Weekend wrapup...

1. Dear Martinelli '06 Bella Vigna Pinot Noir: Help me feel better about the very real possibility of having to move my kids to another town. Okay, so truthfully - while the wine is rocking delicious (and a bit sweeter than I'd normally prefer when it comes to a Pinot Noir, but I digress...) - it's actually making me ponder what my hang up really is. I mean, so long as I'm moving my kids to an equally good or better school system (in this case, it would be better and I love, love, love my school current school system), what is my issue? I mean, the kids are all friends online with XBOX Live, so staying in touch is certainly not a big deal. And it's not so far away that friends can't come and visit on weekends....it's not like when I was a kid. When you moved - it was the end of the world. And fortunately, it's not as if my children lack in social skills so as that they can't easily make friends. So really, why am I feeling as if my nails are being torn from my fingers when I think of moving out my current zip code? There is a house two towns over that looks spectacular on line - everything we're looking for in a house, plus it's a great school system - and so I think I really need to just get a grip. The kids aren't overly averse to the idea, so why the heck am I having such difficulty?

2. It's Father's Day weekend! And I have yet to send a gift to my Father. Oops.... Must get on that promptly.

3. It's Father's Day weekend....and the kids and I went and did our traditional gift of a photographic Tshirt. This will be G's 11th Tshirt, and it's amazing to see how the kids change each year. I swear, my kids will do this when they're in their 20s if I have my way! And it will be even more fun when they get older because when they have children, it will be "Grandfather" shrits (though truly, we won't be old enough to be grandparents, just sayin'...) with the kids on them. I love having traditions, they're so important to me - and so I hope that someday my kids appreciate the traditions that we have and continue them on in their own family. Even if it's something as small as a picture on a Tshirt....

4. And finally.... no matter what is going on in life, no matter whether the sun is shining outside or it's raining -- enjoy the ones you surround yourself with. Life is too short to be grumpy or angry. Let it go, and just love the life you have. Nothing lasts forever, and even if you're in a bad spot right now - it's only going to be temporary. Good times, bad times -- nothing stays static forever. So accept the here and now - and look toward the future. Embrace your health, and your wealth of personal value. And live life as loudly as you can! Hug and kiss the ones who mean the most to you....and have fun with whatever you do.

Easy come, easy go....this won't break my heart dontcha know...

And once again, the rollercoaster ride goes on...
And the house that we at one point loved - and had the home inspection this week - has fallen through. Again.

And interestingly enough....lots of interest in my house, with a potential offer maybe on the table. The only good thing to that is they are open to waiting until December so we can find a house since ours fell through. Seriously - will any of this ever synch??

I do believe it will....everything happens for a reason. I remember how frustrated I was with all of our "almost" opportunities with building a second store -and then suddenly, it all fell into place almost immediately after another opportunity had passed. And you know what - it was the perfect fit.

So, while we can't see it now...there is a house that we are perfect for - and is perfect for us, and it will show it's little head soon.

I'm sure of it.

I'd like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony...

Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.

Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom.

The mind is everything; what you think, you become.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?"
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small doesn't serve the world.

Warning: The following is a tear jerker....

So, I happened to receive a newsletter from Boston Children's Hospital today. I am on their list because 1.) We donate to them yearly, and 2.) My children go there when/if God forbid there is ever anything wrong that requires more than the local ER can provide.

It is absolutely amazing and devastating at the same time how modern medicine can save lives - yet still can't for some. The headline of the story read: "10 year old's heart saves life of an 8 year old". Naturally, I had to read.

Wow.

If you follow the link to see the article, (and I think you should, it's truly a beautiful story) just be prepared that they show you photographs of the young boy; for me as both a parent in general - and as a parent of a little boy the same age - it was very difficult to make it through with dry eyes.

As a parent, I can't imagine the devastation and loss for one family; but on the flip side - I can't imagine the pain & anguish of the other family who's daughter was the fortunate recipient. Life is sometimes somber and cruel...but I firmly believe that we're all placed here on Earth for a reason. And that little boy was clearly meant to be the angel for another; but even that positive and rose colored bright light can never, ever diminish the family's loss.

Dear Mr President....

So, I'm watching the State of the Union right now.

I have to tell you, he's a fabulous speaker. Magnaminous, eloquent, and inspirational. I love listening to his speeches because you can't help but gravitate to him and feel warm and safe.

However, I do disagree with many of his policies; he's far too liberal for my taste.
But as a person, how can one not enjoy him.

Politics becomes so personal - because it's about things we care deeply about.
But we should be able to take the hostility and resentment towards the individual who holds the office and eliminate it; because when the day is done - it's just their job. Whether we agree or disagree with the angles that they take - you have to hope that their vision is with the best of intent for our country.

And how can you hold that against someone, on a personal level?
I, for one - can't do that.

Amazing how time flies...

So my one year anniversary of the store being open is next month! I can't believe it's already here - and yet at the same time, I feel like I've done this my whole life. I'm planning a huge "Thank You" celebration for the customers; rather than it being a "happy anniversary to me", it's more of a "thank you" for them. We're giving out free champagne, wine, and food. How fun, right? If you're local and you know me in real life - shoot me a message and I'll tell you when it is so you too can partake in the fun!

