Animal Communication

Do you ever wish you knew what your dog was thinking? Do you wish your cat could tell you why she's not eating? Do you wish your rabbit could tell you if he's happy? I've always wished these things and thanks to a class I took on Animal Communication in April 2015, I've not only been able to communicate with my own dog but I've been able to help other people with their animals as well.

Thanks to my friend and spirit medium, Barb Mallon, I have been avidly practicing animal communication since August 2015. Barb thought I would be perfect for her class and, would not only enjoy but get much benefit out of it, so I thought I'd take a chance. I have successfully communicated with dogs, cats, rabbits and soon I will be attempting to communicate with horses!

Animal communication is a true blessing to me. I am honored every time that an animal allows me to communicate with them and trusts me enough to talk to me. After all, they don't HAVE to communicate with me - it's completely up to them. It starts with meditation and focus on my end. It's all about trust and energy - linking my energy with the animal's energy.

I have been practicing and honing my skills for six months now and will continue to do so. Everyone knows I have a passion for animals and if I could go back in time and change one thing it would be choosing a career in which I could work with and help animals. Since I am not going to do that at this stage in my life, animal communication is the next best thing for me. I cannot begin to explain how rewarding it is for me.

During the recent blizzard, I was able to provide healing to a family who was facing the horrible task of letting its precious retriever go because of cancer. Out of all animals I have communicated with, this dog was by far one of my absolute favorites. I have never felt such an incredible connection with this darling boy and he truly was a loving soul. He literally took it upon himself to give me a quick message for each of the family members. Recently, I also helped another friend know it was time to let her sweet cat go. I have also been able to confirm and validate numerous things about other animals that I have never met.  So far, I've communicated with a cat, rabbit, jack russell terrier, cairn terrier, two maltese, a standard poodle, sharpei, golden retriever and, of course, my own, german shepherd.

I have decided to raffle a few pet communication session gift certificates at the Denny's Shotgun Riders fundraiser. What exactly do you get for this gift certificate and what can you expect from a pet communication session? Well, as far as you're side of things goes, it's pretty simple. 

All I'll need from the winner(s) of the raffle is: 1) a photo of your pet clearly showing the animal's face with no other animals or people present; 2) a few written questions that you would like me to ask your pet; 3) your email address; and 4) your patience.

After I communicate with your pet, I will relay all of the information I received to you in an email. I will ask the questions that you specifically stated and also present any other information that the animal provides. (You don't have to give me questions if you don't want to. I can ask things on my own if you'd rather go that route.) It is up to you to decipher and validate the information that the animal gives me. I ask for you patience because animal communication is not something I can just do on a whim. The conditions, so to speak, need to be right. For example, I will not hold a session after happy hour or on my hour lunch break from work. I will communicate when I the conditions are right for me and your pet to have the perfect connection.

Animals provide me with symbols, feelings and words. You should not expect a dialogue to occur. In fact, you should not EXPECT anything. In order to get the most out of your session, you should be open and accepting of anything that your animal tells me.

I'm happy to discuss this in detail with anyone who is interested or has questions so feel free to send me a message and we can talk. I have so many examples I could provide but the one that really sticks with me is one last summer in one of my very first sessions. I'll leave this with you to ponder.

My friend was visiting his brother in Massachusetts. We were texting early one Saturday morning and he told me that only he and his brother's dog, Spencer, the standard poodle, were awake. I asked him to send me a picture of Spencer and I'd see if he'd talk to me. I knew absolutely nothing about Spencer except for his name and his breed. Spencer was extremely vocal, displayed his personality perfectly to me and was an absolute delight to "meet". None of the information that he gave me meant anything to me but I did a "brain dump" email after the session and sent it off to my friend. He was in awe of all that I had unearthed and validated every single nugget of information I relayed from Spencer. In fact, my friend then sent me picture of Spencer laying on his dog bed at that exact moment with an orange tennis ball in his mouth. So what's the big deal, you're wondering?  Dogs love tennis balls, right? Well, one of the things Spencer had told me in our session was that his favorite toy was an orange tennis ball.  One day I hope I get to meet Spencer in person and thank him for allowing me to connect with him. Good boy, Spence!

I love animals. I love animals more than most people. It's just a simple fact. They display the most purest form of unconditional love. I am truly blessed to be able to communicate with each one of them and consider it an absolute pleasure. I look forward to talking to your animal soon!! Be sure to look for this raffle item at the fundraiser in April!


