Thankful Thursday

In the past week life has gone over 200 MPH and came to a crashing halt. There are times one feels powerless and times when one feels on top of the world; I have experienced both this week.

What it boils down to is an examination of my life. I looked inside and found what I am made of –again – and found that, for the first time in my life, I have a network of friends whose collective support gives me confidence and peace.



My Thankful Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter is chock full and for that I am ever grateful.

$3.20 – It’s not a lot of money and could maybe buy a cup of coffee and a donut, but I stumbled upon a store that this tidy sum (that includes the tax) brought me immense pleasure and no calories. The store is for juniors, a size-range I haven’t been in since I was in middle school to be sure, and had a basket of friendship-style bracelets at the check-out. I did a quick look through and found something the perfect color for my niece. A second look found something perfect for me. I purchased both! I’ve worn my bracelet several times and the sparkly presence – it has tiny rhinestones - makes me smile every time I glance down at it. I’m thankful to have found a reasonable bauble to add sparkle and shine to my days.

Birthday visit - My niece turns 12 this weekend so last weekend my brother drove her to my home and they stayed for a three day visit. We had the most wonderful time! My children get along famously with their cousin and I adore her, too. My brother and I had ample opportunity to talk, hang out, and catch up which is a luxury in this day and age when we live far apart. I am thankful they made the time and effort to visit and we are a close family.

Health - My husband had struggled with a health issue for a couple of weeks which culminated in a test earlier this week. The results could have been everything from cancer to a clean bill of health and myriad things in between. We have learned in our lives to not project, stay calm and positive, and take life as it comes. I am thankful beyond belief to report that he is perfectly healthy and not warranted to go back for this type of test for many years.

Online support – Because of my husband’s situation I was feeling a bit unsettled the morning he was leaving for the test. I immediately took to the computer and sought “prayers, thoughts, and positive energy” from all those who were inclined to do so. If one to three people had responded I would have been happy and content. Imagine my utter surprise, overwhelming knowledge, and incredible delight to find well over 100 people and counting weighing in with “Like”s on the FB status and dozens upon dozens of personal messages of prayers and encouragement, well wishes, and support. I am most thankful for online friendships that transcend face-to-face meetings. Their friendship and commitment is strong and powerful, just like their prayers.

Holding – I am entirely thankful for the opportunity to get to hold my husband. Our lives are hectic, busy, and tiring, but the knowledge and desire to hold him at the end of the day still exists – for both of us.

When life throws curve balls it helps to be flexible and faithful. I had to be both this week. I was rewarded with the best of news. There have been times in my life I have had the worst news come to fruition. Knowing I have an endless support system, an unshakable faith, and a family at home and on FB who care for me and mine gives me so much to be thankful.

This is my list. My hope is that somewhere along the line you make a thankful list in your life this week. Truly examining your life for the positive perspective is powerful. I want that for all of you, too.

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to the first Thankful Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter!

It has been far too long since I’ve written here and I can tell you honestly that I’ve missed it. Life is humming along beautifully, but I can tell not writing for Chatter has taken some of the wind out of my sails.

As 2013 dawned I had the idea to do a weekly Thankful Thursday post as I truly have so very much to be thankful for and want to share that with you all. Alas, time has gotten away from me and we are in Mid-March with nary a post to be found of this kind.

Formality has never been my thing so I won’t worry about the layout, the amount of things I’m thankful about each post, etc. Mostly I just want to share what is on my mind on any given week and ask you to do the same. Seriously! My most favorite thing about Chief 187™Chatter was the interaction with you, my readers, my friends.

So, without further ado, here is my Thankful Thursday post.

Leave-in conditioner – I know it’s not deep or spiritual, but it sure does make my hair look and feel better and that does a lot for the way I feel each day. Call me shallow (I’ve been called far worse) but my hair is something I think a lot about and when it feels and looks good, I feel good. So, I’m thankful for leave-in conditioner!

Burst of energy- Winter leaves me feeling lackluster, uninspired, and tired. I know I must suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) but I keep chugging along as best I can. Last week I had a burst of energy that allowed me to finally clean out my closet of things I can no longer wear, were desperately out of style, or – as in most cases – simply didn’t fit. Holding on to these things, having messy closets, and not doing anything about it left me more frustrated and feeling stagnated. I finally made piles – throw out and donate – and cleared everything out. This burst of energy was good for my heart, soul, and home. It also is providing for others who can take my items and breathe new life into them. I am very thankful for that.

Seltzer – I am new to this veteran beverage. I am one of those people who loves the taste of diet sodas and drink too many of them. So, recently I swapped out diet sodas for flavored zero calorie seltzer and I love the taste! I haven’t drunk the beverage by itself, only as a mixer with my orange juice or grape juice, but it’s very satisfying. I am thankful for the opportunity to drink less diet soda!

Kindness of Others – I have been very blessed in my life, most recently my professional life, to be the recipient of the kindness of others. Whether it was Larry McReynolds and Dr. Jerry Punch agreeing to do my radio show without knowing who I was or Beaux Barfield remembering me and putting us on his schedule mere days before his IndyCar series begins, I’ve been overwhelmed with the graciousness of people I come in contact. The feeling I have is a strong one that there really are so many good people in this world. I just try to put back out there what I have been given.

