We Three New York Goddesses

If I could do it but again.........

2012-01-18T13:43:00.001-05:00

If I could do it but again,
I’d have my children but no men.
For they grow jealous and then lie;
They’ll break your heart and make your cry

For men are children at their best,
They take your soul and leave the rest.
They’ll have you waitin in the yard.
They’ll break your smile and leave you hard.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all,
He’ll come walkin in so straight and tall.
You swear it will not happen again;
But then, Ahhhhh, we almost all need men.

We Love You Too! And Always!!

2011-06-26T16:14:00.004-04:00

Sunday, June 26th, 2011 "Noreen" Lives!!! Still!! The Hollyhock now has petite leaves, again close to the ground, and the tiniest Hollyhock flowers I have ever seen. How did she do this in only 3 days. Is someone sending me a message? I think so....We love you too "Noreen"! The little plant is actual size looking at it from my height. The larger picture is a zoom in so that you can see the flowers.

It all depends on how you look at it!

2011-06-23T20:42:00.003-04:00

On the surface someone can appear to have it all. Behind the scenes they can be struggling just like ourselves or may even be in a harder fight than we can imagine.

Our Mom had a favorite expression which went something like this, “Stop your complaining, it could be worse!.” Her equivalent to, “People are starving all over the world, so eat what is on your plate.” One day, after I had given her advice back to her like grown children are known to do, she said, “You know Marti, it can also be better!” I said, “Of course, otherwise why would we try so hard to succeed.” Secretly she liked that response because it meant that she had been successful in her parenting; on the outside however, she gave me the finger.

But the fact still remains that some people, no matter how hard they work to change their lives, seem to be bound to the fact that they will have to work harder for their goals than the next person, or so it would seem. “Those things that don’t kill us will only make us stronger”, another favorite Mother saying along with, “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle!” But sometimes it would appear that we have reached the limit of our ability to rebound. Never!

Will and determination are awesome personal powers and if we remain focused we can surmount the most difficult issues. We learned this as Fiery Fairy Princesses and later practiced as all knowing Druid Queens. We are down in the dirt scrappers not to be beaten, as were our parents before us and their parents and so on.

Out the outside our family appeared not to have any difficulties. Sure it was obvious that we did not have a lot of money, it was also observed that we knew how to work for what we wanted and accomplished our goals. We were taught, “Never to air our dirty laundry in public.” another favorite teaching from our Mother. What went on in our house stayed in our house way before the expression, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

Our oldest New York Goddess, the Fairy Princess/Druid Queen herself, made her transition with the Grace of God on April 17th of this year. She had succumbed to metastasized breast cancer after at least 10 years of the disease and a final heart wrenching battle for the last 18 months. It was only in these last months that we, her closest blood sisters, learned that she had many life battles that we never really knew about. That was her way, to keep those things most unpleasant to herself.

Were these problems any worse than those of others? Probably not, but wouldn’t it have eased her burden a little to have shared with family or a very close friend? I believe we all do the best we can with what we have at any given day in our lives. Sure, there were things she could have done differently or even better; but each day I know that she did what she could do with the powers that she had.

Does this determination transcend death? I know that it flows through our blood to our children and their children; but what about through the veil between the living and those that have passed on.

My neighbor gave me a hearty Hollyhock plant to put in my flower garden in memory of Noreen. She knew that Noreen and I both love wild flowers as does our sister Debbie. There were no flowers yet but a strong sturdy stem and lots of luxurious leaves. And so “Noreen” was planted close to the house and in full view of my kitchen window. There to remain year after year as a reminder of a strong woman and of the thoughtfulness of my neighbor. Two days later I was raving mad as I thought that “Noreen” had fallen victim to a careless weed whacking. “Even as a commemorative plant, can she not catch a break?!?!” And by the way, Hubs never owned up to the whacking…………….

A week later and “Noreen” has once again sprouted leaves, close to the ground but healthy! Hurrah! She lives!

One week after that “Noreen” has flowers! A true testament to those powers of Will, Determination and Survival above all else.

Oh no, it was not a whacking after all………….the leaves and the flowers are now gone again with remnants of bunny bite marks…….

Anyone want to lay odds on whether “Noreen” will rise again? My money is on the Hollyhock!

News from the Florida Weather Diva, Another Relocated New York Goddess

2011-06-09T10:22:00.002-04:00

GOOD MORN ITS THURSDAY

JUNE 9,2011

MY=HOW TIME FLYS AND WEATHER KEEPS ON CHANGIN====

ONLY IN OUR WORLD CAN YOU HAVE IT ALL. I MEAN,WEATHER FORECAST,HOT
TOPICS,AND FASHION UPDATES,SO SIT BACK AS YOU ALWAYS DO,WHILE READIN
THIS ISSUE,GRAB YOUR DRINK,AND THAT FAT FREE DONUT,AND ENJOY,THE
'DIVA'.COMMIN AT YA!!!!

CAMDEN,DE====93'
CHICOPEE,MASS==92'
FARMERSVILLE,TX====93'
GAINESVILLE,FL===97'
KANSASCITY,MO====90'
KINGSTON,NY====86'
KINGSTON,RI==91'
MANCHESTER,NY====86'
ORMOND BEACH,FL===84'
PHILADELPHIA,PA====99'
PINE PLAINS,NY===91'
SEATTLE WASHINGTON=====73'
SYRACUSE,NY======84'
WINSTED,CONN===88'

SO THERE YA HAVE IT,ITS HOT ALL OVER===GO DOWN TO THE OLE WATERIN HOLE
TODAY,AND JUST LAY THERE AND COOL OFF! I KNOW THE LITTLE BITTY FROGS,
WOULD LOVE COMPANY AND THEY COULD SLIDE ON YOUR BACK,GOOD EXERCISE FOR
THEM,AND YOU GET A FREE MASSAGE!!!!!!!

BUT THE NEWS=ITS CRAZY TODAY!
AS YOU KNOW WEINER AS LEFT THE BUILDING=HE LEFT THE DOOR OPEN THOUGH,IT
SEEMS THAT ALEX BALDWIN,MAY TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME,AND GO FOR
IT,,,,,MAYOR!!!!!
DONT BE TOO SURPRISED,REMEMBER,WE HAVE HAD ACTORS FOR PRESIDENTS,AND
GOVERNORS,SO WHY NOT TRY MAYOR!!!!!! WE ALL KNOW ITS A GREAT ACTING
POSITION,COME TO THINK OF IT,,YOU PROBABLY DONT HAVE TO GO TO ACTING
SCHOOL==THATS A GREAT BREAK!

ON WE GO TO OTHER THINGYS,,,,
THE SOLAR FLARE PICKS UP TODAY. SO IF YOUR CELL PHONES DONT WANT TO
WORK,THATS THE REASON,,SO FIND THE PHONE YOU JUST THRU IN THE GARBAGE,IT
STILL WORKS SILLY ITS JUST THE FLARE THINGY GOIN ON, GO AHEAD GRAB IT
FROM THE GARBAGE=YUK!!!! AND WIPE IT OFF,IT WILL BE FINE,USE SOME
SANITARY STUFF ON IT,SO IT DOESNT GET ALL COUGHED UP!!! YUK!!

ADRIAN=AH YES=SHES OUT,TO SEA AS WE SPEAK=YEAH! BUT THERE ARE MORE
COMMIN IN,SO GET READY......

N,Y,CITY IS HOT=HOT=HOT====
GOIN TO BE RECORD BREAKIN TEMP. TODAY, SINCE RECORDS WERE KEPT FROM
1933==YIKES!!!!!! SORRY GUYS,BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS====US FLORIDA PEOPLE
JUST WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU GUYS,,,WE ARE VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE,

NOW AS FOR BEAR IN THE POOL IN FLORIDA,,, I HEARD THAT HE JUST
INVITED HIS WHOLE FAMILY TO SHARE THE POOL WITH HIM,SO=WATCH OUT=THERES
GOIN TO BE MORE BIG SPLASHIN GOIN ON,THATS SO=NICE=== THE OWNERS MOVED
OUT YESTERDAY,TO BE ACCOMMODATING======SEE THERE ARE NICE HUMANS
AROUND,BUT JUST WAIT 'TIL THEY TASTE THE TURKEY-MEAT-A=BALLS THAT ARE ON
THE LOVELY COVERED POOL SIDE TABLE!!!!1 HA,HA,HA==SEE YA, DONT WANT TO
BE YA=======AND YOU THOUGHT I WAS JUST GOIN TO LET THAT HAPPEN WITHOUT
THE TURKEY THINGY POPPIN UP,,,NOT ME,WHO ME,NO NO NO=====

SO,LIFE GOES ON AND FOR ME GOT TO GO========
('SAY GOODNITE GRACY')
YOUR DIVA,MEL

Until We Hug Again!

