Elaine's World of Fun

Traverse City Film Festival

2009-08-05T14:38:00.001-07:00

Another great film festival!! Saw plenty of great films that leave you thinking afterward. The great film hangover!! Were lucky enough to enjoy some with Claudia and Lance and Bill and Paula, and Mary and Jerry. My favorite was either "Woodstock" or "Entre Nos"

Best Friends Birthdays!!

2009-06-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

One of my BFF's Claudia and I got to celebrate and share our birthday's together. Our good friend Sandy hosted it and several people came to celebrate our birthday. There was guitar music by Charlie and dancing and great food and the most wonderful cheesecake brought by Vince. Thank you to everyone for coming....My life is truly enriched by all of you.

A Very Special Dinner

2009-06-01T14:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Vince's sister we were able to celebrate a very special gratitude by enjoying a very nice meal at "The Cook's House". The food was exquisite and the company delightful. But most of all we felt the gratitude that we could be there to enjoy it. So thank you universe and thank you Sharon. "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it"

Zoo-de-Mac Bike Tour 2009

2009-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

Yea!!! My fourth zoo-de-mac under my belt. For me it means the first sign of summer and requires riding my bike miles and miles in preparation. for some of my 14 closest friends it merely means getting on your bike and riding. The weather was as expected...cold and raining. But still my heart is warm to be able to spend the weekend with such wonderful people and friends. I am a lucky woman.

2009-06-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Lily's Birthday

2009-06-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Four, four, four whole years old. Oh, my.

"Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old"

Easter Celebration!!

2009-06-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

My friend Paula invited many of us over to her house to celebrate Easter. We had great food and great company and great conversation. And here is Alice and I in our Easter bonnets!!

Easter with some of the Grandkids

2009-06-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Four of my 9 grandchildren came for easter dinner. Vince and I spent the prior day stuffing 60 plus eggs with candy and hiding them around my small condo. They did a good job, but still found a few a few days later about the house. Check out the handsome dudes in their shirts and ties!

Images of Negril

2009-03-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Party!!! We hired a driver to take us to Negril. We partied at Margarittaville, had a great jerk lobster dinner, the on to Rick's American Cafe for the sunset and to watch the cliff divers. A great time!!!

Romantic River Rafting

2009-03-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

The ultimate float! A little different then we are used to in Northern Michigan. We were poled down the river on a bamboo raft by our raft captain. Very leisurely. The water was incredibley green.

"The most important things in life are not things" c. archie danielson

Just Another Sunset........

2009-03-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Jamaica!!!

2009-03-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

Paradise.....
Vince and I spent a week in Montego Bay, Jamaica. What a great way to break up the winter and spend time together. This is our resort in the heart of Montego Bay. We enjoyed the beach, the rooftop jazuzzi, the restaurant and the disco. We met new friends. We won the ping-pong tournament, the "name that tune and dance it" contest, and Vince was crowned Reggae King. It was a great time to relax, regroup, and enjoy each others company. And the first trip in a long time that there was no air travel problems. Ya, Mon!!
p.s. Brian, thanks for the recommendation on the island, and Sandy for the resort.

"In the coldest February, as in every other month, in every other year, the best thing to hold on to is each other" Linda Ellerbee

Bi-Annual Work Bowling/Dance Party

2009-03-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks boys!

Every other year the docs take the whole clinic out for dinner, dancing, and bowling. This group works hard and plays hard too.

"Take your work seriously, but yourself lightly" c.w.metcalf

Spring.....like

2009-02-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

All of a sudden it went from below freezing to the 50's. But I know this trick, I've seen it before. So I didn't get my bike out, or get the kayak out, or even move the window scraper to the back of the car. But, we did go for a walk to do errands, which in the winter requires a car (at least for me). Stopped at the coffee shop near my house for a warm up and to read the paper. A great way to spend a winter day when the temperature is in the 50s.

"The first day of spriong is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month" Henry Van Dyke

Bon Voyage to Claudia and Lance

2009-01-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Off to the Phillipines!!! We spent one last night with our good friends Claudia and Lance before they started on their adventure to the Phillines for 2 months. After all the packing and repacking they were ready to go. Claudia's cat is living at my house with her boyfriend Luis for the time being. So we put on our "south of the equator" clothes and celebrated at a party then the "Top of the Park". I am so excited for their adventure, one of many more to come.

