Another Beautiful Celebration

Midnight strikes and I'm struggling to finish my poem. I get texts from my mom, telling me she's ready when I am. Racing against the clock, I finally finish and roll up the poem and place it inside a bottle decorated with a picture of the birthday girl and myself.

Into the kitchen I run, and begin icing three banana rum cupcakes with a honey cinnamon concoction. My mom comes in with bags of gifts, laughing at her struggle to be quiet hence the rustle and bustle of the paper bags. I top the selected cupcake with a little truck candle.

As I light it, both of us jump as we hear footsteps approaching down the hall. My mom laughs and rushes down, pushing the girl following the shadow back into her room, and with a chuckle I hear her say: "oh you look adorable--stay here for a while!"

Mom comes rushing back in, telling me to hurry up. Finally everything Is ready. My mom and I slowly make our way towards the birthday girl's room, and when we reach her bedroom door, my mom slips a hand in and turns off the lights. We open the door and process in with the candle-lit cupcakes, bags and gifts, singing in a whisper a jolly "happy birthday, Alpacino!" and there she stands, totally surprised and head full of rollers, in little cream colored lacy pajamas.

What an adorable sight it was! To see my beloved sister sitting there, eyes wide, mouth open with excitement, opening all her gifts and admiring her birthday loot. We sat on the floor and ate cupcakes and drank tea. We laughed and got emotional thinkin of how wonderful this life is. It was a wonderful way to start off Cassie's birthday, and there's still so much more celebration to take place!! We have only just begun!!


Love,
Chloe

Celebrations of Life

Two weeks into July, and already the pace is picked up and the celebrations have kick- started.  Having the biggest national holiday commence my favorite month helps set the tone. July 4th -America's Birthday. July 10th- my Dad's birthday. July 15th- my Mom's birthday. July 18th- my birthday. In between birthday celebrations there are day trips, beach vacations, and graduation celebrations. It's a month of cake and candles, pool time and family time. 

July 4th was a very special memory for me and my sister, Chloe. We spent the day baking pies, and having underwater contests in the pool. We had a wonderful soundtrack of Midnight in Paris playing the whole day. This particular soundtrack is one that has the ability to transport the listener back in time and bring forth silly, simple, and lovely feelings. It also can be played over and over and not become tiresome or repetitive. It was a truly joyful day. As the sun was setting, the clouds were forming all kinds of shapes, lit from within with shades of pink and orange. The country had been in a dry-spell and many fires had caused damage over the previous days, but a storm was brewing past our orange clouds. We had noticed far-off lightening, but the preparation and set-up for the fireworks show was already underway. Just as Chloe and I had picked our viewing spots, and the guys gave us the word that they were ready, the storm clouds began rolling in faster. We heard the rain first and then felt it, like water balloons bursting on us. As we yelled to hurry and set the fire works off- our soundtrack began with the up-beat and bouncy anthem of "The Can-Can" followed by "The 18th Overture". As we were scurrying and dodging water balloons the first few booms went off. Our fireworks were bursting bright through the heavy rains as we danced and laughed and cheered. No risk of forest fires here. We were protected and our show was more lively and the joyfulness continued. 

This bang was the perfect way to start our celebratory month. My Dad's birthday was next. Complete with a home-cooked meal, dancing and singing, and story telling. We took a family portrait with my sister's professional camera and laughed as another soundtrack of Sherlock Holmes, Game of Shadows, was playing. Trying not to burst when my Mom is shouting out strange alternatives for "cheese" at the camera like, Ciao Bellaaaa! My Dad, seated in the middle, with a charming top-hat and authentic smile- surrounded by his girls and his gentlemanly son. It was a special moment to capture. More life. We wanted our Dad to feel how much we loved him and how much he means to his children, and I believe the point got across. 

This past weekend, we celebrated my Mom's birthday. She is always giving and always making celebrations so special. Her love and guidance is irreplaceable and as her daughter, I feel she should be celebrated daily. She has given so much life to our family, not just by birthing eight healthy children but by showing us girls a strong and vibrant example of a happy woman. 

And now... I anticipate my birthday. It will be a truly happy celebration for me this year because I have been given so many presents already- throughout the entire year. I am so thankful, and so ready to celebrate. The Big Guy is bringing out all the goodness and filling all these moments with Himself. That is what makes these parties celebrations of life. 

