A Simple Thanksgiving!

My Thanksgiving blessings are standing beside me: Mark, Jer and Jon—the men in my life. We had a great day at the Eden Resort (I didn't have to cook, clean or defrost the turkey!). In fact, it was so wonderful I may never cook again!

We actually talked for two hours (a milestone). There was absolutely nothing vying for our attention, except the food, which we all shared.

I came home to a clean house that smelled like Evergreens (thanks to Bath and Body Scentports), and then we all melted into bed and took a nap.

Pure bliss.

This is going into my chapter on "simplicity." We make Thanksgiving too difficult (at least I did), and now I know how to do it much more simply.

I hope you all had a restful, blessed Thanksgiving day. If you tried something new this year (even a different way you cooked the turkey, I’d love to hear about it).

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I announced last week that the kitchen was closed and we were going to have Thanksgiving at the Eden Resort Inn in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. My youngest son, Jon, who is a senior at Grove City College said, "Great! Lookin' forward to it." My oldest son said, "No way, I'll cook. You can't do that."

"Oh, yes I can...I'm the Mom!" I explained.

I'm writing the chapter on "Simplicity" for my next book and thought, "How can I make Thanksgiving more simple?"

That was easy..don't cook!

Last year we spent $150 on groceries. I cooked and cleaned all day (and the day before), used every pan, platter, and placemat in the house, cleaned all night, and fell into bed with an empty stomach (I forgot to eat!). There was 10 minutes of conversation at the table, and then they all drifted into the living room to watch the football game. I was left with the dishes (only female in the family), and said to myself, "Next year will be different."

Guess what?

It is different. I don't even have pangs of guilt, but rather a sense of gratitude in my heart and thankfulness in my soul.

Now back to writing on "simplicity," after I do my "Black Friday" shopping today (Monday). That's my other way to make it simple: shop off hours when everyone else is at work!

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving. The kitchen will re-open next Monday (maybe!).




Photo courtesy of: www.freedigitalphotos.net

The Strange, Bizarre and Unusual

Did you ever have a day that felt like you were a character in the "Twilight Zone”(don’t start humming the song—please!).

Yesterday, was both strange, bizarre and unusual. Strange because it was a Wednesday and nothing “strange” ever happens on Wednesday —at least to me!

I have been in “hiding” to get some deadlines completed and one of my favorite places to do that is Panera (with free Internet access). So I bought a “muffie” (it’s the top of a muffin with half the calories), my “bowl” of cappuccino (the “cup” was big enough to swim in), and I settled down to write.

No sooner had I put my little fingers to the keyboard, when a gentleman leaned over and asked if he could borrow my cell phone because he left his at home! I’m sorry, but where are the pay phones? He had a Bible in his hand, so I trusted him.

Anyway, he called his wife and said, “Honey, I left my notebook on the kitchen table, can you bring it to me? I OWE you.”

Strange—huh?

He handed me back the cell phone and went to his table to “pray.”

I got back to work (sort of), and then there was the “cackler.” Normally, I’m drawn to the sound of laughter, but this was more like a high-pitched hyena-like sound. It continued non-stop, through the eating of my “muffie” and slurping of my cappuccino.

I wanted to run away, but I made a promise to myself: I wasn’t leaving until the “job” was done!

At 5:45 p.m. after much torture, I finished the article and hit the send button. I ran into a full parking lot (in the dark) to find my car. Twenty minutes later, I found my Buick, in the adjacent parking lot. I forgot my new method to prevent the “holiday battle of the bulge” was to park in the farthest parking lot for extra exercise.

Bizarre—huh?

Next stop…CVS Pharmacy. As soon as I stepped in the door, the alarm went off. Over the loudspeaker came the words, “Customer service needed in the men’s razor department.” I spent the next 25 minutes listening to the same message over and over again. I had one thing to get, but do you think I could remember it?

