It’s early morning as I stare out my window through the skeletal branches of a misty day. There’s a flickering light from my candle burning as the scent of Lemon Pound Cake wafts around my kitchen, and all I can think about is the sorrow of a dear friend and how so many things in life are unexpected and we must cope; just gather strength from deep within us and exist. Most of the times it’s strength we couldn’t possibly know we have, and yet somehow it’s there and we wonder, how am I still on my feet, how can I even breath or speak…

For me that strength comes from a light inside us that grows and comes to the surface when we most need it. For me that light is God; the constant I have always loved and believed in, for how else could we make it through those days.

Faith is a beautiful thing if you have it, because you know you’re never alone, even in the most harrowing of circumstances when your body and your mind are spent, or frightened, or discouraged or hungry for more.

I wish all could find faith, find God. One of the loveliest poems I think that completely depicts that love is “Footprints”. I know you’ve seen it in every card store, on line, a friend’s refrigerator even, it’s quite commercialized, however for me it’s the comforting message it leaves on your heart, like when the writer states there were only one sent of footprints implying they were alone, and Jesus replies. “It was then that I carried you”. The first time I read it I cried, I think my Mom shared it with me as she gave me countless beautiful gifts. It was so enlightening and touching to read.

So many of us struggle with our faith because we must face tragic outcomes in our lives or perhaps because we were never raised as children to believe. And you hear people say, ”How could a God like that allow for war? Or for children to be stricken with cancer? Or for the homeless to long for food and shelter? Or for the feelings of loneliness or hopelessness. And some of us loose the faith we once had–we become discouraged and angry with God, so angry we begin to question his existence. I can’t explain why these things happen in the world, but I do know there have been so many wonderful and magical things that have happened in my life that give me Hope. And that’s such a miraculous feeling to experience. My mom once told me about a friend of hers who’s son died in a sudden motorcycle accident. She asked her friend, “How do you do it, keep your faith?” And her friend answered, “God can’t always say yes, sometimes he has to say no.” That was her way of coming to an understanding, and it has begun to pave a road of acceptance.

My lovely husband purchased a bible for my birthday last week so that we could read it together. It’s a King James translation with interpretations of the text and I’m looking forward to opening it with him.

So it is my wish that you take some time to explore, gather back, or simply re-examine your faith and let that light grow inside of you to strengthen you and be a comfort for you during those times when life itself seems unthinkable. Let Jesus carry you…

Till we spin another moment.

Ciao Bella

Hello gals! It’s been a little chunk of time since I’ve written because Ever after Guy (EaG) and I have been out of the country on a Caribbean cruise to Nassau and CoCoa Cay in the Bahamas! And what I can say about that is y’all should just do it and take a ride over the vast, blue sea. Go ahead! I urge you to get yourselves pampered like the princesses and queens we are!

Have any of you been on a cruise? If you like ginormous high-end luxury hotels floating on the sea with as many night clubs, broadway caliber entertainment, restaurants, spas, trivia contests, game shows, rollerskating, bumper cars, fitness rooms, waterslides, pools and oh yeah, those just sit in there while the bubbles envelop you hot tubs! Those are just some things to mention. In other words– tons of things to do! And all right at your finger tips day and night. You should definitely book one pronto. One of the coolest things is the surprise monkey towel animal hanging from your sliding glass door that looks out onto the ocean. If you’re a cruiser and this is now my 4th! You will adore the towel animals that greet you in your state room. They’re so darn cute!

We also met some really cool people including our cruise director Joff—who took some lessons from John Travolta— at the Disco Inferno 70’s night and my handsome EaG and I were on Royal Caribbean Cruise TV dancing the Lindyhop. Crystal, Greg, Nancy, Alice and Genevieve were our dining table friends and a lovely group of people to chat with, all Avid cruisers- oh the stories they told-some intriguing and fun and others not so much that we couldn’t wait to escape to the show we had scheduled that night.

Speaking of the dining room, do you have your favorite flavor next to you? Because it’s time to talk about the food which was delicioso! I’m a total dessert girl and I had my absolute favorite Creme Brulee almost every night, Bananas Foster, Flaming Cherries Jubilee and Baked Alaska. Unfortunately we were too busy on Royal Caribbean’s own island of Cocoa Cay drinking Long Island Iced Teas while dancing, twirling and floating around what seemed like a mile long pool laced in palm trees and vividly colorful Island flowers that we missed the Vanilla Soufflé with chocolate sauce–totally worth it.

