The Truth...

The last few weeks have been challenging. Who am I kidding??? The last few months have. I've kept it pretty quiet. But in June, I suffered 2 concussions, in just a few days. It really did a number on me. By the end of July, I was still in a lot of pain. Having constant migraines. Being forced to take a temporary leave, from the hospital. Honestly, I really couldn't function.

A lot of this, has to do with my past. I was a cheerleader for 5 years. Competitive cheerleader. With a coach, that we nicknamed "Hitler." If you knew her, you'd know why. In my senior year, I was hurt. I suffered 10 concussions, in just 1 week. Everyone around me, could see that I was barely functioning. I'm almost positive, during that week, I spent more time in the nurse's office...than I did in my classes. :( But I tried to stay positive. Tried to hide my pain. My constant dizziness. And my constant nausea.

I'd convinced my parents, that I was OK. But also, begged my Dad to drive me to school. That entire week. And when it was time to head home, go to a game, or whatever other school activity I had...I'd ask a friend. Which was completely, out of the ordinary for me. By that Friday, I really was barely going.

I remember there being a school assembly. And just praying, that I'd make it through that hour. That included a dance performance, a cheer performance, and the other craziness that we were supposed to be doing. Sometime during our cheer performance, "That Girl," landed square on my head. And somehow, in that instance, I knew something was different.

I barely made it through that hour. In so much pain. Struggling to stand. The minute the gym cleared, my Dad was trying to figure out if I was OK. Other parents were arguing with my coach. By that night, I was on doctor's orders. No more cheering. Until I had healed. At least a 6 week period.

I remember the doctor, scolding my Dad. Who happened to be the one, that took me to the doctor. He explained how serious this was. How many concussions I'd had in just 1 week. And what my future would hold, if I didn't stop all of this. I was out for 6 weeks. No "ifs," "ands," or "buts" about it!

BUT, we were heading to Nationals. In just a few weeks. What was a girl to do? Oh, my coach was not pleased!!! Not at all. I couldn't dance, in her dance class. I couldn't workout, practice, or do anything at games. Pretty much, if it was something that challenged me physically, I couldn't do it. If it was too loud, I was to remove myself. If it was too chaotic, I was to be no part of it.

But it was Nationals. My coach was beyond angry. The trip was paid for. And it was my senior year. After about 10 days, I talked to my parents. If I continued to be benched, not be involved in anyway, in stunts, and just took it easy...they'd let me go.

This is the point, that most people would think, we're all crazy!!! We were. But I was determined. I became the official "Sign and Banner" girl, during our performance. Which included me doing 2 jumps, dancing, and a lot of "Crowd Involvement."

That trip was a bit miserable. We left in the wee hours of December 26. My uncle, had past away, the night before. But we were headed to Dallas. On a plane with a "broken wing." We didn't get far. Not just because of our plane, but because of the "unusual blizzard." Eventually, we made it to Dallas.

It got worse. There was lots of fighting. Freezing temps, blizzard conditions, our coach was so sick. It was just miserable. Our performance went OK. Nothing to write home about. And then, we were expected to spend 2 days at Six Flags. In the snow!!! Um, I couldn't even ride the rides. I was miserable.

As you can tell, I didn't take good care of myself. For that, I suffer today. I've had a handful of concussions in the last 10 years. Each one, is much more debilitating to me. I find myself suffering from migraines. Unable to do much. Out for much longer periods of time.

So when My Guy suffered a concussion in late August, I knew immediately. Partly due to my "Day Job." Partly due to my past. I was surprised, when the doctor "cleared" him. And just told him to take it easy.

Then, just a few weeks ago, he suffered another. The impact, was much harder. In all, he had 3 concussions, in just 6 weeks. And suddenly, our world came "Screeching to a Halt." This man wasn't going to be able to work. At least for 2 weeks. Maybe longer. We weren't sure.

This time, he was to not watch TV, play video games, or get on the computer. He had to stay away from too much action, noise, and busy-ness in general. Essentially, we were to make him rest. Monitor his headaches, and other symptoms.

Normally, it wouldn't be too bad. OK, yes it would. He's still a man, after all. One that doesn't like to appear weak. But after making him go to the doctor, being diagnosed, and realizing the seriousness of the situation...he knew he had to stop. Just as I had done, a few months ago.

