THE LOST BLOGS

The resurrection of the Myspace Blogs:

Before Blogspot I was a Myspace blogger. I discovered these beauties while fishing through Microsoft Word today. Keep in mind these babies were written well over 6 years ago. Some made me cry, some made me laugh and some, well let's just say some did not make the cut to post on my Blogspot! 

Myspace Blog #1-

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind...

Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine....

Memories, memories, sweet memories.

My sister uploaded some old pictures to her Myspace. As most of you know my Dad
is a photographer and always has a camera in hand, ALWAYS! I began looking at
all of those pictures and seriously laughed out loud. There is some funny stuff.  I was with
my sister when she found them at my Dad’s house (and these were just the basement pics). The stack she has, doesn’t come even include the pictures that were upstairs, not to mention the slides…¦oh my, we seriously will never be deprived of pictures, that’s for sure.

Anyway as a picked through the stack I came to the very last picture, I am holding back tears,
right now. It is a beautiful picture of my mom in her wedding dress. A wedding dress which she made. Yes folks she sewed her own wedding dress! I think it was like a size 00!  Looking at this picture I
went back and looked at the others she was in. I miss her beyond words, it will
be 15 years this week that she passed away.  I can remember that day like it was
yesterday. It was one of those days you only want to go through once. My life, (our lives) my family  changed forever.  Yes I know we all move on, but nothing will ever mend that place in my heart. I wish she was still here, I wish I could just call her she would always understand, no matter what the circumstance. She always had kind wise words, for everyone. She was my rock, I needed her and I know she needed me. I am grateful for the life she gave me. She made a difference while she was here on earth.....

I am writing this in hopes that when you read it you will look at your loved ones and remember that tomorrow they may be gone.

Enjoy the little things because that is what makes the memories. It is not about where you live it is not about how much money you have or if you have the latest and greatest gadget out right now. It’s about showing each other respect, listening to your kids, taking time to play, learning and growing with family, appreciating
your husband for being a great provider (in many ways) and for how hard he works (Yes, I know I was just complaining about his annoying habit of chewing potato chips with that loud, maddening crunch-just let me have my moment, okay!) Keeping your friends close and enjoying the silliness that follows. Keep in mind you can always make a difference in someone’s life....

I have a daughter who I am
now estranged from and it kills me inside. One
person can change a person forever, remember that! I hope you choose to
change a life for the better.....

Now that I am gone,
remember me with smiles and laughter.
And if you need to cry,
cry with your brother or sister
who walks in grief beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms around anyone
and give to them what you need to give to me.
There are so many who need so much.
I want to leave you something --
something much better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I've known
or helped in some special way.
Let me live in your heart
as well as in your mind.
You can love me most
by letting your love reach out to our loved ones,
by embracing them and living in their love.
Love does not die, people do.So, when all that's left of me is love,
give me away as best you can.~ Author unknown....

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark
of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than 10,000 tongues. They
are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of
unspeakable love. ~ ..Washington.. ....Irving....

I miss you mom!

Myspace Blog #2-

Mock Prom Party-

I am sure some of you don't get my humor, but heh it's me and quite frankly, I think I am FUN!

This year was Tori's Senior Prom. WOW Senior Prom, do you remember THE Prom? The joy of getting all dressed up, getting a date, dancing, the food, souvenirs, pictures, being with your friends, drinking (for some ahem) and doing everything your mother told you not to do! Staying out to all hours of the night, staying out ALL night! Boy, how times change (for some).

Any who, in the midst of getting Tori ready for Prom I thought, why not have my own "Mock" Prom Party. Of course some of you are probably saying WHY? Well the answer is simple, I like to have fun, I like to be with friends, I like to have parties and quite frankly it sounded like a ton of fun!

