Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Sweetest Gift of 2008
Years ago I became an "adopted Grandparent " to three very special children. At the time the oldest was 2 and the two others were newborn twins.
As the years past they grew and became old enough for me to share some of my favorite literature with them.
One of my favorites has been Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad.
Several Christmases ago I purchased a copy of this book and decided to make a frog and toad to go along with the book out of fabric.
This year I received this Christmas card from Lauren who is about 11.
Dear Mrs. Missy,
Frog and Toad sat in our room for a long time. Once Austin came into our room and took them.
He started sleeping with them every night, and he loved them.
All of us loved them.
We appreciate them and I think Ethan and Tegan would also love them.
Love, Lauren, Alison and Austin.
What a sweet gift back to me, so that my grand kids will love Frog and Toad too!
As the years past they grew and became old enough for me to share some of my favorite literature with them.
One of my favorites has been Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad.
Several Christmases ago I purchased a copy of this book and decided to make a frog and toad to go along with the book out of fabric.
This year I received this Christmas card from Lauren who is about 11.
Dear Mrs. Missy,
Frog and Toad sat in our room for a long time. Once Austin came into our room and took them.
He started sleeping with them every night, and he loved them.
All of us loved them.
We appreciate them and I think Ethan and Tegan would also love them.
Love, Lauren, Alison and Austin.
What a sweet gift back to me, so that my grand kids will love Frog and Toad too!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Merry Christmas to All !
It seems like it has been forever since I've blogged.
To those who aren't up with what has been up at the "Cottage", there has been quite a bit of traveling around these past few months, and I must say that mama is quite content!
We took a road trip up through Hwy 101 and Big Sur to Oakland to visit Jonathan, my firstborn.
What a delight that was, as I had not seen him for 3 years! The separation was much too long, and when we are together it is pure joy for me. We were able to catch up some, but as always, there is never enough time for that.
Soon after, we flew to Tennessee to see our son Andrew,who was graduating, and his wife Pamela. We were able to be there for his birthday and share in the celebration. Our son David traveled with us which completed my joy, and gave me great satisfaction in that I was able to be surrounded by my children this holiday season and spend time with them. I hope that it was equally satisfying for them. I am happiest with them around me and these days that doesn't happen that often!
Our daughter Erika and her husband Shane and children and David were with us this Christmas Eve, where we celebrated at home with extended family. Check out the family picture on her blog, Ladyblog.
Santa surprised us and stopped by early! We all were able to get last minute requests in before he set off for the long night of deliveries.
Ethan received a Diego digital camera and Tegan received a cradle for her dollies. She was adamant that she needed batteries!! We are not quite sure for what though, it was hilarious!
And now it is time to gather and clean out and re organize things around the cottage for the beginning of a new year.
Wishing you all a Happy 2009!
To those who aren't up with what has been up at the "Cottage", there has been quite a bit of traveling around these past few months, and I must say that mama is quite content!
We took a road trip up through Hwy 101 and Big Sur to Oakland to visit Jonathan, my firstborn.
What a delight that was, as I had not seen him for 3 years! The separation was much too long, and when we are together it is pure joy for me. We were able to catch up some, but as always, there is never enough time for that.
Soon after, we flew to Tennessee to see our son Andrew,who was graduating, and his wife Pamela. We were able to be there for his birthday and share in the celebration. Our son David traveled with us which completed my joy, and gave me great satisfaction in that I was able to be surrounded by my children this holiday season and spend time with them. I hope that it was equally satisfying for them. I am happiest with them around me and these days that doesn't happen that often!
Our daughter Erika and her husband Shane and children and David were with us this Christmas Eve, where we celebrated at home with extended family. Check out the family picture on her blog, Ladyblog.
Santa surprised us and stopped by early! We all were able to get last minute requests in before he set off for the long night of deliveries.
Ethan received a Diego digital camera and Tegan received a cradle for her dollies. She was adamant that she needed batteries!! We are not quite sure for what though, it was hilarious!
And now it is time to gather and clean out and re organize things around the cottage for the beginning of a new year.
Wishing you all a Happy 2009!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Winner Takes It All
I've been on many little excursions this past month.
When I returned from a Labor Day jaunt up to Big Bear, Iwas told several of my friends had gone back to see " Momma Mia! Sing Along"!!! What?!! You can actually belt out the tunes as the actors sing? Yes, it's true, the words are up on the screen for you to read as you sing along! Like Karaoke!
One more reason to return and have a blast!!
ABBA must be raking in the dough as this seems to be a big hit with my crowd.
