ROB LOWE IS ON THE COVER OF VANITY FAIR, AND I'M YOUNG AGAIN

Okay, I admit it.  I bought it.

I have never bought a Vanity Fair magazine in my life, but I bought this one.  Like the teenage magazines that I bought in the 1980's with Rob Lowe on the cover, I have succumbed once again.  I couldn't help myself.  He was calling to me, saying "Buy Me", so I did.


I didn't buy it for the article about the Civil War at Goldman Sachs, or the article about Bill Gates.  The Royal Wedding?  Okay--I'll check that out.  However, the main reason I bought it was because Rob Lowe is on the cover, and he looks damn good.  I'm sixteen again, and boy does that feel good.

BASEBALL SEASON IS ALMOST HERE!

Can you feel spring in the air?  

I do.  Well, I did yesterday when it was over 70 degrees in New York.  Today was a bit colder, though--barely hit 45.  


But tomorrow spring will officially be here, thank God, and I happily wave goodbye to winter! 

NEW BEGINNINGS -CHAPTER TEN - THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG

I have posted Chapter Ten of the updated version of my novel, 

New Beginnings at Good Reads

John can no longer keep the secret from Darlene:

CHAPTER TEN - THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG

Jack's Daddy

A friend of mine has illustrated a children's book that her friend has written.  It is called Jack's Daddy.  It is a beautiful and heartbreaking book that is available on Amazon.  The link is on the bottom of this post.

This is the Overview:

The purpose of this book is to reach out to children and families who have experienced loss. Jack’s Daddy takes you on a child’s journey as he connects with his father throughout life’s simplest moments. Jack sees and feels his father’s love all around him. No matter where he is or what he does his dad is always smiling along with him. This book sprung to life as result of the tragedy of September 11th. A very dear friend was eight months pregnant with her first child and lost her husband on that tragic day. How would her son, Jack, know what a wonderful man his Dad was? We hoped this gift would somehow lessen the pain and teach Jack that his dad will always be with him. Enjoy the happy journey and smiles Jack’s Daddy may bring!!






This is the Amazon link:  Jack's Daddy

THE HOLIDAYS GO TOO FAST

The tree is still up.  I didn't take down the decorations yet.  I know that it's past Jan 6th, but I'm not ready to let go of the holiday season.  I was actually going to take them down today, but the kids begged me not to.  I decided to give it one more week, because to tell you the truth,  I hate taking down the decorations.

When I was little,  we would decorate on Thanksgiving Friday, and my mom seemed to play Christmas music daily.   We watched Christmas movies.  There was always a Christmas atmosphere at home, and that lasted for more than a month.  That's what I remember, anyway.   By the time that we took down the decorations, it was Jan 6, and we were satisfied.

Now, I feel that this year the holiday season went too fast.  I don't know where it went.  One day it was Thanksgiving, and then time seemed to speed up.  I don't even remember playing Christmas CD's.  I must have, right?  We watched at least one Christmas movie, didn't we? With all the "hustle and bustle", I seemed to have lost a month...somewhere.

So, here I am, hanging on to the Christmas tree and not wanting to let it go.  Sure, it's partly because it is a pain in the butt to get back in the box (artificial), and it's also annoying to put everything else in it's particular box, then shove it back into storage, but I will also miss the season that seemed to go away too fast.

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY - WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED

Congratulations to Claudi Kari from Milwaukee, WI. for winning the signed book!   The book is on it's way!

NEW BEGINNINGS CHAPTERS EIGHT AND NINE ARE AT GOOD READS

I've posted Chapters Eight and Nine of my novel,

 New Beginnings (updated edition) 

at Good Reads

 Chapter Eight - Some Time Alone 

NEW BEGINNINGS BLOG: THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY

The winners have been notified, and are listed on my author blog.  

I have shared some of the replies from the entries.

Thank you!

THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY #1

NEW BEGINNINGS BLOG: THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY 

Win a signed copy of New Beginnings: 

 THANKSGIVING GIVEAWAY

DO SHARKS HAVE LIPS? - THE FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY

"Mom, what are cooties?" Giggles asked while we were sitting in Mass today.  I don't know why she asks these questions while we are sitting in church, but it always happens.  It's like someone always turns on the talk switch.  She just can't help herself.

