It Takes A Village

For all those important life tasks. 

Proof

There is only one way; the grateful way.

For Laughs

I love getting together with family. We have so much fun.

Giving What You've Got

Today's sunrise activity. Helping two families living with cancer. As we gather with friends and family let us remember those who battle forward each and every day.

Do you give it away for free?

Does "free" diminish value? How many windows have I made? Truly I've lost count. Two were donated to charitable causes. The rest gifted. Most family members have one or two... My Brianne still needs one.

This window has an owner, if they want it, for no cost. That's the sticking point...

Night by Elie Wiesel

Unimaginable.

Treatments: Week 2 of 7

One down. Six to go. Where is the bright side? There always is one.

Really Great Ride

It's been cold here in the northeast. So bike riding has been indoors on a trainer. And I thought is was fine until today it warmed up to 56 and the tires once again hit the road. I was with my dearest friend. And we ride by a huge mirror which aids people backing out of their driveway at a tight turn in Oxbow Rd in Wayland.

Every time we ride by, we stop and take a few selfies. Today's were fueled by laugh and gratitude for such a wonderfully warm day for a bike ride. 24 miles. Thank you, I needed that.

Time travel

Went to our local elementary school to watch my boss' son in the Wizard of OZ. Saw the multiple intelligence plaque my 22 year old made when she was 12 years old -- ten years ago. Great play. Blessed memories.

Progress...

Life is like stained glass. There is a basic pattern but we don't always know where the lines go. But as we move forward, little by little it unfolds.

I'm A Proud Momma

You. Go. Girl.

Why having friends is so wonderful.

It is school play season. Out of seven opportunities we can make five performances. Missing two due to conflicting schedules.

Last Sunday my niece.
Last night my Mrs Cella's son. My dear friend, your son lights up the stage. His performance warmed my heart. The pleasure was mine to attend.

Tonight Maddy's play at the high school, A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Where has the time gone?

I love this picture of my Grandmother and my daughter. Now through time past two beautiful women. Two beautiful smiles.

Life's Lessons

So many of life's lessons become crystal clear when cancer comes into play.

Funny how that is.

Day 3 of many. Chemo. Radiation. Doctors appointment. Remember when our days were too busy for a quick check in phone call? Boy are they busy now.

Do you know where your dad is?

It's 5:30AM on Day 2 of many. He is kissing my mom good bye and getting into the car to drive into the big city for his treatment.

God Wastes Nothing

Dad's chemo and radiation start today. 7 AM appointments. Five days a week. For countless weeks. Prayers your way Dad. And to all those surviving cancer.

Karma Go Round

Drove to Connecticut to see my niece in a play. Realized I bought a ticket for last weekend by accident. The show sold out. My niece called the University's President's wife to see if they were using their reserved seats for the performance. They weren't.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Slow And Steady

Or maybe just slow. But always moving forward.

Yahtzee!

Life isn't the luck of the dice. But sometimes in games you hit a couple of good rolls.

Have you ever watched a flower bloom?

Watching a child reason and grow is one of nature's greatest gifts.

Where is the Magic?

Gathering at card tables everywhere.

Beauty is in the eye

Of the beholder.

A gift at no cost

Willingly down a pint yesterday
Took less than an hour of time

Can't imagine being the person that will be the recipient. Can't imagine needing blood and there not being any available.

It's still hard work.

Even with a slick road bike riding is still hard work. It still takes effort.

There is a metaphor for life in there somewhere.

Not all work is visible all the time.

Or ever. Old chimney cap soon to be hidden under new front stairs. Some of our best work never to be seen. But we know it is there.

I'm Waiting.

Throw back Thursday

My youngest asked me to play Scrabble this past Thursday night. I replied with the question, "On our phones?"

"No Mom, I have the board."

We played. We chatted. We didn't keep score.

Truer Words

Have never been spoken. Kindness is the ultimate currency.

Updates

1. Met up my oldest last night over a cappuccino. Wonderful meet up.

2. Climbed to the top of the climbing wall at work. Last time I tried, probably in the Spring, I couldn't do it. But today while chatting with the boss, I scooted up like I had been doing it all my life. Fifty four and still growing.

The Dilemma

I had/have a choice to make. Uphold a commitment or celebrate my brother's birthday with family. The call came last night. Meet at a restaurant on Sunday afternoon. The answer came out of my mouth: We are in Norwell.

Was that the correct answer? Helping friends is a commitment. Also knowing we won't be able to get to the job site the following three weeks for other family events... All scheduled a week and months before.

Where does being flexible come into the picture? It's interesting. If you have my word or my promise, I guess it's good I won't back down and toss you over. But life is never so neatly planned.

Cousins?

I knew there was a Bertolino family in our school system. I had seen their name in the school directories. But could we be related?

Last night at a parish meeting a William Bertolino was signed in on the attendance sheet. A scan of the room left me with one person I didn't know. After the meeting I introduced myself. Asked if we could somehow be related. After a quick discussion of what facts we knew about our families, we are. His grandfather Billy is my grandfather Vito's brother. Amazing.

I told him I knew his grandfather. That we had a picture of all the brothers. When I got home I called my dad, and asked him to scan in the famous picture. He scanned in two and sent them along. My mom gave me even more insight into the family.

Amazing.

Made Me Laugh

I only have one bike. He knows exactly what it costs, but still I thought this was funny.

Happy Birthday: Post 2

Happy Birthday to Me

54, and I got the most wonderful hammer from our friends whom we are helping with their addition.

Rainy Day Progress

When it rains, the stained glass gets worked on.