Oh, but this time around, we had nearly 100 people in town. Just for 2 events. Besides the people that had paid to attend these events. 100 personal guests. Our friends understood. As did family. And this guy's co-workers. Did it make it any easier? Not really...

The two of us, found other ways to entertain ourselves. Lots of talking. Tons of napping. And just enjoying life in the "Slow Lane." Something we don't do. Not ever!!! Days would pass. He'd feel better. Insisting, that he could go back to work. But really, he couldn't. He couldn't even drive a car. Hello!?!?!?

Until today. Just now. After 2 days of doctors' appointments, tests, and "real life" situations. He's been officially cleared. And life, is apparently, back to normal. :) My Love, is healed!!!

The first week, was tough. But we learned so much about one another. The second week, was a bit more relaxing. We slept a lot. A LOT!!! The beginning of this week, we were just flat out anxious. Again, some of our best friends, were in town. To finally get some of those postponed events done.

It's been a challenge. Especially, if you knew the second part of this. My Dad hasn't been doing well either. Just before this round of concussions, I'd been home. To help my parents. My Dad is just struggling right now. I really do wish, that I could have spent more time with them. Just being there to help out. But I'm just glad, that I got to be there, for the short time, that I was. Helping were I could.

As you can tell, it's been a very chaotic, and hectic time. I've turned to God, more times, than I can possibly count. I'm grateful to God, that he is with us, when we need him most. Comforting us. Giving us strength.

With our news, just a little while ago, the chaos starts again. At least, until Thanksgiving. :) I need to run to the store, get packing, and wrap my head around all of this. It's just been such a tough time. And I pray, that the remainder of our year, has a little less "action." ♥

Gap Creek

Can I be honest with you? I read a lot! Always have. Probably always will. And by a lot, I mean at least a book a day. 5 newspapers. Sometimes even a magazine. It doesn't hurt, that I'm a fast reader.

I've got a nice collection of books. But to be honest, I take advantage of our local library. I read, request, and love many of their books. And when I find, that I've checked out a book 5+ times, I actually go out and buy it.

But as a kid, my parents spoiled me rotten. With books. Not with toys, clothes, or that sort of thing. But books, they didn't mind. Those school book orders, I'd buy every single book, every single week! Then when the Book Fair rolled into school, I'd get whatever I wanted. I belonged to a ton of Book Clubs. And spent most of my life, reading.

Heck, even trips to the Price Club (now COSTCO) got me a new book. I'd get to pick out 1 book a month, from there. One book that I bought, was Gap Creek. Somehow, it was the one book, that I NEVER read. Why? I have no idea!



While packing last week, I ran across it. Some 12+ years later, I finally picked up Gap Creek. And a plane ride later, I was in LOVE! What a cute book!!! Something right up my alley.

The story is about a young couple. Who struggle in the beginning of their marriage. Living during a tough time. With an elderly man. Who dies, and leaves their lives hanging by a thread. With no money, little food, and an uncertain future. Tragedy marks their first year. But they make it past their 1st anniversary. Stronger, wiser, and more determined. This is definitely a good read! Something that will leave you, with a smile on your face! ♥

A Taste of Yesteryear

This guy and I were talking the other day. About the "Good Old Days." Like either of us, really lived through them. OK, we sorta did. This guy's childhood, happened during the 70s and 80s. Mine was more, the 80s and 90s.

Another thing on our minds, was finding a really cool gift, for this little guy. Something fun. Meaningful. And something that would bring a bit of the past, back to life. We're just like that. We like retro and vintage type of things. We enjoy learning about the past. So I did a quick search. And found a few of our favorites. :)



Do you remember this little guy? Being that I spent a lot of time in the mountains, I remember him well. My grandparents lived in the mountains. And I spent so much time with them! So seeing Woodsy, was very common. This guy remembers Woodsy too! As he and his family, spent a lot of time, hunting and fishing, while he was growing up. :)



The same can be said for Smokey the Bear. I remember going to the State Fair, every year, as I was growing up. And all I ever wanted to do, was go see Smokey, and eat a turkey leg! :) Smokey would also come to our school, and teach us all about Fire Safety. Yes, we saw a lot of him in the mountains too! In fact, this guy and I, went to go see his memorial. :)



And lastly, are all these books. I didn't have any of these brand new. None! I don't know if they came before I did. But that's how it happened. And oh, I just LOVE books! I've always had a ton of books. But I did have some of these books. OK, a nice collection. I don't know where they came from. Perhaps, they were from my older siblings.