My family – I try not to be overly sappy or goofy, but I must be honest. I am so very thankful – even more than the leave-in conditioner – for my family. My husband, who is my best friend, my lover, and my champion, honors me every day. Our three children do their best to be good little people. They do try my patience, but when I read to them, they are in a social situation and behave themselves, or I make them laugh the best laughs ever (and myriad other times), I feel – I KNOW - I am the luckiest person.

My collection of things, people, and events I am thankful for run the gamut from silly to reverent. I would be most honored to read your list of what you are thankful for this week. And even if you don’t leave it here, I do encourage you to make a list of what you are thankful for as it truly does lift your spirits and bring life back into focus.

Until next time…

Peace.

Fifty Years Married, Fifty Facts to Keep Romance Alive

Fifty years ago today, with nothing but love, faith, and a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, my mom and dad eloped. They were young, in love, and sure of themselves.



It was Valentine’s Day.



Other than the fact they married on this “Lovers’ Day”, I never thought of my parents as a traditionally romantic couple. Of course, my point of reference was always skewed being their daughter and the youngest of their three children.

By the time my older brothers were out of the house due to college or work, I seemed to be the third wheel whenever they wanted to go out to dinner or travel, but they always insisted I wasn’t ruining their time together.

Dad didn’t present Mom with obligatory flowers nor did she surprise him with tickets to the Daytona 500. But I’m finding they were certainly romantic.

As I’ve grown older and just marked my twentieth anniversary with my husband (we’ve been together 27 years), I finally understand better about romance.



Here are the things I’ve learned about Love, Marriage, and Romance as we celebrate my parents’ fifty years of matrimony.

Love is powerful.
Romance is a state of mind.
Taking out the garbage, caring for the cars, mowing the lawn, and painting are ways of showing love.
Making the meals, grocery shopping, keeping the house, and raising the children with love is, too.
Holding hands keeps you connected.
Kissing is soothing.
Fighting is part of marriage. When you stop communicating you stop caring.
Forgiveness is the key.
Share passions.
Have separate passions.
Have a lock for the bedroom door.
Use it.
Enjoy time with your children.
Enjoy time with your friends.
Enjoy time alone.
Enjoy time with your spouse alone.
Appreciate your happy home life.
Treat yourself to a night out.
See one another as the sexy, beautiful mate you fell in love with – always.
Speak kindly to your spouse.
Speak kindly about your spouse to others.
Laugh, often.
Know what your spouse is thinking – “Remember that movie with what’s her name?” “Yes, dear, that was Elizabeth Taylor.” No other details are needed, just filling in the blanks.
Sing together.
Delight in one another’s accomplishments.
Be there for one another when things don’t go well.
Know your strengths and weaknesses and your mate's. Fill in one another’s gaps.
Touch often.
Have pet names for one another.
Smile at one another.
Set long term goals.
Enjoy the here and now.
Have two sinks.
Have two toilets.
Bathe together.
Give one another massages.
Bring each other coffee/tea/wine.
Call in the middle of the day to say, “I love you.”
Run errands together even when you don’t “have” to.
Never criticize the other’s driving.
Listen to one another without judgment.
Keep your sense of humor always.
Be best friends with your spouse.
Be patient.
Be kind.
Compromise.
Lose an argument.
Compliment one another.
Complement one another.
Kiss often and always.


True to form, my parents do not even understand why people are making a big fuss about their 50th anniversary.

I told them, “Not everybody makes it this long. People give up, give in, and let go. Some married much later and are not blessed with longevity. You two have made it to this wonderful milestone. People are happy for you, in awe of your commitment, and want to celebrate such wonderful news!”

My parents completely understand. They are enjoying the fuss people are making even if it embarrasses them a bit, too.

I’m just feeling so fortunate to have them to love, celebrate their marriage, and serve as a product of their love.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom and Dad! And many many many happy more years together! XO XO

Melissa Jane Heads to the Grammy's

Melissa Jane, MJ to her fans and friends, is a recording artist in Boston who I have had the privilege to interview. She is a gorgeous, well-spoken, highly talented, and charming young lady who has been given an invitation to The 55th Annual Grammy Awards on February 10th, 2013 at the Staples Center in LA.

Melissa is scheduled to join A-list celebrities at the Roots’ Pre-Grammy Jam, the Official Grammy’s After Party and the Senate Music Group, LLC’s Pre-Grammy Tribute to the 2013 Grammy Nominee’s.

Melissa and I chatted recently and I asked her about how she will be adorned for this huge night. Melissa responded:

“My dress is being custom designed by Polina Pantyushina of Weymouth, MA, hair by my hair sponsor Salon Marc Harris (my stylist Oriana is flying out to LA for the event) and makeup by LA makeup artist Joanne Kang.”

There is no doubt Melissa will look stunning as she walks the red carpet at the Grammy’s and attends myriad parties!

The young, burgeoning singer will be accompanying major LA production and songwriting company, The Senate Music Group LLC, whose credits include Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake, among others.