Next, we will see ABBA hit the concert circuit. The Winner Takes it All!
When I returned from a Labor Day jaunt up to Big Bear, Iwas told several of my friends had gone back to see " Momma Mia! Sing Along"!!! What?!! You can actually belt out the tunes as the actors sing? Yes, it's true, the words are up on the screen for you to read as you sing along! Like Karaoke!
One more reason to return and have a blast!!
ABBA must be raking in the dough as this seems to be a big hit with my crowd.
Next, we will see ABBA hit the concert circuit. The Winner Takes it All!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
A Whole lot of Love
I recently went to a wedding of a life long friend of my son's.
I knew that there was a good chance that there could be music celebs there because this little lass, who was the bride is quite a musician.
I put my specks on and kept my ears open to hear that John Paul Jones, base player of Led Zepplin was indeed present, and wow, oh wow, I couldn't believe that approximately 38 years ago I stood at the front of the stage where they were preforming!!!
I loved Led Zepplin! In fact their first album I bought and played on my new super Realistic stereo. Good Times Bad Times.
Then a week later, watching the closing of the Olympics, there was Jimmy Paige playing his guitar!
They both matched, 38 years later! I had to laugh!
Here he was at this wedding, a friend of the musicians, but amongst the guests with his wife, and they were relatively incognito , not really knowing anyone, and so for a while they sat by themselves eating. What a perfect chance was passed up by staying seated with the people we were sitting with. I think that we could have offered to join them and it would have been just fine.
I let my stage struck fan let the chance go by. Also my friends didn't seem to keen on it.
I guess 5 of us coming over to their table would have seemed too much of a plot.
Oh, yes, and Fiona Apple was there too. Afterwards we were treated to the musicians jamming for quite a long time!
What a fine time we had!
I knew that there was a good chance that there could be music celebs there because this little lass, who was the bride is quite a musician.
I put my specks on and kept my ears open to hear that John Paul Jones, base player of Led Zepplin was indeed present, and wow, oh wow, I couldn't believe that approximately 38 years ago I stood at the front of the stage where they were preforming!!!
I loved Led Zepplin! In fact their first album I bought and played on my new super Realistic stereo. Good Times Bad Times.
Then a week later, watching the closing of the Olympics, there was Jimmy Paige playing his guitar!
They both matched, 38 years later! I had to laugh!
Here he was at this wedding, a friend of the musicians, but amongst the guests with his wife, and they were relatively incognito , not really knowing anyone, and so for a while they sat by themselves eating. What a perfect chance was passed up by staying seated with the people we were sitting with. I think that we could have offered to join them and it would have been just fine.
I let my stage struck fan let the chance go by. Also my friends didn't seem to keen on it.
I guess 5 of us coming over to their table would have seemed too much of a plot.
Oh, yes, and Fiona Apple was there too. Afterwards we were treated to the musicians jamming for quite a long time!
What a fine time we had!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Mamma Mia!
Having just returned from my second viewing of the movie Mamma Mia!, I feel led to share some of the emotions this musical and beautifully set movie left with me.
The glorious blue of the ocean enticed me to want to search out this island and feel the deep heat of the sun beating down,tanning my skin, and leaving that sun kissed look to those so lucky to be enjoying the beauty of this relaxing climate. To be able to climb those stairs and call home to the whitewashed buildings with the weathered blue-greened shutters that you might close for an afternoon nap before reemerging upon the patio for a dinner under the stars with your loved one.
The colors and floral patterns of the tablecloths displayed hanging on the clotheslines fresh and waiting to don one of the tables for a late evening meal with many gathered, enjoying the holiday together for this brief moment.Aaah...
I was never a fan of ABBA, oh, of course I would catch a phrase here and there as their music played on the radio or on the overhead speaker of a shopping mall, but I have to confess that I never really caught the full emotion and meaning of the lyrics written to the music until they were connected to this play and movie.
I have to say, there were times that tears were drawn in my eyes thinking and feeling the connection with the characters and the lyrics.
Dancing Queen and especially The Winner Takes it All, and of course Slipping Through My Fingers, a song about a daughter growing up all too quickly....
The exciting beat and frenzy of the dance in Voulez-Vous....
It was a playful ,tenderhearted, lighthearted movie, and it made me want to "Grow back down"
to 17 and become that "Dancing Queen" once again! I loved the way the music of "Dancing Queen" drew ALL the women from their daily chores,whatever they might be, to follow their hearts and the fun of following and joining in the dance of living for that moment!