2011-04-30T15:31:00.002-04:00

Siblings are your first friends if you are lucky. Reenie was my first friend.

She told me, “it was OK to have imaginary friends, just don't bring them to Kindergarten."

We shared a bedroom and a bed in those early days and she never took all the covers.

Also, we would ride for hours on our imaginary magic carpet (the bedspread) high above all those people and things we imagined could get at us. We called them sharks! Who Knew!?

When she accidentally locked herself in the bedroom after one of our childhood spats, I slid pretzels under the door so that she wouldn't starve in those two hours before Dad came home to fix the door knob.

We were good friends then and always and forever.

In our family we rarely say goodbye, we say see you later!

When Debbie, Pete and I left her hospital room on the last day we would all be together, she did not say see you later or goodbye, she said “Sleep Tight”

We try not to mourn a death either, as we would rather celebrate the life that went before.

It is not about the dying; but Noreen had astonishing grace when faced with it’s inevitability.

It is about the living, which she did to the very best of her ability in all things!

She was a Mom, a wife, a home maker.

She was a friend, a volunteer, a hard worker, a valued employee and a respected public representative. She was an artist and a poet, she was our Sister.

She also loved this poem.

I am sure that many of you have heard this before.

The author is Mary Frye, and we think she must have had a little American Indian blood, as we do. When an Indian dies they believe that their soul becomes a part of all nature that encompasses our lives. Their after life is in the wind, rain, fire and earth. In the bear, the deer, the eagle and the rabbit.

We think that This Poem is representative of how Reenie would want us to feel today.

It is Called: Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

When I am long gone from your side,
And all your tears have then been dried ...
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
------------------------
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
--------------------
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
--------------------
And when you stroll in the evening hours,
And smell the aroma of beautiful flowers;
There'll be no need to sob and cry ...
I am not there, I did not die!

Until we all hug again our friend, our sweet sister, you are forever in our hearts.

Sunday Mornings

2011-03-13T18:17:00.001-04:00

Sunday Morning, a time for peaceful reflection. A time for extra cups of coffee, a real home-cooked breakfast, reading the paper or a magazine, playing with the family pets or snuggling on the couch with your children and/or spouse and the family pets.

Also a time to watch Sunday Morning on CBS a long time favorite which helps to unwind with a little news, a little art and more than a little thought provoking chatter about the state of things in the past, now and those things to come. I have been watching Sunday Morning as long as it has been on TV and now I find that my grown children enjoy this as much as I do in their own homes. I wonder, is it there way of feeling that they are still at home on the couch with all of us together?

This Sunday Morning I finished a book mostly about women, their friendships, their children, their romances and their power to survive alone if necessary. I thought that this would be a “fluff” book, a summer read, a quick escape from everyday problems. And so it seemed until just near the very end. The heroine had ovarian cancer and she was gone in just two chapters. Clearly her dying was not as important as her living had been.

She passed with fight and dignity and wisdom profound. She was a single Mom in love with her daughter’s father and rekindling that romance, still in the prime of her life. You could say that she never gained full happiness; or you could say that the love
Finally returned by this man was simply the sprinkles on top of the icing on her well baked cake.

I had wanted a happy ending! I was really upset as I realized that the older, non-related mother figure in the story was not going to die first as would have been sad but acceptable as that is the cycle of life. No, it was the young Mom with so many more years to bloom and grow and watch her child grow and have children.

This really aggravated the hell out of me. Still does, sort of. But it is not really about the dying, it is about the living. I had a brief but some what chronological peek into this woman’s life and it was glorious. It was not extraordinary. It was almost close to what one might call ordinary except that she was a fiercely independent woman who had made a success of her business and was able to, at the same time, raise a seemingly happy and well adjusted child.

Predictably, she was a secret diary keeper. Within a brief time after the funeral and well within the all consuming veil of grief, her elder mentor produced one of these diaries which had all been put aside for her daughter to read one by one. What a gift,I thought, to have something in writing from someone you love.

Well this, of course, is not a new idea. People have been writing their memoirs for hundreds, thousands of years. Famous people, infamous people, literary types and scientists and yes ordinary people as well.

My sisters and I have often talked about doing just that either collectively or singularly and so now I begin my attempt to share those events I feel that have molded me into the person I am today. Not extraordinary, close to ordinary with independence and strengths
and weaknesses and joy and sadness all rolled into one. After all, it is all about the living.

Our Cousin The Weather Diva

2011-01-28T13:33:00.003-05:00

JANUARY 28,2011 (THIS IS GREAT STUFF! MEL SENDS US ALL HER LATEST UPDATES EVERY DAY EXCEPT SAT AND SUN AT ABOUT 7:30 AM JUST IN TIME FOR US TO CATCH UP BEFORE WORK.
IF YOU WANT TO BE PUT ON THE WEATHER DIVA'S LIST HER EMAIL ADDRESS IS:
jones-zn@webtv.net GIVE HER YOUR CITY AND SHE WILL REPORT THE WEATHER FOR YOU. ANY OTHER TID BITS OF NEWS AND SHE WILL REPORT THAT AS WELL. ENJOY!!!!! I CERTAINLY DO........

FROM MEL: THE WEATHER DIVA!!!

STARTING THIS DAY WITH SOME OF THE SAME--SORRY FOLKS! ITS GETTING
CHILLY ALL OVER AS I PREDICTED YESTERDAY,TO SEE HOW COLD LETS GO TO THE
ROUND-UP

CAMDEN,DE==24'
CHICOPEE,MASS==10'
FARMSVILLE,TEXAS==33'
GAINESVILLE,FL==33'
HUDSON,NY==15'
KINGSTON,NY==14'
KINGSTON,R.I.=17'
MANCHESTER,NY===14'
ORMOND BEACH=36'
PHILADELPHIA,PA==25'
PINE PLAINS,NY==17'
SEATTLE,WASHINGTON===41'

THERE YOU HAVE IT! ITS NOT A PRETTY PICTURE=BUT TALKIN ABOUT
PICTURES=GET OUT YOUR CAMERAS AND TAKE SOME......... WHO KNOWS THE RIGHT
ONE, COULD MAKE YOU MONEY==YOU KNOW FROM WHO==THINK=THE GREETING CARD
COMPANIES,FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! SEE=THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO
TURN THE HARD TIMES AROUND.

YOU CAN EVEN GO TO A TOWN NEARBY AND JUST MAKE BELIEVE YOU'RE DOING JUST THAT THING! NO ONE WILL KNOW WHO YOU ARE,I HOPE,,,,,, AND JUST ACT LIKE A BIG SHOT! YOU'LL GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE HOME FOLK, AND YOU'D BE SURPRISED AT THE ATTENTION, YOU WOULD
GET. MAYBE A FREE CUP OF COFFEE, FREE CONVERSATION, AND FREE PICK -ME-UP
FOR THIS LOUZY WEATHER COMMIN IN. I DIDNT SAY PICK-UP,,LET ME MAKE
THAT--CLEAR.THEN MAYBE-A CARD COMPANY WILL PAY YOU FOR YOUR SHOTS YOU
TOOK. HEY!!! IT WOULD BE FUN,EXCITING,FREE,AND A NICE EXCURSION.....TRY
IT!!!!

THE WEATHER=AH!!! IT IS WHAT IT IS===I TOLD YOU====HOPE YOU HAVE
PLENTY OF FOOD, FOR HOMELESS ANIMALS,AND MAYBE YOU'LL HAVE TO SUPPLY
SOME HOMELESS PEOPLE WITH FOOD ALSO. I SURE HOPE YOU'VE BEEN DROPPIN
COATS OFF, AT YOUR LOCAL SALVATION PLACES,THEY REALLY NEED THEM NOW.

THERE IS SOMETHING I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT, WHAT I HEARD THE
OTHER DAY, WHILE IN PASSING. DID YOU KNOW, YOUR EYE GLASSES ARE NOW
KNOWN AS YOUR( 'WINDOW DRESSINGS') SO=== NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE TO DRESS
UP YOUR REGULAR WINDOWS WITH CURTAINS,NOW YOU'RE WEARING THEM! MY ADVICE
TO YOU IS;

1) GO TO THE DOLLAR STORE

2)BUY 4 DIFFERENT COLORED FRAME GLASSES

3) GO HOME,QUICKLY,DONT WASTE TME,BUT BE CAREFUL WITH THE WEATHER
CONDITIONS!

4)SIT IN YOUR LIVING ROOM, AND PUT ON GLASSES TO MATCH YOUR CURTAINS!!

NOW-THATS WHAT I CALL A 'DIVA'

YOU HAVE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER SELF,,,COLOR LOTS OF BLING,BLING
AND SPLASH IN YOUR LIFE. JUST PUT EACH DIFFERENT COLORED GLASSES IN EACH
DIFFERENT COLORED CURTAIN ROOM.

