There once was a broken girl who suffered anxiety and made herself get sick every single day before leaving the house.  Everyone thought she was just a shy child but it was far more than that.  She was terrified of everything from going to school and getting back home and all things in between.   Her greatest obstacle was her unwillingness to take the first step to fix herself.   

​Her parents were not aware of the anxiety for at home she jabbered away.   Her greatest joy was when Mom and Dad had company over for she knew she had an audience to tell jokes, sing, dance and entertain.  Mom scolded her countless times for she felt the silliness was annoying them.  The scolding was worth it to her for she would go to her room smiling at their compliments of how cute she was. 

​The years went by and she grew up, got a job and even got married.  The world thought she was making progress but only she knew the truth as she silently watched people laughing and eating in restaurants while she learned creative recipes at home wearing her social anxiety handcuffs.

​She had fallen into the habit of being afraid and had allowed her fear to keep her from moving forward for way too long.   She was the type of person that loved to procrastinate and often did best with a deadline.  For years she would promise herself she would work on this tomorrow but as you can see many tomorrows went by and each one passing made it even more intimidating for her to begin. 

​Thankfully her husbands family health insurance plan made it a requirement to go for a yearly physical.  This caused her social anxiety to enter into a whole new height but she had no choice.  ​She nervously walked into the doctors office and cried.  The sweet doctor listened to her for 45 minutes, hugged her and assured her all would be well.  With a clean bill of health and a prescription for a mild anxiety medication she began the journey of leaving the kitchen and began going to restaurants.  She was only able to eat a salad that first day but it was a start.  That first step saved her life and at the time she did not realize the second step was exactly the same as the first but it was so much easier.

We get comfortable in our circumstances and they become normal.   We wish for things to be different but fear leaving the comfort zone.  We fear speaking about our broken pieces for people will think we are crazy.  She learned in many ways everyone in some way is broken and the worse thing is to not speak!  

​I was that little girl and now as the adult it is time to speak about it for sure!  

​Doctors did not know how to treat anxiety back in those days so to them it was not an illness.  I vividly remember being in the doctors office hyperventilating when it was time to get shots for school.  The doctor was not able to give me the shot but told my Mother he would sign my paperwork and to bring me back once she was able to calm me down.  Long story short after giving birth to my son somewhere in my bloodwork it came out I never had certain childhood shots.  Because they did not know how to cure my illness it could have caused me bigger ones. 

​I will admit every now and then the anxiety tries to sneak back into my life just when I think I am feeling better.  I yell at it and try my best to stay focused and often times it works.  On rare occasions when I cannot do it on my own I am happy to say there is medication for it now.   As an adult I found a doctor  that told me it was an illness and not my fault.  I am so grateful for her compassion to me.  Her advice on how to handle the anxiety makes my attacks happen far less than they did back then.

​I write this post for lately  I have been speaking to many broken people who are going through family arguments,  financial problems, loneliness and depression to name a few things.     There are so many things  that can break people's spirits.  Every one of us has to endure something but what I want people to try to remember is; it is only a chapter, not the entire story.   We cannot allow what is broken to become the plot for we all know this is not how we want our stories to end. 

​I was angry for many years with doctors, parents, teachers in school and anyone else that did not see how anxious I was.  Fortunately now as an adult I know those were my best days for they were the stepping stones for who I now am.  While I am quite overwhelming at times I love the gift of being silly.  I turn into that little girl every time I hear people laughing.   To quote Mark  Twain, "Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand."    Thanks to all the years my social anxiety had me handcuffed to the house I learned to cook and I am pretty darn good at it too.   Thanks to the mandatory yearly physical I go for my check up and get any needles needed.  

​Each morning as I turn another calendar page I see months going by way too quickly and time now has become my deadline.  There are days I exhaust myself for I try hard to catch up on life and the things I did not do. 

​Life would be boring if nothing went wrong.  It is difficult when you see the huge flight but my motto now is " Do not look up, just stare at the first step"!

​This former broken girl is grateful she took the climb for the view is beautiful and so delicious too!

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The airport was crowded with travelers the  day I was returning from a family visit to New York.  As I was rolling my heavy suitcase to the drop off center I wondered where everyone was going on that busy Thursday afternoon.    I could not remember the last time Kevin and I took a real sunset vacation.  It seems the past few years his days off were used for medical appointments, a move from one state to the next, our dogs surgery and family events.   Time runs out so quickly and I thought it sure would be nice if we could purchase a few more vacation days.    I wondered if others felt this way too.

​When I arrived home I decided to ask some friends the question; "Would you be willing to take a cut in pay to receive extra days off"?

