On With the Wedding Plans

Seven months away, and the wedding plans continue to be completed for our daughter Trish and fiancee Patrick's big day. The date is official now that the venue has been secured-- October 20th. Even though it's springtime in our city, I have been enjoying thinking things fall. I was married in the fall too, 37 years ago; but I haven't forgotten the crisp air, and cool evening we enjoyed at our wedding. Trish's wedding will be in the evening, and while the days may be shorter then, I hope that we'll be treated to a beautiful sunset and sky as the backdrop to the ceremony. Just thinking of the colors of deep reds, burnt oranges and yellow makes me envision such a day. Here's looking forward to fall!

Books and Movie~ Dr. Seuss

Everything Dr. Seuss for the last week: I had such fun reading at a local elementary school to celebrate Dr. Seuss' March 2 birthday. I couldn't help but wonder if this famous author of children's books ever thought his simple, yet carefully ryhmed words would get such attention and ignite a Read-Across-America campaign. Furthermore, did he ever expect his books would lead to box office ticket sales that netted millions? I'm not surprised...the colors are catchy- red, turquoise, and yellow. And, even the red and white striped hat coupled with the tall lanky cat who is rico suave, while remaining kid-friendly, is hard to resist. I admit,the whole 'Seuss Package' is pretty attractive to get kids to stop and listen/read to a book.
The Lorax movie was pretty inventive too. While my grandson informed me that the movie didn't quite match the book 100%, it was entertaining and received a lot of giggles and laughs from the 10 and under audience at the theatre matinee. I liked it too, but found myself more fascinated with the voices of the actors who played the characters- Betty White, Danny DeVito, and Taylor Swift.

March- Right Into Spring...

Second day of March, and I already feel spring coming on. Today was pretty windy and still cold by California standards (60 degree-ish). Yet, the trees and plants refuse to wait for warmer weather, and are showing peek-a-boos of blossoms and leaves. It seems to confuse the animal kingdom, as well. My cat stretches out on the patio, as if it were summer, and the neighborhood squirrel hangs around with confidence that there will be plenty of food around and doesn't need to scurry around looking for nuts.
With less than 20 days of winter, I'm excited for green shamrocks, and easter eggs. It really is a wonderful time of the year in our part of Southern California.

Small But Awesome! Arcade

I had such a fun weekend with my grandkids. We played, talked, laughed, and relaxed together. One of the highlights though, was putting together an arcade. They named it, appropriately, 'Small But Awesome! Arcade'.
I was amazed at the great ideas the kids had for games, prizes and food. I helped, of course, but they designed it. The end result was four games, fun prizes, and tasty goodies. I will treasure the memories that were created; such as watching Brayden directing his dad, Abel how to play the games and cheering him on when he hit the target; sweet Ady meticulously counting tickets to give treats and prizes, and our prospective clown 'Clancy' (a.k.a. Camryn) curled up on the couch asleep-- canceling her performance where she was planning on presenting her two well-rehersed tricks.
It truly was an awesome arcade!

Fat Tuesday

Having more time on my hands (and mind), I like to find ways to make days go from ordinary to extraordinary, so this year for the first time, I am recognizing "Fat Tuesday" A.K.A. 'Mardi Gras'. I did some research on it, and while I don't agree that we should gourge ourselves just because it precedes 'going lean', I think that it can serve for a fun day. For me, Ash Wednesday (tomorrow), and following Lent (in giving up something, and not eating meat on Friday) went out the window as I learned that my salvation was not based on works, nor was anything I could give up as great a gift as Jesus and His work on the cross. Further, I realized that actions in themselves, done without understanding, such as giving up something for Lent is useless to my relationship with a living God. I now know that the intent of the heart is more important to God than the action itself. So, for many a year, I refused to give up anything, instead concentrating on just being consistent in my relationship with the Lord. However, the Lord has a way of adding meaning to everything in our journey with Him. I now see the value, and strength of my strict religious upbringing, for by it I was taught the 'fear of the Lord'-only to now know about the 'love of the Lord'. Okay, I've gone on long enough-- back to Mardi Gras.
After researching it, I decided to make it a fun day. My friend Rita is coming over for a sewing session, and we'll of course do lunch. Nothing fancy, but I'm going to make a grilled lime-cilantro chicken salad, orange muffins with orange butter, and chocolate brownies. (Talk about gourging!)
Of course, nothing is better than gourging also with the ones you love-- my husband and daughter Trish. So for dinner this is what we're having... Shrimp Scampi, rice pilaf, roasted garlic asparagus, and for dessert...Paczi (Polish Funnel Cakes) ~ I guess the Polish were Catholic too). So with this line up, I have to wish you a happy Mardi Gras-- this is a first for me, and I'm having fun planning it!

Valentines, Faith and Coco Chanel

Valentine's Day Eve, and I'm feeling a little heart struck. Maybe it's the women's retreat I just returned from where Pomona First Baptist (PFB) lived up to it's name in "PAMPERING" us ladies, "FEEDING" us delicious food, and "BLESSING" us with God's Word. But I admit also that I'm a sucker to hearts, sweet sentiments, and of course-- chocolate... Which reminds me of Cocoa -or Coco (Chanel) that is. My talented and blessed-by-God sister, Cindy introduced Ms. Chanel to our small group from snippets of Chanel's life, tying it into the discussions we had centered on "vintage faith".

Happy Valentine's Day-- just another opportunity to tell others how much we love them!

The Girl Who Collected...

My sister (pictured in the center) and I were talking the other day, and remembering back in the day. Particularly, we were laughing about her insistent need to collect. This manifested in her childhood. Ceci was "assigned" a drawer in our hall for her belongings. Filled in that drawer were; rocks, pieces of paper, odds and ends and whatever she deemed "valuable".

Ceci is still a collector today-- only of more valuable things-- swizzle sticks (she has over 300), anything cobalt blue; but I think the collection that is the most impressive is that of friends. Ceci has not let go of her childhood friends, friends in her teens; and I am always impressed when she can recount where each of her friend is today. It's that trait in Ceci that I've always admired-- she sees the value in items and people that other people overlook. No matter if all her friends are friends with each other-- Ceci has a talent to be a friend to all. I have learned a great deal from my kid sister. The most valuable lesson is to be who you are, and accept others for what they are; seeing the beauty of the differences in others, and allowing the eclectic collection of friendship to add grace and beauty amongst us.