This is Halloween....

With designs on a party,

We packed up and headed west.

To the island of Hemingway to the fabled

2017 Fantasy Fest.

Much destruction along the way, Hurricane Irma did not play.

Our hotel was overbooked-please go down the street, the lady said,

You're upgraded to a suite!  No way!  (Sa-weet!)

Two Sea Sirens, creatures divine.

With Poseidon and Neptune,finer than wine,

with sights on Duval to

do the Halloween crawl.

Steampunk and hippie funk, a pope in a wheelchair;

the sights and the smell,

a nun with no pants,

we're all going to hell.

Angels and Devils and very naughty nurses.  (very!)

Snake charmers and body paint, strippers,

And drag queens with purses.

Elvi, (there were two!) eating ice cream,

Dayglo neon and giant fro hair,

It was all we could do not to just

stand and stare!

The parade was epic, our seats were V.I.P, (score!)

The floats were amazing, and we caught tons of beads.

Now I ask you, who could ask

for anything more?

And then it was done...

Four  sea creatures tired, happy and fat,

Crossed one off the bucket list;

2017 Fantasy Fest,

Been there-done that!

Happy Halloween, my Pretties! xo

Hip to my Heart...

Last Saturday I was surprised to be feted at a surprise gathering in my honor.  As I walked into the Fresh Palate, friends and family gathered to toast me.  Huh, me?  My cousin Shannon handed me a glass of wine and said, 'This is for you.'  I thought she meant the wine..

As I looked around the packed room at all the smiling faces that came from as far as Ann Arbor, I had to take a moment to understand what was happening.  My old friend, Rose McWilliams had me take a seat and presented me with an award her Better Living Massage Center and Spa gives out every year.  I was completely gobsmacked as she explained the basis of the award.  Seems I was nominated and chosen as this years honoree. Rose read the award and presented me with a gorgeous, personalized spa robe along with a certificate for two for a full spa treatment.  But that was not all-Rose created a 'Whispering Mermaid' bath bomb that she will sell at her spa.  A portion of the profits will go to a local charity of my choice.  The name honors the little angel voice that I have whispering in my ear along with my mermaid love.  I tried to explain to everyone that my motives are not as unselfish as they may seem.  I try to help others because the 'whisper in my ear' would have wanted me to.  It simply heals my heart and helps Dane live on through others.

Cards, hugs, more wine and well wishes from a group that brings tears to my eyes for the love and support they have shown me in my efforts to recover from the loss of Dane and move on.  I am humbled and honored and renewed in my efforts to help others recover from addiction and or mental illness.

Thank you to my secret keeping, lyin' for the cause, conspiratorial family and friends.  To my pal Rose-we go way back-for making me feel so special.  And my cousin, darling Shannon for the nomination.  I love you all and vow to "Feel Better and Live Better."  xoxo

Moving Stones...

Last week while sharing Cheryl's retirement, it dawned on me that my 'career' has not been as consistent.  For 39 years she had ONE job.  And while I admire her tenacity, my colorful 'career' has been no less fulfilling.  I may have even learned a few things.  I've decided to try to recall my jobs...

I have-in no particular order worked as:

*A Waitress, yes were not yet called servers.

*A child care provider.  Okay, a babysitter

*A real estate secretary-for one week...never got the hang of transferring calls!

*I taught gymnastics for a summer school-twice.  I still love to cartwheel and stretch!

*I've taught a few yoga classes....Ohhhmmmmmmm.......

*A travel agent and I can still rock the cheap reservation.

*A dental assistant.  My brother in law made it so fun!

*A bartender and I've got the stories to prove it.

*A hair stylist and nail tech, and I still love that business.

*A furniture sales person.  I know how to buy a good mattress and sofa!

*I put in some time in our warehouse-I had an in with the boss!

*I worked as an aerobics instructor/weight trainer and yes, I wore a leotard and leg warmers!

*A roofing estimator and with my dubious math skills, that was a real challenge.