The next day was Nassau, Bahamas and this is when things began to change just a bit, because we’re keeping it real, right girls? Not every vacation is perfect every second. Well the morning began when I, being the klutz I can be, caught my flip-flop on the partition in the state room hall, and fell flat on my face sustaining a painful rug burn on my knee which got worse as the cruise went on. But hey girls– as the headliner act Frankie and the Dreamers sang, Big girls don’t cry. I wasn’t about to give up swimming in the sea– the salt water cleans it right? I think though, it was the the cruel action of the hot tub that made the burn on my knee into an angry mess. So here I am with my ugly knee as my sweet husband and I were heading over to grab some freshly cut coconut drinks and lunch, when incoming came a giant piece of concrete in the sand that met with, and nearly broke his big toe! Well you know what they say, S— happens. I’m on antibiotics now and healing up well and he never lost his toenail so that’s great. I told ya it wasn’t going to be pretty, that part anyway. It was lovely getting back to the ship and watching the sun get swallowed up by the ocean in a spectacular golden sunset and I have pics! Sunrise, Sunset is now playing in my head.

Alas… It just feels surreal to get away and have an adventure, any adventure, especially when we do it with our soulmate. Whether it be frolicking in the open sea, on the dance floor of the Music Hall or in the hot, silky sheets of our state room. Ooh–is it getting warm in here?

So yes, this is my ringing endorsement to go on a cruise and live! And the best thing is getting away from the cold, frigid winter and coming home to blue skies smiling and sunshine. I wish it all for you and would love to hear from you. What floats your boat? Reverse that– where do want your boat to float to?

Till we spin another moment,

Ciao Bella

Today I’m feeling inspired as I sit here tapping my keys. Looking out our window I spot blue sky and cotton clouds peaking through skeletal branches, eluding to me messages of Spring. And with that comes new beginnings! Thinking back on the words of an old friend Spring happens when there are “bumble bees and baby buds” and it really is a lovely thought. Today I’m dreaming of our beautiful gardens about to showcase their many gifts as my Ever after Guy and I amble outside each day circling around our pond and through the orchard to spot new hopefuls. I often fast forward 30 years, see us there, and it makes me smile. We were married on our Pemberley and that makes our home special. I will definitely add photographs to this blog just as soon as I figure that out.

Ah’ new beginnings, things that make your heart come alive and grow… like new jobs, new homes, new relationships, weddings and babies, now that’s a mouthful! Are you in your quiet place with your shoes, boots or whatever footwear kicked off? Perhaps a warm pair of slippers? And don’t forget your favorite flavor. Let’s chat about beginnings because with beginnings comes change and sometimes adaptation.

What changes are coming in your life? Or perhaps they may have already happened and you’re in the midst of them right now! Some of you against adversity and others floating upon a billowy cloud.

The poet, essayist, and transcendentalist Henry David Thorough chose to be holed up up in a cabin in the woods to observe all the changes in nature taking place around him. He lived 2 plus years on Walden Pond discovering profound truths and weaving poignant words on his journey. And I’d like to share one of his quotes with you.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

My interpretation of what he is saying and we all may have different ones; that’s the beauty of poetry. We can each take from it that of which is most significant in our lives. I like that Thoreau is saying to me, “Don’t let go of your dreams, but give them truth and a solid means to bring them into fruition.”

There are so many others of his and all our writers for your access on the internet. Why not check them out. I promise once you do you will find words that change your life. So back to change. There are some changes that happen that are far beyond our control and may leave us drained and heartbroken. We may be going through an unbarring and unexpected grief, or news that has left us paralyzed. No one is alone in this and though sometimes you may just want to throw in the towel, give up- a friend once told me to ride the waves and don’t let them take you under. Picture yourself on the water and when those jagged waves come upon you, just ride that emotion and stay on top of the water, allow yourself to feel it, keeping that vision in your mind. It really helped for me as I have had my experience with devastating grief. Being real right? We are all humans living out our lives of beautiful beginnings, wonder and beauty to devastation and discouraging sadness, and so long as we have each other, connection with our special creatures and nature we’ll get through and the sun will shine again. In the words of Maria Von trapp, Where the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window. I think that ‘s where I’ll leave off … and let you know I care about each and every one of you and thank you so much for reading.

Till we spin another moment.

Ciao Bella

Today while sitting in my cozy kitchen with a gingerbread candle lighting my way to write, I smell it’s fragrance as it carries me to a space of comfort and warmth. The view from my window is a vast layer of whiteness similar to that of Narnia. And believe me it seems as though Mr. Tumnus could pop out from behind a tree any minute to greet me, and well if he did I would be pretty excited as James McAvoy is my favorite actor of recent films, providing lots of depth.