​My first call was to a friend who not only works a full time job but also cares for an ill family member.  She said she loved holiday weekends for they are free days off as her vacation days are  earned.  She explained she must work a certain amount of hours and once the required time is met a day is awarded however this time includes sick days as well as vacation time.    I felt horrible but she said it was fine.  While it gets emotional at times she does not regret having this time with her loved one.   Sunset vacations are what you make of them.

​Another friend has the vacation time and, like us, uses them for doctor appointments and an occasional day off for herself but a cut in pay or destination trips are out of the question.  She is grateful for the little she can put away for a "rainy" day as she worries what will happen should her 11 year old car break down for good.  Her sunset vacations are Sunday afternoons watching movies on TV and for now that is perfectly fine.

​There were many answers on this quest for my story information but the bottom line was most are grateful to have jobs.  A few of my fifty something friends said they did use their vacation time and have destination sunset vacations however never felt totally away fo they need to check emails and to stay on top of things.    At their age they are nervous to be away too long and are always finding ways to step up their game.

​This brought the Old Henry Tale "The Gift of the Magi" to my mind.  The story is of a woman who sells the long hair she loves to purchase a chain for her husbands favorite gold watch;  he in turn sells the watch to purchase her a beautiful hair broche.  Some may say they both wasted something they cherished but they did not see it that way.  The fact they gave and received loving gestures made the choice to give up something cherished  wise.  The same is true with cherished vacation time.  When used wisely it is not a sacrifice.

​As I type this I am no longer in a crowded airport but am on my living room couch.  I can hear my husband and our dog Princess snoring in the bedroom.  Kevin truly gives so much of his time for all of us and never complains or calls It a sacrifice.

​The apple does not fall far from the tree as our son called us on Sunday from the same airport I left a few weeks ago to tell us he was boarding a plane as an early birthday gift for me.   I smile as I see him through the window sitting on the balcony enjoying quiet time on this warm Georgia night.

​So many times we carry our baggage of troubles to drop off centers and rush off to the once in a lifetime destination vacation.  While on our trips  we smile and wear our happy face mask hoping if we forget the bag for a while life will be better. What I am learning is the bag is there when we return.  The few people I spoke with prefer to not ignore the heavy bag and use their time realistically and never feel victimized.    Just like "the gift of the magi" they prefer to use their days wisely and with this attitude do not feel like its a sacrifice.

​Sometimes I need to be reminded of what is important in life.  I am blessed for friends who share their experiences as they are my greatest teachers.  The lesson I learned through all of them is that the destination and amount of time is not as important as using the days we have lovingly and wisely.  

From my window I see my son sitting on our wicker patio chair outside as the sun is setting.  I feel grateful as when it is time to say good-bye I can go outside and sit in that same chair and will smile at the memory of this special sunset vacation moment.

​Life  is wonderful.   Trips make us feel excited and happy and  I would be lying if I said I never want to go away and sit by  an ocean with  sand on my toes sipping cold drinks one day.   Life figures ways and that will one day happen.

A life of love with time used wisely is not wasted.

​I am grateful for that Thursday afternoon and my airport experience for had I not gone the question may not have come to my mind.   Sometimes we need the frustration inside the packed bags we drag around to drop off centers to find the true meaning of things. 

​Summer is here with longer warmer days.  I now in  my heart know  what a real sunset vacation is and I  do not need to buy extra time.  All I have to do is open my door.

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Lately I feel like I am on a scavenger hunt trying to find clues as to where I fit in.  I wonder if I am the only 55 plus person that feels this way!    We were born between the years 1946-1964 which defines us as Boomers.  For eighteen years we broke the record in terms of increased population.   Am I the only baby boomer who is not ready to be called a Senior?

​To quote the definition of the noun senior citizen from the Merriam Webster online dictionary: "an old person who is at least a certain age (such as 55)"     To be perfectly honest I think this sentence is self destructive for any age let alone 55.

​I feel anyone 80 or above who CHOOSES to be called a senior should wear that title proudly for they were our inspirational teachers and I hope to be as wise when I get to their age. I suppose it is a nicer word than elderly or old fogy  however I personally do not feel I have travelled the road long enough to have that title myself.  I honestly don't think I ever will.

​I wish I could go back to the good old days where I felt part of a community.  Neighbors took care and listened for each other and I felt settled and at peace.  I am now in an apartment community where no sooner do I meet a neighbor and feel comfortable they are moving out and new people are taking their place.   As much as I don't like being called a senior citizen I probably am one of the old fogies that reside here.  Despite the fact I am young at heart and dress real cute I am still the grandmother at "game night" at the community clubhouse with the younger residents.