We went to the bakery, and as she and my son, Song and Dance Man, were trying to decide what to pick out, the talk switch was turned on for both of them.  Yapping about everything under the sun to the guy behind the counter.

While they were fishing, Giggles asked me "Do Sharks have lips?".  I was like "What?"  Whatever possessed her to ask that question?  Sometimes I just have to laugh.  Of course, I gave her my patented answer, "I don't know."  I would have said, "Ask your Dad", but he wasn't there at the time.  At the same time, my son was talking some guy's ear off about Survivor.  Poor guy, sitting there, trying to fish in peace, and the talk switch was turned on again.  I felt bad for the guy, but I was also glad that it wasn't me.

NEW BEGINNINGS CHAPTERS ARE AT GOOD READS

READ CHAPTERS 1 thru 7 of  the updated version of my novel, 
NEW BEGINNINGS, is at Good Reads: 

CHAPTERS 1-7 

KID PIC OF THE WEEK

This was a few years ago, but it's fun.  Don't remember why they are sticking out their tongues.

Birthday Season

This cake was made by my cousin Kim in California

June is the beginning of what I call "Birthday Season".  It starts with my son's birthday on June 1st, and ends with my mother's birthday on September 17th.  It is a long and grueling season, and I've lost many a dollar in those three months every year.  Although I have many family members, including many in Texas that I can't even count, the birthdays that I count in birthday season are of family members that I see often.


In June, there is my first son's birthday.  We have a week of nothing afterwards, then birthdays come rapid fire:  the 16th is my close cousin's birthday, the 19th, a nephew who is turning one, and then the 24th is my nearly 10 year old's birthday.


July 6th is my MIL's birthday, followed by my daughter on the 11th.  Nothing else happens in July except for hoarding money.


August 12th is hubby's birthday, August 25th is my sister, and August 27th would have been my father's 71st birthday, so I'll raise a glass for him on that day.


September 1st will be my grandmother's 91st birthday.  September 9th, my other sister, and finally September 17th is my mother's birthday.


And then birthday season is mercifully over, but then so is summer :(

May 9th - Mother's Day and Memories of Dad

that's me with the curl

May 9th.


I always think of my Dad on May 9th.  Twelve years ago at the young age of 58,  he passed from this world after a terrible illness.  He was surrounded by his wife and three girls in the comfort of his own home. I will never forget it.   It was also the day before Mother's Day.  


This year, the anniversary of his death comes on Mother's Day.  This year, I am not spending it with my three children.  I am taking my mother to the Jersey Shore for the weekend.  We're going to stay at at a bed and breakfast that is owned by one of her best friends.  When I made the plans, I didn't not realize that Mother's Day fell on the 9th this year, but I'm glad that it does.  She does get a little melancholic when that date rolls around.  Some time away, even if it's for a weekend, will do her some good.


I will also be thinking about my aunt this year.  Her birthday was on May 9th, but she died two months ago.  I'll be thinking of my uncle, and my cousins who lost their mother.  It will be a hard day for them, and I hope that God comforts them.


So, I'm dedicating my playlist below to my Dad.  It's in his favorite color blue, that matches his eyes.  He was a country music fan (I could not relate to that).  He was a rabid NY Giants fan (I remember us celebrating their win in 1987 like it was yesterday).  He was extremely patriotic.  His favorite movies were The Quiet Man  and Young Frankenstein.  He was not a Mr.  Fix it (We have stories of him throwing a hammer once in a while).  He liked his beer and loved St. Patrick's Day.   He had a great sense of humor.  He loved his wife and his three girls.  He was a great father and I miss him.

Memories of Mother

Email going around for Mothers Day

 WHAT I OWE MY MOTHER - In honor and memory of Mothers.


 1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."



2. My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."



3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"


4. My mother taught me LOGIC.

" Because I said so, that's why."



5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."


6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."


7. My mother taught me IRONY.

"Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about.."



8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."



9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"



10. My mother taught me about STAMINA ..

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."



11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."



12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"


13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.."



14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

"Stop acting like your father!"



15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."


16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."



17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .

"You are going to get it when you get home!"



18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."



19. My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"



20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

 "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .

 "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."



23.. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

 "Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."