To enjoy themselves and throw caution to the wind for that one moment that was drawing them back to the age of 17 once again.
It makes me want to venture out and dance in the backyard with the music blaring...Voulez-Vous?
The glorious blue of the ocean enticed me to want to search out this island and feel the deep heat of the sun beating down,tanning my skin, and leaving that sun kissed look to those so lucky to be enjoying the beauty of this relaxing climate. To be able to climb those stairs and call home to the whitewashed buildings with the weathered blue-greened shutters that you might close for an afternoon nap before reemerging upon the patio for a dinner under the stars with your loved one.
The colors and floral patterns of the tablecloths displayed hanging on the clotheslines fresh and waiting to don one of the tables for a late evening meal with many gathered, enjoying the holiday together for this brief moment.Aaah...
I was never a fan of ABBA, oh, of course I would catch a phrase here and there as their music played on the radio or on the overhead speaker of a shopping mall, but I have to confess that I never really caught the full emotion and meaning of the lyrics written to the music until they were connected to this play and movie.
I have to say, there were times that tears were drawn in my eyes thinking and feeling the connection with the characters and the lyrics.
Dancing Queen and especially The Winner Takes it All, and of course Slipping Through My Fingers, a song about a daughter growing up all too quickly....
The exciting beat and frenzy of the dance in Voulez-Vous....
It was a playful ,tenderhearted, lighthearted movie, and it made me want to "Grow back down"
to 17 and become that "Dancing Queen" once again! I loved the way the music of "Dancing Queen" drew ALL the women from their daily chores,whatever they might be, to follow their hearts and the fun of following and joining in the dance of living for that moment!
To enjoy themselves and throw caution to the wind for that one moment that was drawing them back to the age of 17 once again.
It makes me want to venture out and dance in the backyard with the music blaring...Voulez-Vous?
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
LET THE SUN SHINE !


Yes, I said Let the sun shine!
Can you believe that it is July 1st ALREADY?????
The temperature is getting warmer and warmer. We have moved our television out to the screened porch so that we might catch the cool air in the evening.
The Forth is only a few days away and we will be having our 7th annual 4th of July picnic at our home. We usually have about 80 people here with a bouncy bounce, horseshoes and various games of competition. Then we all walk over to the park to watch the fireworks.
Oh, the sunflowers were a gift from a friend for my birthday.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND KEEP HER SAFE FROM ENEMIES!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tea at Beverly Cottage




My Birthday is today!!
A year ago I got the idea that I should do the things that I love to do in celebrating my day to make it special!
So a few weeks ago I drew up an invitation list and sent out special invites to a few of my girlfriends. Those who were able to attend were not really made aware that it was my special day.
I was able to surround myself with special people and treat them very specially, doing something that I love and love to do.
It was a wonderful day in spite of the 100f. temperature!
If you have never been to one of Beverly Cottage's teas and would like to be included to next year's, just let me know and I will be sure to add you to the list!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
HOLLYWOOD HERE WE COME !




Every year my Doll Friends and I celebrate our birthdays collectively.
This year I suggested that we go up to L.A. and spend the night at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood.
I have a friend that works there and she was able to get us good rates for rooms.
We planned to take the Amtrak up to L.A. and then catch the Metro to Hollywood.
It was only this year that I discovered that L.A. had a Metro.
I happened to see a movie filmed there and I saw the L.A. Metro . I said,"They don't have a Metro in Hollywood do they?" I guess that they did, because there it was!
It has been 15 years since I had last been up to Hollywood and I must say that they are doing a wonderful job re- designing the area!
I was rather nervous as I had suggested that we try this trip. Everyone, (there are 7 of us, )was excited to go somewhere new,and to go shopping at the garment district for fabrics.
We had a delightful full two days of shopping and tasting of several magnificent meals.
We didn't go on the Tour of the Star's homes and we didn't get our picture with Spider Man, but we felt special staying at the hotel and looking about.
Groman's Chinese Theater as well as the Kodak Theater,(that's where they have the Oscars), were directly across the street from the Hotel. The Walk of Stars directed our path.as we were on Hollywood Blvd. Jimmy Kimmel Live was next door as well as the T.V. Guide Building.
This was exciting 'cause sometimes I get stuck watching their program while trying to figure out what to watch and forget to look at the channel and programs racing by!
There were no Star sightings but we managed to have a great time! I wish that we could have stayed another night!
Happy Birthday Girls! What a wonderful reason to celebrate!
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