​It was suggested we try leasing an apartment in a fifty five plus community as there may be more that I have in common with.   I love activity and typically these places offer classes, trips and parties.   I do not type the next line to offend anyone so please forgive me if I do;   Upon taking the tour there were no residents near my age of 58.  It was the home of the baby boomers parents.  

​My sister and I  experienced the same result when we joined the Church 55 plus group.  Once again we were the youngest people there.   They did not know what table to sit us at for everyone was in their normal spot.  After they got over the shock of seeing the two of us they began calling us cute!   Please do not misunderstand,  I love spending time with all ages and we had loads of fun but once in a while I would love for a 55 plus category to have more boomers.  ​The span for the term "senior" and "55 plus" are too broad for me!

I hope to have at least 20 or MORE healthy years left.  I always thought that was a long time until I  placed 20 raisins in my hand and saw how fast they were gobbled up and it hit me that is really a small number.  I actually wanted 20 MORE!!!    

​I decided I needed a break from the scavenger hunt game and fitting in and just be Donna.   I gave myself ​a week of being a kid again and did all the things I loved when young.   This morning I pulled out my hula hoop and cranked up the Bee Gees Night Fever music and exercised away.    I always loved to sing and still do and I am not bragging but I can still keep the hula hoop spinning quite well despite my "senior" title.   I decided to order some adult relaxing coloring books and staying in the lines with my 200 brightly colored sharpee markers returned me to happy childhood memories. I went to the library and read BOOKS, and wrote with PENS and when I wanted to get thoughts for this post I TYPED and pretended my keyboard was the old rickety machine  I had when I first started working at Chase Manhattan Bank in the 80's.   Back then you had to be careful to hit the correct key as once the image was on the page there was no backspace or delete button to remove it.  I know these are things only die hard boomers will remember.

​I realize I am showing my age in the paragraph above. ​I have no problem getting older; as a matter of fact I love being fifty five plus.  I love telling the "youngsters" about life.   I am more fit, confident and  happy than I ever was.  My Mother was a hard worker and deserved retiring and becoming a Senior but I am a totally different person than she was.   My Mother in all fairness did not have time to worry about working out, being stylish or funny.  She went to the doctor only when she had to.  Her focus was hard work and us.  She and all my friends parents deserve to wear the Senior title proudly.   They have a place where they all fit in.

​I do not feel boomers have a category for which we fit in.    ​I have baby boomer best friends who are caring for their senior parents every single day.  I have boomer friends who are caring for their grand-children every day.  I have boomer friends who are working two jobs for they cannot afford to live on just one.  These friends are not seniors believe me.

​I was happy a month ago when I saw a Tribute to the Bee Gees special on television.  I smiled from ear to ear singing all the songs for which I knew every word.  I was happy to see younger artists performing the old classics.  Maybe our generation is slowly  figuring out where we fit in after all.

​I am proud of being almost 58 and I would be lying if I said I did not appreciate receiving a discount on Tuesdays at the supermarket and nail salon.  I would totally understand if the stores decided to make the age older moving forward but if it is available to me I will take it.  There are many perks to getting older!

​I think every age should act and feel young as long as they can.  I know that it is healthy for older adults to be around younger people.   I think it is important for younger people to be around older adults.  We all can learn so much from one another.

​My dream every now and then is to have a place where I can find a few of the millions of boomers out there and get together.

​For now I will do my best each day to workout, go for walks, color, sing, be kind, caring, funny, crazy, silly but most important loving. ​  ​A word cannot change what I am inside. I will end the scavenger hunt and  buckle up my belt and continue on this wonderful journey of fifty five plus.  I will continue to be young at heart!

Every person alive shares the need to have someone to walk with through good times and bad, have someone to encourage and challenge us to be the best version of ourselves as possible.  No matter our title deep down we are all the same.  None of us can let words define us.  We spent our entire youth trying to fit in.  It is now time to simply be ourselves.

​I am fifty five plus and thanks to all of those born between 1946-1964 I am not alone.  We are the boomers!!!  With so many of us how in the world can we help but not fit in.  We are the examples for future generations.  Let's teach them the colorful new definition of the word Senior just like the generations before us taught us so much.

​It wont be long before we will be fitting into the inspirational category.  ​Let us  enjoy each one happily and make these the best days of our lives!



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My cellphone was on mute but from the corner of my eye I noticed her name and sensed it was going to be sad news and gave myself a moment before answering.   My attempt at preparing myself did not ease the pain I felt for her as she informed me she had to put her best friend of 17 years to sleep.

​She is a dear friend from New York and here I am in Atlanta wanting to hug her but at the same time wanted to talk to her like we always did.

