Better Man…

 On this Memorial Day weekend, I am fully grateful to all that have served and given their lives so that we may live without fear.  They have done what I wouldn’t be able to do and I thank each and every one from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

Tears in Heaven...

 It is with total heartache and sympathy for the families that I post this anguish fill picture from the Texas massacre.  Tears fill my eyes as I view the slideshow of the beautiful and innocent children that have had their lives cut short as well as the two teachers that tried in vain to save them.  I can't even imagine sending your child off to school on a normal day that ends anything but normal. Senseless, horrific, tragic.  Lives will never be the same and I'm not sure how you ever live thru such incredible grief.  

What's the answer?  I feel that the mental health issue with these shooters have to be addressed.  I can't remember even one of these events growing up and there were guns everywhere.  I simply don't remember that kind of unchecked anger.  Is it social media and its pressures?  Can that even be controlled now that its influence is the norm?  What are we doing differently?  What has changed that people are so mentally unstable?  Are we missing the warning signs?  Are guns always going to end up in the wrong hands?  How do we address and prevent this perfect storm of mental illness/anger and access to firearms?  Mental illness is not new but the anger and acting out is becoming more and more commonplace.  And now 19 children are gone leaving families as well as a nation are left to mourn and figure out the why's.

We definitely need to have this conversation and figure out the why's.  

Please join me in prayers for the families of these innocent angels.  

American Badass...

 

On Friday, Randy pulled into work and was shocked to see a giant sign that read ‘American Badass Since 1962!’  Rut roh…

 Well, you don’t turn 60 every day!

Party planners and employees extraordinare, Dayna and Samantha, pulled out all the stops to honor the 'old dude!'  At lunch, the staff donned their Kid Rock finery and further surprised him with a redneck BBQ, cheap beer and a luscious cake.  The highlight of the party was a video slideshow titled '60 Reasons Why We Love Randy.'  Pictures of employees, friends and family with personal quotes had him totally overwhelmed.  It was an amazing, creative and very thoughtful party and Randy was (and is!) completely honored!  Thanks to all of our wonderful staff for their support, enthusiasm and love.  You are all the BEST and we appreciate all you do.

As an avowed cradle robber, I have been dying for him to join in my decade.  And he's finally arrived!

Happy Birthday, Randy and hang on for another beautiful lap around the sun!  XOXO

Changes in Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes…

 On our way home feeling grateful and blessed to have enjoyed our Keys getaway.  We entertained 16 guests and hosted 5+ dinner parties.  Hours were logged on the high seas on the Sex Sea Bitch exploring new waters.  Many fish and lobster were caught and eaten.  We celebrated Captain Luis’s big 5-Oh!  On a windy stretch of days we repainted the entire first floor giving the condo a much needed glow up.  Had a ball at the Sandbar-more than a few times!  Our traditional St. Paddy’s day was epic and ended with a sunset viewing.  

But back to reality, as I look forward to seeing family and friends.  Time for a bit more structure in my days.  I realize my fortune in living in places that I love so much and I take none of this happiness for granted.  

‘If it suddenly ended tomorrow, I could somehow adjust to the fall.

Good times and riches and son of a bitches,

I’ve seen more than I recall.’         

Jimmy Buffett

Mother…

 May 01, is my new Mother’s Day.  Profound sadness and grief are part of my everyday, but on today, I am reminded that I am not alone.  I have or need no other words-tears, memories, and heartache are enough and a very personal process for me.  

A favorite line of mine infers that grief is the price of love, but love is priceless and all the money in the world can’t change, or buy the very thing we need the most.

Love to all Mom’s and their angels. 💕