A little angel food cake?

Today is a day to celebrate! Angel food cake for everyone! Today is Momma's birthday!

May there be laughter. May there be singing. May there be music. May there be dancing. May there be bingo. May there be craps games. May there be slot machines ringing. May there be love. May there be hugging of children. May there be delicious desserts. May there be harmony. May there be sunshine. May there be scrabble. May there be photography. May there be friends. May there be family. May there be word games and cryptograms. May there be healthy, friendly competitions. May there be cheering. May there be praying. May there be incredible food. May there be a frothy beverage or two. May there be karaoke. May there be grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May there be smiles. May there be boggle. May there be kind and generous deeds. May there be connection. May there be peace. May there be joy. May there be games of all sorts and varieties. May there be God. May there be wonder. May there be questions . . . and answers. May there be dreams. May there be playing. May there be more love.

You are missed each and every day! I will carry with me all the things I have just wished for others, because you always wished them for me.

Will you be in my thoughts today? Will you be in my heart today? Will you be in my actions today?

Today . . . and EVERY day!

You bet!!!

Simple Joys

The whirlwind that is my life seems to perhaps be slowing down a little.

Yesterday, after several months of neglecting my home, I took several hours to put it back together. I cleaned ~ a lot. Straightened things up and pretty much made it livable again!

Then, I spent several hours outside, tearing up bushes with hubby that we have disliked for about as long as we have lived here. Then, for another long while, we planted some new and exciting, pretty, and colorful items in their stead. We were VERY sweaty, VERY dirty, and VERY tired ~ but it was so much fun just being together. We laughed at all the drivers who never pay attention to the speed bump, bottom out, and then curse up a storm. We laughed at the incessant roots that never seemed to end and no matter how much we dug, and clipped, and chopped . . . there was always . . . one more. We jumped a little when a three-and-a-half foot black racer snake decided to let us know he didn't like that we were digging up his bushes. But found great joy when he actually slithered back and we allowed him to check out the fresh hole we dug for a new plant. He just wanted to know what we were doing.

From there, we enjoyed a delicious grilled Salmon dinner together laughing at our grumbling dog who has taken to being terrible vocal. After dinner, on a wild hair whim, we ran out for some Baskin Robbins ice cream. YUM! (Bad for me ~ but YUM!) And then home again to take "Grumbles" for a walk. Then hubby and I simply existed together, after a long, hard day, watching tv and holding hands.

Simple joys are everywhere. Far too often we skim right over them in the midst of daily mayhem. We neglect to absorb the beauty in nature, the freedoms we have, and the sheer brilliance of having found a fabulous best friend to share life with. I adore my simple joys!

Please, my friends, enjoy yours!

Alfonso, the Great

Today, there is a celebration of the life of Alfonso Sellet, my step-dad!

Alfonso really was a grand gentleman; the kind that's almost non-existent in the world today. He held doors for women; he pulled out your chair for you; he was chivalrous to a fault; he worked and played and loved with a passion and a drive that still amazes me. He danced and sang every day. He voiced his Italian opinion and had some seriously strong convictions.He prayed every day, too. He didn't just pray for his family, his friends, and his future. He prayed for the military, the police, the firefighters, and the leaders of this country. He prayed that doctors would find cures and that patients would be cured. He prayed for neighbors and he prayed for the people who had hurt him. He was a beautiful soul.

He was, however, very guarded. He was cautious and anxious. He learned, however, in the time he knew Momma to relax a little. He learned that good things happened because you believed they would ~ just like Momma taught him. Even in his elevated years, he learned a beautiful lesson:

Those who don't believe in magic, will never find it.    ~ Ronald Dahl


I believe that as he grew into the family he married; he began to believe. I think he found it! We found it in him.

Love you sir! Rest in peace and enjoy your new surroundings! xoxo

The journey IS the destination

Today, I am both ecstatic and melancholy. I believe that this feeling will last for a little while. It's been an interesting sort of month. Quite a journey . . .

