Hi Everyone.

I have been a little busy getting everything ready for my show. I also had 2 back to back birthdays to pull off.

My youngest son Andrew turned 25 on Tuesday. I'm not sure how that is possible since I am only 29 myself. So my children are now 25, 26 and 29. Mind blowing for sure. Dinner was my sons choice of Alaskan King crab, stone crab, steak, salad, broccoli and an ice cream cake. Expensive taste for sure.

Wednesday was my puppy Shiloh's 1st birthday. So the family pets got together at my place, had some frosty paws, tore the birthday hats off each other. The adults had salad for dinner and a really yummy cake.

Last night I had my second show. It was good. I had some friends stop by. Met new people. Was asked to be the photographer at the managers wedding in June. I will shoot the wedding because it is informal and at a wine bar downtown. I have not desire to enter the formal wedding market. Let the big guys do it. I also had an invitation to go to the Abacos on a 110 foot yacht and take pictures. The owner of the yacht is the best friend of the guy getting married. I said yes of course. I even said I would help crew for the 5 day trip. He has it hired out. The yacht sleeps 14. OK. Room for me. One of the people who came said she loved my work. She has a degree in photography. She said she was impressed. I was happy.
We took the pictures down last night. Her walls looked really bare after. But it is a bar / night club. And I wasn't sticking around to hang everything up.

I have also spent the last week going to the gym. Riding my motorcycle. Going to the beach. My tan is really dark again.

Today was a gym day, laundry, wash and wax my bike and then I took a nice long ride. Home to shower, pedicure and a nap. Now it's time to pack for my trip.

Tomorrow I will be going to Cabo San Lucas on the Baja peninsula in Mexico. My first real trip out of the country. I am finally getting a stamp on my passport. I will be joining my girlfriend Judy (last picture). This will probably be the last time she goes to her time share there. I think her cancer is getting worse. She's loosing weight hand over fist. Tires even more easily then before. I notice a huge difference in the last months. She's been to tired to go to the beach. She loves the beach and pool. She showed up at my show last night at 9:30. She had been in bed for the last 3 days. I was shocked she came. She's a really special lady and I am so blessed to know her. My kids just love her.

Are we having fun yet? I sure am. I figure I will be home for 3 days and off I go again off on the yacht. I hope it works out. I also having tickets to the Moody Blues the day after I get back. I couldn't resist. They are playing right in my town.

I hope everyone has an awesome week. I will be back on the 24th from Mexico.

This is called "SWAMP BUGGY RACING"!!!!

I do think I have found something that Rednecks really enjoy. I laughed myself silly. Funny. What's really funny is that they have a Swamp Buggy Queen and court. No joke. At the end of the races they throw her into the muddy water. They have door prizes and throw signed Frisbees ( i got one), . One of the queens court even had a camo ball gown on. I swear I don't make this stuff up. I had fun. Lots of the contestants buggies died in the water and had to be towed out by a tractor. The engines on these bad boys cost up to $30 grand. Ouch. Now this is a hobby for the die hards for sure.

What fun things did everyone else do this past week?

Yesterday I drove down to the Keys and took some pictures. Pretty day for sure. I hope everyone else is having as much fun as I have been.

I hope all is well in everyones world. I have been pretty much gone working the Miami Boat Show.
The show is over for another year. Another successful year has come and gone. The last 2 days I just went
to the gym, and took some down time relaxing with my boyfriend. Yesterday we picnicked in a state park and then flew kites.
Too cold for the beach, so we just relaxed on his last day of vacation. Nice.

Today I went to the gym again. My legs are sore. The group I ride with are attempting to go riding tonight. Let's hope the rain finally leaves us. It's been very tropical the last few days.

Now it's time for final preparation for my next photography show on March 15th. And getting my tax things together. Then off to Cabo San Lucus I go with my girlfriend Judie. My first real trip out of the country. Fun times.

The picture is one I'm showing at my show.

Have an awesome day.

This is for everyone who needs a little beach time.

Feel the warmth.

HI Welcome To My World!

I have been getting busy for my annual work at the Miami International Boat Show. Every year I pull out my CDL drivers license and drive crazy hours for 5 days straight. This year I changed my driving team up. A needed change for my sanity and peace of mind. I'll see how my new driver does. It should be interesting to see how well I will work with my boyfriend. If he didn't have such great customer service skills and driving skills. It would have been a no go. But I trust him to pull it off and not get road rage. My daughter drives her days of Sunday and Monday. Both had to take time off from their jobs for this driving job. But I pay much better than their real jobs.
I am also getting ready for my next photography show. The photos are being printed. They should be shipped this week. I have the frames. Thank You Michael's Crafts for that 40% off sale so timely in my need of 20 frames.
I have also been spending a lot of time on the beach and of course the gym. I had to take a week off of working on my upper body. My tendinitis flared again in my shoulder. But I will attempt to work it tomorrow and see how it holds. I did go for a nice ride today on my bike. Windy for sure. And I plan on doing gym and bike and beach the next 3 days before the show starts on Thursday. Then I won't come up for air until the following Tuesday. But I love doing the show. I love to drive. So no worries.
I am not a big fan of Valentines Day. So I have never had an issue working the boat show and not celebrating the day that puts unrealistic expectations on all couples. And is a creation of the card companies. Why should anyone spend ridiculous amounts of money on roses that will cost only $12.99 a dozen the following day. I would rather have roses all year long for no reason. And be treated well all year long. Not go out to dinner and spend gobs of money for an inferior meal. I guess I've just waited tables too many holidays. Go out to dinner on a weekday, have a great meal and no wait.

So for all those who read my blog. Have a very Happy Valentines Day. An awesome week. I will be reading. Let me know what's new in your world.