Of course there would be some stipulations. You need to wear a prom dress-ha-ha; try getting into your old one-it somehow doesn't quite fit the same. (oh and neither does that wedding dress, what a fiasco that was-thanks Missy for helping me, Missy was looking for the camera as I was stuck in the dress with my husband trying to get the thing off of me- all the while I was sweating and feeling a bit claustrophobic. Granted, if you have not been married and/or have not had any children you are definitely at an advantage. However, dresses that don't exactly fit, or eighties themed dresses seem to work best, for laughs and for the memory J

Dates-well let's just say stag may be a better way to enjoy yourself at Prom.Big Hair-that's your prerogative, but I think Aqua Net has been banned, something about a hole in the ozone layer?

Oh and by the way Tori looked beautiful as always.

The pictures have been posted so go and enjoy a good laugh.

If you didn't make Prom Court this year, there is always next year.

Needless to say this was another memorable "Prom" for all those who attended.

Myspace Blog #3-

Christmas remains my favorite holiday, my favorite time of the year. The magic and spirit that surrounds us at Christmas is unlike any other time of the year. Do you remember being little and the joy you felt knowing it was Christmas? Watching snowflakes fall from the sky like you have never seen snow before? Taking a drive with your parents and looking at the wondrous display of lights, especially when it snowed and the glow of the glistening snow was breathtaking? Decorating the Christmas tree and each ornament told a story? The smell of freshly baked cookies, that mom had just taken out of the oven? Knowing Christmas Eve was soon approaching and the magical night would bring a a bounty of beautifully wrapped presents. Listening to Santa's track (on WWVA) on your way home from relatives houses, wondering how they knew where he was. Yes  I know the hustle and bustle of this wondrous holiday get the best of us, now that we are "older" and have become parents. But take a moment this Holiday season and see Christmas through your Child's eyes...Merry Christmas and have a Happy Holiday Season.

And if you missed the newspaper (USA Weekend) today I have included an excerpt to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of Francis P. Church's famous reply to a Virginia O'Hanlon's question "Is there a Santa Claus."

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus-Francis P. Church, an editorial writer for the New York Sun, probably said it best.

110 Christmases ago when Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor, saying: ''I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, 'If you see it in the Sun, it's so.' Please tell me the truth. Is there a Santa Claus?''

His response in 1897:

Dear Virginia:

Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe expect what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little.

In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there no Virginias.

There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus.

The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unforeseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which neither the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart.

Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. It is all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world, there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives, and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

And this was my favorite modern day response by Kristy Eckert of "The Columbus Dispatch"

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

I suppose Googling your question did not yield a definitive answer, my dear, or you would not have written. Web searches cannot provide answers to life's most crucial queries.

Today's world forces you to be sophisticated beyond your eight short years, Virginia, so let me be straight. People will lie to you, no matter how genuine your smiles. They will work to convince you that clouds don't make shapes, that no one hears your wishes when you blow out your birthday candles, that Santa Claus isn't real.

But challenge them to prove that such beauty does not exist, and I promise you they will fail. Santa's existence is as certain as your knowledge of every last hip shake to the "High School Musical" dances. He's as true as your dreams of singing on "American Idol."

He is a reality that TV cannot bring to a show, for he has little time to waste on those who need his presence proved. His spirit is reserved for those who see diamonds in the snow. It is retained for children who may have Webkinz to kiss, but who still leave carrots for the reindeer before snuggling into bed.

Think on it, bright Virginia: Are any of your greatest treasures things you can hold or touch? What is it that shoots your arms into the air after you've scored a soccer goal? That crinkles your nose with laughter when your grandpa tickles you? That delights your tongue when you lick an ice cream cone? Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. You should not have to see to believe, young girl -- you must simply open your soul and feel.

Myspace blog #4-

It seems not long ago, I sat with you in my arms rocking you to sleep. Looking at you with wonder, how could I be so blessed with something as beautiful and adoring as you, so perfect in every single way. I promised to provide for you, take care of you, be there for you, protect you and I swore I would never let anything ever happen to you. So young, at the time yet I thought I was so mature, Ha!