THEN,,,JUST SIT BACK,YOU'VE TURNED YOURSELF INTO A 'DIVA' LIKE ME!! EXCITING????????? YOU BETCHYA!!!!
YOU'LL FEEL SO======= GOOD YOU HAVE CO-ORDINATING GLASSES AND CURTAINS,YOU'RE
IN STYLE===YES,YES,YES!!!! GO AHEAD DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE PLANNED
FOR YOU,BESIDES WORK????

IT WOULD GIVE YOU EXERCIZE W=A=L=K=I=N TO THE STORE,AT LUNCH BREAK,THAT $4 WOULD HELP THE ECONOMY AND YOU'RE GOING TO FEEL GREAT WHEN EVERY LITTLE THING MATCHES==YEAH!

THATS ALL THE EXCITING INFO FOR TODAY,IM RUNNING LATE,FOR AN
IMPORTANT DATE=='NOT'

SAY'GOODNITE GRACY' YOUR WEATHER 'DIVA' MEL

Things that were said 55 Years Ago

2011-01-13T17:00:00.003-05:00

Only 55 Years Ago

Thought you might enjoy it...
for some, it will be a trip down memory lane.

in 1955 Baby Sister was, in fact, just a baby. Big sister was about 11 and I was 6 years old.

Comments Made
In The
Year 1955

"I’ll tell you one thing, if things
keep going the way they are,
it’s going to be impossible to
buy a week’s groceries for $10.00."

"Have you seen the new cars
coming out next year? It won’t
be long before $1,000.00 will
only buy a used one."

"If cigarettes keep going up in
price, I’m going to quit; 20 cents
a pack is ridiculous."

"Did you hear the post office is
thinking about charging 7 cents
just to mail a letter."

"If they raise the minimum wage
to $1.00, nobody will be able to
hire outside help at the store."

"When I first started driving, who
would have thought gas would
someday cost 25 cents a gallon.
Guess we’d be better off leaving
the car in the garage."
(In 1969 I still bought gas in Oklahoma for 28 cents a gallon.)

"I’m afraid to send my kids to the
movies any more. Ever since they
let Clark Gable get by with saying
DAMN in ‘GONE WITH THE WIND’,
it seems every new movie has
either HELL or DAMN in it."

"I read the other day where some
scientist thinks it’s possible to put
a man on the moon by the end of
the century. They even have some
fellows they call astronauts
preparing for it down in Texas."

"Did you see where some baseball
player just signed a contract for
$50,000 a year just to play ball?
It wouldn’t surprise me if someday
they’ll be making more than the
President."

"I never thought I’d see the day
all our kitchen appliances would
be electric. They are even making
electric typewriters now."
(and that is what we all had to use until about 1984)

"It’s too bad things are so tough
nowadays. I see where a few
married women are having to
work to make ends meet."

"It won’t be long before young
couples are going to have to hire
someone to watch their kids so
they can both work."

"I’m afraid the Volkswagen car
is going to open the door to a
whole lot of foreign business."

"Thank goodness I won’t live to
see the day when the Government
takes half our income in taxes.I
sometimes wonder if we are
electing the best people to
government."

"The drive-in restaurant is
convenient in nice weather,
but I seriously doubt they
will ever catch on."

"There is no sense going on short
trips anymore for a weekend. It
costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay
in a hotel."

"No one can afford to be sick
anymore. At $15.00 a day in
the hospital, it’s too rich for
my blood."

"If they think I’ll pay 30 cents
for a hair cut, forget it."

Know any friends
who would get a
kick out of these,
pass this on.

Write down your goals, Succeed with positive affirmations Continued

2011-01-08T18:54:00.009-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1g3ENYxg9k (Copy paste to see Bob Newhart as your friendly shrink) Now, wasn't that just the most depressing New Years Message ever?! Actually there is a positive spin on this story. You see, the walleyed pike also had the ability to see more clearly through murky water than some other fish. It spent all its time looking east and west and in all the other corners and through the muck and myer; but rarely looked at what was right in front of him. ie. the "food"!

Lesson: Take the time to look at the obvious! You don't have to keep hitting your head against a glass wall to get what you want. Those things that matter most can be right in front of you and easy to spot if you "Just stop" looking elsewhere. Bob Newhart might just have it right, take the simple series of steps or acts to accomplish your goals. Stop being busy for busy sake, stop looking in all the unturned corners for what you need, instead look in front of you and "just stop" obsessing about the bad in your life and appreciate the good!

Write down your goals, succeed with positive affirmations, etc........

2011-01-06T14:38:00.003-05:00

But what if you find yourself ambivolent about your goals? What if you wonder what it is you really want to do for the rest of your days? What if you are finding it more and more difficult to muster up the enthusiasm for anything?

"Where will I find the inspiration to continue my blog this year?", someone on Twitter wrote recently." Maybe I will just write when I feel the inspiration. Oh Crap, what if I never do? "Where will I find the energy to "Pimp My Business this year?" someone on LinkedIn wrote. Why bother, business has been so bad with the economy and all..............

Well, I watched a video clip this morning (sent by my cousin who is also in the same business as myself and a New York Goddess) and it was just to apropos. Bob Newhart was a mental health practitioner and his answer to every problem or phobia was "Stop It!!" That is why he only charged $1 a minute because he had the clients out of there in less than 5 minutes.(This was, of course, c.1960 phych rates) Sometimes I guess it could be just that simple. "Cut It Out, Stop It, Just Go Forward!!"

Years ago I was at an industry convention listening to a motivational speaker. His topic was. "Beware the Walleyed Pike Syndrome" or something like that. To make the lesson short: The walleyed pike has divergent eyes (in which the eyes turn outward away from the nose. The Japanese term is ron-pari, as one eye is looking at London and the other is looking at Paris) on each side of its head.

Phychologists did an experiment with this fish in a tank by feeding it in one specific place each day. After a while, they put up a glass wall between the fish and its feeding place. The fish quickly bumped into the glass wall and continued to do so for at least 5 days. On the 6th day the fish no longer swam near the glass wall and did not attempt to feed. On the 7th day they began to feed the fish again without the glass wall but the fish did not feed and eventually died even though the food was readily available.

To be continued.....................

The Party

2010-12-31T16:47:00.001-05:00

It’s New Year’s Eve and no one has been talking about the “Party”. There is one almost every year and this year no one has mentioned what to bring, who will be coming or what time to arrive. This is most unusual as there has been a party worth remembering once a year for my entire life.

Well, never mind, I will just show up as usual and I am sure that no one will mind. My invitationless situation is absolutely an oversight and there are sure to be several people there that I will know.

My black velvet top and black and white plaid taffeta skirt will be perfect for tonight as it is just a short walk across the yard to the party- no need to worry about a coat or boots. That is always the way, just run out the front door and there you are.

Oh look, Jimmy’s there! He must be home from the Navy for the holiday. Mom is already there helping out with the preparations. Dad will come as soon as he is off work, or he will simply drive the patrol car over a little before midnight. Uncle Bill and Aunt Emily are here as well which is unusual. Jack just drove up with some extra champagne though he hasn’t been drinking now for years. Annie and John are here too; but truth be told, I am anxiously waiting for their three handsome sons. I have a terrible crush on the middle one; probably will for my entire life.

Terry and Pat are here from the city and Margie and Al as well. I wonder what they have done with their little ones. Anne and Howell will be coming in a minute but Diane has decided to remain in the city with her friends. How jealous am I!!

There’s a fire in the fireplace and the music is a little lower than usual; but the conversation is lively and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Funny though, almost everyone seems to have reached back in their closets to come up with some retro clothing.

I have always wondered why Auntie Maude and Uncle Walter only came over to our house and not to the rest of the neighbors; but here they are. Maude has died her hair purple again but by spring it will be pink. Uncle Walter is dressed like a cowboy with a string tie and his old Mayor’s badge pinned to his chest.

How warm I feel, safe in a familiar home with loved ones all around. Suddenly drowsy, I sit in the big arm chair with a throw over my shoulders.

Dad has arrived and it must be close to midnight. Oh look, he is doing his usual New Year’s jig which is a combination of Irish dancing and a Russian squat thrust kicking his legs straight out as he jumps up and down. Jack reaches down to pluck me from my reverie to ask for a dance.

“Hey, wake up! Come on! It is almost time………….”. Debbie and Roy are here and my husband, Ron. The children have all gone their merry way to other towns and other States. The four of us are alone in Debbie’s cozy home and not at the yearly party at Barb and Jack’s. Oh, that’s right………….. They have all passed on now, only Barb remains here with those of us that still live on. But just for a minute or so, Oh what a lovely time I had!