A year ago, I didn't think the store would ever be complete; from the painters not showing up - to the racks not being finished - to the health department not being clear on my requirements and springing last minute expensive plumbing requirements, it was pretty stressful. It was fun, but really stressful; at the same time, what an incredible learning experience! I could build another store with my eyes closed.

And dare I say....that just might happen?

Free your mind...and the rest will follow.

Creativity is maximized when you're living in the moment.

Successful people replace the words "wish", "should" and "try" with "I will."

Breathe deeply and appreciate the moment.

Jealousy works the opposite of the way you want it to; so don't waste the emotion.

Your outlook on life is a direct reflection of how much you like yourself.

Friends are more important than money.

Life is full of setbacks.

Do one thing each day that scares you.

Kindness of a Stranger, Pt.2

Last year, I wrote a post about the kindess of a stranger who took a liking to watching myself & my daughter eating dinner at a Chinese restaurant during one of our "girl's nights" - and paid for our dinner. Anonymously, quietly and with no strings attached. (I'd link to the post yet for some reason, I can't find it. But I digress...)


When we were in Manhattan, we were having breakfast and our private food delivery person extraordinaire (not sure for the appropo, political name for waitstaff would be? I like this one far better!) took a liking to Princess Petunia - and her little stuffed animal Connie, whom I don't think I've blogged about. Let's see exhibit "C" for Connie, shall we?

So, long story short - our lovely friend at the restaurant offered to send Princess Petunia a doll that she might use to replace Connie the Cow, who clearly has been very well loved. (And well travelled, might I add...)


And you know what?
He did.

Via FedEx today to the store, our kind and thoughtful benefactor sent us a doll for Princess Petunia to love.



And, she does.


So the moral to the story is this: sometimes, there is more kindness to be found in a stranger than in those who are in our day to day lives; it doesn't take much to make another person smile -- and I don't know who came up with the theory that New Yorkers are rude. Because every single one I've ever met who are legitimately from the Big Apple - are good people.

Maybe New Yorkers & Bostonian's aren't too different after all... ?

Warrior pose battles inner weakness and wins focus. You see that there is no war within you. You're on your own side, and you are your own strength.

So, I'm trying to practice as much yoga as I can before the holidays kick in and I won't be able to.

I'm going both to the new studio across from the store - and my old studio where I live. Truly, there's nothing like the one near my house; it's always hot, it's always strong and it's always an incredible workout. I'm dripping with sweat when I leave; whereas the one across from the store, I barely break a sweat - which is okay because I have to work after. I'm hoping to do "doubles" on Tuesday and Thursday - morning at one studio, and afternoon at the other.

Namaste.

Once upon a time, in your wildest dreams....

I've always believed that when you dream of a person who's passed - it's a visit from them.

I'd never had one -but I've always firmly believed that's what it means - and if ever a friend mentioned that they'd had a dream about a loved one, I'd try to reaffirm that belief with them so that they'd feel good about the experience.

I don't typically remember my dreams; and if I do, the funny thing is - they don't typically involve people I know. I mean, I know who they are - but they don't look like the people they're supposed to be. Almost as if it's just representation of who they are; but usually it's almost just so faint, it's like a watercolor painting that wasn't quite dry and someone threw water on it so the images start to melt away.

But this morning, I dreamt of my Mom. She was there... and she was sick, but she wasn't incapacitated; and she was walking along the beach with me - which is rather ironic because she never liked the beach, and I even vaguely recall saying that to her -- but yet there we were. Anyway, there are many details to the dream which I won't get into here - but the way it ended was that she sent me a birthday gift. The last thing before I woke up suddenly was hearing her voice saying "because it's your birthday honey..."

I woke up..... and I cried.
(We all know how infrequently I cry. It just felt so real, I could still smell the ocean.)

I thought maybe today was the 8th -- but it's not; tomorrow is 3 months that she passed; my birthday is next month.

And today.....I had a visit.
Maybe it's an early birthday present.

I care not so much what I am in the opinion of others as what I am in my own...

The only real failure in life is the failure to try.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.

If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it.

There is no swagger as danerous as over-confidence. Embrace humility.

Life is like a game of cards. Reliability is the ace, industry the king, politeness the queen, thrift the jack. Commonsense is playing to best advantage the cards you draw. And every day, as the game proceeds, you will find the ace, king, queen, jack in your hand and opportunity to use them.

Once you accept the fact that you’re not perfect, then you develop some confidence.

People are people so why should it be, you and I should get along so awfully...

Have you ever known anyone who really believes it's "all about them"?

Have you ever known people who were so insecure about themselves, they genuinely can't like anyone else?

Have you ever known people who don't like certain personality traits of their own, so they reflect them onto other people without any true rationale or basis for the accusation?

Jealousy. Resentment. Insecurity. Negativity.
All wasted emotions.
Who has time for it? And more importantly - ugh, the energy?!?!

