It's Gonna Be a Good Day

I don’t know about you, but I believe in signs. There’s nothing better than getting a signal – no matter how small - that the day is off to a good start.

My mom-in-law always gets these eggs on our weekends in the Poconos. All the little kids gather around when she opens the carton and say together “good morning, beautiful.” We all giggle and, yes, feel boosted and somehow believe the message is for us.  Brilliant marketing.  

The eggs got nothing on the english muffins. They, too, have figured out that their customers like to start the day out with a nice message. Come on, you know you want to smile.

I always feel happy when I see a cardinal.  They are a reminder of vibrancy, hope, and energy in a colorless winter.  This guy was singing a loud and cheerful tune and was patient enough for me to intrude on his song.

Ok, maybe it was May in Amalfi, but my husband and I went back for these cappuccinos over and over again. Yes, it was that heart shaped touch of cinnamon that made all the difference.

It’s the small things in life…

Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt

 Shadows stretch the truth. They distort. They misrepresent. They mock. They play with reality. It’s almost as if shadows have a secret knowledge.

I’m forever fascinated by the way shadows can terrify, amuse, and fool us.  They alter our perception.  They show us a dark side and a beautiful side.  They silhouette us as they see fit.

My son took this photo of a random woman in Punta Cana. Her profile is perfectly poised with drink in hand. I’m envious.

Here’s how I find my cat, Bella, most mornings - positioned behind the blinds just watching the world go by.

Here’s more of Bella’s window on a bright morning.

Thanks, shadow, for making me tall and skinny!

I know I’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating. Does this motorcycle really think it’s a giraffe?

Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Powerful Women in my Bathroom

As I was cleaning the bathroom yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice that I have a collection of strong women scattered around the room.  I think I must have subconsciously been drawn to these ladies for their soulful self-assurance.

We couldn’t resist this very pregnant beauty from Punta Cana.  We fell in love with her faceless strength and determination.  Many of the Dominican dolls don’t have faces to represent ‘one people’ – a fusion of cultures, races, and religions.  There’s no model of what a woman should look like; they celebrate diversity by not complying to a standard of beauty. Now that’s power!

This goddess of summer has the ultimate freedom to traipse around the garden half naked.  Who doesn’t respect that? Just wish I could find winter, spring, and autumn to keep her company.

I don’t even know what to say about this lady. The title of the picture is “Contentment.” Read into that what you may.

Her eyes mesmerized me.  I don’t know who she is or where she’s from, but I love her message – Belong to Yourself. Plus, she matches my towels so nicely!

And finally, here’s little Amy, aged 2, kissing Joey, aged 1 ½.  This was 20 years ago. She was ahead of her time.

Stay strong, ladies!