Trust Your Intuition!

I always trusted my intuition! It never let me down before. It’s like a golden compass that guides me along the way until things become crystal clear.

This mystical wisdom is within all of us; it just needs to be developed and unfolded.

I have been plagued with a serious issue for months now and I do realize that we all face challenges and adversity from time to time causing stress. I try to remind myself that when the struggle gets too hard, I know I’m not the only person faced with problems. At this very moment, there are many baby boomers facing money difficulties, health problems, or conflicts with children, partners or family. It’s all part of life.

It is hard staying strong being a Widow alone but I know that there are millions who do their best to handle challenges every day. I’m certainly not alone struggling along the road of life.

We all experience obstacles, they are a part of life’s journey. They can enrich you or paralyze you. When you see obstacles as milestones, they both measure your progress and increase your strength. We are all reminded that with every challenge passed, you’re a little stronger, a little wiser and a whole lot more experienced. This is true!

I’m blessed with the inner wisdom of intuition. But, too often, my logical mind takes control and I neglect to listen. When I have serious decisions to make, I try to sit quietly, without any distractions and focus on what my intuition is trying to tell me. Meditation helps me accomplish this.

I hope you all try Meditation and experience the serenity and comfort it provides.

Brain Study!

Brain Study

It took me a few seconds, but then I got the hang of it.....

I've seen this with the letters out of order, but this is

the first time I've seen it with numbers.

Good example of a brain study: If you can read this you have a strong mind.

F1gur471v3ly 5p34k1ng?

7H15 M3554G3

53RV35 7O PR0V3

H0W )UR M1ND5 C4N

D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!

1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!

1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG

17 W45 H4RD BU7

N0W, 0N 7H15 L1N3

Y0UR M1ND 15

R34D1NG 17

4U70M471CALLY

W17H 0U7 3V3N

7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,

B3 PR0UD! 0NLY

C3R741N P30PL3 C4N

R34D 7H15.

Ladies, does buying a new pair of shoes make you happy?

They make me so happy! Most of us have an interest in pretty things. Don’t you? Whether it be adorning yourself with a pair of sparkling earrings or a new tube of lipstick or being pampered with a manicure or a pedicure and trying that new nail polish with unusual names like “Jag-U-Are” or “I’m Really Not a Waitress”…..love my shades of red, especially “Valentine Red” which they recently discontinued but “Jag-U-Are” looks just like it!

My first impression with people is I notice their smile and pretty teeth and if their hair is well groomed………then I glance down at their shoes……..man or woman! A man can be wearing an Amani suit and looking handsome as ever but then when you look down at his shoes; they are all scuffed and/or should be black and not brown depending on the color of the suit…he just blew it! LOL

But, in Florida………..men only wear shorts and sandals and they look terrible. Come on men, not on a Saturday night in an upscale lounge or restaurant. Save the shorts and sandals for the beach. That was the first thing I noticed when I moved to Florida from Boston! Every place is air conditioned so no excuses that it is too hot to put on a sports jacket. You can tell I’m a “City Girl”. LOL

I remember years ago in my late twenties, I was sitting in the “Continental” lounge on Rte. 1, Saugus, MA and a gentleman sat beside me and bought me a drink and he said: “I always notice when a woman takes the time to look good is when her long nails are neatly manicured and polished”. Then he took my hand to examine my nails……….yah, o.k. he was hitting on me but he was right, my nails did look fabulous! hehehehhehehehhe

You have to admit, pretty things have therapeutic properties for everyone. Tools can be pretty things to a man and a new pair of shoes with a matching handbag does it for me! My husband used to be a sharp dresser and I was always proud to be standing beside him. He would always ask me what color I was going to wear on a Saturday night out for dinner and dancing so he would not clash with my outfit…….he always managed to find a shirt color to compliment what I was wearing should someone snap our photo!

But, today’s style with a 6 inch pencil heel and platform is getting ridiculous and causing such damage to the feet and not to mention falls. I recall the days I wore the stilettos but even in my hay day the highest heel was 4 inches. I don’t mind the platform part as it makes me look taller and thinner but 6 inch heels is plain stupid!