Yesterday, this guy and I, we went shopping. At the most AMAZING antique, and second hand shops. Oh hello! The southwest has some amazing ones. I just wish, that we would have had more free time to shop. We found lots of pieces, for our homes. This guy added to his Vinyl Collection. I added to my own Cookbook Collection. And we picked up some gifts.

It was a day, dedicated to "Yesteryear." We "rescued" a lot of the past. And hope to bring new life to it. Including a nice stack of books, for this guy's nieces and nephew. Something that we hope, brings them many years of happiness. Yes, it was a nice trip, down "Memory Lane!" ♥

Made Me Smile

In this picture, I recognize so much! Funny, huh? Especially since it's not my picture. I was doing an online search for children's hangers. This is one of the pictures that came up. With a broken link.

But I swear, I had those hangers. But mine were pink. I'm almost positive, my parents still have them in my childhood bedroom. And those dresses, I remember those dresses. I had one like that light yellow one. And the pink one underneath it. No lie!

It's funny how things work out. Immediately after I seen this picture, I called my Mom. And we talked about it. My parents kept so much from my childhood. I'm positive they have many of my dresses. Yes, I was that girl. That a billion dresses, with matching shoes and socks! ♥

Little Girl Dreams

Isn't this just dreamy? Any little girl's dream, right? Heck, I'll admit it. I LOVE this pavilion! My Goddaughter, she told me that she just LOVES this! You see, Maribel is the girliest little girl, that you will ever meet!

Hmm, if I had $470 laying around, I'd get it for her. Oh, and we'd probably need a place to put it. I doubt that Sals would be happy with me. You know, if I should up to her house with this very large present. 5 kids and a pavilion, that just might be pushing it a little too much...

But us girls, we can dream. We can dream about a lot of beautiful things. About tea parties in a beautiful garden, under this beautiful pavilion. Oh, with fancy cupcakes, some dress up, and lots of laughter! ♥

Enzo

Here we go. Boyfriend #1...

Enzo and I grew up together. He was 2 1/2 when I was born. His mom had known my mom for years. My older brother and sister and around the same ages as his older brothers. And his aunt and uncle, they happen to be my parents' best friends. So it was just a matter of time.

When I was born, Enzo and his mom came to visit me. On the day I was born. He brought me my first teddy bear. And from then on out, we were best friends. Yes, we did everything together. From the stories we hear, Enzo always took good care of me. When I was a baby, he would share his toys and food with me. So cute!

As we got older, we still did things together. But it also involved a lot of other people. Like when he was in T-ball, and later baseball, my parents used to sponsor his team. Along with his brothers and cousins. So we spent a lot of time at the Little League fields. Me with my dolls. Him playing. Oh, and he always managed to talk his uncle, into buying me a snack. And putting up an umbrella for me. :)

My parents got married when I was 5 years old. I was really closer to being 6. And I was the flower girl. Enzo was the ring bearer. We looked adorable together. We were well behaved during the ceremony. And posed for all the pictures. We actually had a lot of fun. Including the get-t0gether at his aunt and uncles' house...post ceremony...pre reception.

At the reception, after dinner, lots of dancing, and while we were having our cake...Enzo popped the question. His parents still have the VHS. The real proof! In our eyes, getting married seemed like a lot of fun. We could dress up, have a big party, have lots of food, get tons of presents, dance, play, and have as much cake as we wanted! The thought process of a then 5 year old girl and a 8 year old boy. :)

We stayed very close over the years. We spent 80% of our free time together. Mostly because of my parents and his aunt and uncle. Friday nights were bowling nights. The adults in our lives were in a bowling league together. And the 2 of us would just hang out. We'd eat. Play. Just be kids. The rest of the time, we were hanging out at my house or his aunt and uncle's house.