I kept repeating the word, “razor” to myself. Customers were mumbling to themselves, “Please turn that off!” Evidently, razors are under lock and key and one of the doors was ajar which sent the message blaring.

When I arrived at the checkout with my “one” item, the associate asked if there was something else I needed, and I blurted out, “Razors!”

The power of suggestion is real.

Next stop was the shoe store to buy a pair of black clogs, which I did in record time (five minutes).

When I got home, my hubby said, “Nice shoes…I love the color brown.” Of course, he works for the “Brown Company.”

I said, “No, they’re black.” That discussion went on for most of the night until the problem was solved this morning.

Yep, they’re brown. They will be returned tomorrow.

That's definitely not unusual!




Photo courtesy of: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

"I do!"

Tomorrow my hubby and I will celebrate 33 years of marriage. I never imagined when I said, “I do, “ thirty-three years ago, what that would entail.

I remember our first meeting, as he stepped off that United Airlines plane in Spokane, Washington to visit Whitworth College. He wore tattered jeans, a blue velour shirt, brown Adidas tennis shoes with a hole in the left toe, and sported a wooden cross necklace.

It was love at first sight!

I turned to my roommate and said, “I’m going to marry that guy.” And she said, “But you haven’t even met him yet.” In my eighteen year-old mind, I had found my prince charming.

Now after 27 moves in 33 years, a few hundred bumps along the way, a cancer diagnosis, broken hip, and a few other “minor” problems, we move a little bit slower when we “fall” into each other’s arms at night (for fear that we might break something else!).

Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate early and because I have the “perk” of dining out for free (sort of), we do it a little more often than most. But like everything else in life, it comes with a price. I stayed up late to do my report and just as I was about to hit the send button, I lost it!

Gone…

It was 12:00 midnight (when the report had to be in), and I started to panic. And then I realized, I always have my original report in longhand, so I made a night of it (pretending like I was pulling an “all-nighter” at Whitworth College). I asked Mark if he would like to join me. I said, I'll even make us some hot chocolate with marshmallows." I could hardly believe it when he said, “No!”

At 2:00 a.m., the report was sent and I was back in bed. I dreamed all night of our marriage—33 years ago—when I said, “I do.”

Guess what?

I would do it again!

Fall Splendor

This has been one of the most colorful falls on record. In fact when I voted yesterday (I have my Starbucks coffee cup to prove it!), everyone was talking more about the trees than the candidates. I’m not sure what makes the difference (fall that is), but I’m sure the rain has something to do with it. And since we haven’t had horrible wind storms, the leaves have stayed on the trees longer, which means my camera goes everywhere with me, even if I’m heading to the gas station. Why? Because I think some of the most beautiful places around happen to be within a five-mile radius of our home. We are surrounded by Amish farms, rolling green (amber) hills, the Susquehanna River, and state parks.

I’m tempted to get my glue gun out and stick the leaves back on the tree, so I can enjoy the beauty of fall just a little bit longer. Soon the branches will be bare and the golden hues will be replaced with that white stuff!

So for now, I’m falling in love with the splendor of fall.

The Month of Pink Turns Orange!

Our neighbors, Dave and Kim, came knocking at our door this evening with a surprise! The month of pink turned “orange”! Can you believe it? This is a gift I have never received before—a pumpkin with a “pink” ribbon!

Isn’t it awesome?

Breast cancer is definitely not a “treat,” but this pumpkin certainly put a SMILE on my face.

The other evening, Kim and Dave brought over a pink ribbon organizer (something I definitely need), and a Christmas ornament with a pink ribbon in the glass globe. There seems to be no end to the month of "PINK"!

Thank you, Kim and Dave, for your gift of pumpkin carving!


Blessings!

The Month of Pink

The month of pink is coming to an end and with it a treasure trove of memories, including survivors with courageous and touching stories that warmed my heart and made me realize just how fortunate I am to be able, not only to share my story, but to hear the amazing stories of others.