Cheers to my Beautiful Friend

There's so much I could say about Cassie. Limiting it down to just a few adjectives is difficult because it's impossible to just name a few. There aren't enough characters in the entire alphabet to spell words to describe her. There aren't even any proper words to use as descriptions. There is only love. Pure, simple, old fashioned love. I can only describe her as the most loving young woman you could ever meet.

I could only describe her as the most lovable, lovely, love-loving young woman I have ever met. Everything about her is beautiful. Everything she does is wonderful. And she's funny! Oh so funny!! She can make me laugh so hard tears stream down my cheeks and I immediately develop a solid six pack.

She just makes me so happy. I really had no other motive writing this than to just share my absolute feelings. I guess I just wanted the world to know how much I love my sister. (:

So cheers.
Cheers to my beautiful friend.


Love,

Chloe

Essentials For a Perfect Vacation

A Place to Stay...

A pretty view...

A Best Friend...

Great SeaFood...

A New Dress...

Something cold and refreshing...

Good Coffee...

Some Old Bay Fries...

A Smooch...

A Reason to Dress Up...

A Trip to Atlantic City...

A Good Tan...

Some Afternoon Tea...

A good laugh...

A Good Hike...

Some Fun Activity...

Some fresh, sweet fruit...

A Splendid Evening Show...

A Reason to Celebrate EVERYTHING

A Memory to Carry On Forever...

Thinking about Thoughts

Chloe and I like to start our day with coffee. At this point, to be honest, we need to start our day with coffee. Chloe will go to the kitchen and put the pot on or grind some fresh grounds for french press, and I will situate myself (and the cushions for the chairs) on the veranda. Family members will stop by and sit for a cup-a- joe and a chat and then go on to their activities for the day, or linger with us for stimulating discussions. Our discussions are of funny news stories, and tales of the day before or further past. What really keeps us rocking in our chairs on the veranda are the spiritual discussions. Very blog worthy topics- I assure you. I have come to view this time in the morning as very important. Starting the day with the family and smiling over coffee gives everyone the chance to reunite and reacquaint themselves with what's going on around us.

Today we got started with a conversation about thoughts. Where do they originate? It is important to know where a thought is coming from and why. Detecting good and bad thoughts is a skill that should be practiced. Our thoughts come from all over- what we see, what we hear, and who we associate with. All of those factors add up and are stored in our thoughts. Some are frequent, some are loud, some are subtle and quiet. We spoke this morning about how careful we need to be, not just because of the effects on ourselves, but on others and the world. There is so much power in a thought. There is a popular quote that sums up the chain reaction of thoughts on a personal level well-

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

  I think society today has little accountability for words and actions. One example is the language of today among teenagers and young adults. I am limiting the subject matter to my peers and those close in age to me, but I do believe the problem is on a much larger scale. Foul language has become so common and so casually used. In some cases, it is used to punctuate every sentence. We hear it on T.V. and in movies, and read it in magazines and books. Our celebrities use it in interviews and social media. Popular comedians use it for shock value and laughs. You can't go anywhere, socially; in the physical world, or in cyberspace, without coming across perverse language. I remember watching Inside The Actor's Studio on Bravo and at a certain point, towards the end of each interview, James Lipton asks each actor, "What is your favorite curse word?" The actor will laugh and reveal their pick, or state (matter-of-fact- like) their word of choice, as the audience claps and giggles. It has gotten to a point where foul language is no longer shocking, but that certainly does not eliminate the effects that it has on a personal and global level.

There is energy surrounding, and making up each thought in your mind, and every word coming from your mouth. The energy can be positive or negative. It can stimulate life or depress it. Sounds extreme, but every word has an effect on the earth and everything in it. It's vibration exits your body and travels into the atmosphere, and you can't get that back. I think it is sad that people have become so careless. Even if they know the effects of what they put out, they simply don't hold themselves responsible. It's like the Disney Channel stars, "growing up" and wanting to "challenge themselves" with adult subject matter, or risque roles and saying that they aren't responsible for their young, impressionable fan base being influenced. We all make excuses for what we want and try our hardest to come out clean, taking no responsibility for our actions, but the effects are always there.