​The love of our dog is something we both share and through the years we would have lengthy discussions on how difficult life was getting as the years were creeping up on Princess and Rex.  We both agreed how difficult it was when the barking would not stop and we could not figure out what was wrong.  They were slowing up but we somehow made each other laugh through it.

​The conversation that day was not about my stress with Princess but I sure could use her advice.

​That same week Kevin and I took Princess to the vet to have a tumor on her back leg checked.  Upon examination the vet noticed a number of lumps and suggested we think about having them biopsied.  We decided we would stick to our original plan and agreed to needle biopsy just the one on her leg.  A few days later we learned there were spindle cells which indicated she had cancer.

The story of Princess instantly has a new headline that went from I have a fatty tumor to I have cancer

My friend would understand how angry I am!  She would understand my question as to why we needed to know this!  She would understand my fear of not knowing what to do next!  She would listen to my ranting about how Princess is already on medication for high liver enzymes as well as how she already had two knee surgeries.  How much else can we put  her through?  She would also understand my question;  how much more can we afford?

​I had to be strong for my dear friend that day for  she was in far more pain than I could imagine

​I listened and felt her pain and told her the words she already knew in her heart; that Rex felt how loved he was and knew it was time so say good-bye.  I listened and comforted her when she explained the guilt of having to make the decision to say good-bye and I honestly understood for I feel the same in not having the other tumors looked at.  

​I thought oh Lord, can't you send down a pill that we can give our pets when confusing situations arise?

​How great would it be if our pets came with three small pills when they arrived in our lives that we could use whenever we needed help with a hard decision.    It would sure be easier looking into those big beautiful brown eyes for me to listen to her feelings versus ignoring my sad heart and try to make the best decision.

​I glance over at Princess snoring next to me and it occurred to me that she was not stressed over this at all.  Sometimes she makes lots of noise and thinks life really sucks which are the same thoughts I am having lately.  The difference is once I give her a hug, kiss or most importantly food she is back to her, wagging of the tail because  life is good,  dance.   She knows how to let it go. 

I felt the string of light Princess has given us all these years and realized our hearts truly are connected.  The gloomy new headline is taking away the light that is shining next to me right now.

​I smile thinking of the happy memories my friend in New York had the day she invited neighbors and friends into her backyard to throw Rex a 16th birthday party.  I can still smell the wonderful BBQ grill which had all of his favorite foods cooking on it.

​Kevin and I learned through witnessing their love that we too must keep the light shining and continue the memories with Princess as long as we can.  Headlines change very quickly and if we waste a second living in darkness we only will have ourselves to blame.

​Princess only worries about the moment she is in and right now is looking at me for it is our routine time to go out.  I can see through that beautiful bright face that she is saying I am fine Mom, can we go walking now?     

Tomorrow we will make an appointment with a surgeon to discuss options for Princess but we are not making any decisions until we know all the facts.

​My friend in New York knew the decision was right and I know Kevin and I will do the same.  There are no wrong decisions when they are made with unconditional love.

​Rex, it was time for you to follow the  rainbow and I know you are shedding so much colorful light in heaven.  You will be missed but never forgotten. It is going to take Mommy some time but I know before long my phone will ring and I will see her name on my screen and we are going to laugh at all the light you brought to us all.

​Princess, you have given us so much joy the past eleven years and we are not packing up that string of colorful bulbs just yet.  We are going to fight this little girl the best way we can!   

​Our pets are only here a little while but they are our greatest teachers.  Don't stay mad long, hug and kiss and don't stress for it takes away from the string of light of living.

​OK Princess, time to take our walk now.  We have no idea where the road is going to lead us but always know, whether near or far; you will always be the shining light in our lives.

​Little girl, you are Mine and Daddy's forever best friend.

 
​My phone rang on a chilly December afternoon and it was my sister reminding me to register for a 5K race which was being held in Atlanta the third weekend in January.

​I reminded her how the entire family knows,  despite not having its speed,  I resemble a gazelle as I leap and bounce when running.  I do not like to run!   Her response of "you do not have to run the entire race; you can walk if you need to"  was informing me loud and clear the phone call was a reminder to do it not a question if I was!

​Race day arrived.  It was a gray Sunday morning and while most were happy the forecasted rainstorm held up I was silently wishing it would pour for I felt I needed an excuse for my slow performance.  I was feeling nervous for I am not a runner but at the same time I felt the energy of the racers around me and was feeling anxious to begin.  

 The race began and the large crowd slowly began walking out of the starting line but soon began thinning out and the running began.  My sister is one of the most dedicated people I know regarding working out and I knew my slow speed was not her goal.   I did not want her to slow up for me so I made a vow that I was going to work extra hard.  I shouted out "are you ready to run?"  Let's do this!

