It's been quite a year.

The good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, the happy, the sad, the amazing, the unexpected, the kick in the ass when I needed it most, or when I needed it the least.

It was a year filled with plot twists galore; a movie that I am now watching from the perspective of time passed.

It was one of the most emotionally, gut wrenching, years of my life.

I faked it, beautifully, through many a day.

THANK YOU for being a part of this journey. You keep my humbled with every like on FB, every comment, every share, every phone call, text or email.

Welcome 2014.

Here's to adventures of love, joy, success, prosperity, the goodness of humanity, the delight of everyday life and more love.

Let's all rock it. OK?

Here's to new beginnings and the new year.

http://youtu.be/yOpdDS_Cwgs

Christmas with teenagers is no less magical than Christmas with little kids.
Behold...

From our house, to yours we wish you peace, love, joy, abundance, prosperity, dreams coming true and more love.

Merry Christmas!

I may pop back in before the new year, but I must confess I am enjoying my digital vacation. xo

Day 11 of 12 (we know this is a fabrication...):
If I had posted on Christmas Eve, THIS would have been THE song...
I love that this was done in Spain - so FUN!
For one of my favorite Jersey Girls, with love!

http://youtu.be/iSgEDKjmT5o

Day 12 of 12:
My darling friend, Kait - who is with HER family having the time of her life.
Love this, Kait - I saved the best for last.
xoxo

http://youtu.be/hHggHFC7dWc

Day 10 of 12:
I love so many different versions of Pacelbel's Canon.
THIS ONE is perfect with the tree...
Take a moment to just listen!

http://youtu.be/kllZlF6mB2s

Last night, I set up my blog for what I wanted to capture for the day, because, it's Friday and on Friday we dance! It was only a matter of picking the right picture and the right song. I YouTubed "Christmas Dance Songs." This is what I decided on.

Then, I stayed up too late after a long day trying to catch up on Facebook. 

I smiled when I got to my friend Mary's FB song of the day. Same song, different video. Click the link on her name for a wonderful piece she wrote about Christmas stockings.

Happy Friday, people! 

Go forth and DANCE!

xo

PS - amusing photo after the video...

Day 9 of 12: 
Because I wanted a little Glee...
http://youtu.be/eoxrrJts-hg

AND, it reminded me of THIS picture

Jane wrote:
Our house on 40 Fairview Rd West, Massapequa. Our mom would decorate the walls with all of our school projects & treasures throughout the years - our house would be transformed! For Christmas! I would take a "sick day" in HS to decorate!!! (Note from Maggie - I took a day off in 5th grade as I recall for the same cause) Good times! dessert parties! On Christmas - eating the cookies frozen before the party and our mom panicking when she went to get them and they were half eaten!!! And no wonder I have 32 boxes of Christmas Crap! (Note from Maggie - I am down to 6 boxes AND I adore frozen chocolate chips...I learned it young, pilfering from the freezer in the garage!) I learned it! 

Naturally, the comments on this picture were brilliantly funny. However, I think Jane summed it up best when she replied to one comment with this line: we even had a menorah on our wall - I bet there was a rainbow too!!

May you all create happy holiday memories for your families in whatever way you can. xo

Carry this with you today!

Because...it is what it is.

BUSY day at the salon today - I'll be surfacing in about 15 hours...

xoxo

Day 8 of 12:
Not something you normally see...enjoy!

http://youtu.be/9dwJPwqPYp0

In spite of the snow, in spite of the ice, in spite of the frantic pace we can all get caught up in, see if you can take a few moments to give YOURSELF a little peace today. 

Listen to the song of the day.

There.

That was four minutes JUST for you.

xo

Day 7 of 12:
Don't we all need this...

http://youtu.be/v6Y1JBddZy8

Yesterday was D-Day for me; I needed to get the shopping done for Christmas.

I had a plan.

Go north. Stop at some of my favorite haunts. Get what I could and then, god help me, head to the mall.