"The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart" elizabeth foley
We await your return and to hear of your adventure.

Our Personal Chef Dinner

2009-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wow!! Last fall Vince and I bid on Personal Chef Services at a fund raiser for diabetes. We had a dinner for 6 of our close friends. The Chef, Mary Sue, came at 4pm and started cooking. Appetizers were served when our guests arrived, followed by courses of shrimp cocktail, then salad with pears and oranges, then vegetable pesto pasta, then the main dish, seafood stew. It had crab, lobster,shrimp, mussels, clams, and sea bass. Wow, was it good. Then creme brule' for desert. And one of the best things was that the dishes were all done when they left. We had fun doing a wine tour with my niece the weekend before and we picked out wine for each course. The Chef brought a server who whisked the plates away and presented each new course. We used every piece of silverware in my house. A good time was had by all.

New Year's Eve Celebration

2009-01-28T14:27:00.002-08:00

"Excess on occasion is exhilerating. It prevents moderation from aquiring the deadening effect of a habit" W. Somerset Maugham

We had dinner with friends, then went to the "Dancing with the Stars' charity competition and dance. Partied and danced the night away.

South Beach

2009-01-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

A step back and forward.

The Art Deco architecture was so cool, and the neon lights at night were so retro! We spent the evening "cruising' the streets of South Beach, checking out the people, the architecture, and the atmosphere. Way cool!!

Dolphins at Christmas

2009-01-26T18:34:00.000-08:00

An adventure of a lifetime! We went to a dolphin research center and had an opportunity to swim with the dolphins during their "recess" period. No tricks, or trainer...if they want to meet you they will approach and if not they won't. Our group had 8 in the pod, two of which were babies. The male did several sneak approaches to me and then swam right up beside me and looked me in the eye for about 5 seconds. It was like he was looking into my soul.

Then the two mother dolphins came by several times, just inches away, and showed me their babies. We were told that if they presented their "tummy' side that meant they were very curious about you, because they can see you the best in that position. I saw all four tummies of the moms and their babies. Thank you Vince and all 8 dolphins for a wonderful experience.

I'm Dreaming of a Sunny Christmas....

2009-01-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

I flew to Florida to join Vince and his family for Christmas. What a great way to celebrate. Except for the fact that my luggage didn't show up for 2 days. No make up, no flip flops, no sundress... NO BATHING SUIT!! But what I had was someone who cares very much about me and a warm and welcoming family.

Christmas

2009-01-26T17:49:00.000-08:00

We had a big, sloppy, happy Christmas celebration. The universe smiled on me and we were able to have the kids and grandkids all together for a spontaneous Christmas celebration. We had pizza, played with the Fisher-Price band instruments and opened presents. It was a great night. Thank you all.

Precious Package

2009-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

A very precious package arrived right after Thankgiving, Hunter Christopher. He was so thoughtful to arrive on a Sunday so I would make the trip to welcome him on his actual birthday. Mom and Dad are doing well, and big brother David, and big sister Lily welcomed him into their family.

So let me see,.... yup almost enough grandkids for a soccer team.

I love you Hunter. Love, Grandma

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-01-26T17:13:00.000-08:00

What an Adventure, cooking my first vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner. No big turkey with stuffing. Instead we had wild rice with morel mushrooms, feta shrimp, bourbon mashed sweet potatoes, homemade cramberry sauce and plenty of wine to wash it down with. We watched movies and settled in. We had a great time.

Halloweeeeen........Boo!!!

2008-10-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy" What a great party, Thanks Tricia!

Two of My Favorite People

2008-10-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

Why are their tongues Blue?

Chicago: It's All About Education?

2008-10-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Annual Educational Conference The "pain sistas" take on Chicago again. After the formal education came Fun!! Work is always more fun with friends.

How many people can you fit into a cruise ship cabin?

2008-09-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is the riddle......how many friends are in the picture?

New Friends

2008-09-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

I met a lot of new friends on this trip. Forty-two to be exact!! Some more special than others, but all of us going down similar paths in this mysterious journey called life. "One does not make friends, one recognizes them"

Pike Street Market, Seattle

2008-09-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

We must be blessed, because the sun shined on us in Seattle. Three days and no rain. Here I am at Pike Street Market. What great flowers, and the most fun fish market. One of the vendors entertains you by throwing fish to each other and the crowd. Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun.

The Big Adventure: Alaska!!!