April first marked the two year anniversary of my mother's passing.
April seventeenth, her third husband finally joined her.
April twenty-first marked the single most successful Margaritaville in the Tropics event for All Children's Hospital in its twelve year history.
Today is the last day of classes for my son's first year of college. For those of you that know what he has been through, this is a most momentous occasion. He is doing phenomenally - educationally, physically, and personally. I couldn't be prouder.
Tomorrow is the memorial for my step-dad, "Alfonso the Great". I will not be there as I will be attending the burial in Arlington in June. It is an honor to be working on his ceremony. I miss him.
April thirtieth is my mom's birthday. I'm hoping to set a flower adrift in the Gulf - a little ritual I have that helps - if only a little.
And . . . just a short while after that, my incredibly beautiful baby girl turns twenty-one. She's amazing!

Time is fleeting folks. Enjoy what is before you. The journey IS the destination!

Thanks!

After a nine-month preparation for a mammoth fundraiser that turned out extremely successfully and THE most profitable in its existence . . . there needs to be much and many 'Thanks!'

There are no 'headliners.' There are no big wigs, no names in spot lights, and no one person who was, or is, any more integral than any other. A task that large is comprised of a plethora of the tiniest of components. Without those that were out gathering auction items, the auction would not occur. Without those out pleading for sponsorships, there would not have been such a great base to start. Without those who simply chatted it up with every friend they knew, attendance would not have been so grand. We had friends who brought friends to help. We had friends who offered friends for vital services. We had friends who offered services in ridiculous time frames under ludicrous circumstances, and did it all happily and eagerly. And then you had all those who were charged with tasks, that attacked them in a tenacious manner for the sake of the cause.

It is the interweaving of every effort, the culmination of many cohesive efforts, the purposeful performance of many passions, that created a favorable forecast for fundraising fortune!

For those that assisted in ANY manner, I would like to personally take this moment and forum to express my most sincere appreciation. The good that you have helped to bring to fruition is so much more plentiful than you could possibly imagine. Lives touched. Health improved. Children saved! Your efforts are vital and valuable. I thank you from the bottom of my heart; for I know ~ first hand ~ how blessed I am to have been the recipient of where this money goes!

Seriously . . . Thank You!

A wish for you . . .

He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  ~  Psalm 91:11

It is that comfort that causes me to wake each day.

Knowing that no matter my path, no matter what tasks lie before me, no matter who might step into my life today . . . I am with angels!

It is a glorious gift each day that I wish for each of you!

Build wisely!

For any of you who might have ever, in your lives, felt a little alone, or perhaps betrayed, or maybe like you're swimming against the current . . . this one's for you.

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.
       ~ David Brinkley


Not sure why this inspired me so strongly, but I just feel that we have all had those moments when we were targets for something other than complete niceness and those moments hurt. The challenge in life, is to take those moments . . . those bricks of insensitivity, hurtfulness, ignorance, and jealousy . . . and build something beautiful. Use the blood, sweat, and tears that you have poured into your projects and efforts as the mortar to bond those bricks steadfastly together. Build your foundation on faith and belief. Stack your walls with passion and soul. Inset windows to view the beautiful and bountiful blessings you have. Open your doors to goodness, kindness, and generosity. Top it off with heart and happiness!

An incredible 'life house' built despite what others have said and done to you. You can build whatever you choose to build! Build wisely!

Opportunity

Today is a grand day!

Today is Margaritaville in the Tropics. This is a fundraiser. This is the culmination of the 'blood, sweat, and tears' of a small group with a HUGE vision! This is nine months of ideas, creation, collaboration, ingenuity, perseverance, and tenacity. But . . . more than anything else . . . this is 'opportunity'!

Opportunity to give. Opportunity to give back. Opportunity to relax. Opportunity to enjoy. Opportunity to make friends. Opportunity to laugh. Opportunity to make a difference!