THEN, I came up with an even better plan...

At the mall, I pulled out my KidsStuff coupon book and gave away a ton of expiring coupons to unsuspecting people on lines. I felt like an elf. 

It was priceless! The grandma at The Children's Place got 20% off her entire order. There was no one else on line so I gave another coupon to the cashier to share. The boys in Yankee Candle (for the record, THAT is where young men shop for their moms - holy moly it was crowded) who got 15% off their whole purchase, and another woman as well. The woman with small kids at Payless got 10% off her order, so did the woman on line with the pre-teen rolling his eyes at his mom. The older woman at Famous Footwear who got $10 off her boots, the guy in the back buying work shoes. I left several of them on a counter in Macy's and Sear's.

It cost me nothing but a smile to bring some goodwill to folks at the mall...not the usual place to expect it.

So, if you've got a book - and I know a lot of us have a book - and it's got some coupons still left in it - go forth and share. It is good for your soul.

xo

Day 6 of 12:
Christmas IS Coming

http://youtu.be/VVB18xbRMI4

It is crisp and cold outside and I have 57 million errands to run today. I put Peter on evening driving duty. After 1:00 this afternoon I will be available only by cell...yep, it's one of those days

While I am running around like a mad woman, my dear friend Amy and her family is living every day with all kinds of "stuff" most of us will never have to handle.

This is Amy & Jeff heading out to a party the other night. Note the "jet pack" adorned with lights. A sense of humor is a requirement when one is alive due to the miracles of modern medicine.

This morning, Amy posted this on a prayer board set up for Jake. We're a powerful bunch, so I know you will do what you can with your gifts and talents.

As always, if you have it to share, all donations are accepted gratefully to help them continue to fight the good fight - from having Jake become a boy, Amy getting a heart transplant and Jeff getting a job. xoxo

Day 5 of 12:
It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

http://youtu.be/RIbt4rM5Odc

I'm having a slow start to my day around here.

I have a "To-Do List" that is seemingly endless. I will slowly tackle items one by one.

I wish you a great, relaxed, easy Sunday.

xo

Day 4 of 12:
Bar none, my favorite version of this.

http://youtu.be/HGVNzgUxE-g

I am not one who dwells on the anniversary of sad things.

However, I can't help but be astounded at the fortitude and soul of the people of Newtown.

They are dealing with broken hearts in the most graceful of ways.

I hope the media leaves them alone, as they requested, and that they are able to light candles for those they love without the scrutiny of TV trucks, cameras and the mayhem they can accompany events like this.

It took me more than a few days to watch this - yes, you will need tissues. It is worth the tears.

On NPR this morning, there is an interview of Nelba Márquez-Greene about the life of her family this past year.

Read it.

Love wins.

On my blog, a year ago, I shared this:
One of the funniest, most irreverent men I know, posted this on Facebook yesterday: 
"Please, no soapboxes today, just pray, if that's something you do....XO"
I prayed.

It holds true a year later.

Today, let your heart overflow with love, let the little things not matter and find joy where you can.

I am off to the salon where we are hoping to cut and color and coiff as many people as humanly possible before the snow makes us hunker down. If you are out and about, be safe.

xo

Day 3 of 12:
There is a quiet and reverential beauty about this piece.

http://youtu.be/AO9o3_ZNvfo

A couple of years ago, my friend Laura and I had a "put your favorite Christmas album cover" each day on Facebook from December 1 through the 24th. Last year, we attempted covers and music. I was lame, pathetic really.

I have decided this year I will do 12 Days of Christmas via the blog, which of course, ultimately gets shared on FB. I think I might sweep it this year.

If you've been reading here for any amount of time you may have figured out I love all kinds of music. Last week, I was positively giddy because The Sing-Off is back on TV. I "met" Pentonix there two years ago. Their version of "Little Drummer Boy" is arguably one of the best, ever.