Here we go with a picture that is straight. I haven't figured out how to rotate a picture on the blog yet. So if anyone has any idea how to rotate please HELP. I will be showing this photo at my show in March. It's just pretty and serene. So enjoy the peacefulness.




This is the bike my sweetie was breaking in for the Harley dealership he works for. Every week when he has 2 to 3 days off in a row they give him a new bike to break in the right way. They have a whole fleet of rentals and loaner bikes that need to be run to see if anything needs fine tuning on. When he gets bikes like this I have to ride on the back and not on my bike. But it's all good. It's kind of nice to just sit back, listen to the music and take pictures while going down the road with the wind blowing in my hair. I wear a helmet though. So does he.

Now on Tuesday when we were riding around we took a wrong turn and had the distinct pleasure of running into a very intellectually challenged security guard. Now this lady I am hoping just had limited language skills. But hey she had a job and was at it. She walks up to us and says " you no go here, leave" no seriously she talks like this. This is a state park entrance that has a blocked entrance. We just wanted to know where the entrance was. Now she's blocking us from turning. She tells us where to go, and keeps telling us to leave. Now my sweetie and I keep saying to her,"please move out of the way" We try hand signals, words, more hand signals, etc./ This lady is just not getting it. Now she's getting really pissed that we are not turning and taking off. Now look at the size of this bike. This bike is one heavy bike. One does not turn this bike on a dime. It takes lots of room and there is sand and gravel around. Not good. This goes on for a good 5 minutes. I can't make this up. There really are people this dumb. She finally gets pissed off and stalks away to lean on her car and watches us leave. Unbelievable. Sometimes you really just need to shake your head. We waved good bye to her and took off safely without dumping the 900 pound bike.

Last night I went and attempted to see a Rod Stewart concert with a friend of mine. Attempted is the correct word here. The tickets were ridiculously expensive. $100 to $300. I walk up to the box office window. It is a well known fact down here that all box offices release unused tickets in all price ranges 2 hours before the show. It's always worth a try to see a good concert and get a good seat. Last night that was just not the case. They had several $100 tickets available. Totally blocked view behind a column on the top row against the side wall. Say What!!!! Your actually trying to sell that seat. Amazing. I don't think so. $150 tickets were not much better. Totally blocked view. Speakers only , not the top row, but seriously close. Now for $200 you got the same section but could actually see a corner of the stage. I don't think so. Now I like Rod Stewart but not that much. All seats with a decent view or any view were $300 a piece. Lets just say we passed on that one. So we hung out a the venue area and had some dinner and people watched. It was at the local Hard Rock Seminole Casino which has a lot of live music playing in the shopping and courtyard areas. When they planned this area, they did a really nice job. I don't gamble, but we did go into the casino to watch and see the new Las Vegas style slots. Amusing.

Now not everything was frustrating yesterday. I had a good workout at the gym, a great day on the beach with my sweetie.
Today is a bike ride with my friend from last night, ( he saved my life 2 1/2 years ago), and breakfast somewhere on the beach.
Maybe some more naked sun bathing. I'll see on that one. I just spent the last 2 days on the beach.

I hope all is well in your world and thanks for stopping by.

Welcome to my life lately.

Saturday I spent at the gym and riding my motorcycle. What a great day. I rode all the way up to Palm Beach by myself.

Sunday was the Chili Cook off. This is one of the largest country concerts in the country. It's crazy. Tons of people. The music is incredible. At least 5 top country acts are there every year. This years biggest group was Big & Rich. Fun. Taylor Swift, Gretchen Wilson, etc. I went with my daughter, my adopted sons girlfriend, my adopted sons younger brother, and my girlfriend Judy. Just an all around good day.

Monday was my sweeties birthday. So we rode to the beach for breakfast. (after the gym) He spent lunch with his Mom, Then we went out to dinner. Yummy Thai food.

Today was ride all day. (after the gym) We went to Key Biscayne and just had a great Florida kind of day. Key Biscayne is in Miami and the start of the Florida Keys. Just a really neat place. The shack is actually a very old squatters camp / restaurant that sells smoked fish and drinks. The owner has been squatting there since 1954 in a park and there is nothing anyone can do about it. What a really cool place. No rent, no taxes. I do believe he has it made. I actually tried the smoke tuna. Really good. And I don't like fish. We had also stopped at a very old Cuban place. Grabbed some Ropa Vieja (old socks) which is shredded beef. My favorite Cuban food. We brought it to Jimbos where we had the smoked fish. Then we went to the end of Key Biscayne to the state park and took cool pictures of the light house and the surrounding area. A nice relaxing day.

So what has everyone been up to while I have been off riding my motorcycle?

Welcome to my Tuesday.

Yesterday my sweetie and I went for a ride up A1A into Palm Beach county where the rich and famous live.
The atmosphere up there is so different. More ladida. It's funny. Most days you find me on the nude beach in Dade county.
Running around Broward county on my motorcycle. Yesterday was just a fun and peaceful and COLD AND WINDY day on the beach and bikes. We are such beach people that we always end up on or near the beach with the camera.

We started our day with breakfast on my beach at my favorite restaurant, (great breakfasts), and a late lunch early dinner back in our home town at another favorite place of ours on the Intercoastal.

Today was started at the gym with my trainer. We are now including my daughter into my training sessions. I think she needs the structure. And she and my trainer are good friends and he agrees. The hard part is always getting her to agree. Then I washed my bike. (filthy from yesterday) and off to the grocery store. Such an interesting day.

I hope all is well in your world.

I figured since everyone is freezing I would give you all a little Florida Sunshine.

Sunday was a breezy beach day. Not the best of beach days, but a beach day none the less. I got some reading done. Like half the new James Patterson novel about Alex Cross. And I started it at the gym.