And my favorite:

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Small Talk Six - The first 6 things you do after you open your eyes in the morning

http://www.momdot.com/join-us-for-small-talk-six-on-saturdays

Hey, I've joined a weekly discussion called Small Talk Six.  Every Saturday, there is a new topic.  Find them HERE if you want to join in.  I'm still working on the button  Today’s topic is  “The first 6 things you do after you  open your eyes in the morning”.  You can answer this with a list of 6 words,  6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs,  6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . . These are my six on a school day: 1) Turn off the alarm clock 2) Go into the bathroom. Take shower, etc. 3) Wake up kids for school. 4) Make Breakfast for kids. 5) Get kids ready for school.   6) Eat my own breakfast Sounds kind of boring, but it is what it is. :)

Small Talk Six: Tearjerker Films

http://www.momdot.com/join-us-for-small-talk-six-on-saturdays

Hey, I've joined a weekly discussion called Small Talk Six. Every Saturday, there is a new topic.  Find them HERE if you want to join in. I'm still working on the button  "Today’s topic is “6 movies that make you cry.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . ." These are my six tearjerkers: 1) An Affair to Remember (Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr).  I always fall apart when he sees the painting. The music doesn't help either. Builds up until you are in a puddle of tears. 2) Dumbo (Disney).  I usually fall to pieces when Dumbo visits his chained mother, and he swings on her trunk. The song, "Baby Mine" plays in the background and everyone cries (including the men...you know who you are). 3) The Sound of Music (Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer).  Weeping usually starts when "Climb Every Mountain" is sung by the Reverent Mother. There are a couple of scenes after that as well, including the ending...more like a happy cry. 4) Ghost (Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore) The crying happens at the end when she sees him. 5) It's a Wonderful Life (Jimmy Stewart). Crying usually commences when he comes home, kisses the family and everyone sings "Auld lang Syne" 6) Steel Magnolias (Sally Field, etc.) The funeral scene gets me every time.

HI HO! HI HO! IT'S OFF TO THE ER WE GO

See that ear?  Looks like a little scratch right now, but on Thursday, it was a disaster.  Still trying to figure out how it happened.  He said that he cut his ear on the corner of a bedroom dresser.  Didn't see it happen, just saw the results.  He came out screaming, and the earlobe was split in half.  His sister was screaming and crying.  Mom had to be calm, but wanted to scream herself.

So off to the ER we went.  Four in a half hours later, we were home, after a plastic surgeon did an outstanding job patching it together.  I'm telling you that I never thought it would look the same.  It's truly amazing.  Once we got home, it was ice cream for everyone (aka dinner).

Now, he's singing along to Beatles Rock Band as if nothing happened.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN EMBARRASSED BY A RELATIVE?

In New Beginnings, there is a character named Maureen Burke, also known as Grandma Mo. Grandma Mo is the well-loved matriarch of the Burke family, and she feels that it is her mission to be the family matchmaker. She also has this habit of saying things that embarrass members of her family.  Although it is always well intentioned, not everyone appreciates it.

Grandma Mo's best work is in Chapter Seventeen - The Christening. In it, her instinct tells her that two people should be together. The result is embarrassment for everyone involved. I have posted an excerpt of this chapter on my New Beginnings website under sneak peeks. It is listed as Sneak Peek #3.

Do you have a relative like Grandma Mo? Is there someone is your family or a friend who has tried to set you up or has said something about you that was mortifying, although it was well intentioned?

Share your experience on my New Beginnings blog: http://ping.fm/Dm3cX

DON'T LOOK LIKE A CHOO CHOO TRAIN

I have put a non-smoker button on my blog, in support of a fellow blogger who has committed herself to quitting. I'm always willing to encourage people to quit. I lost my Dad to lung cancer in May of 1998. He smoked nearly all of his life.

He was 58. The closer I get to that age, the more I realize how young he was (my husband is 50 now). My Dad had 4 grandchildren that he never met (two of them are my kids), and one who was just an infant when he died. It is such a waste. But he was addicted.

I'm not here to judge. Smoking is such a tough addiction. I used to smoke when I was younger, just to be cool. Luckily, I quit. This is what made me quit: I saw my friend smoking in the parking lot and she blew out some smoke (mind you, she had done it thousands of times before that). It suddenly hit me that she looked like a smokestack from a train. It looked so stupid. From then on, I looked at myself and wondered why I wanted to look stupid too. From then on, I quit. Funny, isn't it? I didn't want to look like choo choo train.

So, for all you smokers out there. Take a pledge. Kick the habit. Just say to yourself, "I don't want to look like a choo choo train"