2008-09-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

Glaciers, mountains, whales and bears...oh, my!! The landscape is more magnificant than you can imagine. And to spend this time with great friends was a most memorable moment in time. It will be carved in my memory as deep as the glaciers carved the fjords. Thank you friends.

Camping, Friends, and Wine

2008-08-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

Northport camping and Wine Festival. The women went camping on the shores of the lake to spend time together and enjoy nature (and a real bathroom and shower). Then friends (male) and others arrived for the weekend to enjoy the Wine Festival, dancing, communing with nature and each other. What a great weekend!! In the hectic life of family, work and other obligations, it is important to stop and enjoy the great universe we live in and those we share it with.

"Civilization no longer needs to open up the wilderness, it needs the wilderness to open up the largely unexplored human mind" David Rains Wallace

"Hot Times....

2008-08-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

Summer in the city, back of my neck getting hot and gritty"
Another great time at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. The annual trip was, as usual, up to expectations. Friends, fun and art. I got a great picture that feeds my desire to do a bike tour in Italy. So it is hanging in my dining room to inspire me to save for a great adventure. We'll see.

Jordan River Kayaking

2008-07-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most picturesque rivers to kayak. It has wild river designation, so there are very few houses along the way. Lots of birds and vegetation. And the sounds of the water rushing by.

Dancing at the Festival

2008-07-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

War!! In this case the band at the festival. Dancing outside in the warm weather to good music. We heard country, classic beatles, rock and roll and the best was the pink floyd imitators. Oh, and of course friends!

Summer Porch Parties and Cherry Festival

2008-07-14T13:56:00.000-07:00

Annual Tradition! Meeting on Claudia's porch and then down to the festival for great music and the beer tent. There is no place better than TC in the summer.

Spending Time with Friends

2008-07-11T08:42:00.000-07:00

Filling in time with friends, biking, and exercising. What a great way to pass a summer day. Remember..... "the road to a friend's house is never long."

Movie Divas

2008-06-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

"Sex in the City" comes to Traverse City. We met at Red Ginger for martinis and appetizers then off on the bus to the premeire. Of course we loved it. Then topped off the night with dancing. What a great looking group of girls!!

Here Comes the Sun!!!

2008-05-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Summer!! Here we are at the annual party at the Cove. We enjoyed each other, the sun, and a great band and dancing. Boy,were my feet sore from dancing the long weekend away. Remember... "If you want a place in the sun, you have to put up with a few blisters" they must have been talking about summer here in the north.

Zoo-de-Mac Bike Tour

2008-05-24T14:44:00.001-07:00

Friends... here I am with seven of my closest friends. Enjoying another year at the zoo-de-mac bike tour and party. A great time was had by all. It marks new beginnings for me on this journey we call life. But I recall a time when a new beginning was a solitary adventure, and this time I live in abundance, with all these great friends to share the journey with. Friends who love me and I love back. And so remember my dear friends...... "we love because it is the only true adventure" Nikki Giovanni

Joy

2008-04-27T08:02:00.001-07:00

" Whatever you have been through, can be alot better if extracting every once of joy from life is a priority." Mira Kirshenbaum

Living In Abundance

2008-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

It is easy to say you are living in abundace when the majority of things in your life are going well, but when things get a little rough, that is when learning about truely believing in abundace is put to the test. Like all humans, I am undergoing a test. But during these hard times, I am constantly reminded of all I have, and I am ever thankful for it. Remember: live in the now, put "it"(whatever it is) out to the universe, and let it all unfold before you. What you need will appear, you just need to recognize it. Thank you, friends.

Toga Party

2008-04-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

What can I say? There really is NO excuse.

Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio

2008-04-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

We visited the Amish country in Ohio, the Cumberland Dam in Tennessee, and the Maker's Mark Distillery in Kentucky. If we had taken a plane, we would not have seen these great things in the heartland of America. So I am grateful for the concept of "the open road" "Be careful going searching for adventure---it's ridiculously easy to find" William Least Heat Moon

Road Trip to Florida

2008-04-09T14:56:00.001-07:00

We jammed to Bon Jovi's Lost Highway on our road trip to Panama City Florida. Here we are at our destination. The white sand is incredible. We walked on it everyday. Everyday we were "making memories"

Spring Is Here

2008-04-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I have not been on this blog in a while. I got to get a new computer because my old one was overrun with trojan horses, viruses, etc. A little like most of the people I know this winter. Anyway, I have been on a road trip to Panama City Florida. (pictures to follow) We spent four days meandering through the states on the way down. I had never taken a trip before where part of the plan is to "smell the roses" and explore and get lost and spend 8 hours never getting any closer to the ultimate destination. We akways found nice, but cheap places to stay. And established a routine of sleeping in, traveling and exploring, and then still time for an afternoon drink and cheese its!. We found a great place to stay right on the white sand beaches of Panama City Florida for only $100 a nite. We cooked gulf shrimp in our own kitchen and wandered the beaches.Then back up throught Nashville and home.