Another thing we did a lot, was go to his grandparents' Ranch. It was a HUGE treat to go. And we always had a great time. Enzo was usually practicing his roping or bull riding. And I would help his grandma cook and bake. We LOVED it!

Well, when I was 12 or so, feelings started to change. By this time, we were both musicians, playing and singing in the same group. We spent a lot of time together. And well, we were young. Every time someone got married, we stood up in the wedding together. If either of us had an event to go to, the other would go with. And before we knew it, we were dating.

Yes, Enzo did ask my Dad before our first date. But I think my Dad just thought we were going out for pizza with the rest of our friends. Or something like that. By the time my Dad caught on, we were dating.

We were hilarious. Enzo taught me how to drive. How to ride a horse. And how to enjoy life. He showed me what a real, honest, and good man was. And most importantly, how I should be treated. Our parents didn't always like the fact that we were dating. But for the most part, they were OK with it. I think they figured that they knew both of us, and could trust us.

My Dad and I hit a rough patch. And when I was 14, I moved in with Enzo's family. The rules were strict. As was to be expected. I was 14...he was 17. And his mom is so "old school" that it ain't funny! We had our own bedrooms. There were about 4 rooms between us. Under no circumstance, even if the house was burning, were we to enter each other's room. Or leave our room in our pjs. It was strict. But we were more than OK with it. Oh, and we each had our own bathroom. No need for unwanted trouble there...

Not many people knew that I lived there. Probably just our parents, his brothers, and his aunt and uncle. But we made it work. His mom would take me to school on her way to work. And Enzo or his dad would pick me up from a variety of different activities I was in. And as a freshman, that increased! I probably lived there for 6 months or so. I don't know. There was a summer in the middle of the whole thing. But we made it work.

I moved back home after tragedy hit. Enzo's older brother (the middle brother) was killed. It was sudden. And really unexpected. It was an accident. And the entire family was greatly affected. After the services, and all had quieted down, I moved home. And Enzo tried to enjoy his Senior year of high school.

We went to different schools. And were 3 years apart. That in and of itself, was more than what most teen couples deal with. But now, Enzo was grieving for his brother. And I tried to be there for him. His brother was so pumped that his "little bro" was a Senior. And he wanted him to enjoy every aspect of his Senior year. So when he died in early September, well it didn't give a sunny look to the year.

Remember I said that Enzo's mom was "old school?" I mean she is really "old school." And after S died, she went into mourning. For an entire year, there was to be no celebrating, no going out, no fun, nothing enjoyable, nothing exciting. And Enzo was pulled in about 20 different directions. This was his Senior year. And he knew his brother wanted him to enjoy it. So he went to his older brother and cousins...

Well, we ended up going to his Senior Homecoming together. It was just weeks later. But when his cousin gave him an envelope that they had found, we had to go. S was an amazing man! He enjoyed life. And thought you should live every single second to it's fullest. S had saved money. And put it away for Enzo. $200 for each of the 3 dances that he would have that year. $300 for his Senior Rodeo event. And $500 to go on his Senior trip. $600 for his graduation party. With a letter that would make anyone cry.

I always thought it was so weird that he had all of this saved for his little brother. And the letter. Almost like he just knew. Like he knew that this accident would happen. But it made Enzo realize that he still needed to live. And now, more than ever. Because he had to live for both he and his brother.

We went to Homecoming. Enzo bought me a dress, shoes, the whole works. And we went out to a nice dinner. Had fun. It was the first time I had seen him smile since his brother had past away. And we went with all of our friends afterward, to the Family Ranch. We sat there, watching the sunrise. Enjoying the moment. And later, having a breakfast, that his grandma had made.

2 days later, he had moved in with his cousin. And he wouldn't say a word. But I found out, his mom and him had a pretty bad fight. And in the end, she told him either he was going to mourn and be sad, or he was going to move. And he moved. It was hard on him. His family had been so close. But he moved.

And the 2 of us still dated. I could tell how much he missed his brother. And his mom. Because his dad and him still talked. They would meet for dinner or breakfast a couple of times a week. And Enzo was just trying to get through his Senior year. The best way he could. But he was hurting.

