Road trips can be tricky. Trish and I are good traveling partners. She is very good to my arm and I. We know when we need to chill. We know when a glass of wine is needed. And coffee for me and tea for Trish.

Just a few quick snippets until I bombard you upon my return.

I have so much more to share. Snippets of life in Colorado for four days. THE CONCERT. OMG, that's all I'm saying for now.

Off to Rocky Mountain National Park for the day.

xo

Music today - come ON...I had to to!

And the Colorado rocky mountain high
I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky
Talk to God and listen to the casual reply
Rocky mountain high

http://youtu.be/LLWD2WIvRQk

I am sitting in a little kitchenette in Denver, Colorado.

It is 8:15 (9:00 - we went and had breakfast) in the morning here. I have sucked down a single cup of coffee. There is another one ready to go to my left. (Update: I am already drinking it...)

Airport travel when you are supporting a war wound from the great trip and fall of June 2014 is a giant pain in the ass.

That said, I. Am. In. Denver.

So...it doesn't suck.

I have indeed traveled to a place both inside and outside of myself that connects to light.

My friend Trish and I are going on adventures for the next few days. We are here to see Mary Chapin Carpenter at Red Rocks on Sunday. We made these arrangements months ago, obviously WAY before the GTAF'14. The journey started HERE.

It's Friday, and in honor of MCC, let's dance!

xo

I feel lucky, I feel lucky, yeah
No Professor Doom gonna stand in my way
Mmmmm, I feel lucky today

http://youtu.be/THHBANUWzD4

I have come to forks in the road so many times in my life.

I have absolutely wondered, "What if?"

But I don't dwell there (too much, or too often), because really, what would be the point? As my friend Pat says, "It is what it is."

Can I get an amen?

We have all heard the saying, "You make plans, God laughs."

The forks in my road have always had me working towards creating the life I want. Sometimes, it hasn't worked out. And that's OK. I need to believe that the universe, in its own infinite way, knows that the hell it's doing. 

Or that there is a great big comedy show with me in the starring role.

Here's to living the life we imagine.

xo

PS - I like this song WAY before TFIOS. Thank you Pandora.

Yeah, tomorrow I might wake up nice and clean
And I might believe the things I said I didn't mean
And this might turn and wind up just the way we'd dreamed
And I might become the things I swore I'd always be

http://youtu.be/EGCIChfCF1M

In light of the ache in my arm yesterday, I figured I would be a little more cognizant of what I can do today to continue healing in a positive way.

I had OT on Monday, I had Reiki yesterday, today I have OT and a massage. Yes, I will be taking care of myself, but I am not gonna lie - the two coupled together will really get the blood moving and it probably will ache just a little more.

My friend Ellen posted this on my FB wall this morning:

I am grateful EVERY day and I use this blog to share my gratitude. But sometimes, it IS good to "put it out there" so the rest of the world can take a moment and do the same thing. 

TODAY, I challenge anyone who is up to it to list three things you are grateful for either in the comments on the blog, or on FB, or in a notebook for yourself.

WRITE IT DOWN. There's where the power lies.

RONIN UPDATE:
As of last night, Ronin's surgery went well. He needed to have his heart valve expanded - it was too tight for his blood to pump away in his 16 month old self. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts as he heals!

Bella is home! We saw her for less than five minutes and she headed up to bed. We have instructions on what time to wake her up as she wants to sleep normally tonight. She is damn, stinking, cute and I am happy to have her back.

I do LOVE Peter Kater.

Peter Kater donated all the profits from the sale of this song to MiracleFund1.org helping underprivileged children receive medical and dental care.

http://youtu.be/bswt5RFeVgY

Thirty-five years goes by quickly. In our hearts, despite our ages, professions, kids and grand-kids, I believe we are all still about 17 or 18.

The reunion was FUN. Michael did an awesome job putting it together. The playlist was perfect.

It was absolutely fantastic to see the people I really wanted to see. Even though we catch up on FB, sometimes you need to be live and in person.

THIS picture is one of my favorites in that it just makes me laugh. John - right in the middle of the women. 