Personally, it is an opportunity to assist in raising funds and awareness about an institution that has done almost indefinable things for me. Not one, but both of my 'babies' are 'graduates' of All Children's Hospital ~ the benefactor of this event. My children have become absolutely unbelievably outstanding people because of what they endured and the folks from the hospital that are now enmeshed in our lives. Those folks have held me together when I was frayed, and tattered, and torn. Those folks provided a haven for my family when the storm was Cat 5! They protected my children, my husband, my family unit, and whatever is left of my sanity. They gave us options, and when options were limited, they gave us hope. What do you do to repay that sort of effort?

Margaritaville in the Tropics!

Despite whatever weather comes rolling through Tampa, please know it's ALWAYS sunny in Margaritaville. Come and share the opportunity to give a little back to this maker of miracles. If the hospital has not touched you personally, I can almost guarantee it's touched someone you know. Their tendrils of tending are long and loving. I'm thrilled that those tendrils reached out to me.

I am honored to have the opportunity to try to return the favor . . . a dollar at a time!

Tsunami of Selflessness

I have to admit that I stole this from a dear friend's post today, but I've also embellished just a tad.

"You have never lived until you do something for someone who can never repay you or even knows who you are."

Random acts of kindness are some of my favorite things to do. Unexpected pleasantries performed with the sole intent of doing the right thing. Not for the gratitude it brings. Not for the notariety it might provide. Not even for the stunned expression on the recipient. It is an endeavor, set in motion, for no other reason than knowing that you're making another individual happy; providing comfort; and allowing a blessing to bloom into a potential field of dreams!

We've been blessed with the ability to assist in providing dreams for other ill children through The Children's Dream Fund. We don't do it for the incredibly heart-warming placques that they choose to give us. We don't do it because we might get our photo in their newsletter. We do it because we have been on the receiving end of such generosities and know, first hand, what relief, joy, and diversions ensue and we'd like to perpetuate that goodness for others.

We've been blessed with the ability to give back to All Children's Hospital. Not because of our name in their TLC magazine. Not because of any 10 seconds of fame and God knows it's not because they keep sticking me in front of cameras! It is because of the chance to offer their amazing talents to another child in need. To help them progress and provide for others. We have been humbled and blessed by their work and it is truly an honor to give back.

The joy of selflessness is so multi-faceted and far-reaching. It doesn't need to be anything grandiose or magnificent in nature. Every kind act affords the ripple effect to take hold and create more kind acts. Today, begin your own tsunami of selflessness! God bless!

A Vicious Cycle?

"Love requires sharing,
Sharing requires struggle,
Struggle requires faith,
Faith requires love."

As dizzy as I get, as crazy as it is, I really don't mind this 'vicious cycle' of life. Each component has the opportunity to bring better things. Without struggles, we cannot comprehend the sweet taste of success, friendship, achievement, and love. Faith forces us to step out into pastures unknown; but those pastures contain the wildflowers of life. Love allows the minute chance of being hurt, but its benefits far outweigh those pains. The security and safety that envelopes you in a healthy relationship can never be altered by the strife of jealousy and deceit. Sharing is the cornerstone of existence! Without sharing, there is no existence ~ no life, no love, no struggle, no faith ~ nada! Sharing is struggle, love, and faith, all rolled up into one continuous roller coaster.

Today, I wish you love, sharing, struggle, and faith. Enjoy the cycle ~ it's not so vicious after all!

Retired Ch-Angel

My dad, Alfonso Sellet, retired his earthly Ch-Angel wings yesterday! He went Home to get the real thing! God bless him!

Alfonso was a survivor! The only survivor of a set of twins born in 1921. They say that twins who lose their mates often have a 'void' they look to fill most of their lives. Alfonso did a whole lot to fill that void. He married and cherished his first wife for many, many years. He served his country and was incredibly proud to be a US Veteran. He battled at Remagen and he was politically active for many occasions and purposes. He's met presidents and rebuilt churches and helped orphans. He raised one son and he buried his first wife from cancer.

Single for a long time, he chose to see what this 'Ramblin' Gamblin' ' gig was all about. He climbed aboard my mother's charter bus, was told to "Get in his stall!," and the rest, they say is history. Momma was pursued by Alfonso for a long time. She finally relented and the two were married in a rather 'interesting' ceremony! My family does nothing in bland fashion!