So back home I am learning about my new computer, a new photo program, and watching the ice melt off the lake. And watching and reading The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. I read one of his previous books "The Power of Now" and found it to be inspiring. It was certainly easier to live in the "now" and not to frame things in past experiences or future expectations on vacation, but I find it a more rewarding endeaver to try to practice everyday. So for now, there are now pictures on the site and no famous quotes, only the beauty of the written word on this site and the free flow of the words from my inner being. Have a great spring!!!

GirlTrip

2008-02-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Estrogen Abounds.... er, maybe not. Alice, Annette, Marianne, Wendy and I went on a "girls" trip. The bus to the Gem Theatre, with shopping along the way. Of course everyone on the bus is at least as old as I am, and more. What a great little theatre, it has tables and you can buy a bottle of wine to take in with you to share with your friends. And then this 80 year old male usher sells you "hot flash" fans, which, of course, are guaranteed because, after all, you just bought 2 bottles of red wine. We laughed so hard.

Most of the time I try to pretend that my body isn't aging, and 50 is really the new 30. But occasionally I just have to stop and say thank you for having a healthy, but "slightly used" body that allows me to feel things and do things, and appreciate it for the gift that it is. And love it for what it is, and just go with it.

"After 30, a body has a mind of it's own" Bette Midler

Trees

2008-02-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ice. Sun. Woke this Sunday morning to ice in the trees, on the street, very beautiful. What a contrast from last week! And so life goes on, a gift everyday.

Goodbye Puerto Rico

2008-02-17T10:49:00.001-08:00

And so the journey ends. We spent our last day at CrashBoat Playa. In the late afternoon the rains came in, as if to say, "It's time to go home." So a last goofy picture of me with a sambrero made of banana leaves, by an american who lives by selling them. And I know that the word sambrero comes from the root of sambra which means shade in spanish. So now that I am home I am thankful for a life that allows me to have these experiences. To eat chicken on a stick made in the back of someone's truck, wear a leaf hat, and hold a baby chicken in a bar. It's a great life.

Adventures in Southwest Puerto Rico

2008-02-08T05:59:00.000-08:00

Caba Rojo and Boqueron We explored south today and found the most beautiful beaches. And of course had great food for very little money. We stopped at a open air restarurant in a fishing village and had conch, mofongo (mashed plantains flavored with garlic), fried Dorado (mahi, mahi), crab and shrimp pastellia (turnovers), fish soup, two beers and two gin and tonics for $30.00. Then on to Caba Rojo, to the most caribbean looking beach we have been at. The water was calm and warm. We met people from the US. There was a party atmosphere in town, even though it is the off season. Tony and Frank ate clams and oysters from a street vender. And later we had camarones (shrimp) and pollo (chicken wings) outside. Definitely a place we will return to. How lucky and spoiled we are to be able to enjoy all of this. Today our thoughts have to turn to returning home. And the reminder of how lucky and spoiled we are to have such a great place to live and family and friends that love us.

Crash Boat Playa

2008-02-07T05:26:00.000-08:00

Beach Everyday!! We have settled into a routine of going to the beach everyday. Our favorite is called CrashBoat. It gets it's name from the fishermen who go out in handmade heavy wooden boats to catch fish like red snapper, dolphin fish, and others. When it is time to finish for the day, they aim their boats full blast at the beach and go as fast as they can. Then at the last second, they tilt the motor up and the boat goes up the beach. Other fishermen then help them haul the boat up the beach. We buy pinchos (chicken on a stick) and $1.00 red wine served over ice. Yum, Yum. Life is good.

Ponce

2008-02-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

The southern coast is dry. We saw cactus and the grass is brown. A sharp contrast to the lush green of the rainforest. In the town of Ponce they were having a festival. There was a parade with music and people dressed in costume, much like mardi gras. At the beach we saw people dancing the Salsa to live music. And of course. kioskos with homemade food.