Today was some gym time followed by a day of riding with my sweetie. Now I have had my bike a year tomorrow. When I bought it, he was with me and actually picked this bike out for me. He still says it was a good choice. It suits me. He drove it home for me too. I had no idea how to even turn it on. I now have over 5500 miles on it. All but 200 by me. I guess it's all good.
My sweetie and I rode all day. He lost a friend yesterday and needed to unwind. So he rode a bike, I rode my bike and we had the camera with us. Out to the Everglades we went. Down to the marina we went. He likes how I ride. Hard to believe in the year I've had the bike we've never ridden together. We may head to the Keys again tomorrow on the bikes. We'll see. (after the gym of course) He liked to ask me questions knowing he wouldn't get an answer. I had on a full face helmet. He couldn't have heard me anyway. I find myself acting like a Disney character with my full face helmet on. I didn't talk from the moment the head went on to the time it came off. I told him to enjoy the quiet. I'm not usually quiet by any stretch. He just laughed at me and turned up the music on his bike so I could hear it. He's a nice guy.


Now I have had a few good days. How about you?

Our temperature has dropped again. BRRRR!!!!!! Low 70's during the day all week and the low 50's at night. At least it's not what we had a few weeks ago. That was way too cold.

I went to the Florida Keys again yesterday just for the day. And to take pictures.

Most people think the Keys are more like the South Florida area with Palm Trees, etc.
But the Keys are very different. They are more mangrove, rocky beaches, etc. It is a fisherman's
paradise for sure. I like the feel of the real florida. It has gotten very commercial for sure. Packed.
But the hotels are mostly old time, nothing fancy. Except in Key West of course. Condos are going up everywhere.
Nothing new there. But the building is very controlled by the local government trying to keep it as real as possible.

I like the Keys for sure. But I like the Island atmosphere. I am also a big fan of Sanibel and Captiva on the west coast of
Florida. Very relaxing.

I hope everyone has a place that they can just go and relax. Mine is the beach. Always the beach. That is where I am
most at home with my thoughts. Where is your place?

Welcome to my Sunday. We took a 280 mile motorcycle ride to the Keys yesterday.
The weather was glorious. A friend of the lead rider Walter (he owns the Italian restaurant on the beach)
is in from Germany for a few more days. Mikie is so much fun and had a blast. We also have a new rider
in the group. He knows the group from Southwest airlines that ride with us. Jim is a lot of fun and a good rider.
He wanted the couples picture taken in case we become a couple. Funny guy. He's letting it very well known
that he likes me. I'm not sure I will go down the road. I really like riding with this group of guys.

I hope everyone had as much fun this weekend as I did.

I am continuing on with my journey thru 2007.
While on my trip this summer I got to spend some time with my best friend. The shot of us on her husbands boat is a classic. I work for Contender during the Miami boat show. 5 weeks and counting until the boat show craziness begins again.

2007 brought a new puppy into our house. Izzie was not pleased at all. Jasper the cat was skeptical to say the least. They are all buddies now. But the cute little white puffball stole our hearts. Shiloh is a bundle of energy at 9 months. I like to say that my daughters dog Izzie is like it's owner, slow to start the day. While Shiloh is 100 % me and my energy. She runs full fledge out the door seeking new adventure.

I hope everyone is starting to thaw out after a few days of freezing. It's 70 again today. I am pleased with the warmth.

How was your Christmas?

Christmas day has come and gone for another year.
I must say I had a very nice day. The kids all got along.
Everyone had a very nice, non drama and peaceful day.

I started out the day with a mild work out at the gym.
My daughter followed me shortly to the gym and de-stressed.
The gym was busy with the regulars. If the gym is my only addiction,
then it's all good.

My riding group called to see if I wanted to go out at night and ride
around the mansions looking at lights. I almost went, but we were having such
a nice time at home, I passed.

This morning I dropped my daughter off at the airport at 6:30 am. Off she goes
to New Jersey.

I am off to the gym again this morning for a workout with my trainer. Then time
to learn about a new career.. Today was my goal day for starting my research. I figured
a nice peaceful week for studying would do. A new direction to start the new year.

So what are you doing this week?

We celebrated an early Christmas dinner last night for the kids heading to New Jersey tonight. My adopted son Logan, his girlfriend Erin and Logan's younger brother Cade will be driving straight thru. With one of the dogs of course.

Now we finally took our family pictures for everyone. I really do love instant gratification. Erin needed a passport style photo for an application, done. Printed and received. And they all got the family picture. And all but two of the dogs were with us. Busy for sure. The little dogs all chose a lap to curl up on and the big dude tried to get them to come run with him. Mulled wine, egg nog and Chinese food. Mulled wine sure made the house smell yummy.

My daughter is flying out to New Jersey on the 26th. 20 minutes from where the rest of the crew will be. They promise to rescue her from terminal boredom and bring her some real coffee. I guess micro-waved instant coffee just won't work. She'll be staying at her grandmothers with her Dad. And sleeping on the sofa. My mother in law is a tad eccentric. Just a little. Her idea of a fun day is drinking tea and watching tv. My sister also promises to rescue her. Another 20 minutes away. But she will be cold. We're buying her warm boots today. Warm clothes we have covered from our Orlando days. Much colder in Orlando.

Have an awesome day!

Merry Christmas everyone!!
Just a picture of my family Christmas tree.

What does your tree look like?

Friday night we all celebrated the 20th Anniversary of my friend Walter's Italian restaurant up on the beach. Talk about a fun times. His parents flew in from New York, (they just had their 50th Anniv.), they are here now thru the Holidays. All our friends and fellow bikers were out in full force with families in tow. The DJ was fantastic and just played great music all night long. Now anyone who comes to visit will be eating at Little Venice. I love his food, I love the location, (can't beat the beach front location). And all the locals eat there.

