On and On...

Pictured here are four happy friends and one small Grouch(ie), and missing is the beautiful Beth who was taking the shot and Mark (the walking man) who was a bit under the weather. The booze flowed with the exception of one of us, who was dazzlingly over served the previous night-but we won't sip and tell! It's our bi-annual get together and yes, we did solve most of the world's problems while exploring our hopes for the coming year. Travel and writing were the wishes in general, or maybe just a good manicure!! Lots of catching up while reviewing books and movies recently enjoyed. Even a few toasts-mostly to us. Salut!

On this cold, lazy Sunday, let me share a quote that makes me think of the futility of trading happiness and health for money. It's something I have vowed to never do. The ever wise Dali Lama when asked what puzzles him, most answered this way:

"Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as he is never going to die, and then he dies never having really lived."

And really, what's money and even health, without friends to make your life truly rich? I am blessed. xo

The Lemon Song...

Ah, January. No obligations and time to recover from the recent ones. My first week of sugar and booze detox is under my belt and I feel great. Not that you would guess such restrictions are in place by my picture where I am enjoying my two favorite food groups-alcohol and sugar. A lemon drop martini with a sugared rim perfectly fits the bill. Ahhhh... such fun while it lasted..sigh...

This month, traditionally, I like to hole up and get caught up on movies and books-a respite from the celebrations in December. The cold weather makes it so easy to just chill at my fireplace with a good choice of entertainment and spiked hot cocoa. Oh, wait..no booze!

My darling Michelle (Michelle's Spell) treated me to her latest, "Make Yourself Small" and I read it thru immediately. The fact that we are friends makes it a much deeper read for me and I can picture her face and imagine her voice all thru the work. It's rare to read something and actually have a relationship with the author. Michelle has always let us know just exactly what she chooses and keeps a very large part of herself a mystery. Don't get me wrong-its not a bad thing. Quite the contrary, it's very intriguing. In this age of over information and TMI, I find it totally refreshing. But in her writing, she reveals a little bit of herself, if you look closely. She is unlike anyone else I know and so is her writing. My other friend Jim, (J.R.'s Thumbprints) did a wonderful review on her book and I would encourage you to go over to Jim's to check it out. Other comrade, Mark, (The Walking Man) did the cover review and totally nailed it. I am so privileged to be able to call all three of these writers, friends.

So, excuse me for now. I am going get back to my winter indulgence. Gotta check out my reader or the tube for a little escape time. Something sweet and intoxicating should work nicely! (iwillnothavealemondrop iwillnothavealemondrop) Wish me luck, j xo

What are you doing New Year's Eve?...

It's with a deep sigh of relief that I can say that I have survived 'the holidays'. Not too much worse for wear other that the usual few pounds from constant indulgence and maybe some sleep deprivation. Both of which I plan to address a.s.a.p. Yes, the family, food and marathon partying are over for another year-thankfully. But, I will try to remain in the spirit of love and compassion that this time of year inspires.

I have never been a 'New Years' person. I abhor hall parties, bar parties and being out in general on this night that puts too much pressure on us all to be in high spirits. And I have long since given up on public announcements of resolutions for the new year. I prefer to think that my process is ongoing, and not something to be declared for one month out of the year. This New Year's Eve was once again spent with a few loved ones, quietly. I am looking forward to routine and rhythm that comes from regular day to day schedule. I will resolutely waddle into the gym and renew my efforts at good health and freeze all remaining cookies to be eaten as a treat and not a meal.

Plans to donate to my pet causes will continue, as I do it all year long. Looking forward to being able to run into Target and hear regular music and see short lines. Dreading the task of packing up 5 tubs of Christmas bling and shelving said tubs till next December.

But most of all, hoping to have a year as a blogger that is just as fulfilling and enriching as the past 3 years have been. It brings me joy to read your stories and I hope you get a kick out of mine. Let's learn and grow together in love and in hope for 2012.

Happy New Year!! All love, j xoxo

Joy to the World...

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas, my earth angels. All love, Jodi xo

Gabriel's Message...