East Coast

2008-02-05T05:13:00.000-08:00

Yabucoa From the rainforest on to the east coast. We found a resort to stay at in Yabucoa. Our friends made the weekend fun.

Everywhere we go people are so friendly, they want us to stay with them, or they want to feed us, or they want to sell us their home or property. "Only $200,000!"

Top of the World

2008-02-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

The trip continues... at the top of the mountain in the cloudforest there was a tower. We climbed to the top, and saw the most awsome "vista". "Veo todos campo y oceao". (I saw all the country and ocean.) It is one of those moments when you feel both insignificant and totally connected with the universe.

After the rainforest we traveled east to the coast and had lunch at a "kiosko" on the beach. We had mofongo, pollo, arroz, pescado. Then on with our adventure. Life is Good.

El Junque

2008-02-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Rainforest. We took our friends on a trip for the weekend to the eastern side of the island, to see the rainforest. We drove up and up into the cloudforest. Then we hiked up and down. We saw lush foliage, rivers, and waterfalls. Frank and Tony played in the waterfall. The earth is so beautiful, it's too bad that we humans sometimes spoil it.

Aguada

2008-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

We drove to Aguada on the coast to see if we liked it. We found alot of places to rent, and a wonderful beach. We watched the kite boarders. Then on to Rincon to watch the surfers. More Puerto Rican food. A perfect day.

Tropical Sunset

2008-02-01T04:55:00.000-08:00

Crashboat Playa We ended the day at Crashboat beach and watched the sunset. Yesterday it was overcast so we went to the casino. (smoke free). I got a lesson in caribbean blackjack, it only cost me $80! Me and my tres amigos Tony, Ricardo, and Francisco enjoyed the day.

You know you are in Puerto Rico when........you lay down to sleep at night. First the small dogs start barking, then the big dogs join in. The sounds come from the houses next door and the "hillbilly" dogs in the mountains join in. Add the sounds of the crickets and the cocqi frogs to the orchestra. Then just when the "music" dies down the roosters come in in a crescendo. And then just because they want to, our duplex mates Gian (age 2) and Marcos Gabriell (age 3 mos.)may add their voices to the concert. And then it is morning, another sunny 80 degree day.

Hobos Beach

2008-01-31T08:30:00.000-08:00

Laying on the Beach.
This beach usually has surfers enjoying the waves. But no surfers today. We did a little sunning. Then on to the next beach.

Tres Playa Dia (three beach day)

2008-01-31T08:05:00.000-08:00

Playing in the water. We drove north from San Sebastian to Isabella (pictured here), then to Playa Hobos where there are surfers usually, but not today, then to our favorite local beach Crash Boat. Here the waves were too strong to do much, but we found a small safe pool to play in the foam. It was a beautiful day.

Comiendo en el Restaurante

2008-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

One of the Best things about Peurto Rico is the food. So far we have had pollo, arroz, tostonas, mofungo, gandules, abuchuela, yucca, and pastalleas. We went for lunch today and it cost the three of us $14.oo. And then to the bar for 2 beers and one wine for $3.80. We are going broke.

We are going to get a car today, so then we will go exploring.

Vacation Apartment San Sebastian

2008-01-28T10:39:00.000-08:00

Arrived in the middle of the night to the little apartment. The weather the next morning was hot, that afternoon it was hot. The only time it is not hot is at night. We have been "visiting" ; the equivelent of "going out" at home. You go to people's homes and they cook you food and talk. Sometimes in Spanish and sometimes in English. I am learning my numbers better when we play black jack with the family. We have not rented a car yet, so we are just livin' in the barrio. At night you hear the dogs and rooster and spanish speaking people. We hear "bienvenito" or welcome, to which I answer "Yo esta contento estoy aquie."

My Bags are Packed, I'm Ready to Go

2008-01-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

"I'm leavin' on a jet plane"... One of the absolute best gifts the universe has given me is the world itself. And my ability to explore it. So, thank you for a job that pays me, and gives me vacation time. And thank you for places to go and see and experience.

And thanks for my friends who are taking me out for a Bon Voyage party tonight.

And thank you for Frank who is waiting for me in Puerto Rico and for Tony and his family who will be there to welcome me with open arms.