I was pretty fried by the time the end rolled around - sadly this was just at 11:45 or so. Mary Jo came up to the room and chatted for about another hour or so, and then she went home. 

I headed for home pretty early Sunday morning.

My neighbors were having a party and had an outdoor concert - I would bet it was two guys singing their hearts out: ELP, Yes, Simon & Garfunkel, Pure Prairie League, The Beatles, C,S,N,& Y - and Young solo. I sang along to "America" and "Amy" and "The Needle and the Damage Done" - it was the most marvelous way to cap off the weekend.

I am reading a book a day at this point - if you want to know what I've been reading feel free to check out my Goodreads feed - it's up to date.

OT continues to work AND kick my ass at the same time. Today is a hard day - my arm is very achy and swollen. I called Laura and for today I will ice, heat and exercise. In that order.

My favorite text from Bella came yesterday. I truly laughed out loud.

Here's a link to Mount Marathon. The group will be on their way home in a few hours. WHAT an adventure!

This is Ronin. This gorgeous baby started heart surgery at 3:30 THIS afternnon. It is a five hour surgery. Send love. Lots and lots and lots of love and healing and prayers.

While driving to and from Long Island (NO TRAFFIC in either direction, THAT was a miracle) I listened to Pandora. I went to give a thumbs up to this song and found out I already had in January. Well, alright then. It is an ethereal kind of song.

It's nearly five o'clock. I hope your day has been fabulous.

xo

Why are you so far away? he said 
Why won't you ever know that I'm in love with you 
That I'm in love with you 

http://youtu.be/LmJFxUegONQ

Tonight is my 35th High School Reunion. But wait...I was just a teenager, wasn't I?

Bless the organizer, Michael, because really, it's like organizing a wedding without the bride and groom while at the same time tracking down people and then getting everyone to commit at the very last minute. I bought my tickets a month ago.

That chick up there was an interesting girl. In hindsight, I liked her despite probably NOT liking her all the time. 

I was one of those teens who hung out with a myriad of different "groups" but stuck with some of the same friends from elementary school throughout the years.

I had a few boyfriends and then I fell head over heels in love towards the middle of my senior year and from then on in, it was all about "us."

I was chatting with my friend Donna this morning and said I have large chunks of black holes where my life happened but I don't remember a freaking thing about it. It was comforting to know she has the same issue.

Tonight I will catch up with some of my favorite people and miss a lot who can't be here.

This is from the yearbook - Senior Favorites from 1979.
I just noticed we spelled Barbra Streisand wrong...
Also - note the favorite drink was BEER. The drinking age WAS 18 then.

As 52-53 year adults we have NO right to bitch about "today's lyrics."

OUR favorite song was "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" which I already used HERE - and we all know where that song goes.

Here's to the class if '79 - we ARE mighty fine.
 
xo

Oh my little pretty one, pretty one
When you gonna give me some time Sharona
When you make my motor run, my motor run
Gun it coming, off the line Sharona

http://youtu.be/BR2JtsVumFA

It's Friday. 

It's sunny.

Currently I do not have A/C on. 

You know the deal...let's dance!

Let's light it up, let's light it up
Until our hearts catch fire

http://youtu.be/EpbjEttizy8

Being home these past three weeks has left me with a lot of time in my head. It's been an interesting experience to say the least. I sit and ponder a lot. I read a boatload of blogs. I caught up with my email.

I headed into the "Old Mail" files of AOL (yes, I still have an AOL account) and finally clicked on the many links to excellent articles, videos and songs I was sent. I read all of them. And then I finally deleted them. Here are a few things of note.

Apparently I have grammar issues. I know that. And I own it.
(I love CAPS, bold, italics and "quotation marks.")

For an educationally fun journey into grammar rules, I highly suggest "Weird Al" Yankovic's new video "Word Crimes." (4 million plus hits overnight)

Have you seen the video of Dozer the Dog at the Marathon? It's FABULOUS. I suggest tissues.