The Podiatrists will be making a fortune when these young girls of today become seniors or well before that and suffering with surgeries and all sorts of medical issues. What are the designers thinking? Some styles are so gorgeous that I would buy every pair if only they went down to at least a 3” heel. A smart shoe designer should make these gorgeous shoes with three different size heels………..that designer would make a lot of money. The shoes would go flying off the shelves, as it attracts women of all ages.

I recall years back, that it used to be hemlines that tied fashion to finance, stilettos appear to be the new economic indicators. I’ve already spotted in my own neighborhood ladies skipping around in ballet flats. But, I’ve heard doctors say, that complete flat shoes do not give enough arch support. I think that between 2” and 3” heels should be the maximum for happy feet!

It is my understanding that “Jimmy Choo” does customize the size heel for you but who can afford “Jimmy Choo”. I am a proud owner of one pair only because it was given to me as a gift! Thanks, Thommy! The best part is when you slip off that one shoe to try on shoes while out shopping, others notice that “Jimmy Choo” label and wonder why the hell are you shopping in DSW???? hehehehhehehe

These young girls don’t even know how to walk in these shoes. You have to learn how to properly walk in high heels. Stumbling down the street is not a pretty sight and these beautiful and young models falling down on the runways…………not pretty! And, Ouch…..the future pain will follow.



Re-think Courtship!

I was watching the "Real Time with Bill Maher" weekly HBO talk show yesterday afternoon. He cracks me up! One of his guests mentioned the man-gagement ring for men! Bill is a comedian and political satirist! His show includes an opening monologue, then he has a panel of three well educated celebrities, two guests live or via satellite and my favorite at the end of the program is “New Rules”!

I guess this new trend is bringing view to a very old tradition -- the ol' going down to one knee in an Italian restaurant and asking somebody to marry you isn't just for guys anymore!

The rings are inexpensive, masculine and increasing in popularity. The Jewelers are loving this big time like they did a few years back when single women were buying their own rings! I think they called them the AH Ring...A is for available and H is for happy.

Women are now earning more and marrying later, so they have more disposable income to spend on themselves.

Getting back to the man-gagement ring; Men wearing a ring on his left hand, most would assume he's married, but just letting the other gals know that your man is off the market!

Yup, you read it correctly, "man-gagement ring." Nope, it's not a company ring he was given for his promotion to the management by climbing the ladder to success; it's a ring he was given by his girlfriend. It's actually an engagement ring for guys!

Whoa! What the hell? Is this some gimmick by the jewelry industry to get you to spend more money? Is it something for insecure women who weren't satisfied he changed his Facebook status to "engaged" and want to alert the entire world their man is taken?

I say, let people do as they please. If it pleases women to have an AH ring then go for it. If it pleases women to buy their man a man-gagement ring………hell, go for it too! Life is too short. Make the jewelers rich in a poor economy! LOL

Bill Maher also touched the subject on New Rules (that part of his show, I love the best) He said that people roll their eyes when they bring up the state of Massachusetts and call it Taxachusetts but he added that Massachusetts Number 1 in Education, Number 1 in health care, Number 1 for the best hospitals, the best history and as a matter of fact, history began in Massachusetts!

I’m proud to say that I was born and raised in Massachusetts!

A Gift of Love to a Friend On Valentine's Day!

I've nothing else to offer,

So, to you, it's love I'll send

it's nothing that I borrowed,

And it's nothing that I'd lend.

It has no dollar value,

And it can't be overused;

It isn't fragile, so it can't break,

Though, often it's abused.

I've given it to others

But each time it's unique,

Its meaning's always different;

It depends on what you seek.

It's something you can store away

To feel when you're in need

But never is it on display;

Its beauty can't be seen.

I'm giving it "no strings attached,"

No costly warranty;

This love that I am sending

Has a lifetime guarantee.

~Author Unknown~

I feel pressured by Life!

There are times when I feel pressured by life and I’m sure we all do, well, I know we all do. But more so now that I’m getting older and quite afraid I might add. Losing another Sibling is so difficult to deal with.

Bills and deadlines are looming, household appliances suddenly break, I’m constantly sleep deprived and sometimes people put unexpected pressures on me. I feel temporarily overwhelmed. I think the loneliness sets in and the oneness is a battle to confront daily. The “To Do” list gets so long and it was much easier to handle when you have a partner in life.

It’s time for a mental break! Most times, my mind is racing, or close to tears with tiredness and frustration and that is when I reach for my meditation DVD to calm me down. I love Deepak Chopra!