As you can see from the photo above, my own little boy was my original drummer boy. This is on his third birthday. (I cleverly hid the birthday hat with the Santa hat.)

For his 10th birthday we gave Peter quite the drum set. He was SO surprised and honestly, he loved it. Peter played percussion in band until this year. I can tell you, he rocked a triangle like nobody's business at a couple of concerts and as you can see, he was awesome on the "big boy drums" as some of my friends kids liked to call them.

In 2011, Peter announced he wasn't going to be playing the drums in the house anymore. I must confess to being a little sad. I wrote to his drum teacher and he hooked me up with a family whose young son was, like Peter as a little boy, obsessed with drumming.

In an email to me after they brought them home, the mom told me their son shared a similar look of delight to young Peter when they gave them to him. How cool is that?

Although there isn't a drum kit in the house anymore, I can assure you Peter plays the dining room table, the steering wheel and pretty much anything else that he can add a beat to.

Dancing today will be more like swaying - but boy, it will be soulful, joyful, reggae based swaying!

xo

PS - yes, I showed this to Peter before posting it. Well, most of it...

Pentonix uploaded this on YouTUbe on November 25.
SEVENTEEN MILLION hits since then.
If you're on Facebook, you've seen this posted over and over.
If you're not on FB, THIS IS EXCEPTIONAL.
Listen to it!
Because it IS that good.
Day 2 of the 12 days of Christmas.

http://youtu.be/qJ_MGWio-vc

I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum

I believe it was 2003 when I was introduced to Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys at a Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. I had front row seats and was blown away by his music (as well as the other talented musicians who played that night). The SLC community knew and loved these guys and I was ridiculously fortunate to have an up close and personal seat. It was a perk of being on the Advisory Board.

Let me say thank you to Shelli Gardner right here for all that SU! brought to me. xo

As a result, I have been following Jon for years and as you are well aware, I put their music on here all the time.

WAY back in July I purchased two tickets to see The Piano Guys at the Westbury Music Fair - that was what it was called when I was growing up on Long Island. The seats weren't next to each other - they were one behind the other on the aisle. It is a small theater with a round stage - really, there isn't a bad seat in the house. I was going no matter what. So was Bella. Except she didn't want to go.

At 6:30 yesterday morning I texted my sister Jane - did she want to come? Well of course she did! She knows these guys thanks to me. (If you were in the Magic Basement during certain years, certain albums were played over and over and over - Jon's album "Winter Serenade" would be one of them.)

Jane picked me up from work yesterday and off to Long Island we went. We had an awesome dinner at an Italian restaurant that I can't remember the name of.

I had purchased a VIP parking voucher (most definitely worth the $20!) so we glided into the parking lot at 7:55 for an 8PM show. We were in the 10th and 11th row. I was next to a woman named Janet who was out BY HERSELF for the first time since she had her son six years ago. Jane was next to a woman whose niece played the violin with the guys on stage along with some other young musicians during one of their pieces. We were giddy.

I will say it here and now - if you have never seen them, GO. Get tickets. Savor the experience. Listen with your eyes open because they are hilarious. Listen with your eye closed because it is a spiritual experience. Just go and enjoy and let me tell you, all your cares will slip away.

The piece I put up today is one that has literally gone bananas on YouTube in less than a month - over five million hits. Because yes, they are that good.

xo

And so begins my twelve days of Christmas.

http://youtu.be/n543eKIdbUI

My house is stuck in the "to be decorated" portion of Christmas. The tree is up but not decorated. You would think with two snow days we would have handled this. We all slept in. The teens slept much later than me.

Monday, I attacked the piles all over my desk. I have decided we ALL have piles. Mine contained far too many bills that needed to be paid, about 8 zillion catalogs that I ultimately decided I didn't need to go through except for maybe five of them. I cooked a meal (you truly have no idea what a big deal this is...). Of course, I caught up on Scandal. 

