Still Got Time...

Imagine my delight when I was contacted by Women 2 Women magazine to be interviewed for their magazine!!  The magazine focuses on women-empowerment, support and recognition.  It is based in Grand Blanc and distributed to 400 locations in and around the area.  I met with and spoke to the dynamic Debra Collins, the Publisher and talked about the possibility.  The interview portion of the deal was easy for me as numerous public speaking engagements has broken that barrier.  One afternoon in January, I got a call asking me to come to Flint for some pictures.  I quickly popped over a few pics that I had and thought surely that would be good enough.  But no, they explained, I would have to do a photo shoot for the cover.  What?  The COVER??  Yep, the cover.  I was to show up in downtown Flint and preferably be dressed in dark colors.  Good grief Charley Brown, this ought to be good.

So Rocco and I made our way north one drizzly, gray day to meet with Susan the Editor and Sheri the photographer.  As equipment was set up, I kind of froze up.  The blog shots I take are much less formal with Randy just snapping a quick pic.  Susan looked me over and pronounced me photo ready and an exposed brick wall was one of the backdrops we started on.  And I stood there stiff as a board.  Susan-who is a natural model-came over to give me an idea of how to stand.  Still it was not as easy as it looks and I have new respect for models and their easy grace.  After about 50 shots, Sheri said she had what she needed.  I was flooded with relief.

We 3 walked down the block to a local restaurant and met up with Debra and Heidi-the Account Executive for the magazine.  I felt like a total star as the girls toasted me and made me feel well, empowered, supported and recognized.  Heidi is like my sister from another mother-we had so very much in common.  As we got further acquainted, I expressed that if Women 2 Women were closer, I would be begging to work with this warm, talented and bright group of women.  Unfortunately, I did not get to meet Elaine, the wonderful writer of my story.

I want to thank my fellow Goddesses for their dedication and commitment.  And for making an old chick like me feel like a cover girl.  xo

P.S. Special thank you to friend, Kristine Sikkema for originally putting me in touch with Women 2 Women.  xo

Green Light...

Hope you all had an Easter as lovely as Hazel and I.  Mickey was uncooperative-just not havin'  the bunny ear thing, but Hazel didn't mind a bit.  Some bunny had to do it so she took one for the team!

This week finds me closing things up and packing for the journey back home.  But I don't really mind.  After a long and relaxing vay cay, as usual, I am ready for a more 'normal' routine.  We had 12 guests in all-11 planned and one pop up surprise. (Tom Ledbetter!)  We have done everything that the Keys have to offer and enjoyed lazy time as well.  But you know me, homegirl all the way.  I will be happy to pull in my yard and see what spring flowers have popped up.  I miss my family, friends, gym and even Kroger!  And there is that tax thing to prepare for.

So, I better get busy packing up and organizing.  We hope to pull out by sometime Thursday and make our way back.  The pets are gearing up for the long ride in Poppy's big white truck and the attention they garner at all the pet friendly hotels along the way.  And after eating my weight in seafood the last couple of  months, I am ready for a steak!! Hint, hint, Bob Ernst! 

As I see paradise in the rear view mirror, I will wave goodbye and look forward to the paradise that awaits me in Michigan.  I am blessed and grateful to comin' home.

Have a wonderful spring weekend and I hope to see you all soon.  I need to schedule a coffee date with that big, bearded guy, (Mark!) soon.  xoxo

We are Family....

So, yesterday was, "National Siblings Day" and it's been awhile since I've used these corny 'holidays' as a blog prompt-but this one is just too easy.

A quote by Harper Lee from To Kill a Mockingbird expresses the sentiment 'old skool.'  "You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't."

When I hear someone say, "you can't pick your family, just your friends,"  I have always realized my great fortune in having a brother and a sister that are both to me.  Smugly, I can feel sorry for anyone not as lucky as myself.   As witnessed in the pic taken a few years ago at Sloppy Joe's, we always have a blast together.  (And maybe sometimes a little TOO much fun, but hey, we did the Papa H. proud!)  We confide, vent, commiserate, scheme and defend each other to the end.  I could go on and on about our bond, but I think you get the picture.

The bonus of having family that happens to be good friends too is a blessing and I would not trade Steve and Lisa and our relationship for anything!  We have a vacation together coming up and I look forward to the new experience while having 50+ years of memories and laughs thrown in.

Thanks Steve and Lisa for always being the best friends and family I could ever have.  I'd choose you every time-sho' nuff.  Now bring it in for a group hug!! xo

Heatwave...

Sunday Funday at the sandbar was in full swing yesterday with boats anchored up, jet skis buzzin' around, Frisbees being tossed and the usual beach tomfoolery.  We set up out camp and enjoyed the view that this gorgeous day afforded us.  Bathtub warm water with just enough breeze to keep us cool and keep the palm trees swaying.  Having friends down to join us only added to the perfection of warm water and icy cocktails.  I love the indulgence of a day where the main event is just sitting around and people watching-that is after gassing the boat, hauling beach chairs, setting up an umbrella, syncing the playlist, icing the cooler, packing snacks, mixing drinks,and applying sunscreen!

And with bellies full of pizza, we all slept like dogs.  Sunshine and fresh air are the perfect cure for insomnia.  And we might just do it all again tomorrow. 

Life is good!