I have to learn to leave the housework behind, walk away from the computer and its huge list of emails and go outdoors and go for a brisk walk or do some water aerobics in the pool. It is a must for me to leave my inner chaos behind and experience the magic of nature.

Ever notice that it's easy to view other people's problems and difficulties as their issue. It has nothing to do with us and we would never be in their situation. Who can really tell? No human being can ever know what the future has in store. Scary, isn't it? It is possible that you will never be in the same situation as this person.

I’ve learned a great deal since I became a Widow 11 years ago; I pay attention to my challenges, while keeping in mind that those challenges do not have to consume me. There is always plenty of goodness flowing. I just need to grab a hold of it. Not always an easy thing to do.

I realized that today was a beautiful day, most all days in Florida are beautiful days filled with value and possibilities. I should have taken the opportunity to build upon life’s goodness but it ran away from me as I didn’t grab it fast enough but I learned from it.

I have learned to find peace in simple things, because those are the ones that will always be there. I’ve been thinking back and remembering the good times and try real hard to forget the sorrow and pain, for the good times reminds me of how special life is.

My spirit was lifted by my beautiful daughter who is making it possible for me to spend Mother's Day with her this year and in the city I love.  Looking forward to seeing my large family and other siblings that are failing in health. 

Life is good again!

In Loving Memory of my brother, Tony

In Loving Memory of my brother, Tony who passed away yesterday, January 28, 2012.

Each family has its own special history and the shared bonds that are a part of that history. When a sibling dies, the bonds are shattered, and the history forever has a void that cannot be filled.

When your parents die, it is said you lose your past; when your spouse dies, you lose your present; and when your child dies, you lose your future. However, when your sibling dies, you lose a part of your past, your present, and your future.

Rest in peace brother, Tony

With Love & Affection,

Your Sister and Loving Family

Insomnia!

Insomnia often leads to sleep deprivation, which causes you not only to be tired but also to feel irritable and lethargic and have difficulty focusing on tasks.

People with insomnia (that’s me) become anxious about sleeping. We worry about not getting enough rest; for some, and this describes me…. just getting ready for bed makes me tense and uneasy and that is exactly what I experience. I panic just walking into my bedroom knowing from experience, all the issues that lie ahead of me for the evening. And, not surprisingly, these feelings make falling asleep enormously difficult.

Everyone has an occasional sleepless night. And a mile-long to-do list makes getting a nightly 8 hours of sleep a challenge. However, for more than 40 million people in the U.S., their chronic lack of sleep is the result of a sleep disorder and poses bigger risks than dark circles under the eyes. Are you part of my group of tossers and turners? You may also suffer the effects of sleep deprivation.

I just recently went through a bout of 4 days of NO SLEEP at all and then finally last night I got some sleep with the aid of my nightly sleeping pill, they do not always work because I’ve been on them for so long. Walking around like a Zombie is not pleasant. It put a halt to my regular daily routine and I didn’t dare go behind the wheel until I finally achieved some very much needed rest…...sigh!

My husband was sound asleep the minute his head hit the pillow. Most men sleep just fine.

I recently viewed on Diane Sawyer’s segment on this topic for women regarding insomnia and a recent study for over 10 years is now completed making doctors aware of the seriousness of insomnia…previously, they would just ignore us or give us a script that after a while, it just stops working. Doctors don’t know too much about prescriptions. They rely on that big book in their office to look up a drug that describes the symptoms their patients are complaining about but they have no clue about the side effects or which one actually works best. I’ve personally seen them do this when I worked in an office of Cardiologists.

I recall once during lunchtime and the doctors were also seated in the lunch room, I asked out of curiosity, how to they select which drug to prescribe for their patients when there maybe four or five prescriptions to choose from. The doctor laughed and said, “do you really want to know”. Yeah, I really wanted to know…his reply was “It’s the Rep of the day”. Hmmmmmmmmmm! Have any of you noticed how extremely good looking these Reps are? The women are beautiful and the men are gorgeous! So, your script relies on the Rep of the day…that good looking person coming in pushing their drug from the Pharmaceutical Drug World!

