Nana in New England

Just the Girls on a trip to Martha's Vinyard.

2010-07-05T07:55:00.001-07:00

Guess what I did on July 2nd! I flew on a private plane with a couple of girlfriends to Martha's Vineyard. That is right!! We took a private plane to the Vineyard. The lady in white is Sue (Q) and the one in black is Jane (Sassy Jane). As you can see in the photo, I was the co-pilot. We had a driver pick us up at the airport to take us where we wanted to go. We had so much fun. We spent a few hours on the beach (The Inkwell)and we just relaxed. We then had lunch with some friends, Ann and Bill, at Nancy's on the pier. The trip there took a total of 32 minutes when normally it would take me 2 1/2 hours to get there by car then by ferry and car. We walked along the harbor and in town. We then jumped in the car and drove to a place called Smoking bones where we had dinner. We were invited to do it again. Who knows, maybe we will.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

The Walk to Cure Cancer Kickoff Breakfast.

2010-07-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

As you all know, I work for the University of Mass Medical School in the Development Office. Each year the Office puts on a fundraising event called the Walk to Cure Cancer and last year there were over 14,000 people participating. This year we are hoping for more people to join us. On June 24th we hosted a Kickoff Breakfast to honor those that raise the most money for the organization in the corporate as well as the community categories. We laughed and we cried but mostly we were energized by the outpouring of love and support this office has gotten. I helped to put together 500 fundraiser kits to distribute to the many who were at the breakfast and for those who I delivered to and will deliver to in the coming weeks. Because I am an employee with the event, I am not able to walk the 5 miles but I will be working a wellness tent with massage therapists, right up my alley. WTCC,s mantra is "The power of One Multiplied". Together we can make a difference. Remember, cancer affects all of us. Wish us Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Juneteenth Celebration in Institute Park

2010-07-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

On June 19th every year, a celebration takes place to mark the 145th anniversary of the effective end of slavery in America. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers liberated the country’s last slaves in Galveston, Texas, where residents still held slaves more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed them.

This was my first time ever attending a Juneteenth Celebration anywhere. This celebration took place in the town where I now live, Worcester, MA at Institute Park. There were many speakers, dancers and musicians including world-renowned contemporary jazz and R&B artist, Walter Beasley. Margaret and I manned a booth with our wonderful Silpada jewelry. It was such a beautiful day. I met a lot of people and caught up with a lot of friends. Already planning to attend next years festivities.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

I have so much to share!!!

2010-07-04T07:51:00.001-07:00

First, I can't believe that I did not Blog at all in June. I feel so detached in that way but, I will make up for it in a few installments over the next few days. A few things have happened. I finished my last swim lesson on June 10th and I can honestly say that I can swim!!!! I was so excited to be able to say that!! One more time, "I can swim"!! My instructor, Jen is the best. She was so patient but before I started my lessons, she wanted to know my skill level. So I found out that I still remembered how to float, swim under water and I could hold my breath for a little bit. I also was not afraid of the water. She said I did great. I made a few friends and we keep in touch. I actually taught two people how to float. Yea Me! Listen, when you get to be my age, you get excited about everything. So now I am on to the next BIG thing. Stay tuned.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

Narangansett Beach.

2010-05-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun. Yesterday, Sunday, it was 85 degrees. I got a little tan. And in my hand is my guilty pleasure, Dunkin Donuts medium tosted almond coffee with cream and sugar, hot. Yeah, Hot!! What can I say but, I really like it. My dad drank hot coffee all year long too. We have had some freaky weather. One day it is cold and then we embark on a heat wave. I sort of like the heat. It reminds me of Louisiana. The humidity is high as well. The castle like structure behind me is a restaurant/banquet hall. There was a function being held there. It looked like a wedding reception or dinner. I didn't take the picture of it because I didn't want to intrude on their moment. I believe in love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Walking with Nature!

2010-05-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

For God so loved the world. Wow!!! To be in the midst of nature. I walked a trail and back, about 6 miles long, and it was great. I will try to incorporate a new trail each week. Wachusetts Reservoir has been in existence for a long time and it is federally protected property. Along the trail I saw a hawk and fox. I don't who was more afraid, me or the animals. Before I could get my camera in focus, they both ran away. Well, maybe next time. I just wanted to share this experience with you all.
Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

New Job at the UMass Medical School,

2010-05-28T21:32:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to be working with the UMASS Medical School on their Walk to Cure Cancer Event. They welcomed me with joy and open arms. I am helping to coordinate, through Telephone Recruiting, people to join the fight to cure cancer. So far I have gotten positive responses. New teams are being formed everyday and we are excited about the possibility of having more participation than last year. Next week, I hope to reach even more people. Wish me Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye. Bye.
BTW...Who are those little people on my desk?

