BIRTHDAY MOMENTS OF BLISS!

They only come once a year, BIRTHDAYS!  Some people celebrate their birthdays, others not so much. I personally think everyone should celebrate their day of birth, because they've lived yet another year on the earth and that's a gift especially in times like these; inflation, pandemics, mass shootings, wars!! It's all mentally draining, heck just going to work day after day can be stressful. 

Yesterday I talked to an acquaintance of mine and told her that every year I do something fun for my birthday. Her reply was, "That's the best thing ever. You know my Grandmother acts and looks twenty years younger than she is. In fact I asked her once what keeps her so enthusiastic, happy and youthful and she told me that she celebrates her BIRTHDAY three months before and three months after her actual birthday. She believes in precious moments and having just plain fun, and it makes her life so much brighter." Since I just had my birthday it made me happy that I did something fun. I took an overnight trip with my friend to Grand Haven and Holland. I got to  eat Indian food, indulge in Ice Cream, swim in a pool, walk on A sandy beach, visit a State Park, and spend two amazing hours at "Windmill Island Gardens" a Dutch themed park that feels like the Netherlands, Europe. The windmill is from the Netherlands and all the buildings are replicas of Dutch villages throughout the Netherlands. I had the whole "Windmill Island Gardens" to myself even the employees told me it's rare for things to be so quiet. That in itself was a birthday present to enjoy a beautiful place with plenty of open space. I even got to ride the CAROUSEL my favorite ride in the whole world. This exquisite CAROUSEL was made over 100 years ago in a Dutch Village in the Netherlands and shipped to Holland, Michigan's "Windmill Island Gardens." 

My time spent at "Windmill Island Gardens" was so priceless and I was able to buy some souvenirs from the gift shop like wooden colorful tulips, cheese and crackers, and chocolates all made in the Netherlands! Yes, life has enough responsibilities so why not reward yourself once a year with a BIRTHDAY PRESENT?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE JUNE BABIES! 😍

Moments Honoring Amie, a Terrific Person Who Recently Died!

May 28th, Saturday....this is the last day that I saw my colleague and friend AMIE. She came to work that day cheerful and kind. I was managing that day and Amie's day was short as she only had to come in for a few hours to give the sales advisors their breaks. I was supposed to give Amie a belated Birthday present that day and I forgot to bring it in. I NEVER thought it would be the last time I'd see AMIE. Two days later Amie's husband Ron called to say that AMIE was in the hospital. Two days after that Amie's husband Ron came in person to the business to let our event manager know that AMIE had passed away. When I first heard the news I was in shock, then in denial, then depressed. One and half years earlier I had written a story about AMIE because I found her to be so inspiring and such a storyteller. One month earlier AMIE and I had run into each other at the local supermarket. We stopped at a resale shop to look at clothes and afterwards she drove me home with her adorable dog Charlie in the backseat. She was such a fun gal.

AMIE'S death was due to a health issue. I had a talk with Ron (Amie's ) husband a few days after AMIE'S death and we reflected on AMIE and her life. Ron said to me "Enjoy life, for we are all on borrowed time." How true that is. As stressful as life can get it's important to cherish our gift of life and not take anything for granted. Poor Ron will miss his wife AMIE, they were married 30 years. AMIE was entertaining, talented, full of wisdom and so much more. She was a professional hair stylist, a fashion designer, a great baker and golfer, she was creative and always intuitive and knowledgeable about many topics. RIP beautiful AMIE, you were a terrific woman!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN:

I couldn't get AMIE out of my mind for several days. I remember when AMIE wore pink sneakers to work. They were such attractive shoes and AMIE said they were super comfortable. She always wore those pink sneakers to work. Shortly after her death I yearned for one last connection with AMIE and I got it. I was shopping at TJ MAXX and something led me to the shoe aisle. On the clearance rack for only $15.00 were a pair of pink sneakers similar to the ones AMIE wore in my size which usually doesn't happen on a clearance rack. I bought them as a way to honor AMIE and let me tell you those shoes are so comfortable and whenever I wear them I'm grateful for the honor of knowing AMIE.

CHERISH the people in your life for they might not be here tomorrow! LIFE is full of moments, treasure them!

Shoe Moments!

Most of us have to wear shoes, unless we're at home or perhaps hanging out on a sandy beach or doing yoga. Did you every have a malfunction with a shoe or shoes? I did today. Out the door by 6:30 am I put on the wrong pair of shoes, sandals that I bought at Costco last summer. By the time I got to the bus stop I knew something would go wrong with those sandals. Sure enough after a meeting in the morning I took a walk to the supermarket and while at the supermarket my entire back of the sandal tore off and tumbled onto the floor. Just the straps of the sandal kept my foot stable but the entire bottom was torn off and all I had was a bit of cloth. I still had errands to run and I knew I couldn't spend my day limping with a destroyed sandal. Fortunately I was able to get a bus into town and I headed straight to a resale shop called "The Roost Consignment Boutique." I told the saleslady what happened and she walked me over to a shoe rack and informed me that more shoes were scattered throughout the store. A woman named Cindy, who was shopping overheard our conversation and wanted to be of help.

I frantically looked for shoes in size 8 not having much success until Cindy pointed me to some shoes on a ledge near the window. "Try this black pair on, they'll be a good match with most clothes," said Cindy. Well....Cindy was right, those shoes fit perfectly and they were adorable. They had a strap on them and were really comfortable. I could wear them with a dress, a skirt, slacks, jeans, shorts.....I put them on and was ready to go the register to pay for them but Cindy and I couldn't stop talking, we clicked immediately and realized we had quite a bit in common. When we finished talking and wished each other the best in life, I paid for my new pair of used shoes. The price? $20.00

Now I was back to normal, I could walk, walk, and walk. Although it was hot today, I did plenty of walking reaching 24,000 steps on my "Step Tracker"app. Those shoes at "The Roost Consignment Boutique" were a real blessing and I really scored with those shoes. Not only do the shoes look attractive but they're super comfortable too. Sometimes a setback does appear, and we have to do the best we can to resolve it. Always be certain your shoes are in walkable condition. "Shoe Moments" are important.

June 12 Moments! My BIRTHDAY!

I have this philosophy that once a year for your birthday you should just take it easy and give yourself a "me" day.  I've been doing that for years but today is different. I woke up this morning and did one task after another, cleaning, laundry, washing dishes, helping a friend with a task.....I didn't even have breakfast yet. That's okay though, I've decided that even though todays my BIRTHDAY, I still need to do some work. Surprisingly in the early afternoon my adventure began and I was blessed with some delightful "birthday moments' indeed.

Celebrate your BIRTHDAY for it only comes but once a year! Eat Cake and Ice Cream, Go Out for Lunch or Dinner, Go To The Beach, Take A Boat Ride,  Visit an Amusement Park, See a Show....the choices are endless.