Celebrating Every Day

Some days (even very difficult ones) by the grace of God (or Grace Jones!) you just have to get out there and celebrate life. I had a fabulous weekend with good friends and a spash of Art. I was so happy to catch up with a group of friends, I don't see often. We waitressed together at Evelyn's in Belmar, and what fun it was to catch up with each other. I had an early morning class on Sunday, and was so happy to see familiar faces from when I had the store in Asbury Park. And, I sat with the crew from Madison Marquette and was happy to hear about the art scene. And, experience it for myself. It is thriving and full of excitement. I am really looking forward to the Sea Hear Now music festival with all the music, but especially the Art! My class was with Hollywould Studios (sorry I forgot her name). But, she has the mural I took my photo in front of for my birthday. A huge Marie Antionette image with a cake. Her style is usually with an icon figure adding collage of papers, paint and glitter. She is just as fun as her collages, dressed for the part in a tu tu. Every hour popping a bottle of champagne followed by the best giggle. She is bright and fabulous and the three hours went by in the blink of an eye. I was excited to pay tribute to Dolly Parton. I love her quote about rainbows, her love of butterflies and her kick ass spirit of making her own place on this earth called "Dollywood". Hollywould is also from Tennesee which added to the fun of honoring Dolly. I am also about finished with Dolly Parton's book: Run Rose Run she co-wrote with James Patterson. I am so hoping to get to Dollywood by the end of the year. It would make for a great birthday trip. I'll keep dreaming..... Quote of the day: "The way I see it, you gotta put up with the rain if you want the rainbow" Dolly Parton Song of the Day: She's A Rainbow The Rolling Stones

Desert Rose

I wake up this morning to a song playing in my head. The same verse swimming through my brain. The thoughts come racing in. And, I try to have the song lull be back to sleep. But, no it goes on for awhile and I let it. I look at the clock and I think it is alright. It is after 5am, so I can rise out of this slumber. I hear the rain on my windowsill. And, then realize it is the voice of Sting singing Rain. I tried to wait as long as possible before I reach out for my computer. I type in rain and Sting into You Tube. I go through the song titles with rain in it, and then I find the song. I listen, and it a good song for this morning. I am off today, and for the first day in awhile, I don't have a list of "to dos" to check off. I went to bed reading magazines, and thinking about lavender fields. So, today I hope to make some wall hangings. I was hoping to get to the beach. But, a lazy day inside wouldn't hurt. Quote of the day: “The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Song of the Day: Sting Desert Rose

Hallelujah

Hallelujah is a word included in many songs of praise. But, when I just googled it, it came up as a song title written by Leonard Cohen. I went to see the documentary about the song in Princeton yesterday afternoon. I loved every minute of it. I always wondered about the lyrics of the song and what it meant. And, it was clear from the movie it was for the listener's ear to decide. And, the person who produced the song with Leonard put it best. He never asked Leonard anything about the lyrics, as that is not the writers job is to have to explain it. Just like a masterpiece painting. The Artist doesn't call it a masterpiece. Viewers through history will end up deciding that. His story is very interesting and a lot about the Jewish faith. Also, he spent many years discovering his zen. And, to see him perform and tour in his seventies, he certainly found it. The song always make me stop and listen. And, to hear so many versions and the struggles the song went through even to be heard by me was astounding. I first was introduced to it through Shrek. But, there were many times after Sandy I saw videos on facebook of this song. Spiritually, this year I have been on quite the journey. And, facing life and all of it's struggles has been daunting. But, hopefully I will be arriving to a place in my life with more of a peace of mind. And, honestly to think of my life as suffering would be a lie. But, as I go through my year in Ocean Grove I realize so much of my view on life is of the secret suffering so many people go through. And, after a church service one Sunday in early summer, I think I realized it. Brought up in the Catholic Church the most visual part of the church is Jesus dying on the cross. And, that visual was a big part of growing up. We always had a crusifix above our doors. And, it was supposed to guard us. As, I grew up I grew farther away from the church. I raised my children Catholic and the only thing I brought into our house was an advent wreath. We also had a statue of Mary that came with our last home we purchased eleven years ago. But, in this town the visual is different. There are crosses with sayings like "All In". And, a lot of talk about Jesus carrying the weight of the pain for you. And, this year I have been trying to shed the weight of my thoughts. And, sadly that hasn't happened, yet. But, throughout the year I have felt happy, alive and more care free. I say this lightly, because I am so worried about my future. But, I am concentrating on that. And, if all goes well, I won't have to worry as much soon. Most of all, I woke up this morning remembering to keep music in my heart and soul. And, I will keep listening to it to motivate me. I made a reel to "Firework" written my Katy Perry today on instagram. She wrote that song. And, that is my "go to" song. This month I also made a bulletin board at work for us to be motivated. Today, I think I will play that song for us for motivation. Do you have a "go to song"? Quote of the day: You don't have to feel like a waste of space You're original, cannot be replaced If you only knew what the future holds After a hurricane comes a rainbow Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow Lyrics from "Firework" written by Katy Perry Song of the day: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen The clean version for Shrek