In a heartbeat, it seemed, you were walking, talking, and before long off to school you went. All the while I was at a place in my life where I was trying to find myself, and make good on that promise to provide for you, take care of you, and so on.  Much of the time I was working hard, focused on school and getting a degree in order to give you and your sister the life I had hoped for. Unanticipated, along the way, the most amazing man came along, no questions asked, he loved me for me and he loved my two daughters as if they were his own. I do not look back and regret any decisions that I have made. Everything happens for a reason, though we may not believe it when we are going through it, in the end it always rings true.

Life can be so cruel, let's face it parenthood is no easy task no matter what the age. Whether you are 16, 22, 28 or even 40, nothing is easy when it comes to raising a child. Yes maybe different stages of your life you may be better off financially, emotionally, etc., but nothing can ever prepare you for the journey of parenthood.

My parents taught me a good deal about family values and I hoped to instill that same, compassionate, strong sense of family in my own kids. Hopefully someday you will understand. As for now, well I guess I will have to give you the distance and have strength that you gain the integrity to come around and see that yes indeed it is your family that cares for you the most and is there for you in troubled times. Whether or not you like what they have to say or not.

I have never claimed to be the perfect mom, since I too was learning as you grew. But as for you and your sister I think you have turned out pretty well, for the most part. No matter what happens I will always love you with all my heart, and my love for you continues to grow.

Never go back, never hold regrets, and always strive for more. I hope God blesses your every day and is there for you when you need him. I love you and know that you will always be "my little girl."

4/25/2007

Myspace Blog #5-

Laughter sometimes is the best medicine

Recently I took a trip to Idlewild with my sister Shawn, her kids and my daughter. We had been planning this trip for several weeks. We had gone in the past and each time we went, there would be a story to accompany each and every trip. This trip would prove to be no different. My "other" sister Dana was supposed to join us, but had a change of plans at the last minute. I'm sure she is grateful she changed her mind. The day started with rain, yes of course it was raining in St.C, but not in Ligonier, PA, where we were headed. We decided to venture on despite the rain. What are the chances it will rain all day in Ligonier? Pretty, pretty good, apparently. We headed east, not a problem. The kids were great in the car. The rain did not last all that long while were driving. It began to clear the closer we got to Idlewild. I happened to be on the cell phone and Shawn took a wrong exit. I ended the call to help her out, when we realized we were on a Turnpike exit, had to pay to get off the exit,  had to pay to turn around and get off the turnpike. Okay we were good for a little while longer. UNTIL…we got to the Idlewild exit. Somehow Shawn and I missed the sign for Idlewild/Ligonier once we got off the exit. We were supposed to get on Route 30(?), I believe? Of course Shawn was on the phone that time. Note to self, do not talk on phone when you do not know where you are going!

Anyway, we were lost, with no gas (literally the gas light had come on a while back) in the middle of Nowhere, PA. Our phone service had diminished. Even though my sister and I had been to Idlewild several times, we managed to veer way off course this trip. Blame old age I guess. Or talking....We were definitely on the wrong road; I got out the atlas and decided I would guide us there-ahem. However we were lost on THAT road at one point also lost on route 381. I remember seeing that sign a dozen or more times. It started out kind of funny at first, but then we really couldn't find the road we needed and it didn't seem all that funny anymore. It was a beautiful country road with rolling hills and lots of nice houses and people were bicycling all over that road, probably because it was in the middle of NOWHERE and there are NO gas stations so everyone rides bicycles! Lo and behold we did finally make it to a gas station AND Idlewild AFTER missing the entrance. It was seriously hidden behind the rows of evergreen trees (honest we are not that LAME), and almost going the wrong way on the two lane highway!  It took us about 3 hours, maybe slightly more, to get there from St.C.  Okay well I have already written a book and the story isn't even over.

