Thoughts for 2011...

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Remeber to live YOUR moments and may God bless your 2011...

Merry Christmas...past and present.

So here it is...my second Christmas without my Mother. Last year I really don't remember Christmas or the months that lead up to it but I do remember New Years. I remember telling myself that I would survive this loss, that 2010 would be a better year and that my mom would want me to be living MY moments not just being there for them.
So that is what I did. I lived every moment of 2010 with a purpose. I made it count. Don't get me wrong, there were many days of tears and missing her but I allowed myself those moments and knew that by having them I would be better off.
I am excited for what 2011 has in store. The new adventures and the trying times that will make up another 365 days of MY moments.

I will keep the faith and know that mom will be there sharing every moment with me in her own special way.

Contemplation........

This past weekend I had my first views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing and sad all at the same time. The past weeks news was headlined with the tragic suicide story of Tyler Clementi. Our world has gone crazy with bullying and bigotry. San Francisco reports one suicide a week from people who jump from the Golden Gate Bridge. Are they also the victims of these types of harassment? We must put an end to this...the time is now people!

Girlfriends......

My best friend Jody (l) and her sister Chris (r)...nothing is better than time spent with lifetime friends.

Lerch's Waffles...Ohhh the best!

The Wayne County Fair would not be complete without my childhood favorite...Lerch's Waffles

just look UP...

On a recent "photoday" I was reminded by nature that when things don't look how you would like...just remember to look UP.

Field of SUNflowers

This is the amazing field of sunflowers that greeted me as I was leaving the hotel for my flight home from Denver, CO.

The Command Center Babies are lonesome when momma KJ is gone!

Cleveland 3-Day for the Cure

What an amazing weekend. The walkers and crew were amazing. The weather was well...let's just say that "72 & Sunny" came through for all of us. Kindness ROCKS...Cleveland ROCKS!

Here we go 3-Day 2010

Today I leave for the Cleveland 3-Day for the Cure. This begins my annual adventure of life: how it can and should be. I look forward to waking at O'dark thirty, watching random acts of kindness all around me and taking time to reflect on what brought me to the 3-Day more than a decade ago. So, here is to early mornings, late nights and 72 & Sunny!

4th of July...Orrville Ohio