Now anyone who lives down here knows, if the locals eat at your restaurant, you stay in business during the slow season. Now at Little Venice it takes on new meaning. If your a friend of Walter's and he's slamming, we roll silverware, bus tables, refill drinks and just lend a hand and get him thru the crunch. Oh and we generally wait on ourselves. But we also get to eat what we want, or in my case what the boss feels like eating (thank God we like the same foods), what the cook feels like feeding us. You get the idea.

Now I rode my bike up to the beach, pulled it in behind his place and in between cars and brought my camera bag. I was the photographer. My gift to Walter. He now will have a disc with the whole night and about 300 pictures that capture the night. Dancing on the beach, all his friends and family and his kids friends and family. My kids all came down later and joined in the fun.

I have just had a good weekend. Yesterday I spent on the beach with a friend, just soaking up the sun. The college kids are back in town. The northern visitors are escaping the snow. I can't say I blame them.

I hope everyone has an awesome day. I am off to the gym before the rain hits for the day. Then maybe do some Christmas baking.

We had a great day for charity in South Florida.
Over 20,000 motorcycles rode today, every bike had a toy to donate.
It took over 5 hours for everyone to arrive at the destination.
5 hours of the interstates being closed to all traffic so all the bikes
could ride safely.

I do believe I will do this ride every year. Our group of 12 bikes all donated $30 a rider
so we could be in the front of the pack. And we were an hour back into the pack. I would guess
at least 5,000 bikes paid the VIP money. Not a bad day for charity.
Mind blowing, the cops were all on bikes all along the 25 mile route. People standing on bridges,
sitting in chairs on the side of t I 95 waving and holding up signs that said Thank You.
Just a great weekend all in all.

My daughter and I went to see Keith Urban last night. Wow!!!

What fun things have you done this weekend?

The Castle was just spectacular this year!!

My neighbors came over last night and asked if I could help hang up some lights for them. It seems my other and only Christian neighbor gave them some Hanukkah lights to celebrate the Festival of Lights. This particular family is very generous on every Holiday. We all find interesting gifts on our door steps for every holiday. This family home schools their kids, so they consider it the art part of school. A very sweet and loving family for sure. My next door neighbors had been loving my lights so much. when they got theirs they had to hang them up. I seem to be the resident expert.

I think Disney had a few more light hangers to pull this castle off for sure. This is getting my all time favorite so far for Holiday castles.

What is your favorite memory of lights that you have seen?

We had so much fun this weekend.

The parks are decorated for the Holidays in all their splendor. Wow.

This is a picture of us backstage before the parade. On Sunday we surprised Erin with being guests of The Animal Kingdom by riding a float in the parade. I got to see all my friends that I used to work with and be in the parade. Totally mind blowing.
The musical shows in The Animal Kingdom are just superb.

I will say the parks were packed all weekend. People people everywhere.

After all was said and done, she couldn't decide which park she liked the best.

Just an all around fantastic time was had by all. It was great seeing my friends, and just having some down time.

I am leaving today for a weekend at Disney World. In honor of my weekend with Mickey, here is a picture of my stockings.
I love Disney this time of year. It is so festive.

I am going with my sons girlfriend and my daughter. My son's girlfriend hasn't been since she was 1 year old. I think she needs a break, some pixie dust and needs to see the parks with people who know how to do them justice. My daughter and I know them like the back of our hands. We are staying with friends this trip. They can't wait to spend time with us and visa versa.

Have an awesome weekend everyone.
Now what kind of stockings do you and your family hang up?

I have finished my Christmas decorating!

I now have my Surfing Santa out front under all the white lights.

Now how can I have anything but a Surfing Santa as a decoration. I am such a beach girl.

My neighbors asked that my Christmas tree be in the front window so they can enjoy it. I live in a 98%
Jewish community. They love my tree and decorations.

So what is your favorite Christmas decoration and how does it reflect your personality?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

WHAT FUN AND EXCITING THINGS DO YOU HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING ON THANKSGIVING AND WHO WILL YOU BE SPENDING IT WITH?

I am thankful for my wonderful family most of all.
I am also thankful that I have my health.

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

The kids are having Thanksgiving at their house. I am thrilled that I don't have to cook.
I really don't like the smell of cooking turkey. Plus their place is much bigger. I will bring pies if
they want me to. And my cameras. I always take pictures on Thanksgiving for the holiday cards.
And I don't have to pay for the dinner. Caching. Thank you kids.

Now on to Christmas shopping. I think I am just going to give them some of my photography.
I am also going to suggest that we all get creative this holiday season. I really don't think we all need
more stuff. Unless someone wants to give me my dream camera. Which I will not refuse. But I won't hold my
breath.

I am really not looking forward to the holiday season. For me getting together during Thanksgiving and Christmas is always
stressful. But I see my kids all the time when everyone is relaxed and not stressed for the Holidays.

My idea of the perfect Thanksgiving is a nice long peaceful ride on my bike. A beach day, spent reading with my toes in the sand. I don't eat out ever on holidays. I waited tables for too many years. High prices, inferior food. Cranky people.

Wait. I can go for a long ride on my bike. I can go to the beach. I don't have to cook. Ahhhh.

Have an awesome day!!

HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!!!!

So my question for you is this:

ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON?


Halloween has come and gone. Quietly for me. We didn't have any trick or treaters. Not a single child was seen in a costume in my neighborhood. I hear some neighborhoods were crazy busy. But not mine. My boys said they had only 1 child. They were disappointed. We were also under Tropical storm warnings with high winds and fast moving rain. Not like my Halloweens as a child for sure.