Shortly after his Winter Ball, I could just tell he was miserable. He was going to Harvard the following Fall. Something that I may or may not have had a hand in. ;) And I think he just knew that he would probably not talk to his mom before that. No matter how many times he tried to talk to her, she wouldn't talk to him. And it pained me. It really broke my heart. Because he was miserable. It was like he had lost 2 people in his life.

On Valentine's Day, he planned a big night out for us. Just the 2 of us. His cousin was out of town with his wife. My parents were out of town. And the 2 of us were just going to enjoy Valentine's Day. His tia helped him to make a beautiful and delicious dinner. We got all dressed up. And well...I just couldn't do it. I knew he was miserable deep down inside. Part of him was missing. The sparkle was gone from his eyes. He wasn't the same man I had fallen in love with. He needed to fix things.

Yes folks, on Valentine's Day, we broke up. It was mutual. I knew I had to let him go. That would be the only way him and his mom would talk before he left for college. And he needed that. He needed to know that they were OK before he moved across the country. I was devasted. Enzo was crushed. I was 15...he was 18.

For the next few months, we barely talked. I would go to his games. I still wore his Letterman's Jacket. But we hardly spent time together. I knew he had started speaking to his mom. But he hadn't moved back. Then one night, he came to see me. He wanted me to go with him to his Senior Prom. And I said yes. Because I still loved him. So much. And I wanted him to be OK. To be honest, I really missed him too.

We went. And we had a great time! We danced all night. Had so much fun. It was like "old times." All of us even headed to the Ranch afterward. As the sun was rising, the 2 of us sat on the mountain, in our Prom gear, just taking in the view. It was magical. And deep down inside, I knew that was probably the last time I'd ever be in his arms again. The last time I'd listen to his strong and steady heartbeat. The last time I'd feel his breath on my neck. The last time I'd feel that safe.

A week later, he moved in with his parents. 4 days later, he had graduated. And 3 days after that, we were at his graduation party. The following day, he was moving. And starting college in the summer. I was devastated! I didn't know which way was up. I was 15...he was 18. We didn't have much say in our lives. I was still a kid. Even if I felt like a grown up. I was only 15.

He asked me to marry him. With a big diamond ring. He wanted to be with me forever. And I didn't know what to say. I was too young. My Dad would never go for it. And we both knew it. We didn't know what to say to one another. And Enzo moved. His mom was sad. His parents now had an "empty nest." And she would call me all the time. She wanted to know how he was. I knew about as much as she did...I had no clue!

This was my first year as a Varsity Cheerleader. And I used that as a good excuse. To stay busy. Because when I wasn't busy, I thought of him. The man that I loved. He was truly a man. And the most caring man that I knew. I missed him every second of the day. Because he wasn't just my ex-boyfriend, he was my oldest and very best friend in the world. My "breastest friend ever!"

At the end of that summer, we started to talk. And talk a lot! No one else knew. But we probably talked 3-4 times a day. And then, we decided that we'd try a long distance relationship. No lie! When he came home for the holidays, no one was the wiser. The 2 of us, were out on dates. Yes, we would have to drive an hour north, so we didn't get caught, but we didn't care. :)

But it didn't last. And from my Sophomore year to my Senior year, we dated off and on. He was busy in school. I was busy in school. We lived on opposite sides of the country. My Senior year was filled with trips, cheerleading, and college applications. That was his first year in med school.

When I got accepted to Harvard, he was more excited than I was. Because were he could afford it, I couldn't. His family has some serious cash. And he is heir to it all. That's the way his grandparents wanted it. Me? I had a full tuition and fees scholarship. But oh ya, there was still room and board, books, and living expenses. Oh, and my parents didn't want me leaving the state. Enzo, he was willing to support me. He had the money. But I just wasn't sure. And I definitely didn't need to start WWIII with my parents...

So I stayed. But I went to the furthest university I could. 3 hours away. And I bought a home. Yes, I bought a house when I was 18 years old! Dear Enzo, he had a gorgeous home too! And the 2 of us, once again, started a great romance. Thousands of miles couldn't separate us! I do think that 9/11 had something to do with us wanting to be together. It was like we were being sent this message. That something this special, was worth fighting for.

It was tough to say the least. But we tried. We talked on the phone a lot. Anytime Enzo had time off, he'd come and see me. And when we went home for the holidays, we just played like we hadn't seen or talked in months. It was a bit crazy. But it worked. Well, for a while.