Another Cold and Wet Day!!

2010-05-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just another day in New England. The high is 40 and te low is 37. Wow!! All in all, as long as you are inside, you are ok. I am beginning a new chapter in my life. I will start a new job working with The Walk to Cure Cancer and I am really excited. This is a great cause. Wish me Love

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

The Madness Continues!!

2010-05-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you that live in a warm climate I say, Good for you. I woke up to 3o degree weather here in New England. Don't let the beautiful sunshine fool you. It is cold. We will get to the 50s today but drop into 30s in the morning. Look at the wonderful way the trees have filled in. Nothing but the Lord.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Look at my Swimmers Hair!!!

2010-05-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

Look at my hair! This is what happens when I get in the pool. I like it because it is easy and I don't have to do much to it. I have another lesson on Thursday.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I got to talk to both of my girls and tell them that I love them. I got a wonderful text from my sister Lonnie. She always knows what to say to me to make me feel special. I also sent a lot of texts of well wishes to my girlfriends. My Girl Pam and I went out to dinner. She always thinks about me and never lets me be alone on this day.

I am starting a new job next week. It is a temporary position but it is with the Walk to Cure Cancer organization. I am so excited to be able to support this effort. Wish me Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Hello Monday!

2010-05-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

Today is a good day. I woke up thinking about how grateful I am to be alive. I have a beautiful family and they are all healthy and happy. My oldest is on her way to her permenant duty station from Anchorage, Alaska to Kileen, Texas. The Army has provided her the opportunity to see a lot of places. How many people can say that they have been to Baghdad, Huh?

Well I am getting some things accomplished, today. I am still working on my Swimming Badge. Yes, when I am finished with something on my Basket List, I feel like I have earned a badge like the Girl Scouts. What a beautiful day. Hug someone today.

Love you,
Miss you,
Bye, Bye.

My First Swim Lesson. I am so Excited!!!!

2010-04-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Today I went for my first swim lesson. I was't scared and I was so willing. I have wanted to do this since I was a kid and here I am, approaching %),:-) doing it. It goes to show you that it's never to late to learn. Out of 9 swimmers, myself and Mi were the only ones that were at the head of the class. We could float, dog paddle, breast stroke and wade. I learned the beginning steps to swimming on top of the water. I don't want to say that I will be a graceful swimmer but I WILL be able to save myself and perhaps someone else. Wish me Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Job Interview Today!!

2010-04-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Today I am on my way to a job interview. Dig my fancy curlers! They may look weird but they make the best hair styles and they are free. I use old discarded magazines or newspapers twist them up and Voila. Cool Huh? The position I am interviewing for is with the Walk to Cure Cancer Foundation and I will be making calls. It is a part time temporary job but I don't mind. It will give me more to do and it is for a cause I believe in. Wish me Luck and Love.

Love you,
Miss you,
Bye, Bye

My Annual Museum Trip with Bettye.

2010-04-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Today, my friend Bettye and I went to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Mass. This may be the 4Th year we do this. Every year the florists are asked to give their interpretation of a painting in the exhibit and to transform what they see into an arrangement. As you can see, the Egyptian interpretation is quite good. There are others that Bettye and I found a little funny. We usually start early and view a few exhibits then have lunch at the restaurant in the museum. The food is always delicious. We then view more of the exhibits. We have never been able to see every one of the displays but today we were able to get to all of them. It was a great day!! Schedule a trip to the museum and write me about it. I would love to hear what you think.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Don't forget to check out the word of the day.

I learned the Argentine Tango!

2010-04-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today I learned the Argentine Tango. Yes, I learned the Tango. When I went to KJ Baron, a wonderful wine store, there was 3 Tango experts. As I took my place with Dave, he told me what to do and I did it. I then danced with Cecil, who said that I seem to have danced Tango all my life. The I danced with Arman, and he said the same thing. They thought that I had a lesson before. So I was invited to dance with the class at a showing in a couple of weeks. I was so excited that I said yes, but I can't go. I have a Silpada Show on that day and I am really excited about that. Maybe next time. Oh well, at least I can move "Learn the Argentine Tango" from my "Basket list" to my "Basket List Accomplished" There is another class on May 15Th. I will try to video tape this one. Let see what else I can accomplish. Wish me Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Today I wish my girls Love.

2010-04-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the greatest day in the world. Same as yesterday as it will be tomorrow. Today I had the opportunity to say "I Love You" to both my girls. This is the best feeling. Have I mentioned that I am so in love with my family. I am. I absolutely love them. Flaws and all. I smile a lot when I think of them. Cherish each moment. Don't let another day go by without telling your family you love them.