My legs began racing down the road and I was getting excited.  I was amazed when I reached mile one and I could feel my adrenaline rising as it seemed I arrived at that point quicker than I imagined.   I almost did not recognize myself!!  Police officers were stopping traffic to allow the racers through the busy streets of downtown Atlanta, photographers were snapping away and people were watching and cheering us on.  It was amazing.  I was actually running my first 5K race at the age of 57!  

​There were a few moments I could feel my leg cramp up and I started to get a little doubtful if I could complete the race.  My sister kept assuring me that our timing was really good and that I should not worry.   We stopped running for a bit and briskly walked and I felt sore but better.

​Runners who started before us were finishing  the race and I noticed them walking next to the road cheering us on to complete it too.  They were enjoying their end of race treat of hot cocoa and chocolate fondue with pretzels and marshmallows to dip inside.  Oh how I love chocolate and I wanted my cocoa too!!!   Despite beginning to tire  I shouted let's just get this over with baby  and we RAN.

The adrenaline of arriving at the finish line was something  I never experienced before in my life.  I did not feel the pain in my leg and honestly at that point could have probably run another mile.

I wanted to cry as I hugged my sister and jumped up and down screaming WE DID IT BABY!   YAY!!!!!!  WE DID IT!!!!

After the excitement ended it hit me that I had just completed my very first 5K race at the age of 57!!!!   I could not stop thanking my sister for not only inviting me but encouraging me to do this with her.​

​The next day the race scores were posted and of course I was not the best runner but I did not do too bad at all!!!    Out of 296 people in  my age group I came in 125th place which to me was a gold medal.    

​Thanks to my sister I left my comfort zone.  I now realize the only competition I have is within  myself and I have the ability to win my own personal gold medals in so many aspects of my life.   

​The road I  travelled the past 57 years is far longer than the miles remaining.  It is time to tie up my laces or hit the keyboard or get on the treadmill or read books.  It is time to volunteer and join the clubs.  The word can't must go away.  The word try must be erased.  I have two choices moving forward and they are Do or Do Not!

Everyone had different goals the day of the race however we shared one thing.   The finish line!    Some runners were real fast and some slower but we were all in the race together.    We were all encouraging each other not to focus on the discomfort and the potholes in the journey.  Together we were doing this!

​I am  not a professional writer as I type this piece.  I am not a professional fitness instructor as I work out.  I am  not a professional chef as I make dinner and I am  not a professional athlete as I look for my next race.  

​I will never have the speed of a gazelle!!!  

​Worrying about being the best at any of these things are only dead ends that keep me from stretching, growing, learning and trying.   This gazelle is ready to keep hopping and find other corners to race through.

​I look forward to answering more ringing phones and even if it pours I am jumping, leaping and dancing in the rain.   It does not have to be a pot of gold at the finish line; believe me hot cocoa and chocolate are pretty good incentives too! 

The race of life is on and I feel unstoppable!

​At the age of 57 I ran my first 5K!

​Yes I can! Yes I did!


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I used to feel if I was stranded on an island for two weeks and did not have access to a telephone, television or computer that I would go stir crazy and have an anxiety attack.   Thinking about it clearly, I am realizing that maybe all these devices are actually causing me stress.

Let me explain:

​While I am not a huge television watcher I do enjoy a good award show when they are on.  With my remote control,   a cup of tea, my pj's on and my coziest blanket, I begin watching the beautiful stars in their sparkly dresses with hair and make up perfectly done.  I was having a relaxing time and was excitedly waiting for  my favorite actress to be announced.  The hype of the week was happening as she arrived on stage to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award. 

​Sadly, I was disappointed.

​The reason for my sadness: the speech turned political.  I love that we have freedom of speech, but for me, I did not want to hear about it during an award show.

​Where is our future going? ​

​I always tried to teach my son when he was in any sport as a child to give it his best shot and if you get the opportunity to win a trophy, accept it graciously. ​I also tried to teach the line "if you do not have something nice to say, say nothing at all!"

While the actress showed respect,  the world knew it was being said with our upcoming President in mind.   As disappointed as I was with her using the award show platform to voice her concerns, I was even more sad when turning on the news the next day to hear his twitter response.​

​I am not suggesting we do not defend ourselves as of course we should.  There is a time and place for everything.

​I am glad I am getting older for I have no idea how disappointing it must be for parents to raise children these days.  My lifetime achievement award speech would say "I have now seen everything!!!"

​ I am not ready to move to an island or toss my devices away so how do we survive the next four years?  Well, I for one am going to stay anxiety free the best way I can! 

​I want to be a role model for future generations! ​There is a lot of work to be done and all the fighting is distracting us.  ​Our children are listening and looking at us to be role models. 