*I worked in retail and gave back my whole paycheck for clothes.

*I was a masseuse, and yes, I was properly trained.

*A writer, 'Love is the Drug' my one and only story of love and hope.

*A blogger-8 years and counting.

I probably have forgotten 2 or 10 other employment opportunities, but I think you get the picture.  I have always regretted not furthering my education (aside from Beauty School and Masseuse Training) but I'll never regret the things I have learned and the people I met.  With my short attention span, my various jobs seemed to suit me.  I loved the exploring and jumping in and learning new skills.  Variety is the spice of life-right? 
Speaking of spice, if I only could land my dream job of cookie taster in a fine bakery.  Now that's a job I could stick with.  Have a sweet week, my darlings! xoxo

The Woman With You...

You've all seen Cheryl and I causin' a  commotion at the beach house.  We laugh, boat, search for beachglass, bonfire, conversate and just generally celebrate life.  There may or may not be wine involved...

But at the end of August this year, Cheryl finally retired.  For 39 years she has been a valued employee of the Federal Government.  When working for the E.P.A. as a co-op student she could have never guessed how her career would have played out.  Yesterday she shared with me award after award that she received for special projects she has chaired.  The days were long and the responsibilities great as she took on these challenges as a single parent of two small children.  39 years...I can't even imagine it.

In her retirement Cheryl has lots of plans.  Never one to sit idle she will pursue a real estate career (passed the test on the first time!) as well as getting her L.L.C. to work as a consultant.  She will finally have the time to read, do craft projects, take a photography class, and advocate for drug awareness.  Unlike myself, she never sits still.

Kenny Chesney sings a song that I think of her, every time I hear it:
Cause I'm gopherin', chaufferin', company chairmen.
Coffee maker, copy repairman.
Anymore there ain't nothing I swear man that I don't do.
Been juggling, struggling, closing big deals.
Dancing backward in high heels....

So now, that chapter of her life is finished.  She's leaving the stress, traffic commute, and deadlines behind.  It's a new day-one that doesn't start at 5:00 a.m.  It's slower, more relaxed with more time to do the things she's dreamed of.  So she'll take it slower, indulge her plans and let life unroll for her.

We are planning a party to honor her next summer, so watch for pics and updates.  Until then, congratulate my Sissy for all she has done and accomplished in her (39 year!) career.  She has worked hard and I am so proud of her.   XOXOXO

Moments Passed...

The text came in at 1:42 a.m.  'Dad, I'm okay.  Uncle Eddie's okay.'  And the phone went dead.

Bill, who works for/with us has most of his family residing in Las Vegas.  His daughter and her boyfriend go for the big country concert every year.  Since it was her birthday, this year would be no different.

As the shots rang out,  Bill's brother, an off duty detective, realized that it was gunshot.  His wife froze and tripped as Bill pulled her up to escape the frenzied stampede.  Running to their car, bullets were ricocheting everywhere.  They ducked thru a hole in the fence and hid in a nearby apartment complex.

Bills niece, a paramedic, immediately went to work, helping victims as she could.

Bill's daughter was excited to hear what she thought was fireworks.  Recognizing gunshots, her boyfriend got them down to the ground and covered her.  They witnessed the woman behind them get shot in the head.  At a break in the shooting, they figured that they would run while the shooter was possibly reloading.  They managed to make it to their car and escaped to the freeway.

Bill finally heard from his daughter the next day and finally was able to fully exhale again.

Thank God.  And may those who were not so 'lucky' find a way to process this horrible tragedy and familial loss.  My therapist assures me that these events forever change us in one way or another.  Unconscionable events are simply not what our brains are wired for.  I hope that all the victims and families are able to get the assistance they will need to move forward. They are forever changed, as is the whole world.

And I can't wait to hug Bill. xoxo

R.I.P.  Tom Petty and thank you for the songs that I love. xo

Don't...