 

Let's eat, drink and put an end to prostate cancer!

I am so pleased to say that donated items have been coming in like wildfire from local businesses for silent auction and raffle items at this year's fundraiser on April 28! While my relentless prodding has proved very fruitful, I can't begin to explain how grateful I am to those who have not hesitated to help out the cause!

Keep an eye on this blog post for all of the food and drink establishments that will be represented!!  I'll also be spotlighting other businesses in upcoming posts that are non-food and drink related.


Ornery Beer Company and Public House

http://www.ornerybeer.com/

For those of you who are local Prince William County residents, you'll remember Hard Times Café in Woodbridge. The owner of Hard Times decided to get with the times and open Ornery just over a year ago. What a wonderful change! Ornery brews its own beer and serves elevated brew pub food - from beer bang shrimp, to flatbreads, to salads, burgers and entrees. It's quickly become one of my favorite new local go-to places! Thank you to Manager Brigitte for her gracious donation to help out Denny's Shotgun Riders!

Nandos Peri-Peri

http://www.nandosperiperi.com/

I am so excited that Nandos will be represented again at this year's event. Nandos has quickly become one of my family's favorite local places. The chicken is absolutely delicious, the garlic bread is the best I've ever had and the sauces are fabulous! Many thanks to Allie for supporting us again this year!! If you haven't been to Nandos, what are you waiting for? Take the whole family - it's inexpensive, good food and Stonebridge's best kept secret. There's one in Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor too!

Otium Cellars

http://www.otiumcellars.com/

Otium means leisure, peace and tranquility. Who doesn't appreciate such a place and such a feeling? Throw in excellent German-inspired wine in Purcellville and you've got it made. I'm happy to say that Tarah at Otium jumped at the chance to be a part of the fundraiser again this year!

  

Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint Vineyard and Winery

http://chateauobrien.com

Many thanks to Howard O'Brien for his gracious donation for this year's event. Located in Markham (Fauquier County), Chateau O'Brien is an experience that every wine lover should enjoy. Howard has outdone himself again with his donation by offering a certificate for an exclusive private cellar tasting and tour for four along with a box of delicious Irish chocolates.

  

Bistro l'hermitage

http://m.bistrolhermitage.com/



I couldn't be happier to have this exquisite French Bistro located between Woodbridge and Occoquan represented at my fundraiser this year!! Merci, Youssef!! I am still in awe of your contribution for this hidden gem!

Old Bust Head Brewery



https://www.oldbusthead.com/

With the theme, "New Brew, Old Soul", this right-over-the-Prince-William-County-line-in-Fauquier brewery is new to the fundraiser and I am honored to represent them. The winner of this item will receive a private tour and tasting at Old Bust Head for a few of your friends!! You'll definitely want to take advantage of that offer! No matter what kind of beer you favor, you're guaranteed to find something you love at this environmentally sustainable company.

Vint Hill Craft Winery

http://www.vinthillcraftwinery.com/

Across the parking lot from Old Bust Head is a unique winery located in ‘The Listening Post’ (aka Monitoring Station #1) on one of the nation’s most covert Army bases!! Lucky for us, both of these entities have donated items for the fundraiser!!

Confections Cupcakery
www.confectionsonline.com



Many thanks to Laura, the owner/baker of this delightful little shop, for donating to the fundraiser again this year! Unfortunately, she lost her father to prostate cancer a few years ago and didn't hesitate to be part of helping to find a cure with us again.  Confections is my guilty pleasure when I've had a really rough week at work. I am famous for getting a 4-pack and making it last an entire week - teaches me patience and will power! From Triple Chocolate (my absolute fave) to Red Velvet to Orange Creamsicle to Maple Bacon, Confections has something for everyone! This was one of the most sought after gift certificates at last year's event! I know it will be again!! Get your money ready to buy some raffle tickets - you won't want to miss out on this one!
Dixie Bones BBQ

http://dixiebones.com/

Do you long for smoky, tender, preservative-free real pit BBQ? Well, then you better try Dixie Bones! Cooked over hickory logs for 12-14 hours means there's no excess fat and you can have delicious food at decent prices!! At Dixie Bones you can take out or dine in and there are two locations - Woodbridge and Fredericksburg! While I love pulled pork, my absolute favorite here is the beef brisket with a side of potato salad.  Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!! Many thanks to Nelson, the Chairman of Dixie Bones, who lost his brother to prostate cancer!
Tin Cannon Brewing Company

http://www.tincannonbrewing.com/

This nano brewery located in Gainesville, is an ode to the past and a nod to humor! A newer brewery but one that has simple but delicious beer is one that I definitely enjoy frequenting. Many thanks to Sabrina for all her help with donating to the fundraiser this year!