Christmas decorations are already out on the shelves. Thanksgiving is almost totally overlooked. My kids want to host Thanksgiving. I am totally letting them. I will gladly bake the pies, etc. I really dislike the smell of cooking turkey. I also put up my Christmas decorations with my family on Thanksgiving weekend. Then we take a family picture and send it out with the Christmas cards.

As for Christmas gifts this year. I want everything kept within reason. I tend to go over board. I really want the true meaning of Christmas to make it back. I know my daughter will be hopping on a plane the day after Christmas and joining her Dad in New Jersey. A little Babci time. (Polish for Grandmother). Then returning on the 30th.

I hope everyone has a great November.

Are we ready for the weekend?

I am taking off with my friend to Orlando for the week. The space shuttle is going up next week. (Hopefully). I've always wanted to see it go in person. My cameras will be there with me. Hopefully I will get a great shot. Let's hope for some great weather.

I get to see some of my Orlando friends. I miss them. I am taking my friend into the Animal Kingdom one day. She's never been. I love the Animal Kingdom. Maybe if she's feeling up to a whole day there, I can arrange for her to be a Grand Marshall in the parade at 4 pm. I will also get to show her my side of Disney. If she feels up to it, we will head over to The Magic Kingdom for some PIXIE DUST.

The gym is going good. It feels good to work out again. Yoga is good for stretching and maybe one day I will learn how to relax. I've had so many Dr.'s and physical therapists tell me to take yoga. I guess time will tell if I finally learn how to unwind.

Have an awesome day and Thank You for stopping by.

The children have found a new home and moved out.

That didn't take long at all. It's amazing how being very crowded and having 4 dogs and a cat under one roof will make those who need to get it together, get it together. One week total/ Saturday to Saturday.

Now I didn't cheer. But I was not sad to see them find a new home. They had me look at the property with them. I met the landlords. Measured the windows, and did a final walk thru for them with a check list while they went back to work. The things I do for them. But I love them. And I really wanted them to move out. It wasn't the kids. It was the four dogs that got to me. Constant chaos. By the end of the week the dogs had bonded incredibly. But trying to just take 2 at a time for a walk was not fun trying to get out the door. The other two blocked the door, tried to sneak under your feet, etc.

I also joined a gym last week. I needed the stress buster. I even did myself a huge favor and signed up for a year of personal training 4 times a month. I am very serious about getting back into top physical shape. And staying off the depression meds. I figure that the trainer will put me on the correct road to a balanced work out. I was trying to keep the gym a secret from my daughter. But she found me in the gym the second day. Oh well. So much for her not catching me for a few weeks. And being the nice child that she is. She chose the hardest trainer for me. He's living up to his name for sure. What a task master. But it feels good. Now getting back into top shape is a great way to turn 50 next year. I figure if I don't do it now, I will never get make it thru menopause in one piece.


So what interesting things have you done lately. My challenge to you is to do something for yourself that improves your life on a daily basis.

THE INVASION:

Sometimes as a parent the grown children boomerang right back into the nest.

They are back!!!!!!!

3 20's somethings and 2 dogs equals 4 in their 20's, one who stops in for dinner, 4 dogs and total chaos. And me.

Now the fun stuff is how they all get along. The dogs are wild and it's a constant fun experience to see at feeding time.
The cat got forgotten outside on the porch with the door left open. He roamed all night and came home for food this morning.
But hey, he got cantaloupe as a treat for being left out in the rain. Izzie is getting solo walks for a treat and Shiloh is getting a break by car trips. The kids 2 dogs are looking forlorn and trying to escape.

Now peace reigns for a few hours as they are all at their jobs and the gym. Now for dinner someone other than Mom is going to the grocery store and planning dinner. With their own debit card. Mine does have it's limit.

We won't even get into how much blended furniture is in my living room, my bedrooms and any where else they can fit stuff that didn't fit into the POD. The good news is they are actively looking for another house. I love these kids and dinner time is fun. Everyone eats together. My daughter is actually enjoying the invasion and tolerating it well. To a point. I do believe when her shampoo and conditioner goes down. All bets are off. And when she went to escape into the privacy in her room. Her brother was on her bed. Feet up on her exercise ball yapping on the phone with his girlfriend in Denver. Her patience was getting thinner. Then he camped out on her floor on her computer. Now I have 5 lap tops in this house. They all work.

Are we having fun yet? My privacy is GONE!!!!!!!! I had to take down my pull up bar so my bathroom door closes. Not an issue when it's just me using the bathroom in my room. And this rain is just not ending any time soon.

Time to get back to supervising the zoo before the puppy gets into anything else.


Have an awesome day!!!

Just a little something thats on my refrigerator.

LIVE WITH INTENTION.

WALK TO THE EDGE.

LISTEN HARD.

PRACTICE WELLNESS.

PLAY WITH ABANDON.

LAUGH.

CHOOSE WITH NO REGRET.

CONTINUE TO LEARN.

APPRECIATE YOUR FRIENDS.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

LIVE AS IF THIS IS ALL THERE IS.

I DID IT!!!!!!!

I had my first show. It was fun, hectic, and a total group effort to get everything done. My Thanks to everyone for their hard work. My youngest one invited people on the street down to my show site. The rest of the kids hung out and entertained each other and the viewers running in and out. The show was part of Art Work in downtown Hollywood.
I do believe my work was well received. I had several artist love it and suggest other venues to show. The only negative was this old coupe. (make up garish). They were well dressed, carrying their to go bags from where ever they had dinner. I asked what they thought. She was blunt. " We don't like photographs. Only paintings. " I very nicely thanked them for coming and stopping by. I was very sweet. I do believe she didn't get it. She just looked at me and was clueless that I was the photographer. Which was just fine with me. Everyone has an opinion. Thats what makes it fun.
I didn't sell anything yet. But I really didn't think I would have last night. Another artist helped out and said no one ever sells the first time out. But she loved the work. and I will sell.. Last night was all about getting out there and being seen. So on Wednesday I will go take all my work down/ and come home and hang it all over my house for safe keeping. Which is why I chose the pictures that I did.