Oh, tis the season. After week of crazy parties, I am so happy to chill and catch my breath for a minute. Had a wonderful time at the Detroit Athletic Center for cocktails and dinner and then over to The Gem theatre for the 'All Night Strut' show. The show was delightful and I would recommend seeing it if you are so inclined. Enjoyed a dinner at Luigi's, a favorite dining spot and also spent some time with my 'little' at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Christmas party before heading out to a friends annual holiday party.

And this upcoming week promises more of the same. I actually have get togethers Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, with my family coming in on Friday and a cocktail get together later that night! Whew. I have to admit that I love holiday parties, but this is crazy! I am looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad and having a quiet time at home. Wine, food, church and chillin' will be the order of Christmas at this ranch! Mom has already promised to bring my favorite cookies!

Mark (Walking Man) posted recently a piece called "The Twelve Stanzas of Christmas", that made me ponder all this craziness. I am very lucky to have family that I love and want to spend time with. I am grateful to have all creature comforts and money to donate to try to help those who don't. I will indulge in all things food and drink, realize the bounty and worry about the damage I've done later. In conversations with friends, family and work co-horts, I will listen as much as I speak. I will enjoy the wonder of the season thru children's eyes. Mom and I will participate in Mass on this most reverent day. I will not take the love of friends and family for granted and will try to make more of an effort in those relationships. The Christmas season will remind me to be more loving, and compassionate to those struggling with life-be it addictions, money problems, relationship issues, etc. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it.

Enjoy this week however it suits you. And remember the reason for the season. Much love my muchachos! xoxo

Talk that Talk...

What do you get when you cross a shy prison educator with a dazzling smile, a big, hairy pontifical Detroit poet, and an aging, suburban party girl? Not sure, but throw in gallons of good coffee, hummus and pita bread, and a large fattousch salad (kudos to Cedar Gardens) and you've got hours of talk and laughter. A warm smile from Jim and a bear hug from Mark gets this party started!

I love hooking up with Jim and Mark and am thrilled to be included in their chats about writing and other things. I try hard to absorb their wisdom-world weary as it may be. Jim is embarking on a fresh new chapter in his life and Mark is as crazy and jaded as his poetry. And me? Mostly along for the ride-with just a 'spot' of fun thrown in for good measure!

Erik, Michelle and other blogfriends we miss you, and talk about you fondly. And the rest of you should only be so lucky to join us in the festivities. Trust me, it's worth the price of admission! x bear hug, x bear hug!

(Theme from) Valley of the Dolls...

In 1966 Jacqueline Susann penned the classic-at least in my eyes-"Valley of the Dolls".

Then, about four years later, I secretly devoured it, incrementally, while babysitting on Friday nights. I could hardly wait for my little charge to fall asleep, so I could get the book off of the bookshelf and turn to the page where I left off. With a fresh bowl of Lays and a cold Pepsi, it was time to catch up with the adventures of Neely, Jennifer, and Anne. I cleverly memorized my page number instead of dog earring (criminal!) the spot where I left off. And I knew that I was waaayyyy to young to be caught pilfering this yummy story! When car lights hit the driveway, it was my signal to close the book and jam it back onto the bookshelf. It was hard to believe that I was actually being paid a buck and hour to enjoy this tale. If that job was available today, I'd take it in a hot, sparkly minute!

The story mixes adventure, glamour, stardom and tragedy in a way that was unimaginable for me. Admittedly, it was only after I read it somewhere, did I realize that the 'dolls' referenced were actually pills and not just a name for the three girls. Also it was said that the book was labeled 'trashy', something I did not notice at the time. I did not see the movie that was filmed in 1967 until many years later, when I was fascinated with the Manson murders, Sharon Tate, being one of the stars in the movie. Sharon was gorgeous and I studied her every move. Horrifically, her life ended as tragically as it did in the movie.

Today, I re watched the movie and I almost wish I hadn't. It's most definitely a case where the book is better that the movie. As usual. I did enjoy some of the glamour with the period hair and clothes. But the plot? Well, it was way more believable when it was left to my imagination. It was kinda campy and totally contrived. Not exactly the trip down memory lane that I had envisioned.

Next time, I think I'll just pass on the idea of an old experience being the same, today. What we have built up in our heads can only disappoint in the re-run.

Tell me Dolls, do you agree?