Yesterday, I cleaned out emails that were seriously old. I answered emails. I got a haircut, Kathy had a vision for my hair...now, if I can actually blow it out like she did I will consider it perfect. I reminded people to vote not once, but twice on a bond we had before us as a school district. I highly suggested voting yes. I am delighted to say the bond passed.

And then, well THIS came across my FB page and it is perfect. Take the time to watch this. You will be SO happy you did. It IS a time of miracles and WestJet makes a planeload of them happen.

I cried.

You are forewarned.

http://youtu.be/zIEIvi2MuEk

And now for THE perfect song...

When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
Cause we're all a part
Of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

http://youtu.be/vyvLNtG7QA8

Yesterday AND today the school district called a snow day. Two days of rejoicing for my kids since that means sleeping late, watching TV and generally relaxing.

We have never had to have a discussion in this house about which kid goes to school based on their gender. 

Yesterday, I caught up on some blogs, including Bread & Chocolate, where Kate posted THIS blog piece.

By watching a 12 minute streaming video I learned very quickly girls in many other parts of the world don't have a choice. Education is NOT for the girls; they are sold in slavery, they are kidnapped for human trafficking and a myriad of other god awful things, rather than be educated.

Girl Rising is a film, a movement and tremendous hope for the future.

THIS 12 minute clip, Suma's Story - The Nepal Chapter, begs you to watch it. We CAN make a difference. We CAN educate our own kids to these injustices. By watching this short film - YOU help.

xo

Original music from the film.

http://youtu.be/MSs5KLLSVKo

I read this quote this morning and thought to myself, "Yep."

I procrastinate like everyone else does. I spend time on stuff that is not always healthy for my head and my heart. But boy, when you go with love, it's always a much better feeling.

I am fortunate to surround myself with like minded people which allows this message to be a constant reminder.

We had our first "snow day" today in school - really it was a sheet of ice. (Peter JUST woke up and came down giddy - he said, "You know why I like this kind of snow day? Because there's NO snow to shovel!") 

I have spent the morning taking care of business that I had put aside to do "someday." Today IS the day. Do I love what I am doing? Um. Not really. BUT, I am accomplishing the tasks with love in my heart AND my head while listening to the three hours of relaxing music I shared last month in the background.

Whatever you do today, add a little love to it. xo

Love is in the air
When the day is nearly done

http://youtu.be/GQ0tKl1kAwM

I got an impromptu text from my friend Mel to meet her and her kids at the Peekskill Coffee House this morning. Who needs a shower to sip some java and eat a crepe with a dear friend? Not this woman.

My teens were still sleeping, so off I went to the land of a 5 year old and a 7 year old. Darling, adorable, happy and so fun. The barista hooked me up with a heart in my cup (foolishly I took a sip BEFORE taking the picture) without knowing how much I adore hearts. Karma.

Mel and I had a two and a half hour visit while these kids literally behaved like cherubs. It was fabulous.

We left and I went next door to check out my friend Roya's latest adventure. She is the new owner of The Coop - a fabulous gift shop.

Then I came home to THIS and really, it'll put you in the Christmas spirit. I'm off to go decorate now...

Sit for a minute and listen.

http://youtu.be/gIoSga7tZPg

I know I am not alone when it comes to music and how certain words can send me off into song. Case in point the photo in today's post. It cracks me up!

I also know I reach a maximum amount of times I can hear certain songs, for instance, "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus. I am SO done with that and I liked that song. They just played it too, too much.

Other songs I can absolutely hear again and again and yes, put on repeat in my iTunes. There are more than a few - "Feel Again" by One Republic, "Longtime Sun" by Snatum Kaur, "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney and "The Cello Song" by ThePianoGuys come to mind immediately.

Then there are my playlists - the playlists I made that even I get sick of. So I skip song after song after song until I get to something I love. I do the same thing on Pandora.

What are your favorites? What can you listen to on repeat? What are you done with?

I'm off to the salon - have an awesome Sunday!

Because let's face it, it was the obvious music choice today!

http://youtu.be/2X_2IdybTV0

It's Friday.