I hope everyones is having a personally fulfilling kind of weekend.

Getting ready for MY FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW!!!!!

To say that I am a little excited, a little nervous and very critical of my own work. Is an understatement.
I am also a total control freak. And having people help me and be in control of something so personal is huge.
But I also believe in letting people do what they do best.

I take very nice pictures. I seem to have an eye and talent for things. I am also very artistic. My medium now seems to be photography. In previous periods of my life it has been music, crafts, and acting. Well we all act in our life. Life is a stage and our part is living it. How we choose to portray ourselves is our choice.

The very nice lady who owns the Now Art Cafe is also a control freak. Or she wouldn't have owned her very interesting gathering place for as long as she has. I have loved her Cafe since I first walked in the door almost 12 years ago. She didn't serve alcohol then. She's a martini bar now. Same ambiance. Beds, sofas, sitting areas, live music, etc. But she said when she turned 40 she wanted her place to grow up too. She used to just serve teas, coffees, desserts, etc. Now she has expanded.
The fact that she is having my first show is very telling. We're very similar in or uniqueness. Very free spirits.

Francesca is also a very big part of my first show. Her talent in putting together colors is invaluable in getting just the right touch in matting and framing. She helped choose the final 9 photos finishing touches. She's also handling the framing shop for me. I kind of lost my cool with the supervisor the other day. Something to do with his "not guaranteeing my work being in for my show on time". His whole attitude was just not in my best interest. I kept trying to get his attention back on my issues, he kept telling me how busy they were and trashing the competition. (Who happened to have gotten my first 4 prints back before their due date and they were nicely done.) Francesca managed to find a competent person in the department who was helpful and she found the information on the computer that they will be in on MONDAY. A few days late, but in time for my show on Saturday. Unlike the supervisor who is just inept.

So I find myself in a position of trusting others to handle their part in the scheme of things. I am usually in charge of all aspects of a function. But trust me. I will be dotting the i's and crossing the t's just to make sure it's how I want it to go.

Now if I could just get my web site the way I want it by Saturday I would be a happy camper. Frustrating. I really don''t like computers. Or maybe that I just don't know how to get them to do what I want them to do. Like post a picture on my blog. Too funny since I am a photographer.

I am also pet sitting my sons big dog for the weekend. So I pissed off the neighbors guest by asking them to keep their little male shi tzu on a leash while he is here. Give me credit. I didn't yell at her for not picking up it's poop. Remember I have 2 female shi tzu's . He thinks they are play toys. But I didn't want hers to be a snack for the big guy.

Lets just say my hormones sure chose a great time to show up and wreak havoc with my moods. Gotta love being 49 and being menopausal. I hear that is an excuse. Or should be.

Have an awesome weekend everyone. And if you hear of a crazy lady loosing it down in South Florida, the stress got to me.
And the framing supervisor got his just rewards.

Happy Labor Day everyone!!!!

Tomorrow is my 49th birthday. Now how can I be 49 years old already. I look around at my grown children and wonder where has the time gone. I sure don't feel 49. But what does 49 feel like?

I still haven't found a job. So I have just been hanging out on the beach with Francesca from Chicago. She is a total blast. You can never get her out of the water. What a total water baby. She is so tan it's not funny. Yesterday she cooked a traditional Greek dinner for my family and some of her local friends. She's been staying with me. So she and my daughter have been bonding in the kitchen. They both love to cook. I'm letting them. I'll gladly clean up.

Today we are heading to the beach as a family to celebrate my birthday early. Since it's Labor Day everyone's off. So that makes 2 family days in a row. Then home for a BBQ and cake. Works for me. The kids love hanging out together. We have family dinners every week. I sure got lucky on that one. But as I like to say. I raised them to be friends. It's nice to see it worked.

Now tomorrow Franny goes home to Chicago to start packing. She has put her condo on the market and is looking to move to South Florida with the rest of us sun seeking crazy people. She thrives in the environment for sure.

I am also picking up my matted and framed photos this week for my first photography show. I can't wait to see the finished product. The show will either be the 15th of September or October 20th. The owner of the place that is hosting it has been out of the country on vacation and may have missed the deadline for the publisher. I should know this week. Either day works for me. It will be interesting to see if anyone will pay for my work. Do to the cost of framing they are going to be pricey. Only time will tell.

I hope everyones having a wonderful final long summer weekend.

I am home safe and sound. I had an adventure for sure. Accomplished what I was looking to accomplish. Not a bad month for sure.
My week at my sisters went well. Spending the first week of July in my hometown for the first time in over 20 years was great. A week well spent. I did a lot of cooking for my sisters family, so my sister had a break while she worked, coached soft ball, etc. I took lots of photos. Got 2 commissions for taking pictures. Fulfilled them both. How fun is that.

Then off to Bethany Beach I went. Shiloh had a head cold by then. Got sick in the car. We took the Cape May - Lewes Ferry into Delaware. It dropped me off 30 minutes from my best friends beach house. I am happy to say she had sobered up. And is still sober as of yesterday. I am sure it's not easy for her. She has a lot going on in her life and some life challenges that she will have to handle. Her husband has asked for a divorce. He has been a saint thru all this. But I understand where he is coming from. For 8 years out of this 13 year marriage she has refused to sober up and stay that way. Her love affair with the bottle is more valuable to her. Everyone deserves the chance at happiness. And you can only take so much before you say enough. I did notice while I was there how little interaction there was between them. She told me over the weekend that he asked for a divorce months ago. And she dove right back into the bottle. Or had just not come out of it yet. She's been in the hospital 4 times detoxing in 4 months. Not rehab. That hasn't worked 3 times. So I understand and I wish him nothing but happiness and peace.