Alfonso was always passionate. Passionate about his religion. Passionate about his ethics! Passionate about his morales! Passionate about his patriotism! Passionate about my mom! Although 20 years her senior, it was Alfonso that nursed her through her cancer treatments. It was Alfonso that held her hand, sang to her, danced with her, rubbed her soreness, fed her, taught her, played games with her, and cherished the very ground she walked on and the air she breathed! Alfonso also absorbed the whole 'package' that came with Momma ~ seven children, their spouses, their children and whatever came with them. Although not one to mince words, or spare his opinions, Alfonso's first and only true cause and concern was always Momma. He was not just enamored; he was a teenage boy, once again flustered by a wily woman. It was beautiful to see them together ~ sheer cohesion and tender love! Beautiful!

They are, once again, reunited and relishing one another. I'm certain of it and it helps to ease the grief that comes with the calamity of death. You can smile again, Alfonso, in the arms of Momma and in the presence of God! Love you!

Geared toward Gardeners

There is no unbelief; whoever plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see it push away the clod; He trusts in God!
~ Elizabeth York Case

Initially geared toward gardeners; this is a most valuable life lesson! Plant a seed and have faith. You can grow a beautiful garden; beautiful children; beautiful communities; beautiful friendships; beautiful dreams; beautiful tomorrows!

Love the seed. Feed the seed. Nurture the seed.

Watch it grow!

A Ch-Angel on Earth!

I am blessed by a Ch-Angel of immense proportion in my life. There are long droughts of this Ch-Angel, but when she is present, there is just a joy, an ease, a light that fills whatever space she occupies. It is a privilege to know this young lady, an honor to be her friend, and a blessing to be anywhere near her.

She is a prayer-filled, faith-filled, spiritually-guided Godsend to those that are lucky enough to know her. She shares her heart openly, fully, and generously. She tends to the needs of all those around her ~ whether they are her students, her family, her friends, a worthy cause, a mission, or a very pregnant co-worker and fellow Ch-Angel!

You are a gift, Vanessa! You change lives ~ on so many levels and through so many facets. You make this world a better place with your mere existence and you make life more enjoyable! Thank you so much, my Ch-Angel friend, for your special soul, your kind comraderie, and for the generous gift of you! I loooooooooooooooove you!

Lots of 'ents'

We are not talking about physicians here. We're talking about pursuing goals!

You can do ANY thing you put your mind to. You must be ardent, diligent, consistent, and persistent. Life will present you with many challenges. How you respond to them speaks volume of your character and your tenacity. You can use your "ents" to conquer fears, alleviate problems, achieve goals, create miracles!

Have a passion. Do things with expedience. Be redundant in your actions and with your motives and no one will second-guess your intentions. And be afflicted with the 'pink-bunny-syndrome' and just keep going and going and going. The only person who hinders you, is you.

Get your 'ents' together and head for your dreams! What other 'ents' will use be using or taking with you?

Aaah Refreshing!

If any of you watch American Idol, you watched in amazement as Jessica received the lowest amount of votes and had to sing for her life last night. And she did . . . but not for long, as the judges saved her without a moment's hesitation.

Do I agree with the undaunted save? Maybe. Do I think Jessica is an incredible singer? Yup. Do I think everyone left in the competition could win it? Yup! What I am loving this year, and it is blatantly obvious with at least three of the contestants is they are, without a doubt, serious about winning the competition; but they are also serious about not altering who they are at the core.

Phillip Phillips is as true an artist as there is. He just does his thing. He absorbs criticism, and continues to put his very talented spin on whatever it is he might be singing. He was told to change his clothes and style; and appeared on stage in his regular garb and sang his face off. It's beautiful to watch someone make use of their God-given talent without bending to the whims of 'what the people want'.

Colton apparently, although I did not get a chance to read up on all the hub bub, was asked to 'tone down' his religious zeal. He ignored the show's requests and kept right on doing what he was doing. What a fabulous show of faith to walk against the current; and do what you know is right, even if it isn't popular.