Adroit Theory Brewing Company

http://www.adroit-theory.com/
A nano brewery located in Purcellville, Adroit makes beer one keg at a time and usually has 24 beers on tap at all times! The beers have an emphasis on barrel aging. Don't let Adroit's dark side scare you. The beer here is absolutely incredible! Concerned at first, it didn't take me long to be a huge fan of this brewery and "The Devil Made Me" is my absolute favorite!

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery

http://bluevalleyvineyardandwinery.com/

The Zissios family, originating from the picturesque mountains of the Macedonia, Greece, own one of the newest Fauquier County wineries and what a sight to see! These friends of Arthur Lampros (the owner of my happy place) have built an absolutely stunning winery and everyone is sure to find something they enjoy on the tasting sheet! This is definitely a stop on the Delaplane wine trail you will want to check out.

Potomac Point Vineyard

http://www.potomacpointwinery.com/
Along with the wine tasting at this Stafford winery is an olive oil tasting and a wonderful gift shop. The landscape and tasting room is beautiful and the cellar and grounds are perfect for weddings and special events. No matter what vintage it is, I always seem to love the Chardonnay! The Norton is also a definite favorite in the red wine category.  Potomac Point is dog-friendly and the resident aussie shepherd, Chianti, will happily greet you. Spring and Fall are perfect times to visit and enjoy the rooftop terrace or courtyard while dining on delicious snacks from their on-site bistro! Many thanks to Cindi for her gracious donation in support of Denny's Shotgun Riders again this year!

Adventure Brewing Company

http://adventurebrewing.com/

Adventure, in Stafford, is by far, one of my absolute favorite local breweries! I've been there a few times and during my most recent visit I had the pleasure of meeting one of the brewers/owners, Tim, who was a super cool dude! I love when you meet someone and can tell they love what they do. His face lit up as he was talking about his latest beer concoction!

Mason Dixon Café

www.mason-dixoncafe.com

About two years ago, my favorite guy and I found out about this incredible little Old Town Fredericksburg café which happens to be right across from our tattoo shop and next to Carl's Frozen Custard! We will take any excuse to drive 40 minutes south just to eat at Mason-Dixon! I truly believe it's this area's best kept secret!

Bittersweet Bakery and Catering

http://www.bittersweetcatering.com/home

Jeffrey, the catering manager, and I go "way back" - to the days when I was suffering as a City of Alexandria employee. There aren't many things that I miss from working at City Hall but talking to Jeffrey daily and working with him on planning City Council meals sure is one of them. I'm fortunate to say that he and I have remained friends and he's supporting us in our fight against prostate cancer!

Occoquan Inn Restaurant

http://www.occoquaninn.com/

A huge thank you goes to the proprietor of this Occoquan restaurant, Gary, for being a part of this fundraiser.  Gary was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago but is doing well now. Amazing how things happen in life and who you come across, isn't it?

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
]ttp://catoctincreekdistilling.com/
In 2009, Scott and his wife, Becky, founded Catoctin Creek Distilling Company as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition. Scott donated a bottle of Roundstone Rye (my favorite!) at last year’s event and it was an instant hit. I still remember the bidding war! Many thanks to Scott for helping us out once again!

Stay tuned for more restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wineries!! Start saving your money for raffle tickets and silent auction bids now!! I'm in awe of the gracious establishments who haven't hesitated to help out the cause!



Save the Date - Thursday, April 28, 2016!

Well, it's 24 days into 2016, I just survived a blizzard with 25 inches of snow here in Northern Virginia and it's time to start talking up the 2016 ZERO Run/Walk and the second annual Denny's Shotgun Riders Kick Cancer's Ass Fundraiser!

At this time last year, my dad's prostate cancer had reared its ugly head again and chemotherapy was about to begin. I was angry and at a loss for how to help. One night, I found a non-profit called ZERO online and I signed up for its Father's Day Run/Walk. All I knew was I needed to "do something". I had no idea this would end up being the start to a monumental year and would set fire to my passion.