There is a need to find more meaning. Everyone wants a purpose and craves self- worth, but they don't start in the right place. Yes, my point has been to watch your thoughts and speak with purpose, knowing that there is significant meaning behind everything you put out, but really the place you have to start forming and originating all energy from is your heart. Where the Big Guy lives. That is the most important task.

Chloe and I are still on the veranda, with our re-heated coffee, working on our posts and cartoons. These posts and her artwork are what we choose to put out there. What we are creating. Our thoughts and experiences expressed and shared, and I do believe both our hearts are fully engaged in the process.  I have been working on this post with a drive to take this concept to heart. The concept of having deep meaning behind my words, and keeping my thoughts in check. This is starting to make me laugh- imagining myself with a stoic look, trying to find deep meaning behind all my thoughts. This is not the approach I can honestly see myself taking. One thing about this process is it has to be authentic- but when you are starting at the heart, there is no other option.

Love,
Cassie

Another Day, Another Adventure

I woke up Saturday morning, with a sad feeling, knowing I was leaving the beach in a couple hours. Everyone was taking part in cleaning up, eating left-overs, and packing up the car (good distractions), but in the still moments, I felt my eyes well up looking out to the ocean. It was such a good vacation- so many truly happy and relaxing moments with people I love, and lots of meaningful talks. That morning I could not help but ache a little, knowing it was coming to an end. Driving out of Sea Isle, I was trying to pull myself together, when I heard talk of an extension.... "Maybe we will check out Cape May for the day, get a little ice cream, shop around for a bit." I was taken at the mention of ice cream and my focus turned immediately to another great day of fun and exploration. I had never been to Cape May, but I had heard of its Victorian charm and patriotic flare. I admired the small city and it's historic, eye-catching houses. My sister and I took off to poke around in girly stores and embrace the old-fashioned feeling by sipping on cream sodas in the warm sun. We found a store with adorable, ruffly, summer dresses. Each one was unique, with interesting patterns and flattering cuts, and of course we had to pick out and purchase one to make our own. We pictured ourselves sipping lemonade by a lake on a breezy, warm, summer day in our new printed dresses. After a successful afternoon of an italian lunch, shopping, and creamy gelato, we rolled ourselves into the car and made a plan to stay in a hotel for the night.

We followed up the day by relaxing by the pool and going out to dinner, where we spied on interesting customers and bus boys. Chloe and I were ready to relax and curl up once we got back, with full stomachs, and heavy eyes. We had noticed that there were two beds in our room and jokingly remarked about how weird that will be- sleeping in separate beds, but we got under our own covers and turned the t.v. on to wind down. I left the channel on National Geographic because a U.F.O. show caught my attention, but we were both getting tired and drifting so I decided to turn it off. My nerves were already a little jumpy from the show, when immediately after switching the bedroom t.v. off, the living room t.v. flips on. This successfully freaked us out, considering there were separate remotes for the two t.v.s, so sleeping in separate beds was no longer an option. I hopped into Chloe's bed and snuggled up tight, laughing about the situation and feeling better and at home with my sister within arms reach. We fell asleep making shadow puppets and laughing. Another day, another adventure. 

Today is day one, back at home, and getting back in the swing of things. Making to-do lists and looking ahead to what's coming next. I am still in a little bit of an ocean haze, maybe somewhere in between two somethings. I can't say in between vacation and every-day life because I could never categorize my days with Chloe as every-day life. It's always new and exciting. I was taught that The Big Guy wants life this way, every day being a new day, and an opportunity. It's a challenge to make things new everyday, to make life an adventure. Sometimes you can feel "just along for the ride" and that's not a bad thing, but there should always be effort from yourself to make the best of the day, and to find excitement out of life.  The reason for starting this blog was to record our everyday adventures. I think it is a good practice for pulling the meaning out of life experiences and appreciating the moments and memories that fill each day. Sharing these moments and memories, makes life really special. I would not trade what I have found with Chloe for anything or anyone. The extended vacation day was a gift, and an opportunity to prolong a happy get-away. I am so grateful to be given gifts like this regularly and experiences that I really cherish.

Love,
Cassie