Of course when you count the real greats, it’s Gene Kelly, no question, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart. They are clearly genius, not to forget our Civil War profiteer Rhett Butler, played by no other than Clark Gable. And let me say no one can pull off a mustache like him except maybe Zoro! Who by the way my husband donned on his attire last year, and well for the record- he does it the best! One more thing as I’m getting off on a tangent here, but who cares right because this is our free space! These old films bring back memories of a dear lady who I felt fortunate to call my friend. Hi Beverly! I know you’re in heaven and your dreamboat, true love Bob is with you! She introduced me to these wonderful old films and together we shared warm cups of tea and drove around town gallivanting and rummaging through vintage shops. She was quite a bit older and wiser, but so much fun and I think we learned a lot from one another. I miss her and would love to introduce her to my new life as she knew me before it began.

And speaking of that, let’s get down to our discussion for today. Where are you? Someplace where you can just disappear and concentrate only on yourself and the ones you love because today we are going to discuss the subject of intimacy and what the words “You and me” mean to you. I think the joining of those two words can depict a number of things. It could be you and your significant other, you and your furry lap of foot warmer dog or maybe your cantankerous, but lovable cat or snake even, like perhaps the one in your pond that could possibly be a decade old! It could mean you and your favorite flavor. And yet somehow when we utter these words we’re not alone. We feel friendship, companionship, and love right? And it feels good just to say it. We as humans need that feeling of being accepted, being validated and of course the greatest of these is being loved, just counting in this big ole’ world or as my daughters would say feeling “relevant” to others is of great significance to us and enables us to grow and feel fulfilled. Now when you combine those words with delicious libations, then even better.

Last evening was our date night and while out for dinner we chose cocktails which is always fun to pick from a list of special concoctions. I guess you could say, “You and me and a martini makes three” .They were delish and if you ever see “Chocolate Covered Strawberry” on the menu, I highly say, “Do it!”. I want to reiterate to you the meaning of intimacy and feeling connection with people, with our community and today’s society. Merriam-Webster defines Intimacy as “a state marked by emotional closeness” and According to John Amodeo Ph. D. and author of Intimacy, A Path Toward Spirituality, he writes, “A nourishing intimacy happens when barriers melt and hearts open… he also adds in parentheses (while not neglecting the need for healthy boundaries)true, but so unromantic.

I think feeling safe with someone or something is also key. And after sharing our Chocolate Covered Strawberry martini and staring into my soulmates eyes last night while we discussed the depth of our favorite books, that could be labeled as a defining moment. So how about you? Are you in a relationship? Maybe longing for the perfect one like in the movies or the ones written by your favorite author? Or perhaps you have a dream all your own, or you’re in the midst of a breakup and right now your words are poured into your very own crisis journal as you cubby up with your furry friend. Wherever you are in life I will say to you to always keep your heart receptive to the light and never stop dreaming of the kind of intimacy, the “You and me” you desire. So here’s to finding that and reveling in it. It’s miraculous truly. I’m waiting to hear from you! This past week I was thrilled to hear from Miss Limitless! Just the sound of that keeps me in touch with dreams and stars, and reaching beyond. Who are you? Tell me-tell me! click on the date below and say hello.

Till we spin another moment.

Ciao Bella

Hello Readers,

Are you sitting in your happy place? At this moment it’s morning for me and that always means I’m armed with my spot of English Breakfast Tea, made to perfection with a touch of honey, enough sugar to transform it into a dessert, and topped off with a foamy layer of vanilla soy- easy, just shake the carton and wha-la! Pour it out. Perhaps your flavor is coffee with that wonderful sweet cream or maybe you’re reading this after five and have something stronger or maybe it’s not after five! Let’s just sit and dig into our psyches a bit okay?

To begin todays blog I’d like to discuss the true definition of what we all consider to be fair; what we think is most important to ascertain. Are your mirrors out ladies? What do you think when you look into them? I’m going to say right now you are gorgeous and fabulous and I believe in you! Are you the fairest one of all? Or are you still in the process of transformation like our friend Eliza Doolittle? Perhaps at one point in your life you were and now after time, and/or circumstance takes it’s toll you’re not feeling it anymore. I think it’s quite an idea to tackle in today’s world, and with so many different interpretations of beauty, at times we are unduly influenced more than we should be by social media. I mean there are so many mixed messages out there right?

Just open and scroll to the lady stretching out her cheeks and saying how much younger she looks due to this miracle treatment, or make-up after make-up ads and believe me I am a consumer! I bought the eyeshadow pen! On the other hand we read articles and see posters of the beautiful woman with all her wrinkles and how every line, every crease and dark spot made her who she is. Diet pills and programs and the plus sized models delighted to be photographed in their lingerie and posted all over mall windows, countless selfies with the intension to look sexy and alluring. Especially on instagram. And with that the focus is on vanity, vanity, vanity. I mean I’m there sometimes, but what I recognize is maybe by being so focused on the outside we are neglecting our insides. Adding extra pressure on ourselves to be outwardly beautiful which is wonderful to feel, but perhaps it’s a bandaid, just superficial notions.