And last night, although Jessica is not my favorite singer, she just might have won my heart. The judges asked her if she was surprised by being voted out. She replied, "No. I don't expect anything. I just do what I do." There was no entitlement hysteria. There was no teary-eyed plea or contempt or bitterness. She acknowledged the level of talent she stands with and was ready to follow the voting's results. It was one of the most refreshing moments I've witnessed on Idol.

There is talk about the show's results being ethnically and racially biased. I don't understand that. It happens most every season around this time that some voters, not the contestants, become complacent and good folks go home. That is what the voting is in place for. Those with rabid fans, take the prize. This year, the contestants seem 'of the earth,' rooted, and at peace with themselves and their challengers. It is, once again, refreshing to see such a plethora of talent with open hearts and bigger brains!

Aaah Refreshing!

Reflection

Reflection is a wonderful tool.

One can reflect on twists and turns, trials and triumphs, failures and fortunes.
One can reflect on love, youth, babies, adolescence, broken hearts, fulfilled fantasies, shattered dreams, and goals achieved.
One can reflect on growth, on spirit, on faith, and on joy.
One can reflect on dreams and visions; and on simple wonders.

Do take the time, though, to reflect. When you are overwhelmed and feeling under great weights, reflection offers you an escape to see how far you've come, what you've already done, your strength and your resilience and provides the energy to continue on. When you are joyous and happy, reflection offers you the glorious opportunity to realize just how bountiful your blessings are.

It's all good! Reflect!

The Littlest Ch-Angel

There is a Ch-Angel not yet known, but he sure is eager to make an appearance! A very dear friend of mine is VERY pregnant, but not quite ready for delivering. Please keep God's newest of Ch-Angels in your prayers for a healthy and happy entrance into a world we're sure he'll make a grand impact on. How could he not with parents like Jess & Eric!

God's will be done - and his blessings be many! xoxo

Web of Wonders

There are no great singular leaders. Any leader worth their weight, is only as good as the folks they are surrounded by. I don't know what kind of leader I might be, but I am certain I have the most amazing, most supportive, most fantastic folks enveloping me. There is no way I could do what I am doing, without the influences of so many incredible people. I am in awe!

What makes it more incredible is that there isn't any ONE person that surrounds me that is THE most important. They couldn't do what they do, without the assistance of others. And those people have a whole other support system. It is a beautiful thing to see the webbing that creates wonders. It is definitely a pleasure to be a part of this phenomenal tapestry. An absolute honor.

I thank you, all my friends and supporters who have made my task as easy as you have. You are all Ch-Angels in your own right and I appreciate your efforts. You amaze me daily. Thank you!

Newness!

I knew I sorely needed a day off. I needed to take a day away from deadlines, drama, messy women, chasing artwork, and pressures. What better day than Easter?!

As yesterday unfolded, of course my initial thoughts were to thank God for all He has given me; beginning with His son and leading right up to my children, my husband, my family, and all of my friends. What a beautiful array of joy He has planted in the garden of my life. The blooms are so colorful and the blossoms so bold; and yet they are sometimes lost in the mayhem that life sometimes carries with it. It was an absolutely stunning day in Florida yesterday. I enjoyed breakfast with hubby, beat myself up at the gym, and then played a couple fierce games of racquetball with the boys. Home afterward to do nothing but soak up the glorious rays God rained down on us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner, watched Bubba create some magic at the Masters, and giggled the evening to an end with Celebrity Apprentice. I could not have asked for a more peaceful, rejuvenating day.

I hope that your day was filled with much the same. I hope that you decide to pack those beautiful memories up, tuck them gently around your heart, and carry them with you into the future. When work begins to wear you out; pressures become too burdensome; and gray skies seem to gather above you . . . take out your memories! Dust them off! Rejuvenate yourself with all the wonders, the magic, the peace, and the beauty that surrounds your heart every day!

Refocus!

Time to refocus on what is important! Lost in the insanity of daily madness is such a perfect metaphor for needing to refocus! What better time to focus. He is my light, my guide, my Saviour! Lead me out of the darkness, into calmer waters, and to joys unfathomed.