My friend and I had a nice visit. We went boating, shopping, to the beach, and emergency vet stop for Shiloh. Upper respiratory infection. After 2 days of antibiotics she was a new puppy just full of life. And hasn't stopped being an outgoing and fun loving puppy since then.

I am home now. Everyone is happy to have me home. I just got a chance to show my photography at the art walk in downtown Hollywood. They have art night the 3rd Thursday of every month down town. I am having a showing in a bar called "Now Art Cafe". The place is eclectic. I have always loved the uniqueness of the place. I was downtown Saturday night, walked in, ended up talking to the owner who remembered me from years ago. One thing led to another and she wants me to show in her place. To promote my work, etc. She said she rarely shows anyone. She's picky. She will have a Martini tasting for me. Now how fun is that. My friends and family will all show up and support me. I guess motorcycle parking will have to be arranged. Right out front of course. Park a few bikes, more are sure to follow.

So now it's time to get busy, pick the best of the best. I have all the 20 somethings in my life putting in their 2 cents. Plus I will have my friends help. And last but not least the owner Angel pick her favorites. My work is so varied, that I may have to have a few shows. Or maybe she will want me to come and do it monthly. We will see. I need to find a place to print , matt and frame my work. I need to talk to Angel first and see what size she wants. Everything I show must be available for sale. No problem. Now it's time to see if people are willing to pay.

I am job hunting. Via on line applications. Not fun. Talk about not being able to sell yourself. And I am NOT bilingual. This is becoming a huge problem. Now my question is this. Is it not America? Is English not our language in this country? OK. I won't start on that. But everyone is requesting that you speak several languages. Down here it's Spanish, French and then English. French because of all the French Canadians. Now everyone should speak English. If I was in their country I would sure try to communicate first in their language. Not demand they speak English to me first. I guess I'm just old school on some things.

So now you know what's going on in my life. What's going on in yours?

I am on vacation right now. What an experience it has been so far. My vacation started out good until I pulled into my girlfriends house in Oakton, VA. Now she has been my best friend since high school. She is a chronic alcoholic. She can die if she drinks. She was so drunk she could hardly stand. Not good. I got a first hand look at the ugliness of this disease. I kept her mostly sober all day until the evening the next day. I told her what a great job she was doing. We went horseback riding on one of her horses, in the morning. Then went on a sight seeing tour of the new monuments in DC in the afternoon. A great day. Lots of pictures. Now I moved away from the DC area in 1992. They have 3 new monuments since I left. The World War 2 monument, Korean and Roosevelt. If you haven't been to DC in a long time. Please go. All these tributes are around the reflecting pool and tidal basin. So centrally located. I left the next morning for the Jersey Shore.
The next stop was a very nice and fun weekend at my sisters. I got some beach time with my niece and brother in law while my sister was at work. Took some awesome sunset pictures. Sunday her husband and youngest son (15) took off for Penn State and football camp. Her oldest took off for work (18), and we just had her 11 year old daughter. Not bad. Relaxing. We went out for breakfast, went out for some pet supplies, she took a nap, just watched movies and relaxed. Watched the sunset at the inlet and went out for italian ice after words. My sister is 7 years younger than I, looks like me, and never gets any down time. Except while I'm here. I cook dinner, pick up behind her family, help with the laundry and try to not kill the kids for not helping. But they do more while I'm around. They have no choice. My sister has Shiloh's brother Max. He is twice her size and they are so cute together. Puppy play time non stop.
Off to the Cape I go with my puppy Shiloh. 7 hours later I am with my Grams. She took one look at Shiloh and was totally in love. That was the end of our relaxed time. My Uncle moved in his girlfriend in December and my Grandmother has an apartment in the house. She took one look at the puppy and started trouble. Now I had permission to bring the puppy from my Grams. His house has always been pet friendly. I was planning on staying with my Grams at the house for 7 nights. 8 days with my Grams. Lots of picture taking. The girlfriend started in right away by saying my Uncle this and that. You can't stay until next Monday. Blah blah blah. You can't park your car there. Move it there. Non ending. My Uncle was in NJ working. I spent the night. We had a good day the next day despite the girlfriends trouble making. Then the evening hit and the phone call. I was screamed at by my Uncle for bringing the puppy. Who gave me permission, get out by Thursday night and the puppy is not allowed in my house. Keep her in the garage . His girlfriend said the puppy was pissing and shitting all over the house. In her closet, etc. Now my puppy was not allowed free run of the house. Had not been in their room, and not making any messes. Her dog had peed all over my bathroom. My 5 lb puppy does not lift her little leg and piss all over the toilet and the rug. Trust me, not possible. I just cleaned up the bathroom. Her male dog is about 60 lbs, makes messes on a whim, etc. My take was the girlfriend does not want my Grandmother happy and content for any period of time. She likes to keep her on pins and needles. Not good.
So my Uncles is screaming at me on the phone, telling me the puppy is not to be in his house, what was I thinking, get out by Thursday night, I am not to come to his house unless I pass it thru him. I give the phone back to his girlfriend. Now my Grams is mortified. I take my Grams and go find a pet friendly hotel. I finally found one, close enough, go back and pack up my stuff and take me and the puppy back to the hotel. Now by this time my Grams is beyond upset. No worries. We will just work around her and make the best of it. I checked out of the Cape Friday morning. We had breakfast together like always, took off for the days for picture taking and took the puppy with us everywhere. Like always. Grams still needed her puppy fix. We had dinner at the house in my Grams apartment every evening, and kept the puppy in view outside on a long chain. We would set up our chairs, put down a beach towel and play with the puppy, read and just enjoy our visit at the house. Outside. My Uncles girlfriend was just fuming at our antics. She was not making me leave. I put my car in the garage in my Grams spot. Took her Jeep, and played by my Uncles rules. But the harassment of my Grams didn't stop by the girlfriend. I have no idea what this chicks problem is, but she does not want my Grams in the house. It was just her stopping in with my Uncles verdicts and missives of the day. Or so she says. We just ignored her and did our own things. My Grams did tell her that I would still come visit often and that we are just going to leave the area for a few days on mini vacations. My idea. Grams loves it. The girlfriend said that was an excellent idea. I am not welcome by the girlfriend. Now this is my Uncles house. My Grams lives there for life. And the Girlfriend is not wanting her there. That is my take on it. She wants to marry my Uncle. Is she in for a surprise. He said he would NEVER marry again. Lets hope that is true. This one is nuts. She actually told my Grams to stay in her apartment and the house is not hers, it''s my Uncles. Excuse me. What is she a prisoner.
My Uncle finally arrives Thursday evening. My Grams goes up to him and he ignores her, doesn't speak to her, and goes about his business with the repair guy. Grams is heart broken. I leave for the hotel later. No sign of my uncle for the evening at Grams or the morning. I am packed up and checked out of the hotel. I am there for breakfast. We put the puppy on the leash outside. Have breakfast together and I have to leave. I am hoping things improved at the house. But I am not so sure. It seems that my Uncle does not want anyone at the house while he is there. But her older son and girlfriend showed up and moved in Thursday. And her 18 year old son arrived Friday. Wow.
Now my cousins wife and kids are planning on being there for 6 weeks. Starting in 2 weeks. My cousin will be going back and forth with his Dad to work in NJ. Oh and they are bringing the 2 cats. I love my cousins wife. She's awesome and the kids are so good. They also love my Grams. So she will have 6 weeks of non ending love. The girlfriend is not going to tolerate the bunch I am sure. But I will warn them by email what is going on. Should prove interesting. What a mess.
I am now back at my sisters for a week. Taking pictures, seeing friends and enjoying my vacation. I even got to tour the house I grew up in. They renovated it. My sister and I walked thru memory lane. The people living in it are wonderful and loved hearing about the history of the house. My Pop built it, my Mom was born there. Such history.
I am going to enjoy the week. And my family.
Have a fun summer everyone. I will write more later.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!!
I have been riding my motorcycle every day. I went for several long rides this week. Wow. I wonder why I didn't get my own bike years ago. The weather has been low 80's, and very windy.
I bought 2 new Shi Tzu puppies a few weeks ago. They are so cute. I call them Max and Shiloh. Poor Izzie was feeling a little out of sorts. But she is having fun with them now. But alas, Max will be heading up to my sisters on June 1st. She is in for a treat. He's a fun and loving puppy. I am going to miss him.
I hope everyone is having a fun and exciting family filled weekend.