My Mother's Hands

2010-12-18T21:02:00.004-05:00

I looked down in my lap, and there folded before my eyes were my Mother's hands. No not really; but my hands have somehow begun to look like my Mother's. It is important at this point in my written conversation to point out that I have always had shorter fingers, rather chubby and sweaty hands in my youth. My daughter and my sisters all have long thin fingers, like Mom's.

But somehow, during this magical season, my hands have morphed into a reasonable likeness of Mom's hands. I don't have her long strong nails, probably because I never take the time to maintain them. My skin is much dryer than hers because again I don't take the time to maintain it. However, almost like a spiritual possession, I look at my hands and see my Mother's hands in front of me.

I have lost a little weight and I am getting older so this metamorphasis is possible. However, I choose to believe that it is her way of letting me know that she is with me still and channeling her strength to me through her hands and mine.

It could also be that my hands have not changed at all and I am just seeing what I want to see, but don't we all? We see what we want to see and hear what we want to hear; and if no one is hurt by that, let us take comfort where we find it.

I must have been possessed!!

2010-12-02T16:51:00.003-05:00

Just some random thoughts here.....About 6 years ago I bought a used Toyota 4-Runner from our daughter's neighbors in North Carolina. Great folks and a great car. I had been experimenting with listening to country music for a while since that was all my son-in-law listened to and that is all that seemed to play on the radio when we traveled to see our daughter in NC. Once I was in the 4-Runner it seemed that was all that I listened to. I even went so far as to purchase country CDs, and I hardly ever buy music. 5 years ago we bought a house in NC and I began to listen to Country Music on the radio there and at home in NY as well. Now that I have given my Toyota 4-Runner to my nephew I hardly listen to country music at all in my other car. Never do I tune in country music at the house; and in fact, I have begun to dislike it all over again. Just sayin, "I must have been possessed!"

A Day in the Life of a Friend of Mine, Another NY Goddess

2010-11-04T18:27:00.003-04:00

Today..I decided , spur of the moment...to accompany Hubby on one of his day trips to the city on business, with the 'lure' being ...we would hook up with our kids for dinner.......Here's what transpired.

Around 7 p.m. My two adult children, Hubby and I , had a lovely dinner at a really neat, cozy bar restaurant in Forest Hills Gardens called 'When Pigs Fly'. The restaurant has a small neighborhood bar, a T.V. and 6 tables. They make the most incredible food. The waitress remembered me from last time which was over a year ago. She had followed my recommendations to go to Shadows on the Hudson, which I had quite forgotten. She has a degree in nursing and can't find a job in the city. I'm going to try and help her get employment up here....Lovely girl..She lives with her grandparents in Queens..Henry and I had an hour to 'kill' so before going to that restaurant, we had gone to a Tai restaurant bar called Jade which was attached to Our Daughters building complex. We had some drinks ( I had one gin and tonic...Hubby had 2 vodkas) and popcorn shrimp with a sweet cilantro sauce...which tasted like cilantro in the blender with corn syrup...Very tasty....Waiter, from the Dominican Republic had been working there 4 years and was attending college to become an accountant.( Dunno why , but I always have to play 'guidance counselor' with kids.) After about an hour, the kids arrived...Both came by train which ran across the street on an elevated platform parallel to the restaurant. Our daughter had given Hubby a pile of special passes for displaying on the dashboard of his car so parking on the streets of Forest Hills Gardens is no problem whatsoever. When we used to visit our daughter at her other place..we would have to drive around and around the block to find an opening that was legal.

Hubby had made only one business stop in Bedford Hills ...so the day trip was considerably shortened. Wore my red cowboy boots, knowing I would not be doing much walking. Them boots are made for riding , not walking. Red boots under black plaid pants, red sweater and black naval blazer ( my uniform for traveling).

On the way back to Pine Plains, tonight after saying our goodbys to the kids., Hubbs told me to STOP fiddling with his car radio ( I tend to flip the dials too much looking for just the 'right' song) . He told me to just be quiet...I went to my cell phone and said...'Hmmmm, now WHO should I call?'...He started laughing and said...'Who, of your friends, is awake at this hour?'........So..guess what I did? ::::::.scroll down
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I dialed HIS cell phone...which rang loud in the car....Henry answered it...with his usual anticipatory Business Voice, "This is _________________!'.......then he realized what I had done.....as my amplified voice came over on his speaker phone flashing bright green all over his dashboard lighting up the lone black night like Christmas on St. Paddy's Day. while we sped along 684 at 74mph....10 o'clock way past high traffic hour.

"Hubbs , you are a real meanie, you won't let me play with the radio'.......I laughed into the phone before he hung up on me.

Cracked us BOTH up...Could not stop laughing....after that.
Sense of humor goes a L-O-N-G W-A-Y...in a L-O-N-G-, wonderful marriage.

Remember that program 'I married Joan? '......Remember George and Gracie Allen......? ........ha, ha, ha........and Hennie Youngman..'Now , you take my wife............................please'.

Hubbs and I are that...LOL.....

And I am on the No Call/No Solicitation List

2010-11-01T19:41:00.003-04:00

I am so popular these days. I had 23 saved calls on my voicemail and that was in just 2 days. Candidates for every office have been calling me, even Pat Boone called me about somebody, an NFL quarterback called me too and the past Governor George E. Pataki. I like Governor Pataki, he is a nice man. I wish he was running for some office here in New York; but I really didn't want to listen about another candidate. Pat Boone didn't sing me a song but he did remind me that he sang "Love letters in the Sand" and I am sad to think that I remembered that song and his white buck shoes too. So if you are lonely, remember you can actually listen to all these political solicitation calls and save them too and play them back again and again!!

But that won't change our current political situation or the economy. I say, vote all those in office out and in two years do the same thing again!!! What do you think?

Cha-Cha-Cha Changes!!!

2010-10-20T16:47:00.003-04:00

Fortunate changes as we age!

Isn’t it fortunate that as we age our tastes seem to change as well? For instance, I no longer stare with dropped mouth at young men with tight butts and rock hard abs; but would rather spend time with those of my own age. A little silver at the temples is a sexy thing to me now.

I would rather sit quietly on the back porch with a good friend or even a good book than prep myself for a night out at the local pub. Which is not to say that I don’t enjoy a good pub night with friends; but I no longer need to do this once a week.

I would rather bake for my friends than go to a bakery and fill myself with gooey and fattening fair. This is another good thing as my middle seems to expand on its very own without the added sugar.

I would rather live in my “denim uniform” (jeans and a faded denim shirt) than dress for a formal affair. It is a good thing that I have less and less of them to attend these days!!

I would much rather walk around a farmers market than shop in Manhattan which is also good as my income has dropped while my age has increased.

I no longer long for a huge mansion but would rather live in a little country cottage by the side of a dirt road with small flower gardens; which is fortunate as the cost of fuel has risen to new heights.

Oh Dear, it seems I would also rather write, Blog, IM, Twitter and Facebook than get my butt off this recliner and see people face to face!!!!! This is not a good change……….

Fresh Eggs

2010-07-13T16:09:00.003-04:00

Back in the early 1970's my children were young and we had a sweet little farmette. We had peach trees, blackberries, elderberries, gooseberries, grapes, and
raspberries Galore. In addition to all those wonderful organic ingredients we raised chickens for their fresh eggs. I baked all my homemade breads and of
course there were oodles of jams and jellies to sweeten our breakfast fare.

Right now we all remember the gas embargo of the '70's. We had all kinds of time to turn things around with gas shortages but we didn't have the fortitude to do it.
We always pay more for procrastination.

While my kids were having the fun of gathering eggs and helping bake and eat homemade bread with jams and jellies, others were losing out on setting an example
for lifestyle change.

Rhinebeck was along the leading edge of what is now known as holistic food consumption. It wasn 't long before we were selling organic fruits and vegetables to the Pawling Health Manor. The women enrolled in these courses were considered impossible to help. Pawling Health Manor proved to them that a lifestyle change with their eating habits would indeed make a change in their over all well being. Many articles were printed in the N Y Times around the success of their program.

Once again my family and kids were living a relaxed lifestyle with lots of culinary benefits. Fresh Eggs gave us a wonderful way to live and learn.

2010-06-16T10:07:00.001-04:00

We had a frog named Willoughby. Nobody really “had” Willoughby. He chose to visit when he wasn’t doing anything else. We (Reenie, Debbie and I) chose to believe that he was ours. He lived, we thought, under the boat dock at the summer camp we shared on Silver Lake in Clinton Corners, NY.