I gave birth to a boy who has wanted to be a Yankee since he was knee high to a grasshopper. THIS COMMERCIAL is one of the finest commercials I have ever seen. It pays tribute to Derek Jeter. Keep the tissues handy.

I have read more books in three weeks than I have read in three years. Two have made an impact for different reasons.

Still Life With Breadcrumbs by Anna Quindlen is a gorgeous novel of a sixty year old woman's summer. It touches on the many aspects of family, aging parents, money and starting over.

Cure for the Common Break Up by Beth Kendrick literally had me laughing out loud on my couch. She is so witty and so funny and her characters are a riot. It is the perfect read for a plane, train, beach, or broken bone healing.

In other news:

• My OT feels pain is NOT necessary while getting a better ROM (Range of Motion) and that I am doing very well. YEAH Laura!
  
• Bella has made it to Alaska. MANY hours late but they are there.
  
• Today I will get a massage with the talented Jen Pellingra and my shoulder issue will disappear.
  
• Anita makes over the top delicious Irish Soda Bread that I do not share and she believes that is wrong. Oh well.
  
• The dinners we have eaten have expanded my palate and have been truly delicious. We are SO grateful.
  
• Getting your hair blown out is a treat.

Speaking of Anita - in one of her emails she suggested I listen to this song. She too loves MCC.  And since I am headed to Colorado next week to see her with Trish at the Red Rock Amphitheater it worked in nicely for today.

Lastly, when I listened to this song, it reminded me of the guest blog piece on Momastery yesterday. I know of a number of people who will get great peace by reading it.

Whatever scares you - do it anyway.

Look to the tremendous women (and men) you know to show you what strength sometimes looks like.

Have the best Thursday.

xo

Use a tourniquet for pressure
Let time do it's healing
Say prayers for good measure
When you think you've lost all feeling

http://youtu.be/n2k76TG3YLM

Yesterday the stitches came out.

I have a four inch scar on my arm - you know I measured it. Kathy suggested I create a tattoo on the scar... Then we laughed a maniacal laugh and moved on.

The good doctor (excellent doctor, really) suggested I am not pushing myself as hard as I should be to get the greatest range of motion to happen.

I was a tad insulted.

I had a five degree increase in movement.

THAT is working it.

Apparently not.

I have to push myself harder; deal with a little bit of uncomfortable for the greater good.

Today I will tell Laura, my OT, I need to push harder to figure out how to move more.

Bella left on another adventure yesterday. She is off to Alaska! Alas, her flight was delayed six and a half hours. They ended up arriving in Minnesota at 3:00am and getting to a hotel at 4:00am.

Looking at the Itinerary it doesn't seem like they will be missing anything. It is a scheduled travel day to get from Anchorage to Denali National Park.

The best part of the flight delay is that travel insurance kicked in and they have $150 today and tomorrow to use for reasonable purchases. They had an awesome dinner last night.

The music today is not my from my "normal" wheelhouse. Give it a listen. It is most excellent.

From one beautiful wreck to another, I wish you all love.

xo

When all is taken away, don't let my heart be changed.
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don't let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah.
Let me always sing Hallelujah.

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here's my broken hallelujah.

http://youtu.be/Fo3DudOzV4k

It was a big day for my elbow and head today.

OT in the morning with the delightful Laura.

I played in uncooked rice moving cups of rice from one bin to the other twisting my wrist JUST so. It is crazy how fast the wrists stop cooperating.

I rolled my arm out on a giant ball. It doesn't go out all that far quite yet. Patience.

I waxed on and waxed off against a wall to keep my shoulders from tightening up.

I get to do all this fabulous stuff at home too in order to get a greater range of motion.

THEN, for the first time since the great trip and fall of 2014 I went to therapy.

As I have mentioned countless times, Cathy does Reiki while we clear the head and boy, she worked hard on my arm! We added a few extra appointments for the next few weeks to keep the energy moving and the arm healing.

And of course we tried to figure out just WHY this fall came now. We're both perplexed but I have no doubt I will figure it out eventually.

All in good time I am getting fixed by the best of the best.