Thanks to such generous people, and I suppose my relentless prodding, I am proud to say that I was the top fundraiser for the 2015 race at just over $12,000. $4,000 of that $12,000 was raised at my fundraiser that Arthur Lampros so graciously let me hold at his place of business, also known as my happy place, Winestyles of Montclair.

I am happy to say that Arthur has allowed me to continue the spectacular time we had last year and hold the second annual Denny's Shotgun Riders fundraiser at my happy place this year on Thursday, April 28 from 7 to 9pm.  You will NOT want to miss this event! We had over 80 people in attendance last year!

For those of you who don't know the origin of my team name, check out the post I wrote last year when I came up with the name: http://dennysshotgunriders.blogspot.com/2015/01/why-dennys-shotgun-riders.html  It is my hope that the team I created last year will stay intact and that others will also join! I'll post the link on this blog for race registration as soon as it's on the ZERO website which should be before the end of January.  Thanks to Jason and Maurine for already committing to be part of the team again and helping to put an end to prostate cancer by supporting and honoring my dad.

I'm excited to say that I've already had commitments from many businesses and individuals for raffle and silent auction items for this year's fundraiser! Stay tuned to this blog for spotlight posts and all the details you need to know for the race and the fundraiser. Let's make this one the best yet!

For those of you who want info on ZERO, go to www.zerocancer.org. Not only has ZERO become part of my family but I have become a huge advocate for this national non-profit who is headquartered on King Street in Alexandria! If you want to make sure your donations go to a cancer organization who will use it wisely (and not like the big powerhouse cancer non-profits - you know who I'm talking about) then you can rest easy with ZERO. As passionate as I am, I would never attach my name to an organization I didn't believe in 100%. 97 cents of every dollar donated to ZERO goes to education and activities aimed at finding a cure for prostate cancer!

Are you a man? Then you are at risk for prostate cancer just by the pure fact that you are a man. Are there other factors that put you at risk? Well, of course there are but some of them you can't control. My dad is a good example. No doubt being subjected to Agent Orange in Vietnam is what caused his prostate cancer. If you're not a man, then you know a man. Prostate cancer affects our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons, cousins, boyfriends, partners, husbands and friends. It used to be considered an "old man's disease" but that couldn't be farther from the truth. My dad was only 47 when he was first diagnosed 20 years ago! My "South Carolina cousin" was diagnosed at an even younger age!!

ZERO is about putting an end to prostate cancer.
ZERO pain. ZERO suffering. ZERO cancer.

My friends at ZERO are working tirelessly every day to create Generation ZERO - the first generation of men free from prostate cancer. I am proud to be a part of that mission and pray that I see the day it comes true!

Stay tuned to this blog for updates on the race, the fundraiser and Dad's battle. For now, please mark your calendars for the evening of April 28. It's going to be an incredibly fun and powerful night!!

My favorite love story

It was March 1969.

A beautiful 21 year old brunette was on her way home from work in her burgundy 1966 Mustang. She stopped at the corner of Luray and Dewitt Avenue in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. Standing on the corner was a 20 year old lanky boy waiting for his friends to stop by so they could decide what their plans were for the night.

The girl stopped to say "hi" because she hadn't seen the boy in a while. They knew each other from growing up in the same neighborhood and attending the same high school but she had graduated a year before him. He had been a drummer in the marching band and she was a pom pom girl at GW High School. Something made her stop the car that day and talk with the boy for a while. Neither of them knew it would change their lives forever.

The boy had always thought the girl was "cute" but she always had a steady guy in high school so he never asked her out. The girl was a year ahead of him in school and he had lost track of her after she graduated. He was pleasantly surprised she had driven by and stopped to talk that day.

After they talked for a while, the boy realized the girl wasn't dating anyone so the light went off in his head and he called her the next day and asked her out. She said "yes" and that upcoming weekend they went on their first date to the Old Stein Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, they went to Bassin's at 20th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

The boy and girl went out a lot over that month and started to get really close. Although it was only a month that they had been dating, they felt as if they'd been together for years. Along with the mutual physical attraction, they were amazed at how much they had in common and how comfortable they were together. She loved his honest, sweet and considerate nature. He loved the way she looked at him.