Remember when flying (in an airplane) was glamorous?  Well, I do.  You called your travel agent and they competently lead you in your planning and happily handed you the tickets.  You dressed appropriately and were excited for the experience. Upon arriving at the airport, again, an agent cheerfully assisted you and checked your bags-for free.  Security was quick.  You waited and people watched until boarding.  You were greeted by a 'stewardess' who was also called 'the angel of the skys.'  You sat in your seat with a fresh paper cover on the headrest and waited patiently for the booze cart-again free.  If not a full meal, at least a good snack was offered.  It was interesting and fun to feel like a celebrity for a while.

My recent (with the exception of Emirates) airline experiences are the polar opposite.

I make the reservation on line and ticket at the kiosk.  When AA's computer is down and my card can't be verified for free baggage, I am advised to pay the 50.00 and try to recoup it myself.  No, 'I'm sorry, Ma'am' or anything close.  NEXXXXTT..So we wait and enjoy the scene of people who trudge around in their pajamas, short shorts, and such. And don't forget the headphones lest you should have to communicate.

We pack into the tiny seats and risk getting lice or whatever disease from the headrest.  The plane is freezing and when I request a blanket I'm just as coldly informed that they are only for first class.  We'll excuse the hell outta me!  Of course they charge for a cocktail and you have to be ready to catch that little bag of pretzels, because the 'flight attendants' are in an unholy rush.  But sometimes I get lucky and get the ginger cookies..

At the dreaded baggage carousel, tired and over it all, we stand and wait for 20 minutes before some of the luggage shows up.  Another 15 minutes a few more pieces show up-including Randy's bag.  We wait and wait for mine.  Finally we approach the office and the dolt there informs us that, 'Oh, yeah...some of the bags got on the wrong flight.'  Apparently it was too much to walk 20 feet and share his secret.  After the necessary paperwork, I am informed that my bag would be delivered.  Again, no apology or even reassurance.  He didn't dare smile.

Where in the world has customer service gone?  Clearly, you can't pay for it.  I would think that since we now do half of their job for them we could at least get them to crack a smile.  Thank you for enduring my rant. 

Let me know if this is also your travel experience.  Or do I just have 'KICK ME' on my forehead!
xoxo

'You've got a Friend'...

Back in the day two single mom's were looking for love in all the wrong places.  Tami and I shared each others hope for what life could eventually be for us.  We commiserated, we shopped, drank cheap wine, dined and danced, and dreamed.   Boy, did we dream...

Both hoping for a relationship that would share our goals and more importantly accept our children, finding a perfect mate would be something of a challenge.  We dated and discussed, rued and regretted.  But through it all, we supported and loved and laughed.

Too soon, our paths diverged-in a big kind of way.  I found my forever love and she found hers.  I moved to Detroit and she moved to Italy.  Yes, Italy.  Made staying in touch a bit of a challenge.  But I thought of her often, and smiled every time.  We had found love and were happy.

At my Father's funeral, Tami walked in and surprised me.  As you can imagine, it was like no time had passed.  I longed to hear more of her adventures in life and love.  She has always been my 'Carrie Bradshaw' and I needed to meet her 'Mr. Big.'  And then it happened......

Tami and Don transferred back to Detroit and we have picked up where we left off.  With always the warmest of hugs, Tami and I, as well as Don and Randy have had the chance to continue our friendship.  It is the BEST thing you can imagine.  Tami gifted me with a simple metal and leather bracelet that features an infinity loop.  Upon seeing it, she thought of our friendship.  It means everything to me and I love to wear it with her on my mind.  xo

As Tami and Don are now living in New York where 'friends' meet at coffeehouses and Carrie Bradshaw goes out for Manhattans.  But it's also were two old friends can hook up and share each others lives. 

As the circle goes around, I am so grateful for the finer things in life-the friends that have shared the good times and the bad.  I love where we are now and Tami and I can share how are dreams do come true.  And that's what friends are for. See you soon for a glass or two of wine-the good stuff! 
 Love you, Girl.
xoxo