The very nice elderly woman at the entrance, and quite knowledgeable I must add, gave Shawn all the instructions, Soak Zone info, Idlewild info, parking info, on and on. Of course once we proceeded onward toward the parking lot, we couldn't figure out where the heck we were supposed to go. And neither of us had a clue what that woman had just said. At one point we actually thought we were leaving the park and had to pay again to get back in. Honestly I do not know where our brains were. At this point we were ready to turn around and head back home-if we could in fact find our way back!

Once we did arrive inside the park, all was well, or so we thought. The kids were mapping out their course for the day and what to do next. Landen of course had other plans. My sister's 3 year old son was all over the place. We ran through Raccoon Lagoon, ran through Storybook Forest, because he WAS that quick, I think he may have even jumped the candlestick!  I don't even remember their being anyone else in the Storybook Forest part of the park.  I am sure you saw the picture of my sister retrieving the 4th Little Pig? He jumped the fence into the little pig area. He jumped the fence to the seven dwarfs cottage.. He jumped in bed with the big, bad wolf.  Oh and I skipped the part about the rain. It began to pour shortly after we got there, kind of put a damper on the day. A slow, cold rainy drizzle, all day. The rides closed once because of thunder and lightning.  It did not last long, thankfully.  Mr. Roger's Neighborhood was quite pleasant and entertaining as always, except the woman behind us was on Xanax or something, because it was a way too happy world for her!

Shawn with a broken toe and I with my plantar fasciitis, it wasn't exactly ideal to be walking on. However we all survived, all along thinking that someone, somewhere was truly out to get us with a voodoo doll, if you are, not funny. In the end the kids ended up having a great time, the adults on the other hand, well maybe not so great? However we did find the humor and laughed all the way home, without getting lost at all. We do get a good laugh when we talk about it. But I still feel as if it was something out of the TWILIGHT ZONE-Ahh the memories.

Myspace Blog #6-

For those of you who have been at my house at Christmastime, you will so get it. The Griswold's are at it again-UGH!!!! You know what? The Griswold's is actually a compliment, considering it actually looks like Christmas threw up on their lawn, their house, their backyard, need I go on? I swear they drain the spirit of Christmas right out of me. Their yard is nothing but a bunch of crappy, cheap, Christmas decorations in disarray! Oh and this year let's put it all to music and have them blinking? What the heck?!

A group of people in the neighborhood hold a contest every year for the best decorated house. Well they won the first year they were here. Why? I don't know, I guess the contest was supposed to be for the tackiest decorations. Every year it has gotten worse. They had a nativity last year with Santa Claus standing behind it like Santa was saying "Praise the Lord, Baby Jesus is here!" AND they think we are in some kind of competition with them. If I put out 3 presents, they put out 15 presents. HELLO! "Your decorations look like crap I AM NOT trying to copy you!  Tawdry, gaudy and tasteless, Christmas PUKE! Do I sound bitter, well I AM! I told my friend Missy to ride past my house and look at my decorations, last year. I had put up a Christmas village and a tree in the front room window I wanted to know how it looked. WELL she was too distracted by the crap across the street she FORGOT TO LOOK! SO I then went out around the block to see how it looked and I TOO became too DISTRACTED looking at the CRAP across the street I FORGOT TO LOOK!!! Needless to say our side of the street totally gets overlooked at Christmas. What irks me more than anything is that Missy and I  "tastefully" decorate with an actual theme. People will say, "Oh I don't remember your house being decorated"-UGH I AM STEAMING!! Oh and they also blow fuses constantly because of all the lights. They put out those dim-witted, dumb blow-ups. Which if you have them, they are TACKY, do everyone a favor, unplug it and destroy it! And they line their yard with two ounce large light up candy canes that blow over anytime the wind blows.  AAHH! I can't stand it! BAH HUMBUG! Okay, Clark let the games begin!

Update: these neighbors have since moved but I have to laugh thinking about the years I dreaded "decorations" and the months that went by because they did not take them down timely.