​There are winners and losers at award shows, sports events, or in this case elections and everything in between. Everyone loses when  we choose to use name calling and negative statements when the game is over. 

​We are in a state of change today.   The question:  how can we make this work? 

​My wish to the  incoming President is:  you were given the grandest role imaginable.  Be a role model for all of us.   There are many children who stomp out of a room and say things like "I do not like you" but most parents do not respond with the words
"I do not like you either!"   ​We are all responsible for our words to each other. 

​My words today are not intended for any political side.  The decision has been made and my opinion does not matter.  Our goal as a country is to stop blaming each other,  stop pointing fingers and join hands to bring back respect.

​I close sitting with my cup of tea, wearing my pj's and wrapped in my coziest blanket knowing in my heart that we can do this!  I know there are many children holding devices in their hands and watching television screens at this moment.  I for one am going to do my part to teach them kindness.  

Can we try to stop this disappointment?  If not for ourselves,  at least for the future?

​Of course we can! 
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​We are the United States of America. 



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The new year had arrived and the day after the ball dropped in Times Square we were packing the car and heading home as our holiday visit drew to an end and it was time to say good-bye.  I made a resolution not to cry as I hugged my son and we quickly got the dreaded moment over with to try to avoid feeling sad.  It was only the second day of the new year and I broke my resolution as I felt the tears falling down my cheeks.  We stopped at the Duncan Donuts not far from our son's apartment and while Kevin ran out to get our coffee I found myself laughing despite the tears.  Others were parking their cars and getting coffee on their way to work and I imagined the vision they were seeing as they looked into our car windows.  They probably thought we were travelling hoarders as I glanced at our crammed car with suitcases, christmas gifts we received, our dog and then of course me crying.

​2016 was a year that I could not have imagined.  Kevin and I are still in shock and were discussing this on both the trip to New York and home that if someone had told us New Year's Eve last year we would be relocating from Queens New York to Suwanee Georgia we would have told them they were nuts.

​This is now the reason I no longer make resolutions for life truly is a surprise.

​As our drive continued despite the gray rainy sky dawn was beginning and it was bright enough for me to open the new journal calendar book I received for Christmas.  I always get excited when I see things like blank computer screens to type thoughts so holding this book with 365 new possibilities had my enthusiasm soaring.  As I turned the pages of this new canvas I noticed it included a section with questions geared to guide us to think of goals, hopes and dreams for the year.  I reached down to where my pocketbook which just like the car was crammed with mouthwash, device chargers and the dog dish which could not fit anywhere else to dig out a pen to answer some of the questions to make the ride go faster.

​Question number one...How do you imagine your life to be 20 years from now?  Below the question were lines to be filled out for the answer with the words dream, hope and goal.

​Well, the answer to dream was a cinch as I was sitting in the cramped car.   I dream of being rich and famous and one day travelling in a huge  winnebago while vacationing versus sitting Indian style in a Mazda for two days.

​My answer to the line that started with hope was to be healthy so I will enjoy the journey.

​In answer to the word goal it was to be enthusiastic and to promise to find something to joke about every day of the journey to the age of 77.  More importantly I am visioning a much longer journey so can we change the question to my image of my life 40 years from now?

​In my opinion questions like these are dreams.  Nothing in life is promised no matter how much we want them to be.    Yes they can come true with hard work and dedication and we do have to stay positive and have goals and steps to try to reach them.  We must always stay filled with hope but we cannot crumble when the journey is met with  dark clouds which we all know at some point will.

​As I am typing this I glance at my dog who was scratching her ear and got her paw stuck in her hair.  She was limping on three legs and as I jumped off of my chair to help her from either breaking her leg or worse her neck she nipped me.  No, I cannot make this stuff up.  Life truly is one joke after another but the good news is she untangled herself with no visits to the vet necessary.

The lesson, no matter what the situation things work out

​I dont know about you but I am kind of glad that I don't know what spontaneous moments await me.  When we lose our sense of wonder life can become dull.

​Many people feel sad when the Christmas holiday is over and the decorations must come down.  Honestly today I need to keep my resolution of finding a joke for what was once a beautiful view my living room now has a drooping Christmas tree with dry needles all over along with two dead poinsettia plants.  There must have been a storm while we were away as the garland on my balcony is dangling over the ledge.  I am trying not to feel overwhelmed as I see the stack of mail, the huge pile of gifts to be put away not to mention twelve days of laundry resting against the washing machine.

​Each blank square in this new calendar journal has a good-bye at the stroke of midnight and I have absolutely no idea the memory that each one will have.   Life truly is a series of hello's and good-bye's.  But honestly good-byes really are nothing more than doors closing to welcome new ones to enter.    Laughter keeps us from being afraid and hopefully for me today, overwhelmed.