For many, simply changing a few nighttime routines and lifestyle habits and practicing good sleep hygiene relieves sleep difficulties. But for those whose sleep problems are ongoing and disrupt daily life like me require more treatment. If you suffer from chronic sleep problems or aren't satisfied with how you're sleeping, hopefully your Primary Healthcare provider can help pinpoint the cause and work with you to find an appropriate sleep therapy. Good Luck, I’m been suffering like this for well over 11-12 years. No doctor has been able to help me so far.

I decided to revert to alternative medications from Health Food Stores. If any of you have any suggestions, please leave a comment. Keep in mind, I have tried just about everything out there, from old wives tales to doctor’s suggestions of sleeping in a dark room, keeping the room at 68 degrees, do this and not that, yatta, yatta, yatta.

I believe in the power of prayers. I also decided to bring God back into my life. We all stray away from church and it’s time I go back. I need to feel secure again and to stop letting problems rent space in my head. I need to be number one again and care about me again. So, that is on the top of my “To Do List”!

I'd also like to thank God for bringing good friends into my life!

"Looking for Answers"

We don’t always know why things happen. We all experience frustrating situations that may never ever be explained.

Losing sleep worrying about why someone may have hurt you or why you may have been passed over for a big promotion or how did your life end up the way it did?? No doubt there will be times in your life when you are left baffled and scratching your head trying to figure out, “Why?”

Letting go when there is no understanding that “Why?” is very hard. Our society places strong emphasis on finding answers. Life does not stop when you don’t understand “what the heck just happened here.” Instead, you must learn to let go.

So, it’s best to let go of the frustration of asking “Why” and stop letting the frustration rent space in your head and strive for a brighter and better days ahead! Sometimes, it is easier said than accomplished!

They say everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, Injury, Love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul.

I guess it is all about the “Law of Attraction”. It makes you wonder????

I suppose life would be boring if everything were perfect and comfy but I guess would also be dull and senseless. The accomplishments and pitfalls that we all experience, I think creates and molds who you are……..the bad experiences should teach you something and learn from the mistakes in life. Not all things are mistakes and we are undeserving of misgivings and mistreatment from others. But life goes on and you just have to remain strong and forgive.

I’m so grateful that I’m blessed with wonderful friends whenever I’m having a meltdown. They are always there to catch me when I fall.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Do you feel uncared for and unloved?

We all experience days when we feel down and out and totally depleted, uncared for, unloved. The world was certainly not my oyster yesterday. Yet, we are the same person we were yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow, even though our circumstances may try to convince us otherwise. I was feeling perfectly fine this yesterday morning but who knows how the remainder of one day can change your life.

I created “Time Capsule” many years ago and filled it with items that I collected over time: a special card from a favorite relative, my children’s first handmade cards from kindergarten with the words “MOM, I love you,” a photo of me and my best friend. The pretty sea shell I found on the beach, the wine label from my first date with my husband; all this helps me to re-align my spirit and see the world as the wonder that it is.

My “Time Capsule” represents tangible items of the love and joy that were present in my world each and every day that has passed. My Time Capsule is quite full and I may start another one. I guess the idea is to look in it years later and reap the joy of past memories! I don’t know if I will have pleasant memories to put in the second Time Capsule.

It is hard to make happiness the number one thing in your life when you are a Widow. I’m the only one responsible for my happiness now. When you have a special someone is in your life, that person contributes to your happiness……that helps a bit more. I never thought I’d feel so much alone. So distant from everyone I love even my children since we live in different states.

I made a list once of one hundred things about me and posted it on my Blog. I try not to expect others to behave in a way I want, so I will be happy. Be as it may, we are the only ones in control of our happiness and it is a choice, no matter what anyone else thinks.  I did instill in my children to respect themselves and others.

The items I collected throughout the years in my happy box is wonderful. I need to make new memories and start a new Time Capsule.

The combination of widowhood and aging creates a constant challenge for someone to try and be more positive all of the time. I hope your children and family remain close to you and care about your happiness.

Love and respect yourself completely!

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa,

I don't want much for Christmas, I just want the person reading this to be happy and well.

Friends are the fruit cake of life --- some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet ... but mix them together & they're my friends!!

At Christmas you always hear people talking about what they want & bought.

This is what I want:

I want people who are sick with no cure, to be cured.

I want children with no families to be adopted.

I want people not to have to worry about food, shelter and heat.

I want my children and family to be safe, happy and healthy.

I want peace on earth, goodwill and love to everyone!

Hugs, Rose