On Sunday, I was at the Piney Branch Golf Club for the "Hope and Healing" luncheon to benefit the Carroll Hospital Breast Cancer Center.

It was an amazing day filled with a scrumptious lunch, silent auction and door prizes. The Carroll Community goes all out for this event and they spared no expense in making each survivor and their caregivers feel loved and appreciated. I was especially touched by one survivor’s story of how her husband found the lump in her breast (details to follow!). Tears welled up in my eyes as I saw the love between the two of them and how both of them are making a difference as they share their story of compassion and hope! They are just one of the couples that I met that afternoon that made an impact.

Yes, I am tired. It’s been a month of travel (I’ve logged on over 2,400 miles), not including sky miles, and I still have one event to attend.

On Sunday, I will be the honoree of the Celebration of Life Award on behalf of the Eileen Stein Jacoby Foundation for Breast Cancer Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The Eileen Stein Jacoby Fund supports the laboratory of Molecular Biologist/Geneticist Andrew K. Godwin, PhD. Dr. Godwin and his team of researchers study the hereditary and non-hereditary factors that influence one's risk of developing breast cancer and response to therapy. It’s a great honor and a wonderful way to end the month of “pink.”

On Sunday on my way home from the Piney Branch Golf Club, I took the back roads to catch some of the spectacular fall scenery.

God’s creation is simply amazing!






Blessings,

Angels Can't be Locked Down!

I had just finished speaking at United Parcel Service for their Leadership Forum on Breast Cancer Awareness, and decided to stop off at Border’s Bookstore to take a rest before getting back on 83 North to go home.

There was a horrible traffic jam and cars were lined up in both directions, so I made an "executive" decision to head to my favorite department store, "The Bon Ton,” to do some early Christmas shopping.

No sooner had I entered the store, I felt like I was in the scene of a movie. Over the loud speaker came a calm voice, “Everyone, please move to the back of the store, quietly and without talking.” Like sheep to the slaughter we went. The little girl beside me was holding on to her mommy’s hand and crying. We huddled in the back of the store (near the restrooms—thankfully!), and waited.

The manager of the store said, “We’re in lockdown. No one can leave the store until further notice. There’s been a bank robbery in the vicinity and the suspects are considered armed and dangerous—heading on foot in our direction.”

What?

My first thought was, This is ONLY A TEST!

But it was the REAL thing.

Three suspects held up a nearby bank: one was shot, one was in custody, and the other one was considered armed and dangerous—still on the loose.

We waited.

There was no more communication for an hour. The books I had bought at Border’s Bookstore were for a speaking engagement on Sunday. So I was armed with the One Year Life Verse and Chicken Soup for the Coffee-Lover’s Soul. I started handing out books to read, while we waited—huddled in the corner. One of the clerks asked if she could read, “Touch by a Coffee-Loving Angel,” and I said, “Sure, I think we need all the angels we can get right now.”

At one point, we were allowed to shop the store, but we were not allowed to leave the premises. That’s when I thought it was a new marketing ploy.

So I called my hubby on the cell phone and said, ”You know what? They have us locked up in the department store so we’ll buy early Christmas presents. What do you think of that?"

"No, Connie, it’s the REAL deal. It’s on the news right now! There was a high-speed chase on 83-North; one suspect was shot, one was taken into custody, and the other one is still on the loose.”

Another hour passed and still no word, until finally we were released to go to our cars at our own risk! I thought, What robber would want my Buick or my books? I felt safe. And anyway, I had angels on board. I called my hubby on the cell phone and told him I would be late for dinner (most likely).

It took me two hours to get home (a total of 34 miles). All the side streets were blocked and guarded by police officers.

When I finally turned into the driveway of our home, I realized once again how God’s angels protected me. If I had not gone into the Border’s Bookstore exactly at the time that I did, I would have been caught up in the high speed chase.

As of this evening, the other robber is still considered armed and dangerous, but thankfully I’m safely home because angels can't be locked down.