It was a good way to start my Monday.

xo

LOVE this Peter Kater instrumental.
"Clarity" ~ something I am always looking for.

http://youtu.be/YxUNuwi58ng

Because sometimes the strongest messages come from songs.

LISTEN TO THE SONG. 
WATCH THE VIDEO while listening.

I've got nothing else.

Your Sunday sermon from my Magic Basement.

xo

Wait a second, 
Why, should you care, what they think of you
When you're all alone, by yourself, do you like you?
Do you like you?

http://youtu.be/GXoZLPSw8U8

Today's song brought to you courtesy of the FB post. I saw it and just HAD to use it!

I will dance around with my right arm stuck in the robot stance and not care. I think *you* should do the same. Well, maybe you can move your arms.

One year ago TODAY, young Jake was diagnosed with brain cancer. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES. Thank you all for coming along on a journey of healing for a terrific kid. Cheers to YOU, Jake! You are our miracle, kid.

xo

I believe in miracles
Since you came along, you sexy thing

http://youtu.be/aOl4oeHZnBk

I received a text the other day from a friend asking for our collective help. She is a longtime reader who has read and felt the power of pink love we share so often here.

The loving thoughts are not for her; they are for her dear friends Anna, Emily and Libby. Wrung out for a million reasons, they are each hanging on by a thread due to the stress in their lives and the selfish behaviors of others.

It's interesting, not knowing them, or the details, I can still feel their need for the hug. For the love. For the lightening of their loads and the emotional burdens they are carrying.

It's a place we all have been at some point or another in this journey of life we are on.

While we're collectively sending our blessings, prayers, thoughts, love, Reiki, energy, white, pink, gold, pick your favorite color light, let's include the following people who I bet could use a jolt of positivity:

Amy ~ Evelyn ~ Kim ~ Nancy ~ Maria ~ Kathy ~ Kelly ~ Ellen ~ Steve ~ Julian ~ Kacey ~ Jake ~ Peter ~ Andrew ~ ME ~ and anyone else you want to add!

"To all those wandering lost in the dark
May you be visited by a spark."

http://youtu.be/oEBNIzOIbVs

Yesterday, Kathy was my ride about town. She brought me to the doctor to have the splint removed. She sat with me in the waiting rooms while I waited for the post surgery x-ray. She brought me to Target and the A&P.

When I shared with Kathy I cried when they took off the splint she comforted me. The nurse informed me that was due to the "Percocet Haze" wearing off.

When they told me I would have to have six weeks of Occupational Therapy three times a week, I got a little scared. When the doctor showed me what I need to do at home I got a little anxious. Every time throughout the day when I did the exercises I got a bit nauseous.

Elaine stopped by and gave me a few tips. THAT helped.

There isn't really anything to be afraid of; there isn't anything broken anymore!

Fearless here I come...

How lucky are we that modern medicine can do so much?!

OT starts this Friday afternoon.

Stitches come out next Tuesday morning.

Bella leaves for Alaska Tuesday afternoon.

Today I went to the salon because Kathy understands if your hair looks good, you will feel good. Carol colored and highlighted and express blow-dried and cut my hair. It looks so good - it was that bad, I can assure you, but Carol performed a little miracle.

My friend Megan was at the salon getting her hair done and she drove me home.

The kids come home tonight from Italy. I can't wait to hear about their adventures and see the pictures.

Peter and Marco leave in the morning for Saratoga for a baseball tournament.

It's me and Bella for a few days.

The bountiful goodness of food continues. And I want to clear up a little something from the other day.

The intention of preparing the food is the love. I thought I made that clear.

I also need to say that the gift cards to Domino's (HOW excited was Peter), and Cole's Market were given with love. The plant. The flowers. The Oprah magazine with a writing exercise I will be doing later on. The visits. The phone calls. The texts. The emails. The cheering about the one armed bra success. The cards from friends and clients. Driving me hither and yon. Checking in.

I do feel the love and I know how extraordinarily lucky I am to have such an impressive group of people who care about me.

Carol asked me today when I was coming back to work. I told her when I could use a pen again I would be able to think about it. I still think it's a little while away.