Come Out of the Darkness

I am approaching the one year anniversary of starting back to work after being "home" for nine months last year. I have been adjusting to single life, studio apartment living, car troubles, dental issues all along the way. It has been a journey. This week I shared a card to remind ourselves to be kind to ourselves. And, I did just the opposite. Each day has become a challenge, as a feeling of doom and gloom is starting to take over. But, luckily it is not so bad. I am still going for walks and calling on friends when I start to feel like I am on a downward spiral. Yesterday, I ended the day by going to the live nativity and get some ice cream (key lime....yum!). And, I came home to some mail. I was SO curious what was in this manilla envelope. It was my wristband and lanyard for SEA HEAR NOW. I am so excited, and really looking forward to the music AND the art. Another mood booster was a phone call from my son. He has been busy and has gotten some good phone calls lately. I also signed up for a collage class in the carosel building in Asbury Park. So, I am in a good place, but I am faced with a multitude of challenges right now. And, they are mostly out of my control. So, onward and upward. I just have to lift my head up and come out of the darkness every now and then. Come out of the darkness is written on the album cover pictured above. I am going to listen to some Stevie Nicks. I have seen her perform twice with Fleetwood Mac. But, I am really looking forward to seeing her by herself. I really enjoy the stories that go along with her songs. And, will love focusing on her song writing. Did you ever see her interview with Oprah? She is amazing!!! Only one more month until Sea Hear Now! Can't wait!!! Quote of the day: “Your graciousness is what carries you. It isn't how old you are, how beautiful you are, or how short your skirt is. What it is, is what comes out of your heart. If you are gracious, you have won the game.” ― Stevie Nicks Song of the day: Landslide Stevie Nicks

So much.....

It will be a year since I started my job at Vera Bradley. My life had changed in an instant the Tuesday after Father's Day in June. Mediation started between Glen and I. We immediately went to work to sell the house. It was best we couldn't be in the house at the same time. And, then one meeting Glen said he didn't want to sell. Which meant I had to move out. The feelings and emotions this brought on were unbearable and strong. I fought like hell (in my mind) to rise above and go on and live the best life I know how. So, much has changed. But, as much as I am trying to avoid not feeling these feelings, a year later they are still there. The last week I have been up and down and struggling with it all. I feel ultimately happy, but still can't believe what got me to where I am today. The last few days at work have been long and busy. And, I have been closing at night and getting really tired. Last night I decided to take a walk to read at the beach, and end the day with an ice cream. It was the most perfect night with the sun setting, mild temperatures, low humidity and a slight breeze. I was going to go to Waves around the corner. It is a little place under a Bed and Breakfast, and serves Hoffman's ice cream. When I passed the bulletin board I saw there was an ice cream social by the auditorium. So, I walked there instead, and sat by myself at an ice cream social. A nice friend from facebook stopped by my table to say hello. I was happy to leave and take some pictures during the sunset. But, then ran into a friend from when I was in Chamber of Commerce of Ocean Grove. We chatted and I ended up seeing the Buster Keaton movie in the Auditorium with her and her family. Thank God, because if you hear the backround of the picture that is included, you will understand why. The movie was accompanied by a gentleman who makes a living by playing backround music for silent movies. And, he played the giant organ in the auditorium. It just was such a lovely night. But, this week I really was feeling lonely and meloncoly. So, I fell asleep fairly well and woke up at 4:15. When I wake up at this time it is really hard to fall asleep. So, I tossed and turned for a bit, when I heard a huge crash outside. I just knew it was going to be my car that got smashed to pieces. I looked out the window, and was so grateful, it was down towards the ocean more. I could see the gleam of the crushed metal of the car. It was quiet except for the car alarms going off. I could hear some distant talking, and the police arrived shortly after. And, the lights blinking filled my room and the sounds of big fire and tow trucks filled the air. It gave me a long time to think and pray. First for anyone involved and those who responded. Then it was for me, my car, and my present situation. I began counting my blessings and all that I am thankful for. Which is a LOT! But, honestly it put me in touch with an unexplainable feeling. I seem to hear music and familiar songs at the exact same time I need to. The people singing the music on the boardwalk were a few benches away. Usually, I would enjoy that. But, they were singing Elton John's "I am Still Standing" and I thought I should be gleefully humming along. But, no I feel why do have to feel like I am.....but, I am not. Then, the organ player playing the music to a silent movie. Then this thing that goes on in my head. I was reminded of when I would hear discussions of people who were taking philosophy in high school and they would have to answer the question: "If a tree fell in the woods and no one was there to hear it, did it make a sound". And, then there was the sound of the crash this morning and everything that went with it. Then there was the sound of silence. And, then the sound of the first car that went down the street, as if nothing had ever happened. Thanks for following along....I hope this post is helping me process my feelings. It usually does, but I awoke this morning to write and this is what came out. Song of the Day: Elton John I'm Still Standing Quote of the Day: “I Go Down To The Shore I go down to the shore in the morning and depending on the hour the waves are rolling in or moving out, and I say, oh, I am miserable, what shall— what should I do? And the sea says in its lovely voice: Excuse me, I have work to do.” ― Mary Oliver, A Thousand Mornings: Poems

Go Where They Dance

I am still in the if not now.....when? mode. Pictured is a stormy pre-sunset picture from Sylvan Lake in Bradley Beach. I have been out and walked by the same site three nights in a row. Right by there is Avon Swimming Pool. for more then 45 years I have passed the sign that says Water Ballet usually with a date in August. This year I knew one of the participants and got the date, and put it on my calender. They postponed it until last night. About fifty years ago I spent almost every Friday night at 11:30 pm on CBS watching MGM musicals. I especially loved watching Ester Williams who brought water ballet to the big screen. So, I was always curious to see one in person. So, last night was the night! I took 30 second videos of my favorites and now kinda feel funny sharing them on social media. Because, it was performed for the people in attendance. I really loved the theme, which was outer space. The music along with the girl's performance didn't disappoint. I could tell they all practiced hard. And, it involved a lot of teamwork. I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed seeing my friend who used to own "Country By the Sea" in Avon. And, I still remember working with her the one day and she was off to see her daughter who is the coach. In conversation last night I found out she was the original organizer through their recreation department. It was a great evening and so nice to be entertained on a beautiful night. The music is great and will share some snippets in my stories on insta and facebook today. Thank you to all the hardwork to went into putting on the water ballet.