IS GRATEFUL ENOUGH

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60 YEARS AND 8 DAYS

If you have been following my blog from the beginning, you understand the purpose was to rid myself of negative thoughts and feelings about getting older.  I did things I loved every day and appreciated each one with the intention of changing my attitude.  I do believe it worked.  However, I am left wondering if feeling grateful to be alive and to have the luxury of growing older is enough.  I feel like there should be more or rather that I personally should do more.

In just the past couple of weeks, I learned about huge losses suffered by friends/family; one who lost a daughter of 45, another who lost her mother of 82 and yesterday,  a friend who lost her niece of 16.  A friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer is just starting her fight and another has been fighting lung cancer for 10 months.  I guess the 60-day journey I took opened my eyes to how easy it is to forget that we are lucky to be here.  You may prefer the word “blessed” but I don’t think I am more favored or special in any way.  I think it is what it is and yes, I am grateful but I need more than an attitude of gratitude.

Onwards to making a difference…

My inspiration for today:  Rosa Parks was the queen mother of a movement whose single act of heroism sparked the movement for freedom, justice, and equality. Her greatest contribution is that she told us a regular person can make a difference. Marc Morial

 

 

 

AND THAT IS [NOT] A WRAP

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DAY 60, JUNE 30, 2018

  • 2 Countries
  • 4  States
  • 3 Road Trips
  • 5 Parties
  • 3 Birthday Cakes
  • 2 Major Concerts
  • 1 Friendship Rekindled
  • 1 Attitude Adjusted

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How can anyone be a sniveler after a two-month celebration with so many memorable events?  I am feeling on top of the world.  I am excited about my sensational 60’s.

I finished up with a small gathering of friends and of course, cake.  The block came out to fit the oh so many candles.

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bday block 2018

I have to give a shout out to my friends and family for really jumping on board, nay, taking up the reins in many instances; for joining me in my 60 Day Journey.  Everyone was so sincerely supportive, encouraging, complimentary, and I hope it is fair to say “inspired.”  Their attitudes truly stirred me into action.  Having all of them behind me throughout my past and moving forward is the greatest treasure.  The journey will not end here as I have many years of living to do.

My plan is to stay positive, pursue a deeper acceptance of life’s imperfections, stay healthy, share the journey, and keep up a constructive dialogue to maintain a level of bodhi (love that word, hope it is being used correctly) for the future.  Let’s together get through this thing called life in the most splendid fashion possible.

Quotes that speak to me of friendship:

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy.  Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.  Charles R. Swindoll

I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.  Walt Whitman

There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends.  That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.  Paramahansa Yogananada

IT IS ALL IN THE PREPARATION

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DAYS 56-59, JUNE 26-29. 2018

My big brother and his wife and two daughters made the last minute decision to fly out from Massachusetts for a visit. I spent the last few days making some calendar changes, shopping, cooking, and baking for a small party I wanted to have for their welcome. Any excuse, right!

We celebrated my birthday with lobster at the Salt Cellar.

And since one cannot visit AZ without a trip to Sedona. We did that.

We also decided to join them on their continuing journey to San Diego and then Los Angeles. A bit of preparation needed but we got it all arranged. A busy and fun few days to end my 60 Day Journey.

THEY MELT MY HEART

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DAY 54 & 55,  JUNE 24 & 25, 2018

Our last day in California was spent with good friends, seeing their pretty new house and watching their sons play softball.  Two games, two different fields.  Beautiful LA weather.  Lovely way to spend a Sunday.

I miss my dogs when I am away.  I have a wonderful house/dog sitter, thank you, Laurie, so I don’t worry.  I would just rather be with them than not.  When I am traveling and see other dogs, I can’t resist asking to pet them.  I need my dog fix.  Dogs make me happy.  Getting home after a trip and seeing their happy faces is the best part of coming home.  Meet  Albie; aka The White One, aka Albertini, aka Al, aka Bean, aka Teeny Tiny, and McGee; aka Mr. McGee, aka The Brown One, aka MCGEE!*#@&*, aka Bionic Dog, aka My Heart.

AHHHHHHHHHG!  So cute!  I love coming home to these guys.

