Friday, December 6, 2013

Special Holiday Message



December is the time of year we celebrate the holidays with our family and friends. No matter what holiday you celebrate:  Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc., people are what make the holiday.

I created an animation that shows what holidays are all about. Just click on the link below and be sure your sound is turned on:


or

http://www.thosedesigners.com/Dec_2012.html

Happy Holidays!

Monday, November 4, 2013

Veteran's Day

 
 
 
Veteran’s Day is when the Starting Gun goes off to remind us to prepare for the holidays that will sneak up on us.

Yet the true meaning of Veteran’s Day gets lost in the shuffle. It is time to honor our military veterans for dedicating a part of their lives to protect our freedom.

I made an animated video several years ago that honored our Vets. that gets requested every year. Just click on the link below and be sure your sound is turned on.



Thanks to all of you who’ve served!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Halloween


Halloween has always been MY holiday!
During the fall and winter seasons, holidays follow one after the other:  Thanksgiving is for family, Christmas is for friends, New Year’s is for everyone.  So Halloween is my time to enjoy everything about it. From decorating, baking (spooky stuff) carving pumpkins, trick or treating, parties, and dressing up, I enjoy it all.
Dressing up always is the most fun, beginning with planning and assembling my costume. To this day, dressing up is still a joy for that one special day a year. I can be anyone or anything I want, including a piece of chalk (Halloween 1988).  My husband dressed up as a felt tip marker that year.

Enjoy your Halloween!

Monday, September 9, 2013

September 2013

 

September first marks the second anniversary of the publishing  of my first book, South of the Pier. I remember my first sale and I kept the receipt!

It has always been my dream to write. And I must say it is wonderful to have a dream come true!

Many people ask how long it took for me to write my first book.  I tell them ten years, from my first writing seminar to the actual publishing of my book. Of course, it takes less time to write now, but the long haul of getting my first book completed brought confusion, enthusiasm, frustration, elation, and long suffering. Some well known authors also include blood and sweat as things they’ve given for their first novel.

When you have a story to tell you need to tell it. To those who want to write, my best suggestion is to start writing and keep writing. Remember, if you go after your dreams, they can come true.

Thank you to all those who supported me during this rough ten years and those who believed in me and have read my work,

 

You’re the best!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Summertime



August, the end of summer. It is my cue to go all out and squeeze out the last bit of summer before life gets back to normal, and the “old grind”.
I can’t seem to get enough of outdoor dining, barbecues, and the love of swimming every day!
Nothing beats a long swim in a lake, bay or beach in the middle of the day, with the sun warming my back as I press through vast open water. And, depending on what state or country I’m in, the occasional fish, dolphin, and turtle swimming alongside of me.

Doesn’t get much better! 

Enjoy the rest of summer!




Monday, July 1, 2013

Fourth of July


The second summer after our niece, Jenny, joined us she was 27 months old that July. My sister, husband and I decided to introduce her to the Fourth of July and went for a full fledged American picnic and fireworks display.
During the early evening there were displays, military vehicles, fire trucks, and helicopters, all for the public to enjoy up close and personal. Music blared from peoples radios. Jenny’s mother brought some flags for us to wave.
Just as the entertainment began, the band played our national anthem. Jenny stood up took two flags and began to wave them in the air as the night sky darkened. It was particularly poignant since Jenny was born in Guatemala and she how has freedom that she will grow up with and enjoy the rest of her life.
          Let’s celebrate our freedom every year!

Enjoy your 4th.



Monday, June 3, 2013

Summer Equinox



Summer means walks along the shore, beach swims, sailing, and dining outdoors. The season takes us on a whole different journey from spring.
This year the first day of summer or Summer Equinox, is June 21.  When The sun reaches its furthest point north of the equator causing the longest day of the year. It’s not that we have more than 24 hours that day (I wish) but we have more sunlight.

In short it is the time of year when everything is warm, bright, and cozy,  and above all…

Enjoy Your Summer!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

May 20, 1972




May is the month I made a serious decision, whether or not to marry a wonderful guy. I did and I have been happy for 41 years. Bill is a creative person who looks for different ways to show his love and appreciation for our time together and never runs out of ways to surprise me. It was a melding of east met west and we took the best of both worlds to make an interesting life together. Thanks sweetheart for all these great years.


We celebrate Mother’s Day this month a time of great traditions with foods, drink, and family. We look for special way to say, “Mom, I love you and thank you.” If your mother is not available, show your gratitude to a deserving women who has supported you along the way.

Happy Mother’s Day

Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Birthdays


April is a special month for me since it is my birthday month. Also, my sister (#3 in the family line up) and my husband’s.  Then of course there is Easter and when I got older … the dreaded income tax deadline.
However something special happened in my life in 2006 that changed it forever.
My sister (#4 in the family line up) called and said she was going to adopt a baby as a single mother.
Four months later- the call came. Joanne called each one of at work said “My daughter will be ready to come home in two days”.
The three of us were so nervous we couldn’t sleep for two nights and munched lots of chocolate the next 2 days.
It finally happened…we huddled in the Guatemala City hotel lobby at 12:45 waiting for the 1:00 meeting time. At 1:05 a group of people came in with the most beautiful baby girl in their arms. Our hearts swelled to meet 11 month old Jenny for the first time. Her chocolate brown eyes were huge when she saw my husband with a full salt and pepper beard and mustache. Then she smiled with a set of dimples that went for miles.
Something special happened between Jenny and each of as we held her.  The look, the smile with her single bottom tooth took our hearts and soul.
She is now 7 years old. It has been a joy to be a part of her life.  After all, Auntie and Uncle can do no wrong… in her eyes at least.