We dance.

And that folks, is all I've got for now!

Peter suggested I use this. Get dancing!

http://youtu.be/DuFUtL8zUAk

The long line.
The many, many people on that line.
The pictures.
The emptiness from the pain in the eyes of a new widow.
A young woman holding onto her boyfriend as a life support.

Me, bending down to touch the face of my friend as she whispers, "Maggie, I have no more tears. I am dry." I kiss her cheeks and the top of her head and leave her with all the blessings I have in me; with all the love I have. Moving on to her daughter who is strong but oh so shell shocked.

Francie has extraordinary neighbors who I too am privileged to call friends. There is a protective border around her on all sides. I live in an awesome community. We are collecting money, because immediate needs always need to be met.

But as my friend Christine so eloquently pointed out to me on the phone last night, "The money is almost secondary. It makes US feel better. THE most important thing we can do is stand together as a community for Francie. She needs to know we're here for her."

She will see us. She will feel us. We will give her strength when she is empty.

Tragedies are awful.

Always.

Friendship.
Community.
Love.

THAT is what matters.

xo

PS - THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by the salon, or sent me a PayPal donation or found me and added to the donations. As of this morning I am so proud to report I have $725 in hand. Giant, enormous, from my heart to yours, thank you.

This is a seriously beautiful instrumental version of the Ed Sheeran song. Take the time to give love to those around you who need it. xo

http://youtu.be/RqqEb4eISmU

Yesterday, one year ago, I wrote my first blog piece, I started the web site, I created a Facebook page, a Pinterest board and a Twitter account for TGHR.

What a difference a year makes.

Certain pages need a face lift.
I still haven't gotten the knack of Twitter.
I did add an Instagram account, but haven't done too much with that either.
Oh, I updated LinkedIn...a year ago.

My favorite medium remains blogging and Facebook. 

My mission remains the same, BUT, now I know what I want in greater detail and I am certain I am on the right track to make it all happen.

Basically, I want a B&B to function as a retreat center.

• I want to lead retreats.
  
• I want others to use the space to lead retreats as well.
• I want enough bedrooms and bathrooms for people to be comfortable.
  
• I want a room dedicated to massage/Reiki/acupuncture that can be used by a practitioner who may not have their own space.
  
• I want a room dedicated to yoga - maybe then I might practice it on my own...
  
• I want a room dedicated to arts and crafts.
  
• I want a working kitchen with a massive table for people to eat at.
  
• I want comfy, cozy couches and a fireplace and over sized chairs and rockers and 8,000 blankets.
  
• I want the whole place wired for sound.

Is that asking too much? I don't think so.

There is a certain level of calmness and serenity that is inherent in my Magic Basement. There is a comfort level that happens as soon as people come in. There is safety and warmth and wonder. The deep breaths, laughter, tears and shared experiences make this a great space.

Many people have contributed to the creature comforts down here and I love to tell the stories of how I got some of the items and I especially love when the people themselves are HERE and can see just what they have added to the place. It is inviting and marvelous and indeed, quite magical.

I have met so many people in this year and seriously, to have someone offer me their home for the first retreat is a HUGE deal. xoxoxo

THANK YOU for taking this journey with me. Some of you have been reading since the first posts. If you are like me and the blogs I read, you may skip some days and then play catch up. You may get it delivered to your mail. (Go up on the right and sign up.) You may find it via FB pr Pinterest. However you got here - thank you, thank you, thank you.

I can't even fathom where I'll be next year at this time!

xo

#GivingTuesday results! It was a great day for a horrible reason, but I am thrilled to say the day's efforts brought in $437. HOW awesome is that?!

THANK YOU one and all for the visits, the conversation, the wine donations, the olive spread and crackers, the coffee, cider and LOVE.

xo

I'll never give up
Never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if I fall
I'll never fail
I'll just get up and try again

http://youtu.be/VDEi5hJ76-A