So in this blog let’s talk about healing and honing our insides, loving ourselves and the people around us, being of service for others, making others smile and feel good, because when we do those things we are rewarded and that’s a way better addiction. I’m talking to myself too because I love being a vintage fashionista, I just want to make that the less important focal point in my life.

So today after you read this, know it’s a lovely thing to doll up and feel good about ourselves, make our significant others want to grab us in a fit of passion, look in our mirrors with self confidence, happy with what we see. Perhaps the next time you look though, look deeper, and ask yourself, “How do I feel inside?”, “What have I done for someone else today?” Perhaps we can be beautiful in full balance and be out there exuding love for ourselves and everyone around us. I want to do that. What do you want? I want to hear from you. Let’s continue this conversation. Just click on the date at the bottom of this blog and tell me what you think or just introduce yourself and give yourself your buss-in name! I’ve already heard from Stationery Girl and it made my day! Till we spin another moment.

Ciao Bella

Re-entering the waters

Hello Readers,

I’m back with my undying love of language and it’s so refreshing! I’m not with a newspaper at this juncture. Instead I’ve decided to restart my blog. It’s been some time since my last two columns and as we all know with life comes many challenges. I have had mine, and have emerged from the depths of uncertainty and sadness to discover new truths about life, but mostly about the beauty and grace of love. So here goes, feet first as I once again take the plunge and divulge some of my heartfelt secrets, stories and meanderings. My last women’s empowerment and relationship column Girl 2 Girl seems like eons ago- 2011 and so when I thought about a new title I wondered what should I use? Girl 2 Girl II? What am I a sequel? No- doesn’t quite do it for me. So then this thought came to me. I am newly married to a wonderfully passionate, funny and ruggedly handsome man who just happens to be a genius with a golden heart and it was kismet and love at first sight, yes it does exist! We ARE the Professor and Maryann, Lizzy Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Princess Buttercup and Farm-boy, George and Mary Baily, and destined Soul Mates. We vowed to spend all of eternity together, that’s if he can stand me that long and like Meatloaf doesn’t start praying for the end of time. We live in a beautiful 1700’s Federal Style Home which is our Pemberley with a talented step-daughter, two spirited, hormone driven teenage daughters and three Peter Pan dogs, small, medium and large. And with all that mixing life is not always a “Happily” Ever After, more like “Noisily” Ever After. So, I have decided to keep the “happily” on the side in order to be “real” as I have always been, leveling with my readers on every account. I am Ever after Girl! We are a blended family and a work in progress. But as Mrs. Doubtfire said “Where there is love, these are the ties that bind, and you’ll have a family in your heart.

So hopefully this column will take off or as my 18 year old daughter would definitely affirm, it will! And is already amazingly known to the world by syndication and what do you know? A movie is presently being filmed with her starring as her, licking a chocolate chip cookie dough ice-cream cone. My daughter, the Actor. I’m so proud of her ambitious drive and passion to follow her dreams and go against the norm to acquire complete fulfillment in her life. I truly believe in her. She brings me to all extremes of tears.

My other daughter is 16 and let us all read that and weep my friends for all the trouble and swirling emotion that comes with that age. She is a force, strong and not afraid to speak her mind. She’s incredibly intelligent and her artistic talent needs to be shared with the world. I love them both with every ounce of my soul and there is no part of my heart that is not affected by them.

My Step-daughter, who is taking some time home and living with us is a perfect love and brilliant when it comes to IT stuff, so we never worry about any cyber issues whatsoever as she comes to the rescue like some super-natural IT power! My Stepson and Step daughter In-law soon to be, live just a car-ride away in the great city of Bean Town and are about to wed this summer. It will be the event of the year! She’s a gifted dentist and he’s like one of those master-minds in the movie ‘Outbreak’ that studies diseases so we all can live!  

Me? How am I? Ecstatic to be here in this place again. There is so much to say! So each time we meet I want you to find your perfect space? That place where you can magically dream… don’t ya just love those places? Where you nestle in and feel safe. It could be an enveloping chair, swinging hammock, billowy daybed, cozy window seat, even a lounge chair in the sunny Caribbean with a Pina colada in hand as the swaying palm trees create a light breeze that tickles your nose. Before you go there though, rustle up your favorite flavor to sip on whether its a spot of tea, a cappuccino darling, a glass of vino, even a soothing bit of Amaretto- my favorite for those days that need a little wool stealing if you know what I mean. Can you tell I’m an Italian? Okay, now go there and whip off your boots, flip-flops, pinching heels and wiggle your toes. I’m talking to you! Sit for a spell with me as we cruise through the word “life”. I just thought of another idea because I really want to hear from each one of you. How about you give yourself a buss-in(as my daughter would say) name. If I’m Ever After Girl–who are you? Think about that one? Now I’m really excited! Till we spin a moment again.

 Ciao Bella