​Joking and laughter are powerful tools especially when dealing with sad good-byes.  Despite what some may think I do shed tears like I did on the second day of my failed resolution.  As the trip continued i reached for my sense of humor as we drove through the raindrops.   I will also keep my spirits merry and bright as I dismantle the pine mess and take down the blinking lights.

​My mantra for the year:  There are no good-byes that cannot be improved by laughter.  Even in the darkest times I will always try to remember the good times. 

​This trip was filled with so many happy moments. 

​While I hope you do not experience many sad good-byes if you do find yourself faced with some I pray they will be brief and I hope you will take my advice.  It really is not a bad idea at all to ditch the word resolution as your goal for the year and change it to joke. 

​Each day is a new beginning.  Make a resolution to embrace the adventure to the next twenty, thirty or better yet forty years searching for a good joke.  And when you do please share it with me.

​Happy 2017

​ The other day I went to my mailbox and inside was a gift from a friend that was truly heartfelt.   I have received many wonderful gifts in my life but when I opened this not only was it genuinely thought out it also brought back wonderful memories.


​The gift was a beautiful packet of note cards.  

​Yes....in a world where we send emails, ecards and even pay bills on line I was excited about receiving note cards 

​I see you young people laughing at me....Let me tell you something!!!  I worked way too hard in the 70's with the nuns over my shoulder learning good penmanship to learn how to write.  You were not around but I remember as if it were yesterday the fear of leaving the number two pencil with the eraser on top to graduate to the fifth grade where the ball point pen and the scarey lines and curves of cursive writing began.  I got scolded by Sister Bernice many days when her definition of neat and mine did not match.

I learned many years later how things in the penmanship world changed when I had my little fifth grade son handing in his pencil and grabbing my pens to head to school.  I admit I turned into Sister Bernice when I felt his writing was sloppy.  That did not last long however as his teacher scolded ME on parent teacher conference night to let him write as he sees fit.

I personally am happy I was taught to write neatly.  While I do spend enormous amounts of time typing I do write in a journal every night.  I cannot tell you how many filled books I have with memories written by me.   I am not sure where these books will one day end up. 

​My Mom did not have a very nice handwriting however every now and then I stumble upon a card she sent me and I cherish it.  As I write in my journals I think about how I wish she had written her thoughts and daily activities down in a book like I am.    We think things like notes and cards do not matter but once you get older you realize they do.

​There are many joyful moments logged in the pages of my journal along with sad ones.  Generations were not there to see me sitting on a window sill in the hallway of my Aunt Hilda's hospital room as they freshened her up for the day.  I remember watching the sunrise and expressing my feelings knowing that I was a few hours from kissing her good-bye.   While it was happening I used that book as therapy to get me through a sad experience but now ten years later it is history for the future.  

​I smile at the stacks of journals of all shapes, sizes and designs stacked on my shelves.  Some are written with ballpoint pen, some with marker and when necessary a number two pencil scratched the surface of the white page now and then too.  Memories!!!
 
I have been given great opportunitues to share my story thanks to technology and by no means would I give it up.  I get excited when I receive an email, text and a blog comment and a  facebook thumbs up on a post makes my heart soar.  Believe me I need social media intervention !!!!!!  You will find me there on a daily basis.  I can see Sister Bernice as I type scowling down that I should be grabbing a pen and notebook.

​Sister Bernice may have been a touch to hard on us back in the day but I am glad she taught me penmanship.  There is nothing in the world as good as holding a handwritten note.

I smile at the Christmas card I received from my now grown up son who in his not so perfect penmanship wrote Merry Christmas Mom!  You are a blessing in my life!   Priceless!

I now hit send and smile with happiness as I have another blog post to add to my cyber collection of memories to share today.  

I will now shut down my screen, grab a pen and in my perfect handwriting thank the person who sent me these beautiful notecards for not only the heartfelt gift  but the memory it brought back.

​To the young generation reading this, dot the i's and cross the t's.  Grab a number two pencil, a  bic pen, a marker or crayon.  It does not matter. Make it neat or sloppy!  I dont care....Just please take a moment and write a note, card or journal a memory. 

​A little penmanship will brighten someones life today and while it may seem like nothing right now take it from me.  It will be a cherished and beautiful memory one day.

Do you remember being a kid and all you  could do on Sunday was go to church and then spend the rest of the day with family having dinner?

I do!