Missing Frank and Other Thoughts

2008-01-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Mi Novio Frank is in Puerto Rico visiting his best friend and family. And avoiding the cold weather! We have both had a lot of questions from people about him being gone "so long". We both looked forward to this time, a time for new exploration. He with his friends and I with my friends and most important for me, with myself. I have had time to reflect, to feel comfortable in my skin, to rely on my "ownself" and to miss him. We have been able to talk via the Internet and share the excitment of our days. Relationships can only grow if they allow outside energy into them. So we could consider this time as a re-fueling.

"Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of heaven dance between you" Kahlil Gibron

See you soon!

Dance!!!

2008-01-13T07:33:00.000-08:00

My friend Mike has this quote added to all his e-mails.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we
should dance...."

And thanks to him alot of us now can. Here we are celebrating Laura's birthday and celebrating dance.

Winter Wonder

2008-01-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

Just when I start to complain about winter mother nature reminds me to appreciate winter's beauty.

The lake is frozen, quiet, waiting for warmer weather when it will be full of life again.

Winter is a time for quieter activities. I enjoy more movies and books in winter.

"There is a time for every season under heaven"

Visitors From Cayman Island

2007-12-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

Frank's Kids

Kristen and Frank, jr. came all the way from Cayman Island to spend time at Christmas with their families. They helped me to appreciate the beauty of winter, as they saw it anew, and the gift of family. Thank you Frank, Teresa, Ryan, Christian, Frank, jr and Kristen for sharing your family with me.

Elaine's Book Club

2007-12-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

I just finished the book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. I found myself glued to it. The author embarks on a journey of soul-searching, spiritual learning, and growth through Italy, India and Indonesia. I had a similar journey, only I never went anywhere geographically. But for many of us, we have had quite the journey regardless. Here is an excerpt from the book.

"I think about the woman I have become lately, about the life that I am now living, and about how much I always wanted to be this person and live this life, liberated from the farce of pretending to be anyone other than myself. I think of everything I endured before getting here and wonder if it was me who pulled the other, younger, more confused and more struggling me forward all these hard years. ...who was saying the whole time; "Yes--grow! Change! Evolve!... I need you to grow into me."

check it out

The Chairs Were All Lined Up With Care

2007-12-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

In hope that the children would soon be there......

Christmas Elves

2007-12-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas Traditions: When I was growing up my parents hid these elves in the christmas tree. It is a Danish christmas tradition. I have put them in my tree for my children to find, and now my grandchildren find them. For me, they are a reminder of my parents and memories of Christmas.

Because this blog is about the many gifts I have received from the universe, I think of my parents and the gift of love I was given by them. And I remember they are always with me.

Two of My Favorite Elves

2007-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

I got to spend some time with two of my favorite little people, David and Lily, and their parents. (my son and daughter in law). It is good to see Christmas through the eyes of children.

"the moment after Christmas, every child thinks of his birthday"

Holiday Celebrations

2007-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a season of getting together with friends and celebrating. For me this is my true christmas gift.

Giving Thanks

2007-12-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

"Life is a great big canvas, you should throw as much paint on it as you can" Danny Kaye

This year I am thankful for all the "artists" in my "family". We sure know how to throw paint!

Thanksgiving

2007-12-03T15:45:00.001-08:00

What am I thankful for? All these friends and many more.

Volunteering

2007-11-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

State Theatre After volunteering at the Film Festival I thought it would be fun to volunteer for the State Theatre. This old theatre has been restored, with donations from many people and the labor of many volunteers, myself included. This week I got a chance to do my first shift as usher. (much nicer than laborer). What a great experience! I get to meet civic minded people who also happen to love movies. And though the pay is poor ($0), I got to see a great movie, eat popcorn, and meet new friends. I am so lucky to live in a place with a vibrant downtown area, and so lucky to live so close to the downtown area that I get to enjoy it. Great Job!!!

Scenes of Cosa Rica

2007-11-24T09:29:00.001-08:00

Photos help us remember the scenes, the sounds, the smells of a journey and the many people we meet on the way. We now have new American and Costa Rican friends. This was a trip worth taking, and was quite the adventure. We did ziplines in the rainforest, ATV in the mountains, shopping at the beach market, and enjoyed our new friends. We learned where to go and where not to go and how to travel and not to travel. But we would both go back. I came across this quote which sums our trip up.