One of the so many great quotes about dogs:  Dogs are not our whole life but they make our lives whole.  Roger Caras

HE WILL MELT YOUR FACE

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Day 53, JUNE 23, 2018

What an amazing day.  We were in Pasadena, California for The Arroyo Seco Music Festival.  Tickets, a birthday present from my wonderful friend, Richard, who shares my passion for Neil Young but lives in Israel and couldn’t attend.

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We came specifically for Neil Young, the others were just icing on the cake.  Jack White came on just before Neil Young.  We were crammed, jam-packed, wedged, and squeezed in; if the guy next to me took a sip of his beer, I had to take a sip of mine.  A bit uncomfortable but too excited to care.  The young guy next to me, probably 23 or 24 years old asked if I had ever seen Jack White before.  I had not.  He said “he is gonna melt your face! He totally shreds it!”  I got half of that, the shreds it half.  I know that means he is going to play the guitar like a monster!  The “melt my face part,” caught me off guard, but I liked it and my excitement grew by bounds.  Jack White did not disappoint, he gives 110%.  I can’t wait to see him again, seriously, can’t wait!

About 20 minutes prior to Neil Young taking the stage, the crowd swelled.  It swelled in numbers and enthusiasm.  We were super close to the stage, about 20 rows back.  Jack White had gotten us primed.  If you haven’t been in a crowd like that before or for a long time, let me tell you I am not exaggerating when I say I could not move more than two inches in any one direction.  Again, a tad uneasy but too excited to care.  His incredible backup band, Promise of the Real includes two of Willie Nelson’s sons.  They started the set with a 20-minute version of  Like an Inca.  They played for 2 hours, this guy is just shy of 73 years old and still rockin!  Check out this link for the song list and comments from Neil Young about the show.   https://www.jambase.com/article/neil-young-writes-unplanned-set-promise-real-arroyo-seco-weekend

A beautiful and exhilarating day full of memories I will always cherish.

Neil Young is the prime example, the grand goal, if you will. He’s still shredding, and he never lost his credibility. Mac DeMarco

“I have a lot of faith in the younger generation of music lovers. Youth isn’t living in the past; if somebody tells them that there’s something better than what they have, they’re going to check it out. And if they like it, they’re going to get it. I’m not worried about the youth. Young people aren’t just looking back, they are also looking forward.”  — Neil Young

 

 

CALIFORNICATION

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DAY 52, JUNE 22, 2018

Let’s dissect:  cali – fornication meaning something completely different than my intent of californi – cation as in California vacation.

My husband and I went to Pasadena, California for a concert.  We fell in love with the town for its many restaurants, fun nightlife, lovely architecture, and because we were able to walk everywhere rather than drive.

We arrived late afternoon and checked into the Sheraton Pasadena.  A nice hotel in a really convenient location with a very long, eery hallway, this is just half the length.

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We freshened up and hit the streets to explore.  We actually started contemplating moving to the very fine city.  Reality soon adjusted those errant thoughts when we remembered the incredibly high property tax, the traffic outside the Old Town area, the extremely high cost of living, and the plain and simple fact that we could never afford a place to live.  Otherwise, a fun little delusion.

We opted for Korean BBQ for dinner.  What could be more fun than being on vacation and cooking your own food!?!  We sat at a bbq table where you order raw meats and vegetables and cook it yourself.  A little duck, a little steak, a little pork and some veggies.  Small pieces that cook up fast, so you can keep adding more until you have had your fill.

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And what would make it better… beer of course or better yet, Sake Bombers.

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A fine start to a fun vacation.

Cali:  “There are no real Californians. There are only people who live there and people who don’t.” 
― Laura Kalpakian

 

 

AND SO STARTS THE SUMMER

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Day 51, June 21, 2018

For many, summer is the prize for toughing out the year, our reward for hard work, the season most revered.  Of course, summer isn’t cherished by all.  In Arizona, it is the time of year a lot of us get out of Dodge, we fly the coup, find cooler pastures.  Our close-knit group of friends scatter;  some traveling to Ecuador, Northern AZ, Prague, Cruises, camping, California, and other cooler places.  We gather prior to say farewell and promise to post pics and share stories when we return.  We did just that on Day 51, where else, The Salt Cellar Restaurant for yet another beer and a bowl.  Do you see a trend evolving?  Should this be my cover photo?  Won’t you come join me?

chowder

Quote to welcome summer:  “Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.” 
― Yoko Ono