Love you,
Miss you,
Bye, Bye

The Trees are growing!!

2010-04-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to see the leaves on the trees are growing. Do you remember the blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago where I snapped a shot of my tree? They were just starting to bloom and had just a few leaves on them. Well, when I wasn't looking, a lot more leaves were on the tree and another tree is fully covered in leaves. Wow, just that quick. I can honestly say that if felt the same for my Little People. One day you all were all so small and I was able to hold you all in my arms. And now you are all tall and healthy little ones with quick wits and huge intelligence. I am so proud of all of you. You are not only smart but you are creative thinkers. Make sure that when you all decide upon a career, that someone chooses to become a doctor to take care of your Nana. :-) Well, if you still want to become a cowboy or astronaut, it is OK. Exercise your minds. Pick a word that you do not know, discover the meaning and use it that day. What a great way to expand you vocabulary. I will try to include a new word each time I post to this blog. Be well.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

Silpada Field Training.

2010-04-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I went into Boston with my good friend Margaret to attend a Field Training for Silpada. It was wonderful. I left there feeling pumped. I am pictured with Margaret and the two trainers that facilitated the training. What a blast. I also learned that a good friend of ours, Jackie Brown, died of cancer. I will be with the family tonight. Life is short. Sometimes you don't realize it until something happens to wake you up. So today, smile at a stranger or open a door for someone. Give aid to those who needs it. You may not know how that one smile or an open door will make the difference in that person's life. You will be blessed.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

2010-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

I was home when a good girlfriend called me and told me that she was thinking about me and wanted to see if I would have coffee with her. We met at Panera Bread and then went to Creative Nails for a Mani & Pedi. I had the best time with her. We then went to a restaurant called the Thai Place. Guess what kind of food we ate. That's right, Thai. I had Pad Thai. It is made with noodles, chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, and peanuts. I was looking for lettuce wraps but they didn't have any.

I think that I will go and see "Why did I get married too." I need to catch the 7:00 feature.

The picture is of my Silpada display from last Saturday. I sold at a church event. They spelled the name wrong but that was all right. Kind of makes you smile.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

Nana & Pappa at the Wang Theatre.

2010-04-16T03:39:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

This was opening night at the Wang Theatre for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The performance was magnificent and we had great seats.

Hey! Guess what Nana did yesterday? She signed up for swim lessons. Of course it won't be until June 10th that I will be able to scratch off Learn how to Swim of my Basket List and move it to my Basket List Accomplished. But that is ok. At least I am on the right road. Wish me love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

Women's apparel with a Twist.

2010-04-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended a Downtown Women's Club, DWC, event at a wonderful boutique called French Twist. Our guest speaker invited us to make our wardrobe over by revamping our closets. The premise is to use what you have but get rid of things that we will never wear or doesn't fit our body type. I was used as an example and was told that my dress fitted me perfect. She also talked about wearing things that are inappropriate for the workplace and staying true to your own style. It was a great evening. The boutique was fabulous with funky and stylish piece's. If you are in the area and want a change of pace stop by French Twist located at 1100 Pleasant Street in Worcester. Marvelous

Another Beautiful Monday.

2010-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Today was such a beautiful day that when, my good girlfriend, Heidi said she was at the park with her son Will, I jumped at the chance to go bask in the sun. Isn't Heidi beautiful? She is my sistah and I love her. She told me today that she would tell me if I had a dirty nose. Now that is love. The sun was so warm on our skin and the air was fresh. Will played with a friend on the dinosaur while Heidi and I did a little catching up. Then we walked a few blocks to a place called the Coffee Beanery, I think, where we shared some wonderful pastries. As you can see, Will really enjoyed his. It was a wonderful visit. Good friendships are to be cherished, like this one. Of course, my friendships with the little people are priceless.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye,Bye.

Look at my trees.

2010-04-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Sometimes you don't realize how life just moves and then one day you look up and there it is, these little buds pushing it's way through each branch. I was on my way to church, when I saw it and wanted to share it with all of you. Look closely at the second picture. The blue background of the sky is so beautiful you can see each bud on each limb. Eventually they will become leaves and cover each branch. It makes me feel so excited to think that this is how it all starts. Wow!! From a distance, I took the first one. I will take another picture in a week or so to show how quickly the leaves fill in. Just like the buds, we all push through and grow big and tall. By the way, the object on the bottom right side of the second picture is not a UFO, it is an NF (Nana Finger). :-)

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.

Guest what Nana did?