"Most travel is best of all in the anticipation and the remembering; the reality has more to do with losing your luggage." Regina Nadelson

Monkeying Around In Costa Rica

2007-11-24T09:19:00.000-08:00

Titi Monkey We were visited everyday at our hotel by these titi monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths and coati mundi. As abundent there as squirrels are here. But sadly we didn't see them in the rainforest.

Zipping Along

2007-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

In the Rainforest of Costa Rica. This was the absolute ultimate best part of the trip. We did nine zip lines and two repels in the rainforest. It made the whole trip worth it. Watch for more pictures of the trip to Manuel Antonio.

Sunday Afternoon Drive

2007-11-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is go on a color tour. So Frank and I, and our good friends Claudia and Chris all went for a drive. But as you can see, the color had not peaked yet. But the day was glorious anyway, we hiked, tasted wine, had a great dinner at a small up north eatery, and shared it with friends. What could be better?

Girl Child

2007-11-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter has decided that this is the last year she is going to play football. She started the season on a new team. The first day the boys teased her about her ability to play. I asked her how she responded to this and her answer was, "It's ok grandma, they don't know me yet!" Her team finished undefeated. I like to think that her blocking abilities helped her team along and that her efforts were recognized by her all male team mates.

At the end of the season, she tells me she is sad because she is not going to play next year, she is going to try out for cheerleading instead. So here I am, wondering....how does she arrive at this decision? Are the boys really getting too strong physically for her to compete with (not that I can see, yet), or is it that as she approaches womanhood she is starting to identify with that sterotype? Whatever the reason, I hope that she understands something that I didn't for a long time. That is: she gets to choose! She shouldn't let the boys decide, she shouldn't let society decide, she shouldn't let me decide. She has the power to choose for herself. You go girl!

Back in Business?

2007-10-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

This post could be about my recent frustrations with technology: this blog, my digital camera, my Palm. All of which have not been behaving. I have traveled millions of miles in cyberspace searching for answers and I am still not sure how I got to my blog. By miracle I was able to log in. But doesn't this sound like life? I have traveled millions of miles in my brain, my heart, and my soul, and sometimes I am still not sure how I got to here. But it is a miracle.

So from now on I may need to login a different way, my camera needs rechargable batteries and can't sit in the charger too long, and my Palm will just have to be the less functional to me, I will have to rely on myself more.

Do you think the universe is sending me a message?

Autumn

2007-10-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. " Albert Camus

Scavenger Road Rally

2007-10-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jill..... for organizing such a fun day. Here is my "team" Russ, Alice, and Frank at some of the places we stopped for points. Who are those crazy doctors in front of the biggest pie plate? And yes, we were the only one who got to sit in a helicoptor and earned 50 points, thanks to my friend John! No, we didn't win, but we all were winners that day with all the fun we had.

A Moment to Reflect

2007-10-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

"Look at what you desire to bring into your life, feel grateful for everthing you enounter. Express gratitude by riding the flow of your exsistence and allowing it to be your ally. You an steer while still enjoying this glorious ride, but if you elect to fight it, you'll utimately be pulled under by it's current. This is true of every aspect of your life: The more you push against it, the more resistance you create." Wayne Dyer

Girl's Night Out

2007-09-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

Anticipation....... a bunch of us got together to paint martini glasses in anticipation of the 2nd annual Martini party. What fun!! And what a talented group we are.

Birthday!!

2007-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Felice Cumpleanos, mi novio! We spent two days celebrating Frank's birthday with his family and our friends. And I celebrate what he brings to my life. This quote by Woody Harrelson accurately describes Frank's spirit.

" A grownup is a child with layers on."

Girl's Night Out

2007-09-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

Porch Pizza Party

One of the best things the universe has delivered to me is this chance to develop friendships with wonderful women. I really cherish my new friends and celebrating life on girl's night out. Thanks Carolynn, Sue, Annie, Terri,Paula, Linda, Claudia, and Debbie for a fun night.

"Friendhips multiply joys and divide griefs" H.G. Bohn

Trail Riding

2007-09-19T04:36:00.001-07:00

Biking in Early Fall Frank and I spent the afternoon enjoying a fantastic early fall day, we did some mountain biking, and walked along the river. We saw alot of salmon and alot of fishermen trying to catch them, but no such luck. Click on the arrow on the video to see Frank in one of his less "daredevil" moves.