The Power of Pink!

It was great to be part of the “Power of Pink” on Tuesday in conjunction with Boscov’s and Holy Redeemer Hospital and the Bott Cancer Center near Philly last evening. There was a dinner, fashion show, and “yes” door prizes galore. I noticed one thing: When you bring women together with food, fashion, and a chance to win something, you’ve got a party! I never heard so much laughter, shouts of pure hilarity and, of course, oohs and ahhs when the evening gowns were being “sported” down the red carpet by one of the hospital’s own oncologists (a first in my book!). He wore a tuxedo and acted as if he had done it his entire life (I wonder if it was part of his residency program?).


I gave my “Touched by a Coffee-Loving Angel” story from Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover’s Soul, and afterwards many cancer survivors sought me out to sign their copy of the book which was part of their gift bags for the event. I was inspired, encouraged, and thrilled to meet each woman and encourage them in the “power of pink.” We have come so far in the treatment of breast cancer, but also in our methods of detection.

A big thanks to Heidi Volpe, Breast Cancer Coordinator at Holy Redeemer and her great staff of volunteers who managed to make the evening a spectacular event—one that will be remembered in the hearts of women for many months.

Several women came up to me and promised to make an appointment for their first mammogram! In my book, that’s a success and a tribute to the “power of pink.”

I’ll be sharing more about “pink” as I travel to Maryland this weekend for another event of “Hope and Healing” at the Piney Branch Golf Course for the Carroll Hospital Center.


Until I blog again...

A Heart-Shaped Moon

I guess it’s no secret that when I have a deadline, I head for the Hershey Hotel, get an iced tea, climb two flights of stairs to the mezzanine area overlooking the lobby, and write. I stay until the “job” is done!

On Tuesday, I had more than one deadline—actually three—and it was late when I left the hotel. I was disappointed that I missed the sunset, but the moon was full and it was smiling at me as I walked to the parking lot. I snapped a picture—knowing that it wouldn’t turn out because I had my Kodak camera without the night landscape setting.

This morning as I was packing for Ohio (I leave early tomorrow); I transferred my disks to CD’s and guess what popped up?

A heart-shaped moon!

Call it trick photography, blurred photography, or chance, but I call it God’s love for me. I was feeling overwhelmed with deadlines and I worked hard—really hard—to get it all done (even ignoring a sunset which I NEVER do).

My reward was a smiling heart-shaped moon!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my daddy’s 79th birthday! I guess it’s no secret how much I love my parents and how much of a daddy’s girl I am. He is my knight in shining armor and I adore him.


This past weekend, I spent time with both my parents in Del Mar, California at the Hilton (we were there on “business”).


For five days I was their “little”girl again. We went out to breakfast, brunch, and dinner, took long walks on the beach, stayed up late to watch CNN and hear how much money we lost in the stock market as the Nasdaq and Dow plummeted, and took more walks while Dad shared with me what he was reading. He is a voracious reader and this trip was no exception. He had a stack of books on the desk (five books thick) with his yellow highlighter nearby.

Dad got up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to take his morning walk by the beach (I did not!). I slept in. When I heard the door close softly behind him, I knew he was exercising without his beloved dog (Brandy), and walking alone. Sigh! (She stayed in her own “Hilton” in Brentwood.)

Daddy walks fast (really fast)—not because he wants to—but because he has to. He’s a “walking” miracle! Five years ago he suffered a devastating heart attack, which left him with about half a heart that functions. So he eats well, exercises, and with my mom’s watchful eye, he is not only surviving but thriving.

Before I left on the plane to San Diego, I had a conversation with Dad on the phone. He said, “I’m the luckiest man in the world!”

Ahh…

Tears welled up in my eyes as he spoke and every time I recall those words, I choke up. And then a few more tears betray me. Our family has been through more than most families (that’s a subject of an entire book!), but we remain close—very close.

