Well East Coast girls are hip - I really dig those styles they wear...

Beachin' it.

May the Weather Gods be with us.

Love is all around you.......

It is not just a Hallmark holiday.

While we can show each other we care on any given day -- it's the one day that we should force ourselves to take a moment out of our otherwise normally busy days, and take a moment to show the ones we love, just how much we love them -- because even though they may know this, on otherwise normally busy days we just might take them for granted.

It is not just a Hallmark holiday.

To say that it, is just a way to justify the laziness and lack of effort one wants to put into taking the extra effort in life. Sometimes a card is what a person needs to brighten their whole day. Getting cards on random days is special -- why wouldn't it be special on a day like today? Is it difficult to sign your name; is the card too heavy? No.... I think not.

It is not just a Hallmark holiday.

It's fun to make an otherwise normal day a bit more special; what's wrong with wanting to have a special dinner or dessert with the ones you love?

It is not just a Hallmark holiday.

Life is too short to not take the opportunity to show someone you care. Always seize the opportunity to show someone how much you love them - on Valentine's Day - and every day that you can. It can all change in the blink of an eye; and then that Hallmark holiday, might not seem so unimportant anymore.

Remember me to one who lives there...she once was a true love of mine

Soft sheets warm from the dryer. The sound of rain pounding on the street and the roof when all else is quiet. Peppermint oil. The sweet song of a violin. Herbs picked fresh from the garden. The first bite of a crisp apple. Nag Champa. Sweat from a strong workout. Blue Vanilla slush. The number 33. Greek yogurt drizzled with good local honey. My children's hair. Sunshine on my shoulders. Laughter. Sweet dreams. Givenchy Pi. Nostalgic music. A cold glass of peppermint water.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine....

Today, my son had me in tears - but in the best possible way.

It was his final school concert, and was patriotic themed given the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be honest, since 9/11 - Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" gets me all teary eyed anyway; but to hear a group of children singing it, well....it got the water works going a bit.

Then came "We are the World". Again, to hear little kids singing so proudly "we are the children, we are the ones who make a brighter day so lets start giving" literally just had me smiling with my eyes all watery.

And finally, they ended with "Peace Begins with Me" and I was just mush.
Fugheddaboutit.

There's nothing like seeing children, so innocent and pure -- singing songs about hope and change; and then we as adults sit back, and see hope and change in them. Maybe they will be the generation to take heed to the lyrics they sang today.

So, in addition to the pride I felt in seeing my son on his performance day -- I felt a surge of hope for our future. Because maybe, just maybe -- it will be my son, who some how changes the world.

Even if it's only his small corner of it.

Happy Happy Birthday, Baby....

My baby boy is 9 today.
Hard to imagine how quickly time flies. Born 4 weeks early, he practically fit in my hand and forearm....he was such an alert and quiet newborn. He slept all night - and was awake most of the day and was just so.....content.

He hasn't changed much, outside of obviously being bigger - and starting to test the waters of life. He's basically still so content; he's a thinker, introspective and sensitive.

I nicknamed him "Peanut butter cup" within the first few days of his birth, and the name is still used. At night time I usually finish the day with "good night Peanut Butter Cup". It's a fitting name, given that peanut butter cups are one of my very favorite things.

I couldn't be any luckier to have him for a son... and can't wait to see what kind of a person he grows up to be.

Happy Birthday Peanut butter cup....

Friday's final thoughts....

Cultivate the garden within.

Live as though you are nobody. Live as though you are a glow of light, and you will see, that bliss that comes out of it. You cannot even compare to any other joy through any senses.

God regards with merciful eyes not what you are nor what you have been but what you wish you to be.

You can search the whole universe and not find a single being more worthy of love than yourself. Since each and every person is so precious to themselves, let the self-respecting harm no other being.

When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be

Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world.”

How's about a little home running to get the party started?



So it's Jason's 38th birthday.



And me, without a gift to give.....
(what.... my undying affection isn't enough?!?! Stop, say it isn't so!)

I wonder what kind of wine he enjoys...?
Well, I guess I'll just have to guess as I have a glass and wish him a happy day.
*sighs*

Easter 2010: My, but they grow up so fast....

Thursdays Thoughts....

1. Why is taking so long for the state of Florida to prosecute Casey Anthony? It's obnoxiously disturbing to hear each new revelation and see her phony crocodile tears at the hearing. I caught just a few moments of Nancy Grace last night and it made my stomach turn. There is no way this woman is innocent and I can't possibly understand why it's taking so long for the case to go to trial. I am all for ensuring that the case is air tight so there is no way she won't be convicted; but truly, this is ridiculous.

2. Hello Spring Training! Thankfully, it's that time of year again which means it's almost "All Red Sox, All The Time" on NESN. The other night, I caught a tail end piece of an interview with the Captain which was fun.... speaking of the "C", I do believe he'll be catching more than 30 games this season; I think that would be a smart decision as well, but time will tell as to how the organization utilizes him.

3. I just found out tomorrow is going to be a Girl's Night for the Princess Petunia & myself. How fun! I don't know what we're going to do.... maybe a little shopping, or a little sushi...or both! Oh, the fun she and I can have.

4. A week from today we find out how my Mom's chemo is working. She's been staying with me since Christmas for this round of chemo and my gut says it's working, because I tend to think if it was progressing given her last prognosis -- we'd have some indication by now. But we shall see....

5. "One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

Really, Doesn't that just say it all?

Jour de Valentines heureux à vous !

However you celebrate this weekend, with your significant other - or your friends -- be sure to enjoy! It's not just a "Hallmark"holiday -- it's a great way to just take a moment and let someone you know you think they're great.

You Are a Content Valentine

While you don't put all your hope in Valentine's Day, you do think of as a holiday to spark some romance. You prefer a holiday that's romantic, cozy, and very intimate. You don't need your partner to pull out all the stops... just a few stops. The most important thing about Valentine's Day is who you spend it with. You could make a fast food dinner special. That's not to say you don't want to be wined and dined a little by your Valentine. You just aren't looking for a whirlwind trip or an expensive gift.

What Type of Valentine Are You?

You Are Snickers

Nutty and gooey - you always satisfy.

What Kind of Candy Are You?