My very hard working Mother would return home from 9 AM mass, change out of her church clothes and into her cobbler apron and start preparing a Sunday dinner which was either roast beef or roast chicken.  This meal was served sharply at 1:00 and despite not always loving the idea I knew I better be there.   Sometimes my Aunt Hilda would join us or better yet we loved it when she hosted it as we enjoyed going to her house.  When Aunt Hilda was part of the Sunday dinner ritual we hurried to do the dishes for we knew a game of michigan rummy would be the fun afternoon course before coffee and cake were served. 

​Back then you could not go to the bank, grocery store or shopping mall as everything was closed.   Spending time with family was all there was to do. 

​Now please do not misunderstand, I am not trying to say that life was a magical fairy tale back then because we had our ups and downs believe me.  Thinking back on it I felt it was the most boring day of the week and always wished Mom would prepare something other than roast beef and chicken. 

​Thinking back on those "boring" Sunday dinners I now wish I could get a few back.  It would be great if we could learn to stop doing and simply spend time together.

​I know it is unrealistic to ask everyone to stop chores on Sundays! People are so busy and wish they had 8 days of the week let alone lose a day.  They can barely find time to grocery shop let alone prepare a weekly Sunday dinner. 

​I have been giving this a lot of thought the past month or so and I really want to bring Sunday Dinner back into my life but there is no way I am ever having a complete meal prepared at 1:00 sharp every week.  In order for me to achieve this goal I need to create a new definition of Sunday Dinner and it cannot be boring.

​Once I got my wheels turning and got Kevin somewhat on board (he is not giving up his devices) we have been quite successful.  We made a vow we were not doing any shopping or big projects on Sunday.  We are learning to do things like a nice IHOP breakfast after mass, an afternoon movie, a walk to get an Italian ice or simply sit and catch up on shows we DVR'd.      Occasionally I can guilt family members to join us.  We had a fun day a few weeks ago at the Georgia State Fair where we ate junk all day and watched the children having so much fun on the rides.    Oh as I type this I smile thinking of how I did not realize the carousel was only for children and after clumsily getting my body onto the horse I was told I was not allowed to be on there.  Some may have been embarrassed but not me.  It was Sunday Dinner.  Aunt Donna is definitely not boring!!!!

​The point of this article is I sometimes get so comfortable in the world of emails and texts.   I cannot truly know how someone is by reading words on a little screen.  I am learning the importance of quieting down and spending time together.  That is how I really know the answer to How R U? 

​Had I not lived during a time of boring Sundays I would have lost out on an incredible gift of a beautiful relationship with my Aunt.  Had the mall been open I am sure I would have snuck out and lost all of those countless hours with her.  Back then, no matter how hard life was Monday through Saturday I knew I had someone I could run to and communicate with who would hug me and understand.

​I also learned respect from my MEAN MOTHER who made us eat that SUNDAY DINNER

I am learning that Sunday dinner can be a big meal prepared for two or ten, a banquet at a restaurant, or a pre-cooked meal that only needs reheating.  Heck, I don't care it could be a day of junkfood eating.   Or it could be a day not defined by food at all. 

​I now know Kevin and I can enjoy Sunday dinner home alone or with a crowd.  It is not always  possible to actually see and hug others so its fine to phone chat and face time.  Communication, listening and hearing a voice not reading a screen.​  And of course there are those Sundays where you do need to just rest.

​To my friends and family especially my son back in New York  I now live in Atlanta and I am not in your life the way I wish but I am so blessed and cherish each face time moment we share.   I get to see you and for this I am grateful it is not 1960 for we have the opportunity to talk "in person" despite being miles apart.

​Sunday Dinner is time spent being together, listening to one another, looking into each others faces and having conversations, laughter, fun,  but most important  an understanding how hard life can be.  It is a time. to stop the wear and tear we live all week long.

​Everyone has a battle in this life.  We had them back in 1960 too.   Reading stories of pain on a screen and actually living in pain are entirely different.  It is somewhat easy to read a message and then shut the device off and step into your little world.   It sure is nice for the person in pain to know that every now and then there are two words to look forward to which are Sunday Dinner. 

No matter the year I feel we all need a little time each week  where we can share our joys and sorrows, gifts and challenges and be supported in return.  We all need the sense of feeling we belong.  Whether we want to admit it or not we all need Sunday dinner.

​I would be lying if I didn't wish that maybe one day my idea will become contagious and everyone might do it too.   I cannot expect life to happen as I wish it to be so for now I must work on creating my memories.  I smile as my wheels turn thinking of all the countless possibilities of loving, fun, caring chats, outings, hugs, dinners, and special moments to come. 

​Life changes and it is no longer mandatory I eat roast beef and chicken at 1:00 every week but thanks to my revised definition I look forward to many future Sunday Dinners.

​