The older I get, the more I look up to my dad. It’s funny how that works and something we can’t teach our kids; it’s something they have to learn on their own.

My daddy is my best friend, confidant, spiritual adviser, and political analyst (smile!). He’s a great listener (something I’m trying hard to inherit). But when Daddy speaks…I listen!

Our last day in Del Mar was a special memory…

I wanted to take a picture of the sunset on the beach (something that had eluded me during our time there). I watched from the balcony of our hotel room, as the sun dipped between two stately palm trees. I yelled out, “Dad, the sun is setting!”

Daddy has a great sense of humor and he quipped back, “Yep, it does that every evening!”

But then I explained how one day in late October, I drove five hours to Cape May, NJ and five hours back, just to take a picture of a sunset (my version of walking five miles in the snow to school!).

“Oh, c’mon…get in the car; I’ll take you there!” Dad said.

It was music to my ears.

I grabbed by camera and we were off. Daddy at the wheel is my favorite place; he always gets me there. I jumped out of the car and ran about 100 feet until I found the perfect spot while Daddy stayed in the car so we wouldn’t get a ticket. I missed the sun setting on the water, but instead I got the beautiful light show that comes after the sun disappears (my favorite time!). I basked in the glow of the violets, pinks, and purples resting on the ocean. A warm feeling enveloped me.


As I walked back to the PT Cruiser, there was Daddy waiting for me. He smiled and I smiled back. I jumped in the car and said, “Thanks, Dad!” I settled back in my seat and once again let Daddy take the wheel.

Happy Birthday, Dad. I love you.

I Had a Dream!

Last night I had a dream. I was a flight attendant on one of those puddle jumpers from San Diego to LA, and I was demonstrating how to insert the seat belt into the buckle. Only I did it over and over again. When I got out of bed this morning, I reached over to “unbuckle” my seat belt!

In the last 24 hours, I’ve been in the skies and on the highways and byways (traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike to Merck Pharmaceuticals). Last night, I fell asleep with my laptop on my lap and woke up with “it” on the floor (thank goodness for plush carpeting).

This morning, I’m packing for a retreat this weekend in North East, Maryland.
Yesterday, I kept asking my hubby, “What day is it?” He assured me that it was Wednesday. I still wasn’t convinced. I managed to be one hour early at Merck Pharmaceuticals before my presentation, “Care to be Aware.” When I glanced down at my watch, it was 9:00 a.m.; in reality, it was 12 noon!

But today, I woke up on the right side of the bed and I know what day it is and I’m back on track (sort of). It’s my catch-up day before I head off again. I have a newfound appreciation for those who jet through time zones on a regular basis (maybe I was having sympathy pains for flight attendants).

But I’m still confused why it’s necessary to show passengers how to put their seat belts in the buckle (isn't it obvious?).

When I grow up I want to be a flight attendant!

The Wedding

Weddings always make me cry…I don’t know “why,” but they just do! Even if it’s the happiest moment in the couple’s life, I still cry.

My brother asked me why I was crying on Saturday evening and the only answer I could come up with was, “I don’t know!” I’m not sure what evokes such emotion, but I’ve been doing it since I’ve been attending weddings and I don’t intend to stop—just in case someone wants to hire me as a professional "crier" at their wedding. My fees are cheap. I provide the tears; you provide the food.

I arrived home this morning on the red eye last night (I know that doesn’t make sense), but that’s how it is. You wake up and then you’re at your destination, but I feel horrible as if I woke up on the wrong side of the "seat."

Then I leave tomorrow (very early) for New Jersey to speak at Merck Pharmaceuticals and then off to a retreat this weekend in Maryland. I love what I do (that goes without saying), but my life is whirling around me faster than I can catch up.

The memories of the wedding are only a part of the journey to California; the best part of the trip I will blog on later. But I wanted you to know that I’m home and the honeymooners are in Hawaii!

Today as I looked at their wedding pictures, I cried again…weddings just do that to me!