He was a tremendous Bull Frog with a deep “Gaaaarumph” that could be heard all the way up to the cabin and across the lake where we swam. It never occurred to us that there may be other, friendly yet unknown, bullfrogs making the same sound in different areas of the lake. The frog spawn that we saw around the lake was made by lady frogs; and, I think, we thought Willoughby was married to all of them.

He was ours! He was big and greenie black with lots of bumpy warts and a throat that would expand like the largest bubblegum bubble you ever blew. That part of his throat was yellow when it blew up. We wondered if one day it would pop.

Willoughby was ever present. We would see him whenever we took out the boat. We would see him when we brought the boat back. We would see him if we went to the dock to skip stones and he would always make that loud “Gaaaarumph” which we loved to hear.

At night he would sing us to sleep as we imagined all sorts of pictures on the ceiling of the cabin which was severely water stained. In the morning he was singing when we woke up. Willoughby was ever present and he was our special frog.

Every summer we would go to the cabin. We would run down the road to the boat dock to see if Willoughby was still there. There he was.

Years passed and every year our friend would great us. How reassuring to have him there always waiting for us. It was like knowing which Tree Ornaments went where on the Christmas Tree every year. We always knew where to find Willoughby.

Eventually we stopped using the cabin regularly; but on the rare occasion we went there, we would individually or collectively stroll down the road to the boat dock to see if Willoughby was still there. Years had gone by and we were always surprised when we saw him, reassured that all is right with the world-with our lives-with our families; because Willoughby was there and he certainly was a part of our childhood when the world was safe.

Our parents passed on about 15 years ago. Eventually I took a ride out to the old cabin, now owned by someone else. The boat dock was still there, no boat; I walked down to the dock just to see by chance if Willoughby was still there. I could hear him. I couldn’t see him but I knew he was very close. I waited. “Gaaaarumph Gaaaarumph ” He was there, though I never saw him that day; I knew that he was there especially for me as a sort of message. “I’ll always be here, he seemed to say.” “Your days as a child are still here and so are your Mom and Dad” Smart Soul that Willoughby!!!!!
“Gaaaarumph Gaaaarumph ”

YOU ARE WORTH IT TOO

2010-06-05T17:57:00.003-04:00

Not long ago my sweet cousin Betty came up here to Savannah for a visit.

I've been living here since December with my baby daughter Krissy. Doesn't matter if you turn 26 this year - cause you are still the baby.

What a gab fest we had. We ran it in free form style. That way we couldn't forget anything too important.

So now you need to know some background information. Betty's father died when she was about 3. My mother had lost her own mother at child birth and our grandmother, GiGi raised my mother. The connection is Betty's father, Edward, was GiGi' son. Betty and I are only 1 year apart.

My mom had this fetish of not spending money on nice household goods. No fine sheets, towels, linens, blankets were to be found. No sir we were just going to find the most common varieties for everyday use.

If we had special company they got the good stuff the little that there was.

I told Betty I had been on a crusade over the last several years to replace all my household goods. After all I'm worth it.

Why should only the occasional visitor get all the pretty treats. So we giggled like school girls with a new quest.

I have made a huge change in the way I buy and I feel so special each time I pamper myself.

Cousin Betty called me a couple weeks after returning home to Florida. She had taken our talk to heart and decided she was worth it too. She hit Marshall's, Targets, T.J. Maxx among others and has made a House and Garden TV makeover to her sweet little condo. And why not. We are each more than deserving of looking around our modest homes and seeing small vignettes that tell a little story about us and who we are.

I hope the movement spreads among our family and close friends.

Those special decorator gifts we are given were meant to be used. Those candles and lotions were meant to be pleasure now and not to be tucked away. Shout it from the roof tops - I"M WORTH IT!! By Noreen Reilly

The Unsung Hero, The Woman Behind the Powerful Man, The Legal Secretery or Paralegal, the Baby Sister

2010-05-03T11:16:00.005-04:00

What do all these people have in common, they often go unnoticed. By description they are in the background.

Who volunteers to sit at the childrens' table at holidays? Who knows just when to call to add a positive word and conjure up a laugh. Who, although at one time was a bit of a pain in the butt, would fight to the bitter end to save you? Who has always been there to watch over our children? My Little Sister.

No longer little, a grown woman with children and grand children; she will always be my Baby Sister. So why now, when she should be accepting a little help from friends and family, does she insist on doing everything by her self, so independent-so determined. This is just her way, though annoying at times, of dealing with her battle with breast cancer.

All three of us now have had our battles with this insidious disease. This disease that can develop so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent to ourselves or a well trained doctor.

Symptoms

Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

* Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt
* Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple -- for example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange
* Fluid coming from the nipple -- may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, and look like pus

Men get breast cancer, too. Symptoms include breast lump and breast pain and tenderness.

Symptoms of advanced breast cancer may include:

* Bone pain
* Breast pain or discomfort
* Skin ulcers
* Swelling of one arm (next to breast with cancer)
* Weight loss

These facts from the American Cancer Society are worth reprinting but this is not really my story.

This is a story about my Baby Sister, who took care of herself for the most part, ate all the right things including broccoli, was never overweight and always got plenty of exercise. Sometimes you just can't beat the odds. But early detection and a determined spirit with an uncommon sense of humor will serve her well.

We all have to do things our own way; but Sis, we sure wish you would let us help. All three of us are independent types that prefer to withdraw from the everyday to handle our own problems in our own time and in our own way. So, we do understand you quite well!!!

You are awesome in your determination to work through chemo, I know that makes you feel in control. That is a good thing because we all need that.

However, I am reminded of a conversation I had with my very best non-family man friend when I was complaining that Hubs didn't take care of something for me. My friend quickly reminded me that I am so independent and stubborn-- did I think he knew I wanted him to do this for me. Hummmmmmm Perhaps not. My friend also mentioned that I hardly accept help from anyone and sometimes, just sometimes, If I would; that would make my friends happy to help me.

So, Baby Sis, we are here for you and love you so very much, you stubborn pain in my butt!!!

Workshops at Shandells

2010-05-03T09:34:00.005-04:00

Dear Friend,

Since the launch of my new website I have been increasingly getting emails and walk-in visitors asking about how to pick the right size lampshade for a lamp, and how long does it take to make a shade, and can I make “this” (whatever “this” is!) into a lamp.

Starting in May I will be extending my hours (Thurs. – Sat. 11-5 and Sun. 11-3), and will also kick off FREE monthly workshops on the second Saturday of each month, to help answer some of those questions, and more.

MAY 8 AND JUNE 12 are the first two workshops, from 9-11 AM each of those days.

Topics we’ll cover include: how to fit a lamp with a lampshade, revamping a dated lamp with a new shade, basic construction of a shade, and different things you can make into a lamp.

I have limited space so reservations will be needed; please email me at thingsthatmakeyousmile [at] gmail [dot] com, or call the studio at 518.789.6603.

The workshop will also include an inside look to “the Lampshade Lady’s” world. Come see my vintage paper and fittings and trimmings collections, and learn about how I got into this, etc.–and have a cup of tea!

Hopefully those who attend will be inspired to spruce up their decors with a new shade or a new lamp fashioned from some treasure they own.

Look forward to meeting you,

Susan http://shandells.com/about/workshops/

Anonymous said... Timing is Everything

2010-04-30T18:21:00.005-04:00

You ever have one of those days, which start out with nothing in

particular in mind to do?

Well, yesterday was just that.

I collect stationary. Mostly blank, but with lovely pictures on the front.

A treasure trove of future messages kept in my head

like eggs in an ovary

never to be used up in one's lifetime.

A picture of an orange and rusted ecru female Northern Cardinal

caught my eye. As it was sitting on my kitchen table

along with other cards to be put away,

the pile of which, had been taken out

for selecting the 'right bird' to escort

a check owed to my sister for purchasing a tree.

This puffed up, cute Cardinal, I thought,

might make a nice Thank You

to send to a manager of a dining establishment

operating at the local Hunt Club

where I had been for a delightful lunch

a few days earlier

with a group of friends.

Fountain pen in hand

my thoughts filled the entire two sides of the

card's blank interior commenting on the food, presentation and staff.

So, done.

I decided to make the 5 minute drive

south of our home

to deliver it in person.

Greeting me at the entrance area

inside the building

was a pair of spring arrangements

on a chocolate brown carved mahogany sideboard.

from local blooms

found everywhere.

The manager,

a woman, I've known for years

who is married to a former

history teacher at the High School

and lives on Stissing Lake

complete with beautiful boathouse,

thanked me for the note

which remained sealed during our visit.

She asked me what I thought of the arrangements

made with flowers from her garden

of lilac and apple blossoms.

We agreed that a little more height

for line and balance was needed.

I told her I had something home

to add.

