Values!

Being raised by strict Italian parents and a Catholic upbringing and coming from a very large family of 12, I pretty much had clear standards and values set out for me.

My foundation was set in stone and I never had to doubt or second guess myself until I became an adult and questioned a lot of things in my life.........all the whys?????? due to all the restrictions from my religion and my Italian heritage.

I lived with a lot of hand-me-downs and clothes and shoes that did not fit me properly all through childhood and high school, so of course, I went overboard starting with my first job to make a promise to myself that I would have the finest shoes and outfits!  I loved "payday" !

Ah, the days of Filene's Basement in Boston that allowed me the Designer clothes for a fraction of the retail cost!

When I became a parent, I then learned to realize and practice my own beliefs with high levels of self-confidence and esteem and doing what was best for me and my family. I didn't allow my religion to dictate my life and I didn't allow some old fashioned Italian beliefs to put a strain on me. I'm still Catholic but not so in fear of my religion as I was when a child. I love my Italian heritage but some strictness was overbearing and unnecessary.

I believe that family comes first above all. My values are still in embedded in my mind from my upbringing but with my own personality thrown in the mix.

I taught my children to be caring, respectful and trustworthy; they have turned out to be responsible adults.

I'm one proud Mama!

In Memory of September 11, 2001

On Saturday, September 11th, 2010, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan:

So, here's 2 suggestions

(1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11


God Bless You and God Bless America!

Music is the soundtrack of my life!

From a young age, I recall that music can move the soul. It can be a very strong influence. Some music can calm me down; some music can make me feel lively and wild! Music definitely affects all of us in some way!

Music is used in a variety of ways. It is used in the medical field as a source of research and as a sort of therapy as well. Music has been used as therapy for seizures, to lower blood pressure, aid in healing, and treat stress and insomnia. I remember a dentist once put earphones on me to listen to music for a lengthly procedure. Ever notice how parents always sing lullabies to their infant children.

The tune of "Happy Birthday", for example, conjures images of birthday occasions and memories and we all understand how music becomes embedded in courtship and romance. A piece of music heard even just once might be forever glued to a personal sense of place with detailed memories. What was your choice of wedding song as you walked the aisle? How was the theme of your high school prom played, by a live band or on a CD? What songs do you find most exciting or sad?

How come most country tunes are sad?

What song did you select from the Jukebox?

Music can unlock and evoke powerful religious emotion. The church has a centuries-old history of music in worship. The churches now incorporate more modern tunes in their chapels.

We all listen to music when in our cars that’s for sure.

I, personally love to put on a CD when cooking my Sunday gravy listening to Jimmy Rosselli and all the Italian songs. I listen to other tunes when cleaning the house that makes me move faster! LOL Then I like it when the house is quiet with no music at all.

And, I can’t wait to start my new Zumba class with loud, wild Latin music and fast steps. Even Richard Simmons helped many lose weight with “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”. Dancing with the Stars put out a Cardio Dance DVD doing the Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive………Maksim is nice eye candy too and for you guys out there, Ashly and Kym are pretty amazing too! LOL

I always wanted to learn how to play the piano but never did. Yeah, I think music is a big influence on ALL!

Can you play a musical instrument?

I remember one of my brother's took lessons for the Clarinet.  I remember I liked the taste of the reed which was this wooden thing near the mouthpiece and had an unusual scent.  LOL

And, we all can't forget the impact Elvis left on all of us!  I have a girlfriend that is so crazy about him until this day.