One month later, April 1969, the boy was drafted.

The boy had feelings for the girl but also knew he wouldn't be around long so he wouldn't make a commitment because he thought it wouldn't be fair to the girl.

The girl didn't want to be with anyone else. She would wait for him.

The girl went with the boy's parents to Ft. Benning, Georgia, when the boy graduated from Army Basic Training.  She missed him so very much and at Ft. Benning is when she knew for sure she wanted to be with him and only him. He was the one.

The girl also went with the boy's parents to the Atlanta airport when he was scheduled to go to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for advanced infantry training. The boy came home in September 1969 and the girl went to Dulles airport with his parents to meet him.

The boy was home for a couple of weeks and then the girl and his parents took him back to Dulles to head to Oakland, California. The boy's next stop would be Vietnam. The girl would continue to wait for him.

The boy and girl would keep in touch through U.S. mail. The boy was able to call once from Vietnam.  The girl had no desire to date anyone else. She knew they were meant to be together.

After spending a year fighting for his country in Vietnam, the boy knew what he wanted but didn't know what to expect when he got home. He found out the girl hadn't gone out with anyone while he was away and even when his brother invited her to parties, she wouldn't go. Being away from the girl for a year, the boy knew how much he loved her and missed her. He often thought about coming home to her, getting married and starting their life together. Those thoughts kept the boy sane while he was at war.

On Friday, March 13, 1970, the boy was wounded in Vietnam.  He wrote the girl and told her he was wounded but it "wasn't a big deal". The girl took the letter to the boy's parents who contacted his uncle who contacted a friend at the American Red Cross. The girl was very worried until the boy called home and she heard his voice.

While the boy was recovering, he auditioned for the U.S. Army Band. He was discharged from the Infantry and reenlisted in the Band.  In June 1970, the boy left Vietnam, came home for two weeks and then was reassigned to Germany for two years.  With each passing day the boy and girl continued to grow closer.

The girl was excited because she would now be able to visit him in Germany. The boy's father told him not to expect the girl to wait another two years for him because she had already waited one year while he was in Vietnam. The girl would continue to wait.

After being in Germany for a almost a year without the girl, the boy realized she was definitely the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. In Spring 1971, the girl went to Germany for two weeks to visit the boy. It was the first time she had flown. The girl and boy started talking marriage.

The boy wanted to get married in Germany but the girl knew that would upset her parents. Plans were made for the girl and boy to get married in Alexandria when the boy came home on leave for Christmas in 1971.

On January 8, 1972, the girl and the boy got married at First Baptist Church of Alexandria on King Street. On January 15, the girl went back to Germany with the boy, as his wife, to finish out the remainder of his tour in the Army.

To have and to hold

from this day forward

for better for worse

for richer for poorer

in sickness and in health

til death do us part.

 Today, January 8, 2016, this boy and this girl are still happily married and very much in love!

Happy 44th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Thank you for being the best parents and friends a girl could ask for and for being my love role models.  

There's a place for us
A time and place for us
Hold my hand and we're halfway there
Hold my hand and I'll take you there
Somehow
Some day
Somewhere

 

Reflections of 2015

As the end of 2015 is quickly approaching, I am sitting back with a cup of hot tea and reflecting on what's occurred over the last 365 days. It's easy to lose track of our blessings on a daily basis. Life happens. Sometimes life throws you curveballs. Sometimes life is a downright nightmare. However, it's important to always seek out the good and positive in life regardless of what you may be facing.

Today, my dad endured yet another round of chemo. He dreads it. Mom and I do as well. I hate chemo day. Not just for the obvious reasons but because once chemo day is over then I know I "lose" my dad for about eight days. I feel more helpless than usual. I am the fixer. I hate when I can't fix things. The good news is that on the eighth day after chemo, Dad miraculously starts slowly feeling better and turning back into my dad. That is until the next round. We're lucky that Dad has almost two weeks of good days. We're lucky that Dad has any good days at all. I try to reinforce that thought but during those eight days it's really difficult for Dad to be positive... and understandably so. I don't know how he does it - I'm not so sure I could.

It would be easy to sit back right now and be angry, to be resentful and to ask the simple question of "why". In fact, I do that quite often. However, it doesn't get me anywhere. Nothing changes as a result of screaming at God. Things do change though when I delve into my faith and believe that everything happens for a reason. We may not understand the reason right now but one day we will. We always do.