Riding is so much fun.

The weather has been just glorious down here.
I have taken advantage of lighter traffic on the weekends to ride.
The neighborhood behind me is very quiet with lots of stop signs,
light traffic, a peaceful place to learn turning and stopping.

I even went out by myself for 2 hours and drove some local neighborhoods,
then ventured to my old neighborhood, by the beach, and did some more
stopping, turning and just plain enjoying the day. Did I take advantage of
the time change? You bet I did. I rode while everyone slept. I call this getting
my confidence up.

Yesterday was also my sons 24th birthday. So we had a family BBQ at his new place.
My adopted sons girlfriend just moved down here from NJ and will be living with the boys.
She will fit in nicely. My daughter made him his birthday cake. A Kryspy Kream doughnut
cake with strawberries and candles. A sight for sure. A typical interesting family gathering.

So may all your challenges be conquered with grace and courage. I am challenging myself
in a positive way. Pushing the envelope of comfort for sure. But that is what life is all about.

Have an awesome day!!

I got my motorcycle license!!!!

Now the hard part begins.
I finally got to ride my own motorcycle by myself out on the street.
Talk about scary. Boy do I need a lot of practice, lessons and time riding in a safer environment.
Thank God for a good friend that has the patience of a saint. I scared him with my turns. I scared me with my turns.
Then we have my shifting ability. Or lack there of. I feel like my foot will get stuck. Mental exercises for sure.
Don't think, just do it.

First trip out of my drive way. Traffic light, BEEP< BEEP<..Time out. Give me space. It's a Sunday, take your time.
I didn't freak, that's a good thing. I will not be rushed. I will not dart out in front of oncoming traffic. I don't in my car.
Why would I on the bike!! I just can't wave at them on the bike.

The easy part was going straight. No worries. Turns were freaky. It's going to take time to get used to the bike.
It's heavy, I sure don't want to dump it. Saddle time they call it.

I can do this without getting hurt. If I can learn how to push around aircraft, drive trucks, busses and limos. I can do this.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I sure need a ton of improvement.

MY MOTORCYCLE!!

I finally got my motorcycle. I have friends taking me riding right now.
I also have them teaching me to ride. But lets not forget the safety factor.
I have registered, paid for and gotten the days off for my SAFETY COURSE.

My kids think I am nuts, but this is a life long dream of mine that I chose to make happen.
I believe I have earned the right to ride. I have worked hard, played by the rules, and raised
my family. So before my 50th birthday I am riding. With a red full face helmet of course.
OK, I'm only 48. But thats 18 months more to have fun with.

My wish for everyone is to make your dream come true. No matter how small or large it is.
I am just that type of person. I did the dream trip with my Grams, now my motorcycle is strictly
selfish on my part. And I am more than ok with that.

Have an awesome day!!