So I will continue to use this time to BE. By myself, with my thoughts, sleeping more than I have slept in years. In the quiet of my brain and my house. Surrounded by a family that selflessly takes care of me when I needed to be cared for.

Did I fall or was I pushed? Was I climbing the curb up towards my future? Was the fact that I only had one hand to eat with the reason I needed to only eat when hungry and to only eat good food? I have lost a significant amount of weight. Go figure.

In any event, I am letting myself be fearless and working it all.

xo

You say the hill's too steep to climb,
Climb it!
You say you'd like to see me try,
Climb it!
You pick the place and I'll choose the time
And I'll climb
The hill in my own way
Just wait a while, for the right day

http://youtu.be/TeyHPAdxuy0

If there is one thing I have learned these past two weeks it is this: food makes everything better.

Food fixes you.

As the person preparing it, or buying it, or delivering it, it gives us something tangible to DO while the recipient is healing.

The healing doesn't have to be from a broken bone.

It can be chemo treatments. It can be a death. It can be a broken heart. It can be an addled brain. It can be surgery. It can be a new house. It can be a new baby.

Cooking to make life a little easier. A little tastier.

I have been on both ends.

I have been the chef a few times in my life. It always makes me feel good when I decide what I will make and what I will serve with it. And yes, it is always made with love.

This is not the first time I have been visited by the food brigade. When I had my hysterectomy deliciousness ensued.

Right this second, my fridge is stocked with such culinary delights. My pantry is groaning with delight. My freezer has a few items in it.

The fact that my kids aren't here has caused me much mirth this week. Because let's face it - there is NEVER anything to eat here. EVER.

THANK YOU.

One and all.

For the nourishment, for the love, for the get well food. It is tremendously appreciated.

xo

Cheeseburger in paradise (paradise)
Heaven on earth with an onion slice (paradise)
Not too particular not too precise (paradise)
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise

http://youtu.be/s5tK-_yxLms

I woke up this morning and felt a little antsy. I knew I was ready to move.

I took a bath to soak and then a shower to rinse. I washed my hair.

And now, almost four hours later, I am zonked.

The reminder that I was under general anesthesia and had surgery just five days ago hit me. Hard.

I have to just be. Heal. Rest.

Thankfully, today is a top ten day to feel the wind go through the house, listen to the drone of lawn mowers, hear the chirping of the birds and smile while listening to the pool shenanigans happening in the surrounding pools.

Yesterday, I caught up on some of my favorite bloggers.

And totally non-coincidentally (naturally) there were themes that resonated with me.

I was using this quote today and literally, just a minute ago when I went to snag her URL, I saw this on my friend Lisa's glorious blog, Curious Girl:

THIS quote was also on her blog.

everything that slows us down and forces patience,
everything that sets us back into the slow circles of
nature...is an instrument of grace.
-may sarton

I have HAD to slow down. I have HAD to sit and be. 

In the same piece, Lisa wrote, " for so many years, i thought that slowing down meant giving up and being lazy and i allowed life to force me to slow down (or smack me down in some cases) through stress, critical setbacks or losses and sometimes being unwell"

So. THIS is grace. Well alright.

Just today, another friend, Shareane from Intentions Jewely (see the shop here page) wrote:

Everyday, yes everyday I have to remind myself to forgive. In the process of living our life we will get hurt-sometimes it is intentional and sometimes it is unconsciously but hurt is hurt-and of course there is ego. Everyday, I ask for the grace to forgive-and to forgive myself as well. Sometimes I don't make it but usually I do. We are human and it takes persistence and your intention to create the moment, hour, day, the life you wish for .
May today be a golden day for you.

My friend Debbie sent me a pic of the kids in Italy.

I am experiencing radio silence from them, as I should.

Peter has posted one picture on Instagram...of pizza.

Bella won't even accept my request to follow her. Brat.

I am certain they are having the time of their lives and enjoying every sight, smell, and taste to the fullest.

Happy Saturday.