Have the happiest of Easters all! God bless! Refocus!

Slow dooooooooooown!

Thank you to my sister-in-law, Lisa! Although I managed to do a little bit of laundry, and a little bit of work, her visit with me yesterday forced me to do a whole lot of nothing besides simply enjoying the day. We romped through downtown Dunedin, did a little shopping, took a little tour through downtown Palm Harbor and Ozona, checked out the marina we use, had a wonderful lunch at Kelly's with the boys, did a little bowling, sat with our feet in the pool whilst baking in the sun and petting the pooch, and finished the day off with some Idol and pizza. It was an absolutely fabulous day.

Sometimes, we just have to put the brakes on and take in ~ really absorb ~ what is right in front of us all the time. Too often we overindulge in responsibilities, efforts, tasks, and endeavors, and we forget all the beautiful things that are literally out our own front doors.

So, thanks Lisa, for making me slow down and forget the expectations and deadlines. Thanks for simply forcing me to soak up the sun, slow down, and enjoy life. Even if you killed me in bowling, it was a really fun day! Thanks, so much, for visiting!

110%

I blame my mom for a lot of  things: my manners, my creativity, my need to tend to others, my musicalness, my love of country, my big heart, my talents, and much more. One of the best things she ever instilled in me, and every single one of my brothers, though, is our work ethic. I think it was a definite driven lesson in the folks I knew growing up. There are no freebies. If you want something, you "eaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarn it". You work hard, you get dirty, you teach yourself, you struggle, and you endure lots of stuff to get where you want to be and what you want to have. Handouts are not quite as delicious as something you've put your blood, sweat, and tears into.

And, along those lines, regarding work . . . your efforts, your word, and your finished product speak volumes about yourself. Your end task is to have your endeavor leave no doubt as to the exertion you put into it. When someone attacks my efforts, it is as blatent an attack on me, personally, as a kick to the gut. Question my labors, and you question my integrity. It is not good and the outcome won't be pretty!

Whether it is cleaning the kitchen, putting away clothes at Macy's, doing graphics, or leading a fundraising endeavor . . . it is 110% or nothing! That is who I am. That is what you get. Do not judge it, lest it not be offered any more. Do not degrade it, it will never be done again. THIS is what my mother taught me! Sometimes, it is draining to the point of total emotional and physical exhaustion. However, to observe even one person enjoying my efforts, the wages of my worth are proven. It is a most gratifying experience to hear a positive comment flit through the air from an unwitting speaker to the ears of the laborer. It is pure joy. Perpetuate the positive. Take heed of your words and actions, as you never know who is listening.

Sculpt Well

We hopefully learn from the mistakes we've made. If we're REALLY smart, we pay attention to the folks around us and learn BEFORE we make the mistakes. We grow and develop in direct relation to the helping and caring hands that reach out to us. Sometimes, we are anxious or cautious due to the hands that may have been reaching out to us, but not in such a positive manner. We grow bold or assertive because of the support of friends and family. We become timid and insecure because of the brashness and callousness of others.

Our words, our actions, our efforts directly effect a multitude of persons. Think about your words, your actions, and your efforts before applying them. Sometimes, being 'right' is not as important as saving the 'scraps of dignity' another person is clinging to.

Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everybody I've ever known; and therefore original in my creation!

Remember to mold your neighbors, your friends, your children, and even your enemies with love, encouragement, care, and concern. They will become better people for it! Sculpt well, my friends. The art you create may come back to assist you one day!

And the rollercoaster continues . . .

And the rollercoaster continues . . .

Sometimes there are screams of joy and laughter as we are tossed about on the twisty, crazy turns of life. Other times, there's this little bubble of nausea that kind of rises up from your stomach to the top of your throat. You're never quite sure which outcome the ride may bring, but if you don't get on the ride, the thrills, the laughter, the movement, and yes - even the nausea - is lost without beginning.

Let us see where this ride takes us. More later . . .

I believe

I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love.

Thank you to my angels for getting me through yesterday!
God bless!