One day, someone found out. I don't know who. But in no time, my Dad and his mom also knew. And that's when the fire started. For some reason, they didn't like us dating. But when we were dating, all they wanted was for us to be apart. And when we were apart, they wanted us to date each other. It was weird. And so complicated.

Well, we eventually broke up. Because it became too much. And he was in med school. I was dealing with very sick family members. And we just couldn't make it work. In the end, we loved each other more than life itself. Once, we even walked into "The Little White Chapel." And we were going to get married. Last minute, we walked out. That's how close it got. As adults, he gave me 3 engagement rings. But we just couldn't change our parents. And for us, that was the nail in the coffin. Because they mean too much to us.

Years later, his grandma died. And in her Will, she left everything to me and Enzo. The family still had hopes that we'd make it work. We were supposed to be the couple that took over for his grandparents. We were the "meant-to-bes." "We" just never really happened.

But now, we are the best of friends. We want nothing but the best for each other. And since we both live in the eastern part of the US now, we get to see a lot of each other. Enzo and My Guy happen to be great friends now too. They go on hunting trips together. And when I needed an internship out here, Enzo was the guy I turned to. Yes he was! And when the Big C happened, it was Enzo that totally stepped up to the plate. That was before I met My Guy.

Enzo took leave from his job to come take care of me. And he still takes care of me. Making sure that I'm OK. And doing 90% of my medical stuff himself. Yes, he is an amazing friend. And an incredible man. In the end, we weren't right for each other. We weren't the "perfect couple." But we were meant to be best friends for life. ♥

Flamingos

Let me start out with, we're alive! No tornadoes have hit around here. Thank my Dear Lord! Because My Guy and I honestly considered going home Friday night, when we heard there would be tornadoes around here yesterday. My prayers go out to all the victims of the tornadoes. Because not more than 60 miles from here, they did hit.

But yesterday, My Guy had to do some work. Nothing major, but some work. He was clearly done by the afternoon. And we were a little bored. Never mind that the heavens had opened up and it was pouring on us! Literally, everything around us had flooded. But you know, we were bored. There was no cell phone reception, no internet, no satellite TV. In My Guy's words, "It might as well be Little House on the Prairie." :)

So we decided to make a trip to Target. Let's just say, none of the stores were even remotely close to us. But you know us. We put on some warm clothes and hopped in the car. Call us crazy! With a capital C. It was pouring. And we were venturing to Target.

At one point, I wanted to cry. I really thought I was going to meet my Maker. It's a good thing that My Guy is such a good driver. Who knows what would have happened otherwise. But we made it. A trip that should have been 30 minutes, was more like 90 minutes. But we made it. And we were safe.

You're probably wondering why this post is called Flamingos. Well, once inside, I just had to hit the Dollar Spot. Don't you just love it? I do! There are so many fun things there! Even when I worked at Target, it was my favorite area. :)

And in the Dollar Spot, I found some cute Flamingos. Yes, the plastic kind you put in your yard. I couldn't walk away! Oh no I couldn't. They were $2.50 a piece. And I had my heart set on 2. Somehow, we walked out with 12. :) I can't wait to get home today. My Guy and I already know where we're going to put them. Yup, right around the pool. In between all the tropical plants and trees. Go us!

But here is a little background on my LOVE for flamingos...



When I was a little girl, I LOVED going to our local zoo. In my opinion, it's one of the best in the country. And they have Flamingos. Right as you walk in. I would stand there and watch these beautiful birds. Standing on one leg. And I would stand there, on one leg, watching.



Maybe it was their gorgeous pink feathers. Or maybe not. Since, as a kid, I didn't like pink. But I LOVED Flamingos. They just seemed so magical to me.



I also LOVED how when 2 Flamingos stood by each other, their necks made a cute little heart. Every single time I see something with a Flamingo, I just have to get it. It reminds me of the days when I would sit and watch the pretty pink birds as a little girl. I even have some Flamingo Christmas tree ornaments! I'm just glad that My Guy embraces my love as well. ♥

Happy 40th Anniversary!!!

So it is early! Really early for me. I'm getting ready to head to the airport. To head to my hometown, for a 2 day medical conference. It has been an amazing and very tiring 2 weeks. But my work in Sin City is over. For at least a few weeks. To be honest, I haven't slept. And I am trying to get some work done.


