Essence...

 Just when you thought you’d seen it all...

My ocean side travels have exposed me to every possible variety of ‘mermaid art’-from cute to kitschy.   Or so I thought.  On Saturday, I was gifted this incredible piece that was handmade by Rick from Atlas Jewelers.  He calls his work “Timeless Art” and my mermaid is made up of antique watch parts.  The incredible attention to detail is stunning and meticulously fashioned.  In addition, she sports real shells, a diamond and a pearl.  She holds in her hand a charm off a one hundred year old piece that Rick engraved my name on and her fish friend is suffused with so much personality!  

My piece is signed and numbered 1 of 1 and Rick has expressed that the detail was very tedious and time consuming and it will be a one of a kind!  (He also designed and created my pirate necklace from vintage jewelry years ago and I get compliments on it constantly!)  For a look at his other art pieces, check out his Instagram page at mauirick or stop in at the fabulous Atlas Jewelers.

Thank you again Rick-I adore her!  And Tom, Kara, Vivi and Bash for the perfect day to celebrate two of the best things in life-art and friends.  (Oh, and wine...there was definitely wine.)  XOXO

Transparent Soul...

 On Saturday, July 30, the world bottomed out for good friends of ours.

On his fourteenth birthday, Travis Milosevic was on his four wheeler when he was struck by a truck while crossing M25, not a mile from our beachhouse.  His injury(s) were life threatening and Travis was airlifted to one hospital and then again moved to U of M.  His family were absolutely devastated and frantic with worry.  As friends we were sickened and helpless to do anything but try to offer love and prayers.

Travis is the sweetest kid you ever want to meet.  He willingly offers a helping hand to anyone who needs it.  At 6'2 and 245 pounds, he is a natural and gifted athlete, hunter and fisherman.  He always has a smile on his face and a respectful attitude.  Travis is a gentle and caring Uncle to niece, Mila, and a happy Dog Dad to his two dogs.  And I love it when he calls me Miss Jodi.  Needless to say, he is loving and loved.

After numerous surgeries, his condition is stable but still very serious.  He is expected to be hospitalized for another month and then enduring extensive physical therapy.  This will be a long and tough road but I am sure Travis will handle it with determination and style.  And with his big smile.

We are thinking of you, Ben and the rest of the family and praying for your recovery.      

In addition to prayers, the family would be grateful for any financial help in the way of gas cards, meal cards, etc.  There is also a go fund me page in the name of Travis Milosevic.  A card or note would probably put that smile on Travis's face too!  His address is:

U of M 

1540 Medical Hospital Drive

Attn:  PICU

Ann Arbor, Mi  48109  Attn: Travis Milosevic

My House...

 I had a great weekend.   It was 3 days that were therapeutic, fun and satisfying.  So,  did I sleep till noon?  Eat lobster with good wine?  Did I jet off to Paris on the Concorde?  Nope, nope, and nope-something even better.  I painted my niece’s house.  

Mic drop.

Yes, you heard me right.  I come from a long line of nutballs who simply love to paint!   Nicole got the keys to her new house on Thursday afternoon and early Friday morning we found ourselves poring over color samples and drop cloths.  We hauled five gallons of paint and supplies out of that hardware and got busy-real busy.  For three days, we patched, primed, sanded and painted our little hearts out- and bought even more paint.  The rest of the crew (family!) showed up and joined in the action.  Lights were hung, cabinets cleaned and lined, and windows washed.   Between crazy dancing and snatches of pizza and more than a few beers, we spit shined that house to pristine, move-in condition.  Things progressed with mostly laser focus with only one unfortunate event where Nicole stepped in a full paint pan.  A minor setback that took a roll of paper towels and a bath (Nicole!) to remedy.  The inside report being that somehow there was paint where there should NEVER be paint!     

And I loved every minute of it.  Champagne was popped and toasts were made.   And with a flourish, the final touch was added.  Nicole shook out her new doormat-WELCOME TO THE SHITSHOW.

Congrats on your dollhouse, Nicole!

Tennessee Whiskey...

 The value of true friendship cannot be fully described-though many have tried.  

Time together with Tami and Don can be likened to a thing as beautiful as a cobalt blue Italian vase or a rare piece of blue beach glass.  It’s as strong and as necessary as the perfect bamboo cutting board, both lasting and unique.  And it’s as smooth as Tennessee whiskey.

Thank you friends, for these gifts-they are truly invaluable.  We love you.  😘💕

❤️

July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month.

There is no word or name for a parent that has lost a child.  We are not widows or widows.  This profound loss is even at a loss for a name.

I have been so thoughtfully and lovingly supported in my grief by family and friends that I want to share some thoughts and personal insights.  My hope is that it may help someone who finds themselves trying to support a grieving parent.  

First of all....there are no ‘right’ words, a child is forever gone.   A hug and “I’m sorry” is best.  I remember family and friends just sitting with me-and that quiet support was enough.  The generous food offerings helped ease that worry and were of great comfort.  Send a card.  I loved all the cards and have read them over and over.

After a bit, it helped to hear others tell of their favorite memories.  It soothes our souls and keeps our loved one alive.  Don’t be afraid to share a cool story-we love it!

Stay in touch but don’t be offended if the person requires some time and space.  Don’t avoid us when we need you the most.  It takes a long while to figure out our new ‘normal.’  We will be back-just in a new way.  

To all grieving parents-Jill and Jeff, Paul and Jackie, Joe and Shari, Laurel, Jen, Michelle, Stacey, Susan P., Vicky W., and all and anyone I may have overlooked-my sincere support.  

XOXO

My Best Friend...

 So I had another birthday....Here's what (gasp!) 63 looks (and feels) like..

Sorta...

B12 shots have replaced jellybean shots.  What the hell were we even thinking, drinking ouzo that was SET ON FIRE?  The very thought makes me reach for the Tums..

I have missed the endings of any movie that started after 8:00 p.m.  And I barely care.

My spike heels are donated in hopes some other chick can walk in them without fearing a broken hip or being jolted awake with searing leg cramps.  Those kicks have served me well.  Strut your stuff in them fiercely and with pride, Dolls.

My ears are doing weird shit-everything sounds too loud.  Much of the time, Lux D. Lux's bangin' stereo is a waste as I prefer to drive in silence.  And you know what they say, 'turn the music down-I can't think.'  So very true.

I am very excited about cozy throws..you know, those soft lap blankets that you have on your lap more for comfort than warmth.  Comfort is very important to little old ladies!

I need to consistently keep lists and paper calendars.  Not because I'm type A or an organizational freak.  But because I have to.  The stress of 'where's my phone, keys, Lux, etc. is exhausting enough without the strain of trying to remember specific dates.  Brain fog is no joke, kids.

Luckily with my advancing dotage, I just don't care.  It's a bonus, really.. I'm good with it.

Sorta...

Cake by the Ocean...

Did someone order a strawberry shortcake?  Get a load of this ginormous, scrumptious confection brought to dinner by Shannon and Don.  Made with berries from their garden, it was the perfect after dinner treat.  Brother in law, Mark supplied the steaks and my brother, Steve, grilled ‘em up right.  Mom’s pasta salad and Trish’s cookies rounded out our celebration feast.  This crew loves to eat!

Much laughter, family and friends made another fourth that I will cherish and be grateful for.  I count my blessings and hope your holiday included all the ‘sweet’ things.

‘Merica!