Family, Friends, Fun

2007-09-16T09:29:00.001-07:00

Visitors: My brother Curt, and his wife and our friend Paul came up for a visit and to do the Leelanau Harvest Tour.

On the right you can see Gussie and me "cutting it up" to Nickelback. I think the song was I want to be a "Rockstar".

We finished off the night with all of us, including "mi novio" Frank, going to the North Peak for dinner.

What Fun!!

Summer Turns To Fall

2007-09-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Last weekend turned out to be a true gift. The weather was perfect for me and several of my "best friends" to go up north for a weekend of kayaking. The cabins were great and the river was a little challenging. Only a few spills, and lots of daredevil stunts. The local smalltown northern Michigan bar was a find. No one was dancing until we showed up! We are all dancing fools. But technology failed me, so I have no pictures to show.

Monday we were reminded that fall is fast approaching. The weather has been dark and rainy. So a good time to clean out closets, organize, catch up on re-runs, and of course work on my websites and blog.

Remember: "Be yourself. No one can ever tell you you are doing it wrong." James Herlihy

Biking with the "sistas" from work.

2007-09-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

Friends:

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down." Oprah Winfrey

End of Summer Beach Party

2007-09-03T10:57:00.001-07:00

A few of my favorite pictures...... Otter Creek 2nd Annual Party

The gang: enjoying the windy, warm weather Claudia and her new "boyfriend" Rex
Just being goofy with Teresa
Christian enjoying the beach
One of the many reasons I live here.

Wedding Reception

2007-09-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Summer Celebration!
Here's me and my favorite guy at our friend's wedding reception. The old barn and the sunflowers made a picturesque background for the outdoor reception on Old Mission.

Sanctuary in the City

2007-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my early morning visitor, only now he is down the lake at Frank's place on Saturday afternoon. We saw this heron, four loons, a lot of naragazer ducks, swans and all the regular ducks we see. Imagine this right in the middle of town. What a great place to live!!

Kayak, kayak, and yak, yak, yak

2007-08-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

Another Great Day....
of kayaking down the Boardman River. Started with wonderful breakfast at Duane's then on to the river. Talking, paddling, and a little water fun.

I will remember these days come winter, how quiet and tranquil on the river, and of course all the fun.

Duane's Wild Ride

2007-08-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here He Goes............... click on the arrow to see the video.

Friday Morning

2007-08-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

What a Gift....
to have this day off work and to be home
to see this visitor and experience the quiet of nature.

"enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize the were the big things" Robert Brault

Ultimate Flying Kayaks

2007-08-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

And away he goes!!!

Frank on his way down the canoe slide and into the river. And he lived to tell the story. Oh my God, the whole gang laughed so hard. And of course I have to mention Duane who also made the trip down the rails. And Russ...who had the most spills. What a great day with good friends. (what will Frank think of next?)

Elaine and Frank's Most Excellent Adventure

2007-08-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Going with the Flow!

"The supreme good is like water, which nourishes all things without trying to. Live in accordance with the nature of things. In dwelling, be close to the land. In meditation, go deep to the heart. In dealing with others, be gentle and kind". (Tao Te Ching)

Girls Night Out

2007-08-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Some hot camping babes! We decided to go camping for girl's night out. We started at the Big Easy for drinks and it just got better from there. We remembered out tents, sleeping bags, and food, but forgot the firewood. Thanks to Claudia and company we were able to get not only plently of firewood, but also some great salmon to cook on the grill. (It's great to be a girl). There was a lot of laughing and fun. The next day we went biking and kayaking. Then the "boys" came to join in on some of the fun. We laughed and laughed.

Kayak Trip and Camp Out

2007-08-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

What a Blast!

Camping at Sharon's place and kayaking for 2 days is the greatest. We spent many hours on the Manistee river, floating and paddling. And downing a few "brewskis". The weather was great, warm and sunny. I have the absolute best friends and we had such a great time. I just love the color of all the boats, don't you?

Ann Arbor Art Fair

2007-08-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here I am at the Ann Arbor Art Fair with my "sisters" Mary and Pat. We always have a good time at this annual event. Three days of fun, art, and each other. As usual, it was very hot, so here we are at the "Full Moon" restaruant enjoying a few "cold" ones. I bought some real cool stuff, jewelry, a great wood box, ethnic clothing, and of course pottery. Why do I keep buying it, you have to lug it around all day! I can't wait 'till next year!