But when I turned my computer on and headed over to my favorite place ever, Google, I was reminded of Sesame Street! Today is the 40th Anniversary of Sesame Street. And doesn't Big Bird look good for his age? hehehe

As a kid, I LOVED Sesame Street. It was my show. I watched whenever I could. If you know me personally, you know that wasn't a lot. But it was my favorite show. I could read when I was 3 years old. I could count. I knew my colors and my shapes. And could even talk in spanish. That was me. I would sit and watch Oscar the Grouch like he was the coolest dude around town! :)

I was a PBS kid. Reading Rainbow, Mr. Rogers, and Sesame Street. When I got the chicken pox at age 4, I was devastated. I had to miss Valentine's Day at school. But I had Bert and Ernie. Actually, when I was young, I had stuffed animals of Bert and Ernie too. My big brother had given them to me. I also had this Big Bird that I could make talk. This for the kid, that was born in the early 80s. My favorites though, were my Sesame Street bedding and Christmas ornaments.

After all these years, I am sure that my parents have all these things put away somewhere in their home. Along with my Big Bird bookcase and Sesame Street books. In fact, not long ago, I saw my Sesame Street comforter in the linen closet, at my parents' house. But I have the ornaments. And every year, I put up my set of ornaments on the Christmas tree. It was probably the only thing that I remembered from my childhood when I moved out. It was years before Elmo. We bought them at the Price Club (now Costco.)

Now, I have to admit. It has been a while since I have last watched Sesame Street. But it still lives on. My niece Sandy had her 1st birthday in August. Her party theme was Sesame Street. She loves Elmo. As does my goddaughter, Anahi. Who had a Cookie Monster cake for her 2nd birthday. And all my friends' kids love to watch Sesame Street too!

The last time I saw an episode, Sarita (my goddaughter) and I watched it in spanish. She is 4 years old. But she just lit up. Singing all the songs and dancing away. It is amazing how many people have been positively touched by these characters. My sister who is now 38 years old, was a huge fan too! Sesame Street bridges generations, socioeconomic differences, and racial differences. It doesn't matter if you grew up in the projects or in middle class America, you were somehow touched by Sesame Street.

Here is to another 40 years! And millions and millions more children who are positively influenced by Big Bird and the gang! ♥

Coat of Many Colors

This is one of those songs that I've always liked. I don't know why. But as a young girl, this was one of my all time favorite songs. I'd sing it around the house. I just loved it.

I think part of it is because my Mom used to sew a lot of my clothes. It's not that we couldn't afford to buy clothes. But my Mom likes to sew. And she'd make me so many cute things. Dresses for our school concerts, fun clothes for vacations, and the best dresses for the holidays. Those were always me favorite clothes. ALWAYS!

I can sit here and tell you about all the nights I'd go to bed, and my Mom would stay up sewing. My bedroom was on one side of the dining room. My Mom's sewing room on the other. I'd leave my door open, just to hear her sewing machine going. I knew that she was working hard on something special that I'd get to wear to school the next day. :)

There has never been a Halloween when my Mom didn't make me a costume. She would always ask me what I wanted to be, and like some miracle, it would come to life. Everything from Pebbles (bone included for my hair) to Scarlett from Gone with the Wind (my favorite movie and book.)

My Mom always made my clothes. She sewed my crib bedding and curtains for my nursery. She made me so many dresses. And blankets. Every Easter, my Mom would make me and my favorite doll a matching Easter dress. She would even take store bought gloves, socks, and hats...and she'd add her own personal touch. Little things like beads, ribbon, and lace.

As you can see, my Mom is an amazing woman. She's my hero. A lover of crafts. And definitely a lover of country music. So as I've gotten older, this song has definitely had a special place in my heart. It reminds me of my Mom. I just don't have the words to tell you how much I love my Mom. And how lucky I am to have her in my life.



This song has definitely touched me in many ways. This particular video, I really love it. My favorite song, and 2 of my favorite country singers. And I'm going to be honest here, I just had to take a break to cry. This is how special this song is to me. It will always remind me of my Mom. What a very special lady she is. ♥