While I'm reflecting on 2015, the one thing that I tend to focus on is where Dad was this time last year. It was a completely different place and not a good one. He would say that right now isn't a good place to be either and I understand that but hear me out.  I tend to feel better when I put things into perspective.  This time last year, it was a nightmare. He's come so far in a year.

In December 2014 Dad was in tremendous pain. No warning. No explanation. He had severe pain in his hip, his back and his ribs. He had to walk with a cane. He had to take oxycodone every three hours, 24/7, and it still didn't take away the pain. When the bump on the back of his head appeared it just about smacked me in the face. Long story short, I feared the worst.  When prostate cancer spreads, it is known for spreading to the bone. The pain Dad was having was all surrounding bony structures. I didn't say anything out loud but inside I was screaming at the top of my lungs. The thing we had dreaded the last 20 years was coming true. Dad's cancer was back and it had metastasized to the bone. That's exactly what the bone scan showed. For once, I wished I was wrong. 

The other thing Dad had always dreaded in his almost 20 year journey to annihilate cancer was that he'd have to endure chemo. In February 2015, Dad started chemo. All of a sudden, chemo wasn't the devil anymore. Why? Because chemo was the only option left. Chemo would hopefully save Dad's life.

When Dad started chemo his PSA was at 101. When he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer it was in the high 20s. Anything over a 2 or 3 is dangerous so you can understand our fear. After taking a huge decline in the beginning and continuing to decline throughout the year, the PSA has recently slowed down and is starting to plateau. His latest PSA is at 13. Sure it's not 0. But it's also not 101.

In a matter of a year, Dad has had to endure poison coursing through his entire body.... on purpose. It sucks. No, it is absolutely devastating. But you know what? That poison is working.  His hair may be gone but the visible tumor on his skull is also gone. The neuropathy in his legs, feet, arms and hands may be unbearable and worsening but that's a result of the chemo; not the cancer. His fatigue and weakness is debilitating at times but he has the ability to rest and that's what his body needs in order to recover. He has an incredible wife who is serving as his 24/7 caregiver. Many people in Dad's condition (or worse) do not have such a loving person by their side. The unbearable pain caused by the cancer is gone. All of the pain that the cancer was causing this time last year is nonexistent. Chemo is working!

As I reflect on the past year and I think about all that my dad (and my mom) have been through in Dad's journey to kick prostate cancer's ass yet again, I feel so blessed. Really, you ask?  How can I feel blessed if my dad's cancer has come back for the fifth time and it's worse than ever?  I am thankful for my dad's oncologist and his team of nurses. I am thankful for my mother and her undying devotion to my dad. I am thankful for my dad's strength and faith even when it could be so very easy for him to give up. I am thankful for our friends and family who pray for him on a daily basis. I am thankful for Denny's Shotgun Riders. I am thankful to my non-profit support system and new family, ZERO.

Chemo is a bitch and why we don't have a cure for cancer by now is incomprehensible to me. Why we have to resort to pumping poison into someone's body causing them to become sicker makes no sense to me. But ironically, I am thankful for that poison. Why? The absolute truth is that without chemo my dad wouldn't be here right now.

As you're thinking about what's happened in 2015 and what your possible resolutions and goals are for 2016, take a moment and consider what your blessings are. I bet you don't even realize how fortunate you really are in this life. If you need some reassurance or a reality check, hit me up. I'll be happy to help.

Be safe on New Year's Eve and be thankful. Take it from my parents and me, your life can change in an instant. May God bless you all with a loving, happy and healthy 2016. Thank you all for keeping my parents in your prayers. It truly means more than know.

What if your blessings come through raindrops
What if your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near
What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise

- Laura Story

The most precious gift of all

I don't have all that I want in this life but I have more than I need and I am so very grateful.  I have a roof over my head. I have a new car that keeps me safe on the road. I have food in my kitchen. I have clothes and shoes in my closet. I have a job that pays the bills and allows me to live pretty comfortably. I have a boss who not only appreciates me but who I am blessed to call my friend. I have my health. I have incredible parents who love me. I have the ultimate protector as my "son". I have a man who is deserving of my love and accepts me for who I am. I have a ton of friends and even more importantly, I have a handful of friends who mean enough to me to consider them family (more than most people with which I even share a bloodline).