Last year proved to be an exciting one for this up and coming artist. Melissa Jane was nominated for Best Independent Artist at the Boston Nightlife Awards and she has been traveling to NYC and LA making major career moves.

“I couldn’t imagine living without music.” said Melissa Jane, who has been wowing audiences with her vocal power and presence since the early age of four. She has gone from performing in her family’s living room to legendary venues such as Boston’s Fenway Park, Paradise Rock Club, Hard Rock Cafe and Gillette Stadium.

Melissa is currently working on her new EP with RIO (Akon, Swizz Beats, Jada, Dropkick Murphy's), Devine Evans and the Senate (Rihanna, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj) and a few other talented producers and songwriters.

Meanwhile, her single “Remember” can be heard in clubs and on radio in Tokyo, Buenos Aires, London, and down America’s east coast. Production team Tokyo Angel of Tokyo, Japan remixed the track for Barzet Records—hear it now on beatport.com.

It’s not every day I get to live vicariously through a lucky person attending the Grammy Awards, but this year I get to do so and you can, too. Find Melissa Jane on social media and see what she is up to, how the Grammy ensemble looks, and listen to her music.



ABOUT MELISSA JANE:


http://www.MELISSAJANE.com

http://www.facebook.com/MelissaJaneSings

http://www.twitter.com/MelissJaneMusic

http://www.youtube.com/MelissaJaneSings

This Is Not Goodbye...

So, I have returned, sort of. What was supposed to be a two week break to celebrate the holidays with my family morphed into a hiatus with no clear cut end in sight.

It’s not that I don’t love writing because I truly do. It’s just that I found I had run out of things to write about that pleased me. And that’s scary. I never have experienced such a “writer’s block” in all of my years of writing, but there is always a first for everything.

I thought about quietly walking away from Chief 187™Chatter, but some of my loyal readers called me out on that. And I really don’t want to walk away. I love this site and I adore my body of work I have created. But creating out of habit or, even worse, pressure, was depressing me.

Life is a work in progress. Change is inevitable. The only constant is Change.

And my life is constantly changing as I have children in the house.

My ten year old and six year old sons are involved in many extra-curricular activities that keep us out of the house every single week night. My daughter, at three, has completely abandoned her nap and requires ever more time and attention from me.

These read like excuses, but I cannot help it. I am blessed with a daily life and schedule that keeps me fully engaged in the here and now and leaves me little motivation to put “pen to paper”.

I’m not quitting, but I am cutting back. I’m not even sure what that means. It could be 3-4 blogs per week or it could be just one. Each week will be different but I have to be okay with that.

I know writing is vitally important to my well-being. I will always write. But I must let inspiration wash over me. I have to allow myself time to live my life so I can feel compelled to write about it in a natural – not forced – way.

It is not without much thought that I write these words. I have prided myself so much on writing daily (save weekends) for two years and five months with NO TIME OFF.

But this isn’t a “job”, it is a blog. It is my blog. And for it to continue to have integrity I must give myself a break.

Simple Joys will surface as often as possible as it continues to bring a fresh perspective and positive glow to my life.

I may begin a “Thankful Thursday” post that shines a light on my gratitude.

Media and Music blogs will be revisited over time, but not on a weekly basis.

Tantalizing Thursday will be retooled and published only when I am pleased with a recipe that has worked for me and my family.

I realize, sadly, that I may lose my wonderful and loyal readership when I alter the formula I had used for these last several years, but I must plod forward.

My hope is we can continue to meet here at Chief 187™Chatter to exchange ideas, spread a positive message, and strengthen our bond.

Again, I am not quitting, I’m simply changing my writing schedule to better suit my family and my needs.

My aim is to put out even better work on a time-table that compliments my life.

Thank you for visiting the site, reading my words, and offering your support. I do so hope you continue to check in on the site regularly and watch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google + for when I publish new works.

Until we meet again… Peace.

Best Of-Day 10 January 11th

Welcome to Day 10 of the “Best Of” Chief 187™Chatter.

As winter settles in I choose to imagine a world with warm breezes, the sound and smell of the ocean, and a fabulous pool bar!

The Friday Music Blog is the oldest running column I pen. It began sometime in late 2007 and has been a mainstay since. It seems that people inherently love music and love to write about their favorites. I simply offer a topic for which others to fill in their music.

The following is an example from July 20, 2012 entitled “Friday Music Blog-Pool Bar Edition”. I hope you enjoy and I truly hope you feel compelled to add your selections to the original post!

The Friday Music Blog will resume this year as well so please make it a part of your week-end fun!

http://chief187.blogspot.com/2012/07/friday-music-blog-pool-bar-edition.html

Best Of-Day 9 January 10th

Welcome to Day 9 of the “Best Of” Chief 187™Chatter.

In my forty years on this good Earth I have created a core set of beliefs. They are ever-expanding as I experience more, meet new people, and grow my horizons.

Still, my beliefs are the foundation of what makes me who I am.

Join me for “I Believe…Do You?” from August 10, 2011.

http://chief187.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-believe-do-you.html