Back home, in a flash

I picked red-orange tulips, spirea, forsythia branches,

Aluminum greens, monkshood leaves, and hosta

'just for fun' to add to the paired display

as well as the tables, containing pastel green

napkin 'fans' balanced in stemmed wine glasses

and pairs of daffodils in small vases at the center.

The greens would act as a filler ( two per table).

Restaurant manager was delighted.

One of the waitresses, a lifeguard in the summer

was looking forward to our 'time at the lake'

where she watches the children swimming

and I do crafts with them

and tend the town garden there.

So, it was homeward bound.

Still too overcast and cold.

I decided to break with habit and

go to the local market earlier than usual.

Once there..I dawdled and shopped

Mainly for vegetables

the 'positive' part of my diet,

of which unlimited quantities

could be consumed.

Once back in the parking lot

I dawdled some more

bringing in all the shopping carts

patrons had strewn all over

as they do particularly on Fridays as part of the 'weekend rush'.

When out of the corner of my eye

I saw the back of a man with a RED PONY TAIL

Could that be?

Molto Mario Bataglia! (of the Food Network: Freshness and simplicity are the keys to Mario Batali's spectacular Italian cuisine. Molto Mario brings these principles home – it's a culinary tour of Italy with tips and secrets from one of New York's premier chefs.

Slipping back into the store

I spied this culinary king around the corner at the rear of the store

in front of the dairy case for cheeses.

His hand held basket was filled

to the brim with vegetables.

Are you Molto Mario?

'No. I'm Mario Bataglia'

Heh, heh, heh.

Kvelling like an idiot,

I blurted out that I was a big fan of his.

Noting, he had lost a lot of weight,

I told him so

as a question,

'You've lost a lot of weight'

He half smiled and nodded yes, in agreement.

No more 'Molto' to the Mario

As, we were both on the same quest

where lettuce is best.

2010-04-29T12:05:00.004-04:00

And we are here………….Savannah. The land of Paula Dean and Spanish Moss……Jim Williams and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"…..….eclectic River Front Stores and where Tybie Island sea turtles meet crab house restaurants….this is the new home of our First New York Goddess. Oh how we’ve missed her!

We arrived about 5:30PM on Friday night after a 5 and ½ hour drive from the Raleigh, NC area. Over a magnificent Double Sail Bridge….through the Historic District, around and through several Monument Squares and Azalea lined corridors of historic homes of all shapes and sizes.

Our #1 Goddess is waiting in the living room and she is gorgeous in every way. The inconvenience of treatments have not dulled her smile or sense of humor. “Hello Rattlesnake” she giggles. Big hugs and sloppy kisses to her daughter and grandsons and me. Our Sister Goddess is an amazing woman!!!

So there we were, (two dogs, two kids and 5 adults) ready to spend a week with each other, camping out style in Downtown Savannah. We had a ball, the kids and dogs were great and we all managed to use the bathrooms when no one else had an emergency.

Easter was upon us and the Big Bunny managed to find Thomas while Heather worked her kitchen magic which revealed a marvelous dinner of all things good an fattening…We concentrated on the good part! And the lemon pudding filled powder sugar topped cupcakes were amazing!!

A lunch trip to Paula Dean's, strolling along the River Front and finding home made pralines and fudge, a Hearse Tour of the Haunted Mansions of Savannah, A trip to Tybie Island and dinner at the Crab House by the Sea…Who could ask for more? We didn’t ask- but we received!!!

Strength and Wisdom and Love and a little Sadness; but not much of that was allowed….. Jokes and Giggles and Warm Memories with a few tears…. Kisses and Hugs and Tickles and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs……..Watching American Idol and worrying about who would leave next, Oh No, Not big Mike!!!! And though we thought the girl with the dread locks has a great voice, it made us itch to look at her hair……….

More hugs and kisses, we don’t want to leave. We all knew it was time to go but we held on. Has there ever been a family so in love with each other. Of course there has been; but, we act like it’s only us. Sisters and Brother, Nieces and Nephews, Children and Grand Children we gather in druid reminiscent style to share the strength of each other and this much loved Woman Goddess we call Noreen, Reenie, Sis, Mom, Nonnie, Aunt Reenie, our Port in a Storm, our powerful Wizardress able to conjure up a family get together in a moment’s notice and still look Maaaahvelous DaaaahlinG!!!

Our Trip to Savannah

2010-04-12T16:11:00.002-04:00

My niece, two grand nephews, Hubs and I and the Dog all piled into the car last week to make our trip South. What promised to be a stressful and cramped trip turned out to be some of the best fun had in a long time. Never a dull moment with a 16 year old and an 8 year old together in loving closeness for 11 hours. Hey Billy, Hey Billy, Hey Billy, Hey Billy--Get off me Thomas, get off me, get off me NOW. MOM!!!

Hey Uncle Ron, did you know I have $63 for my trip. What a coincidence, just the price of gas at the next fill up............Awwwwwwwwwwwww Uncle Ron.

Hey Guys, did you know that I was stationed in the Army down here on one of the most famous Civil War Battle Grounds? Let me tell you about the time...........

What did that guy at the store say? I couldn't really understand him. That's a Southern Accent Thomas. OH.....

Hey Uncle Ron, When I tell my teachers I had an 11 hour history lesson and learned a new language I bet I don't get in trouble for taking an extra week of vacation.....

And then we were there near Raleigh, NC!!! Next day off to Savannah....

The Painter Flynn

2010-02-23T14:18:00.003-05:00

http://thepainterflynn.wordpress.com/ A lovely blog written by a Twitter Friend of Mine. David O'Brien a/k/a The Painter Flynn is a very interesting person. He is an exciting artist, a humorous tweet pal and now a heartfelt author. Enjoy!!

Valentines' Day

2010-02-15T21:07:00.003-05:00

Valentines' Day, will we receive any heart shaped candy boxes? I'd rather have cheap candy in a gaudy heart shaped box than expensive candy in a square box from the best store in NYC. To receive a Valentines Day Heart from your boyfriend was a coveted prize, but what really did that mean. Bragging rights of course. Look what Jimmy or Johnny, or Davie, or Ronny gave to me. We would keep our jewelry, love letters, school notes passed in the halls, dried corsages (does anyone get them any more?) in that heart shaped keepsake. I received a heart shaped candy box this year, still means a lot to me and we have been married 39 years. WOW!
This is a picture of a Valentine Card (Hallmark Shoebox) I received from my "Sister Friend", Lori. She says I am the one with the skirt split in the front!I wonder why?!She said that the picture represents Lori, Me and my Sister Debbie. Another Goddess to add to the family of Goddesses!! "There might be girls that think they are as hot as we are; but they're wrong!!"

American Woman, A poem, A song, My life

2010-02-02T16:37:00.004-05:00

American Woman
By Marti Doyle-Steed
3/27/2007

We didn’t feel poor while growing up;
But I knew I wasn’t drinking from a silver cup.
We ate rabbit, partridge, pheasant and quail.
We ate so much venison Dad could have landed in jail.
I helped cut the fish in the back garage.
I dressed like a boy and they called me little Rodg.

****I’m an Irish, English, French & German
Sepasco, Mohawk, American Woman

Dad said that we’re related to the Earth, Sun, Wind and Water,
We are all Mother Natures Son’s and Daughters.
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping and such,
Are just hobbies today they don’t matter much.
To live off the land might mean killing and plunder;
But how does that compare to today’s wars I WONDER.

Don’t wear your furs; you’ll be hit by some paint
Tell folks you eat wild game and they’re liable to faint.
Each year we wore deerskin gloves and tanned moccasins;
But to admit you had Indian blood was the worst kind of sin.
When I learned the truth I was nearly forty
Dad was finally free to tell us his story.

Dad’s Mother had died, the reason he lied.
Claiming your true blood could now bring some pride.
To be just part Indian had been reason for shame,
They had all been afraid of the prejudice, finger pointing and blame.
There was light in Dad’s eyes and a smile on his face,
He was finally allowed to take his rightful place.

****
Mom taught us how to cook and to keep the house clean;
She washed clothes by hand without a machine.
She was tall and beautiful with long chestnut brown hair;
She held us and rocked us ‘till we didn’t have a care.
We had homemade bread and tea with milk and honey
Sugar on fruit slices was our candy; we didn’t have much money.

Mom was always our best friend
It was that way until the very end.
We would play and we’d laugh till the tears stained our faces.
She taught us our manners, to curl our hair, go to church and to say grace.
Education was a privilege, our daily job with rewards
There was never any choice we had to go forward.

****

When Martin Luther King preached non-violent change
We were all there with him, his ideas weren’t strange.
But I went to Birmingham some years later
Where the ghosts of freedom walk behind the folks that still hate there.
I’ve been marching for peace since Viet Nam
Though I’d kill for my children and still protest the bomb.

