven". They deserve it.

Dinner, a movie and great people....

Had the band over for dinner this evening. (Minus one. ) He has moved out of the Berkshires. We called him. Everyone else viewed the dvd and ate and drank and laughed and enjoyed. Great group of people. A few significant others came as well. A nice night. Lots of energy and good thoughts about money raised for a good cause. I hope they know how good they were this year. The band is tight and a strong force behind the show. I am so proud of Dave. You are "still the one."

babies, birthdays ..time goes on

Took one of our babies out for a shopping trip. New clothes, new jobs, next passage. She seems excited, we are too. We will do this for her twin next. We did this for our eldest and then again for the next, clothes, money, encouragement. Is it ever enough. Do the ones before remember? All we can do is what we know how to do. Blessings on them all. It's all we can do.

pale purple roses

lilac roses actually. Dave gave them to me for our 35th. I love them. He repotted them for me on Sunday so they will continue to thrive until spring. I can not wait to replant in our rose garden. Apparently, I do have one.

winter and thankful to be indoors

Curtains and ironing have never be my favorite "chore." Ironing curtains brings it to a new level. It will feel good when it is done though. For now, I will escape with my favorite picture.

This is better than exercise and I do it!!

So snow is on the way.That's ok. Dave will build a fire, I will make the coffee and we will sit and read the paper. Who would have thought that this was possible back a few years ago? We still treasure our Sundays. All those years of greeting people and lines at the door was great for the pocketbook and ego but lousy on the soul. Some days I do miss it though.

Tired is just a 5 letter word

Sometimes I wish I had more energy. There are days when I want to do so much but run out of gas. Today I searched for grants for our non profit. I set up several marketing tools and complied lists of potential contacts. All good but so much more to do. It is discouraging, but then I think of the women we are helping. The ones who never have a choice to sit at a computer, to consider what to do next or choose what course to take. I am lucky that I am tired. Lucky I have a bed that is warm and clean and a husband who is with me who loves me and our family. I guess I do have enough energy. Tomorrow is a new day. Thank God. I am blessed.

A good day with hope of a good tomorrow...

I am finding great comfort and purpose in the blessing cup project. The good is that we can help women in transition, the bad is that there are a lot of women to help. My friend says, it's organic and will take on a life of its own. I saw that tonight with 10 women in a room. They had ideas, great vision, joy, energy and a renewed commitment to help. I may not be by the ocean but I am in the right place.

Time for a cool change.....

I really do love the ocean. There is a certain balance of the tides that centers me. A perfect day is one sitting on the sand and watching loved ones relax nearby with the constant flow of the tides as my background music.