Life is too short - and truly, if you can't be happy in your own skin then you can't be happy with anyone else.

I much prefer to subscribe to the Ghandi perspective: "Be the change you want to see in the world". I am not perfect, but I'm okay with not having to be either. And so long as I am a good person, then that's one step in the right direction. I rather like being a work in progress - there's so much to learn in life.

At the same time, I'm not easily influenced by others; I believe in who I am as a person, and so I don't need to be validated by someone else's approval; I'm usually pretty good about not judging others until they've given me a reason to make a decision about who they are as a person. I know that not everyone else is like that - and it can be a struggle sometimes.

Life isn't easy. We all won't always get along; and we all won't always like each other's points of views. But we all need to respect one another, when we're feeling good about ourselves -- and when we're having moments of insecurity.

We are in control of our own destiny - and there is no one else responsible for our own successeses or mistakes in life -- than ourselves.

It's your birthday....Happy Birthday....

Six years ago today, Princess Petunia arrived.

And it was literally 6 years - today. Meaning, it was a Monday that she was born.

I'd been in labor all day the day previous; contractions were 7 minutes apart consistently - but nothing incredibly uncomfortable. I spent the day at a girlfriends' house for a bbq/potluck, and stayed off my feet most of the day.

Around 2am I woke up, because I had a dream that I was giving birth. Those contractions were now back labor and much more intense; still 7 minutes apart, but definitely more substantial. I actually drove myself to the hospital at 3:30am, because our son was sleeping and I didn't want to wake him up so I told G I'd call. I thought for sure since I was 5 weeks early, they'd keep my contractions at bay.

By 5:45, they were 2 minutes apart and my doctor said "How quickly can G get here, because we're taking her now". Now?!?! Now. I'd had complications that required me to have a C section and it could have been rather traumatic had nature taken it's course and natural style birthing took place, so when I tell you my doctor didn't wait - I'm not kidding. They were already under way in trying to get to her by the time G arrived in the operating room in scrubs.

She was born at 9:04 a.m., and I was out of the operating room by 11. Being a preemie, she was decent size and initally they thought she might need to go to neonatal; but the neonatologist initially told me no, she was 5lb 7 oz and well within normal weight. But due to the Csection, they changed their mind because she had fluid in her lungs - so off to neonatal she went. I got to see her afterwards, but didn't get to hold her in my arms until after 9pm that night when she was able to come out and come in my room.

She's had a twinkle in her eye since the day she was born....it's still there, and she's full of sugar and spice -- and a whole lot of sass. She's fiesty and spunky...but sensitive and thoughtful. She's got an incredible amount of wittiness for someone so young, and loves to laugh.

(that's her on the left!)

Happy Birthday, Princess Petunia.

I always have been, and always will be "Overjoyed" with you.

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.

Que Sera, Sera...whatever will be -- will be.

I wish I could take credit for the following items - but I can't. Though I've been known to paraphrase them from time to time, and always have long before this email came into my inbox. They're pretty much common sense, but sometimes - we don't all take the time to actually utilize our own common sensability; either because we choose not to, or don't take the time to.

Life is a garden. Bloom where you are planted.
And enjoy the following. (I'm bolding my personal favorites. Be aware, there may be many!)

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, author of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more."

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21... Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"...
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business...
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
34. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Your children get only one childhood.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Yield.
44. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Before you've practiced, the theory is useless. After you've practiced, the theory is obvious...

So, I've decided that it's time to take care of me... I know I've mentioned a few times over the last month or so that I need to do it -but today was the start.

A yoga studio opened across the street from the store, and today I took my first class. What was so great too, was that it was the first yoga class I'd taken in quite some time that wasn't Power Ashtanga or Power Vinyasa; just a basic yoga class, with poses and minimal flow. I forgot how great it was to just work up to certain poses without the constant flow of vinyasa. Not that I don't love Vinyasa because I do -- but the change was nice.

Best of all is that I can take classes 3-4 days a week because the schedule fits my working schedule. So, I'm excited to get back into that groove again. It's amazing how centered you become, how much perspective you gain....and how unbelievable you feel once you practice. It's funny how something like exercise can do that to you, but it's more than just the exercise. It's the letting go and balance of it all. Sounds crazy, I know....but trust me, it's the real deal.

Namaste.

Do yourself a favor....

....and don't ever, ever, ever search the internet to try to self diagnose.
You'll give yourself a heart attack.

Trust me.

I've got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine.....

When life hands you lemons, well....you just have to make lemonade.

Ain't that the truth.....

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

You say it best....when you say nothing at all.

It's funny, but I don't really have a specific subject to talk about today.
Imagine....me, without some semblence of a rant.
Go figure.

But, in some ways it's like being in a room that's quiet. Being with someone whom you don't have to have conversation with in order to feel comfortable. Sometimes, there's a comfort in that silence.

The quiet allows you to decompress....and take stock in what's going on around you, without getting lost in the chaos of it all; put things in perspective, and take them at face value rather than reading into them.

The lack of substance today, might actually be more substantial than it would otherwise seem.