A fierce fighter for Women’s Rights
I’ve stood outside Family Planning, not afraid of a fight.
Rowe Vs. Wade gave women the right to choose,
Today the President wants those rights women to loose.
I still like my door held open for me;
But not at the expense of my right to be

****

I’ve been blessed with 2 children; a boy and a girl;
They’ve grown up so fast my minds in a whirl.
I love them, miss them, and rejoice when I see them.
The young years were good years; I knew where they were then.
And now that they’re older and out on their own
My husband and I now have time alone in our home.

Sisters and brothers should always watch out for each other
You know what to do; you were taught by your Mothers.
Hold hands together, see your doctor each year
Because, some day you might hear; you have Cancer My Dear!
But you’ll be alright
You know how to fight!

You're an Irish, English, French and German, Sepasco, Mohawk American Woman!

So I cut my hair short and free
That "Big Texas Hair" no longer mattered to me.
Radiation and Chemo, the words we all hate,
Now a part of the everyday; you can't predict fate.
My angels surround me, they carry me high,
We're with you they whisper, we'll teach you to fly........

The sun shines more brightly now, its warmth colors my face.
All of our parents have passed on and nothing can take their place;
But their strength it supports us, their pride it beseeches you and me;
To rise above our trials and be all that we can be.......
My sisters now too are fighting this fight,
Finding a cancer cure in this generation would surely be right..

We're Asian, African, European, North American, South American, Australian, Indian, Americans Women!

I wrote this poem a few years back after I had finished radiation treatments for Breast Cancer. Who knew then that today my two sisters would be battling Breast Cancer as well. But they will be alright, they know how to fight............

You've Got All Your Sisters With You

2010-02-02T14:35:00.004-05:00

Reenie, We Love You Bunches!!!! Deb and Marti

Our sister Debbie was known for her constant drawing of "Little People". Most were lady ballerinas but sometimes she would add a man. Years later we found a treasure trove of little people in the old Encyclopedias and we framed some and had a few good laughs. Debbie did this one to give to our Sister to take with her to Savannah!!

One of our original Three New York Goddesses has moved to Savannah

2010-01-12T13:49:00.003-05:00

Will she suddenly have an accent? Will she sound like Paula Dean? Will she crave butter, gray gravy and biscuits, Collards and ham hocks and black eyed peas? Oh my this is making me hungry for Ms. Dottie's home cooking!! "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" a great picture of southern living, mansions and Spanish Moss. I can just see Reenie at one of Jim Williams parties. She would be the one with the long blond hair, wide smile and a flask in her purse. Or the flask part could be me, don't know. Sometimes we channel each other and don't know who is whom! Have I said that right. Anyway, pics to follow..........should be visiting soon. We will be having a meeting of the YaYas in a month or so. And the South will rise again!!

'Til Then................

2009-12-08T15:01:00.004-05:00

I am leaving but you are still with me...

And you are always with me...

I love you so very much.....

Not as much as I love you.....

Love you More....

No I love you More....!

Some things never change....

Thank God they never do!...

You look GREAT!

Better to Look Good Than To Feel Good!!

Yeah, Yeah I know..........

You take care of yourself, YOU!

And YOU TOO! YOU

Good Bye Lovie

Good Bye Sweetie....

Tears all around, We are Blessed!!!

Not Mind Over Body/Mind With Body!!

2009-11-09T19:13:00.002-05:00

Hey, remember all those weird, scarey coincidences we are always talking about?

Yeah, they happen to me all the time; but they don't happen to everyone.

They may, you just have to be listening. Let me tell you my latest........................ ................

Not that weird, remember the time my glass exploded at the dining table while we were discussing whether or not to give credence to the devil's evil forces.

Sure do, I am thinking about concentrating my mind's power toward a cure or at least a slow down of this cancer of mine.

They say that healing is hastened by laughter, you have been and continue to be so positive through all of this. I am so proud of you!!!

I thank God every morning for another day and then I listen. If you listen messages will come, you just have to listen and be thankful.

Still the Big Sister, the Teacher, the Pathfinder, the Light. How I love you!

Home Made Bread and Doctor's Visits

2009-10-29T10:30:00.003-04:00

No home is complete without an extra large, over stuffed chair, with padded high-wide arms; in fact, two is essential if you have children.

Sail with me in my warm yielding safety ship. Two large comfy chairs pushed together near the hot-air heat register, soft multi-colored cotton quilts that surround and tent me as I lay back on down pillows. Minute dust particles dance in the soothing warm sun’s rays shining through the bubbled glass. High clouds moving slowly across the sun and pine boughs swaying near the front porch propelled by a gentle wind cast shadows and light play on the side of my ship. Warm baking bread smells emerge promisingly from the kitchen, while muffled sounds of busy hands and a teakettle on the boil bring promise of an early morning treat.

“Permission to come aboard?” sings Mother as she approaches with the daily light green chewy liquid vitamin I’ve learned to tolerate, a small glass of fresh squeezed orange juice, and some weak tea laced with milk and honey. “The bread’s not ready just yet.” I am cradled in love, held safe in my cushioned Ship of State. My reward for the many times I’ve tackled the ravages of whooping cough, pneumonia or bronchitis. At night Mother would climb in my ship, raise me over her shoulder and we would sleep together in that warm safe boat.

My sisters and I improvised as our children grew. Perhaps not home made bread but certainly weak tea with milk and honey, chicken soup, grilled cheese sandwiches. Most of us were able to stay home in the early years if the children were ill and we would set up our couches and chairs if there was a need for a warm welcoming ship to sail.

“Permission to Come Aboard?”

Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland

2009-10-22T14:17:00.004-04:00

Ahhhh, the land of our Father's Father's Father..........Do you think there is truth in genetic inheritance regarding strengths and weaknesses even when the nurture is different. Is it true that most Irish tend to be of a firey nature, ready to fight for their cause, deeply introspective and fond of the drink. Or are we living up to our own reputation thus living a self fulfilling prophecy? What ever the case, we all cling to our own, fight to the death for selves or cause, rise to the occasion and love to tell a good story. In publishing this blog I am attempting to tell our story as I see it. You have your own stories and we would love for you to share them with us. Comment on any piece you see here or contact me and ask to be a blog contributor with the ability to publish you thoughts directly to a blog post (not just to comment on others) Hope to hear from you..............

The Magic Flying Carpet

2009-10-21T14:16:00.002-04:00

It's time to get on the "Magic Flying Carpet", I suggested.

Right, she said. Nobody can get to us there, nothing else can get at us either!

Remember, even the sharks in the water can't get at us, I remimded her.

I know, she said, it's the best place to be right now.

We can fly over everything and get out of here. Remember how we would look over the edge while the other hung on tight so neither of us would fall?

Hold tight she said, I'm looking over the edge.......

We Were Raised to Be Goddesses, REALLY!

2009-10-16T10:48:00.003-04:00

Saturday mornings, we spent some time, while in PJs, walking around the house with books on our heads to teach us to maintain our proper posture and balance. Then Mother would sing "The Stripper Instrumental" as we did our Folies Bergere act coming down the stairs in order of height. We saw no contradiction at that time between the two activities.

We went to bed nearly every night with rollers or "rags" (hair twisted around rags and then tied to keep the hair in) which were a type of soft roller if our hair was longer and we were younger.

We had nail check, shoe check, hair check, ear check, teeth check and a check on nearly all other body parts for cleanliness.

We never had spots on our clothes when out in public, we were never allowed to cuss and makeup was reserved for after 14 years of age. We were told "you're too beautiful to cover that lovely face." Even the fact that I have few eyebrows was reversed to tell me that "my eyes were so big and lovely that if I had eyebrows I would look funny" Big bangs helped too!!!

The arts and music were encouraged pass times from the time we were infants. We were sat down to watch American Band Stand so that we would know the latest dances;
All the while being told that this was acceptable and this was not, etc.

We didn't resent any of these regimens except ONE (getting the rats out of our hair) was not any fun!!

What Possible Reason?

2009-10-02T19:39:00.004-04:00

"Why did this happen to you?"
"If not me than who?"
" Don't worry, we'll take care of you and the kids"
"Just take care of yourself."
"Do you want me to do anything for you?"
"Tell me what you plan to do for the rest of your life."
"You mean my Plan B, or retirement or what?"
"Yes, the rest of your life."
"How long do any of us have, but I guess I will retire as soon as possible.Is that what you mean?"
"Yes, exactly!"

Such Grace under fire! Such peace in trying circumstances. As always, she is difficult to live up to. What possible reason is there for this time in her life?

To show us the way...............

What to do when your Sister Goddess is seriously ill.....?

2009-09-28T16:22:00.006-04:00

Sit tight they said, we are gathering info. Stay calm and stay by her side. Hold her hand, wipe her brow, talk with the Doctors. We'll let you know............Pray I said and then kick some ASS!!!!! I am in Ass kicking mode right now but still praying and by her side. Will let you know how this Goddess thing goes. We are also going straight to sweets.