I lost my grandmother, my ultimate source of lifelong unconditional love, two years ago. She was my best friend, my biggest fan, my sounding board, my partner in crime. I wanted for nothing when she was in my world and even when I didn't know I needed something she instantly provided it. I have so many tangible memories around my home that she provided to me over almost 40 years. However, meaning more to me than those items, is the time that we spent together. She wasn't a grandmother that I just saw on holidays and maybe a few times a year. She was a grandmother that I spent time with weekly and sometimes even daily when we lived five miles apart. We spent vacations together and every summer weekend together when I was a child.  While she did nothing short of spoiling me rotten and showering me gifts all year through, nothing could ever compare to the time that we spent together. The moments we shared - that's what meant the most to me and to this day I am so appreciative.

I lost my grandfather when I was 11 years old and while I often wonder how different my life would be had he been in it for a longer period of time, I know that my life was filled with abundant love and he had such an influence on who I would become. I received more love in those 11 years than some people do in a lifetime. While I still have many mementos from our time together, I cherish our moments together more than anything. If I could only be half as good of a person as he was, I'd be satisfied. He never met a stranger and was singing all the time. I like to think that I got my love of food and cooking from him. I always remember during the holidays when he dressed up like Santa Claus and came to my elementary school. He was the best Santa we'd ever seen and I felt like the luckiest girl alive because he was my Santa every day of the year; not just at Christmas. As a little girl, I would wake up Christmas morning to the sound of my grandfather,"Yoo hoo, Miss Bloo-hoo" and would jump out of bed and rush down the stairs into his arms. I had no idea until I was older that he and my grandmother would always come the night before. I also learned that he and Dad always enjoyed eating the cookies I left for Santa (washed down with a bourbon and water, of course).

I love making memories. I love taking photographs and capturing moments in time. I can look at a photograph and remember exactly how I felt at that exact moment no matter how long ago the photo was taken. Friends may get tired of me photographing everything in sight but they'll thank me one day.

As time goes on, I've found it's harder to get gifts that will be a surprise to my parents. I'm sure they feel the same about me. We tend to get whatever we want when we want it. There's nothing I "want" or "need" this year for Christmas. All I want is be with them. All I want is for them to be healthy and happy and to spend time with them - precious time with them. I want to enjoy delicious meals that we make together. I want to enjoy delicious wine that I have saved to share for a special occasion such as this one. I want to listen to music. I want to laugh. I want to smile. I want to just be. I want to just be happy with my people. I want to feel peace and joy and embrace the moment. Every single moment.

Hold your people tight. 

Times goes by so very fast.

 It feels like it was just yesterday that I was being held in my dad's arms as he had his arm around my mom and we stood in front of the Christmas tree at my grandparents house in Alexandria.

Of all the gifts I've been given over the years and for all the gifts that I may receive in the future, the gift of time is the most precious gift of all.

Merry Christmas!

Remember the real reason for the season and embrace every moment. You never know when that moment will turn into a special memory that you treasure for the rest of your life.

She makes him feel like Christmas.....

but to her, he is the epitome of all that IS Christmas. "They say from the instant he lays eyes on her, a father adores his daughter. Whoever she grows up to be, she is always to him that little girl in pigtails. She makes him feel like Christmas. In exchange, he makes a secret promise not to see the awkwardness of her teenage years, the mistakes she makes or the secrets she keeps." ' The first true love any girl has is her father. No one will ever replace him as the love of her life. At this time of year, I felt the need to just post pictures of my wonderful dad and me. My father has always loved Christmas and it is because of him and my grandfather, Carlton, that I, too, have loved Christmas my entire life. Last year was difficult as Dad was in tremendous pain and his cancer had just returned.  This year, while that pain is gone and the cancer is reaching its demise, Dad is in a state of exhaustion and weakness due to chemo. However, his spirit is still the same and it shines through and envelops all of us who are fortunate enough to know him. May that same spirit of strength, determination, will, hope, faith and love - the spirit of Christmas - also surround you and yours. Update: Dad's last PSA (in November) was at 11.7!! It's slowing down but it's still dropping. Please keep my father in your prayers. While the PSA is dropping, the chemo is harsher and its taking its toll physically on my father. Pray for strength and healing. Please also keep my mother in your prayers. The caregiver is often the silent hero and goes overlooked. She needs your love and support just as much as Dad does.