2010-04-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Today I had a Silpada show with Wise, which stands for Women Inspiring Spiritual Excellence. I met a lot of wonderful women and they praise God with such conviction. It was such a great day and I sold a little jewelry as well. Afterwards, I was asked to join a group of women for the Phantom Gourmet's Food and Wine Expo. I have always wanted to go and never got around to it. I should have placed this on my Basket List and that way I would have crossed off today. Oh well. Maybe I will cross off something soon. In the meantime, wish me love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye,Bye.

Massage is my Life!!

2010-04-09T10:39:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Last night I attended an event for Dress for Success which is a Non Profit organization that accepts donations of women's business apparel to help get women off to a good start. I like to do what I can so one of my massage clients asked me to go. It was a fun night and this man was drawing pictures. He asked me what I did and my client told him. When he was finished he showed me and there I was massaging him on my table. Too funny!! Dress for Success raised a lot of money for the organization and I may be holding my own event for the March of Dimes. Wish me Love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye,Bye.
Nana

It's a Beautiful Day!!

2010-04-08T11:05:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful day! The sun is shining and the birds are singing. I still have a lot of errands to run but who would mind with the weather cooperating? Not me. I have enclosed a picture of the dafodils growing around my patio. They are finally blooming since last year. The trees are sprouting a few nubbs which will turn into leaves. I can't wait. I am so excited. Look at my dafodils. Aren't they pretty?

Nana is on the move again!!

2010-04-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Little People,

Remember I said that I had a list of things to do? I accomplished a lot of things on the list but by the time I was done, I added more. I looked at this list and after going to the dry cleaners, and mopping the floor and a few others, I had to add more to the list. Right now, I have 25 things on the list. Wow!! Seems like the more I do the more I have to do.

Last night I had my monthly Sistahs sharing gathering. I drive into Attleboro, MA with my girlfriend Margaret, which takes about an hour, to the gathering. We laugh and share and have a blast. My sales are up a little. Wish me Love for next month.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye,Bye
Nana

Monday

2010-04-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have so much to do. I wrote a list and when I was done writing, I had 27 items on the list. So I concentrated and went to work. I had to make calls and write a few letters, done. I had to go to Fed/Ex and to the post office, done. I had to make a couple of returns and exchanges, done. All and all it was a good day so I didn't mind driving around. I had to wash dishes and do laundry, done. When I ran out of minutes in this day I has done, 17 of the 27 things on the list. But once I got home, I remembered a few more things that I forgot to put on the list. I now have 21things to do tomorrow. I will get started early and hopefully I will finish all of them. Wish me love.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye.
Nana

Happy Resurection Day!!

2010-04-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This is a fine day. The weather is continuing to be wonderful and I am in great spirits. I went to church was so uplifted that I cried. These were tears of joy. I could think of no better place to be except with you all, of course. I hope this day brings you good health, peace and happiness.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye,Bye.

Ok, So it wasn't a night at the Met

2010-04-02T16:20:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Yesterday was Deb's Birthday. We took her out to Ken's Steakhouse. I was all set to scratch off one item from my Basket List, sing in front of a live audience, when we decided to go to Samba Sushi. We did do Karaoke. Not the same thing. I will try again soon. At any rate, I got to hang out with my girlfriends. I really love them. I have a picture of them from last night but I can't download it for some reason.

Today I was invite to a Sista Luncheon. I had fish and vegetables. Did you eat your vegetables today? :-) There were a lot of wonderful women there. We shared a lot of interesting things about each other. Great fun.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye, Bye

The rain is ending,

2010-03-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. The rain is finally ending. There are reports of wide spread flooding throughout Worcester and other areas of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I live in a higher elevation so I don't have that particular problem. But it rained for 2 days straight. This weekend promises to be great. The temperature with be in the 80s and sun shine. I miss sunshine.

Summer, I hope you had a great birthday.

I wish you all Love.
Take care of you.
Me.

Rainy Day and a Birthday!!

2010-03-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Rainy Days & Birthdays!!

Today it is raining in New England. The good news is that the flowers are going to grow. I hate being in the house all the time. I look forward to the weekend. The sun will shine and the temperature will reach 80 degrees. Good times.

Happy Birthday Summer!! Enjoy your beautiful day.

Love you.
Miss you.
Bye Bye

Today is a good day!!

2010-03-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Little People. Today is a good day. Although the temperature went from 52 degrees to 33 degrees, the sun is shining and I am preparing for an Open House at home. It is a chance to connect with other women and share stories. I will post the pics tomorrow. Needless to say, Nana is keeping busy. I am going to a birthday party for a good friend tonight. Yeah Cake!! I like cake.