Mother Goddess and Baby Sister

2009-08-09T23:21:00.003-04:00

Mother almost always wore a skirt or a dress. Yes even when cleaning house or working in the garden or yard. How do you keep up with that?! Take a closer look and you will see that her shoes had heels! Mother always wore earrings and her makeup was perfect. Picture taken by me with my new "Brownie" camera which I purchased with my birthday money.

I simpler time in life - long ago. We were so lucky growing up in Rhinebeck. Small town back then had an "It's a Wonderful Life" connotation. We were innocent and didn't have to deal with complicated big city issues.

Barefoot, carefree, we could ride our bikes and visit neighbors all on our own. No cell phones, no GPS, just childhood freedom to explore adventures with our friends. How sweet it was!!!

99 Mill Street

2009-08-09T22:35:00.006-04:00

Well, that's where it all began for us, We Three New York Goddesses. For a while we sat and watched the world go by from our front porch, a ship a float in the ebb and flow waters of life. A sanctuary where we could pretend that no one could really see us as we hid in our cardboard Igloo given to us by a neighbor that worked for GE refrigeration. The Igloo had been a prop for some advertising campaign. I learned to sew a simple stitch in that Igloo, making a skirt for one of my dolls. Big sister was outgrowing the novelty pretty fast so I started bringing in the cats and our dog for company. By the end of the summer the Igloo had blown off the porch (out to sea) several times and had become water damaged. It was time to put aside that piece of childhood security and venture out into the light.

You don't want to lose your "skirt"!! in these trying times.

2009-08-06T19:34:00.006-04:00

Real Friends, girlfriends or otherwise, and family members never seem to miss a chance to remind you of something you did or something that happened to you much worse than what you may be going through right now.

For instance, I was speaking with my daughter this morning and we were talking about work related tension and stress. She told me about her upcoming meetings and traveling to Colorado on a bid defense for her company.

I told her that I was touring a client today and planned to show many homes going by the list that was sent to me. I was a little stressed trying to fit it all in ( large country geography here)and was a bit concerned I might get lost or turned around because of the unmarked roads etc. in the lake communities I was to be visiting.

She said, "Hey Mom, what are you wearing?" I replied, "skirt,top, matching shoes and jewelry." She inquired about the stability of the closure on the skirt. I was puzzled trying to understand what she was talking about and then she reminded me that I had, in fact, lost my skirt last year while showing houses.

Well I didn't really loose it, it just completely fell to the ground as I was walking. Thank God I was wearing opaque pantyhose over the panties. No slip though as I hate them. I indeed was mortified and positive that the customers would want no further part of me. They did end up purchasing one of my listings after all and Bridget reminded me that if those purchasers could still work with me, then what is the big deal about a little turn around in the middle of deep woods.

Bridget reminded me about one of my most embarrassing moments, yet I felt better about today. PS. It was a successful tour.

Miss Vivian - Vivian GainesTanner-Paxton

2009-08-04T18:53:00.006-04:00

Vivian was an Earth Mother. She was a self- taught Black Artist & Poet who never painted or wrote until she was well into her 60's. She was my sister/girlfriend, which we fondly called each other. She enveloped me with her warm glow of pure God given love. She cooked with a magical touch that nourished your soul. My children's eyes would light with glee at the mere mention of Vivian's magical chocolate chip cookies. She was a deceptively ordinary woman on the surface, yet like no other woman you would ever have the good fortune to meet. I was drawn to her by some force quite beyond my ability to explain. There was a palpable aura about her.
I feel blessed that destiny brought her into my life, and that she shared her many unique insights on this journey we call life. My home is filled with the mystical glow from Vivian's lovely paintings. My heart is filled with the comforting words and profound insights she shared. She was a sister/girlfriend/fellow traveler on the pathway to understanding life's many dimensions. Noreen Reilly

Help, my "Girly" survey says I am at 12%

2009-08-03T09:02:00.001-04:00

That is bad. Facebook, you have totally depressed me. I tried to answer honestly and truly some of the categories had me on the low end but still there. Which to me means that my "girly scale" is actually less. So yesterday I died my hair and got rid of the silver stripe and all of the straggles. Today the nails will get attention; but I am afraid that my casual life style has slowly eroded my feminine side. Has this happened to you?

Sisters of the Heart

2009-08-03T08:51:00.000-04:00

Sisters are of the heart not of birth. Sharing the love of our families our innermost thoughts and feelings makes us sisters. Since I don't have a birth sister, the love of very special friends has always been inportant to me. There are always those few friends who make such an impact on your life that you feel as close to them as you would a sister. I am very lucky to have had 3 such special friendships. God has truly blessed me.. Dottie in North Carolina

Digital Sisterhood

2009-07-30T20:57:00.003-04:00

Digital Sisterhood with other Mom Bloggers. You know you are a Cyber Sister when the Blogs you read sound like you wrote them yourself, when the Tweets you see express the same glee or frustrations you feel and when your LinkedIn comments seem to receive replies from the same members no matter what your request or posts. In short, like minds will surface and attract each other.

In Cyber Sisterhood Land it is [ Even ] possible to be a Sister with a Man. Men’s inhibitions about expressing themselves or offering suggestions on sensitive topics seem to break down. In fact, I have a Sister in Ireland of like mind and spirit who’s name is Brian. Brian responded immediately to Cinda Baxter’s 3/50 Project and right a way began to push the concept through his connections there. The economy is crazy all over and Brian was not too proud or stubborn to take one woman’s idea and run with it.

Blogging can be like your “Dear Diary” of old only better. You write down your thoughts, fears, observations and dreams and if you are lucky someone will write back with suggestions and observations of their own…. Something like the image in the looking glass. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall and all that…….

A Blogger Mom or otherwise can express themselves in the middle of the night without comment from anyone else in the house. Moms, especially Career Moms, have so little time for themselves the gift of silence and solace from other Bloggers and Tweeters is invaluable.

A Mom will develop her crafting skills as soon as one of her children reaches school age. She will need to help with several projects a year and from this forced artistic expression she may develop a real love of crafting. I have been in contact, through Blogging and Tweeting, with many women who are working from home and endeavoring to sell their creations. Their websites are wonderful sources of inspiration and the power of positive thinking. “Build it and they will come.”

Because of my connection with the Sisterhood Project (about which I would never have known except for Twitter) my sisters and I have begun to make our life lists of defining moments, significant happenings, family transitions and the like to assemble and hopefully flesh out with some writing to pass on to our children and our sisters children and so on and so on.

Due to my connection with other Bloggers I have recently been inspired to start two new Blogs http://www.YourThirdPlace.Blogspot.com and http://www.WeThreeNewYorkGoddesses.blogspot.com

“Dear Diary, to day I………”

http://www.typeamom.net/i-blog-with-the-sisterhood-a-contest-from-the-sister-project-and-type-a-mom.html

http://thesisterproject.com/

We Three New York Goddesses

2009-07-30T18:57:00.000-04:00

Sisterhood,…..You know you are a sister when you can ask for help no matter the time, where or when; and your sister says, "I'll be right there." This is not to say that she will always agree with your need or your nonsense; but she will listen first and then tell you what she thinks. The give back is the best gift besides her being there with you. You can trust your sister to tell you the truth no matter how painful it may be.

There is sisterhood when you know that if asked to choose between pleasing someone else and disappointing your sister, you will always choose protecting your sister. That is a no brainer!

I have had three sisters since childhood. Two blood siblings and one best friend. These days I find that my sister numbers are increasing slowly. Maybe it is because of the state of the world, the state, the town, the block that those of like mind seem to find each other for support.

Sisters can laugh with and at each other, pray for and scold each other, live with or kick to the curb each other with complete understanding of the situation and totally void of hard feelings.

Sisters tell you when you really are fat and your butt looks like a barge. They will tell you to dye your hair already because it makes you look 20 years older than you are; but they will also attempt to kick, punch and eye gouge anyone else with the nerve to say those things to you.

A sister will cry with you when your pet dies and not tell you to “Get over it already, it’s only an animal.” She will instinctively know that this pet has been your confident, your snuggle partner, your “sister” and not make fun of you if it happens to be one of 9 cats.

You know that no man can come between you and your sister, no man ever could. Each of you would show the guy the door if he dared to flirt with the other sister even while under the influence of a foreign substance.

Real sisterhood is unconditional love just like a parent’s love for a child. Sisterhood is a forever bond never to be broken no matter what.

http://www.typeamom.net/i-blog-with-the-sisterhood-a-contest-from-the-sister-project-and-type-a-mom.html

http://thesisterproject.com/