May it be full of grace.

xo

Peace to all
Life to all
Love to all

http://youtu.be/a5tfktSWFTo

If you have been reading here for any length of time, you know I easily straddle the threshold of "woo-woo" and "non woo-woo" AKA reality, to those who don't embrace the woo-woo philosophy in all its wonder and glory.

And so, when I question "WHY this fall?" about my elbow there are a myriad of thoughts swirling through my noggin.

On Saturday night, before the great trip and fall, after we had finished payroll, Kathy and I sat and decompressed for more than an hour. We talked about how thrilled we were with the Cast Party. We talked about how exciting it was to BE the owners of such a vibrant, special, beautiful salon. We looked around at the changes we have made to give it our touch. We spoke about how fortunate we are to have such an extraordinary staff. We expressed our gratitude about having such amazing clientele. And we toasted ourselves towards summer. How we were going to relax. How nice it was going to be to have Summer Hours on Saturday's - we'll be taking our last client at 2:30 until the last week of August.

It was a conversation of appreciation, fulfillment of a dream, how blessed we both felt to be working together as partners, and really, how good it was that the big party was behind us and now we can go about the business of enjoying what we are continuing to build.

And then it was Sunday afternoon... 

Some of the various "reasons" this happened according to many.

• The universe is telling you to slow down.
  
• You need to stop running around like a crazy woman.
  
• You need to breathe.
  
• This happened FOR A REASON

REALLY?!

I thought I was in a pretty good place...

Can't shit JUST HAPPEN?!

Does there need to be a reason for everything?

This is a serious question, people. I want your thoughts and opinions on this.

So into the glitter I go.
(My Stampin' Up! friends will appreciate that.)

• I have gotten some much needed laptop clean up done.
  
• I have read a book and People magazine. 
  
• Family for the win.
• I have gone into the salon and gotten pampered.
  
• I am exceedingly fortunate to have friends cooking for us and bringing us meals.
  
• I have been in touch with so many friends and, I am actually taking the time to tackle answering emails that have sat staring at me, in some cases, for months.
  
• I had a visit with Trish, whom I hadn't seen in real life for a million years.
  
• I am going to have a visit with another friend on Sunday who I haven't seen in 15 years thanks to Lucy.
  
• I have been able to write the salon newsletter.
  
• I have received get well cards including a hand stamped card from Kim!
  
• Edible Arrangements. Need I say more?
  
• Homemade Stromboli and payroll help.
• Sunflowers and dark chocolate dipped acai berries.
• I have had terrific visits with people I adore.
• WORLDWIDE healing vibes, prayers, thought and love.

The glitter.

xo

Oh baby
I, I, I, I'm fallin'
I, I, I, I'm fallin'
Fall

http://youtu.be/Urdlvw0SSEc

THIS happened Sunday and we are inordinately proud of Peter!

He is headed to St. John Fisher College (Rochester, NY) in the fall where he will pursue accounting and play baseball.

Nikki, his fabulous girlfriend, is headed to UCONN.

Monday was the surgery. I was a hot mess pre-surgery. I don't know if it was nerves, or lack of food, or no coffee, but I was so sick I was incoherent. Thank goodness for Jane who dealt with me the whole time and even held the bucket when I got sick. Once again the staff was superlative at Northern Westchester and the care I received was phenomenal.

Poor Marco had his dad having surgery in one hospital in the morning and me having it at another in the early evening. It made for a l-o-n-g day for him.

Yesterday, I was rather pitiful due to the pain. Once I understood I could take two Percocet I was much better. I was the elevating, ice queen, med taking, expert.

At 9:30 last night I fell asleep on my love seat - arm elevated, wrapped in ice and I had a solid two hours of sleep. It was the best sleep I had in days. I went up to bed, took my meds and slept through until 4:30 this morning! THAT felt like a victory.

Today I feel MUCH, much better! I had a decent night's sleep. I stayed on top of the pain. I am going to shower. I am going to get my hair washed.

My dear friend Claire dropped off a homemade Stromboli and is keeping me company while writing the payroll checks. I have THE best friends!

xo

I haven't got time for the pain
I haven't got room for the pain
I haven't the need for the pain 

http://youtu.be/E3_l5Ss203I